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A wave of joy spread through the Brisk Yeshivah after Rav Avraham Yehoshua Soloveitchik delivered his first shiur in nearly two months, marking a significant milestone in his ongoing recovery following a prolonged illness.

According to sources, the shiur was delivered Monday at its customary time of 3:30 p.m. in the Rosh Yeshiva‘s home in Yerushalayim. Attendance was kept intentionally small, with only his sons, who have been caring for him throughout his illness, members of the extended Soloveitchik family, and a select group of senior talmidim from the yeshivah invited to participate.

Although Rav Soloveitchik remains connected to an IV and is still in the midst of his recovery, he delivered the shiur from his home. The shiur lasted approximately one hour and ten minutes, only slightly shorter than his regular shiurim, which typically run for about one hour and twenty minutes.

During the shiur, the Rosh Yeshiva shared with those present that his physicians had agreed with his desire to resume teaching Torah, believing that returning to his lifelong routine of delivering shiurim could contribute to rebuilding his strength and aid in his physical recovery.

Rav Soloveitchik also apologized that he is not yet able to resume delivering shiurim to the hundreds of talmidim who normally attend. At this stage, he explained, his medical condition permits him to teach only from his home and only to the small group approved to be present.

{Matzav.com}

Fresh off the passage of the law freezing the arrests of yeshiva bochurim, the Knesset plenum continued its marathon legislative session Tuesday night, shifting its attention to a major kashrus reform bill as lawmakers race to complete key legislation before the Knesset dissolves later this week.

The legislation, sponsored by MK Ohad Tal of the Religious Zionist Party, would eliminate the current framework that allows private kashrus organizations to issue kosher certifications. Under the proposal, exclusive authority to grant kashrus certification would once again rest with Israel’s Chief Rabbinate, authorized local rabbanim, and the Military Rabbinate, where applicable.

In addition to restoring centralized authority over kashrus certification, the bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework governing kashrus standards, the status and employment of mashgichim, oversight and appeals procedures, and an annual reporting requirement to the Knesset.

During earlier deliberations in the Committee for Public Initiatives, lawmakers incorporated additional oversight and appeals mechanisms into the legislation. The revised bill also includes provisions regulating the employment of mashgichim, including measures intended to eliminate the direct employment relationship between kashrus supervisors and the businesses they oversee.

Opponents of the legislation argue that concentrating authority in the hands of the Chief Rabbinate would effectively create a monopoly over kashrus certification, reduce competition, and potentially increase costs for business owners.

Coalition officials expect debate on the measure to continue well into the night, with final second- and third-reading votes anticipated shortly after 1:00 a.m. If the bill passes, the Knesset is expected to immediately proceed to debate legislation that would split the responsibilities currently held by Israel’s attorney general.

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister MK Sharren Haskel of the New Hope party announced her resignation from the government Tuesday evening, just hours after the Knesset gave final approval to the law freezing the arrests of yeshiva bochurim.

Haskel, who opposed the legislation, stepped down shortly after the bill passed its second and third readings in the Knesset plenum, amid growing tensions within the coalition over the controversial measure.

Coalition leaders wasted little time responding to her decision. MK Boaz Bismuth, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, ridiculed Haskel’s resignation in a sharply worded statement.

“If you think that after this performance someone is going to cast you in another political party, you should know the line is long. After a year of discussions in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee under my chairmanship, I’ve seen quite a few Knesset members give much more convincing performances.”

Haskel’s resignation comes against the backdrop of the heated political battle surrounding the law halting the arrests of yeshiva bochurim, which was approved by the Knesset despite opposition from several members of the governing coalition.

The Sanzer Chassidus is preparing to significantly expand the battle over the arrests of bnei Torah, announcing a broad protest campaign after an avreich and a yeshiva bochur from the chassidus were arrested for failing to report for military service and are currently being held in Military Prison 10.

A dramatic message was distributed Tuesday afternoon to thousands of Sanz chassidim across Israel, calling on them to prepare for what organizers described as a determined and far-reaching campaign on behalf of the two detainees.

The avreich, who was arrested last Friday, is the father of two young children and a grandson of the late Sanzer Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Eliyahu Shemerler, zt”l, as well as the late Stropkover Rebbe, zt”l. A second detainee, a yeshiva bochur affiliated with Sanz, was arrested Monday night in Bnei Brak.

In response, community leaders and organizers from Sanz communities throughout the country convened Tuesday at Kiryat Sanz in Netanya for an emergency strategy meeting to coordinate a series of demonstrations demanding the immediate release of the two prisoners from military custody.

According to individuals familiar with the plans, organizers intend to stage multiple coordinated protests simultaneously in several of Israel’s largest Chareidi population centers, with the goal of creating a large-scale, organized, and highly visible public demonstration.

The decision by Sanz to actively join the protest movement marks a significant expansion of the ongoing demonstrations against the arrests of bnei Torah. Until now, most major protests and road blockades have been concentrated primarily in Yerushalayim and other central Israeli locations. The addition of Netanya, the longtime center of Sanz Chassidus, is expected to broaden the geographic scope of the protests and create additional flashpoints.

Leaders within Sanz emphasized that they will not remain silent while the avreich and yeshiva bochur remain imprisoned, with emotions throughout the chassidus running high as preparations intensify for the coming days.

The Congressional Progressive Caucus broke with House Democratic leadership on Tuesday in the latest example of support for Israel dividing the Democratic Party.

Hours after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) sent a letter to colleagues saying that he would oppose an amendment to end $3.3 billion in U.S. aid to Israel, Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), chair of the Progressive Caucus, sent a competing letter urging House Democrats to reject the aid to Israel.

“The Democratic Party needs a new approach to Israel and Palestine,” Casar wrote. “The American people are crying out for an end to U.S. tax dollars subsidizing Israel’s military.”

“After the Israeli government has killed more than 70,000 people in Gaza and helped lead the United States into a destabilizing, deadly war with Iran, we are called to act,” he stated.

