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A discussion in the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee exposed sharp gaps between political promises surrounding the chareidi draft law and the Israel Defense Forces’ actual manpower requirements.

During the heated session, Brig. Gen. Shay Taib, head of the Planning and Manpower Administration Division of the Israel Defense Forces, acknowledged that the targets proposed in the draft law fall well short of what the army needs.

Taib told lawmakers that even if the proposed framework is fully implemented, it will not provide an effective response to the IDF’s immediate manpower shortage. “The answer is still no — far from it,” he said bluntly, rejecting claims that the legislation would resolve the crisis in combat personnel.

According to data presented to the committee, the IDF expects to recruit approximately 10,000 chareidi men over the next two years. However, Taib conceded that a significant portion of those recruits would likely enlist anyway through existing general-track units. He described the political goal of having 35 percent of chareidi recruits serve as combat soldiers as “a very complex event,” noting that many recruits arrive at older ages or with various limitations that complicate combat placement.

One of Taib’s most striking statements concerned the timeline for creating a full chareidi brigade. Even under optimal conditions, he said, the IDF would only be able to establish such a brigade by 2030. “And even then,” he emphasized, “it will not replace the reserve forces.”

Addressing internal concerns within the military, Taib warned against what he termed “symbolic recruitment.” Without a rigorous screening mechanism to ensure that recruits meet the necessary physical and personal criteria, he cautioned, the targets would remain theoretical. Among the tougher alternatives raised was a proposal requiring that at least 50 percent of recruits be under the age of 21, a condition that would directly affect yeshiva students in the traditional post-yeshiva and shidduch-age brackets.

{Matzav.com}

The Satmar Rebbe, Rav Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, personally toured two newly constructed, grand event halls in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, “Eden Yoel” and “Eden Alta Faiga,” which are nearing completion and will soon serve the Satmar community.

During the visit, the Rebbe closely followed the accelerated pace of construction work, receiving detailed updates on the progress toward completing the expansive halls.

The project has drawn particular attention due to its commitment to providing high-quality facilities while adhering to regulated, significantly reduced takanah pricing, ensuring accessibility for families.

Both halls have been dedicated in name and spirit to the revered founders of Satmar: the rebbe Rav Yoel Teitelbaum and the Satmar Rebbetzin.

{Matzav.com}

New York State is experiencing a record-breaking surge in influenza cases, with health officials warning that the outbreak could intensify in the weeks ahead as flu season approaches its peak. The New York State Department of Health reported 71,123 laboratory-confirmed flu cases during the week ending December 20, the highest number ever recorded in a […]

Dozens of rabbanim and chassidishe rebbes convened Sunday evening in Yerushalayim to mount unified opposition to the proposed draft law in Israel. The location of the meeting was kept confidential until the late afternoon hours, and invitations were delivered quietly, as organizers sought to coordinate an uncompromising response to what they described as an existential threat to the Torah world.

The dramatic gathering took place as the chareidi public had been anticipating a scheduled meeting of the Chassidishe Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah at the residence of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe in Ora, which was ultimately canceled due to the frail health of the Gerrer Rebbe.

In parallel, the emergency assembly went ahead at the Vizhnitz Hall on Rechov Nechemia in Yerushalayim, drawing a cross-section of rabbonim.

Against the backdrop of intense deliberations surrounding the draft law, speakers at the gathering called for heavy pressure to be placed on Agudas Yisroel representatives and other chareidi political parties not to yield to any draft framework. Sharp words were heard from the podium warning of a dangerous escalation. “They began by taking bochurim who were not within the walls of the yeshivos to military prison, and then moved on to taking the finest bochurim,” one speaker declared. “The draft law is exactly that—a law meant to draft.”

A particularly emotional moment gripped the hall during the address of the Slonimer Rebbe, who spoke directly to public criticism leveled at the Torah community. “They tell me that people are dying in war while your sons sit in yeshivos,” he said. “Every day we accept upon ourselves the yoke of malchus Shamayim to give our lives for the Torah. There are values that are above life itself.”

