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Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s decision to publicly confirm his previously undisclosed wartime trip to the United Arab Emirates was reportedly driven by political considerations tied to a possible visit by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, according to a report aired Sunday night on Channel 12.

Last Wednesday, the Prime Minister’s Office took the unusual step of officially confirming a Channel 13 report stating that Netanyahu had traveled to the UAE during the war with Iran. The confirmation reportedly triggered significant tensions with Abu Dhabi, whose leadership had specifically requested that the meeting remain confidential.

According to the report, Emirati officials were displeased that the visit became public, particularly after explicitly asking that the meeting remain secret. Nevertheless, Netanyahu’s office chose to release details of the trip, leading to what the report described as a serious diplomatic dispute with the UAE at a time when Israel and the Emirates are cooperating closely on multiple fronts, including matters connected to the conflict with Iran.

Channel 12 reported Sunday that the motivation behind Netanyahu’s decision was entirely political.

According to the report, Netanyahu learned that Bennett — viewed as one of his primary political rivals — was scheduled to visit the UAE on Thursday, one day after Netanyahu’s own visit became public. Bennett was reportedly expected to meet with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and other senior Emirati officials.

Based on information from two sources familiar with the matter, Netanyahu did not want a situation in which Bennett’s visit would be publicly acknowledged while his own remained secret, potentially creating the impression that the Emiratis were willing to host Bennett openly but not Netanyahu.

Although Bennett’s trip has not been publicly confirmed, the report stated that Netanyahu’s concern that it eventually would become public led him to approve disclosure of his own visit — despite longstanding understandings regarding confidentiality with the Emiratis.

A spokesperson for Bennett declined to confirm the details and refused to comment on whether the visit had taken place. Netanyahu’s office denied the report entirely.

The sentence imposed on a Nachal Brigade soldier who received 30 days in military prison for wearing a “Moshiach” patch on his uniform is expected to be reduced following widespread backlash and political pressure, according to a report Sunday evening by I24NEWS journalist Amiel Yarchi.

A security official familiar with the matter said the soldier is expected to receive a lighter punishment once a formal request is submitted on his behalf shortly after he enters military prison. The soldier was scheduled to begin serving his sentence Sunday night, and his combat gear has already been taken from him.

Behind the scenes, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Boaz Bismuth and other Likud lawmakers reportedly pressured IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, sending letters and expressing support for the soldier’s family.

Earlier Sunday, Bismuth spoke with the soldier’s parents and condemned the decision, saying, “The punishment is disproportionate. I usually do not intervene, and I respect institutions, but here you are right,” and added, “Every soldier is like my own child.”

At the same time, Bismuth published a message on X calling on the Chief of Staff to reverse the ruling. “A Nachal soldier will begin serving 30 days in prison today when his entire ‘crime’ was wearing a Moshiach patch. I call on the Chief of Staff to reverse this mistaken and extreme decision. It is not too late to correct it,” he wrote.

The controversy began last week after the commander of the Nachal Brigade sentenced the soldier to 30 days in military prison over the “Moshiach” patch. In addition, the platoon commander received a suspended 14-day sentence, while the company commander was given an official reprimand. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly ordered the disciplinary proceedings during a visit to northern Shomron.

The IDF has argued that the punishments were not issued solely because of the patch, but also due to additional violations of accepted military conduct.

{Matzav.com}

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that he would enthusiastically support Vice President JD Vance if Vance decides to seek the presidency in 2028, while emphasizing that his current focus remains on serving in President Donald Trump’s administration.

During an interview with NBC News, Rubio was asked whether he personally hopes to become president one day. In response, he stressed his commitment to his current role and praised Vance as a potential future nominee.

“I’m going to be in this job for the next two and a half years. I’m going to do that job. I’m going to finish the job for this president. I’m enjoying it very much. I think we’re going to make a lot of good things happen. JD is a very good friend of mine. If JD runs for president. I think he’d be a phenomenal candidate. I’ve said publicly, and I’ll say it again, I’ll be the first person to sign up and support him. I think JD would do great.”

When asked whether he would consider serving as vice president, Rubio again downplayed any immediate political ambitions beyond his current position.

“I want to be the secretary of state, and I’ll worry about the future in the future. I’m not telling you that that’s what I’m aiming for. You know, I’ve been doing this for a long time, too. I was in the Senate starting in 2010 so I’d like to do some other things with my life at some point, although public service is an honor to be able to be involved in.”

Rubio’s comments come as Vance continues to perform strongly in early Republican polling for the 2028 presidential race. Rubio has also consistently appeared among the top names in hypothetical GOP primary matchups.

A Harvard/Harris poll conducted April 23–26, 2026, among 2,745 registered voters showed Vance leading the Republican field with 48% support. Donald Trump Jr. followed at 18%, Rubio received 16%, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had 9%, and Tucker Carlson drew 4%.

The same survey showed Kamala Harris leading the Democratic field with 50% support, ahead of California Gov. Gavin Newsom at 22%, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro at 9%, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 8%, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker at 6%. The poll carried a margin of error of plus or minus 1.87%, and found that 67% of respondents had given at least some thought to the next presidential election.

Another poll conducted May 1–5, 2026, among 3,612 American adults also showed Vance and Harris leading their respective primary fields. In that survey, Vance led Republicans with 40% support, followed by Donald Trump Jr. at 15% and Rubio at 14%, while the remaining Republican contenders remained in single digits.

Among Democrats in that same survey, Harris received 38% support, followed by Newsom at 16%, while Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg each received 9%.

