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A senior commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued an explicit threat against President Donald Trump on Thursday, vowing violent retaliation in response to the president’s warnings about possible U.S. military action against Tehran.

Speaking publicly, Gen. Mohsen Rezaei warned that Iran would respond directly to Trump’s statements about the use of force. “Trump has said his hand is on the trigger. We will cut off his hand and his finger,” Rezaei said, according to Iran International.

Rezaei also made clear that Iran would reject any attempt at de-escalation once hostilities begin. “If we move forward, there will be no talk of a ceasefire anymore,” he said.

In his remarks, the general accused the United States of ignoring Iran’s restraint and cautioned against further escalation. “You do not pay attention to the restraint and strategic patience we have shown,” Rezaei added. “Stop right now. Step back, otherwise none of your bases in the region will be safe.”

The comments were delivered amid reports that the United States has begun repositioning military assets closer to the Middle East. Sources confirmed that at least one U.S. aircraft carrier has been moved toward the region as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensify.

Officials have not disclosed which carrier is involved. Military officials say the voyage could take roughly a week, with additional forces potentially deploying afterward, expanding the range of military options available to Trump.

Rezaei is a longtime powerbroker within Iran’s military and political establishment. He led the IRGC from 1980 until 1997 and currently holds several senior roles, including vice president for economic affairs and secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for Economic Coordination. He is also a prominent figure within the Principlist Resistance Front of Islamic Iran.

Internationally, Rezaei has faced legal and financial consequences. In 2006, Argentine authorities issued an international arrest warrant for him over his alleged role in the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. The U.S. Treasury Department later sanctioned him in 2020, citing his involvement in advancing destabilizing activities.

The escalating rhetoric comes as Iran faces growing internal unrest. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 2,677 people have been arrested, with another 1,693 cases currently under investigation.

{Matzav.com}

Mossad Director David Barnea arrived in the United States on Friday for discussions focused on developments in Iran, according to Israeli officials and others familiar with the visit.

The trip is part of ongoing coordination between Israel and the United States as large-scale protests continue inside Iran and Washington weighs possible military steps in response to the Iranian regime’s actions.

According to those familiar with the matter, Barnea is expected to meet in Miami with White House envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been managing a direct channel between the United States and Iran. Witkoff has remained in contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi throughout the unrest. It is still unclear whether Barnea will also meet with President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence over the weekend.

Barnea’s visit follows a phone call earlier this week between President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that centered on the situation in Iran. During the conversation, Netanyahu reportedly asked the United States to hold off on any military action in order to give Israel additional time to prepare for a possible Iranian response.

Israeli officials have raised concerns that potential U.S. strikes, as currently under discussion, would focus primarily on Iranian security forces and might not significantly weaken the regime itself. U.S. officials, meanwhile, have said that military action remains on the table if Iran resumes deadly force against protesters. Israeli assessments suggest that even with a delay, a U.S. strike could still take place in the near future.

At the same time, U.S. military preparations are continuing, with additional forces and equipment being moved into the region. These reportedly include the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group, along with expanded air defense systems, fighter jets, and possibly submarines.

In parallel, Abbas Araghchi has suggested reviving nuclear negotiations during his contacts with Witkoff. Israeli officials are concerned that Tehran could use renewed talks to ease international pressure and buy time, though some believe the current crisis may push the Iranian regime to consider concessions it has previously refused.

{Matzav.com}

The body of Moshe Ludmir, a talmid at the Boyan Yeshiva in Modiin Illit, was recovered on Friday, bringing an end to a days-long search after he disappeared earlier in the week.

Moshe had gone to the Modiin Stream near his yeshiva on Tuesday together with another student in order to enter the water. During the outing, he was carried away by the strong current. The second boy was rescued later that same day and alerted authorities, prompting an extensive search effort that continued until Friday.

Sixteen years old, Moshe was from Beitar Illit and had only recently begun studying at the Tiferes Yisrael Ruzhin Boyan Yeshiva in Modiin Illit, marking his first year at the yeshiva.

