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French President Emmanuel Macron said that President Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin are contributing to a broader global realignment that he believes is unfavorable to Europe.

Describing the moment as pivotal, Macron said the three leaders are “fiercely” opposed to Europe, a blunt assessment that reflects rising friction between European governments and Washington as Trump pushes allies to assume a greater share of defense responsibilities.

Macron made the remarks during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, according to Liga.net. His comments point to growing concern in Paris that Europe is becoming increasingly isolated while major powers pursue their own competing priorities, particularly as Trump continues to reshape U.S. foreign policy and longstanding alliances.

He said the current environment should prompt the European Union to take a stronger, more independent role globally.

“This is the right moment for Europeans to take decisive action,” he said.

Trump has consistently urged NATO members to increase their military spending and rely less on the United States, arguing that European countries have leaned too heavily on American protection.

At the same time, Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine remains a direct security concern for Europe, while China continues expanding its economic footprint across the continent.

Despite grouping Trump alongside Xi and Putin, Macron emphasized that the United States is still an ally, though not always “reliable” or “predictable.”

A longtime proponent of “strategic autonomy,” Macron said Europe can no longer assume it will remain aligned even with traditional partners and must be prepared to safeguard its own interests.

His remarks underscore a growing divide over the future of Western alliances, as Europe faces mounting pressure from multiple directions and increasing uncertainty about the dependability of past relationships.

Macron is in Greece for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening defense ties, particularly as tensions involving Iran have affected navigation in the Persian Gulf. Mitsotakis highlighted the European Union’s commitment to mutual support among member states in the face of threats, as outlined in EU treaties.

“This is a political signal: we are not relying solely on NATO,” said Mitsotakis, according to Liga.net.

Greece, home to one of the world’s largest merchant shipping fleets, also serves as a base for a European naval operation in the Red Sea.

Macron is expected to discuss with Greek officials the possibility of organizing a future multinational mission to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, potentially involving “neutral” countries once the situation involving Iran stabilizes.

{Matzav.com}

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Tehran will not enter into “forced negotiations” with the United States while facing threats and pressure, underscoring continued tensions as diplomatic efforts stall.

Speaking during a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian said U.S. actions are eroding trust and complicating any potential progress toward talks. He warned that movement toward diplomacy would remain unlikely unless “hostile actions and operational pressures” by Washington are brought to an end.

Pezeshkian added that Washington would need to remove “operational obstacles, including the blockade” affecting vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports before any meaningful resolution of disputes could take shape.

According to a statement from Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif told Pezeshkian that Islamabad “would continue its sincere and honest endeavors to promote regional peace and security.”

In a social media post, Sharif also expressed appreciation to Iran for dispatching a high-level delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad for discussions aimed at ending the war.

That Iranian delegation departed Islamabad on Saturday and later arrived in Muscat, Oman, where additional regional talks are expected to take place.

Meanwhile, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, had been scheduled to travel to Islamabad for meetings, but the visit was abruptly called off.

“I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going is Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their ‘leadership.’ Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!”

Trump later elaborated in an interview with Fox News, saying, “I’ve told my people a little while ago they were getting ready to leave, and I said, ‘Nope, you’re not making an 18 hour flight to go there. We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you’re not going to be making any more 18 hour flights to sit around talking about nothing.'”

Earlier in the week, Trump said that internal divisions within Iran had led him to extend the ceasefire for an unspecified period to give Tehran time to present a proposal for a potential agreement.

In a Truth Social post, Trump emphasized that the U.S. naval blockade would remain in effect until Iran submits a proposal.

On Thursday, when asked how long he would wait for Iran to respond, Trump said he was in “no rush.”

He also told reporters that Iran’s leadership is “fighting like cats and dogs for who’s going to control” the country.

“We’ve taken out their military. We’ve hit about 75 percent of our targets. We stopped a little early because they wanted to have some peace, and we have a blockade that’s 100 percent effective. And they’re getting no business,” he said.