A separate AtlasIntel survey conducted May 4–7 among 2,069 U.S. adults presented a different picture of the Democratic race. That poll showed Ocasio-Cortez leading the field with 26% support, followed by Buttigieg at 22.4% and Newsom at 21.2%.

In the AtlasIntel survey, Harris finished in fourth place with 12.9% support, while all other potential Democratic candidates registered single-digit support levels.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Iran has informed the United States that only America and China possess the specialized equipment capable of removing what he described as “nuclear dust” from Iranian nuclear facilities damaged during Operation Midnight Hammer last summer.

Trump made the remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to the United States following his trip to China this week.

“[Iran] said that they can’t remove it because they don’t have the technology to remove it,” Trump told reporters. “They don’t have the type of tractors… They told me directly, they said the only one that can remove it is China or the U.S., we’re the only ones with the equipment.”

According to Trump, Iranian officials have acknowledged that the Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan nuclear facilities were destroyed by bunker-buster bombs used during Operation Midnight Hammer. However, he said the remaining material buried deep underground continues to be a central issue in negotiations over a possible agreement.

“They said, ‘You were right, it is a complete obliteration.’ With that being said, I want to get it, and they agreed to it, but then they took it back, but they’ll agree to it eventually,” he added.

Speaking more broadly about Iran during an interview Thursday with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had expressed willingness to assist.

“He said, ‘If I can be of any help at all, I would like to be of help’… Anybody that buys that much oil has obviously got some kind of a relationship with them… He’d like to see the Hormuz Strait open,” Trump said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio later emphasized that Trump had not asked Xi for assistance regarding Iran and stated that the United States does not require Chinese involvement in the matter. Rubio’s remarks echoed comments Trump made Tuesday while departing the White House for China.

“He could. I mean, it might be. I don’t think we need any help with Iran, to be honest with you,” Trump said when asked whether Xi might contribute to a future agreement. “They’re defeated militarily, and they’ll either do the right thing, or we’ll finish the job.”

During Friday’s return flight to the United States, Trump was also asked about Iran’s newest proposal in negotiations aimed at ending the war.

“I looked at it, and if I don’t like the first sentence, I just throw it away,” he said.

When a reporter pressed him on what the opening sentence contained, Trump replied, “An unacceptable sentence, because they have fully agreed no nuclear, and if they have any nuclear of any form, I don’t read the rest of their letter,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Sen. Lindsey Graham on Sunday called on President Donald Trump to restart American military strikes against Iran, arguing that the current ceasefire deadlock and continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz are benefiting Tehran while damaging the U.S. economy.

“I think the status quo is hurting us all,” Graham said during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” insisting that sustained military pressure — rather than prolonged diplomacy — is the quickest way to end the conflict.

Graham’s remarks came as negotiations between the United States and Iran remain frozen.

Talks between Washington and Tehran, which have been mediated by Pakistan, have been suspended after both sides rejected each other’s most recent proposals. No permanent agreement has been reached since the two countries announced a ceasefire last month.

According to Graham, the ongoing stalemate plays directly into Iran’s hands.

“The longer the [Strait of Hormuz] is closed, the more we try to pursue a deal that never happens, the stronger Iran gets,” he said.

The South Carolina senator, who has strongly supported Trump’s military operations against Iran, urged the administration to intensify pressure on the regime.

“He credited the administration’s strikes as “amazing, militarily.” But, he said, “there’s more targets to be had.”

Graham also argued that Iran’s leadership has shown no indication that it has abandoned what he described as the regime’s objective “to terrorize the world, destroy Israel, come after us.”

The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical waterway that handled more than 20% of the world’s energy supply before the war began — has sent global oil prices sharply higher since fighting erupted on Feb. 28.

By Friday, the average price of regular gasoline in the United States had climbed above $4.50 per gallon, representing a 51% increase since the war started.

Graham argued that decisive military action against Iran would ultimately reduce energy prices. Speaking to NBC moderator Kristen Welker, he said, “Gas prices will come down when you put Iran in a box.”

Meanwhile, Iranian officials have shown little willingness to soften their position.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and would only return to negotiations if Washington demonstrates serious intent, accusing American officials of sending “contradictory messages.”

The diplomatic stalemate coincided with Trump’s recent multi-day visit to China, where he held meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During an interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, Trump said he did not ask China for assistance regarding Iran. “If he wants to help, that’s great, but we don’t need help,” Trump said, adding that accepting outside assistance often creates future obligations.

The Iran conflict has also created growing political concerns inside the United States.

Trump faced criticism last week after saying that Americans’ personal finances were not his primary consideration during negotiations with Iran, comments that reportedly unsettled some Republicans ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Graham dismissed those political concerns entirely.

“It’s worth losing my job,” he told Welker. “If I had to give my job up to make sure Iran would never have a nuclear weapon, I would do it.”

His comments echoed Trump’s own position. Speaking with Baier, the President said he would not allow electoral politics to shape policy toward Tehran because Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump acknowledged that his approach could temporarily “screw up” Republican polling numbers as some GOP candidates continue weighing how closely to align themselves with him during the campaign season.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

A police officer suffered a head injury overnight in Modiin Illit after officers responding to a violent altercation were allegedly attacked by a local resident during an arrest attempt. The suspect, a man in his 20s, was taken into custody and transferred for questioning.

The incident began after Israel Police received an emergency report about a violent fight unfolding in a public area of the city. Due to concerns that the situation could escalate further, patrol officers from the Modiin Illit station, part of the Shomron district, were dispatched to the scene.

When officers arrived, they identified a local man in his 20s whom they believed was involved in the original assault that prompted the emergency call.

