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The U.S. is shifting military aircraft and warships into and around the Middle East to protect Israel from Iranian attacks as President Donald Trump warns Tehran to step back from the conflict. Trump’s social media posts saying his patience with Iran was “wearing thin” have raised the possibility of deepening U.S. involvement, perhaps by using its bunker-busting bomb to strike a key Iranian nuclear site built deep underground in the mountains. Israel doesn’t have the massive munition it would take to destroy the Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant, or the aircraft needed to deliver it. Only the U.S. does. As America’s national security leaders discuss the next steps, the Pentagon has moved to ensure that its troops and bases in the region are protected. Here’s a look at the U.S. military presence in the Middle East: US aircraft moving to the Middle East In a social media post, Trump warned that “we now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.” U.S. officials insisted as of Tuesday that the American military has not taken any offensive actions against Iran, only defensive strikes to take out incoming Iranian missiles to protect Israel. Additional U.S. fighter jets and refueling tankers have been deployed to the region, but officials have declined to provide specific numbers. Fighter jets have joined in launching strikes to defend Israel, but officials said Tuesday that no American aircraft were over Iran. Aurora Intel, a group that reviews open source information in real time in the Middle East, said the U.S. Air Force had put additional refueling aircraft and fighter jets in strategic locations across Europe, including England, Spain, Germany and Greece. The information was obtained from public aviation tracking websites. U.S. fighter jets have been patrolling the skies around the Middle East to protect personnel and installations, and bases in the region are on heightened alert and are taking additional security precautions, the officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not provided any details, but said on Fox News Channel late Monday that the military movements were to “ensure that our people are safe.” Warships taking out Iranian missiles and ready to protect US bases American warships also are shooting down Iranian ballistic missiles targeting Israel, with the USS The Sullivans and the USS Arleigh Burke launching strikes over the weekend. The Sullivans has been joined in the Eastern Mediterranean by the USS Thomas Hudner this week to continue those defense strikes, while the Arleigh Burke has moved away from the area, according to a U.S. official. The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier is in the Arabian Sea with the four warships in its strike group. They are not participating in the defense of Israel. But they are positioned to provide security for U.S. troops and bases along the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. The USS Nimitz has been long scheduled to take over for the Carl Vinson and is heading west from the Indo-Pacific region toward the Middle East. The official said it is slated to arrive in the region by the end of the month, and the two carriers would likely overlap at least for a short time before the Vinson heads home to San Diego. There also are destroyers in the Red Sea, […]

The past few days in Israel have been nothing short of devastating. A barrage of hypersonic missiles, explosive-laden drones, and relentless rocket fire launched by Iran and its proxies has rained down on cities across the country, leaving destruction, trauma, and heartbreak in its wake. From the northern border to the heart of Tel Aviv, no community has been spared. In one of the most heartbreaking incidents, an entire Arab Israeli family — including young children — was killed in the north. In central Israel, direct hits on residential buildings and public spaces left over 100 injured and at least 9 civilians dead, among them three children aged just 10, 13, and 18. More than 300 homes and buildings have been reported damaged or destroyed. Sirens have sounded in dozens of municipalities, and millions of Israelis have spent nights in bomb shelters, many without electricity or access to proper care. And yet, amid the chaos and fear, there is light — the unmistakable light of courage, compassion, and unity. At every site of impact, United Hatzalah’s volunteers have been among the first to respond. With zero hesitation, these brave medics — Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze — leave their own families, often sheltering in safe rooms, and race directly toward danger. On ambucycles, in ambulances, or on foot, they weave through debris and sirens to reach those in need. They have pulled children from under rubble, stabilized the elderly suffering from cardiac arrest, treated burns, trauma, and shock, and responded to over 6,000 emergency calls unrelated to the conflict — showing up for every life, every need, regardless of background or location. Many of these volunteers are working on little or no sleep, and yet their devotion does not waver. This is more than just a time of crisis — it is a time of national and human urgency. United Hatzalah is not funded by the government. Every piece of equipment, every life-saving device, every emergency response is made possible through your donations. As Israel faces one of its darkest and most dangerous hours in recent memory, we ask you: stand with us. Support the work. Stand with the volunteers. Help us save lives. We do not have the luxury to wait. We must act now — together. 👉 Donate now 

The IDF has issued an urgent evacuation warning for District 18 in Tehran, ahead of an expected strike on Iranian military infrastructure. Civilians are urged to leave immediately for their safety.

