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President Donald Trump’s initiative to declassify government records on unidentified flying objects could bring to light information that even U.S. defense and intelligence agencies are unable to explain, according to Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb.

Trump announced in February that federal agencies would begin identifying and releasing documents related to UFOs—also referred to as unidentified aerial phenomena—pointing to strong public interest and a push for greater transparency.

More recent remarks from the president suggest that the first batch of files could be released “very, very soon,” with officials preparing materials that may include radar readings, satellite images, and military footage.

Loeb, speaking during an appearance on Newsmax TV’s “Wake Up America,” said conversations with lawmakers, along with his own research, indicate that the government is dealing with sightings it cannot fully explain.

“We spoke for about 90 minutes, and it definitely looks like there are objects that either the intelligence agencies or the Pentagon cannot figure out,” Loeb said. “And that’s what makes life interesting.”

The forthcoming release is expected to appear on a government platform—widely believed to be Aliens.gov—as part of a broader effort to consolidate information about UFO encounters and possible extraterrestrial evidence.

Loeb cautioned, however, that not all material will be made available to the public due to national security concerns involving sensitive detection systems and defense capabilities.

“I expect only parts that relate to national security to be redacted or not released at all,” he said. “But it’s really something that all of us should have a look at.”

He stressed that any conclusions drawn from the data must be rooted in scientific analysis rather than speculation.

“It’s all about the data,” Loeb said. “It’s not a matter of belief or conviction or opinion. It’s all about looking at the data and seeing what it means.”

Loeb, who leads Harvard’s Galileo Project, said his team intends to independently examine any released information using advanced observation methods and artificial intelligence.

“We don’t just wait for the government to tell us what is out there in the sky, because we can build telescopes and observe it,” he said.

His research group uses triangulation and machine learning to calculate distances, speeds, and flight paths of unidentified objects, seeking to determine whether any surpass known human technological capabilities.

“We are still searching for something that is not human made,” Loeb said. “Anything human made is boring as far as I’m concerned.”

While speculation has long surrounded government secrecy on UFO sightings, Loeb suggested that the more likely explanation for limited disclosure is uncertainty rather than concealment of extraterrestrial life.

“The most reasonable scenario that I can imagine is there are things that the government cannot figure out,” he said, noting that officials may be reluctant to reveal gaps in knowledge or expose classified technologies.

At a minimum, Loeb argued that increased transparency could enhance national security by improving the ability to detect and analyze unidentified objects, pointing to past incidents such as the Chinese spy balloon that initially went unnoticed.

Still, the potential significance extends beyond defense considerations.

“If we find that we are not alone, that would be the biggest revelation ever made,” Loeb said. “And I think it will bring us to a better place.”

During his current visit to Chicago, Hagaon Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Slabodka in Bnei Brak, created a memorable moment when he signed a baseball for local educator Reb Daniel Harris—the latest addition to an unconventional collection.

Rav Hirsch has been visiting Chicago to garner support for the Olam HaTorah in Eretz Yisroel. Amid the many gatherings and meetings, the brief interaction with Harris stood out, blending warmth, personality, and a touch of creativity.

The baseball that the gadol hador signed joins a growing collection that Harris has been assembling for years—baseballs bearing the signatures of various rabbonim. What began as a simple idea has evolved into a project, with Harris seeking out opportunities to have leading figures in the Torah world sign baseballs.

Those close to the rosh yeshiva noted that the gesture was entirely in character. Rav Hirsch is known for going out of his way to be mesameiach another Yid, even in the midst of a demanding schedule. Signing the baseball, while unconventional, was seen as a simple act of chesed, an opportunity to bring simcha to another person.

Harris’s collection includes signatures from various rabbinic figures, with one notable example being a baseball signed by Rav Aharon Lichtenstein bearing the inscription: “Aharon Lichtenstein, who strives for stardom in another league.”

Other Harris baseballs have been signed by Rav Gedaliah Schwartz and Rav Berel Wein.

