Feed aggregator

Iran has formally petitioned the United Nations, accusing the United States of issuing unlawful threats of force, as President Donald Trump considers potential military action if nuclear negotiations fail.

In an urgent letter sent Thursday to the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, the Islamic Republic condemned what it described as the “persistent threat of the use of force” by Washington. The message was submitted by Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, and focused on recent public remarks by President Trump regarding possible strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Iravani said he wished to draw “urgent attention” to “the continued threats by officials of the United States to resort to the use of force, including the recent public statement by the President of the United States concerning the use of the Diego Garcia base in connection with a potential military attack against the Islamic Republic of Iran.” He argued that such statements “constitute a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law and risk plunging the region into a new cycle of crisis and instability.”

The complaint referenced a February 18, 2026, social media post in which Trump allegedly made an “explicit public threat.” According to the letter, the President wrote, “… Should Iran decide not to make a deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack ….”

Iravani cautioned that the rhetoric, coupled with what he described as the “persistent movement and build-up of military equipment and assets by the United States,” points to a “real risk of military aggression.” He warned that any such move “would be catastrophic for the region and would constitute a grave threat to international peace and security.”

Despite longstanding tensions over its nuclear activities, Iran maintained in the letter that it “remains fully committed to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to diplomatic solutions.” The ambassador said Tehran has taken part in negotiations “with a view to clearly conveying its concerns and demanding the full and verifiable lifting of the unlawful and inhumane unilateral coercive measures (UCMs) imposed against the Iranian nation.”

The communication further stated that Iran is seeking a “mutually acceptable, results-oriented solution fully consistent with the recognized inalienable rights of all States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).” Iravani added that “should the United States likewise approach these talks with seriousness and sincerity and demonstrate genuine respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the peremptory norms of international law, the achievement of a durable and balanced solution would be entirely possible.”

Tehran called on the Security Council to “ensure that the United States immediately ceases its unlawful threats of the use of force” and to prevent steps that might “escalate tensions or lead to a military confrontation.” The letter stressed that “the Security Council and the Secretary-General must act without delay, before it is too late.”

While stating that Iran “neither seeks tension nor war,” the ambassador concluded with a warning that the country would respond if attacked.

“However, in the event that it is subjected to military aggression, Iran will respond decisively and proportionately in the exercise of its inherent right of self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. In such circumstances, all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets in the context of Iran’s defensive response. The United States would bear full and direct responsibility for any unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences,” he wrote.

The diplomatic exchange comes as Washington and Tehran continue talks over Iran’s nuclear program, even as Trump keeps military options on the table should negotiations collapse.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the President is considering a limited initial strike aimed at pressuring Iran to agree to his terms for a nuclear deal. Such an operation, according to the report, would be intended to compel compliance without escalating into a full-scale assault that could trigger major retaliation.

Earlier in the day, Trump cautioned that Iran must finalize an agreement over its nuclear program or “bad things” would follow. He said discussions were progressing positively but insisted Tehran must agree to a “meaningful” deal.

“Now, we may have to take it a step further – or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal. You’re going to be finding out over the next, probably 10 days,” Trump added.

CBS News reported Wednesday that senior national security officials have informed Trump that U.S. forces are ready to carry out potential strikes against Iran as soon as Saturday. However, individuals familiar with the discussions told CBS that any action is more likely to occur after the weekend rather than immediately.

Meanwhile, a U.S. administration source quoted by The Telegraph said there is now a 90 percent likelihood of war in the coming weeks. An Israeli former intelligence chief cited in the same report said he believes a strike could take place within days.

As a mother of a talented young girl, I’m compelled to speak out about the seminary application process that’s causing immense stress and heartache for countless families. The current system prioritizes academics and wealth over individual potential, leaving many deserving girls without a spot. The pressure is palpable: secure a place in a prestigious seminary […]

Major cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, including Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston, are preparing for a potential powerful nor’easter this weekend that could bring heavy snow and disruptive conditions to millions across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Forecasters caution, however, that significant uncertainty remains about the storm’s track and intensity. “While some snow appears […]

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett sharply criticized conservative commentator Tucker Carlson after Carlson’s short trip to Israel, accusing him of spreading falsehoods and branding him “a chicken [garbage]” who has been “spouting lies about Israel.”