Trump further stated, “They want to make a deal. We have been speaking to them, but they don’t even know who’s leading the country. They’re in turmoil.”

“They came to us, and they said, ‘We will agree to open the Strait,’ and all my people were happy. Everybody was happy-except me. I said, ‘Wait a minute. If we open this strait, that means they’re going to make 500 million dollars a day. I don’t want them to make 500 million dollars a day until they settle this thing, so I’m the one that kept it closed. We have total control of it. And it’ll open when they make a deal or something else happens,” continued Trump.

The president also said he could reach an agreement with Iran “right now,” but emphasized that he is seeking a lasting solution rather than a temporary arrangement.

{Matzav.com}

A multinational convoy of vessels is advancing toward the Gaza coastline, with organizers saying the mission is to bring humanitarian assistance to Palestinian Arabs and challenge the ongoing blockade.

The effort, known as the “Global Sumud” flotilla, departed from Barcelona, Spain, in mid-April and reached the port of Syracuse in Sicily, Italy, on Thursday as it continued its journey.

A similar initiative organized by the same group last September ended with decisive Israeli action. Israeli forces intercepted the ships in international waters, took control of the vessels, detained hundreds of activists onboard, and later deported them. That flotilla was subsequently found to have connections to the Hamas terror group.

Participants in the current mission include activists, volunteers, and members of civil society groups from multiple countries. Some individuals involved told a Turkish news agency that their objective is to establish a humanitarian corridor into Gaza, contribute to rebuilding efforts, and demonstrate support for residents of the Gaza Strip.

Organizers say the flotilla is expected to include roughly 100 boats, with vessels joining from countries such as Turkey and Greece.

{Matzav.com}

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Law enforcement officials say a suspect has been taken into custody following the April 25 shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner attended by President Donald Trump and the first lady, with multiple national outlets identifying the individual as a 31-year-old man from California.

The New York Times, CBS, the Associated Press, and other media organizations reported that the suspect is Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, citing unnamed law enforcement sources. USA TODAY said it has not independently confirmed the identity.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro told reporters that the suspect is expected to appear in federal court on April 27, where he will face charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. She said additional charges, including terrorism, have not been ruled out.

“If there’s anything like that we will find it, and we will file it,” she said.

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said the suspect was taken to a hospital for evaluation, and confirmed that a Secret Service agent who was struck in his bulletproof vest was also transported for medical care.

Bowser and Jeffrey Carroll, the interim chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, said investigators believe the individual in custody acted alone.

Carroll added that the suspect is believed to have been staying as a guest at the Washington Hilton, where the event took place.

President Trump, who was escorted out of the ballroom after gunfire was reported in the lobby area, told reporters that the suspect “charged 50 yards” in an attempt to bypass a security checkpoint and was carrying multiple weapons.

He also shared security footage showing a person running past security and another clip depicting the individual being subdued on the ground.

Kash Patel said the suspect was armed with a long gun. Police in Washington, D.C., reported that the individual was carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives.

“The evidence response unit is examining all the ballistics that were found on scene to include the long gun and the shell casings,” he told reporters in the White House briefing room.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the investigation remains active, with authorities working to secure search warrants as part of the ongoing probe.

“I promise you justice will be served,” Blanche said.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump commended the swift actions of the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies tonight after an armed suspect attempted to breach security at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, describing their response as “incredible” and crediting them with protecting lives.

Speaking after being evacuated from the Washington Hilton, Trump recounted the tense moments and said the incident, while dangerous, also brought people together in an unexpected way.

“A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service,” Trump said at the White House. “They acted very quickly.”

Trump said one Secret Service agent was shot at close range during the confrontation but was unharmed due to a bulletproof vest.

He added that he spoke directly with the agent afterward, noting the individual was “in great shape” and maintaining a positive outlook following the incident.