President Donald Trump said Monday that a potential agreement now under discussion with Iran would significantly outperform the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), sharply criticizing the earlier deal while outlining expectations for the new negotiations.

“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 any arrangement currently being pursued would firmly block Iran from acquiring nuclear arms. Trump said the deal currently being worked on “will not, and cannot” allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.

In the same message, Trump revisited financial criticisms of the JCPOA, pointing to $1.7 billion in cash transferred to Iran and claiming that the Islamic Republic received hundreds of billions of dollars under the agreement.

He argued that had he not withdrawn from the deal, “Nuclear Weapons would have been used on Israel, and all over the Middle East, including our cherished U.S. Military Bases.”

Trump added that a deal negotiated under his leadership would “guarantee Peace, Security, and Safety, not only for Israel and the Middle East, but for Europe, America, and everywhere else.”

The statement followed comments earlier in the day in which Trump said he still expects planned negotiations with Iran in Pakistan to move ahead, despite public signals from Tehran raising doubts about participation.

“We’re supposed to have the talks,” Trump told the New York Post, expressing confidence that the process remains intact and adding that he assumes “nobody’s playing games.”

He confirmed that Vice President JD Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner have already traveled to Islamabad in preparation for the discussions.

Trump also indicated he would consider direct engagement with top Iranian officials if talks advance, saying, “I have no problem meeting them.”

Reiterating the administration’s central demand, Trump said Iran must fully abandon its nuclear ambitions, declaring there “will be no nuclear weapon.” He added that Iran stands to benefit economically if it complies.

At the same time, Trump declined to elaborate on what actions the United States might take if negotiations collapse or Iran refuses to meet the conditions, saying only that the outcome “wouldn’t be pretty.”

A New York Post report cited earlier Monday indicated that Pakistani officials believe Iran may still join a second round of negotiations, despite earlier claims that it would not participate.

According to the report, Iran’s public position is being interpreted as a negotiating tactic aimed at gaining more favorable terms, while Pakistan is viewed by both sides as a trusted intermediary should talks proceed.

Uncertainty over Iran’s involvement persists as U.S. officials continue organizing for another round of diplomacy ahead of the approaching ceasefire deadline.

Channel 12 reported Sunday that recent discussions have centered on several possible components of a deal, including a 15-year suspension of uranium enrichment, converting existing uranium stockpiles into fuel, and establishing strict oversight of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The reported framework also includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the conflict, withdrawing U.S. forces, and easing economic sanctions.

{Matzav.com}

Argentine President Javier Milei paid a rare visit Monday to Chevron Yeshiva in the Givat Mordechai neighborhood of Yerushalayim, where he was greeted with enthusiasm by the yeshiva’s leadership and hundreds of talmidim. At the same time, the visit drew sharp criticism due to its timing during regular seder.

Milei entered the ezras noshim overlooking the beis medrash and waved to the talmidim gathered below, who stood in his honor as a sign of appreciation for his support of Torah learners and the State of Israel.

The rosh yeshiva, Rav Yosef Chevroni, opened the event by addressing the president. “Mr. President, I will speak in Hebrew. I am sure the translator will do a good job, but the language of the heart, I am certain you understand in any case.”

He continued by praising Milei and emphasizing the significance of the institution. “Honored President, without a doubt you have received certificates and titles from important countries, from institutions, from bodies and from distinguished organizations. But I do not think, and I do not know, whether until today you have received a title from an institution that is a link in a chain of generations, from a yeshiva that has existed among the Jewish people for 3,786 years.” He added a well-known teaching of Chazal: “From the days of our forefathers, a yeshiva has never ceased from Israel; from the days of Avraham Avinu, a yeshiva has never ceased from Israel.”

Milei also spoke briefly, introducing a close associate to the crowd. “I want to present my partner, my good friend, whom I share today with Israel. He is my personal rabbi, and today the ambassador of Argentina to Israel, Axel Wahnish.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu denounced the actions of an IDF soldier who was photographed striking a statue of Yoshkah with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon, pledging that the individual would face serious disciplinary consequences.