Among those present were rebbes from courts including Slonim, Lelov, Bohush, Zvhill, Skulen Yerushalayim, Biala Bnei Brak, Pinsk-Karlin, Sasov, Vizhnitz Beit Shemesh, and others, alongside various roshei yeshiva and Sephardic rabbanim. Influential mashpi’im and mekubalim also took part.

Following lengthy deliberations, the participants reached a decision to hold a massive public rally on Monday, 16 Teves, in Yerushalayim.

A detailed statement outlining the decisions of the gathering was released. In it, the rabbanim declared their fierce protest against what they termed a “terrible decree of conscription” threatening observant Jews in Eretz Yisroel, with particular reference to the severe targeting of Sephardic yeshiva students. They asserted that the government has effectively declared war on Torah observance, with the aim of uprooting Jewish identity from the hearts of the nation.

The statement further ruled that it is strictly forbidden for any chareidi Jew to enlist in the army, including frameworks marketed as “chareidi tracks,” which the rabbanim said inevitably lead to spiritual destruction. This prohibition, they added, extends as well to alternative state-run programs such as national or civil service. The rabbanim warned against draft legislation that includes quotas, targets, or sanctions, stating that any law that involves agreement—direct or indirect—to the enlistment of chareidim is forbidden to support, even through abstention.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] A storm of outrage erupted Sunday night following violent clashes between police and chareidi demonstrators at the Givat Shmuel junction, where members of the Peleg Yerushalmi were protesting the arrest of yeshiva students labeled as draft evaders. Graphic footage obtained by Matzav.com shows a police officer striking, choking, and throwing a young chareidi boy to the ground.

The protest took place amid a tense and chaotic evening in Bnei Brak and surrounding access roads, as demonstrators took to the streets in response to recent arrests of yeshiva bochurim. According to eyewitnesses, security forces moved forcefully to disperse the crowd, leading to physical confrontations and scenes that many described as shocking.

As police declared the demonstration illegal and began clearing the roadway, a video published from the scene quickly spread through the chareidi community. The footage shows a police officer slapping a young boy, gripping him by the neck, and hurling him to the ground with apparent brutality.

In response to the uproar, Police Commissioner Danny Levy ordered an immediate internal investigation and instructed that the officer involved be removed from operational duty pending clarification of the incident.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

A Jewish merchant who was arrested earlier this month in Damascus amid growing concern over possible religious targeting has been released and cleared of all accusations. Salem Hamdani, a longtime Jewish resident of the Syrian capital, was freed after approximately 20 days in detention, with Syrian authorities determining that he was innocent of the allegations […]

Against the backdrop of repeated demonstrations and road blockages on Geha Highway, residents of cities neighboring Bnei Brak are organizing an anti-chareidi counter-protest that could significantly affect traffic into the chareidi city ahead of Shabbos, according to a report by Walla News.

Posts circulating in protest groups outline plans for a coordinated “slow-drive” at key entrances to Bnei Brak, particularly on Fridays, with the stated goal of applying pressure in response to recurring highway closures and traffic disruptions in recent months. Organizers argue that police have been unable to prevent repeated blockages along Geha Highway, prompting them to pursue what they describe as a civilian, lawful form of protest.

Fridays are among the busiest traffic periods in Bnei Brak, and any slowdown during those hours could place heavy strain on movement throughout the city and complicate residents’ preparations for Shabbos.

Organizers say they intend to operate strictly within the law and claim they are in contact with police. According to their statements, they were told that as long as the activity remains legal, authorities are not expected to intervene.

No official response had been issued by police as of publication, and it remains unclear whether the planned action will go forward as described.

{Matzav.com}

Three years after a moment that brought widespread joy to the Chassidic world, Rav Ephraim Fishel Yisrael Weinberger, Av Beis Din of Turka and a leading mashpia of the Bobov-45 kehillah in Yerushalayim, marked another deeply emotional milestone this week with the upsherin of his son, who has reached the age of three.

