Feed aggregator

President Donald Trump made clear on Wednesday that Ukraine will not be receiving Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States, saying the sophisticated weaponry is too difficult to operate without extensive American training.

Speaking in the Oval Office alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump said the missiles require a long and complex training process that Ukraine is not equipped to handle. “The problem with the Tomahawk is – a lot of people don’t know – It’ll take a minimum of six months, usually a year, to learn how to use,” he told reporters.

He emphasized that the weapons’ advanced systems leave little room for external assistance. “The only way a Tomahawk is going to be shot is if we shot it,” Trump said pointedly. “And we’re not going to do that.”

The president went on to describe the missile as “highly complex,” saying that mastering its use involves a “tremendous learning curve.” He dismissed the idea of training foreign militaries to operate such systems, indicating that the United States intends to keep that knowledge in-house.

“It takes a year of intense training to learn how to use it, and we know how to use it, and we’re not going to be teaching other people,” Trump stated.

His remarks underline a broader shift in U.S. policy toward tightening control over advanced military technology and ensuring it remains under direct American command.

{Matzav.com}

A new report suggests that the United States is exploring a plan to rebuild only the sections of Gaza still under Israeli control, while leaving the rest of the territory divided, and working on ways to disarm Hamas. According to the Wall Street Journal, “The US and Israel are considering a plan that would divide Gaza into separate zones controlled by Israel and Hamas, with reconstruction only taking place on the Israeli side as a stopgap until the militant group can be disarmed and removed from power.” An anonymous U.S. government source indicated, “It is a preliminary idea and updates would be given in the coming days.” The report also states that Jared Kushner, a key adviser to former President Trump and son-in-law, is the main supporter of this initiative. Arab mediators involved in efforts to establish a Gaza ceasefire have expressed concern over the proposal, warning that “it could lead to a zone of permanent Israeli control inside the enclave.” Additionally, many Arab and Muslim nations “are unlikely to commit troops” should such a plan be implemented, the report noted.

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Alive! Out Now!

Watch as Shloime Daskal’s unmatched energy and talent meets Yehuda Langer’s skill and expertise to make this dance truly come ALIVE.

Hits and classics fuse with the energy that only a camp can provide to bring you a medley unlike any other.

Joined by the incredible Yedidim Choir, this dynamic dance set is truly unforgettable. 

Recorded live at Camp Degel Hatorah in Durham, CT.

WATCH:

A former New York state trooper who shot himself, then falsely claimed he was wounded by an unknown gunman on a Long Island highway, sparking a regionwide search, was sentenced to six months in jail on Wednesday. Thomas Mascia was also given five years of probation and ordered to undergo mental health treatment and pay nearly $290,000 in restitution in Nassau County court in Mineola. Mascia pleaded guilty in May to falsely reporting an incident, tampering with physical evidence and official misconduct. He resigned in January after being suspended without pay while state police launched a criminal investigation into the shooting. Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly called the former officer’s actions “disgraceful.” “His lies wasted hundreds of hours of law enforcement manpower, deeply cost taxpayers in Nassau County, and betrayed the public’s trust of those in uniform,” she said in a statement after the sentencing. Mascia claimed he was shot in the leg on Oct. 30, 2024, by a driver while parked on the shoulder of the Southern State Parkway, about a mile from his home. He described the fictitious driver as a “dark-skinned” man who fled in a car bearing temporary New Jersey plates heading toward New York City. Instead, prosecutors say, Mascia staged the scene of the alleged shooting by scattering shell casings, then shot himself at a park, stashed the .22-caliber rifle, drove back to the highway and called for backup. Jeffrey Lichtman, who represents Mascia and his parents, said in an email that the former trooper is “mortified by his actions and happy to finally get on with his life.” He’s previously said Mascia, who became a trooper in 2019, was suffering from an undiagnosed mental health problem at the time of the shooting and has been undergoing treatment. Mascia’s parents had also pleaded guilty to possessing an illegal firearm, which was found during a search of the family’s home. Thomas A. Mascia, the defendant’s father, was sentenced to five years of probation Wednesday. Dorothy Mascia was given a one-year conditional discharge. (AP)

Alive! Out Now! Watch as Shloime Daskal’s unmatched energy and talent meets Yehuda Langer’s skill and expertise to make this dance truly come ALIVE. Hits and classics fuse with the energy that only a camp can provide to bring you a medley unlike any other. Joined by the incredible Yedidim Choir, this dynamic dance set is truly unforgettable. Recorded live at Camp Degel Hatorah in Durham, CT.