Police attempted to calm the situation and carry out an arrest, but according to authorities, the suspect resisted and became physically aggressive toward the officers attempting to detain him.

During the struggle, the suspect allegedly attacked one of the officers in what police described as a severe assault, striking the officer in the head.

Medical teams were called to the scene after the officer sustained a head injury requiring evaluation and monitoring. After receiving initial treatment at the scene, the officer was transported to a hospital for further medical care and additional examinations.

Despite the violent confrontation and difficult conditions at the scene, additional officers managed to subdue the suspect, place him in handcuffs, and complete the arrest.

The suspect was then transported under police guard to the Modiin Illit police station, where investigators immediately launched a probe into the entire incident, including both the original altercation reported by residents and the alleged assault on the officer during the arrest.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that authorities will determine, based on the findings, whether to request an extension of the suspect’s detention before a judge.

{Matzav.com}

The World Health Organization on Sunday declared the worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring Uganda a global health emergency as the number of suspected infections and deaths continues to rise.

Health officials say more than 300 suspected cases have been identified so far, with at least 88 reported deaths linked to the outbreak.

According to the W.H.O., the outbreak centered in eastern Congo’s Ituri province does not currently meet the threshold for classification as a pandemic emergency, though the agency said that possibility has not been ruled out, according to the BBC.

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are presently no approved vaccines or treatments, the agency said.

Initial symptoms of the disease include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches and sore throat, followed later by vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes and internal or external bleeding, according to the BBC report.

The W.H.O. said eight cases have been laboratory confirmed thus far, while additional suspected infections and deaths have been reported across three health zones, including Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, as well as the gold-mining communities of Mongwalu and Rwampara.

One confirmed case has also been detected in Kinshasa, Congo’s capital city, involving a patient believed to have recently traveled from Ituri province.

Over the past five decades, Ebola outbreaks across Africa have claimed approximately 15,000 lives.

The deadliest outbreak in Congo occurred between 2018 and 2020, when nearly 2,300 people died from the virus.

Another outbreak last year in a remote region of Congo resulted in 45 deaths.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids including blood, vomit and semen. While infections are relatively rare, the illness is highly contagious, severe and frequently fatal, according to the Associated Press.

The W.H.O. said its emergency declaration is intended to mobilize international aid organizations and governments into taking action. Under the agency’s guidelines, such a declaration signifies that the situation is serious, poses a risk of spreading internationally, and requires a coordinated global response, the AP reported.

{Matzav.com}

A growing dispute over automated license plate reader technology in Troy, New York, has sparked legal action and renewed debate over privacy, data collection, and concerns about possible federal surveillance involvement.

At the center of the controversy are Flock cameras, an AI-powered license plate recognition system that records not only license plates but also vehicle details such as make, model, and color. Critics have voiced concerns that the system could potentially be used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to monitor immigrants.

The dispute escalated Monday when Troy’s Democrat-led City Council filed a lawsuit against Republican Mayor Carmella Mantello after she issued an emergency order allowing the cameras to remain operational. The legal challenge came after the council directed the city auditor to “pause payments to Flock until the city resolves all outstanding questions and public concerns.”

Mantello defended the program, arguing that the cameras are an important public safety tool that assists law enforcement in solving crimes.

“I believed there was a path to share that work collaboratively with the City Council — to protect civil liberties while ensuring law enforcement has effective tools to keep our neighborhoods safe,” Mantello said in a statement, according to The Record of Troy. “Unfortunately, the Council has chosen frivolous litigation instead of collaboration. That does not change our mission.

“My administration will continue doing everything necessary to keep Troy safe, address crime proactively, and ensure those who break the law are held accountable.

“The people of Troy expect leadership focused on results — not political theater — and that is exactly what we will deliver.”

During last week’s City Council meeting, Mantello publicly opposed proposed legislation aimed at restricting how much information can be retained from the camera system, The Record reported.

Under the proposal, any collected data would need to be erased after 48 hours unless state evidence laws require preservation. At present, the information may be stored for up to 30 days.

The legislation would also require any city agency using the technology to publish annual public reports on the city website. The proposal was formally introduced last week, with a public hearing scheduled for June 4.

Flock’s surveillance network relies on artificial intelligence-enabled cameras that photograph every vehicle traveling through monitored areas.

The technology generates what the company describes as a digital “fingerprint” of each vehicle, including distinctive identifying features such as bumper stickers or gun racks. Law enforcement agencies support the technology because the company’s nationwide database can be used to trace vehicle movements connected to drug investigations, recover stolen cars, and assist in major criminal probes.

A spokesperson for the company told The Washington Post that the technology helps “communities across the country in addressing crime and locating missing people.”

“At Flock, we believe safety and privacy should go hand in hand, which is why our technology is built around transparency, accountability, and local control,” Chris Castaldo, Flock Safety’s chief information security officer, said. “Our platform includes safeguards like audit trails to help ensure accountability at every step.”

Still, Flock’s rapid growth nationwide has fueled concerns over mass surveillance, especially following reports that federal immigration authorities have used the system to help locate illegal immigrants, according to The Washington Post.

A nationwide mapping effort known as DeFlock estimates that more than 90,000 license plate readers are currently operating across the United States. The Post also reported that more than 60 municipalities have either canceled or rejected agreements with Flock and similar companies.

