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Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, made clear Thursday that while Israel intends to uphold the ceasefire arrangement in Lebanon, it will not hesitate to act militarily if Hezbollah launches attacks or poses a threat to Israeli security.

“Israel remains committed to the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel, Lebanon and the US. If Hezbollah does not violate the agreement, it will be kept,” Leiter stressed in a post on social media.

He emphasized that Israel’s commitment to the agreement does not come at the expense of its ability to defend itself.

“Under all circumstances, Israel retains its right to respond to attacks against it and to thwart threats to its territory, citizens and soldiers.”

Leiter’s remarks followed comments from Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who indicated that Hezbollah intends to continue observing the ceasefire, provided Israel does the same.

“I reaffirm Lebanon’s position and Hezbollah’s commitment to the ceasefire as long as Israel fully and comprehensively adheres to it,” Berri, an ally of Hezbollah, said in a statement.

Berri suggested that maintaining calm along the border could help advance broader diplomatic efforts involving Tehran and Washington.

This position “aims to facilitate the success of the Iranian-US negotiations in Switzerland,” he added.

Earlier Thursday, President Donald Trump voiced optimism that hostilities throughout the region would come to an end, including along the Israel-Lebanon front.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The United States is committed to PEACE, and we encourage everyone in the Middle East Region to maintain their commitment to allowing our negotiations to beautifully unfold. The Markets are loving what is happening with Oil Prices way down, and Stocks way up.”

He added, “We expect a complete Ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The memorandum of understanding recently signed between the United States and Iran states that the agreement marks “the immediate and permanent termination” of armed conflict throughout the region, including in Lebanon, while also “ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon.”

The document further notes that a final agreement is expected to formally cement those commitments, stating that, “The final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and other provisions of this paragraph.”

Knicks owner James Dolan appeared to take a public shot at Mayor Zohran Mamdani during Thursday’s championship festivities, delivering pointed remarks from the stage at City Hall and later seeming reluctant to participate in a photo opportunity as he accepted a ceremonial key to the city.

The moment unfolded at the conclusion of the Knicks’ parade through the Canyon of Heroes, following an extended speech by Mamdani in which the mayor recounted memorable moments from the franchise’s history and celebrated the team’s title run.

“I don’t need your vote, I don’t need to quote to you, right, about what happened here because if you’re real Knicks fans, you know it already,” Dolan said in a pointed remark that drew attention, though he never directly referenced Mamdani.

A short time later, Dolan was the first member of the organization to receive a key to the city from the mayor, but the exchange appeared somewhat awkward.

Wearing a Knicks cap and an orange team jacket, Dolan shook Mamdani’s hand and accepted the honor. As the mayor appeared ready to pose for a commemorative photograph, Dolan quickly turned away and headed back toward his seat, only briefly glancing back before continuing on.

The celebration came after weeks of tension between the two men, who publicly clashed over New York City Police Department security restrictions surrounding Madison Square Garden during Finals watch parties.

Dolan’s remarks followed directly after Mamdani’s speech, which stretched close to ten minutes and featured references to a wide range of iconic moments and figures from Knicks history.

The mayor highlighted Bernard King’s 60-point Christmas Day performance in 1984, Willis Reed’s legendary effort in the 1970 NBA Finals, and Patrick Ewing’s memorable playoff battles against the Indiana Pacers.

Mamdani also mentioned Charles Oakley, the former Knicks enforcer whose long-running feud with Dolan dates back nearly a decade, even as the team owner sat nearby.

The mayor continued by naming numerous former Knicks players, including Jared Jeffries, Renaldo Balkman, and Mardy Collins, while Dolan remained seated behind him.

He also revisited several defining moments from New York’s championship run, including the team’s stunning comeback victory against the Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

The conflict between Dolan, 71, and Mamdani, 34, intensified before Game 4 when the Knicks owner criticized city officials for imposing restrictions that he believed diminished the atmosphere outside Madison Square Garden.

“They’re sitting there trying to say, ‘Well, we’re big Knicks fans,’ but they’re not Knicks fans,” Dolan said on WFAN on June 10.

