Feed aggregator

Iran issued a sharp warning on Wednesday that any military strike on Beirut would trigger a renewed regional conflict, as diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon continued in Washington.

Speaking to the Hezbollah-affiliated Al Mayadeen television network, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States cannot be separated from developments in Lebanon.

“The fate of the war between Iran and the Zionists (Israel) and Americans is inseparable from the fate of the battle in Lebanon, and these two fronts have been intertwined since day one,” Araghchi stated during an interview with the pro-Hezbollah Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen TV.

Araghchi also warned that Tehran is prepared to respond militarily if Israel targets the Lebanese capital, making clear that Iran views Beirut as a red line.

“Any attack on Beirut will have grave consequences and will lead to a full-scale resumption of the war,” he continued, adding Iran’s “armed forces are ready to strike Israel if it attacks Beirut”.

Since the outbreak of hostilities, Iranian officials have repeatedly insisted that any diplomatic effort to resolve the broader regional conflict must include an end to military operations in Lebanon.

On Wednesday, Araghchi reiterated that, from Tehran’s perspective, a lasting end to the fighting can only be achieved if Israel completely withdraws its forces from Lebanese territory.

“The end of the war in Lebanon also means the end of the occupation. That is, the end of the war must be accompanied by the withdrawal of the Zionist regime’s forces from the areas they have occupied,” Araghchi told the television station.

The comments came as Israeli and Lebanese representatives met in Washington for a second consecutive day of direct talks under American mediation. The discussions marked the fourth round of negotiations between the two sides.

Following Wednesday’s session, the United States, Israel, and Lebanon announced that progress had been made toward a ceasefire arrangement. In a joint statement, the parties said they had agreed on a truce “contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector”.

The current diplomatic effort follows an earlier meeting held on April 23, attended by Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Moawad.

After that initial round of talks, President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Israel and Lebanon could achieve peace before the end of the year.

Trump also said he would like to host a meeting in Washington between Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun within the next few weeks.

Aoun, however, has indicated that such a summit is not currently under consideration, maintaining that ending the fighting must come before any direct political engagement between the two leaders.

The Lebanese president has also emphasized that a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon remains a “non-negotiable” condition for reaching any final agreement.

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

WATCH:

LISTEN:

​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

LISTEN:

Shas MK Michael Malkieli launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, accused law enforcement authorities of targeting yeshiva students, and defended his party’s decision to bring down the coalition in a wide-ranging interview with Kikar HaShabbat amid the escalating political battle over the draft law and the status of Torah learners.

Speaking candidly about the collapse of the government, Malkieli said the coalition lost its right to exist once it became clear there was no parliamentary majority to pass legislation protecting the status of Torah students.

“From the moment the prime minister reached the conclusion that there was no majority for this law, the coalition and government lost their right to exist. That is why we left and are dissolving the Knesset,” Malkieli declared.

He said the demand for a Basic Law on Torah Study has been a central objective of the chareidi parties since the start of the government’s term.

“From the beginning of the term, everyone understood that the most important issue for the chareidi parties was legislation regulating the status of Torah learners. There were disagreements over the method, but the decision was to advance a government-sponsored bill.

“We sat through hundreds of discussions and thousands of hours of deliberations in an effort to complete the legislation. But once the prime minister concluded there was no majority, the coalition no longer had a reason to continue.”

According to Malkieli, the proposed Basic Law would not only formalize the status of yeshiva students but also provide legal protection against future efforts to prosecute or arrest those engaged in full-time Torah study.

“The Basic Law on Torah Study is not only about regulating the status of Torah learners. In the end, when you come to arrest and persecute someone who studies Torah, under what authority are you doing so? He is fulfilling a Basic Law. Since the draft law did not pass, the Basic Law on Torah Study must move forward. We want to pass it in its second and third readings.”

Malkieli reserved some of his harshest criticism for Netanyahu, accusing him of remaining silent while yeshiva students face arrest.

