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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under strict terms is unacceptable to Washington, arguing that it would effectively give Tehran control over a vital international waterway.

In an interview with Fox News, Rubio said Iran’s interpretation of access to the strait differs sharply from that of the broader international community.

“What they mean by opening the straits is, yes, the straits are open, as long as you coordinate with Iran, get our permission, or we’ll blow you up and you pay us,” Rubio stated.

He emphasized, “That’s not opening the straits. Those are international waterways. They cannot normalize, nor can we tolerate them trying to normalize, a system in which the Iranians decide who gets to use.”

Asked what the next step would be if no agreement is reached, Rubio pointed to President Trump as the ultimate decision-maker while highlighting the existing pressure campaign against Iran.

“Well, again, that’s the President’s decision to make. I would start out by reminding everybody that the level of sanctions on Iran are extraordinary, the pressure on Iran is extraordinary, and I think more can be brought to bear. But I hope that in the aftermath of this conflict, the whole world’s eyes have been opened to the threat Iran poses.”

Rubio added that Iran’s leadership calculates its moves carefully, weighing risks and benefits, and said the United States must ensure that the consequences of Tehran’s actions outweigh any potential gains.

“every decision they make, they weigh the costs and they weigh the benefits. And we have to make sure that the costs of all the nefarious things they are doing outweigh the benefits of what they are doing. This is the reason why the [naval] blockade is in place.”

He also clarified that the U.S. naval blockade is aimed specifically at Iran rather than at global shipping traffic.

“is not a blockade against shipping. It’s a blockade against Iranian shipping, because they cannot be the sole beneficiaries of an illegal, unlawful, and unjustified system of tolling and control in the straits.”

Rubio’s remarks came one day after Iran, through intermediaries in Pakistan, delivered a proposal outlining a phased approach to easing tensions with the United States.

According to a U.S. official and sources familiar with the discussions, the Iranian plan prioritizes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the current conflict, while postponing negotiations over its nuclear program to a later stage.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that the administration is “discussing” the Iranian proposal concerning the Strait of Hormuz, but did not indicate that it is actively being “considered.”

{Matzav.com}

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President Donald Trump is dissatisfied with a new proposal from Iran, with U.S. officials pointing to its failure to directly confront concerns over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

“He doesn’t love the proposal,” a U.S. official told Reuters, describing the president’s reaction.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Trump and key members of his national security team have expressed doubts about the Iranian offer, which was submitted Sunday. The proposal suggests reopening the Strait of Hormuz while delaying any negotiations related to Iran’s nuclear program.

Trump met with advisers Monday morning to review the plan, the report said. While he has not dismissed it entirely, officials indicated he is troubled by what he sees as Iran’s unwillingness to negotiate sincerely, particularly its reluctance to agree to Washington’s core demand: ending uranium enrichment altogether and pledging never to develop nuclear weapons.

Iranian sources said their proposal calls for putting nuclear discussions on hold until the current hostilities subside and issues involving shipping routes in the Persian Gulf are addressed. U.S. officials, however, continue to insist that nuclear concerns must be part of any agreement from the beginning.

Even with those differences, sources involved in mediation efforts through Pakistan said communication between the two sides remains ongoing.

Still, prospects for renewed talks appear to have dimmed following Trump’s decision over the weekend to cancel a planned trip to Islamabad by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner.

The canceled visit had been viewed as a step toward advancing negotiations.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that the administration is “discussing” the Iranian proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz, but did not indicate that it is actively being weighed for acceptance.

Speaking to reporters, Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump held a meeting with his national security team to review the proposal, which includes mutual steps to ease restrictions on the crucial maritime passage. She emphasized that no final decision has been reached.

She “reiterated” that President Trump’s “red lines” with respect to Iran’s nuclear weapons program are well-known to all sides.

Leavitt “wouldn’t say that they are considering” the Iranian proposal, just that “there was a discussion this morning that I don’t want to get ahead of,” and that President Trump would likely make an announcement on the issue shortly.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli authorities arrested a chareidi draft evader on Monday at his home in Yerushalayim, marking the first proactive detention of its kind since the launch of Operation “Shaagat HaAri.”

