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War Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States is prepared to escalate its military campaign against Iran as Operation Epic Fury continues, including the possibility of deploying American ground forces into Tehran if necessary. In a televised interview Sunday night, Hegseth made clear that the Trump administration is willing to take whatever steps are required to remove the Iranian regime.

“We’re willing to go as far as we need in order to be successful,” Hegseth told CBS News’ Major Garrett during a “60 Minutes” sit-down interview that aired Sunday night.

He emphasized that the United States is deliberately keeping all military options open as the war unfolds.

“We reserve the right. We would be completely unwise if we did not reserve the right to take any particular option, whether it included boots on the ground or not boots on the ground.”

President Trump had previously indicated that such a move remains under consideration. Speaking to The New York Post last week, Trump said that American forces could be sent into Iran if military leaders determine it is required.

Hegseth also explained that any decision to deploy U.S. troops — whether openly or through covert operations — would not be publicly disclosed in advance.

“People ask, ‘Boots on the ground, no boots on the ground, four weeks, two weeks, six weeks? Go in, go in,’” he added.

“President Trump knows — I know — you don’t tell the enemy, you don’t tell the press, you don’t tell anybody what your limits would be on an operation.”

As the conflict intensifies, Hegseth acknowledged that additional casualties are expected. Iranian retaliatory drone strikes have already killed seven American service members.

Six Army Reservists were killed in Kuwait, while another service member later succumbed to wounds sustained in an attack in Saudi Arabia.

“The president’s been right to say there will be casualties,” the secretary said in his interview.

“Things like this don’t happen without casualties. There will be more casualties … especially our generation knows what it’s like to see Americans come home in caskets. But that doesn’t weaken us one bit. It stiffens our spine and our resolve to say this is a fight we will finish.”

The six reservists killed in the attack — Nicole Amor, 39; Cody Khork, 35; Declan Coady, 20; Robert Marzan, 54; Jeffrey O’Brien, 45; and Noah Tietjens, 42 — were returned to the United States in a solemn transfer ceremony.

The identity of the seventh service member, whose death was confirmed Sunday, has not yet been released publicly.

The developments followed another tragedy involving an American service member. NYPD Officer and decorated Army veteran Sorffly Davius died after suffering a medical emergency while deployed in Kuwait with the National Guard.

{Matzav.com}

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Sec. Marco Rubio: “Every single day this regime in Iran has less missiles, has less launchers, their factories work less, and their Navy is being eviscerated. And the world is going to be a safer and a better place when this mission is accomplished.”

Sec. Marco Rubio on the Iranian regime: “This is a terroristic regime and we are seeing them conduct terrorism using nation-state elements, using weapons like missiles and one-way attack drones, and the objective of this mission is to destroy their ability to continue to do that — and we are well on our way to […]

President Donald Trump said Sunday that the timing of when the war with Iran will conclude will be determined in coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, emphasizing that the two leaders remain in close contact as the conflict continues.

Speaking to The Times of Israel, Trump explained that both leaders are communicating regularly and that the decision will be made with input from both sides.

“I think it’s mutual… a little bit. We’ve been talking. I’ll make a decision at the right time, but everything’s going to be taken into account,” Trump said when asked whether he alone would determine when the war ends or if Netanyahu would also have a say.

Although Trump indicated that Netanyahu would be involved in discussions, he also suggested that the ultimate decision would be his to make.

When asked whether Israel might choose to continue fighting even if the United States stops its military operations, Trump dismissed the scenario.

“I don’t think it’s going to be necessary.”

Trump’s comments came shortly after Iranian state media reported that the country’s Assembly of Experts had selected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to become Iran’s next Supreme Leader.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump told ABC News that whoever succeeds Iran’s current leadership would not remain in power long without approval from Washington. When The Times of Israel asked him to respond to reports about Mojtaba Khamenei’s selection, Trump offered a brief response.

“We’ll see what happens.”

During the conversation, Trump also spoke positively about Netanyahu and the way the two leaders have worked together during the ongoing conflict.

“We’ve done a great job together, like what we’ve done with Iran,” Trump said when asked whether his view of Netanyahu had changed since his previous term.

Trump also argued that Iran represented a direct danger to Israel before the war began eight days earlier.

“Iran was going to destroy Israel and everything else around it… and now look what we have – we have them being destroyed,” Trump said, while praising Netanyahu’s leadership during the conflict.

