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The mother of a young yungerman arrested Monday near Ofakim on suspicion of draft evasion broke down in tears during a live radio interview, pleading with chareidi political leaders to intervene and secure her son’s release.

Odelya Cohen, the mother of 22-year-old Aviel Cohen of Netivot, spoke emotionally during a special broadcast on Kol Barama hosted by Yaakov Grodka, describing the anguish her family has experienced since learning of the arrest.

“I am suffering from high blood pressure and I’m on medication right now. I can’t believe this happened,” she said through tears. “I’m begging them to get him out. If there is anything you can do, please do it.”

The distraught mother said she was overcome with emotion when she received word that her son had been taken into custody.

“I screamed when I heard that he was arrested. I can’t survive like this. Do something now. I can’t go on for another minute.”

She also directed sharp criticism toward Shas and its leadership, questioning why elected representatives had not succeeded in preventing such arrests.

“For years I voted for Shas. Why? Why should my son be in prison? I’m very disappointed. It’s terrible,” she said. “Of course Aryeh Deri could have done something. At least let him do something now. If it were his son, would this have happened?”

The yungerman’s father, Chofni Cohen, also spoke about the incident, claiming his son was stopped by authorities despite not committing any traffic violation.

“My son was driving today near the Gilat Junction when he saw a police vehicle and military police behind it. They ordered him to pull over and began inspecting his tires and looking for a traffic violation,” he said. “Even though he had done nothing wrong, they handcuffed him. They threatened his wife that if she called anyone or filmed the incident, they would take away her phone.”

According to reports, Aviel Cohen was detained at the Gilat gas station near Ofakim on suspicion of draft evasion and was subsequently transferred to the Military Police station at Ir HaBahadim.

News of the arrest quickly sparked protests, with dozens of demonstrators gathering at the Gilat Junction and blocking traffic on Routes 25 and 241 in protest of the detention.

{Matzav.com}

A pall of mourning descended upon the Vizhnitzer community with the passing of Reb Dov (Berel) Daskal zt”l, a beloved elder chassid and one of the most respected figures in Vizhnitzer circles in Bnei Brak. Reb Berel, who served for decades as a renowned shochet and expert mohel and was closely connected to generations of Vizhnitzer rebbes, passed away at the age of 92.

The levayah will take place Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m., departing from the central Vizhnitzer beis medrash in Kiryat Vizhnitz, Bnei Brak, and proceeding to the Vizhnitz ercemetery, where he will be laid to rest.

Born in Romania on the 28th of Adar 5694 (1934), Reb Berel was the son of Reb Rafael Aryeh Daskal and Mrs. Perl Daskal, descendants of distinguished chassidic families in Romania and Eretz Yisrael. Throughout his life, he embodied devotion to Torah, kindness, humility, and unwavering faith.

Upon reaching marriageable age, he married the daughter of Reb Yechiel Michel Friedman Hy”d, and together they built a family deeply rooted in Torah and chassidus.

For decades, Reb Berel was a familiar and cherished presence among the thousands of Vizhnitzer chassidim in Bnei Brak. He belonged to a generation that merited close association with the great leaders of the Vizhnitz dynasty, from the Imrei Chaim and the Yeshuos Moshe to the present-day Vizhnitzer Rebbe.

He maintained a particularly close relationship with the rebbes, serving them with remarkable dedication and earning their affection and trust.

For many years, he held the role of devoted shamash to the Yeshuos Moshe during tishen and other special occasions. Chassidim recall his complete devotion to the rebbe and the diligence and reverence with which he carried out his responsibilities.

Alongside his deep connection to the Vizhnitzer court, Reb Berel became widely known for his sacred work as both a shochet and mohel. Over the course of many decades, he performed thousands of brissim, earning a reputation for exceptional expertise, precision, and yiras Shamayim. On numerous occasions, he was privileged to conduct brissim while the rebbes of the dynasty served as sandek.

He was known as a constant learner and devoted oved Hashem who made Torah the centerpiece of his life. He was deeply committed to tefillah, acts of chessed, and uplifting avodas Hashem, often expressing his devotion through heartfelt song and praise.

Just over a year ago, in Shevat 5785, he suffered a painful personal loss with the passing of his son-in-law, Reb Moshe Kramer, a prominent Vizhnitzer chassid in Bnei Brak, who passed away at the age of 59 after enduring significant suffering with extraordinary faith and acceptance.

Reb Berel leaves behind a large and distinguished family of children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, and descendants who continue in the path of Torah and chassidus that he exemplified throughout his life.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

The United States and Iran have taken the first formal step toward a broader agreement, with President Trump and Vice President Vance electronically signing a memorandum of understanding on Sunday alongside Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, according to senior U.S. officials.

Officials said the contents of the memorandum are expected to be made public within the next 24 to 48 hours.

While describing the agreement as significant, administration officials stressed that it serves only as an opening framework. One official said the next phase will involve “real technical discussions,” which are scheduled to begin later this week under Vance’s leadership.

Speaking Monday on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Vance emphasized that any economic benefits for Iran would depend entirely on Tehran fulfilling its commitments.

