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Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin intensified his criticism of Israel’s judicial system on Sunday, accusing Supreme Court justices of blocking qualified candidates for political reasons and calling for immediate action to curb the court’s authority over constitutional matters.

The remarks come amid ongoing disputes over the Judicial Selection Committee and the broader struggle between the Knesset and the Supreme Court regarding the balance of power in Israel’s governing institutions.

Levin argued that comments made recently by Justice Amit during a judicial discussion misrepresented the reality of how appointments are handled within the legal system.

According to Levin, the judge’s statement that worthy candidates were not being advanced because of political considerations actually reflects the conduct of members of the judiciary themselves.

“He was surely referring to the improper veto that he and his colleagues have imposed on the appointments of Dr. Bakshi and Dr. Biton to the Supreme Court,” Levin asserted.

The justice minister went on to claim that, for years, highly qualified candidates for senior judicial positions have been prevented from advancing because of what he described as political, personal, and irrelevant considerations.

Levin argued that the judicial reform legislation promoted by the government was designed specifically to address those problems.

“That is precisely the essence of the amendment we passed,” he said.

The minister also renewed his push for legislation that would sharply limit the Supreme Court’s ability to intervene in constitutional matters.

Referring to a proposal that he said was agreed upon by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, MK Avichai Boaron, and himself, Levin argued that the Supreme Court should have no authority to strike down or interfere with Basic Laws enacted by the Knesset.

He further maintained that any judicial intervention concerning legislation affecting the Judicial Selection Committee should be considered invalid.

Concluding his remarks, Levin called for immediate public pressure on lawmakers to advance the proposal without delay.

“This is the time for an unequivocal public demand to bring this proposal to an immediate vote and to stop the theft of the Knesset’s powers,” he declared.

Levin’s comments are the latest salvo in the long-running battle over judicial reform, a debate that has continued to divide Israeli politics and public opinion over the proper limits of judicial authority and the role of elected officials in shaping the country’s legal system.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee delivered a strong endorsement of the U.S.-Israel alliance on Sunday, assuring supporters of the Jewish state that America’s commitment remains unwavering and declaring that Iran will never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.

Speaking at the JNS International Policy Summit in Yerushalayim, Huckabee sought to calm concerns about relations between Washington and Israel while emphasizing President Donald Trump’s continued support for Israel and its security needs.

Before turning to serious policy matters, Huckabee opened with humor, joking that he had checked Trump’s social-media accounts before taking the stage.

At the start of his address, Huckabee joked that he checked President Donald Trump’s social media “to make sure this was not my last speech in Israel,” noting his boss’s history of firing people “in the middle of the night by way of social media. So I wanted to make sure that there was a reason for me to come.”

He then reassured the audience that, at least for the moment, his diplomatic post remained secure.

“So far, so good!” he said.

Addressing an audience of policymakers, journalists, and pro-Israel advocates, Huckabee stressed that Trump’s commitment to Israel has remained consistent over the years and argued that the relationship between the two countries remains stronger than ever.

“The one thing that I’ve always heard him say, always, and I’ve always seen him do, is that America has an unbreakable bond with the State of Israel, and I trust that he means what he says,” Huckabee said of Trump, adding that the president has been consistent in pledging to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities and to curb its support for regional proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.

Huckabee pointed to several landmark actions taken during Trump’s presidency as evidence of that commitment, including the recognition of Yerushalayim as Israel’s capital, the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Yerushalayim, and American recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Turning to the threat posed by Iran, Huckabee argued that the most effective way to weaken Tehran’s influence throughout the Middle East is to strike at the regime itself rather than focus solely on the terrorist organizations it supports.

Addressing the threat from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Huckabee said that the best way to counter Tehran’s regional terror proxies is to “turn off the spigot at the source.”

His remarks come amid heightened tensions across the region and ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran’s nuclear program and its support for terrorist groups throughout the Middle East.

The ambassador’s message left little doubt about where the administration stands, portraying the U.S.-Israel alliance as enduring and warning that Washington remains committed to preventing Tehran from achieving nuclear-weapons capability while confronting the network of Iranian-backed groups operating across the region.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu used a ceremony honoring his late brother, Lt. Col. Yoni Netanyahu, to deliver a forceful message on Israel’s security policy, declaring that Iran will never be permitted to acquire nuclear weapons and insisting that Israel will maintain its military gains across multiple fronts.

The remarks were delivered during the official state memorial marking 50 years since Yoni Netanyahu was killed while commanding the daring Entebbe hostage-rescue operation, one of the most celebrated missions in Israel’s history.

Addressing attendees at the ceremony, Netanyahu reflected on Israel’s recent military campaigns and explained the strategic thinking behind the operations carried out over the past year.

“Over the past year, we launched two tremendous operations: ‘Rising Lion’ and ‘Roaring Lion.’ We launched these operations in order to remove the immediate threat of annihilation posed to us by the evil regime in Iran. Had we not acted, they would already have had atomic bombs – and they would have used them. I pledge here at your grave, Yoni, and I pledge before you, citizens of Israel: The State of Israel will not be a passing episode in the history of our people.”

The prime minister emphasized that Israel intends to safeguard the achievements secured through those operations and will not retreat from positions it considers essential to national security.

“We are standing firm on our vital interests. We have achieved tremendous accomplishments, and we will not give them up. We will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary in order to protect our dear residents of the north and all citizens of the country. As Prime Minister of Israel, I insist on this firmly, and nothing will change that.”

