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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that the Pentagon will no longer require American service members to receive a yearly influenza vaccine, marking a significant change in military health policy.

In a video shared on X, Hegseth explained that troops will now have the option to decide for themselves whether to get a flu shot, rather than being subject to a blanket mandate across the force.

“The notion that a flu vaccine must be mandatory for every service member everywhere in every circumstance at all times is just overly broad and not rational,” he said.

Hegseth framed the move as part of a broader initiative by President Donald Trump’s administration to shift away from sweeping requirements and return more decision-making to individual service members.

“We’re seizing this moment to discard any absurd, overreaching mandates that only weaken our war-fighting capabilities. In this case, this includes the universal flu vaccine and the mandate behind it,” he said.

A directive signed by Hegseth on Monday formalized the change, stating that “effective immediately, the annual influenza vaccine is voluntary for all Active and Reserve Component Service members” as well as civilian personnel within the Defense Department.

The decision follows a gradual rollback of the military’s strict vaccination requirements. In a May 29, 2025 memo, Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg indicated the Pentagon would scale back its policy, writing that it would “conserve its resources by requiring seasonal flu vaccination for service members only when doing so most directly contributes to readiness.”

Under that earlier guidance, only reservists called to active duty for 30 days or longer would be required to receive the flu shot. The Pentagon also ended compensation for reservists and National Guard members who previously were paid for time spent obtaining the vaccine on their own.

Despite the policy shift, military health officials have continued to emphasize the importance of vaccination. The Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command has stated that seasonal flu vaccination “is the most effective control measure to reduce the risk of severe influenza and mission degradation, minimizing the risk to force.” It also cautioned that the virus can spread rapidly, and outbreaks “may be widespread and can adversely impact Navy and Marine Corps force readiness and mission execution.”

During the previous administration, the Pentagon had also imposed a requirement for all service members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Approximately 8,700 active-duty and reserve personnel left the military, either voluntarily or involuntarily, after declining the shot before that mandate was lifted in 2023.

After returning to office, President Trump signed an executive order allowing those who were discharged over the COVID vaccine refusal to seek reinstatement. By last August, fewer than two dozen had returned to service, although several hundred applications had been submitted.

Mandatory vaccinations have been part of military life since the early days of the United States. In 1777, George Washington ordered widespread inoculation of the Continental Army to protect soldiers from smallpox, according to a Congressional Research Service report from 2021. Today, the Defense Department continues to require various immunizations, including those for hepatitis B, polio, and measles, mumps, and rubella.

The flu vaccine itself was first required for military personnel in 1945, leading to the immunization of millions of troops. That policy was later dropped in 1949, reinstated in the early 1950s, and remained in place for decades until this latest announcement.

Drawing lessons from the October 7 attacks, the IDF has begun implementing a new approach to defending border communities by introducing light, fast-response vehicles equipped with mounted machine guns, aimed at providing immediate firepower without relying on air or heavy armored support.

The army has established a dedicated conversion line for Isuzu D-Max pickup trucks, outfitting them with mounted MAG machine guns. The initiative is being carried out at the IDF’s vehicle maintenance and upgrade center in Haifa, according to a report by Walla!.

The mounted weapon, installed in the rear of the pickup, will include partial ballistic protection designed to shield the operator from gunfire while still allowing full visibility and operational effectiveness. Until now, such machine guns were primarily deployed on heavy armored platforms, but adapting them to lighter vehicles is intended to provide border units with rapid-response firepower. The goal is to enable forces to react quickly to emerging threats without waiting for armed drones, attack helicopters, or heavy armored vehicles to arrive.

“This is an addition of lethality to border defense,” explained Lt. Col. Sh., commander of the mobility and heavy equipment plant within the IDF’s maintenance system. The concept, he noted, represents a return to earlier military doctrine. Light 4×4 vehicles equipped with machine guns were already in use in 1948 by the “Shimshon’s Foxes,” a well-known jeep unit of the Givati Brigade.