In a post on X, Bennett charged that Carlson had misrepresented both his visit and his interactions in the country, claiming the media figure was attempting to create a misleading narrative about what transpired.

Bennett wrote that Carlson, “who’s been spouting lies about Israel for the past two years…took a quick picture” at Ben Gurion Airport’s logistics zone after landing, then posted the image on X and promptly departed the country, so that the personality could “later claim that he’s a serious reporter who toured Israel.”

He went on to assert that Carlson “didn’t even step foot in the country” yet “made up a story that he’s being supposedly harassed by our security.”

Bennett added that Carlson “whined” about his experience before flying out of Israel on his private aircraft.

“Next time he talks about Israel as if he’s some expert, just remember this guy is a phony!” Bennett concluded.

Carlson had reportedly come to Israel to meet with U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, with plans to discuss the status of Christians in Israel and across the broader Middle East.

The discussion between Carlson and Huckabee took place inside the Ben Gurion Airport complex, and Carlson did not travel beyond airport grounds. He left the country at approximately 3 p.m., concluding a stay that lasted only several hours.

The rapid arrival and departure came after a public exchange between the two former Fox News personalities. Earlier in February, Carlson released an episode filmed at the Jordan River baptism site titled “Christian Persecution.” Carlson has on multiple occasions claimed that Israel discriminates against its Christian community and has argued that American Christians are, through U.S. assistance, unknowingly supporting such treatment.

Tariffs paid by midsize U.S. businesses tripled over the course of past year, new research tied to one of America’s leading banks showed on Thursday — more evidence that President Donald Trump ‘s push to charge higher taxes on imports is causing economic disruption. The additional taxes have meant that companies that employ a combined […]

Hundreds gathered Thursday at the military cemetery in Moshav HaYogev to bid farewell to Staff Sgt. Ofri Yaffe z”l, a 21-year-old fighter in the Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit who was killed Wednesday in southern Gaza by IDF friendly fire.

The funeral was held in the community where Yaffe was born and raised, drawing large crowds of family members, friends, fellow soldiers, and residents who came to pay their final respects.

During the ceremony, his father, Yiftach, delivered emotional remarks, describing his son as a young man who “always gave of himself to everyone.” He also addressed the members of the reconnaissance unit directly, making clear that he harbored no anger or blame toward them.

The father expressed criticism toward the country’s leadership, saying his anger was directed at those who send “the best of its sons on missions without purpose.”

Yaffe’s mother delivered a tearful eulogy. “I still can’t grasp that you’re not with us. For me, this is a dark dream and any moment you’ll come and laugh at me,” she said, according to Maariv. She spoke about her son’s personality and warmth, saying, “You were everything for everyone, everyone clung to you like a magnet.”

Earlier in the day, Yaffe’s father was interviewed on Kan Reshet Bet, where he spoke with remarkable resolve about the soldier who fired the shot. He said he would give the sniper “a very big hug” if he came to the funeral.

“We want to save his soul,” the father said. “That he should feel that we have no anger toward him, not even the smallest. These are our very best children, they are all our children.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s High Court of Justice has instructed the government and the Jerusalem Municipality to move forward with the long-delayed bureaucratic process required to restore and upgrade the Kosel’s egalitarian prayer plaza, escalating pressure on authorities after years of inaction. In its ruling, the court ordered the state and the municipality to submit an update within […]

Belgium’s only Jewish member of parliament, Michael Freilich, has been thrust into the center of a growing diplomatic and domestic controversy following a public dispute over bris milah. The controversy erupted Monday after a public exchange between U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot on social media. In a […]

Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, issued a pointed warning to the country’s enemies today, declaring that Israel’s military remains on high alert amid mounting tensions and the possibility that a U.S. strike on Iran could trigger retaliatory fire toward Israel.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for new officers at the IDF’s Bahad 1 training base, Zamir made clear that Israel is fully prepared for rapid developments. “Anyone who seeks to test our determination will encounter power that will exact an immediate and heavy price,” he said.