The president also directed that video footage of the attack be released, saying it would demonstrate the professionalism and bravery displayed by law enforcement during the situation.

He referred to the suspect as a “thug” who “attacked our Constitution,” suggesting the episode reflects a broader trend of political violence in recent years.

The shooting unfolded outside the ballroom during the annual dinner—often referred to as the “Nerd Prom”—which Trump said is meant to honor free speech and bring together members of the media and political leadership.

Even amid the disruption, Trump said the experience fostered a sense of unity among those present.

“I saw a room that was just totally unified … Republicans, Democrats, independents … there was a tremendous amount of love,” he said.

Reports from Reuters and AFP indicated that the suspect was detained near a security checkpoint before gaining access to the main event area, likely preventing additional casualties.

Inside the ballroom, attendees took cover beneath tables as security personnel moved quickly to secure the scene.

Trump used the moment to advocate for stronger protective measures in Washington, including the construction of a more secure White House ballroom equipped with features such as bulletproof glass and defenses against drones.

“This is why we need levels of security that probably nobody has ever seen before,” he said.

He also referenced prior attempts on his life, including the 2024 rally shooting in Pennsylvania and another foiled plot in Florida, pointing to what he described as a continuing threat environment.

Despite the incident, Trump stressed that acts of violence would not disrupt public events or intimidate the nation.

“We’re not going to let anybody take over our society,” he said, adding that the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the suspect, while Trump urged Americans to handle political disagreements peacefully, even as he reiterated his focus on maintaining law and order.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump delivers remarks following his evacuation from the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.

WATCH:

A security scare interrupted davening today at Bais Medrash Govoah, the largest yeshiva in the United States, forcing the evacuation of one of its main buildings in the middle of Mussaf.

The incident occurred at the Bendheim (Yoshon) Bais Medrash building on 7th Street in Lakewood, NJ, between Lakewood Avenue and Private Way, where hundreds of mispallelim had gathered. In the midst of davening, attendees were directed to leave the building following reports of a potential threat.

The bais medrash was immediately cleared and remained closed while authorities conducted a sweep of the premises.

Law enforcement and emergency personnel responded to the scene and began investigating the situation.

Davening was relocated across the street to the Bais Yitzchok building, where the davening continued under the circumstances.

After a thorough inspection, officials issued an all-clear, allowing for a return to normal activity.

Authorities have not released details about the source of the threat, and an investigation is ongoing.

{Matzav.com}

[Videos below.] An individual suspected of opening fire has been taken into custody after gunshots rang out during a press dinner attended by President Donald Trump in Washington, according to witnesses and reporters who say the president was swiftly escorted out of the venue.

Guests at the formal White House Correspondents’ Dinner ducked for cover as loud popping sounds echoed through the room, prompting many to dive beneath tables in an effort to shield themselves.

Armed tactical units quickly moved onto the stage area where Trump had been moments earlier, securing the space after his evacuation.

Law enforcement officers flooded the grounds of the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the event was being held, while helicopters circled above the scene.

A pool report, citing the Secret Service, confirmed that the suspected gunman had been apprehended.

Reports indicate that both President Trump and Vice President JD Vance were not injured in the incident.

A volunteer working at the dinner said the alleged attacker appeared to assemble a “long” weapon in a section near a terrace-level entrance that had minimal oversight before beginning to shoot and heading toward the main ballroom.

The witness, Helen Mabus, who identified herself as a volunteer from Harrisburg, Pa., described a “makeshift room” near the entrance where bar carts were kept and where “there was no security” at the time.

“He was in that room […] he grabbed it out of a bag or something,” Mabus said, adding that the weapon “was long” and “didn’t look like a typical gun.”

According to Mabus, the suspect remained partially hidden from security personnel while putting the weapon together inside that room, then suddenly moved toward the central event area.

“He put it together and […] ran towards the stairs to go down to the ballroom,” she said.

The suspect then opened fire in several directions, sending attendees and staff scrambling for safety.