The House is expected to vote later this week on an amendment from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) to strip funding for Israel from the 2027 national security and State Department appropriations bill.

Massie lost his primary in May, in an election that focused in large part on his opposition to U.S. aid to Israel. He has used much of his remaining time in the House to pursue anti-Israel measures, including calling to re-investigate the 1967 Israeli attack on the USS Liberty and amendments to strip out Israel-related provisions from annual appropriations bills.

The Jewish state receives about $3.8 billion annually in U.S. aid, including $3.3 billion in foreign military funding to purchase arms and $500 million for cooperative missile defense programs.

Massie’s proposal to end most of that aid, which also includes some spending on humanitarian programs, has further divided a Democratic caucus in which support for Israel has become a major fault line and cost several incumbents their seats in primary challenges from the anti-Israel left.

In his letter on Tuesday morning opposing the Massie amendment, Jeffries acknowledged the difficult political calculus that many Democrats face and called for a “major reset” of U.S.-Israel relations.

“There are good faith reasons that will result in members voting in a variety of different ways with respect to the amendment,” Jeffries wrote. “Moving forward, it is my strongly held view that for the good of Israel and the Palestinian people, American policy in the Middle East must change.”

Jeffries called for a restructuring of the next 10-year agreement between Israel and the United States, saying that the Jewish state was “capable of paying for its own sophisticated weapons” and that the United States should support the creation of a Palestinian state. JNS

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a message to Iran’s leaders on Tuesday, warning that should they decide to attack Israel, the Jewish state’s response will be greater than the last round.

“Don’t count on it to be quiet if you attack us. Don’t count on a rerun. It will be a different broadcast—far more powerful,” the prime minister said while addressing the Negev Conference in Dimona, a regional forum focused on the economic development of Israel’s south.

“We are prepared for any scenario,” he said. “Gone are the days when someone hits us, and we don’t even strike them with a single blow.”

Israel and Iran last exchanged strikes on June 7, when Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for an Israeli attack against its proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel hit Iran’s Mahshahr petrochemical complex in return.

Since then, the Islamic Republic has so far refrained from hitting Israel, even as U.S. and Iranian forces intensify their exchange of volleys.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps instead attacked Bahrain, Jordan and three tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz in response to the latest U.S. strikes.

Two of the vessels, the Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, which were linked to the United Arab Emirates, briefly caught fire, the Associated Press reported. The Emirati Defense Ministry said the attacks killed one mariner and wounded eight others.

Bahrain’s Defense Force said its air defenses intercepted “a number of treacherous Iranian aerial attacks,” adding that “the deliberate use of missiles and drones to target civilians and private property constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.”

A Jordanian military source told the state-run Petra News Agency that the army “successfully intercepted and shot down four missiles that breached Jordanian airspace from Iranian territory early Tuesday.”

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered more strikes against Iranian regime targets on Monday in response to the Islamic Republic’s attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Also on Monday, Trump told Fox News that the United States will be “taking over” the Strait of Hormuz.

In a subsequent Truth Social post, Trump declared the Strait open and that, from “this point forward,” the United States will be known as “the guardian of the Hormuz Strait.”

He said that America is reimposing the Iranian blockade, “so named because it is only stopping Iran’s ships or customers from entering or leaving. All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait.”

However, Washington said it will charge 20% on all cargo shipped, plus “costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World,” Trump added.

CENTCOM said the blockade on all “maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports” would go into effect at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday. JNS

{Matzav.com}

One of Israel’s most sweeping public transportation reforms in decades has been pulled from the Knesset agenda after Chareidi parties objected over concerns that it could eventually undermine the longstanding status quo regarding Shabbos.

The Metropolitan Transportation Reform, which was approved by the Knesset Economics Committee last month for its second and third readings, was expected to come before the Knesset plenum on Tuesday. Instead, lawmakers removed the legislation from the agenda amid opposition from Chareidi coalition partners.

The proposed reform would transfer broad authority over public transportation planning and management from the Transportation Ministry to newly established metropolitan authorities. Although supporters repeatedly emphasized during committee deliberations that the legislation would not authorize local governments to operate public transportation on Shabbos or alter existing arrangements, Chareidi lawmakers remained concerned that future administrations could use the new framework to erode the status quo.

As previously reported, the legislation had already faced significant obstacles before clearing the Economics Committee, with one of the primary disputes centering on who would lead the newly created metropolitan transportation authorities.

During negotiations led by Economics Committee Chairman MK David Bitan, a compromise was reached under which the director of Israel’s National Public Transportation Authority would head the Gush Dan metropolitan authority for an initial transition period of 18 months. After that, the position would be transferred to a representative of the Tel Aviv municipality, followed by elections among all member municipalities.

The Transportation Ministry opposed that arrangement, insisting that the National Public Transportation Authority retain control for three years instead. The disagreement delayed the legislation and added another layer of political complexity to the reform.

Under the version approved by the Economics Committee, the Gush Dan metropolitan authority would include Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak, Ramat Gan, Holon, Bat Yam, Givatayim, Herzliya, and Ramat Hasharon, with Rishon LeZion and Kiryat Ono expected to join later.

According to sources, Bnei Brak would hold only about 13 percent of the voting power within the metropolitan authority. City officials expressed concern that neighboring municipalities could approve major public transportation policies without meaningful input from the predominantly Torah-observant city.

Beit Shemesh sought to be excluded entirely from the legislation, fearing that Jerusalem would control an overwhelming majority of the voting power within the Jerusalem metropolitan authority. That request was ultimately granted, and Beit Shemesh was removed from the framework. Mevaseret Zion was also excluded, while Tzur Hadassah was added to the Jerusalem metropolitan authority. At the same time, Rechasim was incorporated into the Haifa metropolitan authority.