According to reports from organizations affiliated with the Peleg Yerushalmi, the arrest took place in the Gilo neighborhood.

Since the start of the operation, the military police had refrained from carrying out targeted arrests of draft evaders until now.

The arrest comes a day after Israel’s High Court of Justice ordered the government to move forward with revoking a series of financial benefits from those who fail to report for military service. The measures include canceling eligibility for housing discounts under the “Mechir Matara” program, eliminating daycare subsidies, ending support for after-school programs, and removing discounts on public transportation and municipal taxes.

In their ruling, the justices sharply criticized law enforcement for halting action against draft evaders, writing: “The complete avoidance by the police of exercising its authority, effectively leaving that authority unused, cannot be justified by claims of prioritization; budgetary constraints or lack of resources are not a valid excuse for inaction.”

Following the court’s decision, Slabodka rosh yeshiva Rav Dov Landau issued a strong response rejecting any compliance with military service. “Yeshiva students will not go to the army under any circumstances, not by force and not willingly, whether there is a law or not,” he said at Ponovezh Yeshiva. He added: “The judicial authorities continue in their wrongdoing; in the end, the wicked will be held accountable. We will not relate to their decrees, we will ignore them, and they and their decrees will disappear.”

{Matzav.com}

WhatsApp announced that beginning September 8, 2026, it will stop supporting older Android operating systems, a move expected to block access to the app for millions of users worldwide.

The change will affect devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop and Android 5.1 Lollipop. In contrast, iPhone users operating on iOS 15.1 or later will not be impacted. The company said the decision is intended to allow continued development of advanced features that require more modern and capable technology.

Those most affected are expected to be users in developing countries such as India and Brazil, where older devices remain common. However, the impact is also relevant in Israel, particularly for individuals using secondary phones, children’s devices, or older smartphones that have not been updated.

Apple users will not see any change, as support for iOS remains intact. Anyone using iOS 15.1 or newer—including iPad users—will continue to receive updates and features as usual. Android users running version 6.0 or higher are also not affected.

WhatsApp cited security and performance concerns as the primary reasons for the shift, noting that older operating systems do not support modern security protocols and struggle to handle the demands of current applications.

Users are strongly advised to back up their chats before the cutoff date. This can be done through the app’s settings by saving data to Google Drive, allowing for easy restoration on a new device. For those without sufficient cloud storage, a local backup to the device’s memory can be created and manually transferred to another phone or computer.

After the September deadline, users with unsupported devices will have only one viable option: upgrading to a newer phone. Even entry-level models today typically run Android 13 or higher, well above WhatsApp’s new minimum requirements.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Rabbi Irving Goodman zt”l, Rav Emeritus of the Woodridge Shul, who devoted more than six decades of unwavering service to his kehillah and to the broader Sullivan County community.

For over 63 years, Rabbi Goodman stood at the helm of the Woodridge Shul with quiet strength, steadfast leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility to every individual who walked through its doors. His presence defined the shul. His voice, whether delivering a drasha, offering eitzah, or simply greeting a fellow Yid, carried warmth, clarity, and conviction.

Rabbi Goodman’s impact extended far beyond the walls of the shul. In Sullivan County, he was a unifying force, someone to whom people turned in times of simcha and, lehavdil, in times of sorrow. He gave of himself endlessly, whether officiating at countless chasunos, comforting aveilim, or helping families navigate life’s most difficult moments with dignity and faith. His mesirus nefesh for the tzibbur was evident in every aspect of his life.

Even in his later years, as Rav Emeritus, Rabbi Goodman remained a guiding presence. His counsel was sought, his wisdom treasured, and his very being a source of comfort and stability.

The levaya will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, at the Woodridge Shul. Kevurah will take place in Eretz Yisroel.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] President Trump and Melania Trump greeted King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House today, signaling a friendly opening to a high-profile visit intended to calm tensions between the United States and the United Kingdom.