Netanyahu also addressed ongoing diplomatic efforts and negotiations involving Iran, making clear that regardless of future developments, Israel’s position on Tehran’s nuclear program remains unchanged.

“Whatever diplomatic developments may occur, I will not allow Iran to arm itself with nuclear weapons. As long as I am Prime Minister of Israel – it will not happen. I have dedicated my life to this sacred goal since your fall, Yoni.”

{Matzav.com}

A unique and educational Torah event will take place this evening, Sunday, June 21, when the Agudath Israel of America Torah Projects Commission, in conjunction with Chazaq, presents a special shiur featuring Rav Amitai Ben-David, acclaimed author of Sichas Chulin and a renowned expert in the practical and halachic aspects of shechitah.

The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Yeshiva Ohel Simcha, located at 141-41 72nd Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills, New York, and is expected to attract Daf Yomi participants, bnei Torah, rabbanim, and members of the broader community seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating and practical areas of halachah.

What makes this event especially noteworthy is that the shiur will feature a live shechitah and treifos demonstration, offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness firsthand many of the concepts discussed in Maseches Chulin and related areas of Torah study. Through practical examples and real-life illustrations, participants will gain a clearer appreciation of the intricate halachos governing kosher slaughter and the examination of animals.

Organizers explain that the program is designed not only for Daf Yomi learners studying or reviewing the sugyos of Chulin, but also for anyone interested in understanding the halachic foundations behind the kosher food that appears on Jewish tables every day.

Rav Amitai Ben-David has earned widespread recognition for his ability to present complex halachic subjects in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner. His sefer, Sichas Chulin, has become a highly regarded resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of shechitah and treifos.

The shiur, as mentioned, will take place this evening, Sunday, June 21, at Yeshiva Ohel Simcha, 141-41 72nd Avenue, Kew Gardens Hills, NY 11367, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Vice President JD Vance opened a new round of negotiations with Iran on Sunday by declaring that the Trump administration seeks nothing less than a fundamental reset in relations with Tehran, provided the Islamic Republic permanently abandons any pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Addressing negotiators in Switzerland at the start of talks between American and Iranian representatives, Vance outlined what he described as a historic opportunity to reshape relations between the two countries after years of hostility and conflict.

“What the president has asked us to do is turn over a new leaf to transform our relationship with the people of Iran, and to extend an outstretched hand that says to the people of Iran that if your leadership is willing to give up being a driver of regional instability,” Vance said.

The vice president emphasized that any normalization of ties would depend on long-term guarantees regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“If they are willing to give up nuclear weapons ambitions for the long term, then the United States is willing to fundamentally transform our relationship with that country,” he went on. “That is certainly our goal.”

The negotiations mark the first formal round of discussions under the recently signed U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding. The talks had been postponed amid renewed fighting involving Israel and Hezbollah before finally getting underway in Switzerland.

The agreement established a 14-point framework designed to end hostilities between Washington and Tehran while granting both sides 60 days to negotiate a more comprehensive and permanent accord.

Vance argued that several major objectives had already been achieved through the agreement and suggested the focus must now shift toward broader regional stability.

“The opening of the Strait of Hormuz, the ending of the Iranian nuclear program, all of these things have already been accomplished,” Vance went on. “The question before us now is, how much more can we accomplish together?”

He framed the negotiations as a pivotal moment that could determine the future of the Middle East.

“Can we turn over a new leaf? Can we change relations in the Middle East permanently? Or do we go back to doing things the old way, which is not our preference.”

Vance’s conciliatory tone stood in sharp contrast to the tougher language used by President Donald Trump, who issued a series of warnings to Tehran on Sunday even as the negotiations were beginning.

Trump threatened severe consequences if Iran follows through on threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors and a route through which a significant portion of global oil shipments traditionally pass.

The president revealed that he had communicated directly with Iranian officials before Vance’s meeting in Switzerland.

“You close it, and you won’t have a country,” Trump told Fox News’ chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst about his message to Iran. “You won’t even make it back to your … country.”

Trump also responded forcefully to recent comments by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who publicly insisted that Iran would continue uranium enrichment and that the United States would ultimately have to accept that position.

“He better watch his mouth. He better shape up, or we’ll take over the rest of the country,” Trump told Fox News.

The president described the memorandum of understanding as a temporary arrangement that gives diplomacy one final opportunity to succeed.

Trump characterized the agreement as a “60-day option” and stressed that he “can do whatever I want” once that period expires. He also floated the possibility that the United States could serve as the “guardian angel” of the Strait of Hormuz and collect tolls from vessels using the strategic waterway.

In a separate message posted Sunday, Trump warned Tehran to immediately rein in Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups operating in Lebanon.

“Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

The contrasting messages from Washington—Vance offering a path toward reconciliation while Trump delivers blunt warnings—highlight both the opportunities and the risks facing negotiators as the next phase of U.S.-Iran diplomacy begins.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

As American and Iranian negotiators opened a new round of talks in Switzerland on Sunday under the framework of the recently signed memorandum of understanding, President Donald Trump delivered a series of blunt warnings to Tehran, including a threat to seize control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking with Fox News, Trump suggested the United States could assume a dominant role over the critical shipping route and potentially benefit directly from the flow of oil passing through it.