Describing the operation, Lieutenant Commander Shlomi Harosh, who heads the Binyamin Region of the Israel Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This is a tragic event in which a young man lost his life. This was a complex and challenging search because there was a lot of drift in the stream and in the water crossings under the bridges along the stream, as well as the stormy weather that prevailed during the first days of the search.”

Police officials stated that search activity was carried out without interruption over the course of four days, involving close coordination among law enforcement, rescue services, and civilian volunteers.

A police spokeswoman provided further details, saying: “On the morning of the fourth day of searches conducted by the Judea and Samaria District police, along with numerous emergency security and rescue personnel, alongside hundreds of volunteers, the body of the missing young man who had been swept away in the Modi’im Stream was located.”

{Matzav.com}

Agudath Israel of America commends the Trump administration for easing restrictions on religious workers through a newly issued Interim Final Rule published today in the Federal Register. The rule removes longstanding limitations on religious worker visas (R-1), marking an important step in supporting faith-based institutions and the communities that rely on them.

Under prior regulations, non-citizens in the US serving in religious capacities on R-1 visas were required to leave the United States for a minimum of one year once their visa expired at the end of its five-year term before they could apply for and obtain a new R-1 visa. This requirement imposed significant hardships on religious workers as many of them serve in leadership positions such as rabbis and teachers causing serious disruptions for the schools and institutions they serve. The new rule eliminates this mandatory waiting period, allowing religious workers to apply for and receive a new R-1 visa without being forced to spend a fixed period of time outside the United States.

“Agudath Israel of America welcomes the Department of Homeland Security’s thoughtful and much needed rule change regarding religious workers.” said Mr. David Grunblatt, partner at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP and chair of Agudath Israel of America’s Immigration Committee. “For too long, religious organizations have faced the painful loss of dedicated rabbis, ministers, teachers, and other essential religious workers simply because their temporary visas expired before the lengthy green card process could be completed. By removing the requirement for religious workers to leave the country for a full year after reaching the maximum period of stay, DHS is providing much needed stability for our institutions and the communities they serve. This interim final rule promulgated by USCIS, recognizes the vital role that religious workers play in American society and helps ensure that synagogues, churches, and other faith-based organizations can continue their sacred mission without unnecessary disruption. We commend DHS and USCIS for their commitment to supporting religious life in the United States.”

Agudath Israel of America has long advocated for reforms to the R-1 visa program and continues to urge Congress to pass the bipartisan Religious Workforce Protection Act. That legislation would eliminate the need for individuals on an R-1 visa to leave the US at all while further strengthening protections for people of faith in the workforce.

{Matzav.com}

FOX Business’ Madison Alworth reports cities in Florida and Texas are ready to attract businesses and individuals fleeing New York City’s increasing regulations, rent freezes, and expanded city-run services.

WATCH:

DRAMATIC FOOTAGE: An IAF Black Hawk helicopter crashed Friday morning during a recovery operation after it was forced to make an emergency landing earlier this week because of severe weather. The IDF said the helicopter landed Tuesday in an open area in Gush Etzion after encountering difficult weather conditions. The aircraft was damaged in the […]

Mossad chief David Barnea traveled to the United States on Friday for talks focused on Iran, amid intensified regional tensions. * Barnea is scheduled to meet in Miami with Steve Witkoff, who is leading Washington’s direct contacts with Iran. The talks focus on Iran’s nuclear enrichment, missile stockpile, enriched uranium reserves, and Iran-backed terror groups.

NEC Director Kevin Hassett on the effects of Trumps’ tax cut in 2026: “Our expectation is that you’re going to have the biggest refund season ever.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in the Middle East and Iran during a phone call, the Kremlin said. According to the Kremlin, Putin offered Russia’s help in mediating on Iran and said he supports intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to ensure stability and security in the region.

HASSETT: “In some places, up to 20% of the [housing] market is owned by institutions. The institutions have tax an advantage over ordinary homebuyers… it’s something that President Trump just doesn’t think is right.”

Israeli security forces arrested a 51-year-old Israeli woman from northern Israel on suspicion of acting on behalf of Hamas during the war, the Shin Bet and Israel Police said. * The suspect, Rania Dandan of Kiryat Motzkin, was arrested in recent weeks in a joint operation by the Shin Bet and the police’s Coastal District. […]

President Donald Trump revealed Thursday that a new governing body, described as a Gaza “board of peace,” has been established as part of the second phase of a U.S.-supported framework aimed at ending the war in Gaza.