As the royal couple arrived, both pairs exchanged greetings, with Melania Trump giving a respectful bow to King Charles.

With the welcoming gestures complete, the group moved into the White House’s Green Room, where they sat down for a classic English afternoon tea featuring small sandwiches, bite-sized desserts, and freshly poured loose-leaf tea strained into cups.

During the visit, the president gestured toward ongoing construction work on a new ballroom at the White House.

After leaving the White House, the king and queen made their way to a large garden reception at the British ambassador’s residence.

At the gathering, Charles and Camilla were seen mingling with prominent figures including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, White House deputy chiefs of staff Stephen Miller and James Blair, and CNN host Kaitlin Collins.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also spent time with the royal guests, both expressing confidence that members of Congress would extend a warm welcome when the king visits Capitol Hill on Tuesday.

The royal visit, which spans four days, includes several major events, among them King Charles’s planned address to a joint session of Congress and a formal state dinner at the White House.

On Wednesday, the king and queen are scheduled to travel to Lower Manhattan to visit the 9/11 Memorial.

At the same time, the 77-year-old monarch faces expectations to help repair strained relations between Washington and London, taking on a diplomatic role aimed at improving ties between President Trump and the British government.

The president has openly criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, faulting him for what he views as insufficient support during the conflict with Iran and criticizing restrictions on oil drilling in the North Sea.

Starmer, for his part, has made efforts to maintain a positive relationship, including placing a phone call to Trump on Sunday following the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner the previous night.

“He expressed his relief that the President and First Lady were safe and wished a speedy recovery to the officer injured,” 10 Downing Street said in a readout of the PM’s conversation.

Despite those efforts, British officials see the king’s visit as a key component in strengthening diplomatic ties.

Trump has long expressed admiration for the British monarchy, and the current visit — marking the 250th anniversary of American independence — represents the first official state visit of his second term.

The trip began on a ceremonial note at Joint Base Andrews, where children from British military families living in the United States presented flowers to the king and queen. A U.S. military honor guard stood in formation along the red carpet as a band performed both “God Save the King” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Queen Camilla wore a notable piece of jewelry with historic ties to New York City. The brooch, featuring both the Union Flag and the Stars and Stripes, was originally gifted to Queen Elizabeth II by New York City Mayor Robert Wagner during her first state visit to the United States in October 1957. The piece is adorned with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds.

Throughout the visit, a full schedule of appearances has been arranged to showcase the royal couple and foster goodwill among Americans, whose country gained independence from Britain 250 years ago.

One of the central events will take place Tuesday evening, when the president hosts a state dinner at the White House, expected to include many of his children along with business leaders and other invited guests.

Upon arriving in Washington, the king and queen traveled from Joint Base Andrews to Blair House, the official guest residence located across from the White House, where American and British flags lined the street in anticipation of their stay.

WATCH:

Lawmakers from Degel HaTorah have begun exploring the possibility of running independently from Agudas Yisroel in the next elections, a move that could significantly reshape the chareidi political landscape and affect the balance within the right-wing bloc.

During an initial internal discussion held last week, participants examined the feasibility of a split, with sources present at the meeting saying party officials believe Degel HaTorah could cross the electoral threshold on its own and even do so “with ease.” According to those sources, this confidence is based on internal assessments and perceived support trends on the ground.

Despite that optimism, senior figures in the party are also weighing the potential consequences of such a decision. They note that if Degel HaTorah were to run separately, Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu is expected to exert heavy pressure against the move, out of concern that a division within the chareidi parties could result in “wasted votes” from Agudas Yisroel, potentially weakening the broader right-wing bloc.

For now, the discussion is viewed as a preliminary step, and any final decision regarding whether to split or remain united will ultimately be determined by the Gedolei Yisroel.

{Matzav.com}

A 51-year-old Belzer chossid from Boro Park, Reb Nochum Yisroel Eber z”l, was murdered in Colombia after being robbed while traveling, leaving his family and community in shock.

