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The IDF announced Tuesday morning that four soldiers were killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon, as fighting in the area continues.

Military officials released the names of three of the fallen servicemen.

• Captain Noam Madmoni, aged 22, from Sderot, a team commander in the Nachal Reconnaissance Battalion (934th), Nachal Brigade, fell during combat in southern Lebanon.
• Staff Sergeant Ben Cohen, aged 21, from Lehavim, a soldier in the Nachal Reconnaissance Battalion (934th), Nachal Brigade, fell during combat in southern Lebanon.
• Staff Sergeant Maxsim Entis, aged 21, from Bat Yam, a soldier in the Nachal Reconnaissance Battalion (934th), Nachal Brigade, fell during combat in southern Lebanon.

The identity of the fourth soldier has not yet been released pending notification of the family.

The IDF also reported that one soldier was seriously wounded in the same incident, while a reservist sustained moderate injuries.

Both wounded individuals were transported to a hospital for treatment, and their families have been informed.

In a separate announcement issued Monday, the IDF said that Sergeant Liran Ben Zion was killed in combat in southern Lebanon.

Ben Zion, aged 19 from Cholon, served as a soldier of the 9th Battalion, 401st Brigade.

During that same incident, an armored corps officer was seriously wounded and evacuated to receive medical care, with his family also notified.

A remarkable story has emerged from the Alexander chassidus, where four older brothers—who had long been waiting in shidduchim—all became engaged one after the other in what many are calling a clear yeshua beyond the normal derech hateva, Matzav.com has learned.

The story began when three older bochurim from the chassidus became engaged in close succession shortly after their eldest brother made a significant contribution toward the building of the beis medrash of the chassidus.

Now, on Motzaei Shabbos, the final piece fell into place, as the fourth brother also became engaged b’shaah tovah u’mutzlachas. Within just two months, all four brothers—who had been considered “stuck” in shidduchim—found their zivugim. The brothers, ages 22, 27, 30, and 34, all became engaged one after the other.

As is known, the Alexander chassidus has been in the midst of a major campaign in recent months to build its new world center in Bnei Brak, after the existing facilities could no longer accommodate the growing number of chassidim. As part of the fundraising efforts, a series of initiatives were launched, including a historic trip to Poland known as the “Masa HaNe’emanim,” led by the Alexander Rebbe, marking the yahrtzeit of the Yismach Yisroel of Alexander.

It was learned that before the trip, a 35-year-old bochur from the chassidus went to the Rebbe and placed a substantial sum on the table as a nedavah, asking for a yeshua—not only for himself, but also for his three older brothers, who had been waiting many years to find their zivugim. The Rebbe gave him a brachah and said that b’ezras Hashem they would soon find their zivugim, but that sometimes the yeshua begins from below.

And indeed, the yeshua came swiftly. Two weeks later, the youngest brother became engaged. Shortly afterward, the next brother followed. A few days later, the brother who had given the nedavah himself became engaged. And now, this past Motzaei Shabbos, the fourth brother, age 30, became engaged as well.

{Matzav.com}

A major new development has emerged in the murder case of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, with defense attorneys asserting that the bullet recovered from his body does not match the firearm allegedly linked to the suspect, The Daily Mail reports.

The suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with capital murder in connection with Kirk’s killing at Utah Valley University on September 10 and could face the death penalty if convicted.

In a new court filing, Robinson’s legal team stated that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was unable to connect the fatal bullet to the rifle authorities say was used in the attack.

They wrote that the agency ‘was unable to identify the bullet recovered at autopsy to the rifle allegedly tied to Mr Robinson.’

Attorneys for the defense are now seeking to use testimony from an ATF firearms expert as evidence supporting Robinson’s innocence. In a motion filed Friday, they asked the court to delay the preliminary hearing by at least six months, according to Fox News.

The filing also highlights the complexity of forensic evidence in the case, noting that DNA reports from both the FBI and ATF will require extensive analysis. According to the defense, multiple DNA profiles were found on certain items, complicating efforts to interpret the findings.