Announcing the move on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “It is my Great Honor to announce that THE BOARD OF PEACE has been formed,” adding that the names of those appointed to the body would be released “shortly.”

Trump went on to praise the new panel in sweeping terms, declaring, “I can say with certainty that it is the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place.”

The announcement follows the recent unveiling of a separate 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee that is intended to oversee the daily administration of Gaza once major combat operations conclude.

According to Trump, that committee will operate under the authority of the newly created board of peace, which he said he will personally chair.

The broader plan also envisions the arrival of an International Stabilisation Force that would be tasked with maintaining security in Gaza and assisting in the training of approved Palestinian police units.

Reacting to the developments, senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said Thursday, “The ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee.”

The U.S.-backed initiative originally took effect on Oct. 10, leading to the release of all hostages held by Hamas and bringing an end to active fighting between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist organization in Gaza.

While the second phase of the plan has now begun, it is unfolding amid continued claims of humanitarian aid shortages and sporadic violence.

For Palestinians, a central unresolved issue remains the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, a provision included in the framework but one that lacks a specific implementation schedule.

At the same time, Hamas has declined to publicly agree to full disarmament, a condition Israel has stated is non-negotiable.

Addressing the issue earlier this week, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff wrote on Truth Social that Washington expects Hamas to “comply fully with its obligations.”

Separately, Hamas has begun preparations for internal elections intended to reconstitute its leadership, much of which has been eliminated during the war.

A Hamas official told AFP on Monday that the vote is expected to take place “in the first months of 2026.”

Trump shared Witkoff’s remarks on Thursday and added his own endorsement of the transitional leadership, writing, “These Palestinian leaders are unwaveringly committed to a PEACEFUL future!”

He also outlined broader regional backing for the initiative, stating, “With the support of Egypt, Turkey and Qatar, we will secure a COMPREHENSIVE Demilitarization Agreement with Hamas, including the surrender of ALL weapons, and the dismantling of EVERY tunnel.”

{Matzav.com}

A major Siyum HaShas and Hachnasas Sefer Torah were held at Yeshiva Lev Eliyahu in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood of Yerushalayim, drawing leading rabbonim and roshei yeshiva from across the spectrum of the Torah world.

The event took place in the yeshiva’s main beis medrash with the participation of Rav Yitzchak Yosef, alongside senior roshei yeshiva and rabbanim. The talmidim completed the study of the entire Shas in memory of the late rosh yeshiva, Rav Yaakov Zechariah zt”l, and in memory of a close supporter of the yeshiva, Raphael Halevi ben Esther.

Among the speakers were Rav Yitzchak Yosef; Rav Yechiel Chaim Sofer, rosh yeshiva of Kaf HaChaim; Rav Shlomo Yedidya Zafrani; Rav Ovadia Chazan; Rav Elchanan Sharabani, rosh yeshiva of Lev Eliyahu LeTze’irim; members of the yeshiva’s staff; and the yeshiva’s director-general, Meir Zechariah.

Speakers recalled the mesirus nefesh of the late rosh yeshiva zt”l for Torah learning and teaching, and offered words of chizuk to the bochurim during a period they described as one of mounting pressure on those dedicated to Torah study.

In a forceful address, Rav Shlomo Yedidya Zafrani told the bochurim: “If they come to arrest you, tell them that you are already detained by the Torah. Why is the Yom Tov called Atzeres? Because we received the Torah and we are ‘held’ by the Torah. If you want not to be detained, be detained by the Torah. Give yourselves over to Torah learning. Fortunate are you that you merit completing the entire Shas together.”

Following the remarks, a formal Siyum HaShas was conducted by Rav Eliyahu Moshe HaKohen Saban, one of the yeshiva’s rabbeim who spearheaded the initiative and encouraged the bochurim throughout their intensive learning of the masechtos. The evening concluded with the writing of letters in a new, beautifully crafted Sefer Torah, which was brought into the yeshiva in a celebratory procession marked by song and dance in honor of the Torah.