In a statement cited by The Record, the Troy City Council sharply criticized Mantello’s actions, saying, “The mayor has gone far beyond her lawful authority. If left unchallenged, it sets a dangerous precedent where the mayor can claim a public safety emergency anytime she disagrees with the legislative branch, creating an unchecked power that echoes what is happening in Washington.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli officials are preparing for the arrival of the “Global Sumud” flotilla, which departed Thursday from the Turkish coastal city of Marmaris and is heading toward the Gaza Strip. According to current estimates, the flotilla — organized by the IHH organization, which was behind the 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla — is expected to reach the area within the next two to three days.

An Israeli source said authorities believe activists aboard the ships may behave more violently than in previous incidents. According to the official, Israel is expected to seize control of the vessels and detain those onboard, with concerns that some activists could physically resist arrest or even use melee weapons.

Israel reportedly attempted through diplomatic channels to prevent the flotilla from departing Turkey, but those efforts were unsuccessful. According to the report, the United States also approached Turkey and requested that the flotilla be stopped before departure, but those attempts likewise failed.

A diplomatic source said Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has already held a preliminary security consultation regarding the flotilla, which Israeli officials say includes Hamas supporters and is intended to breach the naval blockade on Gaza. According to the source, Netanyahu is expected to convene an additional operational meeting with senior security officials.

Israeli authorities are reportedly preparing for the arrival of approximately 50 vessels. Among the activists believed to be onboard are Saif Abu Kashk, a Palestinian resident of Spain, and Thiago Avila, a Brazilian citizen. Both men were arrested late last month after the Israeli Navy intercepted the “Spring 2026” flotilla, which had departed from Spain en route to Gaza.

After being questioned in Israel and deported, Abu Kashk and Avila reportedly traveled to Turkey and boarded ships participating in the new flotilla. An Israeli official said this time Israel does not intend to release them quickly.

Following their previous detention in Israel, the two activists launched a hunger strike protesting their arrest and denied the allegations against them. The Adalah legal organization, which represented them, claimed the pair endured psychological abuse and were denied proper treatment. Israeli officials rejected those accusations and alleged the activists were involved in offenses including membership in a terrorist organization, aiding the enemy during wartime, and maintaining contact with terror operatives.

Following their deportation, Israel’s Foreign Ministry described the activists as “professional provocateurs” and reiterated that Israel would not permit violations of the naval blockade surrounding the Gaza Strip.

President Donald Trump said renovation work on the Reflecting Pool at the National Mall is progressing ahead of schedule and may be completed before Independence Day.

In a Truth Social post, Trump shared images from what he called a “sample test” of the famous Reflecting Pool, featuring views of both the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

“Looking really good!” Trump wrote.

“Should be completed before the Fourth of July, our target date.”

The Reflecting Pool, one of Washington’s best-known landmarks, runs between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument and serves as a major attraction for tourists, national gatherings, and historic events.

In his post, Trump referred to the site as “the World’s longest” reflecting pool.

Trump said the project has grown substantially beyond its initial scope in order to improve the site’s appearance and extend its longevity.

“I’ve made this a much larger job than originally contemplated for purposes of Beauty, and a much longer life,” Trump wrote.

According to the President, the upgrades include the use of stronger construction materials, enhanced finishing treatments, sandblasted granite, and newly installed exterior stonework and walkways.

He added that crews are also applying “a higher quality sealer with more reflectivity.”

The renovation effort comes as the administration continues emphasizing restoration and beautification projects involving monuments and federal public spaces throughout Washington.

Trump has repeatedly spoken about preserving national landmarks and improving the visual appearance of the capital city.

Officials did not immediately release additional information Saturday regarding the total cost of the project or the anticipated construction schedule. It also remains unclear which federal agencies or private contractors are supervising the work.

The Reflecting Pool has undergone several restoration projects over the years, including a major rehabilitation completed in 2012 that addressed infrastructure deterioration, water-quality problems, and structural repairs. The National Park Service oversees the landmark.

Trump encouraged the public to visit the site even before construction is officially completed.

“Check it out before the Opening — It’s a very exciting project!” he wrote.

The National Mall remains among the most heavily visited tourist destinations in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year to sites including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol.

If the project is completed by July 4, the renovated Reflecting Pool would reopen in time for Independence Day festivities and the height of Washington’s summer tourism season.

MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism sharply attacked the IDF after the military released new figures showing a shortage of roughly 12,000 soldiers, accusing army leadership of turning the military into what he described as a political weapon against bnei Torah.

Porush claimed senior officers were allowing legal advisers to dictate policy and said “the army has become a political tool in the hands of those persecuting Torah learners.” He argued that the military establishment was ignoring recommendations from a professional advisory panel that supported exempting yeshiva students who commit to three daily sedorim of Torah study.

The criticism followed a recent IDF briefing revealing that the military is currently short approximately 12,000 troops, including between 6,000 and 7,500 combat soldiers. Defense officials warned that the manpower shortage could deepen dramatically if mandatory service is reduced to 30 months.

Military officials stressed that without broader enlistment legislation — particularly involving the charedi sector — the IDF could face a serious personnel crisis within a relatively short period of time.

According to the army, the ongoing fighting across seven active fronts has forced standing troops into nearly constant operational service, while reservists are being called up for significantly more duty days than initially anticipated.

During the past two years, the IDF expanded its force structure by adding nine armored companies, an engineering battalion, a Home Front Command battalion and an additional charedi battalion, while simultaneously enlarging reserve force capabilities.

Data presented by the military also showed that out of approximately 80,000 people categorized as being involved in “draft-evasion processes,” roughly half are from the charedi community, while another quarter are believed to belong to the same sector. In July 2025, the Chief of Staff ordered draft notices sent to all eligible charedi recruits and appointed Brigadier General Avinoam Amona as adviser on charedi matters.

