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President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his administration’s approach toward Iran, declaring that no previous American leader had been as willing to challenge hostile nations and international bad actors, while arguing that Tehran’s military and nuclear ambitions have been dramatically curtailed.

Speaking at an economy-focused event at Mack Trucks in Pennsylvania, Trump pointed to what he described as a remarkable turnaround in global affairs over the past year and a half.

“Right from a year and a half ago, nobody’s ever seen anything like this with the hottest country anywhere in the world by a lot,” Trump told the audience.

The president then broadened his remarks, saying his administration has taken a tougher stance against nations and entities he views as exploiting the United States and destabilizing the international order.

“But I stood up to the trade cheaters and abusers and violators of the world like no president has ever stood up before,” he added.

Trump specifically highlighted Iran, insisting that preventing the regime from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a central objective of his foreign policy.

“And now I’m standing up again because Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, if that’s okay,” he said.

The president contrasted his approach with that of previous administrations, arguing that Iran had long operated without facing meaningful consequences.

“We had 47 years with the president and other people, other countries too, not the only one, that never did anything.”

Trump went on to describe Iran as the dominant destabilizing force in the region before claiming that its military capabilities have been severely degraded.

“They were the bully of the Middle East. And now we’re leaving Iran with no navy, no air force, no anti-aircraft, no missile capability, no nuclear program. We’re leaving them without any nuclear capacity. And they’ve agreed to that.”

The Trump administration has relaxed certain travel limitations on Iran’s national soccer team during the World Cup, allowing players and staff to arrive in Seattle earlier than previously permitted ahead of Friday’s crucial Group G matchup against Egypt, according to a report by Politico.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesman confirmed that the Iranian delegation will be allowed to enter the United States two days before the match. Previously, team personnel had been restricted to arriving no more than 24 hours before kickoff.

Officials emphasized that the broader security framework governing Iran’s participation in the tournament remains unchanged. Under current rules, members of the Iranian delegation must still depart the United States on the same day their match concludes.

“The overall security measures and protocol are the same,” the spokesperson said. “We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike.”

The adjustment comes as President Donald Trump continues pursuing diplomatic engagement with Tehran, even as Iranian officials have publicly criticized the restrictions imposed on their team during the competition.

Before the tournament began, Iranian authorities complained that some members of the delegation were denied visas. Reports also indicated that Iran considered withdrawing from the World Cup after hostilities erupted between Israel and Iran.

Ultimately, the team chose to remain in the tournament but relocated its training operations from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, after receiving an invitation from Mexican officials.

Mohammad Reza Gilani, a cultural affairs adviser at Iran’s embassy in Mexico City, praised the reception his country’s delegation received in Mexico.

“Infrastructure matters. Stadiums matter. Security also matters,” Gilani said. “But history shows that great hosts are remembered for something deeper: Being able to make the world feel welcome.”

Iran currently sits in second place in Group G after opening the tournament with draws against Belgium and New Zealand.

A victory against Egypt on Friday could secure Iran a place in the Round of 16, where the team could potentially find itself facing the United States in one of the tournament’s most highly anticipated matchups.

{Matzav.com}

In a significant rebuke to the administration, the Republican-led U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to approve legislation aimed at halting American military involvement in Iran, according to Reuters.

The practical consequences of the measure remain unclear, however, as President Donald Trump’s administration continues efforts to finalize a peace agreement with Tehran.

The resolution passed the Senate by a narrow 50-48 margin after previously winning approval in the House of Representatives earlier this month.

While the vote largely followed partisan lines, four Republican senators broke with their party to support the measure alongside nearly all Democrats. Two Republican lawmakers did not participate in the vote.

Under the resolution, the president would be directed to remove U.S. forces from ongoing hostilities involving Iran. Despite its passage, many observers view the measure as largely symbolic and unlikely to alter administration policy.

Because the legislation was introduced pursuant to the War Powers Act of 1973, it does not require presidential approval and therefore will not be sent to Trump for his signature.