“Bibi’s done a great job. He’s been a wartime prime minister. We’ve worked together. We’ve destroyed a country that wanted to destroy Israel. Would have destroyed Israel if I wasn’t around. And [if] Bibi wasn’t around, Israel would not exist today.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said he continues to support granting a pardon to Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, repeating his call for Israeli President Isaac Herzog to take action on the matter.

In an interview Sunday with Libby Alon of Channel 14 News, Trump addressed the controversy surrounding Netanyahu’s legal situation and the possibility of a presidential pardon in Israel.

When asked whether he is troubled by the conduct of Israel’s judicial system and whether he might consider sanctions against the country’s Attorney General or the President of the Supreme Court, Trump signaled his strong backing for Netanyahu.

“I don’t want to say it, but I’m all for Bibi.”

Trump was also questioned about regional diplomacy, including whether a deal might be possible between Israel and Qatar and whether Qatar could shift its position regarding support for Hamas.

“Anything is possible, who knows, they have been very helpful, the Qataris are very supportive and that’s great,” the President replied.

The remarks follow sharp criticism Trump directed last week at Herzog during an interview with Axios reporter Barak Ravid, in which he expressed frustration that the Israeli president had not yet granted Netanyahu a pardon.

“The president … should give Bibi the pardon today. I don’t want anything on Bibi’s mind other than fighting against Iran,” Trump said, arguing that Herzog had previously suggested he might issue a pardon but had not acted on it.

“He told me he would give it to him. But he has held it over Bibi’s head for a year,” Trump said. “Tell him I am exposing him. That president better damn well give him the pardon right now – and stop using it as leverage for his own political career.”

Herzog responded to Trump’s criticism in an interview with Fox News on Saturday, emphasizing that any decision regarding a pardon must follow Israel’s legal procedures.

“I said that I will consider everything seriously, but I’m obliged under the process and under Israeli law to await opinions that must be given to me by the relevant authorities. And that is why, of course, everything is on the table, but it has to be done according to Israeli law,” Herzog stressed.

He also expressed respect for Trump while noting that the issue involves Israel’s internal legal system.

“I respect President Trump tremendously, honestly. And I take the brunt with a lot of affection and respect to him because he’s the leader of the free world who’s changing history. But on the merits of a case, which is an internal case in Israel, I am obliged, I’m sworn in, and I’m the President of the state of Israel,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has declared its allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei following his selection as the country’s new supreme leader, a move that also drew praise from several Iranian-backed groups across the Middle East.

Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as successor to his father by Iran’s Assembly of Experts, placing him at the helm of the Islamic Republic during a period of intense conflict involving the United States and Israel.

In a statement released after the appointment, the Revolutionary Guard Corps said it stands fully prepared to serve under the authority of the new leader.

“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps… is ready for complete obedience and self-sacrifice in carrying out the divine commands of the Guardian Jurist of the time, His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei,” the Guards said.

Organizations aligned with Iran throughout the region also issued statements welcoming the development.

Yemen’s Houthi movement offered congratulations to Iran’s leadership and citizens after the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei, describing the appointment as a major milestone during the ongoing regional conflict.

“We congratulate the Islamic Republic of Iran, its leadership and people, on the selection of Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution at this important and pivotal juncture,” the Houthis said in a statement on Telegram.

The group characterized the decision as a significant achievement for the Iranian regime and its allies.

The Houthis said the appointment represented “a new victory for the Islamic Revolution and a resounding blow to the enemies of the Islamic Republic and the enemies of the nation.”

In Iraq, the pro-Iran militia Kataib Hezbollah also voiced strong support for the leadership transition, praising Mojtaba Khamenei’s qualifications.

The group said in a statement that he is “a figure possessing the leadership qualifications and competence necessary to shoulder the responsibilities of this great trust in these critical times.”

It further argued that the decision by Iran’s Assembly of Experts demonstrated careful judgment about the challenges facing the country.

According to the statement, the appointment “is further proof of the vigilance of the Assembly of Experts and their deep foresight regarding the existential challenges facing the nation in confronting global arrogance,” describing him as “the best successor for the best predecessor.”

For many years, Mojtaba Khamenei has been viewed as one of the most influential figures within Iran’s security establishment and widely seen as a preferred choice of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Despite that backing, his path to leadership faced significant hurdles.

Reports over the weekend indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded during the initial stage of Operation Roaring Lion last Saturday morning but survived the assassination attempt. His father, mother, wife, and son were killed in the same strike.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has publicly opposed Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation to supreme leader.

“Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me, we want someone who will bring harmony and peace to Iran. I have to be involved in the appointment,” he told Axios last Thursday.