His remarks come as the region braces for potential escalation tied to ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. Israeli defense officials have indicated that any American military action against Tehran would likely increase the risk of attacks on Israeli territory.

Zamir said that more than two years after the failures of October 7, the military has undergone significant change. He emphasized that the IDF is defending the country, striking with force, and removing threats across multiple fronts. The multi-arena campaign, he said, is being led by IDF commanders at the head of their forces. “Our eyes are open in every direction, and our finger is more ready than ever on the trigger in the face of any change in the operational reality. Anyone who seeks to test our determination will encounter power that will exact an immediate and heavy price,” he added.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Zamir highlighted the diverse makeup of Israeli society reflected on the parade grounds — soldiers from cities and kibbutzim, secular and religious, alongside members of the chareidi community, representing a range of views and beliefs. He described the IDF as a bridge uniting the nation above internal divisions in pursuit of a shared mission. Internal strife at the expense of the military, he warned, would lead to disaster.

Zamir also referenced the launch of the IDF’s new five-year strategic plan, known as “Hosen,” which aims to strengthen cohesion among all branches of the military and across regular, career, and reserve personnel. He stressed that the country needs every segment of its population and cannot afford to forgo any part of the nation.

Turning directly to the cadets, Zamir urged them to look at the landscape of Mitzpe Ramon, their families, and the commanders who shaped them, and to move forward to lead their soldiers. He invoked biblical imagery, recalling how King David sought divine guidance before pursuing the Amalekites who had burned Ziklag and taken captives. The answer he received, Zamir noted, became an enduring battle cry: pursue, overtake, and rescue.

He concluded by calling on the officers to be leaders of action rather than words, to uphold strong values and professionalism, and to be worthy of the trust placed in them by the people of Israel. Expressing full confidence in their ability to lead in future battlefields, he ended with a declaration of faith, perseverance, and determination, closing with the words: “The people of Israel live.”

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, who also spoke at the ceremony, delivered a similarly forceful message. He said the Middle East stands at a crossroads, with extremist forces reorganizing to challenge Israel once again. Netanyahu stressed that Israel is working closely with its major ally, the United States, and that he had made clear to President Donald Trump the principles that, in Israel’s view, must guide any negotiations with Iran. Israel, he said, is prepared for every scenario, warning that if the ayatollahs make the mistake of attacking, they will face a response beyond what they can imagine.

The Pentagon is sending the largest force of American warships and aircraft to the Middle East in decades, including two aircraft carrier strike groups, as President Donald Trump warns of possible military action against Iran if talks over its nuclear program fall apart. “It’s proven to be, over the years, not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran, […]

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu sent a personal letter of condolence this week to Motti Babchik, senior aide to MK Yitzchak Goldknopf, following the passing of Babchik’s father, Rabbi Ben Zion Babchik, who died earlier this week.

Babchik is considered one of the influential figures within the Gur chassidus and is widely viewed in coalition and Likud circles as a leading force behind opposition to Netanyahu within the chareidi factions. Many believe he has played a central role, under the guidance of the Gerrer Rebbe, in pushing a hardline stance against the government over the failure to pass a draft law for three years, with some in the political system accusing him of working to bring down the coalition and force new elections.

In his letter, Netanyahu opened with words of sympathy: “I grieve with you, and with all your relatives, over the passing of the head of your family — your father, the man of many deeds, Rabbi Ben Zion Babchik, of blessed memory.”

He continued, reflecting on the pain of losing a parent: “Parting from a beloved and devoted parent is always a difficult moment. His arms embraced us. His concerns were devoted to us. He walked beside us along the paths of life, his heart swelling at the sight of our growth.”

“At this time, when you are wrapped in sorrow over the departure of your father from you, I extend to you my fullest condolences,” the prime minister wrote.