The tragic news emerged after Nochum Yisroel had been reported missing for several days. His body was located in recent hours, prompting coordination between local authorities, members of the Jewish community in Colombia, and community representatives from the United States to ensure proper handling of the remains and arrangements for burial back in the U.S.

Nochum Yisroel was the son of Reb Menachem Mendel Eber of Montreal, a member of the Belzer community who passed away in Iyar 5781. This past Shabbos marked his yahrzeit. His mother is the daughter of Reb Yitzchok Shlomo Greenwald, among the elder and prominent Belzer chassidim in Montreal.

He is survived by his immediate family and 16 siblings spread across Belzer communities worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, and Eretz Yisroel.

Friends and acquaintances expressed deep sorrow upon hearing the news, describing him as a warm and kind individual, known for his generous spirit and welcoming demeanor.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Amid the escalating debate over Israel’s draft law and proposed economic penalties targeting the Torah community, constitutional attorney David Peter has issued a forceful critique of the High Court’s recent ruling, arguing that it undermines fundamental democratic principles while masking itself in the language of equality.

The latest High Court decision marked a significant escalation in the battle over the conscription of chareidim, with justices invoking their authority to act “for the sake of justice” and ordering government ministries to quickly formulate concrete steps to impose broad financial sanctions.

The measures under consideration strike directly at what many describe as the economic backbone of chareidi families, including canceling daycare and after-school subsidies, eliminating discounts on municipal taxes and public transportation, and even denying benefits tied to government housing programs. The judges acknowledged they were acting “with a very heavy heart” but argued that such steps were necessary due to the state’s failure to enforce the law.

Rejecting the court’s underlying assumptions, Peter asserted in a sharply worded statement that “there is no and never has been a general conscription obligation in Israel.” He explained that, under Israeli law, the draft requirement applies only to individuals who receive a personal order from a military officer, and that for years, authorities have exercised discretion not to draft certain minority groups, including Arabs and chareidim.

According to Peter, the High Court created a “legal fiction” by determining that chareidim require specific legislation to be exempt from service, while other minority groups are effectively excluded through administrative discretion. He described the ruling as one that singles out the Jewish minority sector for unequal treatment under the banner of equality.

Peter further argued that the decision reflects a broader breakdown in the legal system’s adherence to its own principles.

He contended that the court effectively invented new sanctions without any explicit legislative basis.

He also accused the judiciary of overstepping its authority by intervening directly in military and law enforcement matters, asserting that by instructing draft officials to issue conscription orders and directing police actions, the court has assumed powers reserved for the executive branch.

In addition, Peter raised concerns about the implications for minority rights, questioning who will defend the Jewish minority’s ability to achieve protections through parliamentary means if such efforts are routinely struck down as violations of majority equality.

In his concluding remarks, Peter also directed criticism at right-wing figures who support the court’s actions because they favor increased chareidi enlistment. He warned that backing what he views as judicial overreach for short-term political gain is a serious mistake, and argued that the right must undergo a “cultural revolution” to recognize what he described as the court’s use of the draft issue as a political tool to undermine democratic norms, independent of the broader debate over military service.

The Yerushalayim community is mourning the passing of Rav Avrohom Moshe Dov Mendelson zt”l, a longtime resident of the Gush Shemonim neighborhood, who was niftar this morning at the age of 82. He was widely known for his daily early-morning tefillos at the Kosel and for his lifelong dedication to children with special needs.

Rav Mendelson was born on 11 Kislev 5704 to his father, Rav Chaim Pinchos Tzvi Mendelson of Pagi–Sanhedria, a respected figure among Yerushalayim’s rabbanim and a close talmid of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv. His mother was Mrs. Leah Mendelson a”h.

His father, Rav Pinchos, maintained a deep and enduring connection with Rav Elyashiv for decades, regularly sitting near him in the beis medrash and among the earliest to arrive for his shiurim.

Upon reaching marriageable age, Rav Mendelson married his wife, the daughter of Rav Moshe Aryeh Saks, and together they established a home rooted in Torah and yiras Shamayim.