Alongside the metropolitan transportation reform, the Economics Committee separately approved legislation repealing amendments to the Parking Law. Under the revised measure, private parking facilities will once again be permitted to charge by the full hour and then in 15-minute increments. That provision passed independently and is expected to take effect four months after the law is officially published.

With the metropolitan reform now off the Knesset agenda, it remains unclear when it will return for debate and a final vote. Its future is expected to depend on negotiations between the coalition and the Chareidi parties, particularly over guarantees that the legislation will not lead to any erosion of the Shabbos status quo.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump is signaling that the U.S. military campaign against Iran will continue to escalate, declaring that the strikes will not stop until he decides they have achieved their objective. He also warned that critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, power plants, and bridges, could soon become targets unless Tehran agrees to negotiations.

Speaking with Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump said the campaign is being deliberately phased, with Iran’s energy sector reserved for later stages of the operation.

“I’ll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we’ll hit energy targets,” Trump told Fox News reporter Trey Yingst in an interview.

Trump also described an aggressive timetable for the ongoing military action, saying the intensity of the strikes would increase over the coming days.

“We’re going to hit them very hard tonight. We’re going to hit them very hard tomorrow night. We’re going to hit them very hard the night after, and then next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants,” Trump said.

The president went on to warn that even broader attacks on Iran’s infrastructure would follow if its leadership refuses to enter negotiations with the United States.

“Next week comes the bridges. We’re going to knock out all their power plants. We’re going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate.”

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the sudden petirah of Rav Mordechai HaKohen Beck zt”l, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Tiferes Moshe in Monsey and Av Beis Din of Kehillas Segulas Yisrael.

Rav Beck suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while on his way to his yeshiva to begin another day of teaching Torah. He was 80 years old.

Emergency personnel rushed to the scene and made extensive efforts to revive him, but despite prolonged resuscitation attempts, they were unable to save his life. His passing leaves behind thousands of heartbroken talmidim and hundreds of members of his kehillah who looked to him as their spiritual guide for decades.

Rav Beck was born on April 22, 1946, in Pressburg (Bratislava), Czechoslovakia, shortly after the end of World War II. Born to parents affiliated with Munkatcher Chassidus, he belonged to the first generation of Jews born in postwar Europe. His family later immigrated to Montreal, Canada, where he was raised.

Recognizing his son’s exceptional abilities, his father, Rav Yehudah Beck zt”l, sent him to the Nitra Yeshiva established by Rav Michoel Ber Weissmandl zt”l. There he studied under Rav Yaakov Hornstein zt”l before continuing his learning at Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, where he became a talmid of Rav Shneur Kotler zt”l.

A pivotal chapter in his life began when he moved to Yerushalayim to study at Yeshivas Brisk under Rav Berel Soloveitchik zt”l. Rav Beck quickly distinguished himself as one of the yeshiva’s outstanding talmidim, earning a reputation for his brilliant analytical mind, profound understanding, and mastery of the Brisker approach to Torah study.

His rebbi once remarked that while most talmidim required four years to fully grasp the intricate Brisker method, Rav Beck mastered it in only two years. During those years he also became the longtime chavrusa of Rav Avraham Yehoshua Soloveitchik, the current Rosh Yeshiva of Brisk.

Years later, Rav Avraham Yehoshua wrote of his close friend: “He was known for his exceptional talents and vast knowledge, both in breadth and analytical reasoning, among the finest talmidei chachomim… He became renowned for his unique lectures marked by sharpness, depth, and clear reasoning, and his name became known as one of the great disseminators of Torah.”

Rav Beck himself often expressed profound reverence for the Brisker method of learning. In the introduction to one of his seforim, he wrote: “The Brisker Rav always revealed the truth exactly as it is, and truth itself pointed the way. The nature of genuine truth is that once it is uncovered, the matter suddenly becomes remarkably simple.”

In 1969, after returning from Eretz Yisrael, Rav Beck married the daughter of Rav Tzvi Elimelech Kahana zt”l, one of Satmar’s prominent chassidim. Following his marriage, he developed a close relationship with the Satmar Rebbe, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum.

After spending a short period in Williamsburg, he moved to Lakewood before returning once again to Yerushalayim to continue learning under Rav Berel Soloveitchik. In 1979, he returned permanently to the United States, where he was appointed a Rosh Yeshiva at Nitra Yeshiva, the very yeshiva where he had studied in his youth.

In 1991, Rav Beck relocated to Monsey. About a decade later, after the resignation of the previous rav, Rav Yaakov Dovid Schlesinger zt”l, he was chosen to serve as the rav and Av Beis Din of Kehillas Segulas Yisrael. At the same location, he founded Yeshivas Tiferes Moshe, which today is home to approximately 80 bochurim and avreichim. The yeshiva became known for combining the classic Brisker method of learning with a firm and uncompromising Torah outlook.

Every Thursday, Rav Beck delivered a unique shiur devoted to emunah, Jewish thought, and Chassidus, often addressing current events through the prism of Torah and instilling a clear worldview in his listeners.

In recent years, under the leadership of his brother-in-law, Rav Shmuel Birnbaum, an extensive effort was launched to publish Rav Beck’s many shiurim. His son, Rav Yehudah Beck, edited the popular Parshas Mordechai series on numerous masechtos of Shas, compiled from recordings and talmidim‘s notes.

His levayah was held Tuesday afternoon, departing from his beis medrash in Monsey, before proceeding to the local bais hachaim.

The Department of Homeland Security has reportedly instructed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers across the country to temporarily stop conducting routine vehicle stops following two fatal shootings involving ICE agents in Texas and Maine. The move, if confirmed, represents a major change in the agency’s enforcement strategy as both incidents remain under investigation.

The Daily Wire first reported the directive on Tuesday, saying it was issued in response to the recent fatal encounters, which have prompted protests and intensified criticism of ICE’s enforcement methods.