Netanyahu went on to praise the elder Babchik’s standing in the Gur community. “Alongside being a family man, Rabbi Babchik earned a name for himself as a Torah scholar faithful to the path of Gur chassidus. As one of the pillars of the Gur community in Kiryat Gat, your father devoted himself to his studies, published Torah insights, issued halachic rulings, engaged in acts of kindness, and gave generously to others.

“His ear was attuned to the needs of the community. The warmth of his personality and the light of his countenance left their mark on wide circles. I am certain that these important values of your late father will remain with you for years and generations. May you find comfort in this, as well as in the continued preservation of family unity. May the Omnipresent comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and may you know no further sorrow.”

At the bottom of the letter, Netanyahu added a handwritten note: “From the depths of my heart.”

{Matzav.com}

Newly released footage on Thursday appears to contradict claims by commentator Tucker Carlson that he was detained by Israeli security upon arriving in Israel for a scheduled interview. While Carlson publicly described his arrival as “bizarre,” alleging that airport authorities confiscated passports and aggressively questioned his team about a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, […]

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said he does not boycott National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir or Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, according to leaked recordings released Thursday, fueling new speculation about his potential alliances ahead of Israel’s next elections. In the recordings, first reported by The Jerusalem Post, Bennett is heard speaking at a conference […]

Rav Yigal Cohen, a member of the Council of the Chief Rabbinate and chairman of its Legislative Committee, has issued a sharp warning over the continued failure to repeal the kashrus reform enacted by former minister Matan Kahana.

In a formal letter sent to Israel’s Chief Rabbis and to leaders of the chareidi and religious political parties, Rav Cohen expressed concern that nearly three years after the current government was formed, the reform remains in place despite what he describes as clear election promises to overturn it.

The reform, which was passed in opposition to the stance of the Chief Rabbinate, significantly changed the structure of Israel’s kashrus supervision system. Rav Cohen wrote that the reform has weakened the authority of the Chief Rabbinate, disrupted the national kashrus framework, and created confusion among consumers who rely on consistent and reliable supervision.

He noted that at the time the legislation was enacted, the Chief Rabbinate warned that the changes would have damaging consequences. Those warnings, he said, were ultimately ignored.

In his letter, Rav Cohen stressed the urgent need to restore halachic authority and centralized oversight over kashrus to the Chief Rabbinate. He called for immediate legislative action to repeal the reform and reinstate a clear, unified national kashrus system.

Officials within the Rabbinate have also cautioned that the approaching election cycle makes the matter increasingly urgent. Once the political system formally enters campaign mode, advancing substantial legislative changes will become significantly more difficult.

According to these officials, there is real concern that the reform could become entrenched as a permanent reality, with the fragmentation of the kashrus system becoming irreversible. They warned that it may not be possible to reverse course in a future government.

Senior Rabbinate sources stated that anyone who fails to act now will find it much harder to do so later, emphasizing that the Council of the Chief Rabbinate unanimously determined when the reform was passed that it must be repealed immediately, that kashrus must be returned to a unified national framework, and that commercial competition undermining halachic standards must be prevented. They stressed that this position has not changed.

Rav Cohen concluded by urging immediate and decisive action to repeal the reform and restore kashrus authority to the Chief Rabbinate, citing both halachic responsibility and public accountability.

For more than three decades, the four men and their families had insisted they were innocent of one of Austin’s most gruesome and notorious crimes: the 1991 assault and murder of four teenage girls at a yogurt shop that was set on fire. No one listened. Not when Robert Springsteen was sent to death row. […]

The British government is reportedly denying President Donald Trump permission to use UK military air bases for a potential strike on Iran, amid concerns within London that such action could violate international law and draw Britain into a broader conflict.

According to a report in The Times, the White House has been developing contingency plans for possible military action against Iran that would involve the use of Royal Air Force Fairford in England. The base serves as a forward operating location for U.S. heavy bombers and plays a key role in long-range missions.

Trump is said to have discussed the issue directly with Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a phone call Tuesday night. British officials were reportedly uneasy about authorizing the use of RAF facilities for an attack, fearing that doing so could breach international law and expose the UK to legal and diplomatic consequences.