‘As these cases indicate, determining the number of contributors to a DNA mixture and determining whether the FBI and the ATF reliably applied validated and correct scientific procedures… is a complicated process which requires the assistance of various types of experts, including forensic biologists, geneticists, system engineers and statisticians, all of whom must review and evaluate’ several different categories, the filing states, according to Deseret News.

The attorneys added that they have received a massive volume of discovery materials, including around 20,000 audio files, videos, and documents submitted by prosecutors.

‘The defense team has devoted, and will continue to devote, significant resources, to processing discovery, including identifying materials not yet received to inform readiness for the preliminary hearing,’ the filing states.

‘However, the defense team is realistic and the comprehensive review required to determine what is missing will take hundreds of hours.’

They further argued that critical forensic materials have not yet been provided to them.

‘What is known at present is that Mr Robinson has not yet received the forensic case files and data necessary to investigate, through the use of qualified experts, the scientific reports the state intends to introduce at the preliminary hearing,’ the attorneys continued.

Defense lawyers and prosecutors previously met on March 12 to discuss the case.

Following that meeting, the defense said it expects prosecutors to present evidence in distinct categories through three law enforcement witnesses during the preliminary hearing.

‘This includes a conclusory forensic DNA and ballistic reports authored by the FBI and the ATF, social media data, testimony by law enforcement officers about the crime scene and search locations, and testimony by Mr Robinson’s parents and roommate’ as well as ‘a significant amount of hearsay’ from ‘non-testifying peace officers.’

Prosecutors allege that Robinson traveled approximately three hours from his home to the university campus with the intent of killing Kirk, who was 31 at the time.

Authorities say Robinson’s father, Matt Robinson, ultimately turned him in after recognizing a distinctive rifle in images released during the manhunt.

Investigators say the weapon had originally been given to Robinson by his grandfather.

After identifying the firearm, Matt reportedly texted his son requesting a photo of the gun, but Robinson was unable to provide one, police said.

Court documents also describe a series of text messages between Robinson and his roommate and partner, Lance Twiggs, in which the suspect allegedly discussed efforts to retrieve the weapon.

‘If I am able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence. Going to attempt to retrieve it again, hopefully they have moved on,’ he allegedly wrote. ‘I haven’t seen anything about them finding it.’

Robinson also referenced trying to recover the gun from a “drop point,” but indicated the area was heavily secured.

‘I’m wishing I had circled back and grabbed it as soon as I got to my vehicle,’ he continued.

He expressed concern about what his father might do if the rifle was not returned.

‘I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpas rifle… idek [I don’t even know] if it had a serial number, but it wouldn’t trace to me. I worry about prints I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits. didn’t have the ability or time to bring it with.

The messages also reveal the suspect’s concern about being unable to account for the missing weapon.

‘I might have to abandon it and hope they don’t find prints. how …will I explain losing it to my old man… only thing I left was the rifle wrapped in a towel,’ he wrote.

According to investigators, Robinson instructed Twiggs to delete their messages and noted that his father was trying to reach him about the firearm.

Authorities say Robinson later admitted involvement in the killing to his father, who then alerted law enforcement and detained him until officers arrived.

Friends of Robinson told The Washington Post they were stunned by the arrest. While they said he would sometimes make remarks about political violence while intoxicated, they did not believe he was capable of carrying out such an act.

‘He loved his guns, he loved his beer, he hated the government. That’s the impression that I got,’ one friend said, describing Robinson’s personality.

The friend added that Robinson expressed opposition to both Democratic and Republican politicians and was not affiliated with any political party despite being registered to vote.

Robinson is scheduled to return to court on April 17, where attorneys will argue over whether cameras and microphones should be allowed during proceedings.

His defense team has previously pointed to the extensive media attention surrounding the case, noting that it reached the highest levels of government. President Donald Trump said shortly after Robinson’s arrest that he hopes ‘he gets the death penalty.’

Defense attorneys are expected to present material at the hearing that they say demonstrates ‘harmful and prejudicial media coverage of this case thus far.’

Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, has called for full transparency in the trial proceedings.

She has also publicly stated that she forgives Robinson for allegedly killing her husband.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara submitted a detailed filing to the High Court on Monday outlining a wide-ranging set of civil and economic steps aimed at increasing enforcement against chareidi individuals who have not fulfilled their military draft obligations.

The submission, filed in response to a March 1, 2026 decision by the High Court of Justice, emphasizes the urgent need to expand IDF recruitment due to manpower shortages and the growing burden on reservists. The policy framework was developed under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Dr. Gil Limon, in coordination with multiple government ministries, and approved following a series of discussions headed by the attorney general.

Beyond its formal legal language, the document effectively presents a sweeping plan to apply financial and civil pressure—some of which could be implemented without new legislation—primarily by restricting benefits for those who fail to regularize their military status.

According to the filing, benefits under consideration for reduction or denial include public transportation discounts, participation in housing programs such as “Discounted Apartment” and “Target Price,” daycare subsidies, after-school program funding, and municipal tax (arnona) discounts. Additional areas identified for stricter enforcement include scholarships and academic funding programs, student assistance initiatives, eligibility for government tenders, support for Torah institutions, subsidized daycare tracks for Torah learners, National Insurance discounts, programs for at-risk chareidi youth, and technological training tracks administered through the Mahat institute.

The document notes that in many of these areas, eligibility is already conditioned on having an approved military status. However, according to the attorney general’s position, enforcement of these conditions has been inconsistent. As a result, the recommendation focuses not only on creating new mechanisms but also on immediately and rigorously enforcing existing rules.

The attorney general further states that all government bodies must act without delay to strengthen enforcement, both through disciplinary and criminal measures against those who evade the draft, and by halting government funding that directly or indirectly benefits individuals who have not regularized their status. She called for an enforcement policy that is “effective, equal, and proportionate” in order to bring about meaningful change.

From a public and political standpoint, the move is highly sensitive. It touches on the core dispute surrounding the draft of yeshiva students and shifts the conversation from a theoretical debate about obligation to a practical question of consequences.

Where the discussion previously centered largely on the principle of military service, the government is now presenting concrete steps that could directly impact daily life—affecting financial support, education, welfare, housing, and other benefits for many families.

In that sense, the filing submitted to the High Court is more than a technical legal document. It signals a shift toward a more assertive policy, in which the state seeks to use budgetary tools, welfare systems, and civil services to increase enforcement against members of the chareidi community who are subject to the draft.

A chareidi driver was issued a 1,000-shekel fine after being stopped for driving in Israel while wearing tefillin, with police claiming he did not have proper control of the steering wheel.

The citation was issued by an officer in the Yerushalayim district, who argued that the driver’s condition while wearing tefillin interfered with his ability to safely operate the vehicle.

Attorney Eilon Oron, author of an encyclopedia on traffic law and former chairman of the National Traffic Committee of the Israel Bar Association, said the situation is more nuanced and criticized the officer’s decision.

“Despite the fact that the wrapping, as seen in the footage, could potentially interfere with the driver — this is an unusual case, and it would have been appropriate to suffice with a warning, exercise discretion, and show a high degree of sensitivity in what is clearly an exceptional situation.”

Oron further explained that the legal basis for the fine is questionable given the circumstances.

“If the driver was wearing tefillin while driving and had put them on before the trip, what is the issue? If he was not holding a siddur but the steering wheel, and was wearing a tallis that did not cover his head and did not obstruct his field of vision, then it does not constitute reckless driving. Therefore, what is the difference between this driver and someone driving in a Purim costume, assuming it does not interfere with visibility, like in this case where the tallis did not cover his head at all?”

He also pointed to broader religious considerations and raised concerns about equal enforcement.

“There are devout individuals who believe that the essence of the mitzvah is to wear tefillin throughout the day, and that is their worldview. If he was not praying at the time and was only driving, how is his attire any different from a sheikh’s robe? Would a sheikh also be fined for wearing religious garments?” Oron asked.