“It just seem like he was shooting all over the place,” Mabus said, estimating she heard “at least 10 shots.”

She said the gunfire triggered immediate panic, with people “screaming and running” while Secret Service and other armed personnel rushed toward the danger.

Mabus said she fled in the opposite direction and did not see the suspect apprehended, adding that the chaos unfolded just steps from the path leading down to the ballroom where hundreds of high-profile guests had gathered.

{Matzav.com}

A rare and historic event is set to take place at Ponovezh Yeshiva in Bnei Brak, as Slabodka rosh yeshiva Rav Dov Landau is expected to deliver a shiur klali and words of chizuk in the yeshiva’s main bais medrash on Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m.

The upcoming shiur has generated significant excitement among the yeshiva’s hanhalah and talmidim, as it marks an exceptionally uncommon occurrence—an outside rosh yeshiva delivering a shiur klali between the walls of Ponovezh.

In preparation for the event, the nosi of the yeshiva, Rav Eliezer Kahaneman, personally visited Rav Landau in recent days to extend an invitation for the special occasion. Rav Landau agreed to participate, setting the stage for the highly anticipated shiur.

Matzav.com has learned that during that meeting, Rav Kahaneman noted that such an event has only taken place twice in the past, when shiurim were delivered by Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer zt”l and Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l, making the upcoming shiur the third instance of its kind.

{Matzav.com}

City leaders and education officials in Bnei Brak held an emergency meeting to address a growing wave of arson incidents involving youths, announcing strict new measures—including suspensions from cheder—for students found involved.

The urgent gathering, held at City Hall, brought together dozens of principals from Talmudei Torah across the city in an effort to present a unified response to troubling behavior that has become increasingly common among local teenagers. The main focus was a series of fires set in different parts of the city by students, creating real danger to lives, causing property damage, and disrupting emergency response efforts.

Deputy Mayor Chanoch Zeibert opened the meeting by outlining the severity of the issue, warning that fires in residential areas are harming residents due to heavy smoke and creating a public disgrace in the eyes of emergency and security forces. He stressed that such conduct is unacceptable for students who are expected to reflect proper values, and called on school administrators to ensure that students return home immediately after classes rather than wandering through the city in the evening hours.

The keynote speaker, Rav Yehuda Aryeh Dinner, described his personal distress as someone living near the affected areas and witnessing the scenes firsthand. He spoke about the serious harm caused to neighbors and the disruption to Torah study, and urged school leaders to act with firm and uncompromising measures to restore order. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the damage being caused by such behavior among youth raised in a Torah environment.

During the meeting, participants held an in-depth discussion and acknowledged the complexity of the situation. They ultimately agreed on a series of strict disciplinary steps, including immediate suspension for any student found in areas where the incidents are occurring. Schools will also issue urgent warnings to students through their internal systems to deter involvement in fire-setting, and staff will conduct proactive patrols in areas known to be at risk.

At the same time, a letter was sent to parents calling for full cooperation. The notice outlines the legal consequences of arson and includes a written commitment that parents are required to sign. Parents will be expected to monitor when their children return home and prevent them from having access to materials that could be used to start fires.

City officials Menachem Shapiro, Shlomo Elharar, and Avraham Binder said they will back the schools in enforcing these tough measures, emphasizing that strong action is necessary to stop the ongoing disturbances in the city’s streets.

{Matzav.com}

Mike Pence said President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff policies are contributing to economic difficulties in the United States, even as he credited Republicans for extending tax cuts that he said helped limit the damage.

Speaking on MSNBC’s “Way Too Early,” Pence argued that while the continuation of tax cuts provided some relief, the administration’s tariff strategy has created additional economic pressure.

Pence said, “I give Republicans in Congress and the president a great credit for extending those tax cuts in full. I think had they not done that, had those taxes gone up while tariffs were going up, I think our economy would be would be struggling even more than it is today.”