In public comments, Trump specifically referenced both the U.S.-UK base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in England, arguing that the installations could be critical if Tehran refuses to reach a nuclear agreement with Washington.

“Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Wednesday.

“An attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom, as well as other friendly countries. We will always be ready, willing, and able to fight for the U.K., but they have to remain strong in the face of Wokeism, and other problems put before them,” he added.

The dispute over the potential use of British bases is also said to be influencing Trump’s evolving stance on a separate agreement involving the Chagos Islands. The proposed deal would transfer sovereignty of the islands from the UK to Mauritius, while allowing Britain to retain control of the strategically vital Diego Garcia base under a 99-year lease.

The Chagos Islands arrangement is intended to resolve decades-old tensions tied to Britain’s colonial-era control of the territory. Diego Garcia, located nearly 6,000 miles from the UK, is one of the most strategically significant American military outposts, supporting bomber and aircraft operations across the Middle East and parts of Asia.

Earlier this month, Trump had praised the complex arrangement as the “best” outcome for Starmer, and the U.S. State Department expressed support for it earlier in the week. However, following his reported conversation with the British prime minister, Trump reversed course and withdrew his backing.

“Our relationship with the United Kingdom is a strong and powerful one, and it has been for many years, but prime minister Starmer is losing control of this important island by claims of entities never known of before. In our opinion, they are fictitious in nature,” Trump wrote.

“Prime minister Starmer should not lose control, for any reason, of Diego Garcia, by entering a tenuous, at best, 100-year lease,” he added. “This land should not be taken away from the UK and, if it is allowed to be, it will be a blight on our great ally.”

It is unclear whether Starmer, leader of the Labour Party and currently facing low approval ratings, will be able to secure enough backing in Parliament to advance the Chagos Islands agreement without Trump’s support.

The Chagos Archipelago consists of roughly 60 islands situated about 1,500 miles south of India. Its location provides Diego Garcia with significant strategic value due to its proximity to both the Middle East and South Asia. Britain has controlled the islands since 1814 and has been considering steps to return them to their original inhabitants.

{Matzav.com}

✈️ Lufthansa announced it is extending its modified night flight schedule to and from Tel Aviv through March 6 amid rising regional tensions involving Iran. •⁠ ⁠Flights will continue operating with a stopover in Athens, resulting in longer travel times •⁠ ⁠Swiss International Air Lines will follow the same night flight arrangement through March 6 […]

The Israeli government is moving forward with a multimillion-shekel assistance package for Jewish communities in Ukraine, citing widespread power outages and harsh winter conditions caused by Russia’s ongoing war. In a statement Thursday, the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism said it is initiating the delivery of four million shekels, or approximately $1.27 million, […]

A 19-year-old resident of Beitar Illit was arrested Thursday on suspicion of taking part in the overturning of a police vehicle during protests that broke out earlier this week in Bnei Brak.

Four days after the disturbances that rocked the city on Sunday, police say the search for those involved in acts of vandalism is still ongoing. As part of the investigation, officers detained the young man for questioning and later placed him under arrest.

According to authorities, the suspect was identified after investigators gathered evidence and other findings linking him to the incident. He is being questioned on suspicion of intentionally damaging a vehicle, participating in an unlawful gathering, conspiracy to commit a crime, and blocking or disrupting a public roadway.

After being interrogated, he was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear Friday morning before the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court, where a judge will decide whether to extend his detention.

Police said they will continue to act decisively against anyone who attempts to harm officers, police vehicles, or public property, and vowed to bring those responsible for disorder and violence to justice.

Video footage from Sunday’s unrest, which quickly spread online, shows dozens of young men overturning a marked police car in the heart of Bnei Brak. Authorities say the investigation remains active as they work to identify additional suspects.

The U.S. trade deficit slipped modestly in 2025, a year in which President Donald Trump upended global commerce by slapping double digit tariffs on imports from most countries. But the gap in the trade of goods such machinery and aircraft — the main focus of Trump’s protectionist policies — hit a record last year despite […]