While the IDF’s central facility in Tel Hashomer focuses on producing Merkava tanks and Namer and Eitan armored personnel carriers, the Haifa center specializes in vehicle conversions and engineering equipment. Among its outputs are “Panther” vehicles, based on FMTV trucks, as well as modifications tailored for Israeli use of American-made Humvees and JLTVs. Dozens of vehicles are completed each month at the facility, which is staffed by both soldiers and civilian defense employees, and are then deployed directly to combat units operating in Gaza and Lebanon.

The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, known in IDF service as the “Pereh,” is also undergoing significant armor upgrades at the site. In cooperation with Israeli companies Plasan and Taavura, a specialized version has been developed to transport up to ten soldiers, alongside another model equipped with a remotely operated weapon station that is already in use along Israel’s eastern border.

The U.S. Congress has approved Israel’s purchase of 3,250 JLTVs, with hundreds already ordered and more than 100 currently in active service.

Engineering design for the upgrades is led by a team headed by Lt. Col. G., which has focused not only on increasing combat effectiveness but also on improving conditions for troops. One key improvement has been reducing the high noise levels inside the vehicles. “We managed to lower the noise level, which also improves the quality of life for the crew so they don’t come out exhausted from the drive,” G. said.

At the same time, the IDF’s Technology and Logistics Directorate is in discussions with the U.S. Army about establishing a joint maintenance forum, modeled after existing cooperation frameworks between the Israeli Air Force and its American and German counterparts.

The Israeli military has taken disciplinary action following an investigation into an incident in southern Lebanon in which a soldier was recorded damaging a Christian symbol, with senior commanders reviewing the findings and implementing sanctions.

The results of the probe, along with recommendations from commanders, were presented Monday night to the commander of the 162nd Division, Brig. Gen. Sagiv Dahan.

According to the inquiry, the episode occurred during IDF operations near the Christian village of Debel. A soldier damaged a Yoshkah statue while another documented the act in a photograph that later circulated. Six additional soldiers were present and neither intervened nor reported what had taken place.

Investigators concluded that the actions of those involved were in complete violation of IDF directives and core values.

The IDF expressed “deep regret over the incident and emphasizes that its operations in Lebanon are directed solely against the Hezbollah terrorist organization and other terrorist groups, and not against Lebanese civilians.”

The military added that “from the moment the report of the incident was received, the IDF has been working to assist the local community in replacing the statue.”

After reviewing the findings, the division commander accepted both the conclusions and the disciplinary recommendations.

As a result, the soldier who damaged the symbol and the one who photographed the act will be removed from combat roles and sentenced to 30 days of military detention. The other soldiers who were present have been called in for clarification hearings, after which further command decisions will be made.

Following the incident, the army reinforced guidelines regarding proper conduct around religious sites and symbols ahead of troop deployments in the area, and said those directives will be reiterated across all units operating there.

The investigation’s conclusions were also submitted to the Chief of the General Staff and the head of the Northern Command.

The Chief of the General Staff strongly denounced the behavior, saying it represented unacceptable conduct and a serious moral failure that goes far beyond acceptable norms and stands in direct contradiction to IDF values and expectations for its soldiers.

{Matzav.com}

By Rabbi Shalom Movshovitz 

The arrival of Argentina’s president into the main bais medrash of Chevron Yeshiva yesterday stirred broad discussion in the Torah community and was widely covered by Israel’s general media as well. There is no doubt that this was a historic moment for the olam haTorah, particularly at a time when it has been facing increasing public and media scrutiny.

The decision of a non-Jewish head of state to enter one of the world’s leading yeshivos while wearing a yarmulka is not something to be taken lightly. It carries symbolic and practical significance, including potential financial implications. The visit was organized by the yeshiva’s leadership, led by the Rosh Yeshiva, Hagaon Rav Dovid Cohen, a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah.

Precisely for that reason, it was especially disappointing to see members of the Israeli chareidi media themselves publicly rebuking the roshei yeshiva who arranged the visit, doing so from behind their keyboards and phones.

Is this really about concern over bitul Torah? Where does the confidence — or the audacity — come from to criticize gedolei Yisroel in general, and the leadership of a major yeshiva in particular? Do people truly understand the weight of responsibility carried by roshei yeshivos? Do they even understand what bitul Torah means?