Trump later reiterated his position in remarks to ABC News, suggesting that the next Iranian supreme leader would need American approval to maintain power.

“He’s going to have to get approval from us,” Trump told the American news outlet. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long.”

Trump said the objective is to prevent future confrontations tied to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“I don’t want people to have to go back in five years and have to do the same thing again, or worse, let them have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

{Matzav.com}

Tucker Carlson drew widespread criticism online after describing Israel as “one of the single ugliest countries in the world” while discussing the current Middle East conflict.

The remarks gained rapid attention after conservative activist Laura Loomer posted a video clip of Carlson’s comments. The clip spread quickly across social media and accumulated more than one million views within roughly 16 hours.

In the video, Carlson spoke about Israeli military operations in Beirut while expressing regret over what he characterized as the destruction of “beautiful places” in different parts of the world.

Carlson highlighted the appearance of Lebanon’s capital city before turning to Israel for comparison.

“When you say that the Israelis are destroying Beirut, which is, having been to a lot of places in the world, one of the prettiest places on the globe,” Carlson said. “Beirut is just a marvel. It’s beautiful.”

He then pivoted to a harsh critique of Israel. “It’s being destroyed by Israel, which is one of the single ugliest countries in the world,” Carlson said.

“Nothing of beauty has been built there since 1948. Sorry. I’ve been everywhere in that country.”

Carlson continued by arguing that other locations in the region had historically been visually striking before suffering destruction during conflicts.

“Europe, right? Beirut. Parts of Syria, the holy sites, parts of Iran are apparently beautiful, totally blown up. It does seem like a war on beauty as well,” he added. “Beautiful things wind up being destroyed.”

Loomer sharply criticized Carlson’s comments when she shared the clip online, accusing him of hostility toward Jews.

“Today, Tucker Qatarlson said, ‘Israel is one of the ugliest countries in the world, which has built nothing of beauty since 1948,’” Loomer wrote.

She also rejected Carlson’s comparison between Israel and neighboring countries.

“He said all of Israel’s Islamic neighbors are beautiful and Israel is waging a war on beauty,” she wrote. “He said Israel wants to bomb Iran because Iran is pretty and Israel isn’t.”

“Tucker is consumed by his hatred of Jews,” Loomer added, pointing out that she had traveled to Israel numerous times and considers it “a beautiful country.”

The video quickly triggered a flood of responses from social media users reacting to Carlson’s remarks.

{Matzav.com}

NATO air and missile defense systems intercepted and neutralized a ballistic missile launched from Iran that entered Turkish airspace. According to Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense, debris from the missile fell onto vacant land in Gaziantep. No casualties or injuries were reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to Cyprus on Monday, days after dispatching a warship to the east Mediterranean island nation, where a Shahed drone struck a British air base on its southern coast last week during the Iran war. Macron ordered the French frigate Languedoc to waters off Cyprus, a fellow European Union member, to […]

Machon Bnos Yehuda Seminary has warned parents not to route their daughters through Egypt after receiving reports of disturbing incidents involving women traveling through the country while trying to leave Eretz Yisroel.

In a letter sent to parents, Moishe Bak of Machon Bnos Yehuda said the seminary had received verified information describing frightening situations encountered by women attempting to travel through Egypt.

The message began by reassuring parents that the students currently at the seminary are safe.

“A Gut Voch. I am happy to be able to share with you that the Eim Bayit reported that Shabbos at Machon Bnos Yehuda (for those who chose to stay) was a beautiful and uplifting experience. Baruch Hashem, the girls are doing well and are safe.”

Bak explained that the school felt obligated to inform parents about troubling developments affecting women who had tried to leave the region through neighboring countries.

“It has been brought to our attention that a number of girls and women who attempted to travel through Egypt experienced very frightening situations, and in some cases may have been harmed or assaulted.”

According to the seminary, verified reports received recently described incidents in which women traveling in groups were separated from men who were accompanying them, including husbands.

“Just this evening we received verified information describing extremely distressing incidents. In certain situations, groups of women were separated from the men traveling with them — including married women being separated from their husbands — and were subjected to very troubling experiences.”

Bak noted that many of the people involved in the incidents have chosen not to speak publicly but asked that others be warned.

“Many of the individuals involved have chosen not to speak publicly about what happened, but they have specifically asked that others be warned.”

The seminary urged parents to avoid sending daughters through Egypt or nearby countries under any circumstances.

