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[Video below.] President Donald Trump delivered a blunt assessment of power in Venezuela when asked who was currently in charge, responding with a single word: “Me.”

In an interview with NBC News conducted two days after U.S. forces carried out a swift operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro, Trump indicated that American involvement in Venezuela was likely to extend well beyond the initial raid.

Trump rejected the idea that the country could move quickly toward elections, saying Venezuela was too damaged after years of socialist governance and criminal corruption. “We have to fix the country first. You can’t have an election,” Trump told NBC News’ Kristen Welker. “There’s no way the people could even vote. … No, it’s going to take a period of time.” He added, “We have — we have to nurse the country back to health.”

Despite the scale of the operation, Trump insisted the United States was not at war with Venezuela, describing the mission instead as a campaign against narcotics trafficking and illegal migration. “We’re at war with people that sell drugs,” he said, accusing the Maduro regime of deliberately releasing prisoners and patients from mental institutions as part of the migration surge into the United States.

Maduro was arraigned in New York on charges that included narco-terrorism conspiracy and conspiracy to import cocaine. He pleaded not guilty and claimed he was still Venezuela’s rightful leader, even as Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in on Monday as his successor.

Trump said Rodriguez had been working with U.S. officials and noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintained a strong relationship with her. He denied, however, that there was any advance coordination surrounding Maduro’s removal, while suggesting that outreach had taken place. Trump said “a lot of people wanted to make a deal,” but that the United States opted to proceed “this way” without relying on Maduro’s inner circle.

Trump identified the senior officials overseeing the Venezuela effort, naming Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller, and Vice President JD Vance.

The president’s comments reflected a broader readiness to deploy American power against what he described as narco-states that export drugs, instability, and mass migration, while also opening the door to securing strategic energy interests.

Trump told NBC News that the United States might help subsidize the rebuilding of Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, a plan he said could allow expanded production to get “up and running” in fewer than 18 months. “A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent,” he said, explaining that oil companies would invest and later be reimbursed “by us or through revenue,” according to NBC’s related oil report.

He argued that bringing Venezuela’s vast oil reserves back online would help lower global oil prices, benefiting American consumers by keeping energy costs down. Gas prices were already near multiyear lows, with AAA reporting Monday’s national average at $2.81 a gallon, the lowest since March 2021.

NBC reported that major energy companies remained cautious, citing Venezuela’s history of nationalization, ongoing sanctions, and political instability as factors that made rapid investment risky.

Trump said oil companies were not briefed in advance of the raid, though discussions had previously taken place about the concept of intervention. He added that it was “too soon” to say whether he personally had spoken with top executives at Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips.

According to reports, Energy Secretary Chris Wright was expected to meet this week with executives from Exxon and ConocoPhillips to discuss Venezuela’s oil sector.

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{Matzav.com}

Ukraine’s allies said Tuesday they had agreed to provide the country with multilayered international defense guarantees as part of a proposal to end Russia’s nearly 4-year-old invasion of its neighbor. At a key meeting in Paris, leaders from European countries and Canada, as well as U.S. representatives and top officials from the European Union and […]

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Monday an American takeover of Greenland would amount to the end of the NATO military alliance. Her comments came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed call for the strategic, mineral-rich Arctic island to come under U.S. control in the aftermath of the weekend military operation in Venezuela. The dead-of-night […]

Public support in Israel for a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding Hamas’s October 7 attack has declined noticeably over the past year, while backing for a politically appointed investigative body has grown, according to new polling released by the Israel Democracy Institute. The institute’s monthly Israeli Voice Index for December 2025 found […]

A horrifying and deeply disturbing incident unfolded this evening on the streets of Yerushalayim during a large protest against the draft law, leaving one young man dead and multiple others injured.

According to eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating from the scene, a public bus sped toward a group of demonstrators who were standing along the traffic artery on Rechov Yirmiyahu, near Shamgar Junction. The bus plowed into the protesters, striking several of them and continuing through the intersection without stopping to render assistance.

Emergency forces from Magen David Adom and the Tzvet Hatzalah were rushed to the scene in large numbers. Paramedics and EMTs provided urgent medical care to several victims suffering from varying degrees of injury, with some reported to be in serious condition. One young man was pronounced dead after becoming trapped beneath the wheels of the bus.

According to Magen David Adom, the incident appears to have unfolded in two stages. A bus first struck three pedestrians on Shamgar, leaving them with minor injuries, then continued driving and hit another pedestrian on Ohel Yehoshua, causing critical injuries.