[COMMUNICATED]

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact but, Chazal explained, the deed of Zevulun/the Sponsor is considered even greater than that of Yissachar, because without the support of Zevulun, Yissachar would not have had the wherewithal to study Torah undisturbed.”

It is well-known that when it comes to learning Torah, people who sponsor the learning, often do so, not just as a donation. By financially supporting specific Torah scholars, they enter into a binding, written, signed and sealed learning partnership pact whereby the Sponsor (the Zevulun) is deemed by Halacha as if he personally studied the Torah completed by the Scholar (the Yissachar). (See below.) 

Thus, those who support the Talmidei Chachomim at Shas Yiden via a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact merit a portion in every daf of the entire Talmud Bavli and associated texts that they study, and complete the entire cycle in the space of ONE year. Some of the Sponsors opt to continue sponsoring repeat cycles of Shas which accrue to them.

Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden, emphasized: The most mehudar Yissachar-Zevulun pact to support in our times is that offered by Shas Yiden – it comprises the entire Shas, Rashi and Tosfos – all in just one year!

Rav Chaim explained why this pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar. Chazal say that the highest level of learning is when one understands what he is learning b’iyun u’ve’amkus. However, even higher than that is when one remembers b’al peh all what he has learned. I have farhered the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim many times and can attest ZEI KENNEN SHAS (they know Shas)!

YES! YOU CAN MAKE

your OWN SIYUM on the ENTIRE Shas, Rashi & Tosfos IN JUST ONE YEAR!

The Yissachar-Zevulun Pact in Halacha

The Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh De’ah Chapter 246 regarding the efficacy of the Yissachar-Zevulun Sponsorship Pact for the Zevulun (the Sponsor) states clearly:  It is deemed as if he (the one sponsoring the learning) himself learned all the Torah studied under the pact. 

All the learning under the Shas Yiden Yissachar-Zevulun Pact is yours בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in both This World and the World to Come)! Concerning this, the Netziv of Volozhin comments that in Olam Habah, the Zevulun sponsor will sit together with the Gedolei Torah of the past and merit to participate in their discussions and pilpulim on all the Torah learned.

Achieve Almost 7 million Mitzvos in One Year

The Vilna Gaon in Shnos Eliyahu Pe’ah 41 states that one should hold precious every word of Torah that he learns because each word is considered a mitzvah of its own. 

Thus, since in Talmud Bavli, Rashi and Tosfos there are 6,608,891 words, that translates into almost 7 million mitzvos accruing through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden. 

Official Shtar from Shas Yiden

Each Yissachar-Zevulun pact is confirmed by an official contract (shtar) from Shas Yiden specifying the learning of the entire Shas, and is witnessed by talmidei chachomim.

All who wish to enter into a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact for the entire Shas during ONE year should contact Shas Yiden to make arrangements: 718-702-1528.

The opportunity to complete the entire Shas has been a cherished way to honor family members and others as a prized achievement. It has also proven to be a source of comfort for mourners to obtain such a zechus for their dear ones during the year of mourning – a siyum of the entire Shas can be completed on the yahrzeit!

Yissachar-Zevulun Pact –

Beyond the Grave

The legendary visionary and “Father of Yeshivos”, Reb Chaim of Volozhin, was the founder of the famous yeshiva in the town of Volozhin and the beloved talmid of the Vilna Gaon. 

Reb Chaim had an ongoing Yissachar-Zevulun pact with a local shoemaker – a man who was not learned but who dearly valued Torah learning. They had a ‘deal’ whereby the shoemaker would pay the monthly financial support needed for Reb Chaim and his family. For this financial support, the shoemaker would have an equal share in all Reb Chaim’s daily Torah study – both in the mitzvah of Torah study בעוה”ז and that the knowledge of the Torah learned would continue to be his בעוה”ב (in the World to Come).