“We’ll be releasing the text this week, and what everybody will see is that Iran doesn’t get a dime of money unless they perform their obligations, and the money that we’re talking about is fundamentally sanctions relief,” Vance said in an interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Monday.

President Trump delivered a similar message while attending the G7 summit in France alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. Trump indicated that the complete agreement would likely become public “sometime after Friday.”

A formal signing ceremony for the document is scheduled to take place Friday in Geneva, Switzerland. Vance and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, are expected to attend, while Trump suggested he does not plan to be present.

During a briefing with reporters, administration officials said the United States will keep its military presence in the region unchanged throughout the 60-day negotiating window.

One official noted that commercial activity through the Strait of Hormuz has already begun increasing and is expected to continue expanding gradually. According to the official, traffic through the strategic waterway will “ramp up slowly over time.”

Officials also confirmed that Iran has not yet received any frozen assets currently held by the United States or other nations.

“We are prepared to release frozen funds, and we are prepared to release sanctions,” one official said. “And we’ll do some small gestures of that in the beginning, if they make some small gestures to us that show that they’re willing to meet their commitments as well.”

Another administration official dismissed speculation that separate arrangements could be made with Gulf countries to provide Iran with access to funds outside the framework of the agreement.

“They’re very supportive of this,” the official said, calling the idea “not just unlikely, but preposterous.”

Officials further clarified that the agreement does not require Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon.

“The deal is a ceasefire, and it will not be a one-way ceasefire, meaning that if Iran is not able to control Hezbollah, and if they attack, you know, Israeli positions or Israeli towns, Israel will have the right to defend themselves and respond,” the official said.

Despite the challenges ahead, administration officials expressed confidence that the negotiations could reshape regional dynamics and lead to broader stability.

But optimism was also expressed that “we can find a way to create a new framework for the region based on modern times, modern aspirations.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli media personality Yinon Magal launched a sharp attack on President Donald Trump and senior members of his administration Sunday night, accusing Washington and several Gulf states of abandoning Israel in pursuit of a deal with Iran.

Responding to the agreement brokered by Trump and the growing tensions between the American president and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Magal offered a blunt assessment of the outcome.

“Trump came out a loser,” Magal wrote.

According to Magal, the president succumbed to pressure from Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Vice President JD Vance, whom he claimed had advanced Qatari interests at Israel’s expense.

In his post, Magal also used harsh and derogatory language toward Witkoff and Kushner, accusing them of having been influenced by Qatar and alleging that they had betrayed Israel’s interests.

Magal further criticized Gulf Arab states, arguing that they feared a prolonged regional conflict and were willing to funnel billions of dollars to Iran in exchange for restoring stability.

“So we’ve been left alone,” he wrote. “And we will win alone, because Netzach Yisrael lo yeshaker.”

Despite the agreement, Magal argued that Israel must continue pursuing its own security objectives regardless of international pressure.

He said Israel should maintain its military presence in Lebanon, continue its operations against hostile forces, respond to every attack, and strike any entity that poses a threat to the country.

Magal also called on the political right to rally behind the government and the prime minister during the current crisis.

“We strengthen the government and its leader,” he wrote. “He is the right person at the right time to deal with this situation.”

He concluded his remarks with a personal message to Netanyahu.

“Bibi, go to sleep. Tomorrow is a new day. We are behind you.”

{Matzav.com}

Bnei Brak Mayor Chanoch Zeibert is accusing the Transportation Ministry of delaying critical solutions to the city’s worsening traffic crisis, while also warning of an ongoing shortage of educational facilities ahead of the upcoming school year.

In an interview with Avi Mimran on Kol Chai Radio’s flagship news program, Zeibert discussed the city’s readiness for potential security developments and outlined what he described as major transportation and infrastructure challenges facing Bnei Brak.

Addressing security preparedness, Zeibert said the municipality is operating according to established emergency plans and does not currently require any extraordinary measures.

Most of the interview focused on the city’s transportation problems. Zeibert explained that after renovation work on Chazon Ish Street, the municipality agreed to temporarily reroute buses to Aharonovitch Street while a broader transportation plan was developed.

According to the mayor, the current arrangement has created a serious imbalance. “Jabotinsky Street is one long traffic jam, while Chazon Ish Street is practically empty,” he said.

Zeibert argued that the Transportation Ministry has been delaying the return of some bus routes to Chazon Ish Street despite earlier agreements to do so.

He said the existing traffic patterns are causing major hardships for residents and commuters.

“A person can spend an hour and a half just trying to leave the city,” Zeibert stated, adding that dividing bus traffic between Chazon Ish and Aharonovitch Streets would significantly reduce congestion.

“We can decide today that some buses will travel on Chazon Ish and some on Aharonovitch, and that would solve a large part of the problem,” he said.

The mayor also discussed the long-delayed central bus terminal planned for the Coca-Cola Junction area, a project that has been under discussion for approximately 15 years.

According to Zeibert, while parts of the Transportation Ministry support the project, other officials within the ministry continue to file objections that have stalled progress.

“The investor has already put up the money, purchased the land, and everything is standing still,” he said.

