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Kiryas Yoel, NY — In a continued effort to address the skyrocketing cost of housing, the Satmar Rebbe, Rav Aharon Teitelbaum, announced a new initiative to reduce apartment prices not only within the city of Kiryas Yoel, but also in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The announcement was made during a seudas bris held last Thursday for the Rebbe’s great-grandson, the son of his grandson Rav Chaim Tzvi Ashkenazi. Speaking at the celebration at the Rav Tov Satmar Beis Medrash in Kiryas Yoel, the Rebbe declared that homes built outside the formal city limits—referred to as geliliyos Kiryas Yoel—must now be sold at a maximum price of $250 per square meter, $50 less than the already-capped $300 per meter price for housing within the city itself.

This move is the latest in the Rebbe’s months-long campaign to restore affordability in the growing chassidic enclave. A year ago, he shocked the real estate world by announcing a halt to all building permits within Kiryas Yoel unless the homes would be sold for no more than $300 per square meter—well below the market rate, which had climbed as high as $600 per square meter at the time.

That landmark decision followed a sharp increase in property values in Kiryas Yoel over the past decade. Whereas a square meter of residential space cost approximately $180 just ten years ago, prices had nearly tripled, placing the dream of home ownership out of reach for many families.

In response, the Rebbe convened a special committee of city officials and askanim to explore legal avenues to stem the tide of real estate inflation. Leveraging municipal control over infrastructure approval, the community enacted a new law restricting building permits to developers committed to offering affordable pricing.

Since that regulation was implemented last year, more than 3,000 units have already entered the market under the $300/m² cap. However, because the rule applied only within official city boundaries, developers began flocking to adjacent lands beyond the jurisdiction of the new ordinance. There, high-end projects resumed, and prices continued to soar—prompting the Rebbe to act again.

At the bris, the Rebbe made clear that this loophole would not stand. He announced that in these outer areas as well, including the recently developed Or HaChaim neighborhood—where 1,000 new apartments are planned—homes must now be sold at no more than $250 per square meter.

He urged the public to stand united and not fall into the trap set by those who seek to exploit the housing crisis for profit. “Only through the strength of achdus,” the Rebbe said, “can we succeed in bringing down the prices.”

{Matzav.com}

The Israeli government is considering a new approach to rehabilitate neighborhoods ravaged by Iranian missiles, a win-win initiative that could not only provide swift compensation to displaced families but also earn significant financial returns for the state, Ynet reported. According to a proposal submitted by the Israel Builders Association to the inter-ministerial task force for rehabilitating missile impact zones, homeowners whose apartments were destroyed would receive immediate and full compensation, enabling them to purchase a new apartment elsewhere. In exchange, the state would inherit developmental rights to the original sites of the apartments, redesign the neighborhoods, and sell the land to developers via competitive bid, likely at a hefty profit. As families whose homes were reduced to rubble continue to live in hotels, the path forward remains unclear. Efforts to advance urban renewal projects on the destroyed blocks are underway, but the Justice Ministry has expressed concerns over the legality of infringing on property rights by imposing urban renewal projects. In a letter addressed to the inter-ministerial team—made up of representatives from the Finance, Housing, Interior, and Justice ministries—Builders Association Vice President Tomer Tzali’ach presented a practical, fast, and cost-effective strategic plan. For urban renewal projects already in progress, the association proposes giving homeowners a choice: either accept a cash payout and relocate or stay in the development under improved terms. To make staying more appealing, developers would be required to offer more generous compensation. If a resident chooses to opt out, the state would take over their property rights and assume their position in the project. However, rebuilding involves more than just financial compensation. Property rights must be addressed directly. Under current law, homeowners whose properties are destroyed can receive either monetary compensation equivalent to their apartment’s value or a rebuilt unit with modern upgrades such as secure safe rooms and elevators. Still, this provides limited motivation for homeowners to support urban renewal efforts—especially when such projects might add new units to existing buildings or even replace them with high-rise towers. Many residents oppose what they perceive as unnecessary disruption to their neighborhoods. To address these challenges, the Builders Association recommends expanding building rights for existing units and ensuring that urban renewal projects do not compromise current property entitlements. In situations where a project lacks majority support—or where residents’ opposition could block progress—the association suggests granting the state authority to expropriate ownership rights. In such cases, homeowners would receive fair compensation based on the projected value of a newly built apartment with enhanced rights. Once the state acquires these rights, it could expedite the creation of a new master plan for the area, optimizing both density and development potential. Permits could then be issued without delay. The subsequent sale of the land to developers would allow the state to recover—and likely exceed—its initial investment. In projects where a majority of residents are already in favor, the state would only need to expropriate the units of remaining holdouts—who would still receive compensation—clearing the way for developers to move forward. To further support displaced residents, the state could offer government-backed mortgages to help them purchase new homes. “Our proposed model gives homeowners maximum flexibility,” Tzali’ach wrote. “They can rent, purchase a replacement apartment, or wait for new construction in their original neighborhood. We believe this not only protects property rights but […]