Host Ali Vitali noted the current economic challenges, saying, “You see the economy that’s struggling right now.”

Pence responded by pointing to uncertainty surrounding the tariff policy as a key factor weighing on economic performance.

“I think the economy has been impacted by the uncertainty around the president’s broad-based tariffs from Liberation Day. Advancing American Freedom was one of the few groups that went into the courts to challenge those policies on constitutional grounds.”

He also welcomed a recent legal development involving the policy.

“I was heartened that the Supreme Court of the United States, overturned the president’s Liberation Day tariffs.”

Vitali remarked on Trump’s reaction to the ruling, saying, “He was quite critical of that.”

Pence acknowledged the president’s stance but emphasized his own constitutional interpretation.

“I know he’s not happy about it, but Constitution’s quite clear that taxes originate in the Congress, not by the president, and that that includes what our Founders called imposts, which are tariffs.”

[Video below.] Hakeem Jeffries found himself momentarily surprised when a child posed a pointed question about Democrats’ public image during a Capitol Hill event.

The exchange took place during a Take Your Child to Work Day program, where children of members of the press were invited to question lawmakers directly.

The moment quickly drew attention after one young participant raised a blunt issue that reflects a broader political challenge for Democrats as they approach a crucial election season.

The first question came from the daughter of CNN correspondent Manu Raju, who asked Jeffries, “Why do voters view Democrats so poorly?”

The question prompted laughter from the audience, while Jeffries appeared taken aback and jokingly asked whether the question had been suggested in advance by her father.

WATCH:

He quickly added that it was “a great question.”

“It’s a great question in that — I’m gonna have words with you after this, Manu,” Jeffries said.

Jeffries then offered a detailed response, pointing to a broader sense of frustration among Americans toward institutions.

“I think that we exist in an era right now where the American people are understandably frustrated with institutions because far too many people in this country are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck,” he said.

“They can’t thrive and can barely survive. And so there’s a frustration with Congress. There’s frustration with institutional political parties, whether that’s Democrats or Republicans. certainly a frustration with the courts, with organized religion, with the media, frustration with institutions of higher education and, of course, frustration with the current president of the United States of America.

“There’s a great frustration that applies to every organized institution in this country, and Democrats are not immune from that,” he continued. “And we do have a responsibility to continue to convince the American people that, as a party, we’re actually focused on making their life better.”

Jeffries, who has led House Democrats since 2023, is playing a central role in shaping the party’s message as it works to respond to Republican criticism and reconnect with voters concerned about economic pressures and the cost of living. Recent polling and analysis have highlighted concerns about the party’s standing with key constituencies, adding weight to the question raised during the event.

The exchange highlighted the communication hurdles Democrats face heading into a pivotal election cycle, with even an unscripted question from a child echoing broader concerns among voters.

{Matzav.com}

A new controversy has emerged among hundreds of volunteers from the Gerer chassidus who serve as responders with Magen David Adom after the community’s rabbinic technology committee issued a formal letter questioning the permissibility of certain operational devices.

In the letter sent to MDA leadership, the committee stated that the POC devices—commonly referred to by volunteers as the “yellow device”—no longer meet the chassidus’s accepted standards. The announcement has left many volunteers grappling with both hashkafic and technological concerns.

According to the document, the decision followed a thorough review by experts working with the committee, who concluded that the devices are not fully secure. “We hereby inform you that MDA POC devices (the yellow device) are not approved for use by Gerer chassidic responders due to the existing breach,” the letter stated.

The committee pointed to a specific issue that led to its ruling: the Waze navigation app. According to the rabbonim, it is possible to access an external, unfiltered network through the app, creating what they described as a serious breach in the community’s technological safeguards.

At the same time, the committee emphasized that the decision is not meant to impose an impossible standard, and that it is open to dialogue in order to find a technical solution that would allow volunteers to continue their work. Any device would need to undergo further testing or receive certification from an approved oversight body before being permitted for use, the committee clarified.