The birth of the child, after 34 years, was announced three years ago and was received with great celebration throughout the Chassidic community. At the time, Yerushalayim saw large gatherings for the shalom zachar, vach nacht, and the bris, all attended by multitudes who came to share in the simchah.

This week’s upsherin took place at the residence of the Rebbe of Toldos Avraham Yitzchak. Despite his weakened state, the Rebbe personally cut locks from the three-year-old child’s hair.

Following the ceremony, the Rebbe offered heartfelt brachos that the child should grow to be a talmid chacham, following in the path of his father and his distinguished ancestors.

{Matzav.com}

Clashes broke out on Syria’s coast between protesters from the Alawite religious minority and counterdemonstrators Sunday, killing at least four people and injuring dozens of others, health officials said. The clashes came two days after a bombing at an Alawite mosque in the city of Homs killed eight people and wounded 18 others during prayers. […]

There was widespread joy and excitement among the Jewish communities of Zurich this past Shabbos, as residents observed their first Shabbos following the completion of a fully halachic eruv encircling the city’s Jewish neighborhoods.

With the eruv now in effect, Zurich joins the growing list of cities in Eretz Yisroel and around the world where carrying on Shabbos is permitted under halachah. The development is expected to significantly ease Shabbos life, allowing families to move about more freely, visit relatives, and enjoy the long Shabbos afternoons in a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The project was carried out as a joint initiative of Zurich’s two central kehillos: Agudas Achim, led by the city’s gaavad, Rav Tzvi Elimelech Padwa, and Adas Yeshurun, under the leadership of Rav Chaim Moshe Levi. From the earliest stages, the rabbonim were closely involved, overseeing every halachic detail and working in consultation with leading experts in the complex laws of eruvin.

Alongside the rabbinic oversight, community askanim worked extensively with municipal authorities to address all administrative and legal requirements. The project, which spanned approximately five years, progressed steadily and methodically, reflecting a high level of care and perseverance.

In recent weeks, as construction was completed, the rabbonim conducted comprehensive inspections throughout the city, carefully examining the mechitzos and tzuras hapesach. Several final adjustments were made to ensure that the eruv meets the highest halachic standards. In addition, special supervisors were appointed to conduct weekly inspections and ensure the ongoing integrity of the eruv.

In the final stage, the customary sechiras reshus with city authorities was carried out in accordance with halachah, completing all necessary preparations.

Following these steps, a public notice was issued announcing that carrying is now permitted in Zurich as of last Shabbos.

{Matzav.com}

Rabbi Binyomin Kluger, a longtime writer for Hamodia, concluded his regular work with the newspaper this past Friday, bringing to a close a writing career there that spanned five decades.

He marked the occasion with a special farewell column addressed to the paper’s readers.

Kluger, 77, a Chassid of Sanz and a resident of Yerushalayim’s Givat Shaul neighborhood, has been a familiar and respected voice in Hamodia since its early years. Alongside his journalism, he has long been active in the Torah world, serving as an inspector for the monthly examinations held in batei midrash across the country, a role connected to the Mifal HaShas initiative founded by his rebbe, the Sanzer Rebbe, the Shefa Chaim zt”l.

Writing under the pen name “K. Binyamin,” Kluger authored weekly columns for decades and published dozens of seforim in parallel to his newspaper work. His final column appeared on Friday, when he formally took leave of his readership.

In his farewell essay, Kluger reflected on his lifelong commitment to the printed word, writing that throughout his years of journalism he chose to remain loyal to print media, believing that “when words are written in black and white, their power is intensified.”

Looking back on more than fifty years of writing, he described Hamodia as a home for his words and recounted the countless hours and settings in which articles were produced — in the early hours of the morning, under blazing sun, in the depths of night, and in every conceivable environment. He noted that at the moment of writing, a journalist never truly knows who will read the words, how they will be received, or whether the intended emotion will fully carry through.