IDF Chief of Staff LTG Eyal Zamir spent Sunday visiting the Tevez base, home to the Chashmonaim Brigade, where he observed the unit’s training in action. Accompanying him were Major General Nadav Lotan, who leads the Israeli Ground Forces, Major General Dado Bar Kalifa, head of the Manpower Directorate, Colonel A., the brigade’s commander, and several other senior officers.

During the visit, Zamir was given a detailed briefing on the brigade’s training structure, including how it has been customized to meet the needs of the chareidi soldiers serving within its ranks. He was also updated on the brigade’s operational deployment and performance in the Gaza Strip.

Engaging directly with the soldiers, Zamir spoke about the vital contribution they are making to the military and to the nation, especially during a time of immense security challenges.

“You are proof that there is no contradiction between a chareidi lifestyle and serving in the IDF. Anyone who enlists chareidi will remain chareidi,” he told the soldiers.

He went on to express admiration for the brigade’s courage and commitment. “I want to tell you that you are a wonderful group from the people of Israel, from the Jewish people. We operated in Iran, 1,500 kilometers from here. We are operating in Lebanon, we are present in Syria, and we are operating in Gaza against those who tried to destroy us. We are defending ourselves, and to defend ourselves, we truly need the best people and the great spirit that exists in this nation. I believe you embody the spirit of our people, and I want to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for that.”

Zamir emphasized the IDF’s efforts to accommodate religious soldiers, allowing them to maintain their commitment to Torah and mitzvos while proudly serving their country. “We are doing everything to enable you to combine the world of Torah and study with the world of military service. Your integration into the IDF is something you should be proud of. Your families should be proud of it, your community should be proud of it.”

Recognizing the unique role these soldiers are playing, he praised their courage in choosing a path that hasn’t always been easy or conventional. “In this sense, you should see yourselves as pioneers and trailblazers—you are truly leading the way. And I am confident and certain that you will receive recognition for this. I know some of you may be experiencing challenges, perhaps personal ones, but I am confident, and I say this from my own experience, that what matters most in life, and what pays off, is perseverance.”

He concluded his remarks by commending the brigade’s active deployment in Gaza, describing it as a testament to the strength of belief and dedication. “Today, we have Chashmonaim soldiers fighting in the Gaza Strip, doing exceptional work there. I believe this is proof that faith prevails. In that sense, I want to say once again, thank you very much, and deep appreciation for what you’re doing. Be proud of yourselves.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

A political storm has erupted in Israel following a visit by Opposition Leader MK Yair Lapid to the United Arab Emirates, with reports revealing that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s office made unsuccessful attempts to prevent the trip.

According to a report Sunday on Kan News, Netanyahu’s aides sought to pressure Emirati officials into canceling the diplomatic visit, conveying sharply worded messages to Abu Dhabi. Sources say Netanyahu’s office informed UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) that meeting with Lapid would be considered interference in Israel’s internal politics.

Despite the warnings, Emirati leaders went ahead with the meeting, disregarding the Israeli government’s objections. Lapid’s visit proceeded as scheduled, making him the first senior Israeli politician to visit the UAE—one of the first countries to sign the Abraham Accords—since the war in Gaza began, and notably before Netanyahu himself has made such a visit since the historic normalization agreement was signed.

The failed attempt to block the visit has added to growing tension within Israeli political circles. Notably, while numerous Israeli public figures have received and accepted invitations to the UAE during wartime, Netanyahu remains conspicuously absent from the list of visiting officials. Among those who have traveled to the UAE in recent months are former MK Yair Golan, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer (a close Netanyahu ally), Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and Shas leader MK Aryeh Deri.