One day the shoemaker passed away suddenly. During the shiva period, Reb Chaim was facing a perplexing halachic question and researched high and low for a solution. That night the shoemaker appeared to him in a dream and gave him the full solution that he sought. Reb Chaim was amazed and commented, “Azoi gich, Azoi Gich – So quickly, so quickly has he acquired the zchus and knowledge of the Torah that I have studied!”

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden:

“In just ONE year, through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden, you can be zoche to the entire Shas forever – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in olam hazeh and olam habah).

“Moreover, whoever supports Shas Yiden is zocheh to fulfill both Yissachar-Zevulun and support of aniyei (the poor of) Eretz Yisroel in the fullest sense of the word.

“Those who support Shas Yiden will be saved from chevlei (the travails of) Moshiach – spiritually and materially, and will be zoche to have ehrlicher bonim u’vanos yir’eishomayim ”

Maran Hagaon Harav Dov Lando, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Slabodka:

“Who compares to the Shas Yiden? Incredible talmidei chachomim geonim who raised the bar in limud Hashas b’iyun u’v’amkus. Blessed are those who enter a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with them.”

Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Meilech Biederman, shlit”a:

 “Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden – best possible deal, and in just 1 year! 100% partnership! 100% Shas x 5 times! 100% Shisha Sidrei Mishna – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב”

Sanzer Rebbe, shlit”a:

“A first in 2000 years of Jewish history! Until Shas Yiden, never a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim metzuyonim v’geonim know the entire Shas by heart”

Harav Yaakov Hillel, shlit”a:

“Therefore, the great mitzvah to support the efforts [of the Talmidei Chachomim] with generous donations in order that they should continue diligently with their studies to enhance the greatness of the Torah and its glory. 

ShasYiden.com

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu’s office firmly dismissed reports on Wednesday suggesting that Turkish forces might be deployed in the Gaza Strip as part of postwar arrangements. “There will be no Turkish involvement,” the Prime Minister’s Office declared, following rumors of friction with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad over the issue.

Rashad had met with Netanyahu in Yerushalayim on Tuesday to discuss “advancing [US President Donald] Trump’s plan, Israel–Egypt relations and strengthening the peace between the countries, as well as other regional issues,” according to the official Israeli summary of their meeting.

A report on Sky News Arabia later claimed that a dispute erupted between the two over the prospect of Turkey’s participation in the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF), a multinational body envisioned as part of Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan. The ISF would oversee Gaza during the transition period after Israel’s withdrawal and the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities.

The Palestinian source cited by the outlet also said that Netanyahu “completely rejected” any plan to send Palestinian Authority security units — even those trained under Egyptian and Jordanian supervision — to administer Gaza. “Netanyahu insists that the second-phase conditions be implemented first, namely the disarmament of Hamas and its relinquishment of control over Gaza, before any discussion of local administration or security forces operating in Gaza,” the source said.

In response to the Sky News report, Netanyahu’s office told The Times of Israel: “There is no disagreement.” Still, officials reiterated unequivocally: “There will be no Turkish involvement.”

Earlier that same day, Netanyahu seemed to allude to his position during a joint press conference with visiting US Vice President JD Vance. When asked whether Turkey could have a role in Gaza’s future security, Netanyahu quipped, “We will decide together about that. So I have very strong opinions about that. Want to guess what they are?”

Vice President Vance had spoken a day earlier about possible roles for regional partners in the aftermath of the truce, suggesting that Turkey could play “a constructive role” as the process advanced. However, he emphasized that Washington would not dictate terms to Jerusalem. “We’re not going to force anything on our Israeli friends when it comes to foreign troops on their soil,” Vance said in response to a Times of Israel question.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has previously said his country was willing to assist “in the field,” and a senior Turkish official told Reuters that Ankara could contribute to a joint task force — alongside Israel, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt — to locate and recover the remains of hostages still unaccounted for in Gaza.