He added that even under stricter interpretations of traffic law, the offense would typically be considered minor.

“Even under a stricter interpretation, the law states that a person who drives carelessly or without due caution commits a relatively minor offense, and at most a warning would suffice.”

Concluding his remarks, Oron said that such citations are generally based on regulations concerning control of a vehicle or failure to hold the steering wheel with both hands, but argued that the justification in this case is weak.

“Police officers who issue fines in such cases usually rely on traffic regulations dealing with lack of control of the vehicle or not holding the steering wheel with both hands. The claim that tefillin — especially the straps on the arm — could restrict the driver’s movement or distract him is weak and not sufficiently reasoned to justify a harsher penalty.”

Iran has conveyed a message to the United States indicating it may continue launching attacks against Israel even if a separate agreement is reached with Washington, according to a diplomatic source cited Monday.

The report, published in the Lebanese newspaper Al-Jamhouria, said Tehran is seeking to create a distinction between its dealings with the U.S. and its ongoing conflict with Israel.

“The Iranian side delivered a message to Washington that if a solution does not include stopping the Israeli war on Lebanon and entering negotiations, Tehran will separate between the U.S. and Israel. That is, even if there is an agreement between Tehran and the United States, Iran will still launch missiles at Israel.”

The source added that as time goes on, additional players are becoming involved and influencing the course of negotiations, complicating efforts to reach a resolution.

He pointed specifically to developments in Lebanon and to threats by the Houthi rebels to shut down the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, warning that such a move “will inevitably lead to a rise in oil prices.”

“The raising of the level of military pressure will accelerate finding a way to stop the war,” he said. “Lebanon cannot do anything except wait.”

He further noted that multiple international actors are working behind the scenes to shape the negotiating landscape in Lebanon in hopes of achieving calm if an opportunity arises.

He said that France and Egypt are playing leading roles in these efforts, alongside a parallel Turkish-Saudi initiative aimed at ending the fighting in the region.

Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Boaz Bismuth announced Monday that a broad legislative initiative is being advanced to strengthen the IDF’s manpower, including renewed efforts to pass a draft law.

Speaking in the Knesset plenum, Bismuth said that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided—at the request of the IDF chief of staff—to move forward with a comprehensive set of laws aimed at reinforcing the army’s personnel structure.

He explained that the plan includes three coordinated pieces of legislation to be promoted together: extending mandatory service, regulating conscription, and updating reserve duty requirements. “This is a necessary step to strengthen the IDF’s manpower system,” he said.

The announcement drew sharp criticism from opposition leader and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid, who argued that the proposal would place a heavier burden on those already serving while allowing continued exemptions for the chareidi community.

“When you talk about extending service, the draft law, and the reserves law—the meaning is longer mandatory service and more reserve duty days,” Lapid said. He added that the move is intended “to allow the chareidim to continue not serving, at a cost of billions.”

Lapid also made clear that his party plans to oppose the legislation. “We will not let this pass. We stopped previous attempts and we will stop this one as well.”

As previously reported last Friday, the effort to advance the draft law had not been abandoned but temporarily delayed due to the need to pass the state budget. In official submissions to the High Court of Justice, Bismuth and Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs stated that the delay was only technical.

According to those filings, once the budget process is completed—including tens of billions of shekels allocated to defense—the government intends to resume advancing the legislation until it is finalized.

The documents were submitted as part of petitions concerning the continued operation of the national-civil service track for yeshiva students, and they indicate that the government plans to return the conscription issue to active legislative consideration in the near future.

A senior Israeli official has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he believes Israel owes him something because he is Jewish, highlighting ongoing tensions between Kyiv and Yerushalayim.

Since the war between Russia and Ukraine began, Ukrainian officials have not concealed their frustration with Israel for refusing to supply weapons. While Israel has provided humanitarian aid, set up a field hospital, assisted with water purification systems, and delivered an early-warning alert system similar to Israel’s “Red Alert,” it has stopped short of sending military equipment.

In August, Ukraine’s ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk, addressed attempts to arrange a meeting between Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “There were several attempts for him to come to Israel since October 7. Unfortunately, the attempts did not succeed, and it was not our fault.”