According to the report, three Department of Homeland Security sources said ICE personnel nationwide have been told there will be “no more vehicle stops for now,” except in limited circumstances, such as when executing criminal warrants or participating in joint operations with other law enforcement agencies.

The reported policy change could have a substantial impact on immigration enforcement. Traffic stops have long been one of ICE’s primary methods for apprehending illegal immigrants away from their residences, where agents often face greater legal hurdles and believe suspects may have easier access to weapons.

One agency source told the Wire, “Numbers are going down, we can’t do [anything].”

Newsmax contacted the Department of Homeland Security seeking confirmation and comment regarding the reported directive but had not received a response as of publication.

The reported order follows Monday’s deadly confrontation in Biddeford, Maine, where ICE agents fatally shot a 26-year-old Colombian national during an attempted vehicle stop.

According to an ICE spokesperson, the driver tried to flee the scene, leading one officer to open fire while “fearing for public safety.”

Federal and local investigators, including the FBI, are reviewing the shooting, and DHS said its Office of Inspector General has also been notified of the incident.

Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine, told CNN that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin informed him that the man who was killed was not the person ICE agents had originally set out to arrest.

The Maine shooting came just days after another fatal ICE-related shooting during a traffic stop in Houston.

According to The Associated Press, acting ICE Director David Venturella acknowledged that Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican national who had lived in the United States for many years, was not the individual agents had intended to apprehend.

DHS has said officers believed Salgado Araujo matched the description of the suspect they were pursuing. The department also stated that an agent fired in self-defense after Salgado Araujo allegedly rammed an ICE vehicle.

Reuters reported that the two deadly incidents occurred as the Trump administration has intensified immigration enforcement efforts, with both shootings triggering anti-ICE demonstrations in Texas and Maine.

The Associated Press also reported that the Houston ICE agents involved were not equipped with body cameras during the encounter. DHS has said those officers are expected to receive body-worn cameras within the next 60 days.

If the reported directive is officially confirmed, the temporary suspension of routine vehicle stops would represent one of the most significant operational changes for ICE in recent years as federal authorities continue investigating both fatal shootings.

Americans may be one step closer to ending the twice-yearly ritual of changing their clocks after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation on Tuesday that would make daylight saving time permanent across most of the country. The measure now moves to the Senate, where similar efforts have stalled in the past.

The legislation, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, cleared the House by a 308-117 vote. If enacted, the country would remain on the current daylight saving schedule year-round—currently observed between March and November—unless individual states chose to opt out before the law takes effect.

As the final vote was announced, Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., who was presiding over the House session, celebrated by playing the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” from his phone while reading the results.

President Donald Trump has strongly backed the proposal, which was introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla. In a Truth Social post on May 21, Trump pledged that he was “going to work very hard to see The Sunshine Protection Act signed into Law.”

“It’s time that people can stop worrying about the ‘Clock,’ not to mention all of the work and money that is spent on this ridiculous, twice yearly production. It will also be a very nice WIN for the Republican Party. Take it!” Trump wrote.

With House approval secured, the measure now awaits consideration in the Senate.

A similar Senate proposal lost momentum last year after Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., blocked an effort to pass it through unanimous consent in October.

Cotton argued that making daylight saving time permanent could create unintended problems in many parts of the country, noting that sunrise would not occur until 9 a.m. or even later in some areas. He warned that darker mornings could make commutes more hazardous and leave many Americans beginning their workday before daylight.

His office did not immediately indicate whether he intends to oppose an expedited vote on the legislation if it comes before the Senate again.

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., said voters in his district have long supported ending the clock changes, though he questioned whether the Senate would ultimately move the bill forward.

“I’m kind of digging the fact that we’re going to fix it, I hope,” Burchett said. “See if the Senate takes it up. They probably won’t, but we’ll see.”

Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., also voiced support for the proposal, saying the issue should unite lawmakers from both parties while pointing to financial and health benefits.

“I think it’s popular. It shouldn’t be controversial. It should be bipartisan. It saves money,” McCormick said. Drawing on his experience as an emergency room physician, he added that “you get more depression, you get out of joint” with the time adjustments.

Public frustration with changing the clocks twice each year remains widespread, according to a 2025 AP-NORC survey. While most Americans dislike the current system, opinions remain split over whether the nation should adopt permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time. Congress previously came close to addressing the issue in 2022, when the Senate unanimously approved permanent daylight saving time, but the bill never received a House vote.

The United States has experimented with permanent daylight saving time before. During the 1970s oil crisis, President Richard Nixon signed legislation establishing the system for a two-year trial in an effort to reduce energy consumption. However, widespread dissatisfaction over extremely dark winter mornings led Congress to repeal the law before the full trial period had ended.

State lawmakers have also taken action in recent years. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, nearly every state has considered legislation addressing the twice-yearly clock changes, and 19 states have already passed laws authorizing permanent daylight saving time if Congress grants federal approval.

Daylight saving time was first adopted temporarily during both World War I and World War II before becoming the national standard under the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Under current law, clocks move ahead one hour each March and fall back one hour every November.

Not every part of the United States follows the practice. Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and several other U.S. territories do not observe daylight saving time.

{Matzav.com}

In a major development for the olam haTorah, the Knesset on Tuesday gave final approval to legislation halting the arrest of yeshiva bochurim who have not reported for military service. The bill passed its second and third readings by a vote of 58-54, following a heated and emotional debate.

Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu participated in part of the Knesset deliberations but was not present for the final vote. According to sources within Likud, Netanyahu had hoped Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana would personally preside over the session, but Ohana instead delegated that responsibility to his deputy, MK Limor Son Har-Melech.

When Netanyahu entered the plenum during the debate and while lawmakers voted on several reservations to the bill, opposition members repeatedly interrupted the proceedings with chants of “shame” and “go.”