However, diplomatic relations between Israel and the NATO-member state have soured dramatically since the start of the Gaza war. Erdogan has repeatedly accused Israel of “genocide” and compared Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler, a series of statements that plunged ties to their lowest point in years.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s controversial humanitarian arm, the IHH organization, has been active in Gaza despite being banned in Israel for links to terror groups and its involvement in the 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla. The group — also outlawed in Germany and the Netherlands — released video this week showing its workers distributing water from trucks emblazoned with Turkish flags and the organization’s logo.

Earlier, on October 18, IHH posted additional footage of bulldozers clearing debris in Gaza, again featuring Turkish flags and IHH insignia — underscoring Ankara’s quiet but continuing footprint in the territory even as official discussions about its military role remain firmly off the table.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF carried out a demolition of the residence belonging to a Palestinian suspect believed to be involved in a fatal terror shooting incident in the in the Shomron last May. The attack, which resulted in the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child, prompted the military action. The incident took place on May 14 near the Palestinian village of Bruqin and the settlement of Bruchin. During the attack, a Palestinian terrorist opened fire from the roadside at Israeli drivers, killing 30-year-old Tzeela Gez A”H and injuring her husband. Gez was en route to the hospital to give birth at the time. Her baby, Ravid Chaim, was delivered via emergency C-section at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva but passed away 15 days later. The shooter, Naael Samarah, identified as a Hamas terrorist, was shot and killed by IDF forces four days after the attack. Subsequently, three additional Hamas terrorists were detained over their suspected involvement. One of those detained was Jamil Samarah. According to military sources, IDF troops operated earlier today in the West Bank town of Bruqin to demolish Jamil Samarah’s residence. Notably, Naael Samarah’s home was demolished in September. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

We are excited to announce the official opening of registration for the Agudas Yisroel of America Yerushalayim Yarchei Kallah 5786/2026, set to take place be’ezras Hashem in Yerushalayim Ir HaKodesh during President’s Week, from Sunday, כ”ו שבט תשפ”ו / February 15, 2026, through Thursday, ל’ שבט תשפ”ו / February 19, 2026.

Participants can still take advantage of currently favorable airfare rates, making this the perfect time to confirm your spot and begin preparing for an unforgettable experience. Based on past experience, airfares are not likely to get much cheaper.

We encourage participants to register for the Yarchei Kallah as soon as possible. Please note that the early bird registration special of $774, instead of $899, expires on November 15. To register, CLICK HERE.

Building on the extraordinary success of previous years, be’ezras Hashem, this upcoming Agudah Yarchei Kallah promises to be the most impactful and uplifting one yet. Attendees will once again have the unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in intensive limud haTorah, hear inspiring shiurim and divrei chizuk from gedolei Torah of Eretz Yisroel, and experience the spiritual elevation of learning in Yerushalayim Ir HaKodesh.

Details regarding the sugya d’kallah and preparatory shiurim are being finalized and will be shared soon.

We look forward to an unforgettable week of Torah, inspiration, and hisorerus together in Yerushalayim.

{Matzav.com}

For the first time, Evyatar David has spoken publicly about the horrific Hamas video showing him, gaunt and frail, being forced to dig his own grave. “I didn’t dig it fully,” he said. “But I did dig it, so it did take a lot of energy out of me, and it was very hard.” “But I always believed that I was going to get out eventually. Maybe I looked very bad in the video—very skinny and weak—but I always had a lot of inner hope. I always thought about my family and my friends and my home—I knew I would go back. I had to believe.”  (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

POTUS: “This is going to be probably the finest ballroom ever built — and we’re doing it NO COST to the country… in order to do it properly, we had to take down the existing structure.”

Twenty-six Democrats in the House and Senate and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who votes with the Democrats, penned a letter to Marco Rubio, the U.S. secretary of state, and Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, demanding answers about Israel’s detention of Mohammed Ibrahim, 16, a Palestinian-American accused of throwing rocks at cars.

The members of Congress wrote on Tuesday about their “grave concern” about Ibrahim’s detention since mid-February.

