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A controversy has erupted within the Golani Brigade after fellow soldiers alleged that a religious combat soldier was removed from operational duty in Lebanon over Shabbos because he was wearing a “Moshiach” patch on his uniform.

According to reports, the soldier serves in Battalion 12 and holds a specialized role in efforts to counter explosive attack drones, one of the most significant threats facing Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon.

Friends of the soldier told Channel 7 that the incident began Friday afternoon during a conversation between the outgoing battalion commander and members of the unit. During the discussion, the commander reportedly noticed the patch on the soldier’s uniform and instructed him to remove it immediately.

According to those familiar with the incident, the soldier complied without objection and removed the patch as soon as he was asked.

Despite his cooperation, however, the soldier was reportedly informed several hours later that he would be removed from Lebanon during Shabbos. His fellow soldiers claim there is concern that the decision could also have consequences for his future military service and standing within the army.

The move has sparked criticism among some members of the unit, who questioned the priorities behind the decision at a time when Israeli forces remain heavily engaged in combat operations along the northern front.

Speaking to Channel 7, several of the soldier’s comrades expressed disbelief over the incident.

“It’s absurd that during such an intense period of fighting, the army is dealing with matters like these,” they said.

As of now, the IDF has not issued an official response addressing the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s removal or the allegations made by his fellow servicemen.

{Matzav.com}

Iran issued a stark warning to Israel on Sunday, threatening a significantly stronger military response if Israel expands its operations in Lebanon or retaliates for the recent Iranian missile attack. The warning came hours after Iran launched missiles toward Israel and following an Israeli strike in Beirut’s Dahieh district.

The statement was released by Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Emergency Command, which accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire and escalating its military actions in Lebanon.

According to the statement, Iran claims Israel is acting with the support and approval of the United States and is committing what Tehran described as war crimes, including the alleged use of prohibited weapons such as phosphorus bombs.

Iranian officials focused much of their criticism on the Israeli strike in Dahieh, the southern Beirut suburb that serves as a major Hezbollah stronghold. The statement charged that, despite previous warnings from the Islamic Republic, Israel had crossed every red line by intensifying attacks in southern Lebanon and striking Dahieh as well.

The warning came after Israel carried out its first strike in Dahieh since the ceasefire announced last week by President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisroel Katz said the operation was conducted in response to Hezbollah attacks on Israeli territory and harm caused to Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon.

Iran indicated that it views the strike on Dahieh as a major escalation. The statement said Tehran had previously warned that if attacks in the Beirut suburb expanded, Iran would target objectives in what it referred to as the “occupied territories.” It also called on Israel to immediately cease military operations in southern Lebanon and in Dahieh.

The most severe threat appeared at the end of the statement, where Iranian officials warned that any expansion of Israeli attacks in the area, or any Israeli response to Iranian military action, would be met with “crushing and more severe blows” that would leave Israel regretting its actions and would trigger destructive attacks against the Israeli government and its supporters.

Separately, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued its own statement, claiming that its agreement to a ceasefire in April had been contingent on a halt to fighting across all fronts. The group accused both the United States and Israel of violating those understandings by continuing military operations in Lebanon and by allegedly targeting Iranian interests at sea.

The Revolutionary Guards stated that the overnight operation was intended as a warning and cautioned that if the attacks continue, Iran’s response would be much broader and would include American and Israeli targets throughout the region.

{Matzav.com}

A growing political clash over the arrest of yeshivah bochurim intensified on Sunday after Finance Minister and Religious Zionism chairman Betzalel Smotrich sharply criticized chareidi political leaders for visiting detained bnei yeshivah at Military Prison 10.

Smotrich accused members of the chareidi parties of focusing on the imprisonment of yeshivah students while Israel continues to grapple with the loss of soldiers and the pain endured by bereaved families. He described the actions of portions of the chareidi leadership as an example of “detachment and insensitivity” during a difficult period for the country.

The criticism came after Shas chairman Aryeh Deri visited Prison 10 earlier in the day to meet with imprisoned bnei yeshivah, offer encouragement, and express solidarity with them.

During the visit, Deri argued that Torah learners should not be treated as criminals and reiterated his party’s intention to advance a Basic Law on Torah Study that would formally define the status of Torah learning within the State of Israel.

Joining Deri on the visit were MK Michael Malchieli and Shas Director-General MK Chaim Biton. The delegation met with several detainees, heard accounts of their incarceration conditions, and pledged to work toward improving their situation.