Not all coalition members supported the legislation. MK Yuli Edelstein, MK Sharren Haskel, and MK Dan Illouz of Likud, together with MK Moshe Solomon of the Religious Zionist Party, voted against the measure. Religious Zionist Party Minister Ofir Sofer and MK Michal Woldiger did not participate in the vote.

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi presented the legislation on behalf of the government and engaged in several sharp exchanges with opposition lawmakers during the debate.

As required under Knesset ethics rules, the chareidi members of Knesset disclosed during the proceedings that members of their own families could potentially be affected by the legislation.

MK Moshe Gafni, chairman of Degel HaTorah, hailed the bill’s passage as a milestone for the Torah community.

“We promised, and we delivered. This is an important step in protecting the Torah world and its students.”

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri also celebrated the vote, describing it as a historic correction of an injustice against bnei Torah.

“Today, with G-d’s help, we passed the law to end the arrests of Torah students. Today, the Knesset is sending a clear message to the dismissed attorney general: Enough persecution. Enough hatred toward Torah scholars. Who would have believed that in the Jewish state, yeshiva students, the cherished Tribe of Levi of the Jewish people, would be treated as criminals? Today, we began correcting that injustice.

“The overwhelming majority of the people of Israel love the Torah, respect its scholars, and understand that they safeguard the identity and spirit of the Jewish people. On this day, I remember the words of my teacher, Rav Ovadia Yosef, zt”l, who was deeply pained by the harm done to yeshiva students and said that the Jewish people are protected from their enemies by their Torah study. He also loved and embraced the soldiers of the IDF, who risk their lives for Israel’s security, and blessed them to return home safely. That is the way of the Torah, to embrace everyone and unite everyone. Do not allow the dismissed attorney general and those who incite to divide us. With God’s help, we will continue to prevail, together.”

Opposition parties immediately announced plans to challenge the legislation. Yisrael Beytenu and several members of Yesh Atid confirmed that they had filed a petition with Israel’s High Court of Justice seeking to overturn the newly approved law.

In their petition, Yesh Atid lawmakers argued that the legislation institutionalizes unequal treatment among Israeli citizens.

“This is what the Knesset and the government regard as their crowning achievement after four years in office and three years after the events of October 7: deepening discrimination between one citizen and another, applying one set of rules to secular, traditional, and religious Israelis subject to military service, and a different set of rules to those subject to conscription from the chareidi community.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid sharply criticized the coalition following the vote, accusing it of abandoning both the military and the broader public.

He called the coalition a “government of refuseniks, draft dodgers, and the corrupt,” and charged that it had voted “against the IDF, against the Chief of Staff, against Judaism, and against mutual responsibility. That is how they will be remembered. Soon we will return, and together we will amend.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he is aware of the conspiracy theories surrounding the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham but believes federal investigators are pursuing the wrong path, saying the FBI is “wasting their time” by looking into such claims.

Trump made the remarks in the Oval Office after reporters questioned him about the presence of FBI agents at Graham’s Capitol Hill home on Monday, two days after the South Carolina senator died suddenly on Motzoei Shabbos at the age of 71.

“I don’t see a lot of evil there,” Trump said. “I know there’s all sorts of conspiracy theories going along, and I think the FBI is wasting their time if they’re doing that.”

Officials with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Washington, D.C., have said a preliminary examination determined Graham died from “aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease,” meaning his aorta ruptured as a result of hardened arteries.

Investigators are continuing to await toxicology results and the completion of additional medical testing before issuing a final report.

Despite handling high-level foreign policy matters, including meetings with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and developments involving the Strait of Hormuz, Trump indicated he had closely followed the circumstances surrounding Graham’s death. Graham was one of Trump’s closest allies in the Senate, and the two men spoke by telephone on the evening before the senator passed away.

The president said he had personally reviewed the available medical findings and had also been briefed by White House physicians. Trump added that he had learned Graham’s father also died from heart-related complications at a relatively young age.

“They say it’s almost undetectable. You can detect it if you have a very bad back. That’s a sign. It’s a bad sign,” Trump said. “So if anybody has a bad back … that’s one of the primary signs. And he would tell me he had a bad back, but little did anyone realize it was for that. So, when that bursts, which it did, it bursts.”

NBC News said it had contacted the FBI seeking comment on Trump’s remarks.

During an appearance Monday night on Newsmax, Trump was also asked about online speculation suggesting Russia may have been involved in Graham’s death. The senator had been one of the strongest congressional advocates for Ukraine and Israel, had repeatedly called for harsher sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, and had met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv the day before he died.

“Just to answer the conspiracy theory, I’d love to say yes, but I think he — he had some problems,” Trump told Newsmax. “And his father died just about at the same age. … I’m a believer in the racehorse theory, you know, if you have problems, you have problems. And he had some problems that were a little bit deep-seated and not easy to find.”

On Monday afternoon, NBC News reported seeing nearly 20 FBI agents and other federal investigators gathered outside Graham’s townhouse near the Capitol. Agents entered the residence, photographed the interior, and later exited without appearing to remove any evidence.

FBI Director Kash Patel has said the bureau is “assisting local authorities” with the investigation. Two law enforcement sources familiar with the case also told NBC News that federal authorities remain involved as a precaution while the inquiry continues.

Those same sources said investigators have uncovered no new evidence since Motzoei Shabbos that would indicate Graham’s death resulted from foul play.

Meanwhile, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, on Monday to serve the remainder of the senator’s term, which expires in January. She was scheduled to be sworn into office Tuesday afternoon.

{Matzav.com}

Secretary of State Marco Rubio laid out the Trump administration’s case for dismantling the International Criminal Court, arguing that the tribunal has evolved far beyond its original mission and now seeks the power to prosecute American citizens, military personnel, and government officials without the consent of the United States.

In an essay published by the State Department, Rubio asserted that the ICC now “claims the power” to haul U.S. soldiers, law enforcement officers, and elected officials before an international tribunal and imprison them under legal standards that the United States has never accepted.