At the scene on Shamgar, MDA medics and paramedics treated three lightly injured victims—boys aged approximately 14 and 17—who were transported to Shaarei Tzedek Medical Center for further care.

On Ohel Yehoshua, responders found a critically injured young man, about 18 years old, trapped beneath the bus. Despite extensive rescue efforts, he was pronounced dead.

What moments earlier had been chants and calls of protest quickly turned into scenes of chaos, shock, and anguish. The sounds of the demonstration were replaced by screams and cries as onlookers struggled to comprehend the horrific images before them.

Police said in a statement that the bus struck protesters amid disturbances during the demonstration and that the incident is under thorough investigation.

The driver of the bus was detained and taken in for questioning, as authorities work to determine whether the incident resulted from a loss of control or a more serious and deliberate act.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump argued that Republicans were positioned to buck the historical pattern of midterm losses, telling GOP lawmakers that his administration’s performance put the party on track for a sweeping victory in 2026.

Speaking Tuesday at the GOP House retreat at the Trump-Kennedy Center, Trump pointed to what he described as sustained momentum since his return to office, citing his 2024 election results as proof that Republicans were expanding their reach. “We won every swing state; we won the popular vote by millions; we won everything,” Trump said. “But they say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm.”

Trump told lawmakers that his first year back in office marked a turning point. “So together, we had 12 months of unprecedented success in 2025. And now we’re going to make history and break records with the epic midterm victory that we’re going to pull off,” he said in remarks aired on Newsmax.

He described the current administration as unusually effective, saying the White House had delivered results rarely seen in modern politics. Trump called it “an amazing phenomenon” that presidents often see their parties lose seats during midterms even when things are going well. “It just doesn’t seem to happen for people that win the presidency,” he said. “We sure as hell are having a successful presidency.” He added, “But even if it’s a successful presidency, there’s been nothing like what we’re doing.”

Trump warned Republicans that losing control of the House would almost certainly trigger impeachment efforts by Democrats. “They’ll find a reason to impeach me,” he said. “I’ll get impeached.” He contrasted that with Republican restraint, adding, “We don’t impeach them. You know why? Because they’re meaner than we are.” He continued, “We should have impeached Joe Biden for 100 different things.”

Describing Democratic tactics, Trump said, “They are mean and smart,” before adding, “But fortunately for you, they have horrible policy.”

Trump also addressed internal party dynamics, criticizing lawmakers he said reflexively opposed his agenda regardless of substance. He suggested that even proposals he viewed as widely beneficial routinely faced resistance from political opponents unmoved by policy merits.

Turning to foreign affairs, Trump praised the U.S. military operation in Venezuela over the weekend that led to the capture and arrest of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, calling it “an amazing military feat” and “brilliant tactically.” He said the mission involved “152 airplanes” and “a lot of boots on the ground,” and asserted that no Americans were killed.

“On the other side, a lot of people were killed,” Trump said. “Unfortunately, I say that soldiers, Cubans, mostly Cubans, but many, many killed.”

Trump said the element of surprise was achieved in part by cutting power across large parts of the country during the operation.

He also criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, arguing that Democrats should acknowledge military success even when it occurred under an administration they opposed politically.

{Matzav.com}

A deadly tragedy unfolded Tuesday afternoon in Yerushalayim, when a bus plowed into a group of Chareidi protesters during a large anti-draft demonstration, killing at least one person and injuring several others. The incident occurred at the intersection of Yirmiyahu and Shamgar streets, where members of the Eida HaChareidis community had gathered for a hafganah […]

President Donald Trump told Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough that the key difference between the United States’ intervention in Venezuela and America’s disastrous war in Iraq is simple: this time, the United States plans to keep the oil. Scarborough revealed the exchange on Tuesday while opening MSNBC’s Morning Joe, describing multiple recent conversations with Donald […]

HORROR IN YERUSHALAYIM: Bus plows through group of Chareidi protesters. Unknown extent of injuries. DEVELOPING STORY:

George Conway, who was once married to a former adviser to the president before becoming a prominent anti-Trump voice, announced on Tuesday that he is running for a U.S. House seat in New York City, testing whether he can turn his strong social media following into votes in a crowded Democratic primary. Conway — who […]

[COMMUNICATED]

Over the past few years, Tzedek has proudly stood alongside childless couples navigating the painful journey of infertility. 

What began as a focused effort to secure insurance coverage for fertility treatments has grown into a broader movement of advocacy.

This week, Tzedek welcomed a significant step forward in this mission.