Zeibert noted that additional transportation solutions have been proposed, including transit terminals near Geha Junction and along Jabotinsky Street, but said no final decisions have been made.

He also expressed frustration over delays in advancing dedicated public transportation lanes.

“I’ve been waiting five months for a meeting and nobody has met with me,” Zeibert said.

According to the mayor, a new residential neighborhood in northern Bnei Brak is also awaiting transportation infrastructure approvals that have yet to materialize.

Turning to education, Zeibert acknowledged that the city continues to face a shortage of school buildings and classroom space.

He said Bnei Brak currently spends between NIS 30 million and NIS 40 million annually on rental costs for educational facilities.

The mayor noted that Bnei Brak was the first municipality to establish kindergartens in public spaces located beneath residential buildings as part of efforts to address growing demand.

“Buildings are still lacking,” Zeibert admitted.

Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the city will be ready when the new academic year begins, emphasizing that schools are expected to open on schedule despite the ongoing challenges.

{Matzav.com}

In a significant ruling that could reshape how Israel’s Aviation Services Law is applied, the Yerushalayim District Court has completely overturned a nearly NIS 21,000 judgment against Israir, ruling that a flight delayed by 5.5 hours does not qualify as a canceled flight under the law. The court also described the passengers’ lawsuit as “exaggerated and inflated.”

The case stemmed from a couple’s purchase of airline tickets to Budapest for approximately $440. One day before departure, they were informed that, due to security-related disruptions, their flight schedule had been changed. Israir offered them seats on an alternative flight departing the same day, roughly five and a half hours later than originally planned.

The passengers chose not to travel and subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking NIS 29,000 in damages. A Small Claims Court partially accepted their arguments and ordered Israir to pay approximately NIS 21,000.

‘Neither Reasonable Nor Proportionate’

That decision was completely reversed on appeal.

In her ruling, Judge Tamar Bar-Asher emphasized that under Israel’s Aviation Services Law, a flight is considered canceled only if it does not operate at all or departs at least eight hours later than scheduled. Since the replacement flight departed only 5.5 hours after the original departure time, the statutory threshold for cancellation was not met.

The judge sharply criticized the original award, writing that “the obligation to pay 21,000 shekels for a transaction that cost approximately 1,190 shekels is an unreasonable and disproportionate result that has no place.”

She further described the passengers’ original claim as “exaggerated and inflated” and vacated all financial obligations imposed on the airline.

The ruling sends a clear message that relatively minor scheduling changes—particularly those arising from security-related circumstances—do not automatically entitle passengers to substantial compensation.

The decision joins a growing body of recent rulings addressing disputes between airlines and passengers and provides greater clarity regarding the limits of airline liability during periods of operational disruption.

Potential Impact on the Aviation Industry

The ruling comes at a particularly sensitive time for Israel’s aviation sector.

In recent months, Israeli airlines have faced extraordinary security challenges that have forced repeated schedule changes and operational adjustments. Several carriers recently introduced more flexible cancellation policies in response to ongoing regional tensions.

The court’s decision makes clear that airlines are not automatically required to compensate passengers whenever a flight schedule changes. Rather, compensation under the law generally applies only when a flight is fully canceled or delayed by at least eight hours.

In cases falling short of those thresholds, passengers must demonstrate actual and tangible damages in order to recover compensation.

Legal observers note that lawsuits against airlines have increased significantly in recent years, with some claims seeking unusually large awards. The Israir ruling may serve as an important precedent, helping courts distinguish between legitimate passenger claims and efforts to capitalize on travel disruptions for financial gain.

{Matzav.com}

Newly uncovered Hamas documents seized in Gaza suggest that, beyond the group’s murderous assault on Israeli civilians, a central objective of the October 7 attack was to derail the rapidly advancing normalization process between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The documents, analyzed by the Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center and revealed Sunday by Kan 11, shed light on internal Hamas discussions in the months and years leading up to the massacre carried out on Simchas Torah 5784. According to the findings, Hamas leadership viewed Saudi-Israeli normalization as a major strategic threat and sought ways to prevent it.

The records indicate that in February 2022—approximately 20 months before the October 7 attack—Hamas leaders in Gaza convened a meeting and approved the creation of a dedicated office tasked with managing what they described as the struggle against normalization.

According to minutes from the meeting, the office would be responsible for shaping strategy, ideology, policy, and operational plans related to opposing normalization efforts, while coordinating implementation across various branches of the organization.

One recommendation contained in the documents stated that Hamas should work to intensify unrest in Gaza, Yehudah and Shomron, and Yerushalayim in order to disrupt the normalization process between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Another document emphasized the importance of violence on the ground as a tool for undermining diplomatic progress. It argued that the Second Intifada had played a decisive role in derailing earlier normalization initiatives connected to the Arab Peace Initiative and suggested similar tactics could once again prove effective.

The documents further reveal that as 2023 progressed, Hamas leaders increasingly concluded that their efforts to halt normalization were failing to achieve the desired results.