“Mohammed is a U.S. citizen from Florida who was reportedly blindfolded, handcuffed and arrested on Feb. 16, 2025 when Israeli forces reportedly entered his family home in al-Mazra’a ash-Sharqiya at 3 a.m.,” they wrote. “He was detained when he was 15-years-old and turned 16 in prison. He has been accused of throwing rocks at Israeli settlers, but no evidence has been publicly provided to support this allegation.”

The members of Congress stated that “Palestinians are subject to military law in the West Bank and are tried in military courts, where there have been well-documented concerns about Palestinians not receiving fair due process.” (Some officials and countries refer to Judea and Samaria as the “West Bank.”)

“Mohammed is also the first cousin of Saifullah Kamel Musallet, the 20-year-old U.S. citizen who was reportedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers in July 2025,” the members of Congress said. “To date, no one has been arrested concerning his killing. “

The members, including Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), requested a response by Nov. 3.

On Monday, Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), who has called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “war criminal” and accused the Jewish state of “callous disregard for human life,” brought renewed attention to Ibrahim.

“His health is deteriorating,” she stated. “The circumstances are desperate.” She called Ibrahim a “child” and said that Washington “must use every avenue available” to secure this release.

A U.S. State Department official told JNS that Huckabee has devoted significant time to the issues of Palestinian American safety in Judea and Samaria and to the welfare of Palestinian Christians.

The official, who declined to be named, would not say if Huckabee has been involved in Ibrahim’s case. (JNS sought comment from Huckabee’s office.)

Van Hollen and Merkley, who are also critical of Israel, met with Ibrahim’s father last month during a congressional visit to the Middle East.

The 16-year-old’s family held high-profile meetings last month on Capitol Hill. Some expected Ibrahim, who is held at Ofer Prison, to be among the Palestinian security prisoners whom Israel released last week in exchange for Israeli hostages in Gaza. He was not on that list.

‘Charge the kid or put him on the next flight back’

Critics accused Pressley, a member of the progressive “Squad” in the U.S. House of Representatives, of selective outrage.

“You said nothing about Americans abducted by Hamas, but now care so much about a little terrorist in prison for trying to murder civilians by throwing rocks at their vehicles while they were driving,” stated Jason Bedrick, research fellow at the Heritage Foundation. “You are loathsome.”

Aaron Baker, a Republican running against Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) next year, stated that “Republicans and Democrats agree: Americans—Floridians abroad deserve equal rights to a fair trial.”

“Charge the kid or put him on the next flight back to U.S. soil,” he stated. “There is no reason to hold a U.S. citizen for eight months without charging him.”

In response to Pressley, Inna Vernikov, a Republican councilwoman in New York City, stated that “if he did not throw rocks at the vehicles of innocent civilians—those can kill—including women and children. I promise he would not be in an Israeli prison.”

“Too bad Mohammed is brainwashed by a society that glorifies the murder of Jews as martyrdom,” she added.

Ibrahim’s family lives in the Arab village of Silwad but splits its time between there and Palm Bay, Fla. He was reportedly on vacation at the time of his arrest and denies the charges.

U.S. embassy officials say they have conducted welfare checks on Ibrahim but have faced unspecified restrictions. Ibrahim’s family says he has lost significant weight and suffers from a skin infection. The State Department hasn’t confirmed those claims.

{Matzav.com}

SEC. RUBIO: “If people want to stop seeing drug boats blown up, stop sending drugs to the United States.”

PHOTOS: Chesed Shel Emes welcomed its fifth emergency services and recovery truck, generously donated by the Saada family in memory of their loved ones who tragically lost their lives in the horrific March accident on Ocean Parkway in Flatbush; the new truck will be stationed in Boro Park to assist with emergency and recovery operations.