He was known as one of the earliest to rise each day to serve the Ribbono Shel Olam, making his way to the Kosel on a daily basis. He maintained consistent learning schedules and devoted himself wholeheartedly to helping children with special needs, investing his personal resources and energy on their behalf. Those who knew him describe a life marked by ahavas habriyos and quiet acceptance of hardship, always accompanied by a warm and welcoming countenance.

The levaya was held at his home at 7 Grossberg Street in Gush shemonim, proceeding through the Tel Arza avreichim minyan, and continuing to Har Hamenuchos for kevurah.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Fire and Rescue Commissioner has issued a nationwide order prohibiting the lighting of bonfires and open flames in the days leading up to Lag BaOmer, citing concerns over wildfire danger and current safety conditions.

The restriction, signed Monday, will go into effect on Sunday and remain in place through Tuesday, as authorities seek to reduce the risk of large-scale fires amid extreme weather and heightened security concerns in forests and open areas.

According to the directive, fires will be allowed only in sites that have been specifically approved in advance by local municipalities, the Nature and Parks Authority, or KKL-JNF.

Any fires lit outside of those designated locations will be considered illegal.

Fire and Rescue Services officials said they are preparing for widespread enforcement, with hundreds of firefighters set to be deployed across the country to monitor compliance and respond rapidly to any incidents that may arise.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Home Front Command announced that current civilian restrictions in the north will remain in place through Tuesday evening, as tensions continue to rise along the Lebanese border and officials warn of further escalation.

Following a situational assessment, authorities confirmed that the existing defense guidelines will stay in effect until 8:00 p.m. on April 28, 2026. The measures primarily impact northern communities, while no additional restrictions have been imposed elsewhere in the country.

Under the updated directives, gatherings in frontline areas are limited to a maximum of 1,500 people. The same cap applies to the communities of Meron, Bar Yochai, Or HaGanuz, and Safsufa. Officials emphasized that all other aspects of the current safety policy remain unchanged and urged residents to stay informed through official channels.

The continued restrictions come amid renewed escalation with Hezbollah, following expanded IDF strikes in the Beqaa Valley and multiple areas in southern Lebanon. At the same time, figures associated with Hezbollah have issued threats to broaden the range of attacks targeting Israel.

Against this backdrop, Defense Minister Yisroel Katz met with the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, delivering a pointed message to both the Lebanese government and Hezbollah. Senior defense and military officials also took part in the meeting.

Katz warned that “Naim Qassem is playing with fire, and Aoun is gambling with Lebanon’s future. There will not be a situation of a ceasefire in Lebanon alongside gunfire on our forces and on the communities of the Galilee.” He added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and he had instructed the IDF “to respond with force against Hezbollah for every violation and attack, and any threat to our forces and to Israeli communities.”

He further cautioned that “Naim Qassem is playing with fire, and the fire will burn Hezbollah and all of Lebanon, just like in the parable of the thornbush.” He continued, “If the Lebanese government continues to shelter under the shadow of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, fire will go out and burn the cedars of Lebanon.”

During the meeting, Katz stressed that the Lebanese government must ensure Hezbollah is disarmed, beginning in areas south of the Litani River up to the so-called “Blue Line,” and eventually throughout all of Lebanon. He added that the IDF stands ready to act and assist if necessary.

The message from Israel remains firm: Israel will not accept a situation in which a ceasefire exists in name only while Hezbollah continues to threaten IDF forces and northern communities. The extension of civilian restrictions, combined with the defense minister’s warnings, reflects a security environment that remains tense, with the possibility of further escalation still very real.

{Matzav.com}

New data from the global betting platform Polymarket suggests a rapid shift at the top of Israel’s political outlook, with Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu overtaking Naftali Bennett just one day after Bennett announced a joint political alliance with Yair Lapid.

According to the latest figures, Netanyahu has climbed to 42 percent, while Bennett has dropped to 39 percent. The numbers indicate that the political move, which was expected to strengthen Bennett’s position, may have had the opposite effect in the eyes of market participants.