“We may take control of the strait if we need to. I’ll blow them to pieces. If they don’t make a deal, we’ll charge transit fees,” Trump added, issuing a threat toward Iran.

Trump’s comments came as negotiators from both countries met to begin discussions aimed at transforming the memorandum into a broader and more detailed agreement.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signaled that Tehran remains unwilling to compromise on uranium enrichment, while arguing that Washington’s position has shifted significantly in recent months.

“Trump’s positions have changed 180 degrees compared to the past,” adding: “We will not give up the right to enrichment; they too will be forced to accept it.”

The Iranian leader’s remarks prompted an immediate and forceful response from Trump.

“He’d better watch his mouth, he’d better shape up, or we’ll take over the rest of his country.”

The exchange underscored the deep divisions that remain between the two sides even as negotiations continue.

Shortly after his Fox News interview, Trump expanded his warnings in a post on Truth Social, this time directing his attention toward Hezbollah and Iran’s broader regional influence.

The president demanded that Tehran immediately restrain the Lebanese terrorist organization and warned of severe consequences if attacks continue.

“Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!” he warned.

The sharp rhetoric came on the same day diplomats gathered in Switzerland in hopes of advancing negotiations and reducing tensions following months of conflict. While both sides remain engaged in talks, Sunday’s exchange highlighted the significant obstacles still standing in the way of a lasting agreement between Washington and Tehran.

Rep. Ilhan Omar and her husband are once again facing scrutiny after newly released financial disclosure forms showed a dramatic reversal from the multimillion-dollar asset figures reported just a year earlier.

According to Omar’s 2025 disclosure filing, her husband, Tim Mynett, reported little to no income from the business ventures that previously formed the foundation of the couple’s reported wealth.

The filing indicates that Mynett earned no income during the past year from Rose Lake Capital, the venture capital firm that had previously been portrayed as a major source of the family’s assets.

The only income attributed to Mynett reportedly came from his now-defunct California wine business, eStCru. According to the disclosure, that venture generated between $200 and $1,000 before shutting down operations in April. The company had marketed wines with labels including “The Devil’s Lie” before ceasing business activities.

The filing also paints a bleak picture of the couple’s finances. Omar reported total assets ranging from approximately $20,000 to $125,000, while debts—including credit-card balances and student loans—were listed between $30,000 and $100,000.

Based on those figures, the disclosure suggests the couple’s net worth may now be negative, despite vastly different numbers appearing in earlier filings.

The new report comes after Omar’s 2024 financial disclosure sparked widespread attention when it appeared to show a sudden surge in wealth. That filing valued the couple’s holdings at between $5 million and $30 million, a dramatic increase from prior reports.

The surprising jump triggered public scrutiny and eventually led to a congressional review of Omar’s financial disclosures.

The controversy unfolded as federal investigators and prosecutors were examining a massive social-services fraud case involving members of the Somali community in Omar’s Minnesota district.

In response to questions surrounding the earlier filing, Omar submitted an amended 2024 disclosure in March. The revised report listed the value of Mynett’s ownership interests in both Rose Lake Capital and eStCru at zero.

Omar attributed the discrepancy to what she described as an accounting mistake.

Despite assigning no value to the businesses, the amended filing still reported substantial income from them. According to the revised disclosure, Rose Lake Capital generated between $100,000 and $1 million during that year, while the wine company reportedly produced between $2,500 and $5,000.

Republicans quickly seized on the latest filing.

“Voters see right through the corrupt lies of Ilhan Omar,” Republican National Committee spokeswoman Delanie Bomar told The NY Post. “Omar has spent her entire career covering up Democrat-enabled fraud that cost taxpayers billions, so it’s no surprise that she would do the same for her husband.”

Mynett launched Rose Lake Capital in 2022 alongside longtime associate Will Hailer, a fellow Democratic political operative.

The two first crossed paths while working for Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison during his 2012 congressional reelection campaign.

Ellison later left his congressional seat in 2018 to run for attorney general, opening the door for Omar’s successful bid for Congress. Hailer has publicly stated that he played a significant role in helping orchestrate that political transition.

The latest disclosure is likely to renew questions about Omar’s financial reporting and whether previous filings accurately reflected the value of her family’s business interests. As scrutiny intensifies, the stark contrast between last year’s multimillion-dollar valuations and this year’s reported negative net worth is certain to remain a focal point of political debate.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is confronting the greatest political crisis of his career as mounting pressure from within the Labour Party fuels speculation that he could soon step aside rather than face a potentially bruising leadership battle against rising rival Andy Burnham.

Although Starmer has publicly insisted that he intends to remain in office, growing numbers of Labour lawmakers reportedly believe his tenure is nearing its end. Expectations are mounting that he could announce a timetable for his departure as early as Monday, the same day Burnham is scheduled to take his seat in the House of Commons following last week’s special-election victory.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle acknowledged Sunday that the prime minister is taking stock of his political situation amid the escalating turmoil.

“making time to reflect on the political realities, challenges and opportunities that he finds himself in.”

Kyle defended Starmer’s leadership while cautioning against drawing conclusions from reports of an imminent resignation.

“I know he is a prime minister who always puts his country first,” Kyle told the BBC, though he said that reports that Starmer will resign are “speculation.”

The prime minister spent the weekend at Chequers, the official country residence used by British prime ministers, alongside his family. While avoiding any public discussion of his political future, Starmer did post a Father’s Day message on social media.