When was the last time those offering such criticism sat down to learn a daf Gemara that they now feel entitled to lecture roshei yeshiva and gedolei Torah — individuals whose entire lives are dedicated to teaching and expanding Torah — about bitul Torah? Do they really believe they are in a position to define what Torah study lishmah looks like, while accusing others of neglecting it?

These words are written from pain. This is not an attempt to lecture the chareidi media or to educate anyone. But perhaps it is time to regain a sense of proportion — to recognize our place within the Torah hierarchy — before speaking out against the greatest leaders of the generation. A little humility would go a long way.

{Matzav.com}

Approximately 40 Israeli travelers were detained upon arrival at Moscow’s Domodedovo International Airport, reportedly due to concerns tied to the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to multiple reports.

The passengers, who had flown in from Tel Aviv, included several individuals holding dual Israeli-Russian citizenship. They were held for several hours without access to basic necessities such as food, water, or restrooms, The Jerusalem Post reported.

During the detention, Russian officials allegedly demanded that passengers unlock their mobile phones. When travelers declined, authorities instructed them to power down all devices.

Some of those detained were taken aside for questioning, during which officials reportedly emphasized that Iran is an ally of Russia and suggested that those opposed to Iran are likewise opposed to Russia.

Passengers were also told that their presence in the country was unwelcome and that their trip had been pointless. Following the questioning, individuals were reportedly required to sign documents warning them against violating Russian law before being released.

Despite the situation, one source said officials were “very politely and carefully” processing the paperwork.

An Israeli source speaking to Ynet indicated that the number of detainees may have been slightly lower than initially reported, though still close to the figure cited.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it intervened after learning of the incident. A spokesperson told The Jerusalem Post that “As soon as the incident became known, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar directed ministry staff to act, along with the Russian Foreign Ministry and Israel’s Embassy in Moscow.”

“Following this intervention, the incident was resolved, and the Israelis’ entry was approved,” the spokesperson said.

“It was made clear to the Russians that this conduct was completely unacceptable and Israel views the incident very seriously,” they added.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu shared a deeply personal message Monday evening marking Israel’s Memorial Day, focusing on the memory of his brother, Yoni Netanyahu, the Sayeret Matkal commander who was killed during the 1976 Entebbe rescue operation.

In his post, Netanyahu described the profound connection he shared with his older brother, portraying him as a guiding force in his life. “Yoni was my extraordinary brother. My North Star, who helped me navigate my way through the twists and turns of life. He served as a role model and inspiration for me and my brother Iddo, and gave us support and advice at many crossroads. From a young age, he possessed a rare combination of inner calm, determination, and a clear sense of purpose. He always knew where he was going and what was required of him.”

He went on to say that he had long believed Yoni was destined for national leadership. “Throughout its life, the State of Israel has fought for its very existence. As long as Yoni was alive, I was certain that he would be there at the forefront, in leadership, in the place that would help secure its future.”

Netanyahu also revisited the devastating moment he learned of his brother’s death during the mission to rescue hostages from a hijacked Air France flight in Entebbe. “I felt that my life had come to an end. It was not only the loss of a beloved brother. It was the loss of an anchor. I was sure I would never recover.”

He explained how that loss ultimately shaped his own path, saying his brother’s legacy continued to influence generations and gave direction to his own life. “Over time, I realized that Yoni’s legacy did not end with his death. On the contrary. Generations of young people have read the book of his letters, and generations of fighters have drawn inspiration from his values. Yoni did not leave behind only a memory of heroism. He left us a path. Out of the depths of sorrow, a profound sense of mission grew within me. Yoni’s sacrifice pushed me forward into public service.”

Linking his personal loss to his responsibilities today, Netanyahu spoke about the weight of leadership during wartime. “As Prime Minister of Israel in these days of an existential war, when I send our soldiers into battle and our pilots toward Iran, I see each and every one of them as if they were my own brother. I remember my parents, and I think of their parents. I know what is at stake. I know the meaning of every decision. I protect our warriors, and they protect us.”