“We stood by Netanyahu throughout this entire period. No one preserved the right-wing bloc more than Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, and he paid a heavy personal price when the court ruled that he could not serve as a minister. That was a political decision.

“Beyond that, there were major offers from other quarters. Deri protected the right-wing bloc. The offers were endless. They presented us with a blank sheet and said, ‘Come sign.’

“Benjamin Netanyahu knows how to stand in front of every camera, but now he is keeping silent about the arrests of Torah learners in the Jewish state. This is persecution by the judicial system against the Jewish people and those who study Torah. I expect Netanyahu not to sit on the sidelines.”

He also criticized senior Likud officials for what he described as a lack of support for the chareidi community.

“The prime minister and the senior figures in Likud—and I’m not talking about those within Likud, such as Dan Illouz, who openly oppose us—is this a partnership? Is this a values-based bloc? I expect the prime minister to stand before the cameras and say: ‘We support Torah learners. Torah protects us and has always protected us.’ That is what is required.”

Asked about potential coalition partners after the next election, Malkieli made clear that Shas would not join any government that fails to prioritize Torah values.

“There will be no coalition without preserving the values of Judaism and protecting Torah learners.”

Turning to the ongoing arrests of yeshiva students, Malkieli suggested the campaign is politically motivated and designed to weaken public confidence in the chareidi parties.

“There is concern that they will continue making arrests in order to embarrass the chareidi representatives. Clearly there is political thinking behind this. The goal is to create distance between the chareidi public and its representatives, to spread fear and hostility, and to make a yeshiva student afraid to leave his home. There is a clear objective here.”

Malkieli also leveled criticism at Police Commissioner Daniel Levy and senior police officials, arguing that police resources are being directed toward the wrong priorities.

“A commissioner who sends district commanders to pursue Torah learners and create fear on chareidi streets expects cooperation? I call on the commissioner to pound the table and say that the police should be dealing with crime and murder in the streets.

“He should hold a press conference and announce that police manpower is focused on fighting crime. District commanders should say, ‘We are failing in our mission if this is what we are spending our time on. We are putting down the keys.’”

Addressing another major issue on the chareidi agenda, Malkieli defended the coalition’s efforts to advance kashrus reform legislation, explaining that years of negotiations and legal hurdles delayed progress.

“For three years we held dozens of meetings in my office, with Director-General Yehuda Avidan, with the Rishon LeTzion, with legal advisers. There were endless difficulties. We wanted a bill that would be accepted by all government ministries. Two weeks ago we finally reached an agreed-upon text. We are bringing forward legislation that has the approval of the Justice Ministry.”

Malkieli also discussed his decision earlier in the day to withdraw his candidacy for the committee that appoints rabbinical judges in favor of Housing Minister Yitzchak Goldknopf.

“Credit goes to the Shas chairman, who understands the value of unity and the greatness of peace. He understands the challenges we face regarding the Basic Law on Torah Study, kashrus, and daycare funding. This is not the time for fighting. Unfortunately, there are those who choose conflict. The Shas chairman said that if withdrawing would promote peace, then for the sake of unity we should step aside.”

Commenting on tensions between Shas and factions within United Torah Judaism, Malkieli urged greater cooperation and restraint.

“You will not find a single briefing initiated by Shas. We do not engage in briefings. I call on United Torah Judaism: the Torah world is under threat, and this is a time for unity and working together.”

Malkieli also took aim at former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, warning voters against trusting the politician if he returns to national leadership.

“I say: understand who is standing before us. To anyone considering voting for Bennett, if you think he can become prime minister and then deliver everything that is demanded of him, you do not understand who you are dealing with.

“Do not believe a word he says. He is hollow. Even people within his own camp understand that. They know this is a person who will sell everything.”

Responding to criticism from members of Degel HaTorah regarding the appointment of dozens of municipal rabbis, Malkieli defended the selections and questioned why fellow chareidi politicians were fueling controversy.