“Being a dad is my greatest joy. Today, I’m thinking about my dad, and the father I am to my children because of him,” he wrote on X.

President Donald Trump weighed in on the uncertainty before any official announcement had been made, arguing that Starmer’s troubles stemmed from policy failures on immigration and energy.

“Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom. He failed badly on two very important subjects- IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well! President DJT,” Trump posted on his Truth Social network.

Should Starmer leave office, he would become the sixth British prime minister to exit Downing Street in just a decade, underscoring a period of extraordinary political instability in the United Kingdom.

Frustration with Starmer has reportedly been building for months as Labour lawmakers seek ways to halt the government’s declining popularity following the party’s sweeping election victory in July 2024.

Critics point to slow economic growth, continued pressure on household finances, struggles within public services, and a series of political controversies that have damaged the government’s standing.

Among the most contentious decisions was Starmer’s appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the United States, a move that sparked criticism because of Mandelson’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein.

Labour has also found itself squeezed politically from both sides, losing support among progressive voters to the Green Party while simultaneously facing the growing strength of Reform UK, Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration movement, which has been performing strongly in national polls.

Burnham’s decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election has only intensified speculation about a potential leadership challenge. The former mayor of Greater Manchester captured nearly 55 percent of the vote, finishing more than 9,000 votes ahead of Reform UK’s candidate.

With his return to Parliament, Burnham is now positioned to launch a formal bid for Labour’s leadership should an opportunity arise.

His victory speech did little to dampen speculation about his ambitions.

“Everyone knows that politics isn’t working,” he said. “Everyone can feel that the country isn’t where it should be. Tonight could, just could, be the turning point.”

Questions remain about whether Burnham would face opposition in a leadership race. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who resigned last month in protest over Starmer’s leadership, has already indicated that he would enter the contest if one takes place.

For his part, Starmer has continued to insist that he has no intention of surrendering his position without a fight.

“I will run, I will stand,” if there is a Labour leadership contest, Starmer said. “I’ve said repeatedly I’m not going to walk away from that.”

Yet some senior Labour figures believe the prime minister’s position has become untenable.

Charlie Falconer, a prominent Labour member of the House of Lords, argued Saturday that Starmer’s authority has effectively evaporated and suggested an orderly transition should begin.

“There should be an agreed transition process in which Andy and Keir cooperate as to when the handover should take place,” he told the BBC.

As pressure mounts and Labour’s internal divisions deepen, all eyes are now on Starmer and whether he chooses to fight for survival—or begin planning his exit from Downing Street.

A total of 46 bnei yeshivah were detained over Shabbos after being classified by the military as failing to comply with enlistment directives, according to IDF figures. The number marks a significant increase in arrests over a short period and comes amid intensified enforcement efforts targeting bnei Torah who have not reported to military recruitment offices.

The arrests have sparked sharp criticism throughout the chareidi world. Rabbanim and public figures described the developments as a serious deterioration in the relationship between the state and the olam haTorah, arguing that bnei yeshivah and avreichei kollel are being placed in detention facilities instead of being allowed to continue their limud haTorah.

Last Thursday, a 26-year-old ben yeshivah was arrested. Following hours of intervention by askanim and chareidi representatives, he was released to his home on Friday, just hours before the onset of Shabbos.

In a separate incident, a ben yeshivah was detained upon arriving at Ben Gurion Airport after returning from an extended period of learning in a yeshivah in the United States. He was subsequently transferred to military authorities for further processing.

Another detainee, 22-year-old ben yeshivah Aviel Cohen of Netivot, a graduate of Yeshivas Be’er HaTalmud, was released before Shabbos. His arrest generated widespread outrage throughout the chareidi community.

Cohen was taken into custody at a gas station near the Gilat Junction while sitting in a vehicle with his wife. His detention prompted demonstrations and a broad public effort by askanim and community activists seeking to secure his release.

Chareidi sources said the growing number of arrests is expected to lead to expanded protest activity in the coming days, including demonstrations and additional measures demanding an end to the detention of bnei yeshivah.

Community representatives warned that “a situation in which dozens of bnei yeshivah are being held in military prison is a warning sign for the entire public,” and expressed concern that the recent wave of arrests could further inflame tensions between the authorities and the olam haTorah.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir launched a sharp attack Sunday against Israel’s decision to accept the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and ceasefire arrangements in Lebanon, arguing that Israeli leaders should have resisted American pressure and continued military operations.

The comments mark one of the strongest public criticisms yet from within the coalition regarding the government’s handling of the post-war diplomatic process and its cooperation with the Trump administration’s regional strategy.

Speaking in a heated interview with Army Radio, Ben Gvir argued that Israel must be willing to reject American demands when vital national interests are at stake.

“One must know how to tell the President of the United States ‘no’ when it comes to the existential interests of the State of Israel,” Ben Gvir said. “It was a serious strategic mistake to stop the fighting at this point. With all due respect to friendship, President Trump will not go and comfort the families of soldiers during shivah.”

The minister contended that decisions regarding Israel’s security should be based solely on the country’s long-term strategic needs, regardless of pressure from allies abroad.

Ben Gvir also directed criticism toward ongoing diplomatic contacts between Israel and Lebanon, which have reportedly continued alongside the deployment of IDF forces in the security zone in southern Lebanon.

The minister said he strongly opposes any negotiations with Beirut while Hezbollah remains active and influential inside the country.