According to the report, just two weeks before the October 7 attack, Hamas leaders held a crucial meeting devoted to the issue. During that session, then-Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar presented a position paper titled “Confronting the Saudi-Israeli Normalization Process.”

Minutes from the meeting quote Sinwar as declaring: “Normalization is an entirely evil disease, and there is no difference between one country and another in normalization. However, Saudi Arabia has a special status on the Arab and Islamic level and great influence, and this is a regrettable, troubling, reprehensible and bewildering step.”

Sinwar also launched a sharp attack on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stating: “Bin Salman seeks to establish his image as the leader of the region at the expense of all countries, including Egypt. Leadership of the region must pass through the Israeli gate in understanding with the Americans. His growing ambitions and political madness have implications for our issue and for the region, and herein lies the danger of this step.”

According to the documents, Sinwar argued that Hamas had a responsibility to strike Israel and send a message to nations pursuing normalization. He reportedly stated: “We will have a role in striking the Zionist enemy and sending a message to the normalization partners—that the Israeli occupation is not an oasis of security and stability. We may not succeed in stopping the move, but we will disrupt it and strip it of legitimacy.”

The documents also reveal that Hamas leadership held another pivotal meeting on October 2, 2023—five days before the massacre. It was reportedly the final leadership session before the attack.

During that meeting, Sinwar described Saudi-Israeli normalization efforts as a development that would lead to what he called “regional deterioration.”

His conclusion, according to the records, was that the advancing diplomatic process left Hamas with no alternative but to undertake what he termed an “extraordinary action.”

Sinwar reportedly declared: “There is no escaping an extraordinary action by the movement and the forces of the resistance axis to create a major shift or strategic turning point in the trajectories and balances of the region, regarding the Palestinian issue and confronting normalization and the collapse of the region.”

Five days later, Hamas launched its unprecedented assault on Israel.

Since the outbreak of the war, efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel have effectively been frozen, a reality that continues to this day.

{Matzav.com}

A dramatic overnight confrontation unfolded on Highway 7 near Ashdod after police detained a yeshiva bochur identified as a military draft deserter, prompting dozens of protesters to rush to the scene and ultimately leading to his release.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. Monday, shortly after the Beit Rabban Junction on Highway 7 heading toward Ashdod. According to reports, officers stopped a vehicle carrying the yeshiva bochur and determined that he was listed as a draft deserter by the IDF.

Police then reportedly summoned military police to take custody of the bochur and transfer him for detention.

Within minutes, alerts were circulated through the “Tzeva Shachor” and “The Kidnappers Have Arrived” notification systems, telephone networks used by members of the Peleg Yerushalmi to mobilize supporters in response to arrests of bnei yeshivah.

Dozens of protesters quickly converged on the location, creating a large crowd around the police officers and the detained vehicle.

As tensions mounted and military police had still not arrived, authorities reportedly grew concerned about the possibility of further escalation. In light of the growing crowd and the delay in transferring the detainee, a decision was made to release the yeshiva bochur immediately.

Following his release, protesters reportedly broke into singing and dancing. The demonstration then shifted to a nearby section of Highway 7, where participants blocked traffic for roughly an hour.

The road closure continued until organizers issued the traditional instruction of “Veyachzor l’Talmudo” (“let him return to his learning”), signaling the end of the protest. The demonstrators then dispersed from the area.

{Matzav.com}

The Likud party is reportedly in advanced negotiations with an artificial intelligence company to deploy interactive campaign calls featuring a digital version of Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, allowing voters to hold conversations with an AI-powered bot designed to encourage support for the party in the upcoming election.

According to a report in Yisroel Hayom, the system would go far beyond traditional recorded campaign messages. Voters receiving the calls would hear Netanyahu’s voice and be able to engage in a back-and-forth conversation with the AI, which would respond to questions and attempt to persuade them to vote Likud.

The initiative has already sparked criticism from within Likud itself. Some party insiders argue that replacing personal political outreach with artificial intelligence could alienate voters rather than attract them.

“People won’t connect to a bot calling them. Even if it’s Netanyahu. Once upon a time we would meet Netanyahu in the market. Today we’ll get him through a robot,” one Likud source complained.

Legal experts quoted in the report said there appears to be no legal obstacle to using such technology, provided voters are clearly informed that they are speaking with an AI system and not with Netanyahu himself. Failure to make that distinction, they warned, could potentially be considered misleading.

The report comes as recent polling continues to show Likud maintaining its position as Israel’s largest political party. According to the latest Hayom-Kantar survey, Likud would receive 24 seats if elections were held today.

The survey also indicated continued momentum for former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. For the first time since launching his political framework, Eisenkot’s party climbed to 20 seats, placing it ahead of the Bennett-Lapid alliance, which fell three seats to 19 and now ranks as the second-largest faction in the center-left bloc. Pollsters noted that Eisenkot appears to be drawing support from across the political spectrum, including some voters who previously backed Netanyahu.

The survey also found that a majority of coalition voters believe Israel emerged stronger from the latest round of regional tensions. Fifty-five percent said the country’s position had improved, while 35 percent felt it had weakened.