“People from within the chareidi parties are criticizing us? For what? Take twenty rabbis—who among them is unqualified? Show me one rabbi who is not worthy.

“What exactly is the criticism? Why give ammunition to the opposition? Why join forces with those who oppose religion while yeshiva students are being arrested? Criticize what? The appointment of rabbis?”

{Matzav.com}

A psychiatric assessment expected in the coming days could determine the next stage in the case of the man suspected of murdering a kollel yungerman inside a Bnei Brak beis medrash, as investigators near the completion of their probe into the shocking killing that shook the chareidi community.

According to a report by I24NEWS, mental health experts are expected to issue a decisive opinion on whether the suspect is competent to stand trial and whether he was legally responsible for his actions at the time of the attack.

At the same time, police have entered the final phase of their investigation and say they have gathered substantial evidence directly linking the suspect to the murder scene.

Investigators increasingly believe the killing was premeditated. According to details that have been cleared for publication, the suspect had frequented the synagogue in recent months, where the victim, a 45-year-old yungerman, regularly davened.

During that period, the suspect reportedly became involved in a series of heated verbal confrontations with the victim and other mispallelim. On the day of the attack, he allegedly entered the yeshiva complex during davening, approached the victim while he was seated at a learning bench, and stabbed him multiple times.

The horrific attack unfolded in front of the victim’s young son, who was sitting beside his father and witnessed the assault. The victim was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, but doctors were unable to save his life, and he was pronounced dead several hours later.

Evidence gathered at the scene indicates that the suspect stabbed the victim repeatedly. Multiple eyewitnesses who were present during the attack have reportedly identified him and connected him directly to the crime.

In light of the evidence collected, a court recently extended the suspect’s detention for an additional week to allow investigators to complete the final stages of the case and facilitate the psychiatric examination, which is expected to play a major role in determining how the matter proceeds.

The findings of that evaluation will help determine whether the suspect faces criminal prosecution or is instead referred for psychiatric treatment. The outcome is expected to have a significant impact on the legal proceedings moving forward. Additional developments are expected in the coming days.

{Matzav.com}

In the wake of a heated protest outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Noam Solberg following a wave of arrests of chareidi draft evaders, the Shas and Degel HaTorah factions released a rare joint statement shortly after midnight, criticizing the actions of Israel’s High Court while also denouncing violence.

The statement came after demonstrators gathered outside Justice Solberg’s residence amid growing tensions surrounding the arrests of yeshiva bochurim classified as draft evaders.

In their joint declaration, the two parties said: “We are pained and shocked by the ongoing campaign of persecution and trampling of Torah learners by the judges of the Supreme Court. We have warned time and again that these measures would lead to extremism and anarchy, and sadly, we are now witnessing those fears become reality.”

At the same time, the chareidi factions stressed that they unequivocally oppose any acts of violence connected to the protests.

“We strongly condemn any act of violence of any kind,” the statement said. “Violence is contrary to the way of the Torah and is completely unacceptable.”

The parties concluded by directing a sharp appeal to leaders of the right-wing bloc, urging them to speak out not only against violence but also against what they described as the continued targeting of yeshiva students.

“However, we demand that the leaders of the right-wing parties, who were quick and correct to condemn this incident, also condemn the ongoing and cruel persecution of Torah learners and yeshiva students. The blood of Torah learners is not hefker.”

Shas MK Yinon Azoulay also addressed the issue during a speech in the Knesset plenum on Wednesday evening, condemning the conduct directed at Justice Solberg while defending the right to protest.

“In the State of Israel, it is permitted and even legitimate to demonstrate and express protest, but violence is not part of the democratic rules of the game. Going to the home of a public servant, harassing members of his family, and disrupting their daily lives — this is not the way of the Torah. We feel deep pain over the harm being done to bnei Torah and are working with all our strength to resolve their status, but that does not justify violent behavior of any kind. Therefore, I unequivocally condemn every expression of violence and incitement.”