At the same time, enlistment numbers among charedim have steadily risen. Approximately 2,200 charedim entered military service in 2023, followed by 2,800 in 2024. During the first six months of 2025, about 1,850 enlisted, and officials estimate the yearly figure could surpass 3,000 by the end of the year.

Responding to the military’s presentation, Porush said the IDF’s public statements indicate that “certain elements have decided to turn the military into a political instrument against Torah scholars.”

He also referred to an advisory committee established by then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant with backing from former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. The committee, headed by a retired major general and composed of senior officers, reportedly recommended protecting full-time yeshiva students who maintain intensive daily Torah study schedules.

Escalating his criticism further, Porush accused military leaders and legal officials of waging “a campaign against Torah learners” and using public briefings as part of an effort to block any compromise arrangement based on the committee’s recommendations.

Speaking during a recent session of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee attended by the Chief of Staff, Porush challenged the military’s approach toward drafting yeshiva students and questioned why the army was ignoring the professional conclusions reached by the advisory panel.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump held a high-stakes meeting on Shabbos with senior national security officials to discuss the next stage of the standoff with Iran, according to a CNN report published Sunday.

The meeting, which took place at Trump’s golf club in Virginia, reportedly came just before the President issued his public warning to Tehran on Sunday, declaring that the “Clock is Ticking.”

CNN reported that the closed-door strategy session included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, along with other senior administration officials. The gathering was held shortly after Trump returned from his trip to China, where tensions involving Iran and Beijing’s relationship with the regime were reportedly central topics of discussion.

According to sources familiar with the deliberations, the administration intentionally held off on making major decisions during the China visit in order to assess whether Chinese President Xi Jinping would play a role in helping resolve the crisis. However, after Trump’s return to the United States, officials reportedly began shifting their focus toward tougher options.

The report said Trump has grown increasingly aggravated over Iran’s continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, whose blockade has rattled global energy markets. Although the President has repeatedly expressed interest in reaching a diplomatic solution, sources indicated he is now giving more serious consideration to restarting large-scale military operations in an effort to break the deadlock.

CNN also reported that the Pentagon has revised its military contingency plans to include possible precision strikes targeting Iran’s energy sector and key internal infrastructure if Trump chooses to expand military action beyond the existing ceasefire framework.

Following the discussions, Trump spoke Sunday with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu as the two leaders coordinated regional strategy.

According to CNN, the President is expected to meet again with his national security team later this week to determine whether to proceed with the prepared military option or continue allowing time for talks reportedly being mediated by Pakistan.

Yesterday, Trump also posted a mysterious message on Truth Social regarding Iran.

The post included an AI-generated image showing Trump alongside a U.S. Navy admiral against the backdrop of stormy seas and several ships, including one carrying the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as speculation grows that the war could soon resume.

The caption above the image stated, “It was calm before the storm.”

Separately, Fox News reported that intelligence officials believe Iran is preparing for the possibility that Trump could restart military operations against the regime as tensions continue rising over Tehran’s conduct and refusal to halt its nuclear ambitions.

According to that report, Iranian officials increasingly believe Trump may ultimately authorize renewed strikes, prompting Tehran to adopt what sources described as a strategy of “deception and delay” designed to buy time and complicate any future American military campaign.

Following instructions from Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, IDF Central Command chief Major General Avi Bluth signed an amendment to the Judea and Samaria Security Directives Order formally applying the recently approved death penalty law for terrorists to the region as well.

Under the legislation, military courts are authorized to sentence terrorists to death for carrying out terror attacks in which Jews are murdered.

The decision marks a major change in Israeli policy in the wake of the October 7 massacre and fulfills one of the flagship campaign promises of the Otzma Yehudit party.

According to the new law and the military order amendment, the death penalty will now serve as the standard punishment in military courts in Judea and Samaria for terrorists who deliberately kill in acts of terror.

The amendment also significantly alters the existing legal framework. Moving forward, prosecutors in military court will no longer need to specifically request the death penalty in order for it to be imposed. In addition, a unanimous ruling by the judicial panel will no longer be required, with a regular majority now sufficient. Restrictions regarding the rank of judges overseeing such cases have also been removed.

The new policy further states that the commander of IDF forces in the region will not have the authority to pardon convicted terrorists or reduce their sentences. In addition, the law explicitly bars the Israeli government from including terrorists sentenced to death, or convicted of offenses punishable by death, in future prisoner exchange agreements.

Minister Yisroel Katz praised the implementation of the measure, saying, “The era of restraint is over. Terrorists who murder Jews will not sit in prison under comfortable conditions and will not wait for deals; they will pay the heaviest price by hanging. Immediately after the law was approved, I instructed the Israel Defense Forces to implement it fully in Judea and Samaria, and today we have turned the new policy into reality.”

Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also welcomed the move, stating, “We promised, and we delivered. Against murderous terrorism, the State of Israel is changing the equation. We do not retreat, and we create a price that no terrorist will want to pay.”

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu delivered remarks Sunday at a special government session marking Yom Yerushalayim, held at the Knesset Museum in Froumine House, where he addressed Israel’s security challenges on multiple fronts, praised the IDF’s ongoing operations, and spoke about the country’s efforts against emerging drone threats.

At the beginning of his remarks, Netanyahu reflected on the historic significance of the original Knesset building and its restoration. “This is the second time I am visiting here since the restoration, the original home of the Knesset in Froumine House. I believe that anyone who comes here feels the uniqueness of this place, which essentially served as the home for the revival of our people’s sovereignty in our land after thousands of years. It always makes the heart stir. I also remember as a Jerusalem boy, being right across the street and looking at this building; back then, it was closed to boys like me, but today it is open to all of the people of Israel. I invite all of you, the citizens of Israel, to come here and enjoy this heritage. A truly wonderful, highly original, highly authentic, and very faithful restoration job has been done here, and the atmosphere provides a great deal of inspiration.”