Kluger also wrote about the discipline he maintained over the years, explaining that he never skipped a weekly column or took time off, out of a sense of responsibility and gratitude for the privilege of having a regular platform. In recent years, he added, his “Past and Present” column became firmly woven into the contemporary pages of Hamodia.

Expressing thanks, Kluger wrote that he is deeply grateful to Hashem for the merit of being counted among the newspaper’s writers, and he extended appreciation to the editorial staff and management, whom he praised for their sense of mission and shared purpose. As he departs, he offered a blessing to those who continue the work, invoking words of peace, unity, and goodwill.

While stepping away from his official role, Kluger emphasized that he is not abandoning journalism. He plans to devote himself to writing future books in a quieter setting, describing his departure not as a full goodbye, but as “only a half-farewell.”

{Matzav.com}

The man accused of placing two pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol told investigators after his arrest that he believed someone needed to “speak up” for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen and that he wanted to target the country’s political parties […]

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s problems are growing after decades-old video resurfaced showing him addressing a radical pro-Palestine rally while standing just feet from a Hezbollah flag, reigniting questions about his past activism and complicating his government’s calls for national unity following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. The footage captures a younger Albanese speaking through […]

A new public opinion poll released following a high-profile interview on Kan 11 indicates notable shifts across Israel’s political landscape, including the first-ever Knesset entry of a party widely identified with opposition to the chareidi community.

The changes come in the wake of an interview given by Eli Feldstein on Kan 11’s investigative program hosted by Omri Asenheim, which appears to have influenced voter sentiment across multiple blocs.

According to a special survey conducted by Kan News in cooperation with the Kantar Institute, Likud, led by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, has weakened, losing two seats compared to the previous poll. Parties led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid also each dropped by two seats, while the Democrats party headed by Yair Golan lost one mandate.

Kan News reported that the most dramatic development was recorded in the center-right segment of the political map. For the first time since its establishment, the reservists’ party led by Yoaz Hendel crossed the electoral threshold and entered the Knesset with four seats, largely at the expense of centrist parties. At the same time, Benny Gantz continued to lose ground and fell further below the threshold required to enter the Knesset.

Under the poll’s breakdown, Likud stands at 25 seats, down from 27 in the previous survey. Bennett’s party dropped to 20 seats from 22. Shas, led by Aryeh Deri, strengthened slightly, gaining one seat to reach a total of 10 mandates. Yisrael Beiteinu, Otzma Yehudit, and the Democrats party each received nine seats.

Yesh Atid, led by Lapid, fell to eight seats, down from 10. Hadash–Ta’al and Ra’am each secured five mandates, while Hendel’s party entered the Knesset with four seats. Blue and White, Religious Zionism, and Balad did not cross the electoral threshold.

In the overall bloc calculation, the Netanyahu-led coalition stands at 51 seats, short of a Knesset majority.

The poll also examined public attitudes following Feldstein’s interview. A relative plurality of respondents said they were more inclined to believe Feldstein’s version of events than that of Prime Minister Netanyahu, though a large portion of the public remains undecided. According to the survey, 36 percent said they believe Feldstein, 24 percent said they believe Netanyahu, and 40 percent said they are unsure whom to believe.

Public skepticism was also evident regarding the establishment of a government commission of inquiry. A majority of respondents said they do not believe the commission being formed by the government will conduct a thorough, optimal, and objective investigation into the events that led to the October 7 massacre. Fifty-three percent expressed distrust in the commission’s ability to do so, 29 percent said they believe it will, and 18 percent said they do not know.

{Matzav.com}

As deliberations over the proposed draft law continue in the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, an emergency gathering of leading Chassidic admorim, mashpi’im, and Sephardic gedolei Torah was held Sunday evening at the Vizhnitz Beis Medrash on Nechemia Street in Yerushalayim. The asifah was convened under the leadership of the HaRav Moshe Tzadka shlit”a. […]

Security personnel at Ben Gurion Airport once again intercepted a passenger who had been caught last week attempting to board a flight with concealed ammunition and a firearm, Israeli media reported.