On the issue of the Basic Law regulating Torah study, which passed a preliminary Knesset vote this week, coalition voters expressed broad support. Forty-eight percent backed the legislation, compared to 28 percent who opposed it. Among opposition voters, however, resistance was overwhelming, with 81 percent saying they opposed the proposal.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance said he has not yet decided whether he will seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2028 and expects to make that determination only after the 2026 midterm elections, emphasizing that his current priority is serving in President Donald Trump’s administration.

During an interview with CBS’s Sunday Morning, Vance said any decision about a future White House campaign will come later and will be made in consultation with his wife, Usha.

Vance also expressed confidence that President Trump would back whatever course he ultimately chooses.

“I have no doubt that the president of the United States is going to be very supportive of anything that I ultimately decide to do,” Vance said. “But we really just haven’t talked about what that thing will be.”

The vice president sought to dismiss speculation that he is already laying the groundwork for a presidential run, insisting that his attention remains fixed on his current responsibilities.

“I’m not sitting around figuring out whether I’m going to run for president,” Vance said.

He explained that he and his family will address the question only after the midterm elections have concluded.

“Usha and I will absolutely sit down and talk about what comes next for our family,” Vance said. “The way I make decisions is, I try not to make them until I absolutely must.”

According to Vance, Trump often discusses the future of the Republican Party and the direction of American politics, although those conversations have not focused specifically on a 2028 campaign.

“I never bring it up. But sure, the president brings it up a lot, sometimes publicly, sometimes privately,” Vance said. “You know, the president’s a political animal. He loves this stuff. He’s very fascinated by it.”

When asked whether Trump has encouraged him to pursue the GOP nomination, Vance said the discussions have been more speculative than prescriptive.

“It’s not positive or negative,” he said. “It’s just … he kind of talks about it, like, ‘What’s gonna happen,’ you know? ‘How do we make sure that we’re successful? What does that mean for the future?’ It’s more of a conversation like that.”

Vance stressed that the topic has not become a major focus for either of them.

“So, we talk about it, but not in any great detail,” he added. “Because, again, I think both of us are focused on the here-and-now.”

The vice president said he is determined not to allow thoughts of future political opportunities to distract him from his current role.

“I really don’t ever want my thought about a future job, whether it’s president or anything else, to make me a worse vice president,” he said. “And the way to do that is to keep my attention on the job I have right now.”

Vance’s comments come amid growing speculation about the Republican field for 2028. Many party observers view him as one of the leading potential contenders for the nomination. Other Republicans frequently mentioned as possible candidates include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson.

{Matzav.com}

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the newly announced agreement between the United States and Iran on Sunday night, praising the deal as an important milestone toward ending the conflict and advancing a long-term diplomatic solution.

Guterres commended both Washington and Tehran for opting for negotiations rather than continued confrontation, describing the agreement as a significant achievement for regional stability.

“I warmly congratulate the US and Iran for having reached a peace deal that provides for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a framework for further negotiations,” Guterres said.

The UN secretary-general stressed that the agreement creates a framework that could help reduce tensions and promote a durable resolution to the crisis.

“This represents a critical step towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict,” he added.

Guterres also acknowledged the role played by several countries in facilitating the talks. He expressed appreciation to regional governments that worked behind the scenes to help move negotiations forward, specifically highlighting Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey for their diplomatic efforts.

Earlier in the evening, President Donald Trump formally announced the agreement in a post on Truth Social.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.

Trump later followed up with another message touting the significance of the accord and its potential impact on the Middle East.

“This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!”

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) voiced cautious optimism Sunday that a diplomatic agreement could halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while warning that Hezbollah remains committed to its longstanding goal of destroying Israel regardless of any deal reached with Tehran.

In a statement posted on social media, Graham said he hopes ongoing negotiations can successfully eliminate Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons and end what he described as the regime’s campaign of regional terror.

“While I hope and pray that a diplomatic solution to end the Iranian conflict and deny Iran the ability to produce a nuclear weapon and stop their reign of terror on the region may be at hand, we still must understand who we are dealing with,” Graham wrote in a post on social media.

Graham pointed to Hezbollah’s continued attacks against Israel, noting that the terrorist group has maintained pressure along the northern border despite recent ceasefire efforts.

“Since the latest ceasefire, Hezbollah has been unrelenting in their attacks against Israel to the point there are areas in northern Israel that have been evacuated because of the constant attacks. What would America do in a similar situation?” he continued.

The South Carolina senator emphasized Hezbollah’s close ties to Tehran, arguing that any agreement with Iran should not obscure the ongoing threat posed by the Lebanese terrorist organization.

“Hezbollah is financed and controlled by Iran, with a lot of American blood on its hands. It is clear to me that no matter what deal we sign with Iran, Hezbollah’s stated ambitions of destroying Israel and making Lebanon a caliphate have not fundamentally changed,” added Graham.

He concluded, “May God protect the United States and may God protect the State of Israel.”

Graham’s remarks were issued before President Donald Trump formally announced a new agreement with Iran, which is expected to be officially signed on Friday.