Netanyahu also paused to express condolences to the family of Captain Maoz Israel Recanati, the Golani officer killed during fighting in Lebanon. “At the beginning of my remarks, I wish to send condolences to the family of the late Captain Maoz Israel Recanati. Maoz left everything behind, including his fiancée whom he was set to marry in about a month, led his soldiers in battle in Lebanon, and fell. May G-d avenge him. May his memory be a blessing.”

Turning to the fighting in Lebanon and the growing drone threat facing Israel, Netanyahu said the military continues to operate aggressively while adapting to evolving dangers. “I want to say a few things about the campaign in Lebanon. We are doing a lot there; holding territory, clearing territory, protecting Israel’s communities, but also fighting an enemy that is trying to outsmart us.”

The prime minister recalled warning years ago about the strategic danger posed by drones and said Israel has spent years developing responses to the threat. “Six years ago, during a Cabinet meeting, I warned against the threat of drones. At the time, I saw it primarily as a serious threat, as a tool for targeted eliminations of public figures, but since then, it has obviously evolved. From the start of the war, and of course having observed the war in Ukraine, I thought this could also serve as a tool on our battlefield. At my request, the IDF installed canopies on the tanks. That was one measure. The IDF and the Ministry of Defense have done a great deal over the years, this needs to be understood, and they have thwarted many hundreds, if not thousands, including UAVs, thousands of attempted drone and UAV strikes against our forces. And they are succeeding. Every time there is a new threat, they succeed in neutralizing it,” he said.

Netanyahu went on to describe the creation of a specialized task force focused on combating FPV drones and said the initiative would operate without budget restrictions. “Today, we are facing the challenge of neutralizing FPV (Fiber-Optic/First-Person View) drones. This is a specific type of threat. I convened a special team together with the Minister of Defense, personnel from the Ministry of Defense, and individuals from outside the ministry, not just from the defense industries, but also from the civilian sector, the best minds in Israel, and in my opinion, the best minds in the world. I held three meetings in two weeks, but in the meeting we held a few days ago, I told them something that surprised them a bit: ‘You have no budgetary constraint.’ Whatever it costs, it costs. You also have no limits, as far as I know, to your creativity and imagination, because you are the best in the world. Therefore, my directive to the team is to find a solution for this, and for the next threat that will come.”

He expressed confidence that Israel would ultimately lead the world in solving the drone challenge. “I have no doubt that Israel will be the first country, just as we have done in other fields, to deliver a complete solution to this problem as well. This requires patience and sometimes gritting our teeth, but both of these, patience, determination, and the ability to stand up to the challenge, we have in abundance. We will achieve this too.”

Addressing the fighting in Gaza, Netanyahu announced the elimination of senior Hamas leader Iz al-Din al-Haddad and reiterated Israel’s objectives in the war. “Over the weekend, we eliminated the master murderer Iz al-Din al-Haddad. He was essentially number one in Hamas’s military wing. He has been eliminated. This despicable terrorist was responsible for the murder, injury, and kidnapping of thousands of Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers. He used hostages as human shields, and he is no longer with us. It is important to say that I promised two things, and the Government, along with me: I promised that we would return all of our hostages, down to the very last one. Down to the hero of Israel, the late Ran Gvili. And we returned them. There were doubts, but we had no doubts. We returned them.”

Netanyahu added that Israel is nearing completion of another key war objective. “I promised a second thing, that every single architect of the massacre and the hostage-taking would be eliminated down to the last one, and we are very close to completing this mission as well. In Gaza now, we are no longer holding 50%, but already 60%. We have Hamas in our grip. We know exactly what our mission is, and our mission is one: To ensure that Gaza will never again pose a threat to Israel, and we are carrying out this mission too with the help of our heroic soldiers. They truly are heroes. In Lebanon, in Gaza, and also in the skies of Tehran. Our fighters, our pilots, our female combatants, and our female pilots, heroes and heroines.”

Concluding his remarks, Netanyahu addressed the Iranian front and revealed plans for another conversation with President Trump. “Our eyes are also wide open regarding Iran. I will speak today, as I do every few days, with our friend President Trump. I will certainly hear his impressions from his trip to China, and perhaps other matters. There are certainly many possibilities; we are prepared for any scenario.”

{Matzav.com}

The IDF revealed Sunday evening that it is currently dealing with a manpower deficit of roughly 12,000 troops, including an estimated shortage of between 6,000 and 7,500 combat soldiers, as the military continues operating on multiple fronts simultaneously.

Military officials warned that the shortage could become even more severe if plans to shorten mandatory military service to 30 months move forward. According to security officials, the proposed reduction would create an even larger gap in combat forces, combat support roles and technical positions needed by the army.

The IDF said the demands created by fighting across seven separate arenas have forced regular soldiers to remain in near-continuous operational activity throughout the year. At the same time, reservists have repeatedly been called back for dozens of additional reserve duty days beyond what had originally been planned.

Despite the heavy burden, the military said enthusiasm among young Israelis for significant combat service remains strong among both male and female recruits.

In an effort to confront the worsening manpower shortage, the IDF’s Manpower Directorate has spent the last two and a half years advancing a wide-ranging strategic initiative focused on maximizing available personnel and broadening recruitment pathways.