The White House has already dismissed the effort, maintaining that Congress lacks the authority to impose such restrictions on the administration through this mechanism.

Administration officials argue that the resolution is unconstitutional and carries no binding legal force over the president’s conduct of military and foreign affairs.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett pushed back Tuesday against criticism from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, insisting that his positions on Judea and Samaria have not changed and accusing his political rivals of misrepresenting his views.

The dispute erupted after excerpts from Bennett’s interview on the Kan News podcast “HaManganon” sparked backlash from Smotrich and other right-wing figures over Bennett’s comments regarding illegal construction in Judea and Samaria.

Addressing reporters while outlining his vision for a future government, Bennett was asked about the controversy and reiterated his longstanding positions.

“I oppose a Palestinian state, oppose territorial concessions, and support legal construction in Area C. And like every government, wherever there is illegal construction or construction on private land, of course it should be removed.”

Bennett then turned directly to Smotrich, who had criticized him a day earlier, and delivered a sharp response.

“Smotrich, what are you talking about? He himself evacuated 107 illegal outposts, and rightly so. Do you know why? Because there is law and there is private property. If someone comes and builds a house on land that does not belong to him, is that okay? No.”

Speaking separately at the JNS Conference, Bennett expanded on his current political outlook and rejected claims that he had drifted from the ideological right.

“My ideological positions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are clear. I am a right-wing person. I have not changed my views, but I am not extreme and I am not irresponsible.”

According to Bennett, being politically right-wing does not mean abandoning practical considerations or legal standards.

“Being right-wing means standing up for our national interests. Not giving up territory. Not allowing the establishment of a Palestinian state. Standing strong and determined. But that does not mean being stupid.”

The controversy began after Bennett, who previously served as director-general of the Yesha Council, stated during his interview with Shaul Amsterdamski that he would continue enforcing the law against unauthorized construction in Judea and Samaria.

“From my perspective, legal construction in Area C, on state land that is not privately owned by Palestinians, is welcome. Construction that is illegal, or not in Area C, or on private land, is not legitimate.”

Bennett further argued that property rights and the rule of law must be respected regardless of political considerations.

“I live in Ra’anana. I would not allow you to suddenly build a house on land that belongs to me. What is illegal will not remain.”

At the same time, Bennett emphasized his support for expanding lawful Jewish communities in Area C, which he believes should ultimately become part of the State of Israel.

“I support legal settlement in Area C because, in my view, Area C will ultimately become part of the State of Israel, while Areas A and B will remain part of Palestinian autonomy.”

{Matzav.com}

A profound sense of loss has descended upon the Torah and kabbalah world with the passing of the venerable mekubal Rav Rachamim Attiya zt”l, one of the elder rabbinic figures of the Aram Tzova community, a distinguished sage of Yeshivas Nahar Shalom, father-in-law of the former Rishon Letzion Rav Yitzchok Yosef and a disciple and confidant of the holy mekubal Rav Mordechai Sharabi zt”l. Rav Rachamim was niftar at Shaarei Tzedek Medical Center in Yerushalayim at the age of 95.

The levayah will take place this evening, departing from Yeshivas Porat Yosef on Yosef Ben Matityahu Street in the Geulah neighborhood of Yerushalayim and proceeding to Har Hamenuchos, where he will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Rebbetzin Shoshana a”h, who was niftar sixteen years ago on Chag HaShavuos.

Rav Rachamim was born on the 22nd of Av, 5691 (1931), in Aram Tzova, Syria, to his father, Rav Yitzchok Attiya zt”l, and his mother, Mrs. Jamila a”h.

For decades, he was known throughout Yerushalayim as one of the city’s most revered and righteous mekubalim. He served as the baal korei in the beis medrash of the holy mekubal Rav Mordechai Sharabi zt”l, who was known to select only individuals of exceptional refinement and self-mastery for positions such as baal korei and shaliach tzibbur, particularly those who were meticulous in avoiding anger.