Azoulay also called on national leaders to publicly address the arrests of yeshiva students.

“I hope that just as Prime Minister Netanyahu and Education Minister Yoav Kisch condemned these events, we will also hear a clear and firm voice from them regarding the arrest of bnei Torah. Bnei Torah who sit and learn Torah should be in the batei medrash and continue their learning, not find themselves under arrest. This is an important public and moral message that the leadership of the state must state clearly,” said Azoulay.

{Matzav.com}

A controversial bill approved by New York Democrats would remove references to “mother” and “father” from numerous state laws and replace them with gender-neutral language, a move that is already drawing fierce criticism from Republicans and conservatives while supporters argue it reflects modern family structures.

Under the legislation, references to a “mother” would be changed to “gestating parent,” while “father” would be replaced by “non-gestating parent” or simply “parent” in various sections of family, domestic relations, and education law. The measure cleared the Assembly earlier this year and won Senate approval this week.

The legislation would also alter legal terminology used in family court proceedings. Cases traditionally classified as paternity matters would instead be referred to as parentage proceedings.

In addition, the bill would replace the legal designation of a “putative father” with the term “an alleged parent” in official state documents. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Luis Sepulveda of the Bronx and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin of Westchester and now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul for consideration.

Opponents blasted the proposal as an example of political correctness overriding common language and practical concerns.

“It’s woke culture run amok. It’s one-upmanship,” said state Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar, a former longtime state Senate and Assembly staffer.

“It’s an example of how out of tune the New York legislature is. It’s an unnecessary and wasteful use of time,” Kassar said.

Kassar argued that the measure could encourage lawmakers to pursue additional language-related legislation while more pressing issues remain unresolved. He pointed to the prolonged budget process as evidence that Albany’s priorities are misplaced.

“Imagine people who are considering moving to New York seeing this and saying, ‘Do I need this silliness?’ This is a really weird group of elected officials. It comes out of left field,” he said.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman also criticized the proposal and linked it to broader Democratic policies.

“Democrats led by Kathy Hochul have continued their declaration of war on New York families by canceling the loving terms of Mom and Dad and replacing them with ‘gestating and non-gestating parent,’” Blakeman said in a statement. “The insanity ends when I’m Governor.”

Republican lawmakers who opposed the measure said it demonstrates how disconnected Albany has become from the concerns of ordinary residents.

“At a time when New Yorkers are being crushed by utility bills, rising costs, and public safety concerns, Albany Democrats have decided one of their final priorities in the last days of session should be replacing mothers and fathers in state law,” said Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R-Nassau). “That is not what families are asking for. I am a mother and proud to be called ‘mother.’”

“New Yorkers are proud to celebrate moms and dads, and they would rather we, as lawmakers, focus on the issues that actually matter,” she said.

The proposal reportedly generated skepticism even among some Democrats. As the legislative session winds down, not all members of the majority party appeared enthusiastic about the wording changes.

“I have a word we can use for this, ‘unnecessary,’” one Democratic lawmaker told The Post.

The debate unfolded shortly after lawmakers finally approved New York’s $268 billion state budget, which had been delayed for nearly two months amid disagreements within the Democratic majority.

Asked Wednesday whether she supports the legislation, Hochul declined to take a position, saying she had not yet reviewed the bill.

“Well, I’m not familiar with what was introduced,” Hochul said at an unrelated event in Brooklyn Wednesday. “I’ll take a look at it. This has been my practice for five years.”

Supporters of the measure argue that the language updates are necessary to reflect existing legal realities and the way family courts already handle certain cases involving surrogacy arrangements and same-sex couples.

According to a memorandum accompanying the bill, the revisions are intended to bring statutory language into line with current legal standards and family court practices.

Attorneys who specialize in adoption law said the traditional terminology no longer reflects the range of family structures recognized under New York law.