ישיבת לב אליהו (42) ישיבת לב אליהו (1) ישיבת לב אליהו (2) ישיבת לב אליהו (3) ישיבת לב אליהו (4) ישיבת לב אליהו (5) ישיבת לב אליהו (6) ישיבת לב אליהו (7) ישיבת לב אליהו (8) ישיבת לב אליהו (9) ישיבת לב אליהו (10) ישיבת לב אליהו (11) ישיבת לב אליהו (12) ישיבת לב אליהו (13) ישיבת לב אליהו (14) ישיבת לב אליהו (15) ישיבת לב אליהו (16) ישיבת לב אליהו (17) ישיבת לב אליהו (18) ישיבת לב אליהו (19) ישיבת לב אליהו (20) ישיבת לב אליהו (21) ישיבת לב אליהו (22) ישיבת לב אליהו (23) ישיבת לב אליהו (24) ישיבת לב אליהו (25) ישיבת לב אליהו (26) ישיבת לב אליהו (27) ישיבת לב אליהו (28) ישיבת לב אליהו (29) ישיבת לב אליהו (30) ישיבת לב אליהו (31) ישיבת לב אליהו (32) ישיבת לב אליהו (33) ישיבת לב אליהו (34) ישיבת לב אליהו (35) ישיבת לב אליהו (36) ישיבת לב אליהו (37) ישיבת לב אליהו (38) ישיבת לב אליהו (39) ישיבת לב אליהו (40) ישיבת לב אליהו (41)

Israel and the United States signed a joint statement today in Jerusalem on cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. The signing follows Israel’s accession last month to the Pax Silica initiative, which brings together leading countries in artificial intelligence. Among the nine countries participating in the initiative, Israel was selected as the first to […]

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met in Caracas with Venezuela’s interim president, marking the first senior U.S. visit since the U.S. military seized Nicolás Maduro. * The Trump administration sees the interim government as the best short-term path to stability, according to U.S. officials. * Discussions focused on intelligence cooperation, economic stability, and ensuring Venezuela is […]

Steve Witkoff said that when the final 20 surviving hostages were freed and later visited the White House, President Trump called it the greatest day of he’s ever had in the White House.

A storm has been brewing behind the scenes within the Israeli Agudas Yisroel’s Chassidishe leadership as pressure mounts over Israel’s proposed draft legislation. According to a report in Hamodia, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel in Eretz Yisroel has decided to reissue a formal resolution originally adopted in 5779 (2019), declaring firm opposition to any draft law that includes sanctions or mandatory enlistment targets and signaling an intention to vote against such legislation.

The decision follows intense internal deliberations within the Moetzes, against the backdrop of political pressure and looming legal threats related to yeshiva deferments. Senior Chassidic leaders made clear that, in their view, there can be no compromise at the expense of full-time Torah learners.

Israeli media reports describe sharp disagreements during recent discussions. While several Chassidic courts pushed for a strongly worded, updated declaration, Belz reportedly worked to block the publication of a new resolution, citing concerns over internal unity.

The solution ultimately adopted was described by insiders as principled: Rather than issuing a new text, the Moetzes chose to republish its 5779 resolution and reaffirming it as the binding and official position of UTJ’s Chassidic leadership.

In its original—and now renewed—language, the Moetzes expresses deep anguish over what it describes as an escalating campaign by state authorities against bnei yeshivos. The resolution calls for the formal regulation of the status of Torah learners, while insisting that this be done without personal or institutional sanctions, without arrests, and without any numerical enlistment targets.

The document further states that any legislation harming those engaged in Torah study, or setting compulsory goals for enlistment, is unacceptable and must be opposed “with all force.”

{Matzav.com}

Russia has granted citizenship to former Gaza hostage Maksim Harkin, 36, shortly after his release in the most recent deal, the Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv announced on Thursday.

According to the embassy, Russian Ambassador Anatoly Viktorov met this week with Harkin and his mother, Natalia, and informed them of the decision. The report was first disclosed by Itamar Eichner on Kan 11.