Lapid’s trip is being seen not only as a diplomatic win for the opposition leader but also as a political embarrassment for Netanyahu, whose own delayed visit continues to raise eyebrows in both Israel and the region.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Trump says it’s ridiculous for Elon Musk to start a third party.

Video showing Yemen’s Hodeidah Port following the Israeli Air Force’s airstrikes on Houthi targets, a little bit ago.

UPDATE: Catskills Hatzalah is transporting a 5 year old child from a near drowning at Zimmerman Estates in Loch Sheldrake to Catskill Regional (Harris) Medical Center. Sources tell Catskills Scoop that Bichasdei Hashem, the child was alert and crying at the scene when being transported by Hatzalah Paramedics. A name for Tehillim will be published when it becomes available to us.

A controversial new bill aimed at taxing foreign donations to left-wing NGOs in Israel will not apply to chareidi organizations, according to a report broadcast Sunday evening on Channel 13.

The legislation, dubbed the “NGO Law,” seeks to impose an 80% tax on donations from abroad received by organizations deemed to be involved in political advocacy—particularly those promoting left-wing agendas. When the bill was first introduced, it sparked concern among chareidi parties, who feared that it could severely impact the many Torah, welfare, and charitable organizations in the chareidi sector that rely heavily on overseas contributions.

However, according to journalist Yoeli Brim, those fears have now been allayed following behind-the-scenes negotiations between the chareidi factions, the Likud party, and MK Simcha Rothman, chairman of the Knesset Constitution Committee. As part of the agreements reached, chareidi organizations will be officially categorized under non-political designations such as “education,” “welfare,” “healthcare,” and “Holocaust remembrance.” These classifications will exempt them from the steep tax outlined in the bill.

On the other hand, the law will target groups labeled as “political,” including women’s rights organizations and advocacy groups focused on democracy and freedom of information, which will still face the 80% tax on donations from foreign entities.

Just two months ago, news of the proposed legislation caused widespread alarm among chareidi lawmakers and activists. The concern was that it would drastically reduce the viability of organizations that fund shiurim, support avreichim, preserve batei knesses, and provide charitable aid—all efforts that depend significantly on financial backing from Jewish communities around the world.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The IDF has issued urgent evacuation warnings to three ports in western Yemen – Hodeidah, Ras Issa, and Salif – as well as the Ras Al-Khatib power station in Hodeidah, saying it will soon launch strikes “targeting military activities in these areas.”

WATCH: Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke called an alleged arson case at a Melbourne synagogue an ‘attack on Australia

Hundreds of members of the Lakewood, NJ community gathered today outside Lakewood City Hall/Lakewood Police Headquarters in a passionate show of support for R’ Binyomin Kubani, a beloved ben Torah and father who was recently arrested under troubling circumstances, as Matzav.com has reported on extensively.

Chanting in solidarity and reciting Tehillim, the gathered crowd called for justice and transparency, expressing outrage over what is a grave misjudgment by authorities.

The demonstration remained orderly, with community leaders and askanim urging continued advocacy on R’ Binyomin’s behalf.

VIDEOS:

{Matzav.com}

The Boro Park Jewish Community Council (BPJCC) is preparing to open a brand-new community center in the heart of Boro Park to meet the neighborhood’s growing demand for services. With its current headquarters at 1310 46th Street operating at full capacity, the new location—situated near the Metropolitan Commercial Bank on 13th Avenue between 51st and 52nd Streets—will offer expanded space and programming for the community. “For decades, the BPJCC has been here for the klal—helping thousands navigate everything from SNAP and health insurance to immigration, legal assistance, and job placement,” said Avi Greenstein, CEO of BPJCC, telling YWN. “But we’ve completely outgrown our current space. Every inch is being used daily, and we simply cannot accommodate the full scope of what Boro Park really needs.” The new center will allow BPJCC to broaden its range of services and host programs previously limited by space. “We’re planning to expand our workforce training to include courses in QuickBooks, graphic design, marketing, e-commerce, and computer skills,” Greenstein told YWN. “We’ll also finally have the room to host parenting workshops, support groups, and community networking events.” Importantly, BPJCC’s original location on 46th Street will remain fully operational. The new center is an expansion—part of a larger effort to enhance community service delivery in a dignified and heimish environment. “This isn’t just about more services,” Greenstein emphasized. “It’s about giving people a space where they feel welcome, respected, and empowered to improve their lives. This center is for the community—it belongs to everyone.” Construction is expected to be completed within the coming week, and the first programs and events are already scheduled to begin shortly thereafter. “We’re excited to take this next step and provide Boro Park with a space that reflects the strength and needs of our growing community,” Greenstein told YWN. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has dismissed his spokesperson, Omer Dostri, just as he prepares to travel to Washington for a meeting with President Donald Trump.