“He’s not a Knick fan,” he added in reference to Mamdani.

During his speech, Mamdani noted that Knicks supporters had endured “53 long years” without a championship. Dolan later joked that many in attendance appeared too young to have lived through the entire drought.

“But we’re very, very happy to have brought you a championship,” Dolan said. “I’m very proud of our team.”

“Thank you for supporting our team,” the owner added. “We’re gonna keep working to bring you even better basketball.”

{Matzav.com}

An unusual moment involving Joe Biden at the grand opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago drew attention Thursday after the former president appeared to remain on stage by himself after the ceremony had concluded.

As music played and attendees began to depart, Barack Obama exited the stage in high spirits, with Jill Biden following close behind. Biden, meanwhile, remained standing alone, offering a subdued wave to the audience after the event had ended.

At one point, the 83-year-old walked back toward the lectern, removed his sunglasses, and looked out toward the crowd with what appeared to be a bewildered expression.

“Where’s my granddaughter?” he shouted.

Moments later, Biden appeared to begin leaving the stage, though video footage of the event ended before showing what happened next.

The scene prompted comparisons to episodes during his time in office when critics frequently pointed to instances in which he appeared uncertain about where to go after public appearances.

Biden joined fellow former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, along with their spouses, at Thursday’s celebration marking the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. Former Vice President Kamala Harris was also among those in attendance.

The appearance was notable because Biden has rarely been seen in public in recent months as he continues to battle prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.

During the ceremony, Obama shared a warm exchange with Biden, walking over to him, patting him on the back, and laughing together before recognizing him during his remarks.

“Thank you to your steadfast partnership for eight years. Joe, we started as running mates, and ended as family. And we would not be here without you, and we are grateful,” Obama said.

Many Democrats continue to view the final chapter of Biden’s presidency as politically painful, with some arguing that he should have withdrawn from the 2024 race sooner and allowed another candidate to emerge.

“He made a terrible mistake,” Hillary Clinton told New Yorker editor David Remnick earlier this week. “He made a terrible mistake for himself, his legacy, and for the country.”

Reflecting on what might have happened had Biden stepped aside, Clinton argued that Democrats would have been better positioned in the election.

“We would have had a real contest,” she added about how events would’ve unfolded if Biden didn’t run. “And very sadly I believe whoever emerged from that contest, whether it was the vice president or a governor or a senator or anybody else, would have beaten Donald Trump.”

Jill Biden has also acknowledged that, given another opportunity, she would have urged her husband not to pursue a second presidential campaign.

She further revealed that during Biden’s widely criticized 2024 debate performance against Trump, she feared he might be suffering a stroke as he struggled through portions of the event.

Biden entered office as the oldest president in American history. However, President Trump, who celebrated his 80th birthday on Sunday, is on track to surpass that mark by the time his current term concludes.

{Matzav.com}

Hundreds of talmidim at Yeshivas Ohel Torah in Yerushalayim gathered this week to welcome Rav Aviezer Piltz, member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Tushiyah in Tifrach, and one of the senior roshei yeshiva of the generation, who came to deliver a special address of chizuk and guidance.

The atmosphere was one of excitement and anticipation as the beis medrash filled to capacity with bochurim, rabbeim, and mashgichim. Rav Shmuel Moallem, rosh yeshiva of Ohel Torah, warmly welcomed the distinguished guest.

For approximately half an hour, Rav Piltz captivated the audience with words of inspiration, focusing on growth in Torah and the challenges facing the Torah world today. He stressed that every ben Torah must constantly strive to elevate himself and avoid spiritual complacency.

“A person can sit in yeshiva and, despite being involved in Torah all day, remain at a mediocre level and fail to grow as he should,” Rav Piltz warned. “Therefore, every bochur must constantly examine his tefillah, his Torah learning, and his conduct toward others. When a person possesses a continual desire to rise higher, he will merit reaching great heights with siyata d’Shmaya.”