“For this reason, we are begging parents: please do not even consider sending your daughters through Egypt or any of the neighboring countries.”

At the same time, the school indicated that alternative travel options may soon become available as the situation evolves.

“Baruch Hashem, other options are beginning to present themselves. We are starting to hear that the skies are slowly reopening, airport operations are expected to resume tomorrow, and flights are gradually beginning to take passengers out of Eretz Yisrael. Igud HaYeshivos is also working on arranging flights, and we expect to have more information from them very soon.”

Bak also cautioned parents against making travel decisions based on information circulating in messaging groups or social media.

“At a time like this, decisions based on WhatsApp groups, group chats, or by people who do not truly understand the matzav on the ground should be avoided.”

He said the seminary administration is closely monitoring developments and will continue to update families.

“We are monitoring the situation very carefully and will continue to share reliable updates as they become available. I have a scheduled conference call with the hanhala at 2:00 AM to discuss plans for the coming days, and I will, b’ezras Hashem, send another update tomorrow morning.”

The letter concluded with further reassurance that the students currently in Yerushalayim are safe and coping well under the circumstances.

“Baruch Hashem, your daughters are safe and doing well. In general, they are calm, happy, and adjusting to life in Yerushalayim under the current circumstances. With a steady stream of calm, supportive, and positive messages coming from home, we believe they will continue to handle this situation with the strength and resilience they have already shown.”

{Matzav.com}

YWNregrets to inform you of the petirah of habochur Rafael Chaim Shar Yashuv Scheinerman z”l, who was niftar at the age of 16 after a lengthy illness. He was the beloved son of R’ Yitzy and Kiki Scheinerman, and an einikel of HaRav Moshe Scheinerman, the well-known rov and mechaber seforim in Flatbush. The levaya […]

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Mrs. Geraldine Schottenstein a”h, the respected matriarch of a family long known for its steadfast support of Torah and Jewish education. She passed away this past week.

Geraldine was the wife of Jerome Schottenstein z”l. Together with her husband, Mrs. Schottenstein was part of a family whose generosity and loyalty helped strengthen Torah institutions and Jewish educational initiatives in Columbus, Ohio, and in communities far beyond. Through their quiet but significant support, countless Jews were given the opportunity to receive a strong foundation in Torah and Yiddishkeit.

Geraldine was born in New Orleans on Feb. 1, 1933, to her parents, Eva and Joseph. She and Jerome were married in 1953, when she joined him in Columbus, Ohio.

The Schottenstein family has for decades been recognized for its dedication to the growth of Jewish education and communal life. Geraldine shared in that commitment, standing alongside her husband in supporting schools, yeshivos, and organizations devoted to the transmission of Torah values to future generations.

Her life reflected the ideals of devotion to family, community responsibility, and a deep appreciation for the importance of Jewish continuity through education.

She is survived by her brother, Marc Hurwitz; her four children; her 10 grandchildren; and her 22 great-grandchildren: Her children are : Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein; Ann and Ari Deshe; Susan and Jon Diamond; and Lori Schottenstein.

After Jerome’s untimely passing at the relatively young age of 66 in 1992, Geraldine married Marty Hoffman, who passed away in 2013.

The levayah was held on Shushan Purim at Lakeside Cemetery in Miami.

Yehi zichroh boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Two people were killed, and one was seriously injured at several locations in central Israel following missile launches from Iran late Monday morning. One of the munitions from a cluster bomb hit a construction site in Yehud, killing two construction workers.

Hungary’s Russia-friendly leader is urging the European Union to lift all sanctions on Russian fossil fuels to remedy spikes in energy prices caused by the war in the Middle East. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, considered the Kremlin’s closest partner in the EU, said in a video posted to social media on Monday that he’d sent […]

Two ships owned by an Iranian company that the United States has accused of supplying materials to Tehran’s ballistic missile program departed from a Chinese chemical storage port this week, loaded with cargo and heading toward Iran, The Washington Post reported on Sunday. The ships, the Shabdis and the Barzin, belong to the Islamic Republic […]

A shul in Liège in eastern Belgium was damaged in an explosion in the predawn hours of Monday morning, the police said. No one was injured in the incident. The powerful blast shattered the windows at the front of the shul, along with those of the buildings across the street. An investigation into the incident […]

A man in his 40s was killed, and two were injured, one critically and one seriously, at several locations in central Israel following missile launches from Iran late Monday morning. One of the munitions from a cluster bomb hit a construction site in Yehud, killing a construction worker in his 40s. Another construction worker who […]

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