Deri also presented the detainees with copies of Emunah U’Bitachon and conveyed what he described as the full support of the Shas movement for the imprisoned yeshivah students.

Separately, United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzchak Goldknopf also visited Prison 10 and met with the detainees.

Goldknopf stated that the imprisonment of bnei yeshivah because of their dedication to Torah learning is a reality that should not be accepted. He called for a change in government policy and voiced support for the students being held in custody.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he intends to press Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu not to retaliate against Iran following Tehran’s missile barrage against Israel, warning that further military escalation could jeopardize delicate diplomatic efforts currently underway, the NY Post reports.

The comments came after Iran launched at least ten missiles toward Israel on Sunday, just hours after the IDF carried out a strike on a Hezbollah command facility in Beirut.

Speaking with Fox News, Trump indicated that he was displeased by Israel’s operation in the Lebanese capital, particularly because he had previously urged Netanyahu to avoid such action. At the same time, he acknowledged that Iran’s missile attack would also complicate efforts to advance negotiations.

“What I would suggest to Iran: You’ve shot your missiles, that’s enough. Get back to the table and make a deal,” Trump told the outlet.

The President also highlighted the strength of the American military and pointed to the impact of the ongoing naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which has placed significant economic pressure on Iran by disrupting key oil exports.

In separate remarks to Axios, Trump said he was taking direct action to prevent a broader confrontation between Israel and Iran.

“Calling Netanyahu right now and telling him not to attack Iran in response.”

Trump argued that both sides had already demonstrated their capabilities and warned that another round of attacks could trigger an endless cycle of retaliation.

“Each of them had their fun. If Bibi strikes them back it’s just gonna keep going like the last 47 years, or the last 3,000 years,” Trump said.

In a brief telephone conversation with The New York Post later in the day, Trump expressed confidence about the overall situation, saying simply that “things are going very well.”

Iranian officials, however, signaled that they were prepared for a wider confrontation and issued fresh threats directed at both Israel and the United States.

In a statement distributed through state-affiliated media, Iran’s military claimed that its acceptance of a ceasefire agreement earlier this year had been contingent upon a halt to hostilities across the region, while accusing both Washington and Jerusalem of violating those understandings.

“Our acceptance of the ceasefire on April 8 was conditional on a ceasefire on ALL fronts; but as always, America and Israel did not adhere to their commitment, they continued the aggression and crimes in Lebanon, and attacked Iranian vessels,” Iran’s military said in a statement shared with regime media on Sunday.

Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, praised what he described as Tehran’s response to foreign adversaries and warned that any Israeli retaliation would be met with a significantly harsher reaction.

He touted the “response” foreign “aggressors” received and promised that Israel would see “a more crushing response and heavier costs” if it retaliates.

Despite Trump’s efforts to calm the situation, Israeli officials indicated that military planning remains ongoing.

Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, one of the IDF’s senior spokesmen, announced that the military had approved plans for additional operations in Lebanon if necessary.

While Defrin stopped short of announcing an immediate response to Iran’s missile attack, he sharply criticized Tehran’s actions, declaring that Iran had committed “a grave mistake.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s airspace remains fully operational and commercial flights are continuing according to schedule despite the recent Iranian missile launches toward the country, Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced following a high-level security assessment.

The decision was reached after Regev convened a special meeting with Transportation Ministry Director General Moshe Ben-Zaken and senior representatives from Israel’s aviation sector to evaluate the situation and determine whether any restrictions on air travel were necessary.

Following the assessment, transportation officials concluded that there was no immediate need to suspend or limit civilian air traffic, allowing airlines and airports to continue operating as normal.

Officials stressed that the decision reflects the current security picture and remains subject to change should conditions deteriorate. The Transportation Ministry emphasized that it is closely monitoring developments and maintaining ongoing contact with security and aviation authorities.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump appealed to Israel on Sunday to refrain from launching a retaliatory strike against Iran following Tehran’s missile attack on northern Israel, saying such a response could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts and reignite a cycle of conflict.

In remarks to Channel 12 News correspondent Barak Ravid, Trump revealed that he intended to personally contact Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to urge restraint. “I am going to call Netanyahu right now and tell him not to strike back.”

Trump argued that the Iranian missile barrage caused no casualties and warned that a counterattack would only prolong hostilities. “The Iranian strikes didn’t hurt anybody. Hopefully Israel is not going to retaliate. If Bibi strikes them back it’s just gonna keep going like the last 47 years, or the last 3000 years.”