Tracing the court’s evolution, Rubio argued that its mission has dramatically expanded over time. “The ICC was born at the turn of the century. At first, it was marketed as a narrow backstop to prosecute the gravest crimes,” Rubio wrote. “Now the ICC and its allies seek a standing world tribunal with near-unlimited reach, empowered to override the courts and constitutions of the US and other sovereign states.”

Rubio emphasized that the United States has consistently rejected the ICC’s authority over Americans. He noted that leaders from both political parties have opposed placing U.S. citizens under the jurisdiction of an international court and pointed to President Bill Clinton’s decision not to send the Rome Statute—the treaty establishing the ICC—to the Senate for ratification.

He also highlighted bipartisan congressional approval of the American Servicemembers’ Protection Act, legislation authorizing the president to “use all means necessary” to prevent the ICC from arresting or detaining U.S. citizens.

Rubio sharply criticized the ICC’s decision in 2020 to investigate allegations of war crimes involving American forces in Afghanistan, arguing that the move amounted to an attempt to supersede the U.S. legal system.

“In effect, Ms. Bensouda was anointing herself the final judge of US military policy and the entire US justice system,” Rubio wrote, referring to former ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda.

According to Rubio, efforts to broaden the court’s authority have continued during President Trump’s second administration, with international organizations and activists urging the ICC to investigate American policies and military operations.

He warned that officials responsible for enforcing U.S. law or protecting national security could eventually find themselves targeted by the court.

“Border Patrol agents working to remove violent criminals from our country, US Marines risking their lives to restore order in the Western Hemisphere, federal prosecutors working to dismantle terror networks plotting attacks on the American homeland, all would face the constant risk of persecution,” Rubio wrote.

Rubio argued that recognizing the ICC’s authority would come at the expense of America’s sovereignty.

“To accept the ICC is to surrender control of our national destiny,” he wrote.

Drawing a historical parallel, Rubio said the issue echoes one of the core complaints that fueled the American Revolution, when the Founders resisted being subjected to trials under foreign governments.

“Independence is our birthright,” Rubio wrote. “We don’t intend to trade it for rule by a self-appointed priesthood of ‘international law.’”

Rubio pledged that the Trump administration will continue working to shield American personnel from possible ICC prosecutions while pressing an international campaign against the court.

“The US is launching a diplomatic campaign with a simple message: sovereign states over globalism,” he wrote.

He concluded by promising that the administration would coordinate with allies and employ every available tool to reduce the court’s power and influence.

“This is only the beginning,” Rubio wrote. “Using all the tools at our government’s disposal, working beside every ally with whom we can make common cause, we will dismantle the ICC, brick by brick, if necessary.”

{Matzav.com}

The Mossad’s Persian-language account on X escalated its online campaign against Iran’s leadership on Wednesday, posting an image that appeared to mock several of the country’s highest-ranking officials by suggesting they could all be working for Israel. The post followed reports alleging secret contacts between former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the Israeli intelligence agency.

The graphic featured several prominent Iranian figures, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, and former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Each official was illustrated wearing an earpiece and bearing a Star of David on his hand, an apparent suggestion that they were acting as Israeli operatives.

Written above the image was a single word in Farsi that translates to: “Which of them?”

The provocative post came a day after The New York Times reported that former Mossad Director David Barnea had attempted to recruit Ahmadinejad as a possible future leader of Iran following the eventual downfall of the Islamic Republic.

According to the report, Barnea and Ahmadinejad secretly met in Hungary during 2024, using a climate conference at Ludovika University of Public Service as cover for their discussions.

The report also described an elaborate Mossad operation carried out at the outset of the war with Iran, during which Israeli operatives allegedly extracted Ahmadinejad and transported him to a secure location inside Iran. It said Ahmadinejad was unsettled by the rescue mission and expressed disappointment with what he believed was Israel’s plan to return him to power. He later departed the safe house under circumstances that have not been publicly explained.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump urged Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu during a phone conversation Thursday to begin withdrawing Israeli troops from Syria and encouraged a similar move in Lebanon, according to U.S. and Israeli officials cited by Axios.

The reported request comes as Israeli forces continue operating in portions of southern Syria and southern Lebanon. Israeli leaders have maintained that the deployments are essential to prevent future cross-border attacks like the October 7 massacre.

According to Axios, one U.S. official said Trump expressed concern that Israel’s continued military presence inside Syrian territory was fueling regional tensions and increasing the risk of a broader conflict. The official said Trump told Netanyahu, “They don’t want you there. You should redeploy,” adding that the president conveyed the same message regarding Lebanon.

The Prime Minister’s Office said that during the discussion, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s need to maintain security zones along its borders to safeguard the country from future threats.

The conversation came one day after Trump met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey. According to U.S. officials, the administration has been working to establish a new security framework between Israel and Syria that would eventually include a phased Israeli withdrawal from territory captured following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024.

In southern Syria, recent weeks have seen growing unrest, including demonstrations by local residents opposing the Israeli military presence as well as confrontations between protesters and Israeli forces.

At the same time, American mediators met Tuesday in Rome with Israeli and Lebanese officials to advance implementation of an agreement between the two countries. Under the proposed framework, Israel agreed to withdraw from two designated “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon, allowing the Lebanese Armed Forces to move into those areas.

Israeli troops have not yet pulled out of the designated zones. Lebanese officials have pressed for the withdrawal process to begin and have requested a schedule for additional redeployments. Israeli officials, however, have said they intend to verify that Hezbollah has removed its weapons and military infrastructure from the areas before proceeding.

The White House declined to comment on the Axios report and did not dispute its account. A U.S. official told Axios that Trump “has a strong relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu” and emphasized that Israel “has always been a great ally to the United States.”

A Gerer yungerman who was sentenced to 20 days in Military Prison 10 despite reportedly having received a full medical exemption from military service was released less than 24 hours after his arrest, bringing a dramatic end to a case that sparked widespread outrage throughout the Chareidi community.