The rosh yeshiva also spoke at length about the critical importance of reviewing one’s learning. He explained that chazarah not only strengthens memory but sharpens a person’s understanding and intellectual abilities.

Citing the words of Chazal on the pasuk, “Lo rabim yechkomu,” Rav Piltz referenced the Maharal of Prague, who explains that true wisdom is granted to one who is “ragil b’talmudo”—accustomed to reviewing what he has already learned. The emphasis, he said, is on “talmudo,” material that has already been studied and revisited, because repeated review is what leads to deeper understanding and genuine growth in Torah.

Turning to the current challenges facing lomdei Torah in Eretz Yisroel, Rav Piltz spoke passionately about both the financial pressures and broader attacks directed at the Torah world.

“HaKadosh Baruch Hu has given us an opportunity that previous generations never had,” he said. “The only place where one can learn Torah even amidst hardship and difficulty is Eretz Yisroel.”

Rav Piltz then offered his perspective on the root of the hostility being directed toward the Torah community, arguing that it stems from envy of the spiritual riches possessed by bnei Torah.

“Those pursuing the Torah world today are acting out of jealousy alone,” he said. “Deep within their souls there remains a Jewish spark that has not lost its connection to its source. That inner truth pains them and creates tremendous inner conflict.”

He illustrated the idea with a vivid mashal.

“It is like a poor man who desperately wanted to become wealthy. When he sees that he cannot achieve that wealth, he goes and burns down the rich man’s house. Out of jealousy, they seek to harm and burn down the Torah world. But they will not succeed.”

{Matzav.com}

President Trump fired back early Thursday at critics of his newly signed agreement with Iran, dismissing opponents as out of touch and pointing to surging financial markets and declining energy prices as evidence that the deal is already producing positive results.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump mocked those who have argued that his administration was too lenient toward Tehran.

“These fools, who think I haven’t been tough enough on Iran, when the Stock Market Just Hit A RECORD HIGH, and Oil prices are ‘tumbling’ down, are either jealous, bad people, or stupid. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

The president’s remarks came shortly after he and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian formally signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a 60-day negotiation period intended to produce a broader and more permanent agreement between the two countries.

The framework is designed to serve as a temporary mechanism for reducing tensions while negotiators work toward resolving major issues, including Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions policy, regional security concerns, and methods for verifying compliance.

According to reporting by Newsmax, the agreement is intended to prevent further escalation between the two nations while creating space for more comprehensive negotiations.

Administration officials have emphasized that the memorandum should not be viewed as a final peace accord but rather as a preliminary framework outlining the path toward a more detailed settlement.

Among the provisions reportedly included in the document are an immediate halt to hostilities and the start of talks concerning restrictions on Iran’s uranium enrichment program and its existing stockpile of enriched material.

Newsmax also reported that Iran has tentatively agreed to limit enrichment activities and increase cooperation with inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency as part of a verification process that would be linked to any future sanctions relief.

Trump signed the memorandum while attending events connected to the Group of Seven summit in France, where world leaders gathered under the hosting of French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles.

Macron welcomed the agreement, according to Agence France-Presse, describing it as a development that “allows for peace” and opens the door to continued diplomatic efforts.

Financial markets responded favorably to news of the agreement.

Oil prices dropped sharply on Thursday, adding to earlier declines after reports of the deal first surfaced. Traders appeared encouraged by the possibility that shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could return to normal levels, easing fears about disruptions to global energy supplies.

The reduction in tensions surrounding the vital waterway is tied to broader commitments involving military de-escalation and reciprocal steps aimed at lowering the risk of conflict throughout the Gulf region.

Administration officials, along with statements from Trump and Vice President JD Vance, have stressed that any sanctions relief will depend on verified Iranian compliance with the terms of the agreement.

The White House has not publicly confirmed every detail reported by media organizations, particularly those involving the scope of sanctions relief and other economic provisions that may be included in future negotiations.

{Matzav.com}

Iran is celebrating its newly finalized agreement with the United States as a major strategic triumph, with senior officials claiming the deal preserves key elements of Tehran’s military and nuclear posture while forcing Washington to make significant concessions.