Earlier in the day, Trump criticized Israel’s retaliatory strike against a Hezbollah command center in Beirut, suggesting that further military action could jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran.

“This morning’s attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a Peace Deal with Iran,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

The president acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense but argued that the Hezbollah attack that triggered the response did not warrant a broader escalation.

He added that “Israel has the right to defend itself against threats, but the attack it was responding to was very small and meaningless, nobody was hurt, injured, or killed, and should not disrupt this important process.”

Trump also suggested that Lebanon would be included in the broader regional framework being negotiated with Iran.

“We are very close to a deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down.”

Calling for restraint from all parties, Trump urged an end to hostilities on both sides of the border.

“There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other party, including Hezbollah, against Israel. This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace – Let’s not blow it!” he urged.

The comments followed an Israeli strike targeting a Hezbollah command facility in Beirut’s Dahieh district. The operation came after three drones launched from Lebanon entered Israeli airspace earlier in the day. Two of the unmanned aircraft exploded near Shlomi in the western Galilee, while the third detonated inside a military area in Israel.

{Matzav.com}

A senior American official is disputing Iranian reports about the newly announced agreement between Washington and Tehran, insisting that Iran will not receive access to billions of dollars in frozen assets before fulfilling its obligations under the deal.

Speaking Sunday to Axios reporter Barak Ravid, the official rejected assertions that Iran would be granted immediate access to $12 billion in blocked funds before the beginning of formal negotiations over a final agreement.

“This is completely not true. This is a pay-for-performance deal and no frozen funds will be released without the Iranians implementing their commitments,” the official stated.

The dispute emerged shortly after President Donald Trump publicly unveiled the agreement Sunday evening. Soon afterward, Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency released what it described as the 14 core provisions of the arrangement.

According to the Iranian report, the financial component of the agreement requires the United States to approve the release of $12 billion in frozen Iranian funds before substantive negotiations begin. The report further claimed that another $12 billion would become available during a 60-day period designated for negotiating a permanent accord.

The published details also asserted that Washington would suspend sanctions on Iran’s oil and petrochemical industries while dismantling its naval blockade of Iran within 30 days.

Mehr further reported that these measures are intended to occur before final treaty negotiations can move forward. Under the framework described by the Iranian outlet, discussions on a permanent agreement would not commence until the initial $12 billion is released, energy-related sanctions are paused, and maritime restrictions are lifted.

The Biden administration’s characterization of the agreement differs sharply from Tehran’s account, with U.S. officials emphasizing that any financial relief will be contingent upon Iran first meeting its commitments under the deal. The conflicting descriptions underscore the uncertainty surrounding the precise terms of the agreement as both sides prepare for the next phase of negotiations.

{Matzav.com}

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President Donald Trump announced that a sweeping agreement with Iran has been finalized, declaring that the deal secures unrestricted access through the Strait of Hormuz and prevents Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He also revealed that he remains prepared to resume military action if negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program ultimately collapse.

Speaking in a Sunday interview with The New York Times, Trump said the newly negotiated arrangement guarantees that ships will be able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely without paying transit fees. He further argued that the agreement spared Israel from what he described as a potentially catastrophic nuclear threat, despite opposition from Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu.

The president said that while a broader nuclear agreement is still being negotiated, talks are expected to begin Friday in Switzerland. He warned that if Iran refuses to reach a final accord, military pressure could quickly return.

Trump also floated another possible framework under which the United States would provide regional security guarantees in exchange for a 20 percent share of Middle Eastern revenues.

The comments came during a 28-minute telephone interview initiated by Trump from the White House residence, followed by a shorter follow-up call. Throughout the discussion, Trump maintained that his military campaign against Iran earlier this year, combined with the naval blockade imposed after Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, fundamentally shifted the balance of power in the region in America’s favor.

During the conversation, Trump praised both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for helping facilitate the ceasefire arrangement. At the same time, he sharply criticized Netanyahu, claiming Israeli military actions nearly unraveled the diplomatic breakthrough.

“He’s a very difficult guy,” Trump said of Netanyahu, “and to be honest with you, he should be very thankful to us for doing this. Because if Iran had a nuclear weapon, Israel wouldn’t be around for two hours.”

Trump repeatedly compared his new agreement to the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated during President Barack Obama’s administration, while insisting that his framework would permanently prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

According to Trump, negotiators are still debating how long Iran’s enrichment program would remain frozen. While discussions have centered on a 20-year freeze, he suggested he could accept a 15-year arrangement. Regardless of the final term, Trump said Iran’s enrichment activities would remain permanently limited to low levels unsuitable for military use. He noted that the Obama-era agreement contained a similar provision, though Iran later increased enrichment to near-weapons-grade levels after the United States withdrew from that accord in 2018.

The interview followed Trump’s formal announcement of the agreement on Truth Social.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.

In a subsequent post, Trump expanded on the significance of the agreement.

“This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!”

Earlier, Trump told The Wall Street Journal that he expected to issue an official announcement confirming that Washington had reached an agreement with Tehran.

He indicated that the agreement could ultimately be signed electronically either by himself or by Vice President JD Vance.