The Trump administration announced that they are launching TrumpRX in the beginning of January. This is a new initiative that will significantly reduce the cost of fertility treatments for families relying on them by reducing fertility treatment medication by a whopping 85% reduction. This unprecedented deal with the main pharmaceutical companies is expected to eliminate several thousand dollars per cycle, relief that will be felt immediately by couples already stretched to their limits.

When Tzedek first raised its voice on this issue, the goal was simple yet ambitious, to see infertility treatment recognized as healthcare, and covered accordingly. At the time, the idea of removing thousands of dollars from each cycle felt far beyond reach. But today, that dramatic relief is beginning to materialize.

At the same time, the broader objective remains firmly in sight. Encouragingly, there has been positive communications with the White House that the administration is actively exploring changes that include insurance-based solutions as well, our ultimate goal. This development, when fully realized, will represent a historic turning point for families across the community. Klal Yisroel is mispallel that these efforts come to fruition, bringing a long-awaited yeshua to so many of our anguished brothers and sisters.

The new TrumpRX platform will operate under the leadership of the acclaimed Dr. Oz – Administrator of CMS, who previously addressed a large Tzedek conference regarding this matter and the work done to alleviate this difficult predicament. Dr. Oz has assembled a team that includes the company behind the successful Airbnb platform, a move that has generated optimism that the rollout will be efficient, accessible, and smooth.

Rabbi Moshe Margareten, founder and president of Tzedek, expressed deep gratitude to the community upon this new development. Rabbi Margereten has previously visited the White House in his capacity as community ambassador with the acclaimed fertility expert Dr. Kaylen Silverberg, and more recently with Dr. Joshua Klein, to push for positive advancements on this front.

“None of this happens in a vacuum,” he said. “We thank Klal Yisroel for standing with us and enabling us to deliver this good news, news that goes even beyond what we originally hoped for. This initiative will BEZ”H save our community many millions of dollars and ease an unbearable burden for so many couples, and there is more good news to come.”

It is hoped that this program will continue to expand in the months ahead, with even steeper discounts and broader eligibility that will further transform what was once an impossible challenge into a manageable path forward.

For families who have waited too long, the Tzedek team celebrates this win but promises not to rest until every couple relying on this treatment is able to attain it, and with Hashem’s help build their own healthy bayis ne’eman b’Yisroel!

Tzedek Welcomes Breakthrough TrumpRX Initiative Offering Significant Financial Relief for Families Facing Infertility — Over the past few years, Tzedek has proudly stood alongside childless couples navigating the painful journey of infertility.  What began as a focused effort to secure insurance coverage for fertility treatments has grown into a broader movement of advocacy. This week, […]

Gov. Tim Walz: I’m not going anywhere, and you can make all your requests for me to resign over my dead body.

VP Vance addresses the attack on his home in Ohio: “Our family’s doing fine… I guess this person assumed we were there and tried to make an attack… Clearly a very sick individual. The good thing is, my kids are young enough, they have no idea what’s going on.”

Gov. Tim Walz: “The one thing that I hate is anytime I get drug into being next to Donald Trump. God help me I don’t want to be judged against that guy. Judge me against an average Minnesotan…”

Tehran indicated that it did not view its security posture as purely reactive, stressing that it “does not consider itself limited to reacting after the fact, and considers objective signs of threat as part of the security equation.”

The warning followed growing concern inside Iran over what officials described as hostile rhetoric and pressure from adversaries. The council said, “The long-standing enemies of this land… are pursuing a targeted approach by repeating and intensifying threatening language and interventionist statements in clear conflict with the accepted principles of international law, which is aimed at dismembering our beloved Iran and harming the country’s identity.”

In a broader statement addressing national defense, the body underscored the seriousness with which it viewed potential attacks, declaring that “Iran’s security, independence and territorial integrity are an uncrossable red line, and any aggression or continuation of hostile behavior will be met with a proportionate, decisive and decisive response.”

The Defense Council, established to lead strategic planning in the aftermath of the 2025 war with Israel, warned that Iran could launch a preemptive strike if it determined that an imminent threat to the country’s security was taking shape.

{Matzav.com}

Lockheed Martin announced Tuesday it will raise annual production of PAC-3 MSE interceptors for the MIM-104 “Patriot” missile system from about 600 to 2,000 under a new Department of Defense contract. Stockpiles have been critically low for over a year due to heavy use in Ukraine and the Twelve-Day War against Iran.

George Conway has officially announced that he is running for Congress as a Democrat in New York’s 12th District, seeking to succeed retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler. Conway says his goal in entering the race is to oppose Donald Trump.

Prime Minister Netanyahu meets with Japanese lawmakers in Jerusalem, thanking them for their support during the war and discussing regional issues and bilateral cooperation.