As part of those efforts, the army established nine new standing armored companies over the past two years. Additional formations created during that period include an engineering battalion, a Home Front Command battalion, an air defense and combat intelligence unit, and a new charedi battalion intended to reduce pressure on reserve forces.

Alongside the expansion of regular forces, the military also built a broad reserve framework that has been incorporated into the 2026 operational plan. The framework includes 25 battalions from the “David” brigades, four battalions from the “Hashomer” brigade, the 500th Armored Brigade, Division 38 and 49 additional armored crews.

According to the IDF, these units were formed through the return of volunteers, the reactivation of individuals who had previously received exemptions under command authority, and the use of manpower reserves that had not previously been utilized.

The military also emphasized the increasing role women are playing in combat positions. Over the last decade, annual female combat enlistment numbers have climbed from roughly 500 recruits each year to approximately 5,000, substantially increasing women’s presence within combat units.

Among the new programs introduced to combat attrition is a nationwide initiative funded with 70 million shekels that is designed to prepare teenagers for military service while strengthening resilience before enlistment.

The IDF said that non-clinical mental health difficulties are responsible for approximately 80% of military attrition cases, with nearly one-third occurring at the very beginning of service.

The initiative operates in two phases. One stage targets 11th-grade graduates and focuses on building resilience and shaping attitudes toward military service, while the second is geared toward 12th-grade students approaching enlistment and seeks to close readiness gaps before induction. Approximately 450 students participated in the pilot program, and an expanded version launching in June is expected to include around 8,000 candidates.

Additional reforms include a system allowing recruits to receive their final assignments earlier in the enlistment process based on recruitment data, while selection procedures continue simultaneously.

The military also runs programs aimed at helping soldiers maximize their service potential, offering second opportunities for officer training and assisting populations considered at higher risk of dropping out during service.

At the same time, other initiatives are focused on retaining soldiers expected to continue into career military service. One such program reportedly increased acceptance rates into technological tracks for candidates from Israel’s geographic and social periphery by 22% between 2023 and 2025 through intervention efforts beginning already in middle school.

The IDF said major efforts are also underway to increase charedi enlistment, though current recruitment figures remain far below operational requirements.

According to army data, approximately 80,000 individuals are presently listed within draft evasion proceedings. Military officials estimate that roughly half are definitively charedi, while another quarter are believed to come from the charedi sector.

As part of attempts to formalize charedi recruitment, the Chief of Staff signed a dedicated General Staff directive outlining service conditions for charedi recruits. In July 2025, the IDF also ordered draft notices to be issued to all eligible charedi men while modifying the enlistment process to better accommodate the sector’s needs.

{Matzav.com}

Hundreds of mourners gathered Sunday at the military cemetery on Har Herzl in Yerushalayim for the funeral of Captain Maoz Yisroel Recanati, a 24-year-old Golani Brigade officer who was killed during combat activity in southern Lebanon.

Representing the IDF, Golani Brigade Deputy Commander Naor Amichai spoke about Recanati’s impact on those who served alongside him, describing him as a person whose strength and character uplifted everyone around him.

“Your very name carried meaning,” Amichai said. “You were a source of support for everyone around you. The values that guided you throughout your military service and your life were always clear.”

Amichai described Recanati as someone who relentlessly pursued meaningful military service from the outset, working hard to earn a place in elite combat units. He eventually joined the Egoz commando unit, where, according to his commanders, he immediately stood out for his leadership qualities, devotion and work ethic. “He was always first,” Amichai said. “In runs, in marches, in carrying equipment and in every mission.”

Friends and fellow soldiers said Recanati became known as “King David,” a nickname they said reflected his humility, honesty and the quiet manner in which he led others. Following completion of officers’ training, he was appointed platoon commander in Golani’s 12th Battalion. Commanders said he built an exceptionally cohesive platoon through personal example, sensitivity and trust.

His fiancée, Roni, delivered an emotional eulogy at the funeral. The couple had planned to marry next month. “The first thing I noticed about you was your eyes,” she said. “Everyone always said your eyes looked kind.”

Roni spoke about Recanati’s gentle nature, courage and compassion, and about the future they had hoped to build together. “I waited so long for us to get married,” she said. “I wanted to see you as the father of our children. You were so good with children. You had the biggest heart of anyone I ever knew.”

Rabbi Daniel Lonczer, who had met with the couple only a week earlier to arrange their marriage registration, also addressed the mourners. During the hesped, he read aloud from the kesubah that Recanati and Roni had signed together.

Recanati’s grandfather, Rabbi Avraham Recanati, reflected on his grandson’s devotion to his mission as a soldier, while also speaking about the warmth and affection he displayed within the family.

Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan described Recanati as someone deeply devoted to Torah, Am Yisroel and Eretz Yisroel. “You built yourself through hard work, humility, strength and humor,” Dagan said. “Thousands of young people will continue in your path.”

His sister, Tehila, remembered him as a quiet and caring individual who earned admiration everywhere he went. She said the source of his success in the military was not merely his abilities, but the values and humanity that guided him.

His brother, Shachar, described Recanati as a dedicated warrior involved in what he called “the battle of light against darkness.” He recalled that during his final Shabbos at home, Recanati repeatedly emphasized the need for professionalism and dedication, even in difficult circumstances.

Recanati served as a platoon commander in Golani’s 12th Battalion. He was killed Friday in an explosive drone strike targeting IDF troops operating in southern Lebanon.

He was the 20th Israeli soldier killed since fighting resumed along the Lebanon front. Recanati is survived by his parents, six siblings and his fiancée, Roni. A member of one of the founding families of Itamar in the Shomron, he was the son of Rabbi Eliyahu and Ayelet Recanati and the grandson of Rabbi Avraham and Rabbanit Devora Recanati.