The widely circulated image shows the soldier smashing a fallen depiction of Yoshkah on the cross in the Christian village of Debel, amid Israel’s military operations against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

According to Fadi Falfel, a priest in Debel, the cross had stood as part of a small shrine located in a family garden at the outskirts of the village.

“One of the Israeli soldiers broke the cross and did this horrible thing, this desecration of our holy symbols,” he said.

Netanyahu said the conduct was in direct conflict with Jewish values and vowed that action would be taken against the soldier responsible.

“I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms,” he posted on X.

“Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender,” he continued.

“We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world.”

Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, also addressed the matter, stating that “Swift, severe, & public consequences are needed.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar likewise criticized the soldier’s behavior, describing it as disgraceful and shameful.

“We apologize for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt,” Saar said on X.

The IDF said it “views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that ⁠the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.

“The IDF is working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place,” the Israeli military said.

Debel has effectively remained under Israeli control since last month’s incursion into southern Lebanon, which followed Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel in support of Iran.

Earlier in the week, Israel and Lebanon reached a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

“We have every kind of crisis,” Father Falfel said.

“We thought the ceasefire would bring us some relief but we’re still ⁠surrounded, unable to travel to and from the town. There are some houses on the edge of town that we’re barred from accessing.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said he will not speed up efforts to end the ongoing war with Iran, now in its 52nd day, sharply criticizing both Democrats and Republicans who are urging him to wrap up the conflict.

In a phone interview with The New York Post, Trump argued that calls for a swift agreement are undermining the United States at a critical moment in negotiations.

“How bad is it that when you are in the middle of negotiations and you have got the Iranians in a perfect position, including being militarily defeated, and you have Democrats and some Republicans asking to settle it now?” Trump said.

He expressed frustration that pressure is coming from within his own country while talks are still ongoing. “As a negotiator — and I am a great negotiator — how bad is it when you have people from your own country trying to reach a deal?” he fumed.

Trump said such efforts only strengthen Tehran’s hand. “They are helping the other side. The other side has nothing, they have no cards, but they are using this to delay. When [Senate Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer was in, he was in Afghanistan for so long.”

He emphasized that he intends to proceed on his own timeline. “I have only been in this for five weeks. I will not be rushed,” he said.

At the outset of the conflict, Trump had predicted it would conclude quickly. He said last week that Iran had privately signaled agreement to key U.S. demands, including ending its pursuit of nuclear weapons and giving up roughly 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium, even as public statements from Tehran remained less accommodating.

Following a first round of talks in Islamabad that failed to produce results, the administration moved to blockade Iranian ports. A second round of negotiations is expected to begin as soon as Monday.

Early in the conflict, Trump had estimated the war would last “four weeks or so.”

Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which the White House maintains is unconstitutional, the president is required to obtain congressional authorization for military engagements that extend beyond 60 days.

Some Republican lawmakers have begun urging Trump to bring the operation to a close, especially after recent developments that included U.S. Marines seizing an Iranian tanker that attempted to breach the blockade.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said last week that the “clock is ticking” and that “I hope that we are arriving at an exit strategy here to bring this to a close to preserve our security interests and bring down the cost of gasoline.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) also signaled interest in the administration’s next moves, saying, “I think our members are going to be very interested in what next steps are,” and noting that a forthcoming supplemental funding request “will be an important inflection point if and when the administration submits their request.”

Democrats in Congress have largely opposed Trump’s military campaign, known as Operation Epic Fury.

The War Powers Resolution allows for an additional 30-day period to wind down hostilities after the initial 60-day limit, though enforcement of the law has historically been inconsistent.

In past conflicts, federal courts have declined to intervene to halt military operations, including during legal challenges brought against then-President Barack Obama over U.S. involvement in the Libyan Civil War.

Courts have generally ruled that questions about the duration of military engagements fall within the political sphere, leaving Congress with tools such as funding decisions to check presidential authority.