The avreich, Reb Moshe Reuven Werdiger, was imprisoned after what supporters say was a serious bureaucratic error within the military’s administrative system. His release followed an intensive overnight effort by community leaders, senior askanim, and public officials, who pressed military authorities to review the case.

According to those involved, Werdiger has suffered since childhood from a serious and complex medical condition. After submitting all of the required medical documentation to the military draft office, he was reportedly informed that he had been granted a full exemption from military service on medical grounds.

The matter took an unexpected turn when, despite receiving the exemption, Werdiger was contacted and instructed to return to the draft office to complete what he was told were routine administrative procedures. After questioning why he needed to return when he had already been exempted, he was reportedly told, “What difference does it make? Just come to the office and take care of it in five minutes.”

Believing everything was in order, the avreich arrived at the draft office carrying his medical records. Upon his arrival, however, he was informed that he was classified as a draft evader, apparently because his medical exemption had not yet been entered into the military’s computerized records. He was subsequently referred to a military judicial officer at Tel Hashomer.

Although medical documents detailing his severe, life-threatening allergy were presented during the proceedings, officials reportedly maintained that no exemption appeared in the computer system. The military judicial officer declined to rely on the physical documentation and sentenced Werdiger to 20 days in Military Prison 10.

As soon as news of the imprisonment spread, Gerer askanim launched an around-the-clock effort to secure his release. An emergency command center was established, with senior community activists—including Pinchas Kubitz, Motty Babchik, and Rabbi Shimon Shisha, widely known as the “father of the prisoners”—working to resolve the matter with senior officials in the IDF and the Defense Ministry.

During the night, UTJ chairman MK Yitzchak Goldknopf was fully briefed on the situation and, according to the report, conveyed a firm message to military officials on behalf of the Gerer Rebbe. The message warned that unless the avreich was released within 24 hours, thousands of Gerer chassidim would stage a massive protest outside Military Prison 10 on Tuesday.

According to those familiar with the case, the prospect of large-scale demonstrations prompted military officials to reexamine the matter. After determining that the imprisonment appeared to result from a serious administrative error involving an individual who was in fact entitled to a full medical exemption, the prison commander initiated an expedited review.

As part of that review, a military physician was brought into the prison to personally examine Werdiger’s original medical documentation. After reviewing the records, the physician reportedly concluded that Werdiger suffered from a life-threatening allergy and confirmed that he qualified for a full medical exemption. Military officials then updated the computerized records and immediately filed an appeal seeking to overturn the prison sentence.

On Monday afternoon, less than one day after his arrest, the commander of Military Prison 10 signed Werdiger’s release order. He walked out of the prison a free man and returned home to his family, where he was greeted with relief by relatives and the many askanim who had worked tirelessly on his behalf.

Individuals involved in securing his release said that military officials ultimately recognized the seriousness of the mistake.

“The defense establishment realized, perhaps a bit late, that sending an avreich with a life-threatening medical condition to military prison because of their own negligence and bureaucratic failure was a grave mistake that could have ended in disaster and ignited the entire Chareidi community. Common sense and the determination of the askanim prevailed over the bureaucracy.”

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the arrest of bnei yeshivah, a new report claims that the vast majority of recent arrests are taking place not during police operations, but inside IDF draft offices after young men voluntarily arrive to address administrative matters.

Speaking on Kol Chai’s morning program, reporter Nati Kalish detailed the recent arrest of a Gerer yungerman from Ashdod and discussed what he described as a recurring pattern in recent weeks, while also highlighting a strongly worded letter issued by the Rosh Yeshivah of Mir warning talmidim not to visit draft offices without prior authorization.

Kalish reported that the avreich from Ashdod was arrested and immediately sentenced to 20 days in military prison.

“An avreich, a resident of Ashdod and a Gerer chassid, was arrested and immediately sentenced to 20 days of actual imprisonment in military prison. According to the precise information that reached us, his arrest was carried out through what his family describes as a form of deception by the military authorities. The avreich was told to come in person to the draft office to take care of technical matters and submit several missing documents. He arrived innocently with the requested paperwork—and was arrested on the spot as a draft evader.”

According to Kalish, the case reflects a broader trend.

“This pattern has repeated itself again and again in recent weeks. The Military Police are hardly going to people’s homes anymore, but nearly all of the arrests now are taking place inside the draft offices themselves. These are bochurim who come to regularize their status according to the law. Some are convinced they are doing the right thing and have no idea they are risking arrest and immediate imprisonment.”

Kalish recalled the response from Ger following a previous arrest involving one of the chassidus’ members in Ashdod.

The last time a Gerer chassid was arrested, thousands of Gerer chassidim gathered outside Military Prison 10 for a massive, organized protest under the direction of the chassidus’ leaders and askanim. The arrested bochur was subsequently released shortly thereafter.

According to the report, Gerer askanim have been engaged in quiet discussions with senior military officials since late Monday night in an effort to have the latest prison sentence overturned.

Sources within the chassidus warned that if the avreich is not released quickly, large-scale public protests could once again be organized.

“If the avreich is not released soon, there will be a major upheaval on the ground,” sources in the chassidus said, adding that organizers are seriously considering launching another wave of mass demonstrations to secure his release.

Kalish also claimed that many bochurim are arriving at draft offices after receiving questionable legal advice from attorneys who promise they can obtain medical exemptions.

“The bochurim come there hoping to receive exemptions for legitimate medical reasons, but they become victims of fixers and non-chareidi attorneys who advertise their services and try to profit financially from them. These people send the young men to the draft offices with completely inaccurate information and without any real experience, and in the end the bochurim are arrested because they are long-standing draft evaders.”

He noted that a similar incident occurred approximately three weeks ago involving a talmid of Yeshivas Mir who was arrested after reporting to a draft office under similar circumstances.