Sources familiar with the matter said the letter was not intended to immediately pull devices out of service or halt volunteer activity, but rather to highlight the issue to MDA leadership so that stronger filtering solutions can be implemented in line with the chassidus’s strict requirements.

The issue now rests with MDA officials, who rely on hundreds of chareidi volunteers nationwide. The organization will need to balance maintaining operational readiness and constant communication with dispatch centers against the stringent religious standards set by rabbinic authorities.

Within the chassidus, there is hope that ongoing discussions with MDA will produce a workable solution, one that ensures the life-saving device is free of any technological concerns, allowing volunteers to continue their critical work under rabbinic guidance.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump has announced that US representatives will not travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran.

“I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going is Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians,” he wrote on Truth Social. “Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their ‘leadership.’ Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!”

In an interview, Trump told Fox News, “I’ve told my people a little while ago they were getting ready to leave, and I said, ‘Nope, you’re not making an 18 hour flight to go there. We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you’re not going to be making any more 18 hour flights to sit around talking about nothing.'”

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Pakistan earlier without holding talks with US representatives. During his visit, Araghchi met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, and according to reports, conveyed Tehran’s response to the latest proposal to end the war.

This evening, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that control of the Strait of Hormuz constitutes Tehran’s “final strategy” in the conflict.

“Control of the Strait of Hormuz, and maintaining the deterrent effect it creates against America and the White House’s allies in the region, is the Islamic Republic of Iran’s ultimate strategy,” the IRGC said in a Telegram statement.

Gadi Eisenkot issued a warning to Shin Bet chief David Zini, cautioning that political elements may attempt to interfere with upcoming elections, while also delivering a sharp critique of the government’s security and political decisions.

Speaking at a political conference, Eisenkot directed pointed criticism at both the political leadership and the security establishment, according to a report by Ynet, focusing heavily on concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.

Addressing Zini directly, Eisenkot warned of possible attempts to undermine the vote. “Zini needs to open his eyes. There will be political actors who will try to sabotage these elections. After what I saw in terms of political organizing around the Supreme Court, my assumption is a strict one—that there will be political actors who will try to disrupt these elections.”

He stressed that the opposition must prepare in advance to oversee the process. “Therefore, as an opposition, we have spoken about the need to establish teams that will monitor every polling station across the State of Israel, from the Central Elections Committee and below, and not assume that there are people of integrity who accept Israeli democracy.”

Eisenkot linked his concerns to broader developments, arguing that recent events signal a challenge to democratic norms. “We are seeing a challenge to Israeli democracy, and therefore we must assume that there needs to be very tight supervision, because those who try to disrupt proceedings in the Supreme Court and cause a situation where Supreme Court justices have to be evacuated during a hearing must be assumed to have no limits. They will do everything to preserve this regime into the future, and therefore the test is a test of action. We need to be very meticulous and assume that this will happen.”

He also launched a direct attack on government policy in Judea and Samaria, placing responsibility on Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. “I want to say clearly: the one who sowed the wind and we are now reaping the storm is Binyomin Netanyahu, through the most recent coalition agreement. He dismantled the authority of the IDF as the sovereign force in Judea and Samaria, gave Smotrich control over the Civil Administration, and Ben Gvir control over the police in the Judea and Samaria district. In practice, today there is an inability for the military commander to control Judea and Samaria, and therefore we are seeing anarchy.”

Eisenkot also called for decisive action against nationalist violence, urging security officials to acknowledge what he described as a real threat. “I condemn violence and certainly terrorism, and I call on the head of the Shin Bet to open his eyes and not say there is no Jewish terrorism. There is Jewish terrorism. It is a minority, but a minority of hundreds that must be fought.”

He further appealed to Defense Minister Israel Katz to restore administrative detention powers to the IDF, describing them as a key tool in combating terrorism. Referring to recent violent incidents, he said: “To see ten Jews come to a home and set it on fire with its occupants inside—eight people were injured—is something that must be fought with an iron fist.”