The latest incident occurred this month, when Netanyahu requested a conversation with Zelensky regarding the situation with Iran. Zelensky initially agreed, but coordination fell apart after the time window proposed by Israel did not suit him. Additional scheduling efforts also failed, and the call ultimately never took place. Israeli officials were also displeased that Zelensky chose to give an interview to an Israeli media outlet before speaking with Netanyahu.

A senior Israeli source familiar with Israel-Ukraine relations told Ynet that this reflects a broader pattern in Ukrainian conduct. “They never knew how to conduct a discreet dialogue with us, only made public demands. Zelensky is convinced that we owe him something just because he is Jewish, and that is not the case. That doesn’t mean we couldn’t have helped more, but they are no less to blame than we are.”

The official added that Israel has no particular strategic interest in Ukraine aside from the annual pilgrimage to Uman. “We don’t have any special interest in Ukraine except Uman, but that is a seasonal issue. This current round in the Middle East is meant to strengthen Ukraine’s strategic value and send a message to the United States. The issue has nothing to do with us,” he said.

A similar situation unfolded last September, when efforts were made to arrange a call between Netanyahu and Zelensky regarding travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Zelensky did not accept the call. “Zelensky is disappointed and understands that Bibi calls him every year when he needs Uman after pressure from the chareidi parties,” the senior Israeli official said.

Despite the friction, the source emphasized that intelligence cooperation between Israel and Ukraine remains solid. “There is no crisis at the moment, perhaps a kind of competition. We are competing over weapons and American attention,” the senior Israeli official concluded.

{Matzav.com}

Drivers in Israel are bracing for a sharp increase in fuel costs, as the price of gasoline is set to climb above 8 shekels per liter for the first time in nearly two years.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure announced Monday that updated fuel prices for April will reflect a significant jump.

Beginning at midnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, the maximum price for a liter of 95-octane gasoline in self-service stations will rise to 8.05 shekels—an increase of 1.03 shekels, or about 14.7%, compared to the previous rate.

This marks the first time since July 2022 that fuel prices have crossed the 8-shekel threshold. The surcharge for full-service fueling will remain unchanged at 25 agorot per liter.

In Eilat, where fuel prices are exempt from VAT, the cost will reach 6.82 shekels per liter, reflecting an increase of 87 agorot. The additional fee for full service in Eilat will remain unchanged at 21 agorot.

The primary driver behind the price hike is a steep rise of approximately 49% in gasoline prices in the Mediterranean basin, fueled by global oil price increases linked to the ongoing war, along with about a 2% rise in the fuel exchange rate. The government has chosen not to reduce the excise tax, meaning the full increase will be passed on to consumers.

According to data from the Energy Ministry, taxes—comprising excise tax and VAT—account for roughly 60% of the final price paid by consumers, with excise tax alone making up about 45% of the total cost.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF has identified a growing difficulty among Hezbollah operatives in executing terror attacks in the northern arena, according to a report aired Monday on I24.

Military officials say the terror group is increasingly failing in multiple attempts to carry out operations, reflecting a broader weakening of its operational capabilities.

At the same time, security sources estimate that the campaign is far from over and could continue for at least another month.

About a week ago, reports emerged of Lebanese civilians openly opposing Hezbollah, with some declaring that they are already looking ahead to peace with Israel.

Since the outbreak of the war, thousands of civilians in Lebanon have been displaced within their own country, and many believe that a lasting solution will only come through peace.

On the diplomatic front, Lebanese Prime Minister Salam said in an interview with the Saudi network Al-Hadath that he is not afraid of pressure or coercion from Hezbollah and that efforts are underway to accelerate negotiations.

Others in Lebanon point to the fact that several Arab countries already maintain diplomatic ties with Israel, viewing that path as a way to improve their own situation.

For now, until a structured plan is put forward for direct negotiations with Lebanon, public sentiment in the country regarding the question of peace with Israel appears to be shifting in a more favorable direction with each passing day.