Trump also stated that Netanyahu “is okay” with the deal.

Prior to the public announcement, Trump and Netanyahu held a telephone conversation. According to a senior official familiar with the discussion, the president updated the prime minister on the progress toward finalizing the agreement with Iran.

Netanyahu temporarily suspended a meeting of Israel’s security cabinet in order to take the call. The cabinet session resumed after the conversation and concluded shortly afterward.

{Matzav.com}

A firestorm erupted after journalist and Matzav HaRuach editor Chaggai Hoberman allegedly called for physical violence against chareidim, describing opponents of military service as “enemies of the state.” The remarks have sparked widespread outrage in the chareidi community, with many demanding an immediate investigation. Police have reportedly begun reviewing the incident.

The controversy began after Huberman posted a message in a journalists’ discussion group that read, “Run over every ‘dos,’ destroy every chareidi.” According to reports, the comments were made in response to demonstrations and road blockages organized by members of the Peleg Yerushalmi.

One journalist in the group reacted with shock, asking, “What did you write here??” Rather than retracting his comments, Hoberman reportedly doubled down and elaborated on his position.

Attempting to justify his remarks, Hoberman argued that blocking roads constitutes violence and therefore warrants a forceful response. He went on to write: “The public response to those blocking roads because of opposition to the draft should be physical violence: break their bones, preferably with clubs.”

During the discussion, Hoberman drew a distinction between various protest groups. He said that while he also opposes anti-government demonstrators associated with the Kaplan protests, he views them as “enemies of the government, not enemies of the state.” He added that he still sees a shared future with them, writing, “Ultimately, we will be in the same tank or armored personnel carrier when the time comes.”

His tone toward the chareidi community was considerably harsher. Referring to those who oppose military conscription, Huberman reportedly stated: “The chareidim who oppose army service across the board are enemies of the state. I have nothing in common with them. Even our Judaism is not the same Judaism.”

The latest controversy is not the first time Hoberman has found himself at the center of public criticism over inflammatory comments.

In June 2022, he reportedly sent a message to then-MK Idit Silman warning that if she voted against legislation involving Judea and Samaria regulations, he would publish a damaging headline. Silman later publicized the message and wrote: “I received this extortion and threat message from editor and journalist Chaggai Hoberman this afternoon. I will not make any decision based on threats or intimidation.”

Critics also pointed to earlier comments Huberman made in 2013, when he wrote: “I admit that not one tear would fall from my eye if I saw the Ponevezh, Mir, Slabodka and Chevron yeshivos standing together in the condition of Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin in Poland,” a comparison many viewed as deeply offensive given the destruction of European Torah institutions during the Holocaust.

In 2015, Huberman again generated controversy after sharply criticizing Michal Kesten Kedar, the widow of Lt. Col. Dolev Kedar Hy”d, following her participation in a left-wing rally. He published an article titled “She Killed Her Husband and Cries That She Is a Widow,” arguing that the policies she supported would lead to additional casualties.

Vice President Kamala Harris remains the leading choice among Democratic voters looking ahead to the 2028 presidential election, though a new national survey suggests her dominance may be weakening as other potential contenders gain ground.

The latest Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll found Harris leading the field with 27% support among Democrats and left-leaning independents. Her closest competitor was California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who garnered 14%.

While Harris continues to hold a commanding lead, the survey indicates that her support has gradually eroded over time.

According to the poll, Harris has fallen from 33% support last October and 31% in March to 27% in the latest survey. Newsom has also seen his numbers decline, dropping from 21% last fall to 14%.

The results suggest that the Democratic field remains unsettled, with several prominent figures beginning to attract greater attention as the next presidential cycle slowly comes into focus.

Among the candidates tested, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recorded the strongest improvement. Buttigieg reached double-digit support for the first time, earning 11% and gaining four percentage points compared to previous surveys.

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also posted gains, receiving 8% support after experiencing a decline earlier in the year.

A significant portion of the Democratic electorate remains undecided. Seventeen percent of respondents said they have not yet chosen a preferred candidate for a potential 2028 primary, highlighting the uncertainty that still surrounds the race.

Harris demonstrated particularly strong support among younger voters and black voters. Nearly half of black respondents—49%—said they would back her, while 48% of voters between the ages of 18 and 29 selected her as their preferred candidate.

The former vice president also performed well among voters without college degrees, winning 35% support in that category. Among white voters, Harris led with 17%, narrowly ahead of Newsom at 16% and Buttigieg at 15%.

Her strength was not universal, however.

Among voters aged 65 and older, Newsom emerged as the clear leader with 23% support. Buttigieg followed at 15%, while Harris received 11%. Newsom also held a slight edge among voters with postgraduate degrees, leading Harris 19% to 18%.

The survey was conducted by Noble Predictive Insights between June 4 and June 6 and included 1,224 registered voters who identified as Democrats or left-leaning independents. Of those surveyed, 1,013 were Democrats and 211 were independents. The poll utilized an online opt-in panel along with text-to-web outreach.

The findings differ markedly from another recent survey that suggested a far tighter Democratic contest.