“There should be no negotiations whatsoever with the Lebanese government as long as the Hezbollah terrorist organization remains there and continues to wield influence,” he declared.

Warning against what he views as a repeat of past mistakes, Ben Gvir argued that failing to decisively defeat Hezbollah now could create even greater dangers in the future.

“If we compromise now and do not decisively defeat them, they will try to carry out another October 7 against us across the border in a few years,” he said. “We must not return to the conception.”

His remarks come as debate intensifies within Israel over the U.S.-Iran agreement, the ceasefire framework in Lebanon, and the broader question of how aggressively Israel should confront Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed forces in the region.

While supporters of the agreement argue that it provides an opportunity for stability and prevents a wider regional war, Ben Gvir and other critics contend that the current diplomatic track risks allowing Israel’s enemies to regroup and prepare for future attacks.

{Matzav.com}

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A sweeping U.S. Justice Department investigation is reportedly examining allegations that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, secretly built a vast international investment portfolio with exposure to some of the most powerful financial institutions on Wall Street, raising new questions about the Islamic Republic’s financial operations and potential sanctions violations.

According to reports, the investigation is part of a much broader inquiry into suspected corruption and money-laundering activities linked to entities allegedly controlled or overseen by Khamenei. American investigators are reportedly reviewing a complex web of transactions conducted through shell companies believed to have operated under his influence.

The probe is said to extend far beyond Tehran. U.S. authorities are reportedly scrutinizing the role played by major American financial institutions through which funds allegedly moved, including banking giants JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup.

Sources familiar with the matter emphasized that the investigation is currently focused on Khamenei’s financial activities and that the existence of the inquiry does not necessarily mean criminal charges will ultimately be filed.

The reported investigation has sent shockwaves through both financial and political circles, given Khamenei’s central role in the Iranian regime and the potential implications of any findings involving major Western banks.

Mojtaba Khamenei assumed Iran’s highest leadership position following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli strike during Operation Rising Lion.

As Supreme Leader, Khamenei now wields ultimate authority over the Islamic Republic’s most sensitive and consequential decisions, including foreign policy, national security matters, and oversight of Iran’s nuclear program.

The reported discovery of a financial network allegedly tied to Khamenei and operating within the Western financial system could provide Washington with a powerful new source of leverage at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.

If the allegations are substantiated, the investigation could expose significant vulnerabilities within Iran’s leadership and potentially reshape the financial and diplomatic pressure campaign being waged against Tehran. For now, however, U.S. authorities continue to examine the evidence as part of what appears to be one of the most consequential financial investigations involving Iran in recent years.

{Matzav.com}

Political turmoil erupted in Iran after a hardline member of parliament publicly read excerpts from what he claimed were highly classified communications from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei during a live state television broadcast, alleging that the Iranian leader opposed negotiations with the United States. The program was abruptly cut off moments later.

Mahmoud Nabavian, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, claimed during the broadcast that Khamenei repeatedly objected to the ongoing negotiations with Washington and had established conditions that were ultimately omitted from the memorandum of understanding recently signed between Iran and the United States.

The comments came as Iran’s negotiating team traveled to Switzerland for another round of technical talks with American officials, days after Tehran and Washington signed an agreement intended to end the conflict between the two countries and pave the way for broader negotiations.

According to Nabavian, Khamenei privately expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the talks and questioned why his demands had not been met.

“The Supreme Leader explicitly expresses his dissatisfaction,” Nabavian said during the program. “He asks, ‘Why were the conditions not met?’”

Nabavian further claimed that Khamenei wrote that Iran “is neither in a hurry nor under any pressure to negotiate or reach an agreement,” and insisted that any discussions should focus on ending the war and securing compensation rather than addressing Iran’s nuclear program.

He also alleged that Khamenei instructed negotiators not to discuss what he described as “the central issue,” an apparent reference to Tehran’s nuclear activities.

At one point, Nabavian told viewers he intended to reveal a portion of the alleged correspondence.

“I will read one sentence. There is no other choice,” he said before quoting what he claimed was a message from Khamenei: “What took shape in the negotiations with Pakistan is fundamentally different from what was supposed to happen and from what constituted the condition for the legitimacy of the negotiations.”

According to Nabavian, Khamenei subsequently called for negotiations to be halted.

The lawmaker further asserted that Khamenei repeated his position on multiple occasions throughout April, insisting that Iran must emerge victorious by forcing the United States to fully recognize Tehran’s right to enrich uranium or remove the nuclear issue from future negotiations permanently.

Nabavian also claimed that Khamenei views the Strait of Hormuz as one of Iran’s most powerful tools of leverage against Washington.

“Strait of Hormuz is a very important key,” Nabavian quoted him as saying. “If the Americans want to remove pressure from their throat, they must first implement prerequisites, foremost among them the payment of compensation and debts.”

He argued that none of those conditions were incorporated into the memorandum signed with the United States.

According to Nabavian, Khamenei insisted that control over the Strait of Hormuz must remain exclusively in Iranian hands and not be shared with Oman or any other country.

He further alleged that Khamenei outlined a system under which some ships would be completely barred from transit, others would be required to pay fees, and vessels belonging to Iran’s allies would be allowed to pass freely.

As Nabavian continued discussing the alleged documents, the state television broadcast was suddenly interrupted and brought to an abrupt end, according to reports from Iran International.

Iran’s state broadcaster later condemned the lawmaker’s actions, describing them as a legal violation that could warrant prosecution.