He concluded the message with a brief but emotional tribute: “I miss you, Yoni, my beloved brother. I miss you terribly.”

{Matzav.com}

Hungary’s prime minister-elect Peter Magyar said Monday that his government would be obligated to detain Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu if he enters Hungarian territory while subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, according to Politico.

The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Countries that are members of the court are generally required to arrest individuals named in such warrants if they enter their jurisdiction.

Hungary, under outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, strongly rejected the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant and later declared its intention to withdraw from the ICC.

Despite the active warrant, Netanyahu was given a high-profile reception by Orban during a visit to Hungary in April 2025. That move prompted the ICC to formally refer Hungary to its oversight body for failing to carry out the arrest.

Magyar has since said he intends to reverse course and stop Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC by June 2, marking one year since the country formally notified the UN Secretary-General of its plan to leave the court.

When asked Monday about Netanyahu’s expected visit later this year, which he has already agreed to, Magyar said, “I made this clear to the Israeli prime minister as well … it is the Tisza government’s firm intention to stop this and ensure that Hungary remains a member of the ICC.”

He added, “If a country is a member of the ICC and a person who is wanted by the ICC enters our territory, then that person must be taken into custody.”

European governments have taken varying positions on how to respond to the ICC warrants. Some maintain that it is possible to remain within the court while not enforcing such orders.

France has argued that Netanyahu enjoys immunity from ICC jurisdiction because Israel is not a signatory to the court’s founding treaty. Italy has similarly said that detaining Netanyahu would not be practical while he continues to serve as Israel’s prime minister.

Germany’s then-chancellor Olaf Scholz said in April 2025 that he could not envision Germany arresting Netanyahu. His successor, Friedrich Merz, later signaled openness to allowing Netanyahu to visit, stating, “Fundamentally, an Israeli prime minister must be able to travel to Germany.”

The Netherlands has also indicated that there may be legal avenues to allow Netanyahu to enter the country without being detained, despite the ICC warrant.

{Matzav.com}

A two-minute siren sounded across Israel on Tuesday morning, bringing the country to a standstill in commemoration of the 25,648 soldiers and civilians who gave their lives for the Jewish state.

Yom Hazikaron, or Israel’s Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Hostile Acts, began at 8 p.m. on Monday with a nationwide one-minute siren. Tuesday morning’s two-minute alarm sounded ahead of memorial ceremonies at Israel’s 52 military cemeteries.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2046502449343520965

At sundown on Tuesday, Israel will transition from solemn remembrance to joyous celebration, kicking off its 78th Independence Day. Celebrations will take place against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire in the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, which President Donald Trump has said is set to expire on Wednesday evening, with expected last-minute talks expected to take place in Islamabad on Tuesday.

 

A total of 174 Israel Defense Forces soldiers have been killed during their military service since last Yom Hazikaron, according to figures released by the Israeli Defense Ministry.

Another 54 disabled veterans died over the past year due to complications from wounds sustained during their service and were also recognized as fallen service members.

The updated data brings the total number of those who have died in defense of the country since 1860—when Jewish residents began establishing neighborhoods outside Yerushalayim’s Old City walls—to 25,650, according to the ministry’s statement. JNS

{Matzav.com}

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf Monday accused President Donald Trump of breaching the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, warning that Tehran is ready to escalate if hostilities resume.

“Trump, by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table— in his own imagination— into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering,” Qalibaf wrote on the social platform X. “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield.”

Qalibaf, along with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is leading Iran’s diplomatic engagement with the U.S. Trump said Sunday that negotiations are expected to resume later this week in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Tensions were further heightened on Sunday when the United States Navy stopped an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that was attempting to evade the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and continue toward an Iranian port. Esmaeil Baqaei told reporters Monday that the interception violated the terms of the current ceasefire, which began on April 8 and is due to expire this week.

In a phone interview with Bloomberg, Trump stated that the truce will end on “Wednesday evening Washington time,” and indicated he is “highly unlikely” to prolong it in the absence of a broader agreement.