New Hampshire Republican John E. Sununu announced a campaign for U.S. Senate on Wednesday, hoping to reclaim a seat he lost nearly two decades ago and boosting the GOP’s chances of regaining a foothold in a region overwhelmingly represented by Democrats. Sununu, 61, is seeking the Republican nomination for the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat who ousted him in 2008. His decision sets up a primary featuring two former senators: Republican Scott Brown, who represented Massachusetts before moving to New Hampshire and losing to Shaheen in 2014, has been running since June. “Maybe you’re surprised to hear that I’m running for the Senate again. I’m a bit surprised myself,” Sununu said in a video announcement. “Why would anyone subject themselves to everything going on there right now? Well, somebody has to step up and lower the temperature. Somebody has to get things done.” National Republicans consider Sununu a strong candidate and one who allows them to go on the offensive as they look to hold their majority in the chamber next year. In statements, the Republican National Committee said Sununu’s entrance creates “a formidable Republican field poised to make this seat competitive in 2026.” The Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC linked to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, said they were “excited” about Sununu’s bid and that it “expands the Senate map and puts the Granite State in play for Republicans.” Senate Republicans, who hold a 53-47 advantage, are defending seats in Ohio, Maine and North Carolina against a slate of high-profile Democratic candidates. But Republicans are also on the offensive in places like Michigan, Georgia and now, increasingly, New Hampshire — and if they flip one of those seats it will likely put the chamber out of reach for Democrats until at least 2028. Sununu must first win the primary though, and his past opposition to President Donald Trump could be problematic. While Brown has aligned himself closely with Trump and served as his U.S. ambassador to New Zealand, Sununu backed Nikki Haley in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, writing an op-ed calling Trump a “loser.” Trump went on to win New Hampshire’s leadoff primary, but the state’s voters rejected him for a third time in the general election. And while Republicans control the Statehouse and governor’s office, Democrats have held all four of New Hampshire’s congressional seats since 2017. Sununu has been in contact with the White House about the Senate campaign, according to a senior White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity and was not authorized to discuss private conversations. His primary opponent, Brown, posted on X that he looks forward to highlighting “clear distinctions” between himself and Sununu “and letting the people of New Hampshire — not Washington, D.C. — decide” who will win the nomination. Sununu served three terms in the U.S. House before being elected to the Senate at age 38. He was the chamber’s youngest member throughout his term, a fact he emphasized in a 2008 campaign ad that showed him sprinting up a steep mountain path. “He’s younger, faster, quicker,” a deep-voiced (and somewhat redundant) narrator intones. “Inexhaustible. Tireless. Energetic.” He is now the same age Shaheen was when she defeated him and is 16 years older than U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, the front-runner for […]

In a razor-thin vote that exposed deep divisions within the coalition, the Knesset on Wednesday approved a bill in its preliminary reading to extend Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. The legislation, introduced by Noam Party Chairman MK Avi Maoz, passed 25 to 24, with a single-vote margin determining the outcome.

The Likud Party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was largely absent from the chamber during the vote, and most of its members either abstained or stayed away. MK Yuli Edelstein broke ranks and voted in favor despite clear instructions from Netanyahu to oppose the measure. The Likud leadership later confirmed that disciplinary action will be taken against Edelstein for defying party directives.

Supporting votes also came from United Torah Judaism members Yitzchak Goldknopf, Yisrael Eichler, and Yaakov Tesler, while lawmakers from Shas and the Blue and White Party chose not to participate in the session. Their absence further underscored the uneasy balance within the coalition over the contentious issue of sovereignty in the territories.

Maoz, in his remarks before the vote, framed the bill as a moral and national imperative. “Settlement in the Land of Israel is our connection to ourselves as a people,” he declared. “We call for the immediate application of Israeli sovereignty and law over Judea and Samaria. Since the government has hesitated, it is our duty as Knesset members to act – I call on all of you to vote for my bill.”

Soon after, the Knesset also passed a separate motion by Yisrael Beytenu Chairman MK Avigdor Lieberman, which seeks to apply Israeli sovereignty over Maale Adumim. That proposal was approved by a far more comfortable 32-9 vote, suggesting broader support for annexation of the Jerusalem-area city even among skeptics of wider territorial application.

Explaining his decision to support the Maoz bill, Edelstein wrote, “I just voted in the Knesset plenum in favor of applying sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. Especially at this time, Israeli sovereignty over all parts of our homeland is the order of the day. As someone who has fought for the Land of Israel throughout my years in this building, with a clear belief in the justice of our path, I call on all Zionist factions to vote in favor.”