The network said Nabavian’s references to classified documents and confidential communications between senior officials violated Iranian law. Officials also announced that one senior executive had resigned following the incident and that disciplinary measures would be taken.

The episode quickly triggered criticism even among conservative circles in Iran, with some accusing Nabavian of selectively presenting portions of a much larger body of correspondence in order to support his political arguments.

“Why don’t you say that these selective excerpts of yours were taken from about 20 communications and, in fact, from the earliest ones?” wrote prominent Iranian media figure Hossein Soleimani in a public rebuke directed at Nabavian. “Since you exposed and published the secret and top-secret documents of the system, you should at least have revealed them correctly and accurately.”

Nabavian and other hardline figures have sharply criticized the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding in recent days, accusing President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi of making dangerous concessions to Washington during the negotiations.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance is shedding new light on President Donald Trump’s expectations for members of his administration, revealing a strict and decidedly old-school approach to professional appearance that extends all the way down to the color of a Cabinet member’s shoes.

Speaking on the “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” podcast, Vance said Trump believes public officials have a responsibility to show respect for the offices they hold, and that dressing appropriately is part of that obligation.

“The president has a certain sense that you ought to respect the place, you ought to respect the institution, respect the office. And one of the ways you do that is by dressing like a normal person,” Vance said in the episode released Thursday. “And I think that’s — it’s a very old-fashioned thing.”

According to Vance, Trump places a high value on professionalism and expects those around him to reflect that standard in their appearance. He contrasted the president’s preferences with what he sees as the more casual style adopted by many contemporary politicians.

Describing Trump’s own wardrobe formula, Vance said the president rarely strays from a familiar look.

“Well, I mean, he always has — it’s always a navy suit. It’s almost always a solid tie. It’s always black shoes,” Vance said. “Like, he’ll bust the chops of some of the Cabinet members if they’ve got brown shoes on.”

Trump’s attention to footwear apparently goes beyond criticism. Earlier this year, the president revealed that he has occasionally purchased shoes for administration officials.

“When they tell me they have a problem, I say, ‘Let me get you a pair of shoes,'” Trump told Kilmeade in March.

Vance said the president frequently notices and comments on the attire of people around him, including foreign leaders and even members of his own family.

Among the examples he cited was the now-famous “Zelensky moment,” when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced questions during an Oval Office meeting about why he was not wearing a suit.

Months later, when Zelenskyy appeared at a White House meeting dressed more formally than usual, one reporter complimented his appearance.

A reporter told Zelenskyy he looked “fabulous in that suit,” before Trump added, “I said the same thing.”

Reflecting on the earlier controversy, Vance suggested the incident had not gone particularly well for the Ukrainian leader.

“That was not a good moment for him,” Vance said of Zelenskyy, referring to the tense exchange between the Ukrainian president and U.S. officials. “And it’s funny because things kind of worked out. I think, you know, we were able to repair that relationship.”

Vance also recalled a lighter moment involving Donald Trump Jr. during a September 11 memorial event while on the 2024 campaign trail.

“They’re reading out the names. But there’s — at one point, the president turns around and looks at Don Jr. And Don has like, a spread collar on. And the president’s like, ‘Oh, that’s a pretty wide collar there, Don,’” Vance said.

The vice president said the comment was clearly intended as a playful jab and illustrated how closely Trump pays attention to appearance.

“And you can tell, like, it just was absolutely a dig. So I’ve always — navy suit, black shoes and a conventional collar,” he added.

Taken together, Vance’s stories paint a picture of a White House where traditional dress standards remain firmly in place and where even the smallest fashion choices may not escape the president’s notice.

{Matzav.com}

Senior officials in Shas and United Torah Judaism were reportedly stunned over the weekend after learning that Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu is considering dissolving the Knesset as early as this week without advancing any of the major pieces of legislation sought by the chareidi parties, including the Daycare Subsidy Law, the Arrests Law, and the proposed Basic Law protecting Torah study, Matzav.com has learned.

The development has triggered deep frustration within the chareidi political camp, with some senior figures privately acknowledging what they view as a complete failure to secure their legislative priorities before the government heads to elections.

According to party insiders, Shas leaders had hoped that even if the controversial Daycare Subsidy Law could not be passed, Netanyahu would still advance Shas chairman Aryeh Deri’s proposed Arrests Law, along with the Basic Law on Torah Study. However, reports emerging overnight indicated that Netanyahu has already begun preparing for a rapid dissolution of the Knesset without bringing any of those measures to a vote.

“We no longer have anything with which to threaten him,” one senior chareidi official said. “The moment United Torah Judaism agreed to elections on October 20, as Netanyahu requested, we lost our leverage. We were left with nothing, and now he is the one deciding when the Knesset will be dissolved.”

The growing sense of disappointment has led some chareidi lawmakers to openly question their political strategy during the current coalition.

Another senior figure expressed sharp frustration with the outcome.

“We failed in everything. We have nothing to show our voters. We failed. Even in our final attempt we failed. What are we supposed to go into an election with? Netanyahu played us and played us, and we followed him like a blind goat.”

The anger comes after Netanyahu informed coalition leaders last week that the Daycare Subsidy Law would not pass during the current Knesset session because of opposition from coalition rebels.

That announcement sparked outrage among chareidi lawmakers, who viewed the move as a violation of coalition commitments. In response, Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni announced that his party’s representatives on the Knesset Finance Committee would vote against all budgetary transfers.