“You have adoptive parents who are of the same gender in New York. There are two male parents, two female parents,” said adoption lawyer Leslie Silver-Hoffman.

Sepulveda defended the legislation, saying it simply updates legal terminology to match existing statutes and judicial rulings.

“The bill was needed to be consistent with current statute and case law,” he said.

The proposal also drew criticism from Rep. Claudia Tenney, who argued that lawmakers should be focused on other concerns facing New Yorkers.

“At a time when New Yorkers are struggling with high taxes, rising costs, and public safety concerns, Albany Democrats are focused on redefining motherhood,” Tenney said. “This is yet another example of out-of-touch politicians prioritizing progressive ideology over the issues that actually matter to hardworking New Yorkers.”

The legislation is the latest example of a broader push toward gender-neutral language in New York government.

In recent years, the state has adopted requirements encouraging the use of terms such as “they,” “them,” and “theirs” in official laws, regulations, and resolutions rather than language tied specifically to males or females.

The trend also extends to identity documents. In 2018, then-Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York City Council approved legislation allowing residents to select an “X” designation on birth certificates to identify as non-binary.

{Matzav.com}

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon was reached in Washington after two days of intensive talks hosted by the United States, with the deal centered on ending Hezbollah’s military activity in southern Lebanon and advancing broader peace negotiations between the neighboring countries.

A joint statement released at the conclusion of Wednesday’s discussions said the ceasefire would only take effect if Hezbollah completely halts its attacks and removes all of its operatives from the area south of the Litani River. The agreement makes implementation of the truce directly dependent on those requirements being met.

As part of the arrangement, Israel and Lebanon agreed to move forward rapidly with the establishment of pilot security zones in which the Lebanese Armed Forces will exercise exclusive authority, without the presence of any armed non-state groups. Officials said the initiative is intended to create momentum toward a wider peace and security framework between the two nations.

The United States, Israel, and Lebanon also delivered a strong message against outside influence, declaring that they “rejected any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon’s future hostage,” while emphasizing that relations between the countries “must be decided by the two sovereign governments”.

Both sides further stated that they “reaffirmed that they have no hostile intent toward one another and committed to continuing direct negotiations to build confidence”.

The latest diplomatic effort follows defense consultations held at the Pentagon on May 29, where officials began formulating a broader strategic vision for the region. According to the statement, the plan seeks to guarantee “ensuring the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Lebanon and Israel,” while requiring the “dismantlement of non-state armed groups, and the prevention of their re-emergence”. Participants also jointly “condemned Iran’s attacks on countries in the region, and ongoing activities that undermine stability throughout the Middle East”.

Washington reiterated its commitment to strengthening the Lebanese military so it can fully enforce government authority throughout the country. American officials also pointed to comments made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 2, when he said that “Hezbollah is not just an enemy of Israel and an enemy of America, but that it is an enemy of Lebanon”.

Israel maintained during the negotiations that its long-term security can “only be achieved through the disarmament of Hezbollah and the dismantlement of its infrastructure throughout Lebanon”. Lebanon, meanwhile, emphasized “the necessity for mutual respect of internationally recognized borders” and underscored “the urgent need for full implementation of the cessation of hostilities”.

Under the agreement, negotiators are expected to “reconvene the political and security tracks the week of June 22, with a view toward reaching a comprehensive agreement,” while the United States continues to serve as the primary mediator.

The Washington meeting marked the fourth round of American-sponsored negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

Following the first round of talks on April 23, attended by Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, President Donald Trump voiced optimism that a peace agreement between the two countries could be reached before the end of the year.

Trump also said he would like to host Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Washington within the coming weeks.

Aoun has made it clear, however, that a meeting with Netanyahu is not currently under consideration, arguing that securing and maintaining the ceasefire must come before any direct political engagement between the two leaders.

The Lebanese president has also recently reiterated that a complete Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon remains a “non-negotiable” condition for any final agreement.

{Matzav.com}