With great sadness, Matzav.com reports the untimely petirah of R’ Avrohom Nochum (Avromi) Landesman z”l of Lakewood. He was just 45 years old.

Avromi was in the middle of learning in the Whispering Pines Shul when he began experiencing severe chest pain. Despite the swift response of Hatzolah, he tragically went into cardiac arrest and was niftar shortly thereafter.

A beloved resident of the Kew Gardens/Agway development in Lakewood, R’ Avromi was known for his warmth, his ever-present smile, and his genuine love for people. A baal chesed in the truest sense, he was always ready to lend a helping hand, brighten someone’s day, or offer a word of encouragement. His joy was infectious, his heart expansive.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Miriam, his children, his parents, and his siblings, all left reeling from the sudden petirah of a husband, father, son, and brother who was so deeply cherished.

The levayah just took place at the Congregation Sons of Israel Holocaust Memorial Chapel on Ramsey Avenue in Lakewood,. Kevurah is taking place now at the adjacent Mt. Sinai Cemetery.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

According to an Israeli official, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has concluded a phone conversation with President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu had mentioned the previous day that he has been in frequent contact with Trump, speaking nearly daily since tensions with Iran escalated last week.

Recent remarks from Trump have fueled speculation that the United States might soon become directly involved in military action against Iran alongside Israel.

{Matzav.com Israel}

FBI Director Kash Patel has revealed that he has handed over documents to Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, which contain serious claims of Chinese Communist Party involvement in the 2020 U.S. election.

“The FBI has located documents which detail alarming allegations related to the 2020 U.S. election, including allegations of interference by the CCP,” Patel shared Monday on X. “I have immediately declassified the material and turned the documents over to Chairman Grassley for further review.”

Patel’s post included a link to a report from Just the News, which claimed that intelligence assessments warned the Chinese government may have mass-produced fraudulent U.S. driver’s licenses as part of a broader plan to exploit mail-in ballots for then-Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

According to the report, these intelligence files, dating back to August 2020, were pulled back from various agencies and never pursued further.

At the time, FBI Director Christopher Wray had testified there were no known foreign plots to interfere with the 2020 presidential election, which saw Biden defeat President Donald Trump.

Senator Grassley has expressed concern that these intelligence reports were sidelined rather than thoroughly reviewed by appropriate agencies.

“Thanks to the oversight work and partnership of Chairman Grassley, the FBI continues to provide unprecedented transparency at the people’s Bureau,” Patel stated to Just the News. “To that end, we have located documents Chairman Grassley requested, which detail alarming allegations related to the 2020 U.S. election.”

Patel further noted that the claims regarding a plan to manipulate mail-in ballots using fake identities were “substantiated” but were “abruptly recalled and never disclosed to the public.”

Individuals familiar with the documents told Just the News that the FBI had received information in 2020 from a new confidential source, who claimed the Chinese government was involved in producing and exporting counterfeit U.S. driver’s licenses.

The alleged aim of the operation was to equip Chinese nationals living in the U.S. with false identification so they could cast fraudulent mail-in ballots in favor of Biden.

Although the intelligence report was withdrawn, sources noted that U.S. Customs and Border Protection had seized around 20,000 fake IDs during the same period.

Earlier reports from 2020 also confirmed that CBP agents confiscated 19,888 fake driver’s licenses at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport through June of that year.

According to a report from Fox 5 New York, the majority of these shipments originated in mainland China and Hong Kong, with a smaller number coming from South Korea and the United Kingdom.