Degel HaTorah issued a strongly worded statement insisting that Netanyahu and Likud had explicitly committed to passing the legislation.

“There was a commitment by the prime minister and Likud to bring the Daycare Subsidy Law for approval. We insist on this firmly and will not accept any delay or retreat from that commitment.”

Agudas Yisrael issued a similar warning, arguing that failure to pass the law would signal that Netanyahu had already decided to bring down the government.

“Failure to pass the law means an admission by the prime minister that he has definitively chosen to dissolve the Knesset and go to elections.”

Adding to the uncertainty, political commentator Amit Segal reported Saturday night that senior coalition officials have been increasing pressure on Netanyahu to dissolve the Knesset immediately rather than wait several more weeks.

According to the report, coalition figures have warned the prime minister that continued delays could allow disputes over chareidi legislation to become an even greater political liability.

“The longer you delay, the more the chareidi legislation will hurt you. It is better for you to dissolve the Knesset this week and move into a caretaker government.”

Despite the mounting pressure, Netanyahu has reportedly not yet made a final decision regarding the exact timing of the Knesset’s dissolution. The prime minister is said to be weighing competing political considerations while deciding how to proceed.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Late-night television host Bill Maher blasted President Donald Trump’s newly signed agreement with Iran on Friday, arguing that the administration gave away too much while receiving little in return as the United States enters a critical 60-day negotiation period with Tehran.

During his opening monologue, Maher mocked Trump’s reputation as a master negotiator and questioned the value of the recently signed 14-point memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.

“Where is the big deal maker? What happened to the art of the deal?” Maher asked during his opening monologue on Friday evening, referencing the title of Trump’s 1987 book.

The memorandum launched a two-month diplomatic window designed to produce a broader agreement between the two countries. Among its provisions are measures intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.

The agreement also includes a framework for lifting American sanctions on Iran and establishing a massive $300 billion reconstruction fund for the country, provisions that have already generated criticism from a number of Republican lawmakers.

Maher argued that the United States emerged from the agreement with little to show for its concessions.

“We didn’t get anything. I just hope we play Iran in the World Cup so we can beat them at something,” Maher said.

The administration quickly pushed back against criticism surrounding the reconstruction fund.

Appearing Saturday morning on Fox News, Vice President JD Vance insisted that American taxpayers would not finance the project and emphasized that any release of funds remains dependent on Iran meeting its obligations under the agreement.

According to Vance, a U.S. negotiating team led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner is currently in Switzerland conducting technical discussions aimed at implementing the accord.

The vice president expressed confidence that the ceasefire framework underpinning the agreement would remain intact despite ongoing regional tensions.

“There’s a fork in the road here,” Vance said, referring to the upcoming negotiations. “The United States wins either way, but I think that what ultimately happens from here is very much up to the Iranians.

“Do they want to behave better? If so, great,” he continued. “If they don’t want to behave better, the president of the United States still has a whole lot of options from here.”

Even as negotiations continue, the agreement faced an immediate challenge when Iranian military officials announced Saturday morning that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed.

Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the move was a response to Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, raising fresh concerns about the durability of the accord.

American military officials appeared to dispute Iran’s position and signaled that the United States still considers the agreement fully operational.

“U.S. forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect,” the military command said.

The conflicting messages highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the new agreement, as supporters argue it offers a pathway to long-term stability while critics contend it grants significant concessions to Tehran before securing meaningful guarantees in return.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

A growing rift between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni intensified over the weekend as Trump renewed his claim that the Italian leader repeatedly sought a photo opportunity with him during the recent G7 summit, further escalating a dispute that has strained what was once considered a strong political relationship.

The clash comes after the two leaders found themselves at odds over the conflict involving Iran. Both attended the Group of Seven summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, where world leaders met to discuss international security challenges, ongoing conflicts, and coordinated global initiatives.

In a Truth Social post on Shabbos, Trump repeated allegations he had made earlier in the week regarding his interactions with Meloni during the summit.

“Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Shabbos, repeating his previous accusation about the Italian leader.

Trump also suggested that Meloni’s political standing at home has suffered because she refused to support his administration’s requests that European allies assist American military operations against Iran.

The president claimed the Italian leader was “doing poorly” in domestic polling “because she turned down” his administration’s calls for European allies to aid its military efforts against Iran.

Meloni has been among the European leaders expressing concern over aspects of the conflict, including reports involving an attack on an Iranian school. She also publicly defended criticism of the war voiced by the Vatican.

Trump argued that circumstances had changed after recent military developments involving Iran and suggested that Meloni was now seeking to repair relations with Washington.

“Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.’ No thanks!!!” Trump wrote in the post.

Meloni responded forcefully on Friday, rejecting Trump’s account of events and accusing him of misrepresenting what occurred during the summit.

On social media, she described the president’s version of events as “completely fabricated” and said she was shocked by the accusations.

“I do not know why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his allies — it is certainly not the first time this has happened,” Meloni said.

The Italian prime minister went on to criticize what she sees as a disparity between Trump’s treatment of allies and his approach toward America’s adversaries.

“I can only say it is regrettable that he does not show the same determination against the enemies of the West and the United States — against leaderships with whom he actually proves to be much more accommodating,” she continued.

The dispute has already begun producing diplomatic consequences.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced Friday that he was canceling a planned trip to the United States scheduled for next week in protest over the controversy.