[Videos below.] Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said in a Monday interview that Iran’s rapid progress in developing both nuclear weapons and long-range delivery systems presents a growing danger not only to Israel but also to Europe and the United States, while commending President Donald Trump for recognizing the threat early on.

In a conversation with Newsmax’s Christopher Ruddy, Netanyahu pointed to rising tensions with Tehran and stressed that Iran’s expanding missile capabilities make confronting the regime increasingly urgent before it can project power far beyond the Middle East.

“There was also that attempted strike near Diego Garcia — 2,500 miles from Iran,” Ruddy noted, highlighting the growing range of Iranian weapons.

“Yes, it wasn’t an intercontinental missile, but it’s getting there — about 4,000 kilometers [approximately 2,500 miles],” Netanyahu responded.

“That puts much of Europe within range.”

Netanyahu said that for years, Western governments underestimated Iran’s steady advancements in both nuclear development and the systems needed to deliver those weapons, a failure he suggested helped bring about the current situation.

“The question is whether the West will wake up,” Netanyahu said. “Iran has been pursuing nuclear weapons and delivery systems for years, yet many ignored it.”

He contrasted that approach with Trump’s stance, saying the president identified the danger long before it became widely acknowledged and took concrete steps in response.

“President Trump didn’t ignore it,” he said. “He recognized the threat decades ago and acted decisively, including leaving the Iran nuclear deal.”

Trump’s 2018 decision to withdraw from the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action drew strong objections at the time from Democrats and several European allies, though supporters argued it was necessary to stop Iran from continuing its weapons efforts under the agreement’s framework.

Recent intelligence findings and defense reviews have increasingly highlighted the growing reach and technological improvement of Iran’s missile program.

Security analysts warn that if these developments continue, Iran could eventually acquire the capability to directly threaten major Western cities.

Netanyahu described the issue as a critical test for the broader Western alliance, arguing that inaction would only embolden Iran and increase instability on a global scale.

“This is not just Israel’s problem,” he said, emphasizing that Iran’s ambitions extend far beyond the region.

His comments reflect a wider conservative perspective that emphasizes deterrence and a strong response when dealing with hostile regimes, particularly those seeking nuclear weapons.

As developments continue, Netanyahu delivered a pointed warning: Iran’s threat is not theoretical, it is intensifying, and he believes the time for a coordinated and forceful Western response is long overdue.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that the United States is actively degrading Iran’s military strength and anticipates completing its mission within weeks rather than months.

Speaking during an appearance on Good Morning America, Rubio discussed the ongoing escalation and explained that the strategy being carried out under President Donald Trump is centered on weakening Iran’s missile infrastructure and naval forces.

During the interview, ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos pressed Rubio about Trump’s reported remarks regarding a possible strike on oil installations at Kharg Island.

“Let’s talk about the President’s comments overnight, talking about taking the oil on Kharg Island. How would he do this?” Stephanopoulos said. “Why would he do this? Won’t it take ground troops?”

Rubio answered by shifting the focus to what he described as the larger aims of the campaign.

“First of all, it’s important to remember the objectives of this operation from the very beginning,” Rubio said. “We are destroying Iran’s navy.

“We are destroying their ability — their missile launchers by a significant percentage. We’re going to wipe out their defense industrial base, meaning their ability to make new missiles and new drones in the future, because it posed a great threat to the region.”

He added that Iran is currently in a weakened position and warned that postponing action would give Tehran time to recover militarily.

“That was an unacceptable risk, it needed to be addressed, and President Trump is addressing it,” he added.

Rubio also responded to Iranian threats involving control of a key global shipping route, saying the United States will not permit such a move.

“Now, they are making threats about controlling the Hormuz Straits in perpetuity, creating a tolling system and the like — that’s not going to be allowed to happen,” Rubio said.

He emphasized that Washington has multiple ways to respond, though he declined to provide specifics.

“He said the U.S. has “a number of options available to him … to prevent that from happening.

“Obviously, I’m not going to discuss what those options are, and we’re not going to discuss military tactics.”