In its statement, the embassy said that “Ambassador Viktorov emphasized that, on the instruction of Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin, focused efforts were undertaken to ensure Maksim’s swift return from captivity in Gaza. Russian diplomats maintained continuous contact with their Israeli counterparts and with all relevant parties on this issue, which was of the highest priority for us.”

Following his release, Harkin reunited with his five-year-old daughter Monica, who lives in Russia, as well as with his mother. Speaking to Ynet, he described the reunion as deeply emotional, saying, “It gives so much strength — a dream that came true. I promised my daughter that I am with her, and I will stay with her.”

Shortly after his release, Harkin’s mother told the Russian news agency RIA that her son had expressed a strong desire to receive Russian citizenship and had planned to complete the process upon his return from captivity.

In his conversation with Ynet, Harkin also addressed the public response to his ordeal, saying, “I’m in an emotional storm from the love I’m receiving from you, the people. It’s important for me to say that unity is an insane achievement — preserve it. Be together, and that’s how we’ll live happily, as we deserve. You see people, what they’re doing for us. I try to hold on to the hope that people gave us.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump was overcome with emotion when a group of freed hostages and their families came to the White House last October, according to his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who shared the account Thursday night at a major pro-Israel gathering.

Speaking at the opening session of the Israeli-American Council National Summit, Steve Witkoff described a moment that followed the release of 20 hostages, saying the experience struck Trump on a deeply personal level.

“It was deeply personal to President Trump. When we got the 20 hostages home, the last 20, and their families came to the White House, the President pulled me aside. I saw the tears. He doesn’t like anyone to see tears. And he said to me, ‘This is the greatest day I’ve ever had in the White House,’” Witkoff said.

Witkoff then reflected on his own personal connection to the mission, explaining how the loss of his son shaped his perspective and his work alongside the families of the hostages.

“I’m a member of that really bad club that has lost a child. So, for me, it was very personal, and I think the President knew that. And so, when he allowed me to take this job, it was the greatest blessing of my life, because my son’s death then got to mean something for me. I got to meet these incredible families and work with them and meet the most incredible people I ever had the privilege of working with. It was a very special experience.”

He concluded by describing how he feels guided by his late son as he continues this work, portraying the experience as both painful and profoundly meaningful.

“I feel that my boy puts his hand on my shoulder and leads me to these places. And his death now feels like it counts for something. Like that was his purpose. God took him back at 23, but asked me through him or asked him through me to meet these wonderful families. It’s the blessing of my life. I don’t know how to describe it any more than that.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump has been cautioned by senior advisers that a broad military assault on Iran would probably fail to bring down the regime and could instead trigger a far-reaching regional conflict, according to U.S. officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.

The report said the administration is currently watching closely how Tehran responds to ongoing unrest, with officials weighing the regime’s treatment of protesters before deciding whether any military action is warranted and, if so, how extensive it should be.

U.S. officials said a large-scale operation would require a significant buildup of American forces in the Middle East, both to conduct a sustained strike and to protect U.S. troops and allies, including Israel, from retaliation. American and regional officials warned the White House that even an intense bombing campaign was unlikely to topple Iran’s leadership and could instead ignite a wider war. Limited strikes, they added, might encourage protesters but would not stop the regime’s violent crackdown.

According to the officials, Trump has not yet reached a final decision, but has ordered military resources to be positioned in the region should he choose to authorize a major attack.

“The president and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday.

“Only President Trump knows what he’s going to do and a very, very small team of advisers are read into his thinking.”

At one point Wednesday, tensions appeared to peak, with U.S. military action against Iran seeming increasingly likely. The situation later eased after Trump said he had been informed that the killing of protesters had come to a halt.

“We have been notified pretty strongly that the killing in Iran is stopping, and there’s no plan for executions or an execution,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

He added, “I’ve been told that in good authority. We’ll find out about it, I’m sure. If it happens, we’ll be very upset.”

By Thursday morning, Iranian authorities had reopened the country’s airspace, which had been shut for several hours. The regime also announced it would not carry out the execution of Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old man detained during the recent protests whose case had become a rallying point for demonstrators.

{Matzav.com}