The most striking figure in the data relates to Bennett’s new partner. Polymarket currently gives Lapid just a 1.4 percent chance of forming the next government. Gadi Eisenkot is listed in third place, with approximately 14 percent.

The trend marks a notable reversal. Bennett, who had previously approached levels near 60 percent, has seen his standing decline following the formalization of the alliance. Netanyahu, by contrast, has regained the top spot and reestablished a lead.

From a political standpoint, the figures may suggest that Bennett’s partnership with Lapid is not being viewed as a clear advantage. Bennett had spent considerable time cultivating an image as an independent, right-leaning but broadly acceptable alternative capable of attracting both right-wing and centrist voters who were reluctant to back Netanyahu. The alliance with Lapid, based on current Polymarket pricing, may be blurring that distinct positioning.

Supporters of the move continue to frame it as a strategic effort to consolidate forces and prevent fragmentation within the bloc opposed to Netanyahu. Critics, however, see the data as highlighting a deeper concern: while Bennett has gained a prominent political partner, he may have sacrificed part of the unique appeal that initially positioned him as a viable challenger.

It is important to note that Polymarket is not an election poll, but rather a betting market that reflects real-time sentiment among traders. It does not measure seats or determine coalition outcomes. Still, as an indicator of how political developments are being interpreted, the early reaction to the Bennett-Lapid alliance appears far from enthusiastic.

{Matzav.com}

House Speaker Mike Johnson said President Donald Trump requires heightened security following the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, pointing to what he described as shortcomings in the event’s security measures.

Speaking Monday on “America’s Newsroom,” Johnson shared his observations of the setup, saying that from what he could tell, security procedures did not appear sufficiently strict.

“I can tell you from a layman’s perspective, it did look a little lax in terms of, as everyone’s now noted, getting into the building,” Johnson said. “Now, we all came in — Cabinet secretaries of government officials with their own details — we come in the back, so I didn’t see the magnetometers and all that, but it doesn’t sound like it was sufficient.”

Johnson noted that the incident follows multiple prior threats against Trump and said the current situation is unacceptable. He stressed that after three unsuccessful assassination attempts, “this can’t go on.”

“He’s the most attacked, maligned political figure in history,” Johnson said. “He’s very resilient, but he needs greater protection. And I think there’s going to be a reevaluation, a very close reevaluation of how we handle these large events.”

He also said that House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has already initiated a review of the incident and plans to hold a hearing with the Secret Service to examine what changes may be needed, including potential funding or other measures.

When asked about the timeline for the review, Johnson said it would happen “soon,” later clarifying that he expects it to take place “within the next couple of weeks.”

{Matzav.com}

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered sharp criticism of Iran’s conduct in ongoing negotiations, accusing Tehran of humiliating the United States and expressing concern over Washington’s broader strategy in the Middle East, including in remarks directed at President Donald Trump.

Speaking Monday to students in the German city of Merseburg, Merz said Iran’s leadership is “humiliating the United States” by drawing American officials into talks that yield no results.

He elaborated on Iran’s approach, saying, “The Iranians are, of course, very skilled in negotiations—or more precisely, very skilled at not negotiating, by allowing the Americans to travel to Islamabad and then return again without any result.” He added, “An entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by what are known as the Revolutionary Guards, and I hope this ends as quickly as possible.”

Merz also voiced skepticism about the direction of U.S. policy, stating that he does not see a clear exit strategy in Washington’s confrontation with Iran. His comments underscore reported tensions between the United States and its European NATO allies, which have also surfaced on other issues such as the war in Ukraine.

Addressing the regional situation, Merz said there is a sense that European powers were not included in consultations prior to the U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran at the end of February. He noted that he conveyed his concerns directly to President Trump afterward, saying, “If I had known this would last five or six weeks and gradually escalate, I would have said it even more forcefully.”

Drawing comparisons to past American military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, Merz warned that the current situation is having economic consequences for Germany. “It is costing Germany a lot of money, a lot of taxpayers’ money and a lot of economic strength,” he said.