In closing, Eisenkot addressed the political arena and his communications with Naftali Bennett. “I see him as a central partner,” he said. “We are corresponding, speaking, even two or three days ago. We have a shared goal—to replace this government and bring a state-oriented Zionist government that will lead the State of Israel and carry out deep reform. Even if we currently have disagreements about the path…”

“What guides me is how to win the elections, period. Ego—I promise—will not be a factor, and I promise I will do everything necessary to win.”

{Matzav.com}

Zohran Mamdani stood by his decision to single out billionaire Ken Griffin in a viral video promoting a proposed pied-à-terre tax, saying Friday he has no regrets as tensions grow between City Hall and the hedge fund giant.

Speaking to reporters in Brooklyn, Mamdani declined to express regret for referencing Griffin’s Manhattan penthouse in the video, which was filmed outside the Citadel founder’s 24,000-square-foot residence on Central Park South—purchased for $238 million in 2019.

“That home, when it was purchased, was the most expensive home in the United States of America, publicly reported, and it was described as such,” Mamdani said when pressed by reporters during an unrelated press conference in Brooklyn.

“And in a political environment where there is always an attempt to describe any increase in taxes as if it would be one that would apply to all, we wanted to make very clear that this applies to a very select group of properties,” he said.

The remarks followed Mamdani’s April 15 video, in which he declared “today, we’re taxing the rich,” highlighting Griffin’s luxury apartment as a prime example of properties that would fall under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed levy on high-end secondary homes in New York City.

The comments drew a sharp response from Citadel, where a senior executive criticized the mayor in a strongly worded internal email and raised the possibility of pulling back from a major development project in Manhattan.

“From his comments, it is apparent that the Mayor’s view is that these individuals do not contribute enough to the greater good,” Citadel COO Gerald Beeson wrote in the message.

“It is shameful that he used Ken’s name as the example of those who supposedly aren’t carrying their fair share of the burdens associated with New York City’s often costly and wasteful spending,” he wrote.

“In doing so, the Mayor has once again manifested the ignorance and disdain of the elite political class towards those who have been consistently committed to building one of the greatest cities in the world.”

Beeson also suggested Citadel could reconsider its plans for a $6 billion redevelopment at 350 Park Avenue, a project he said would generate thousands of jobs.

“The project – if we move forward – will entail more than $6 billion dollars of spending,” he wrote.

Asked whether he was concerned about the potential loss of the project, Mamdani did not directly address the possibility but emphasized his broader support for economic growth and business success in the city.

“I want New Yorkers to succeed. I want them to build businesses, to grow our economy and to create good paying jobs. And Ken Griffin has been a part of that. He’s an important employer and business leader in our city, and as I do with every New Yorker, I do want him to succeed, as mayor,” he said.

“I will continue to work with business leaders, including Mr. Griffin, as partners in building a city that continues to be the economic engine, not just of this state, but also of this country,” he continued — before pivoting to what he called the nation’s “fundamentally broken” tax system.

When asked again about naming Griffin in the video and whether he would meet with him, Mamdani sidestepped the question about regret but said he is open to dialogue.

“I’d be happy to speak with many business leaders across the city,” he said.

“We all want this city to succeed, and that is something that I’m committed to, no matter a question of unanimity on every single political issue,” he said.

He also avoided answering whether he had personally reached out to Griffin, instead pointing to broader economic concerns facing the city, which he described as a “a generational fiscal crisis” exceeding the severity of the 2008 downturn.

Mamdani said his focus is on balancing the city’s finances by asking wealthier individuals and corporations to contribute more.

“And that means Ken Griffin, and that means so many others across the city, and that also means those who would love to join us.”

Pressed again on whether he regretted singling out Griffin—especially in light of recent high-profile violence against corporate figures—Mamdani instead reiterated that his intent was to illustrate the limited scope of the proposed tax.