Reports of Dostri’s termination first surfaced Saturday from sources close to the prime minister. Later that evening, the Prime Minister’s Office officially confirmed the move, though their version claimed Dostri had chosen to resign. “Informed the prime minister of his intention to end his role and embark on a new path,” the statement read.

Channel 13 reported that Dostri, who had been serving in the position for the past year, had clashed with Sara Netanyahu, the prime minister’s wife, which ultimately contributed to his immediate departure. Another insider told The Times of Israel that Sara Netanyahu’s attitude toward Dostri played a significant part in the decision.

Still, Netanyahu’s office pushed back strongly on that claim in a Sunday statement. “The decision to terminate his employment was made in coordination between the prime minister, his chief of staff, and Dostri,” the statement read. “The media is quick to turn Mrs. Netanyahu into its punching bag whenever it can.”

The Times of Israel also cited sources who said that Dostri’s likely successor, Ziv Agmon, has a particularly close relationship with Sara Netanyahu.

However, associates of Netanyahu told Ynet that the firing stemmed not from family dynamics, but from dissatisfaction with Dostri’s performance. “This was a bad fit,” the sources said. “He didn’t have experience. He had never been in this profession. He was essentially pushed out. He was told this wasn’t working. Two days ago, he was informed he wouldn’t be traveling to Washington. It wasn’t connected to Sara. The prime minister was unsatisfied with him.”

According to Ynet, Agmon—who was born in the United States—is also closely aligned with Tzachi Braverman, Netanyahu’s chief of staff. Channel 12 highlighted Agmon’s close ties to Sara Netanyahu as well.

Other individuals familiar with the situation told Ynet unequivocally: “Dostri was unequivocally fired by Netanyahu,” again insisting that the matter was not related to his dealings with the prime minister’s wife.

Back in February, several Hebrew media outlets reported that Netanyahu had frequently scolded Dostri for his behavior on the job.

One particularly serious lapse occurred in October, during an Israeli military operation against Iran. Dostri shared uncensored photographs of Netanyahu at a military base, breaching IDF censorship rules and inadvertently exposing sensitive details to the press.

Kan, Israel’s public broadcaster, reported that another issue was the criticism Netanyahu received for remaining in Washington during the return of hostages from Gaza, many of whom were found to be in poor condition—an event that reflected poorly on his leadership.

Kan also referenced a communications error during the February ceasefire, when the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement suggesting that Israel had deemed a proposed hostage list from Hamas “acceptable.” That phrase was later corrected to say Israel had merely “received” the list. “Instead of the writing ‘this list is acceptable to Israel,’ it should have read ‘this list was received by Israel,’” the correction explained, noting that the Hebrew root of both words is identical. “This is a purely factual description that does not reflect any reference by Israel to the issue,” the revised statement continued.

Despite the internal tensions and public missteps, the Prime Minister’s Office offered a gracious farewell in its statement, commending Dostri for his service “during one of the most turbulent and complex years… amid a multi-front war.” The office added that Netanyahu “thanked Dostri for his principled, dedicated, and professional work… in one of the most challenging and complex periods Israel has ever known.”

Dostri, for his part, reflected positively on his experience. According to the PMO, he said he “had the opportunity to see up close how the prime minister makes fateful decisions for Israel and the entire Jewish people,” and expressed his belief that Netanyahu “will continue to steer Israel safely toward a bright future.”

Before serving as Netanyahu’s spokesperson, Dostri earned a doctorate in international relations and worked as a researcher at two right-leaning think tanks—the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security and Israel’s Defense and Security Forum. He also contributed opinion pieces to various Israeli publications.

{Matzav.com}

As Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu prepares to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, sources say that Trump intends to push for a definitive plan for managing Gaza once the war against Hamas concludes.

According to a report by Barak Ravid on Channel 12 News, senior officials in the U.S. administration have said that President Trump views a serious discussion on “the day after” as essential for advancing any long-term ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The upcoming meeting is expected to focus heavily on formulating a mutually agreed-upon framework for governing the coastal enclave once Hamas is ousted.