The President also emphasized the progress being made in negotiations with Tehran, expressing concern that renewed military action could jeopardize a breakthrough. “We are very close to a final deal with Iran. It is going to be a good deal. I don’t want it to blow up because of what is happening now.”

Reiterating his position, Trump said both sides had already demonstrated their capabilities and that further escalation was unnecessary. “I am going to call Bibi right now and tell him not to retaliate. Each of them had their fun. Israel had its strike and Iran had its strike. We don’t need another one,” he stressed.

Trump’s comments followed a large-scale Iranian missile attack on Israel in which ten missiles were launched in three separate waves. According to the IDF, all of the incoming projectiles were successfully intercepted before reaching their targets.

Despite the successful interceptions, Israeli authorities responded by increasing the country’s security posture. The Home Front Command announced a nationwide tightening of civilian safety regulations, elevating the entire country to a stricter orange alert level. Under the updated directives, schools across Israel will not operate.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch subsequently confirmed that all educational institutions would remain closed on Monday and that matriculation exams scheduled for that day would be postponed in accordance with Home Front Command instructions.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu held an emergency security assessment on Sunday evening with Defense Minister Israel Katz and senior members of Israel’s defense establishment. The consultation came in the wake of Israel’s strike in Beirut’s Dahieh neighborhood and a series of threatening statements issued afterward by senior Iranian officials.

{Matzav.com}

Three weeks after his election, Rav Yitzchak Edelstein was formally installed as Chief Rabbi of Ramat Hasharon during a historic ceremony held at the city’s main shul.

The newly appointed rabbi marked the occasion by wearing a new Hamburg-style hat and a new tallis, upon which he recited a Shehecheyanu with visible emotion.

The event was attended by many of Israel’s leading Torah authorities and roshei yeshivah. Among those present were Rav Berel Povarsky, Rav Shraga Shteinman, Israel’s Chief Rabbi Rav Kalman Meir Ber, former Chief Rabbi Rav Yisrael Meir Lau, and numerous other rabbonim and public figures.

Rav Edelstein’s appointment continues a distinguished family legacy in Ramat Hasharon. His grandfather, Rav Tzvi Yehuda Edelstein zt”l, served as the city’s rov before him, followed by his father, Rav Yaakov Edelstein zt”l, who held the position for more than 60 years.

Speakers throughout the ceremony emphasized Rav Edelstein’s qualifications for the role, praising both his personal accomplishments and decades of service to the community, while noting that he represents a direct continuation of the city’s rabbinic leadership since its founding.

Among the keynote speakers was Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Meir Ber, who signed Rav Edelstein’s official appointment document and offered words of blessing.

“My friend, Rav Yitzchak, a descendant of a distinguished rabbinic dynasty, a Torah scholar of great stature whose wisdom is joined with genuine concern for people. Through his deeds and activities, he has brought—and will continue to bring—honor to Heaven in his city. May it be Hashem’s will that he continue his sacred work and mission for many long years.”

The evening’s musical program featured singer Uziel Deitch and keyboardist Ari Kuritz. The event was produced by Isaac Stein of Shechakim Productions.

{Matzav.com}

An Israeli singer has sparked widespread attention after claiming that he won the grand prize in Israel’s latest lottery drawing and then shared the news directly with his followers on social media.

According to posts published overnight, singer Osher Biton said he was the sole winner of the 40 million shekel jackpot awarded in the lottery drawing held on Motzoei Shabbos.

The drawing generated enormous interest because the jackpot had reached the maximum amount allowed by law—40 million shekels in the regular lottery and up to 80 million shekels through the Double Lotto option.

Lottery kiosks across the country reportedly saw a surge of customers as tens of thousands of Israelis tried their luck in hopes of winning the record prize. In the end, however, only one ticket matched all of the winning numbers.

Biton, who first gained national recognition through his participation in Eurovision-related competitions and later built a successful music career, chose not to keep the news private.

Sharing a photo of what appeared to be the winning ticket on Instagram, he wrote: “Turns out I’m a millionaire—I didn’t realize it.”

The surprising announcement quickly spread across social media, with thousands of users sharing the post and flooding the singer with congratulatory messages.

The story also brought renewed attention to other notable lottery winners in Israel who publicly disclosed their winnings. Among them were a soldier who won 15 million shekels after serving months in reserve duty in Gaza and another individual who reportedly won 24 million shekels two years after a missile struck his home.

{Matzav.com}