A rare and unusually sharp unsigned editorial published Tuesday in the Israeli Hebrew Yated Ne’eman, the flagship newspaper of the Degel HaTorah faction of UTJ, has laid bare a profound internal fracture within the chareidi public over the proposed IDF draft law. The article, attributed only to “one of the rabbonim,” launches a fierce attack on opponents of the legislation and places significant blame on the Chassidishe Agudas Yisroel faction of UTJ for what it describes as a worsening crisis, all against the backdrop of hundreds of chareidi young men enlisting in the IDF in recent days.

The editorial, described by observers as unprecedented in tone for Yated Ne’eman, targets critics of the draft bill being advanced by Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Boaz Bismuth. The paper argues that “in the face of a campaign of propaganda and falsehoods, there is a need to present the unvarnished truth.” Beneath that claim, however, the article reflects deep frustration within the Litvishe chareidi camp over what it sees as the erosion of its long-standing leadership role in shaping chareidi policy and public discourse.

For decades, Yated Ne’eman and the Litvishe rabbinic leadership it represents were widely viewed as setting the tone on the most sensitive communal issues, with other chareidi factions often deferring to their guidance. According to the report, senior Chassidic rebbes once waited to hear the Litvishe position before taking public stances on controversial matters.

That dynamic, the article suggests, has changed dramatically. In recent years, those from other chareidi communities have shown diminishing interest in Litvishe positions. Large anti-draft rallies have been held in defiance of leading Litvishe rabbanim, and Yated Ne’eman now openly laments that Chassidic newspapers and leaders feel free to attack the draft law publicly.

The split is increasingly visible across the chareidi media landscape. In recent weeks, Chassidic newspapers have waged an aggressive campaign against the proposed law, while the Litvishe public has largely remained quieter. Shas, which often aligns with the Litvishe camp, has also been drawn into the divide. A major anti-draft rally scheduled for Yerushalayim today highlights how fractured the chareidi street has become.

The tension is compounded by hard numbers. According to the report, between 600 and 700 chareidi young men are expected to enlist in the IDF this week alone — a figure far higher than what chareidi political operatives had anticipated. The army is seen as the primary beneficiary of the disunity.

The rift extends beyond Yated Ne’eman. Also this morning, Hamodia, identified with the Gerer Chassidus and Housing Minister Yitzchok Goldknopf, devoted a full page to opposing the draft law. HaMevaser, aligned with the Shlomei Emunim faction led by the Porush family, published similarly scathing criticism. In contrast, Yated Ne’eman devoted its editorial space to explaining why, in its view, the law must be passed.

In its arguments, Yated Ne’eman reiterates a core position: the Toraso umnaso arrangement is intended solely for genuine full-time lomdei Torah and must not be exploited by young men who are not learning seriously. This is a position that was famously held by Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach. At the same time, it insists that military service itself remains absolutely forbidden. The paper stresses that the struggle over conscription must not be conflated with the broader mission of preserving the Torah world, warning that such conflation is “entirely destructive.”

For years, tens of thousands of chareidi young men who were not learning were nevertheless covered by the exemption framework, until the law expired. From a chareidi ideological perspective, the paper argues, even an idle young man is preferable on the street than in uniform, out of fear that the visible presence of chareidi soldiers would normalize enlistment and eventually unravel the fabric of chareidi society.

Yated Ne’eman places responsibility for the current vacuum squarely on “other factions within United Torah Judaism,” accusing them of blocking earlier, more favorable legislation while insisting on waiting for a better political opportunity, a fact that has been highlighted many times in the past.

The paper further claims that chareidi opponents of the bill are “preventing any form of rescue, even a minimal one,” and dismisses reports suggesting that leading Litvishe gedolim have agreed to compromises on the severity of the draft issue as “an outrageous falsehood.”

Warning of dire consequences, the editorial argues that arrests and imprisonment of chareidi youth place them under “bitter and severe trials,” increasing the risk that some will ultimately enlist. For that reason, it says, legislation eliminating arrests is essential. In particularly harsh language, the Yated accuses Agudas Yisroel of exacerbating the crisis and of having the audacity to blame “the leading sages of the generation who are working to save the entire Torah world.”

The paper concludes by demanding that opponents support any law that removes arrests from the equation. Once such legislation is passed, it argues, each community’s leadership would be free to instruct its followers to continue resisting the army, reject deferments, sever all contact with military authorities, and publicly declare that they do not fear arrest.

The Israeli Yated has no connection to the American newspaper that goes by the same name.

{Matzav.com}