He also addressed developments in the Strait of Hormuz, saying there are indications that parts of the area have been mined, and noted that Germany has offered to send naval vessels to assist in mine-clearing operations.

{Matzav.com}

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday introduced a proposed congressional redistricting plan that could hand Republicans as many as four additional seats in the U.S. House, potentially offsetting recent changes in Virginia that favored Democrats.

The draft map would reshape several districts across central and southern Florida, eliminating four areas that have traditionally leaned Democratic and leaving cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, and West Palm Beach as solidly Democratic strongholds.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, which first reported on the proposal, DeSantis argued the changes are necessary to correct what he described as an imbalance following the last census. “Florida got shortchanged in the 2020 Census, and we’ve been fighting for fair representation ever since,” DeSantis said. “Our population has since grown dramatically, and we have moved from a Democrat majority to a 1.5 million Republican advantage. Drawing maps based on race, which is reflected in our current congressional districts, is unconstitutional and should be prohibited.”

To advance the proposal, DeSantis has called lawmakers back to Tallahassee for a special legislative session set to begin Tuesday, where the new district lines will be taken up for consideration.

{Matzav.com}

The 31-year-old man accused of opening fire near the White House Correspondents Dinner has been formally charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump, appearing in federal court in Washington, D.C., where he spoke assertively as the case against him was outlined.

The suspect, identified as Cole Allen, responded clearly and audibly to the judge during his initial appearance, where prosecutors charged him with attempted assassination of the president, transporting a firearm across state lines to carry out a felony, and discharging a weapon.

If convicted of the most serious charge, Allen could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Dressed in a blue jail-issued jumpsuit and not restrained, Allen entered the courtroom with a subdued expression. When asked to identify himself, he replied loudly, “Cole Tomas Allen.”

The defendant, described as a graduate of CalTech, also confirmed his age and stated that he holds a “master’s degree.”

Prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine told the judge Allen “attempted to assassinate the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.”

She added that Allen traveled across state boundaries “carrying a 12-gauge pump-action shot gun,” along with a “.38-caliber semi automatic pistol and three knives.”

The court ordered that Allen remain in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for Thursday. The most serious charge carries a potential life sentence.

Authorities say Allen, who had worked as a teacher and studied at CalTech, targeted the high-profile gathering attended by President Trump and senior administration officials alongside members of the press on Motzoei Shabbos.

According to investigators, Allen discharged a shotgun and attempted to force his way through a security checkpoint outside the Washington Hilton ballroom approximately 20 minutes after President Trump and first lady Melania Trump had entered the event.

During the incident, a Secret Service agent was struck by gunfire before other agents were able to overpower and detain the suspect.

Officials said the injured agent survived due to wearing a protective vest.

President Trump, the first lady, and other senior officials were quickly removed from the venue. The dinner, an annual event honoring members of the Washington press, was canceled and is expected to be rescheduled about a month later.

Investigators revealed that Allen sent a disturbing message to family members roughly 10 minutes before the shooting began. The contents were serious enough that his brother contacted police in New London, Connecticut.

In the message, Allen referred to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and indicated that he intended to target senior figures within the Republican administration, while noting he did not plan to harm FBI Director Kash Patel or other law enforcement officials.

“I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes,” Allen wrote, in an apparent reference to Trump.

The message also included criticism of what Allen described as weak security measures at the hotel, claiming he was able to enter the building without detection despite carrying weapons.

“Like, the one thing that I immediately noticed walking into the hotel is the sense of arrogance. I walk in with multiple weapons and not a single person there considers the possibility that I could be a threat,” he wrote.

Authorities also noted references in his writings to “the Wide Awakes,” a Civil War-era youth movement aligned with the Republican Party that supported anti-slavery positions.

Allen, who holds an engineering degree from Caltech along with a master’s in computer science, had been employed by the tutoring firm C2 Education, where he was recognized as “Teacher of the Month” in December 2024.