“And the reason that I gave other examples of this is that this piece of legislation is not motivated by any one individual. Rather, it is one that applies broadly without exception,” he said. “And so the next day, I spoke about a Saudi prince who bought an apartment for $90 million a Russian auto dealer who bought an apartment for close to $30 million in cash.

“I say these things not because I do not want these individuals to be here in New York City or to purchase property in New York City,” he insisted, “but rather to outline that we are talking about a proposal that will have a very narrow impact, and one that is being driven by an intention to ensure that everyone can remain in the city, including those that are taxed.”

{Matzav.com}

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that Hezbollah is attempting to disrupt emerging efforts toward a potential peace process with Lebanon, as Israeli forces carried out additional strikes in southern Lebanon following rocket fire toward northern Israel.

In a statement issued ahead of Shabbos, Netanyahu said Israel is continuing to reshape the Middle East while working closely with the Trump administration to pressure Iran. “I promised you that we would change the face of the Middle East – and that is exactly what we are doing,” he said.

The prime minister reported that he held what he described as a productive conversation with President Donald Trump, emphasizing that the United States is maintaining strong pressure on Iran through both economic and military means. “We are operating in full cooperation,” Netanyahu said.

Addressing developments on the northern front, Netanyahu said Israel has begun a process aimed at achieving what he called a historic peace between Israel and Lebanon, but warned that Hezbollah is actively trying to sabotage those efforts. “It is clear to us that Hezbollah is trying to undermine this. We are maintaining full freedom of action against any threat, including emerging threats,” he said.

Referring to ongoing military activity, Netanyahu added, “We struck yesterday and we struck today. We are determined to restore security to the residents of the north.”

Separately, the IDF confirmed that the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes on military structures in the village of Deir Aames, located north of the forward defense line in southern Lebanon. The attack followed rocket launches the previous night from the area toward the community of Shtula in the western Galilee.

According to the IDF, the targeted sites were used by Hezbollah to advance plans for attacks against Israeli forces and the State of Israel. The strike is part of continued efforts to eliminate threats to northern communities and to enforce the ceasefire.

The military said it will continue to act decisively against any threats to Israeli civilians and IDF troops, in accordance with directives from the political leadership. During recent operations in southern Lebanon, Israeli forces have uncovered extensive Hezbollah infrastructure, including underground command centers and rocket launch systems.

The ongoing operations come as President Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon by an additional three weeks, alongside a commitment to work with Lebanon to protect it from Hezbollah.

Israel’s annual Lag BaOmer gathering at Meron is now in jeopardy of being canceled due to the worsening security situation in the north, according to sources.

Defense officials have instructed government agencies involved in organizing the event to halt preparations, citing the escalating tensions and ongoing sirens in northern Israel. The directive effectively freezes all planning related to the large-scale gathering.

In an effort to reassess the situation, a high-level meeting is scheduled for Sunday with the prime minister to discuss whether the event can proceed. Participants are expected to include Communications Minister Shlomo Karchi, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, representatives from the IDF and police, and MK Meir Porush.

Despite the pause in planning, construction and infrastructure work at the Meron site is continuing for now, in order to preserve the possibility of holding the event if security conditions improve.

At this stage, the directive applies broadly to all aspects of the event, including transportation logistics, road closures, and crowd management. Up to 200,000 people had been expected to attend the gathering at the kever of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai.

In a separate update responding to media inquiries, the Ministry of Yerushalayim Affairs and Heritage said it has not received any formal instruction from the Home Front Command or the defense establishment regarding the cancellation of the Meron event.

The ministry stated that, in line with legal guidelines and in coordination with the police and Home Front Command, it has continued preparations in recent weeks for what was intended to be a standard and celebratory event, with public safety as a top priority. Officials added that discussions led by the prime minister are ongoing, and further updates will be issued as decisions are made.

{Matzav.com}