An Emerson College Polling survey released last month found neither Harris nor Newsom capable of reaching 20% support in a crowded field. In that poll, Harris declined three points since February to 10%, while Newsom dropped four points to 16%.

The Emerson survey also showed momentum building for other Democrats, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who climbed to 10%, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who rose to 9%.

On the Republican side, that survey found Secretary of State Marco Rubio running nearly even with Vice President JD Vance in an early test of the GOP nomination race.

Despite the recent slippage in her numbers, the Center Square poll indicates that Harris still maintains a substantial advantage over the rest of the Democratic field.

Other potential Democratic candidates remained far behind the top tier. Mark Kelly and Josh Shapiro combined for 9% support, while figures such as J.B. Pritzker, Wes Moore, Cory Booker, Amy Klobuchar, Chris Murphy, and California Rep. Ro Khanna attracted smaller levels of backing.

{Matzav.com}

A bochur at the Sephardic Yeshivas Be’er HaTalmud was reportedly suspended after publicly criticizing former Health Minister and Shas MK Uriel Bussu during a wedding in Ashdod, according to a report aired Sunday by Kan News journalist Daniel Groveis.

According to the report, the yeshiva bochur shouted at Bussu, “Shame on you, you’re asleep,” during the event.

The report claimed that a parliamentary aide who had previously worked for Bussu and remains close to the MK subsequently took steps that led to the bochur’s removal from the yeshiva.

According to Kan News, the bochur remained out of the yeshiva for a week before being allowed to return following what was described as an apology conversation involving Bussu.

During that discussion, Bussu reportedly told the bochur, “Bussu the individual forgives you — the Knesset member does not.”

The bochur was later readmitted to the yeshiva. However, sources cited in the report claimed that he recently received another warning, allegedly being told, “If this story is publicized, you will be expelled permanently.”

Bussu denied the allegations and rejected claims that he had any involvement in disciplinary decisions made by the yeshiva.

“Educators make their decisions professionally and independently, without political intervention. The statements and remarks attributed to MK Bussu have no connection to reality whatsoever,” his office said in a statement.

Be’er HaTalmud also issued a response, emphasizing that bochurim are expected to conduct themselves appropriately in public settings.

“It is strictly forbidden for bochurim to participate in demonstrations or to behave in public places with belligerence and a lack of proper respect that are unbecoming of bnei Torah. After the seriousness of the matter was made clear to the bochur, he was returned to the yeshiva,” the yeshiva said.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Health Ministry on Sunday released the findings of an investigative committee that examined the circumstances surrounding an experimental treatment administered several years ago at Bnei Brak’s Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center under what was described as a “compassionate use” arrangement.

According to the ministry, the committee concluded that the treatment was administered unlawfully and that several of the violations were committed knowingly by those involved.

The panel was established by the Health Ministry’s Public Complaints Commission for Medical Professions following a complaint filed regarding the case. The ministry said it will continue reviewing the conduct of the institutions and individuals involved and will determine what enforcement and disciplinary measures may be warranted after receiving responses to the report’s findings.

According to the investigation, the case involved an 84-year-old patient suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer with metastases. In February 2019, the patient sought treatment with an experimental drug known as Gammora, developed by a pharmaceutical company. The treatment was administered under the designation of “compassionate use” despite lacking approval from the Health Ministry.

During the course of treatment, the patient reportedly developed sudden neurological symptoms. The treatment was subsequently halted at the family’s request, and the patient died several weeks later.

As part of its review, the committee examined the conduct of the hospital’s Helsinki Committee and the approval procedures that were followed, including the evaluation of the request, regulatory aspects surrounding preparation and administration of the drug, the actions of the individuals involved, and compliance with Health Ministry regulations and guidelines.

The committee found that the treatment was carried out improperly and suffered from significant procedural failures. According to the report, the treatment did not qualify under any of the legally recognized pathways for administering such care, including clinical trials, emergency treatment, or compassionate-use treatment. It was not approved by the Health Ministry and was carried out in violation of both legal requirements and ministry regulations. Investigators also found that misleading information had been provided to the reviewing committee.

The report further determined that the drug had never been approved for use in humans. Import authorization had been granted based on declarations that the substance was intended solely for laboratory use, a designation that was explicitly stated in the manufacturer’s documentation. The committee concluded that converting the substance for human treatment was unlawful and that the preparation of the drug was performed by individuals who lacked the appropriate qualifications.

Investigators also identified major deficiencies in the hospital’s approval, oversight, and supervision procedures. According to the findings, authorization for the treatment relied in part on approval previously granted for a different patient at Ichilov Hospital. The committee concluded that the failures were not the result of a systemic breakdown but rather represented conscious decisions made by those involved.

At the same time, the committee emphasized that despite the seriousness of its findings, it could not determine with a high degree of certainty whether the irregularities directly contributed to the patient’s deterioration or death. Investigators noted that the patient may have died as a result of the progression of his underlying illness and worsening medical condition.

The report concludes by stressing the importance of adhering to regulatory safeguards designed to protect patients, even in cases involving severe illnesses where families are searching for additional treatment options.

{Matzav.com}