In a social media statement, Tajani said the president’s “serious and offensive words” about the Italian leader “offend all of Italy.”

{Matzav.com}

A chapter in presidential aviation history came to a close this week when President Donald Trump became the final commander in chief to travel aboard one of the iconic Boeing 747-200 aircraft that have served as Air Force One for decades.

The aircraft completed what officials described as its final presidential mission when it transported Trump back to the United States following his trip to Europe earlier this week.

Members of the administration marked the occasion with tributes on social media, celebrating the retirement of one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world.

“Well done, good and faithful servant,” White House communications director Steven Cheung wrote early Thursday on the social platform X, sharing a picture of the plane. “The Last Ride.”

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino also honored the aircraft, posting a video and reflecting on his years traveling aboard the presidential jet.

“I have been fortunate to fly around the world on this iconic plane for 5 ½ years — of the 35 years it has been serving the U.S. Presidents…THANK YOU…,” he wrote.

Known within the Air Force as the VC-25A, the aircraft is one of two heavily modified Boeing 747-200s that have carried American presidents around the globe. The aircraft that completed its final mission bears tail number 29000, while a second aircraft, tail number 28000, remains part of the presidential fleet.

The first president to fly aboard aircraft 29000 was President George H.W. Bush in 1990, beginning more than three decades of service at the highest levels of government.

Its retirement comes as the Air Force moves forward with a new generation of presidential aircraft.

Three Boeing 747-800s are currently being prepared for executive transport duties. Among them is a luxury aircraft donated by the government of Qatar, which the Air Force has designated as a VC-25B and informally refers to as a “bridge” aircraft.

Military officials indicated earlier this year that the Qatari jet could enter service as a temporary Air Force One as soon as this summer after completing extensive modifications and testing.

According to defense officials, the aircraft is intended to help ease the burden on the aging presidential fleet while longer-term replacements continue to face delays.

The plane will be used to “relieve pressure on the aging VC-25A fleet,” said Gen. Dale White, the Department of Defense’s direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapons systems, in a May statement.

Despite the retirement of one aircraft, Air Force officials emphasized that the remaining VC-25A planes are not disappearing immediately.

An Air Force spokesperson told NBC News last week the “VC-25As will continue to serve in the executive fleet and could still be used by the president as Air Force One.”

The transition to the next generation of presidential aircraft has taken far longer than expected. The two primary replacement aircraft being built by Boeing were originally scheduled to enter service in 2024 but are now not expected to be delivered until sometime in mid-2028.

When the new aircraft eventually arrive, they will feature a dramatically different appearance from the traditional Air Force One design. The familiar light-blue color scheme used for decades will be replaced by a new red, white, gold, and navy-blue livery favored by Trump.

The change will mark not only the arrival of a new presidential fleet but also the end of one of the most recognizable symbols of American leadership in the modern era.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF announced that it has killed Ahmed Samir Mohammed Washah, a Hamas terrorist operative who allegedly served in the group’s military wing while simultaneously working as a cameraman for the Qatar-based Al Jazeera network.

According to the military, Washah was killed in a precision airstrike in central Gaza alongside two other Hamas operatives. Israeli officials said he had recently been involved in planning and advancing sniper attacks and other terrorist operations against IDF forces operating in the Strip.

The IDF stated that although Washah worked as a journalist and cameraman for Al Jazeera in recent years, he was also an active member of Hamas’s military apparatus and posed an immediate threat to Israeli troops.

Military officials said the strike was carried out specifically because of his recent operational activities and the danger he allegedly presented to forces on the ground. The military described him as the most prominent target among the three terrorists killed in the operation because of his dual role as both a media figure and a Hamas operative.

Washah’s death comes just months after the elimination of his brother, Mohammed Samir Mohammed Washah, whom Israel identified as a senior operative in Hamas’s rocket and weapons-production network.

According to Israeli officials, the younger Washah also operated under the cover of an Al Jazeera journalist while carrying out terrorist activities. He was killed in April during IDF operations targeting threats to Israeli forces.

The latest strike is part of what Israel says is a broader campaign against Hamas operatives who allegedly use journalistic credentials or media positions as cover for terrorist activity.

Israeli officials noted that in recent months the military has targeted and eliminated several Hamas members accused of participating in attacks against Israel, including operatives involved in the October 7 massacre and others allegedly connected to the holding of hostages in Hamas tunnel networks.

The report also renewed criticism of Al Jazeera, which Israeli officials have long accused of maintaining close ties to terrorist organizations operating throughout the region.

In recent months, reports have surfaced alleging contacts between Qatar and Iran that resulted in a reduction of Iranian pressure on Doha in exchange for what critics describe as a softer editorial approach toward Tehran and increased exposure for Iranian officials and spokesmen.

The IDF said forces under Southern Command remain deployed throughout the area in accordance with operational requirements and will continue taking action against any immediate threats to Israeli troops.

Military officials added that the elimination of Washah is one of several recent operations targeting senior Hamas figures as Israel continues its campaign against the terrorist organization.

According to the IDF, recent weeks have seen the elimination of multiple key Hamas operatives, including individuals accused of involvement in the October 7 attacks and the captivity of Israeli hostages. Israeli officials said those operations are part of an ongoing effort to dismantle Hamas’s terrorist infrastructure, eliminate threats emanating from Gaza, and safeguard Israeli civilians.

{Matzav.com}

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