CBP officials at the time stated that many of the fake IDs appeared to be intended for college-age individuals, with several IDs sharing the same photo but bearing different names.

More recently, CBS News reported that customs officers at O’Hare intercepted additional counterfeit shipments just last month, including thousands of fake driver’s licenses and knockoff luxury watches.

Out of 485 shipments from China and Hong Kong, 145 contained a total of 516 counterfeit Rolex and other branded watches, while another 340 shipments included 4,345 fake U.S. driver’s licenses.

{Matzav.com}

Air raid sirens blared across northern and central parts of Israel shortly after 12:40 a.m., as Iran launched a wave of missiles aimed at Israeli territory.

The Israel Defense Forces issued a statement confirming that interception measures were being deployed to counter the incoming projectiles. “Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. The public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice,” the IDF stated.

The military added a strict advisory for civilians, emphasizing that shelter should not be exited until officially instructed. “Leaving the protected space is only permitted following an explicit directive. Continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command,” the statement continued.

Initial estimates suggest that approximately 20 missiles were involved in this latest offensive.

Early reports noted that at least one missile struck in the Sharon area, though further details were still being verified.

{Matzav.com Israel}

During a shiur on Monday night, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein delivered guidance steeped in Torah, sensitivity, and heart. Speaking in the Beis Knesses HaMerkazi of Ramat Elchanan in Bnei Brak, the Rosh Yeshiva addressed pressing halachic questions that have arisen in recent days amid ongoing rocket attacks.

During the shiur, a participant shared a striking account: a southern shul had been entirely burned down in a missile strike—except for the Aron Kodesh and the Sifrei Torah. Rav Zilberstein responded with sobering candor: “Why was the shul destroyed? I’m embarrassed to tell you why. There were people there who spoke divrei beitailim in the beis haknesses… If there were no idle or negative words spoken, the shul wouldn’t have fallen. It would have brought down the one who fired the rocket! But if it collapsed, it was destroyed by those speaking lashon hara and empty talk. Not by the Arabs with their bombs.”

As the shiur progressed, a warning was issued about an imminent siren and the tzibbur was instructed to move to the shul’s underground shelter. Rav Zilberstein offered perspective: “It’s not right to say we’re ‘leaving’ the beis haknesses. We’re not leaving—we’re just moving locations. This isn’t just a shelter. It’s a beis haknesses. A place of Torah and tefillah. The shiur continues—it’s still a beis haknesses, not just a basement.”

Once in the shelter, Rav Zilberstein resumed the shiur: “We came here to learn—we didn’t come here to hide. We simply haven’t finished yet. So we’ll continue.”

Rav Zilberstein addressed further wartime questions, including whether one should recite Hamapil before going to sleep amid sirens. His answer: “You should say Hamapil, because your berachah can bring them down. You’re stronger than they are. You say Hamapil—they don’t. They’re trying to destroy Jews. We’re invoking the Ribbono Shel Olam.”

Another question was raised: If one is woken up by a siren after alos hashachar, may he return to sleep or must he first daven? Rav Zilberstein replied, “You can’t go back to sleep. Now it’s time for Krias Shema and tefillah. After that, you can sleep.”

Toward the end, Rav Zilberstein gave heartfelt words of encouragement: “I want to bless you, my dear and beloved ones. No other nation in the world does this during sirens. The other nations talk politics or debate Trump. Only one nation, when there’s a siren, gathers in shuls and learns Torah. There’s no nation like this one. Mi ke’amcha Yisroel, goy echad ba’aretz—there’s nothing like it.”