In response to that case, Mir Rosh Yeshivah Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel took the unusual step of issuing an official letter to the talmidim announcing the establishment of a special committee to advise bochurim on all matters relating to the draft authorities.

In his letter, Rav Finkel instructed that no bochur should report to a draft office under any circumstances without first consulting the committee and receiving its approval. He further warned that anyone who chooses to act independently and report without guidance would bear full responsibility for any resulting arrest and its consequences.

{Matzav.com}

Newly released Justice Department records indicate that the investigative team led by former Special Counsel Jack Smith reviewed text messages involving more than 40 current and former members of Congress during its investigations into President Donald Trump, prompting sharp criticism from Republicans who argue the actions violated constitutional protections.

The documents, turned over Tuesday to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), show that Smith’s office obtained access to communications exchanged between Trump White House officials and 44 lawmakers representing both political parties.

Among those whose messages were reviewed were Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who previously served in Congress, and former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), now administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

The records also identify several prominent Republican lawmakers, including Grassley, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), as having communications that were accessed.

During sworn congressional testimony in December 2025, Smith was asked whether investigators had examined “the content of text messages” as part of the two criminal investigations involving the 45th and 47th president. Smith replied, “No.”

Republicans reacted forcefully to the newly disclosed records.

“This is yet another grotesque example of the Biden administration’s weaponization of the Justice Department,” Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said in a statement. “At this point, no one should be shocked by Jack Smith’s recklessness and blatant abuse of power, but they should be outraged.”

Grassley’s office has previously revealed that Smith’s investigation issued subpoenas seeking records from roughly 430 Republican individuals and organizations, as well as phone logs connected to more than a dozen GOP figures. Grassley has characterized the effort as a broad “fishing expedition.”

According to the documents, Smith’s office established a specialized “Filter Team” whose role was to prevent investigators from viewing privileged communications or infringing upon constitutional protections while reviewing records obtained from the National Archives and Records Administration.

The communications at issue were exchanged between October 2020 and Jan. 20, 2021, during the final months of the Trump administration.

White House officials whose messages were included in the records encompassed former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Dan Scavino, Ivanka Trump, Stephen Miller, Peter Navarro, current CIA Director John Ratcliffe, current FBI Director Kash Patel, Rudy Giuliani, Kellyanne Conway, and then-Vice President Mike Pence.

The Filter Team was tasked with screening evidence gathered through two investigations known internally as “Project Coconut,” which examined efforts to challenge the outcome of the 2020 election, and “Project Cranberry,” which focused on allegations involving classified documents kept at Mar-a-Lago.

One internal DOJ email dated Aug. 21, 2023, and included among the records provided to Grassley, shows investigators discussing the direct acquisition of “54 excel files with text messages from White House phones,” which were subsequently uploaded to a shared drive.

Another internal Justice Department document outlined strict procedures governing the review process, stating, “All communication to/from the Filter Team must go through the Coordinator. No materials shall be disclosed to the investigative team without approval of a filter team attorney.”

Despite those safeguards, Assistant Attorney General Patrick Davis wrote in a letter accompanying the records that Smith’s investigators failed to follow the established process.

According to Davis, Smith’s team “bypassed the Filter Team and directly accessed these text messages. The FBI then identified the people whose phone numbers sent or received the texts.”

{Matzav.com}

45Kearny, NJ — Bloom’s Kosher is proud to announce the launch of the Bloom’s Kosher International Teachers’ Grant, a new initiative created to recognize and support the extraordinary dedication of Morahs and Rabbeim who regularly spend their own money on classroom rewards, snacks, celebrations, educational activities, and supplies.

Every year, educators invest hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets to create memorable classroom experiences, encourage good behavior, celebrate accomplishments, and make learning more enjoyable. Rather than investing solely in traditional advertising with uncertain results, Bloom’s Kosher has chosen to invest directly in the people who invest in our children every day.

“Morahs and Rabbeim dedicate themselves to their students every day, often purchasing classroom rewards and supplies with their own money,” said Sholom Rabin, CEO of Bloom’s Kosher. “We wanted to create a program that recognizes their commitment while strengthening Torah learning, supporting the supermarkets that carry our products, and investing directly in the communities we serve. We hope this is just the beginning of a program that will grow year after year and positively impact thousands of educators around the world.”

Applicants will complete an online application and be verified as Morahs or Rabbeim actively teaching in Jewish schools. Approved applicants will receive an email notifying them of their grant amount, along with detailed instructions for the next steps.

Recipients may then purchase any products from the Bloom’s, Oneg, or Sizgit family of brands at the supermarket of their choice. After submitting their receipt and any required documentation, they will receive reimbursement in accordance with the program guidelines.

By reimbursing purchases after they are made, the program directs grant funding through the supermarkets that invest in exceptional shopping experiences, maintain strong inventory, and proudly carry the Bloom’s, Oneg, and Sizgit family of brands. The initiative supports educators while also driving customers to the retailers that make these products available in their communities.

The Bloom’s Kosher International Teachers’ Grant is launching as a pilot program, with funding available for hundreds of grants during its inaugural year. While Bloom’s Kosher would love to support every Morah and Rebbi who applies, funding for the pilot program is limited. Applicants who are not selected may be placed on a waiting list and considered for future funding opportunities as the program expands.

Looking ahead, Bloom’s Kosher envisions the grant becoming much more than a reimbursement program. Future initiatives may include Torah learning campaigns, educational challenges, classroom contests, raffles, and exclusive classroom resources designed to encourage participation while creating memorable learning experiences.

The long-term vision is to expand the Bloom’s Kosher International Teachers’ Grant one school at a time, ultimately supporting thousands of Morahs and Rabbeim throughout the world. As the program grows, Bloom’s Kosher hopes to establish a charitable funding model that will enable the grant to reach even more educators and continue making a meaningful impact for generations to come.

Applications are now open.

Learn more and apply at: https://bloomskosher.com/grant

{Matzav.com}