Rubio concluded by reiterating the administration’s confidence in the timeline of the operation.

“We are going to achieve our objectives in a matter of weeks, not months,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

Motorists across the United States are once again confronting higher fuel costs, with gasoline prices essentially reaching the $4-per-gallon level nationwide — a benchmark that carries significant financial and psychological impact.

Data from AAA shows the national average price for regular gas sitting just below that mark, at about $3.99 per gallon. While technically under $4, for most consumers the difference is negligible as they adjust their spending to absorb rising fuel expenses.

Industry experts point out that the $4 threshold has historically influenced consumer behavior. “Once prices reach this level, behavior starts to change,” said one market observer, noting that people often cut back on nonessential driving and begin considering more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The latest increase is the result of several overlapping factors, including seasonal demand, tighter global oil supply, and continued geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets.

A key contributor is the annual transition to summer-blend gasoline, which costs more to produce. Prices typically rise during the spring as refineries make this shift, and this year is no exception, with additional upward pressure coming from overseas developments.

For drivers, the impact is clear at the pump. Filling a typical 15-gallon tank now runs around $60, marking a noticeable jump compared to earlier months. In states with higher fuel costs, such as California, prices have already surged well past the national average, nearing $5 per gallon in some regions.

Diesel fuel is also becoming more expensive, though it remains below its previous highs. AAA reports that diesel is averaging in the low-to-mid $4 range nationwide, generally exceeding gasoline prices due to higher refining costs and sustained demand from trucking and industrial use.

Even with the recent increases, analysts emphasize that current prices are still below the record levels seen in 2022, when the national average surpassed $5 per gallon. Nonetheless, the return to roughly $4 gas is enough to renew concerns about inflation and the strain on household budgets.

Looking ahead, fuel costs will largely depend on how oil markets evolve in the coming weeks. For now, drivers are once again facing a familiar situation: gas prices have effectively returned to $4 per gallon.

{Matzav.com}

Mark Zuckerberg saw his personal wealth drop sharply as investor concerns over Meta’s mounting legal challenges triggered a steep selloff, erasing more than $20 billion from his net worth in a single day, according to a report by the New York Post.

Shares of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, fell nearly 5% on Friday, concluding a difficult week in which the stock declined by roughly 13%.

The downward slide accelerated following two significant courtroom losses that heightened fears Meta could face a surge of lawsuits resembling the wave of litigation that once targeted tobacco companies.

The financial impact was immediate.

On Thursday alone, Meta lost approximately $119 billion in market value, pushing it out of the top seven U.S. companies by market capitalization for the first time since 2023.

Zuckerberg, who holds about a 13% stake in the company, saw his net worth fall to around $182.5 billion — a drop of $21 billion within 24 hours — making him the largest loser on Forbes’ real-time billionaire list.

The legal setbacks unfolded in quick succession.

A court in New Mexico determined that Meta did not adequately safeguard minors from sexual predators, imposing $375 million in penalties on the company.

The following day, a jury in California concluded that Meta and Google’s YouTube intentionally created addictive features aimed at younger users, awarding $4.2 million in damages to a woman who is now 20 years old.

Meta has indicated it plans to appeal both rulings, but investors are increasingly focused on the broader implications, particularly the risk of numerous similar lawsuits already taking shape nationwide.

Legal analysts say the decisions could represent a pivotal moment, potentially paving the way for thousands of cases accusing social media platforms of engineering products that addict children and expose them to harm — a development that could significantly alter the industry’s future.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States stands alone in even considering the issue of birthright citizenship, arguing that no other country gives the matter such attention.

Trump contended that the widely accepted reading of the 14th Amendment has been stretched far beyond what it was originally meant to address, particularly in the context of illegal immigration and what he described as “birth tourism.”

“Birthright Citizenship is not about rich people from China, and the rest of the World, who want their children, and hundreds of thousands more, FOR PAY, to ridiculously become citizens of the United States of America,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

“It is about the BABIES OF SLAVES!” Trump added, stressing that the amendment was adopted after the Civil War to guarantee citizenship for formerly enslaved individuals, not to provide automatic citizenship across the board.