Trump officials want to ensure that Israel and the U.S. are aligned on key issues such as security arrangements, governance, and strategies to prevent Hamas from reestablishing control. The report notes that if a hostage deal and a 60-day ceasefire are reached in the near future, understandings between Trump and Netanyahu on the post-war scenario could serve as the foundation for subsequent negotiations with Hamas.

Initial discussions on the topic have already begun, with Israeli Minister Ron Dermer holding early talks last week with senior White House officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff.

“We want to reach an agreed-upon framework with Netanyahu regarding what happens in Gaza after the war,” said a senior American official.

One indication of Israeli flexibility is a shift in its stance on the expulsion of Hamas leaders. Israel is now willing to settle for the symbolic removal of a few top military commanders, rather than pushing for the mass exile of Hamas leadership. An Israeli source commented wryly, “There aren’t many senior Hamas officials left in Gaza. You don’t need a ship to exile them—just a surfboard will do.”

Another point on the agenda is the disarmament of Hamas. Israel continues to demand the dismantling of the terrorist group’s military wing but has shown openness to discussing amnesty for those militants who surrender their weapons.

The most sensitive and complex issue remains who will control Gaza on the civilian level. Netanyahu is adamantly opposed to any return of Hamas to power and is equally resistant to the involvement of the Palestinian Authority. Instead, he favors handing over governance to Arab states in collaboration with local Palestinian figures unaffiliated with either Hamas or the PA.

However, Arab nations have so far rejected that approach, insisting that the Palestinian Authority play a central role and demanding a clear political horizon for the Palestinian people. The Trump administration’s precise stance on this matter remains undefined.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Thousands of Yidden from across Eretz Yisroel gathered in Yehud this past Thursday for a large-scale protest against the continued desecration of an ancient Jewish cemetery. The event, held near a construction site operated by Aura Israel, was led by prominent rabbinic leaders from the Yishuv HaYashan and members of the Badatz of the Eidah HaChareidis.

Protesters state that the site contains burial grounds dating back to the Second Beis Hamikdash era, and that for the past six weeks, construction activity has been disturbing ancient graves. Despite a recent ruling by senior rabbinic authorities halting all excavation, the building has allegedly continued with forceful security tactics.

Leading the event were distinguished rabbonim, including Rav Yehoshua Dovid Turchin, the Rebbe of Mishkenos HaRoim, the Rebbe of Kehillas Chassidei Yerushalayim, the Chernobyl Rebbe, Rav Dovid Schmidel, and members of the Eidah HaChareidis Beis Din.

The protest opened with the recitation of Tehillim and selichos, followed by impassioned speeches. Among those who addressed the crowd were Rav Avrohom Yitzchok Ullman and Rav Yehoshua Rosenberger. A letter from the Raavad of the Eidah, Rav Moshe Sternbuch, was read aloud by Rav Yehuda Fisher.

Rav Dovid Schmidel, who for more than sixty years has led the fight to preserve kevorim through his leadership of the Asra Kadisha organization, also delivered remarks. The rosh yeshiva, Rav Yehoshua Dovid Turchin, and the Rebbe of Kehillas Chassidei Yerushalayim also spoke, while the kabolas ol Malchus Shamayim was led by the Rebbe of Mishkenos HaRoim.

In a shocking turn of events, police blocked the vehicles of some of the rabbonim, forcing them to walk a considerable distance to reach the protest. Later, during the speech of the Rebbe of Kehillas Chassidei Yerushalayim, police officers—some mounted on horses—stormed the area and used aggressive force against the demonstrators. This occurred despite the protest being fully licensed and legally sanctioned.

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Over the weekend, Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein, renowned posek and rov of Ramat Elchonon, issued a forceful letter condemning the recent push to increase the number of state-run chareidi schools in Rishon Lezion.

The letter, which was widely shared throughout the local Torah community, warned parents about schools that, in his words, present themselves as authentic chareidi institutions while straying from the guidance of gedolei Yisroel. He referred to these schools as “posing as chareidi.”

Rav Zilberstein emphasized the profound duty parents have in ensuring their children receive a Torah-true education. “The Creator has entrusted us with a most precious deposit — our sweet children,” the rabbi wrote.