As part of efforts to secure a deal, Trump is dispatching Vice President JD Vance to Islamabad. The White House confirmed Monday that Vance is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday, accompanied by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law.

“I sent my A-Team,” Trump told PBS News on Monday, referring to the same group that previously conducted negotiations with Iranian officials earlier this month. Those discussions concluded without a final agreement, though Vance described them as showing “progress” toward ending the conflict and limiting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Also on Monday, Trump pushed back on suggestions that he is facing urgency to finalize an agreement before the ceasefire expires. Writing on his Truth Social platform, he said he is “under no pressure whatsoever, although, it will all happen, relatively quickly!”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Monday that he expects Iran to enter negotiations, expressing confidence ahead of potential talks in Pakistan while also warning of severe repercussions if Tehran refuses.

In a brief phone appearance on “The John Fredericks Show,” Trump made clear he believes Iran will ultimately agree to discussions but signaled that failure to do so would carry significant consequences.

“Well, they’re going to negotiate, and if they don’t, they’re going to see problems like they’ve never seen before,” the President said.

“Hopefully they’ll make a fair deal, and they’ll build their country back up,” Trump continued, adding that when they do so, “they will not have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump also reiterated his justification for recent U.S. military action against Iran, saying it was unavoidable. “And I have to say we had no choice in Iran,” he said. “It wasn’t like we had a choice. We had to do it.”

He added that the situation is progressing well and nearing resolution. “We’ve done a great job, and we’ll get it closed out, and everybody’s going to be happy,” he said.

Iranian leadership responded sharply, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejecting the notion of negotiating under pressure and accusing the U.S. of using coercion.

“Trump, by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table – in his own imagination – into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering,” Ghalibaf, who headed the Iranian delegation in recent talks with the US in Pakistan, wrote in a social media post.

“We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield,” he warned.

His remarks followed Trump’s earlier statement on Truth Social that U.S. restrictions on Iranian ports would remain in place until an agreement is finalized.

Trump wrote that the blockade, which began last week, is “absolutely destroying Iran”, and added that the US is winning the conflict “by a lot”.

In another post, Trump argued that a new agreement under discussion would surpass the previous nuclear deal reached during the Obama administration.

“The DEAL that we are making with Iran will be FAR BETTER than the JCPOA,” Trump wrote, describing the 2015 agreement as “one of the Worst Deals ever made” and asserting that it created “a guaranteed Road to a Nuclear Weapon.”

He emphasized that the proposed deal would block Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. Trump said the deal currently being worked on “will not, and cannot” allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.

With a temporary ceasefire between the two countries scheduled to expire Wednesday, uncertainty remains over whether negotiations in Pakistan will move forward.

At the same time, a report cited by Al-Arabiya indicated that Pakistan has asked both Washington and Tehran to consider extending the ceasefire for an additional two weeks.

According to those reports, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif could announce such an extension as soon as Tuesday.

Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Iran’s state news agency said Sunday that Tehran would not take part in further talks with the United States.

That statement came shortly after Trump said Iranian representatives were expected to travel to Pakistan on Monday for another round of negotiations.

{Matzav.com}

Rep. Chip Roy, a Republican from Texas and a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus, has unveiled a new piece of legislation dubbed the “Mamdani Act,” according to Mediaite.

The proposal seeks to broaden existing immigration statutes by allowing authorities to deny entry, revoke citizenship status, or deport individuals based on their ideological positions or organizational ties.

Under the plan, people who are connected to or express support for socialist, communist, Marxist, or what Roy defines as Islamist extremist movements could be prevented from entering the United States or removed if already present.

The legislation would also block such individuals from obtaining legal status or citizenship while establishing additional legal justifications to deport non-citizens currently residing in the country.

Roy has presented the measure as both a national security initiative and a defense of American values, arguing that it is necessary to keep out what he calls “totalitarian” belief systems that conflict with the nation’s founding principles.

The effort is consistent with Roy’s reputation as one of the more hardline voices within the Republican conference, where he has regularly advocated for stricter immigration policies and stronger enforcement mechanisms, Mediaite reported.

{Matzav.com}

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