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As the IDF unveils its updated security zone map in southern Lebanon, Avi Maoz is voicing sharp criticism of current policy, calling the ceasefire a major strategic mistake that undermines Israel’s long-term security goals.

In an interview on Kol Chai radio’s central news program, the Noam party chairman argued that the ceasefire disrupts Israel’s sustained effort to dismantle what he described as Iran’s regional “axis of evil.” “This ceasefire restores the Gordian knot between Tehran and Hezbollah to existence,” Maoz warned, adding that military control alone is insufficient to ensure lasting sovereignty without the complete destruction of the enemy.

Maoz dismissed attempts to pursue direct dialogue with the Lebanese government, even with American backing, describing such efforts as illusory. He contended that Israel’s conflict is not with Lebanon as a state, but with Hezbollah, which he characterized as an extension of Iranian influence that must be eliminated entirely. Referring to past Israeli leadership approaches to defeating terrorism, he emphasized: “We must destroy the terrorists completely. A peace agreement with Lebanon does not work,” arguing that the government in Beirut is either unable or unwilling to enforce its authority over Hezbollah in the south.

On the national front, Maoz pointed to the upcoming 60th anniversary of the liberation of Yerushalayim and Judea and Samaria as a milestone for completing what he called a “historic mission.” He called for full Israeli sovereignty over these areas, from Chevron to Shechem. The planned reestablishment of the community of Sa-Nur, he said, represents the beginning of correcting the 2005 disengagement from northern Samaria.

For Maoz, the struggle extends beyond territory to the broader question of Israel’s identity. “The state needs to appear as a Jewish state—that is our struggle,” he said, stressing the importance of preserving Jewish character in the public sphere.

Despite his harsh criticism of Israel’s Supreme Court interventions in matters related to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Shabbos demonstrations, Maoz expressed optimism about the future. He rejected claims that the Jewish people are experiencing a “spiritual exile,” pointing instead to the unprecedented growth of Torah study since the Holocaust.

{Matzav.com}

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith said Democrats may find themselves in a difficult position heading into the 2028 presidential election, particularly if Kamala Harris is not chosen as the party’s nominee.

During a conversation with podcaster Megyn Kelly, Smith reflected on Harris’ political standing following her loss to President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Harris had entered that race after Joe Biden stepped aside from his reelection campaign in July 2024.

Smith suggested that Harris could once again emerge as a leading contender in a Democratic primary, pointing to the circumstances that led to her previous nomination.

“Essentially by default, that means Kamala Harris could be at the top of the heap. I don’t, I don’t, I, I think that would be a mistake, obviously, because I think that she’s had her chance, or bites at the apple, not just once but twice in 2020, she couldn’t even make it to Iowa. In this last election, you had 107 days, that’s true, but you also had $1.5 billion you understand, and you were to upgrade from Joe Biden and you still managed to lose that,” Smith told Kelly, a former Fox News host. “I don’t know how the Democratic Party will rally behind her being the candidate yet again, particularly after her book was calling out Josh Shapiro one minute, Gavin Newsom the other, etc., etc., but who knows.”

He went on to argue that the party’s internal dynamics could make the decision even more complicated if Harris is not ultimately selected.

“So here’s the interesting thing, the Democrats are going to be in a position if they don’t select her, which is the same one they tried to avoid when Biden was forced out: They did not want to be seen as stepping over a black woman, given how important black women are to Democrat elections,” Smith continued. “So they, there was a large segment of the Democrat, you know, political class saying, we have no choice, we’ve got to give it to her, she’s the sitting vice president, like, if we try to bypass her for a Josh Shapiro or somebody like that, we’re gonna get killed.”

Harris has already signaled she will not pursue other political offices in the near term, announcing on July 30, 2025, that she would not run for governor of California despite earlier speculation.

Smith said a competitive primary could still create a challenging scenario if Harris is defeated by another candidate, particularly one with a different demographic profile.

“You cannot bypass a black woman, female, like the, the, the VP for a Josh Shapiro, white guy,” Smith said. “Well, now we’re gonna have a primary this time around and If she gets bypassed, in other words, doesn’t win, and she loses to the guy who’s in the number two position, who is a white straight male Christian, Gavin Newsom, are they in the same position of having to look like they cast her aside?”

In addition to Harris, several Democrats are seen as possible contenders in the next presidential cycle, including Pete Buttigieg, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

After initially indicating it would not participate in a follow-up round of negotiations scheduled for Sunday, Iran is now showing a willingness to return to the table, according to Pakistani officials who spoke Monday with The New York Post. Those familiar with the discussions say Tehran’s earlier tough rhetoric appears to be a strategic move aimed at strengthening its bargaining position ahead of future talks.

“Current hard stance is posturing to extract maximum advantage when second round happens,” the person said, citing takeaways from discussions with the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Even with this apparent shift in tone, Iranian leadership has not yet reached a final decision on whether it will take part in the next round, the source noted, emphasizing that deliberations are still ongoing as of Monday afternoon local time.

“For now, no decision has been taken about whether we will have a second round,” the source said. “Whenever we have a decision, we will share details.”

The same individual described Iran’s outlook as measured rather than driven by strong expectations in either direction.

“We are neither optimistic or pessimistic; rather, realistic,” the person added.

Pakistan continues to play a central role in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran, maintaining the confidence of both sides as a neutral intermediary.

“Pakistan remains the sole trustworthy mediator, which means process is on and Islamabad will be the venue whenever a final decision is taken,” the source said.

An image showing an Israeli soldier striking a statue of Yoshka in southern Lebanon has ignited strong reactions online, drawing criticism from activists, politicians, and social media users.

The Israeli military acknowledged on Monday that the photograph, which spread rapidly across social platforms and drew more than 5 million views on X, is genuine.

According to the military, a preliminary examination found that the image depicts an Israeli soldier “operating in southern Lebanon,” where Israeli forces carried out a ground incursion last month alongside airstrikes.

Officials added that a formal probe has been launched and stated that “appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings.”

Reacting online, Ayman Odeh, a Palestinian member of the Knesset, responded with sarcasm, writing: “We’ll wait to hear the police spokesperson claim that ‘the soldier felt threatened by Yoshka.’”

Another Arab lawmaker, Ahmad Tibi, posted on Facebook that individuals who destroy mosques and churches in Gaza and harass Christian clergy in Yerushalayim without consequences are not deterred from damaging a statue of Yoshka and sharing it publicly.

“Perhaps these racists have also learned from Donald Trump to insult Yoshka and insult Pope Leo?” he asked.

The statue was reportedly located on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Debl, near the Israeli border.