President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Iran on Sunday in a Truth Social post published shortly after a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, as discussions continue over the possibility of renewed military action against the Iranian regime.

Trump wrote, “For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! President DJT.”

The message came soon after Trump and Netanyahu held a phone conversation lasting more than 30 minutes, during which the two leaders reportedly discussed the prospect of resuming operations against Iran.

According to a diplomatic source, Israel is ready to reenter the conflict with Iran, though any next steps are expected to hinge on Washington’s decision.

The source said, “Trump needs to make a decision. Once he decides to resume fighting we must be prepared, because it is highly likely he will ask Israel to join him in continuing the campaign.”

Meanwhile, Axios reported, citing two American officials, that Trump is expected to convene a meeting Tuesday with senior members of his national security team in the White House Situation Room to review possible military options involving Iran.

{Matzav.com}

Democrats Party chairman Yair Golan responded Sunday to a viral AI-generated image portraying him dressed in traditional chareidi attire, using the opportunity to issue a sharp political pledge regarding the role of chareidi parties in Israel’s next government.

The image, which circulated widely on social media, showed Golan wearing a streimel and long peyos. In response, Golan posted a message drawing a firm political line ahead of the coming election campaign and any future coalition negotiations.

“I saw that a picture of me with a streimel is being circulated,” Golan wrote, before adding a direct promise to his supporters: “The Democrats will be your insurance policy that the chareidi parties will sit in the opposition in the coming years.”

Golan’s statement appeared aimed at energizing the secular base of his party, which unites representatives from the Labor and Meretz camps. However, political analysts quickly pointed to what they described as serious political and mathematical obstacles facing such a strategy.

According to current polling data, excluding the chareidi parties from any coalition would make it nearly impossible for the existing opposition bloc to reach a majority of 61 Knesset seats without relying on Arab parties.

Numerically, surveys indicate that once the chareidi parties are ruled out, the center-left bloc is effectively left with only one theoretical path toward forming a coalition: direct dependence on Arab factions such as Ra’am and Hadash-Ta’al.

That possibility, however, faces strong resistance from other opposition figures.

Leaders of center-right opposition parties — including Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman and Beyachad party leader Naftali Bennett — have repeatedly stated during both previous and current election campaigns that they would refuse to join any government dependent on Arab party support.

The result, according to political observers, is a clear arithmetic deadlock.

Without the chareidi parties on one side, and with Bennett and Lieberman maintaining an absolute veto against Arab parties on the other, the center-left bloc currently has no realistic mathematical path to forming a governing coalition after elections.

Analysts noted that Golan’s declaration effectively leaves the balance of power in the hands of the right-wing bloc while placing left-wing parties at a significant numerical disadvantage that may be impossible to overcome.

Israel’s National Cyber Directorate issued a public warning Sunday after fake videos circulated online appearing to show Rishon LeTzion and Chief Rabbi of Israel Rav Dovid Yosef endorsing a medical product.

According to the cyber authorities, the videos are fraudulent and were created using deepfake technology. Officials stressed that Rav Yosef has absolutely no connection to either the video or the product being promoted through it.

The fabricated clips have reportedly been spreading widely across social media platforms in recent hours and direct viewers to a fraudulent website designed to steal personal information and payment details from unsuspecting users.

The National Cyber Directorate warned the public to exercise caution when encountering videos featuring well-known public figures and urged users to verify the authenticity of such content before responding to it.

Officials also cautioned the public not to click on links appearing in the videos themselves, in comment sections, or in accompanying messages connected to the posts.

In addition, the directorate advised consumers to confirm that any medical product they are considering purchasing appears on an official and recognized website before providing any information.

Authorities further warned people not to submit personal information or credit card details on unfamiliar websites.

The cyber agency urged the public that in cases of uncertainty, individuals should stop and verify the information through official sources before taking any action.

{Matzav.com}

The Israel Land Authority Council has approved new rules barring individuals classified as draft evaders from participating in the government’s discounted housing programs unless they regularize their military status with the IDF.

The decision, approved during a meeting convened by Housing Minister Chaim Katz, also significantly expands housing preferences for reserve soldiers. Under the new framework, 50 percent of apartments in the upcoming “Dira B’Hanachah” lottery will be reserved exclusively for reservists, with priority given to combat soldiers.

The remaining apartments will remain available to the general public, but eligibility will now depend on applicants having resolved their military status with the army, according to a report by Channel 13 News.

The move follows legal instructions issued by the attorney general’s office directing immediate implementation of the policy. As a result, individuals defined as draft-eligible who have not arranged their status with IDF authorities will no longer be able to participate in subsidized housing programs.

The decision comes after the most recent housing lottery was postponed twice. Initially, the delay was ordered by ministers Betzalel Smotrich and Chaim Katz, and later by the courts following petitions filed against the program.

Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon had previously instructed the Israel Land Authority Council to take immediate operational steps to enforce the policy. Under those instructions, the authority was required to establish a mechanism allowing for the immediate disqualification of draft evaders from participation in discounted housing initiatives.

According to the approved plan, all applicants entering future lotteries will be required to sign declarations stating whether they have arranged their military status with the IDF. Any applicant found to have submitted false information could lose their eligibility or forfeit an apartment if their true military status later becomes known.

Approximately 8,000 apartments are expected to be included in the upcoming lottery, though the distribution model will change dramatically under the new rules.

More than half of the apartments will now be allocated to reservists, who will also receive all units designated specifically for rental programs.

{Matzav.com}