Speaking Thursday after the memorandum of understanding was signed, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei portrayed the agreement as a decisive victory for the Islamic Republic and argued that the outcome demonstrated Iran’s growing power on the world stage.

One of the most significant points highlighted by Iranian officials is the survival of Tehran’s ballistic missile program. The issue has long been a source of tension between Washington and Tehran. The Trump administration had previously criticized the Obama-era nuclear agreement for failing to address Iran’s missile capabilities, and President Trump repeatedly identified the missile program as a major security concern for both the United States and Israel.

In remarks carried by Iranian state television, Baghaei confirmed that the agreement had been formally completed and said both countries had approved identical versions of the document.

“As I speak with you now, the text of the memorandum of understanding has been signed by the presidents of Iran and the U.S.,” Baghaei said.

“The text of the Iran-U.S. memorandum of understanding is now officially finalized as both parties have signed it,” he added.

Baghaei cautioned that the real challenge would come during implementation and signaled that Iran intends to closely monitor every step taken by Washington.

“Iran will monitor the U.S.’ compliance without any leniency,” he said, adding that Iran would not fulfill its end of the agreement if Washington “evades its obligations.”

According to Baghaei, Tehran expects immediate economic benefits from the agreement, including relief from restrictions on oil exports and renewed access to shipping services, insurance markets, and oil-related revenue streams.

He also insisted that the United States refrain from expanding its military footprint in the region or imposing additional sanctions while negotiations toward a final agreement continue.

“Within the 60-day window, the other side must not take action to reinforce its military presence in the region or impose new sanctions,” Baghaei said. “Such actions would be considered a violation of the agreement.”

One of the most contentious issues remains Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. While the memorandum reportedly does not explicitly authorize Iran to retain the material, Baghaei made clear that Tehran rejects any requirement that it be removed from the country.

“Transferring enriched nuclear material out of the country is unacceptable to us,” he said. “Diluting enriched material is not a new option. It has now been introduced as one option, so as not to close the door on other options.”

Baghaei also insisted that Iran’s missile arsenal remains completely off-limits in any future discussions, despite ongoing international concerns about the country’s growing military capabilities.

“Iran’s missiles are meant to be fired, not negotiated over. Our missiles don’t even like being talked about,” he said. “Iran’s defensive capabilities will not be discussed in any process, with any party.”

The spokesman further outlined Tehran’s vision for the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints.

According to Baghaei, Iran and Oman have already reached broad understandings regarding oversight of the waterway, and Iran intends to collect fees connected to services provided there.

“Iran will charge fees for services in the Strait of Hormuz,” Baghaei said. “The mechanisms for managing the Strait of Hormuz have largely been agreed upon with Oman.”

He added that maritime traffic would continue uninterrupted while maintaining “the sovereignty and dominion of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.”

Presenting the agreement as the culmination of months of conflict and pressure, Baghaei argued that Iran had emerged stronger despite the hardships of war.

“Our enemies have inflicted harm on us,” he said. “But a wounded lion remains a lion. The war they imposed not only did not bring us to our knees, but made us stronger.”

He then escalated his rhetoric even further, claiming that Iran had prevailed against some of the world’s most powerful nations.

“Iran defeated two nuclear powers that were also backed by some other countries. We are not making slogans: We truly are a superpower.”

The agreement has been met with fierce opposition in Israel and among some American political figures, who contend that the arrangement gives Tehran substantial economic and strategic gains while leaving critical military capabilities intact.

Israeli officials have warned that the deal could strengthen Iran’s position throughout the region and diminish deterrence against future aggression.

Among the sharpest critics is Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz, who has argued that Trump’s agreement amounts to a “catastrophic capitulation to” Iran and its regional ambitions.

Horovitz has further contended that the memorandum heavily favors Tehran by providing access to as much as $100 billion in immediate assistance while failing to secure concrete commitments regarding Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions or long-term intentions.

{Matzav.com}