According to the report, airport security staff recognized the individual upon his arrival at Terminal 3 on Sunday. The man was stopped for questioning immediately after entering the terminal. During the inquiry, security officials learned that he had arrived at the airport without a flight ticket and was attempting to purchase one on site. Following the questioning, he was escorted out of the terminal and barred from continuing further at the airport.

The incident comes just days after the same passenger was detained during a routine security screening prior to a flight. As previously reported, security officers discovered handgun bullets hidden inside the man’s walking cane. A subsequent, more thorough inspection of his luggage led to the discovery of a handgun frame concealed in his suitcase.

Once the items were found, the security screening was halted immediately and the passenger was transferred to questioning by security authorities. He was not permitted to board the flight.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF Home Front Command is preparing to impose stricter construction standards for bomb shelters in Israeli homes, following lessons learned from the recent war and past terror attacks that exposed dangerous weaknesses in civilian protection. The updated regulations, expected to take effect next year, are aimed at addressing the evolving threats facing Israel’s home […]

President Donald Trump on Sunday insisted Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a peace deal as he hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort, but he acknowledged that negotiations could still break down and leave the war dragging on for years. The president’s statements came after the two leaders met for a […]

Hamas is moving toward selecting a new leader, with a decision expected in the coming days or weeks, according to a report by the Saudi outlet Asharq that cited sources close to the terror group’s senior leadership.

The report said the vote will be conducted by Hamas’s general Shura council, a body of roughly 50 members drawn from the organization’s three regional politburos: Gaza, the West Bank, and the Palestinian diaspora. Hamas traditionally holds leadership elections every four years. While the most recent vote took place in March 2021, the next round — initially planned for early 2025 — was postponed due to the war in Gaza.

According to Asharq, the two leading contenders are Khaled Mashaal, a former head of Hamas, and Khalil al-Hayya, who currently leads the group’s politburo in Gaza.

Sources cited in the report said that while leadership elections are imminent, they have “ruled out holding general elections before the war comes to a complete end.”

The same sources described a sharp contrast between the candidates’ policy outlooks, particularly regarding Israel’s presence in Gaza. Hayya, who is viewed as closely aligned with Iran, was said to favor continuing “armed conflict with Israel in the Gaza Strip until the war ends and the Israeli army withdraws from the Strip entirely.” Mashaal, by contrast, is described as supporting “negotiated compromises to end the occupation of Gaza.”

Mashaal is also said to advocate “trying to move Hamas away from Iran” and “closer to the moderate Arab states,” according to the Asharq report.

Despite those differences, the sources assessed that Hayya is the frontrunner, citing his backing from senior Hamas figures in both Gaza and the West Bank, including Zaher Jabarin, the group’s West Bank politburo chief.

The leadership shakeup follows a series of assassinations that decimated Hamas’s top ranks. Ismail Haniyeh, who was elected leader in 2021, was killed by Israel in Tehran in July 2024. His successor, Yahya Sinwar, was later killed by Israeli forces in Rafah in October of the same year.

Since then, the organization has been overseen by an interim leadership council led by general Shura council head Muhammad Ismail Darwish. The provisional body also includes Hayya, Mashaal, Jabarin, and Gaza politburo member Nizar Awadallah.

Observers quoted by Asharq said Hamas’s push to proceed with elections now reflects both the current ceasefire with Israel and growing friction within the interim leadership over key questions, including “the fate of the movement’s rule in Gaza and regional alliances.”

Under US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire framework, Hamas is required to relinquish control of Gaza to international forces. However, senior Hamas figures — including both Hayya and Mashaal — have said such forces should function only as a buffer between Israel and Gaza, rather than replacing Hamas’s authority outright.

{Matzav.com}

TRUMP: “The working group is going to be composed of Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, General “Razin” Caine, Marco Rubio, and a few other people… I think Pete Hegseth should be on that working group.”