In his message, he encouraged families to send their children “only in institutions that operate according to the guidance of the leading chachmei Yisroel.” He singled out the Chinuch Atzmai and Bnei Yosef school systems as exemplary models, noting that they are under the direct leadership of senior rabbinic figures.

He maintained that only institutions with such rabbinic oversight are “filled with Divine assistance,” provide a truly elevated level of education, and are able to prepare their students to thrive in both their ruchniyus and gashmiyus as they grow.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, took off from Ben Gurion Airport on the Wing of Zion plane on Sunday evening at about 8:30 p.m. to fly to Washington, D.C., for Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump and senior administration officials this week. Netanyahu’s departure was delayed for about three and a half hours due to the Chareidi draft law crisis. Speaking to the press before his departure, Netanyahu emphasized that this will be his third meeting with President Trump in the six months since he was elected and spoke about several issues he intended to discuss with Trump, including how to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, the expansion of the Abraham Accords, returning all the hostages from Gaza, and eliminating Hamas’s military capabilities. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee accompanied Netanyahu on the flight. On Sunday morning, Netanyahu met with President Isaac Herzog and spoke with him about the goals of the visit. A readout from the President’s Office after the meeting stated that “The President gave full backing to the Prime Minister’s actions on the issue of promoting a hostage deal and emphasized the importance of the trip as a significant step in that direction. He expressed hope that the diplomatic effort may also be an opening for significant regional developments. “In addition, the two discussed the opportunity to deepen ties with additional countries, in the spirit of the initiative of US President Donald Trump for the Abraham Accords. Regarding the possible prices of a hostage deal, the President reiterated that he does not take the possible prices lightly and understands the concerns, but he is sure that the cabinet and the security establishment will know how to deal with the challenges as they have so far. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu addressed reporters prior to flying to Washington, DC, where he is scheduled to hold talks with US President Donald Trump.

“I am heading out for a very important visit to Washington, where I will meet with President Trump. This is my fifth meeting with the President since he was elected, and I will also meet with senior administration officials and representatives from both parties. I will thank President Trump for his strong support of Israel. There has never been such a friend in the White House. This support led to a tremendous victory over our rival, Iran,” Netanyahu stated.

He went on to underline the strategic goals of the visit, emphasizing the continued vigilance required in the face of Iranian threats. “The commitment is to stand guard and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. There is an opportunity to broaden the circle of peace. There is an opportunity and an ability to bring a great future for the people of Israel and the Middle East. We are determined to bring back all the hostages. However, we insist on eliminating Hamas’s military capabilities,” he added.

Joining Netanyahu aboard the official Israeli government jet, the Wing of Zion, was US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Speaking briefly before takeoff, the ambassador remarked to the media: “I don’t want to make any predictions, but I expect it will be a good visit.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a dramatic and unprecedented move, the IDF announced on Sunday that it will begin implementing a new and severe enforcement plan against Chareidi draft dodgers. The new plan is taking place in parallel with the issuance of 54,000 conscription orders to bnei yeshivos beginning on Tuesday. As part of the plan, the IDF will deploy new roadblocks at border crossings, at entrances to Chareidi cities such as Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, and Beit Shemesh, and even on main traffic routes, at checkpoints in Yehudah and Shomron, on the way to Eilat, and at entrances to Chareidi population centers. In addition to the permanent checkpoints, targeted raids on yeshivos and residential areas will be carried out. The military police will be bolstered and Border Police companies will be deployed to prepare for expected riots. The enforcement plan includes a dramatic shortening of the procedures for declaring draft dodgers so that within just two months, anyone who does not report to the conscription office will be declared a draft dodger and will be exposed to enforcement and arrests. The IDF estimates that within a year, the number of those defined as draft dodgers will jump to about 34,000—the vast majority from the Chareidi community. However, enforcement will be carried out only up to the very limited prison space currently available to the IDF—a total of about 250-300 prison spaces on average. The limited space will not allow for mass arrests of hundreds of draft dodgers. Shas leader Aryeh Deri and UTJ leader Moshe Gafni have both publicly stated that they will immediately resign from the government as soon as one ben yeshivah is arrested (not at Ben Gurion Airport). As reported earlier today, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s flight to Washington, where he is scheduled to meet with US President Trump on Monday, was delayed by several hours due to the Chareidi ultimatum to see progress on the conscription issue before the flight. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)