He concluded with a personal and touching piece of advice: “You need to buy something for your wife. Why? Because she was alone during the sirens. She suffered. She waited alone. You need to show her you understand that she endured this because of us. Buy something small—a treat, a little gift—something to let her know you appreciate her pain and are there for her.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Lebanon’s president and prime minister said Monday that their country must stay out of the conflict between Israel and Iran because any engagement would be detrimental to the small nation engulfed in an economic crisis and struggling to recover from the latest Israel-Hezbollah war. Their remarks amounted to a message to the Lebanese Hezbollah terror group — an ally of both Iran and the Palestinian terror Hamas group in Gaza — to stay out of the fray. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam spoke during a Cabinet meeting Monday that also discussed the Iran-Israel conflict and the spike in regional tensions over the past four days. Information Minister Paul Morkos later told reporters that Aoun urged all sides in Lebanon to maintain calm and preserve the country’s stability. For his part, Salam said Lebanon should not be involved in “any form in the war,” Morkos added. Hezbollah, funded and armed by Iran, has long been considered Tehran’s most powerful ally in the region but its latest war with Israel also saw much of Hezbollah’s political and military leadership killed in Israeli airstrikes. Since Israel on Friday launched strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear program and top military leaders, drawing Iran’s retaliatory ballistic missiles at Israel, the back-and-forth has raised concerns that the region, already on edge over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, would be plunged into even greater upheaval. (AP)

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HY’D: A third victim of the Iranian missile attack that struck a high-rise building in Petach Tikvah in the pre-dawn hours of Monday morning was identified as Daisy Yitzchaki, 85. Two more victims of the missile strike on the Bazan oil refinery in Haifa were also identified: Uri Levy, 58, and Igor Fradkin, 50. The two men, along with the previously identified victim, Dani Avraham, worked at the refinery. Levy, z’l, a resident of Haifa, left behind his wife, three children, and a granddaughter. Fradkin, z’l, a resident of Kiryat Ata, left behind three children.

The IDF announced on Tuesday that it has finalized operational plans to launch a strike on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow nuclear facility, pending a green light from Israel’s leadership.

Up until now, military officials have avoided giving direct answers about whether a strike on Fordow was imminent. They have, however, issued explicit denials in response to recent false reports suggesting that Fordow had already been attacked.

The Fordow site is considered Iran’s most critical nuclear installation and remains untouched by Israeli forces. Its location beneath a mountain makes it particularly difficult to penetrate.

While Israel does not possess the massive 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs that the U.S. has in its arsenal, it has long pushed Washington to take direct action against the site.

Despite lacking those specific munitions, the Israeli Air Force has developed alternative strategies to inflict serious damage on Fordow. These include dropping multiple 2,000- or 5,000-pound bombs repeatedly on the same location to potentially trigger structural collapse.

In addition to Fordow, the IDF has indicated that it could complete the destruction of Iran’s most vital nuclear infrastructure within the coming week.

The Israeli military has broken down Iran’s nuclear capabilities into three categories of targets: the scientists driving the program, the enrichment sites themselves, and the supporting command and logistics infrastructure.

So far, the IDF has already hit dozens of Iranian nuclear-related locations, including major installations at Natanz and Isfahan, both of which are key hubs second only to Fordow.

{Matzav.com Israel}

A hurricane warning was issued Tuesday for a portion of southern Mexico as Tropical Storm Erick gained strength in the Pacific Ocean, forecasters said. The National Hurricane Center said Erick was expected to rapidly intensify and become a hurricane by late Tuesday or early Wednesday. The cyclone was centered about 285 miles (460 kilometers) southeast of Puerto Ángel, Mexico, on Tuesday morning. The tropical storm had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph), the Miami-based center said. It was moving west-northwest at 9 mph (15 kph) and forecast to approach the coast by late Wednesday. A hurricane warning was in effect from Puerto Ángel to Punta Maldonado in coastal southern Mexico. The hurricane watch stretches west of Punta Maldonado to Acapulco and east of Puerto Ángel to Bahías de Huatulco. A tropical storm watch was posted east of Puerto Ángel to Salina Cruz. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected in the area, and preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion, according to the NHC advisory. Heavy rainfall up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) was forecast for parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero with lighter amounts in Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco states as well as parts of El Salvador and Guatemala. The rainfall may produce flooding and mudslides, the center said, and storm surge could produce coastal flooding. (AP)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered an emphatic endorsement of Israel’s military campaign targeting Iran, declaring that Israel is carrying out a task on behalf of the global community. Speaking in an interview with ZDF, Merz warned that unless Iran backs down from its pursuit of nuclear weapons, its nuclear infrastructure could face total obliteration. He also stressed that Israel cannot be expected to accomplish this alone.