He also argued that the current system is being taken advantage of, saying that foreign nationals are using American laws to secure citizenship for their children while benefiting economically at the country’s expense.

“The World is getting rich selling citizenships to our Country,” he said, adding that the U.S. legal system has allowed the issue to persist because of what he called weak judicial interpretations.

The comments come as Trump’s executive order aimed at limiting birthright citizenship is set to be reviewed by the Supreme Court, with oral arguments scheduled for Wednesday.

The order seeks to block automatic citizenship for children born in the United States if neither parent is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

Supporters of the policy argue that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” in the 14th Amendment has been incorrectly applied for decades, and that revisiting its meaning is necessary to uphold the law and reduce illegal immigration.

Trump’s directive describes citizenship as a “priceless and profound gift” and maintains that it should not be granted automatically to those whose parents are in the country illegally or only on a temporary basis.

The policy, however, faces significant legal hurdles grounded in longstanding precedent.

One of the central cases is United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898), which held that individuals born on American soil are citizens even if their parents are not — a decision that many legal scholars say remains controlling.

Opponents of Trump’s move argue that it violates the Constitution and could impact hundreds of thousands of births each year.

Supporters, however, say the current interpretation of birthright citizenship encourages illegal immigration and places pressure on public resources.

The issue has also reignited debate over the original purpose of the 14th Amendment, which was ratified in 1868 to overturn the Dred Scott decision and ensure citizenship for formerly enslaved people.

For Trump and his allies, the effort represents a push to return to that original understanding while addressing what they view as loopholes that weaken national sovereignty.

{Matzav.com}

A 42-year-old man was hospitalized overnight after suffering chemical burns during Pesach cleaning in Bnei Brak, emergency responders said.

Medical teams from United Hatzalah were called to Rechov HaRav Shach, where they provided initial treatment to the man, who was injured after being exposed to a strong cleaning substance.

According to responders, the man sustained burns to his face from sodium hydroxide, commonly known as caustic soda. United Hatzalah medics Moishy Kreiser, Meilech Henig, and Manny Streicher, who treated the victim, said family members reported that the incident occurred while he was cleaning the home ahead of Pesach, when the substance suddenly splashed onto his face, causing a chemical burn.

Emergency personnel treated him at the scene before transporting him urgently by ambulance to Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer. His condition was listed as moderate.

United Hatzalah’s spokesperson unit urged the public to exercise caution when using hazardous cleaning materials, warning that improper handling can lead to serious burns or respiratory issues. They emphasized that following basic safety guidelines can help prevent severe injuries and unnecessary tragedies.

Israel is pressing President Donald Trump to continue the ongoing military campaign against Iran, arguing that the coming weeks present a critical opportunity to achieve what officials describe as a “victory image” against the regime.

According to a report aired Monday evening on Channel 12 News, sources close to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu are conveying to Washington that now is not the time for a ceasefire. Instead, they believe sustained military pressure could deliver a decisive outcome.

The message being communicated is that, with many military targets already struck, the next phase could focus on civilian infrastructure and energy facilities. Israeli officials assess that such strikes in the coming weeks could inflict severe economic damage on the regime.

In Israel, there is growing belief that this strategy could force Iran into a surrender agreement—or potentially even lead to the collapse of the regime. Officials emphasize that the possibility of regime change remains on the table.

At the same time, Kan News reported that the IDF Intelligence Directorate is providing the United States with detailed and high-quality intelligence on the Strait of Hormuz, nearby islands, and Kharg Island. This assistance comes as the U.S. prepares for the possibility of a ground commando operation inside Iran, should diplomatic efforts between the sides break down.

A senior Israeli security official said the country is nearing its objectives in the campaign against Iran and is now focused on deepening its gains in order to strengthen President Trump’s leverage in future negotiations with Tehran, including on the nuclear issue.

“The American president himself is handling the Iranian nuclear issue. We will act as required. We are determined to achieve the objectives,” the official said.