The heated session also featured sharp criticism from Arab lawmakers. MK Ahmad Tibi (Ta’al) scoffed at the idea of annexation, reminding supporters of global opposition to such moves. “Even your admired leader, Trump, suddenly opposes annexation,” Tibi said. “There is no Riviera, no bonanza – there is a reality in which more than 150 countries recognize Palestine.”

The bill must now pass additional readings before becoming law, but the preliminary vote already marks a symbolic victory for right-wing lawmakers pushing for full Israeli jurisdiction over Judea and Samaria — and a new challenge for Netanyahu as he tries to keep his coalition intact.

{Matzav.com}

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion sang at the chuppah at his daughter’s chasunah on Tuesday at the David Citadel hotel in Jerusalem. His daughter Shirel married Noam Moskowitz, the son of the head of the Tzur Hadassah Council. The medader kiddushin was the chassan’s Rav, Rabbi Re’em Cohen, the Rav of Otniel and the Rosh Yeshivah of Yeshivat Otniel. Arutz Sheva captured the moving moments: (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Dear Matzav Inbox,

Over Chol HaMoed, what should have been a peaceful Yom Tov afternoon turned into a scene of chaos and fear for residents living in one of the communities “within the mile.”

A group of individuals, reportedly renting a room in a home owned by staunch “New Square Mile fanatics,” were seen joyriding recklessly through the local streets—speeding, swerving, and zigzagging across the full width of the road. Several residents said they feared for their lives while standing in their own driveways and front lawns, watching in horror as the car lost control, barreled across a front yard, and smashed into two parked vehicles.

Instead of stopping, the group fled, only to crash again nearby and abandon the car. Police later found them next to a house owned by members of the New Square community. “Thank God no one was seriously hurt,” one resident said. “But it could easily have ended in tragedy.”

The terror didn’t end there. Just yesterday, Tuesday, October 21, a woman in the community texted in panic after witnessing a violent altercation next door. “I just watched our neighbors in a huge fight with tires slashed,” she wrote. “I was planning to sit outside with the kids, but I’m scared.”

According to her account, a woman chased a man down the street, pulled out a knife, and slashed his tires as he begged her to calm down. The witness fled inside with her toddler daughter. Residents are struggling to comprehend how such incidents are happening in the heart of Monsey — and worse, that they appear to be caused and even condoned by New Square’s leadership.

This is not an isolated occurrence. The house in question reportedly has around 20 people living there, with frequent turnover and dangerous behavior spilling into the street — as is the case with many homes purchased by representatives of New Square. One neighbor reported, “One of them drove across my yard and into the woods.” Others described a property crowded with abandoned cars and a massive pitbull-husky mix that regularly chases passersby. “People run to our door for safety,” said another.

When a family member who witnessed the chaos reached out to a well-known contact within New Square’s leadership, the response was chilling: “They should do whatever they need to do. We will do ours, and they should do theirs.”

We are now pleading for help — from community leaders and from the public at large. Chassidei Skver must be held accountable, and this disgusting, despicable practice must end immediately, accompanied by a full-throated apology.

To the people of New Square, is this what Hashem wants from you? To illegally overcrowd homes in otherwise peaceful neighborhoods with individuals who stab, threaten, and endanger others? To place lives at risk through callousness, selfishness, irresponsibility, and the thirst for control?

Are you waiting for someone from our community to, chas v’shalom, become the victim of a serious crime before realizing this is wrong? Are you so blind that you cannot see where this leads — or so indifferent that you simply don’t care?

To the decent residents and supporters of New Square who are sickened by what’s happening: please, speak out. Tell your leaders to stop this practice and repair the damage before it’s too late.

And to rational, fair-minded people everywhere — please help apply pressure. Pause all funding to New Square’s institutions until this cruelty ends. No one should have to fear for their life while standing in their own front yard with their children — and certainly not when that danger is being fueled intentionally by people who claim to stand for holiness, honor, and respectability.

A Resident of The Mile

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{Matzav.com}