“This is the dirty work Israel is doing for all of us. We are also victims of this regime. This mullah regime has brought death and destruction to the world,” he stated.

Merz pointed out that Israel’s recent military actions had dealt a major blow to Iran’s regime, particularly in terms of its nuclear program. He implied that the damage inflicted might be irreversible, and that Iran may not regain its prior influence or capability. At the same time, he affirmed Germany’s willingness to support any future diplomatic initiatives, should Iran show openness to negotiations.

The Chancellor’s remarks reflect an unusually bold endorsement of Israel’s defense efforts from the head of a prominent European government.

Posting to social media on Sunday, Merz wrote, “Israel has the right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens. Iran’s nuclear weapons program is an existential threat to the State of Israel.”

{Matzav.com}

GARDEN STATE PARKWAY: A bus traveling from Monsey to Boro Park via the Garden State Parkway was forced to stop near the i80 when its fire suppression system suddenly activated. The bus company has sent a second bus to transport the stranded travelers to their destination.

On Monday, June 16th the Senate Finance Committee released its text of the Big, Beautiful Bill. It includes a game-changing, $4 billion annual tax credit that will enable students to receive K-12 scholarships which can be used for private school tuition and other educational expenses. Most importantly, the Senate version makes the proposed scholarship tax credit permanent! “School Choice is here to stay,” said Rabbi Avi Schnall, Agudath Israel of America’s Director of Federal Education Affairs. “The proposed Educational Choice for Children Act will soon allow students in all 50 states to benefit from choosing the educational setting that best meets their needs.” “The Senate proposal provides the necessary stability so that parents and others are willing to invest in the long term education of our children,” added Rabbi A. D. Motzen, Agudath Israel of America’s National Director of Government Affairs. This expansion builds upon the House-passed bill that included a tax credit cap of $5 billion a year for four years. The Senate draft also made several other important improvements advocated by Agudath Israel and its coalition partners. “We are blessed with many school choice champions in Congress,” said Rabbi Yossie Charner Agudath Israel’s Director of Congressional Affairs. “Agudath Israel thanks Senators Bill Cassidy, Ted Cruz, and Tim Scott, who, along with Chairman Crapo and Senate leadership ensured that the Big, Beautiful Bill will leave a lasting legacy for many years to come.” Agudath Israel urges the House to adopt these Senate changes and make additional positive enhancements to the measure so that the final version is the biggest, and best bill possible to help our students and families.

NY TIMES: Iran has prepared missiles and military equipment for strikes on US bases in the Middle East if the US joins Israel’s war against the country, according to US officials.

Exit Plan May Involve Air or Sea Travel; Information Collection Underway

In a new development, Israeli authorities have begun preliminary preparations to assist foreign nationals who remain stranded in Israel due to the ongoing security situation.

While no official exit plan has yet been announced, Chaim V’Chessed has learned from sources that the developing arrangement may include evacuation by air or sea to a third country. At this stage, the government is focused on collecting data from those affected.

Tourists and other foreigners currently in Israel who wish to return to their home countries are encouraged to submit their personal details using this online form.

This move comes as part of broader efforts to support the large number of foreign nationals who have found themselves unable to leave the country following the closure of commercial air routes. Chaim V’Chessed will continue to monitor the situation closely and share verified updates as they become available.

{Matzav.com}

DISGRACEFUL: Roaring antisemite United States Representative Ilhan Omar says America is “one of the worst countries” on earth. She should go back to her home county (before she entered the USA illegally). Somalia, where it’s just blissful and great place to live.