Rav Rachamim enjoyed an especially close relationship with Rav Mordechai Sharabi, who learned kabbalah with him and held him in extraordinary esteem. It was said that Rav Sharabi remarked that the Name of Hashem was visibly etched upon Rav Rachamim’s countenance. Detached from the distractions and vanities of this world, he devoted himself to Torah and avodas Hashem with remarkable diligence day and night.

In later years, Rav Rachamim became the mechutan of Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l, longtime leader of Sephardic Jewry and president of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah, when his daughter married Rav Yitzchok Yosef. Maran Rav Ovadia held him in exceptionally high regard, reportedly sending people to him for pidyon nefesh due to his ability as a mechaven, and would show him special honor whenever they met.

Throughout the day, prominent rabbanim and Torah leaders visited the family home to pay their respects, including Chacham Moshe Tzedakah and the Tolados Aharon Rebbe, among many others.

His brother was the renowned dayan, Rav Yeshua Attiya zt”l, one of the great masmidim of Yeshivas Porat Yosef in Yerushalayim.

Rav Rachamim leaves behind a remarkable family and a legacy of Torah and holiness. He is survived by 13 children, and hundreds of descendants following in his path. Among them are his son, Rav Avrohom Attiya, author of the seforim Peninei Beis Levi, and his daughter, the rebbetzin wife of Rav Yitzchok Yosef, president of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah.

Yehi zichro boruch. Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

The world of Chabad and Jewish music suffered a tremendous loss on Tuesday with the passing of the legendary baal tefillah and chazzan, Reb Berel (Berel’e) Salzman z”l of New Jersey, at the age of 92. Renowned for a voice that stirred countless hearts, Rav Berel lived a life of extraordinary mesirus nefesh, operating an underground yeshivah in Soviet Samarkand under the watchful eye of the KGB and later meriting to serve as baal tefillah for the Rosh Hashanah Mussaf in the presence of the Lubavitcher Rebbe at 770.

A living symbol of Jewish resilience behind the Iron Curtain, Rav Berel devoted his life to preserving Yiddishkeit under Communist oppression. His remarkable musical gifts became a powerful instrument for spreading the light of Chassidus and inspiring Jews who had been cut off from their heritage.

He was born in 1934 in Kharkov, Ukraine, to his father, Reb Avrohom Salzman, a member of a distinguished family known for its deep roots in chazzanus and Jewish music.

From a young age, his extraordinary talent was impossible to miss. In the clandestine shul where his family quietly maintained Torah life despite the harsh Soviet regime, worshippers predicted that the gifted youngster was destined for greatness in the world of niggun and tefillah.

As he grew older, Rav Berel became a well-known figure in Soviet public life, performing as a popular classical and contemporary vocalist on state radio networks. Yet even as his fame grew, his true passion remained the spiritual survival of his fellow Jews.

He later married his wife, Chaya Esther, daughter of Rav Yehuda Butrashvili zt”l.

Alongside his public career, Rav Berel became deeply involved in the Chabad underground. For several years, he hosted a secret yeshivah in his home in Samarkand, placing himself at enormous personal risk while operating under the noses of Communist authorities.

For fourteen years, he served as a chazzan and baal tefillah in underground batei knesses, using his powerful voice and mastery of Chassidic niggunim to inspire and reconnect countless young Jews who had become detached from their roots.

Later, he was appointed chief chazzan of a major shul in one of the Soviet Union’s principal cities. He was even offered the prestigious position of chief chazzan of Moscow’s Great Synagogue, but declined, fearing that accepting the role would jeopardize his efforts to leave the Soviet Union.

After five long and difficult years of battling Soviet bureaucracy, Rav Berel finally received permission to leave the country in 1971.

Together with his wife and six children, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of reaching Eretz Yisroel, leaving behind decades of sacrifice, hardship, and persecution.

That same year, before the Yomim Noraim, he traveled for the first time to the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

A devoted Chabad chossid through even the darkest years of Soviet oppression, Rav Berel was granted the extraordinary privilege of leading the Rosh Hashanah Mussaf at 770 at the Rebbe’s direction.

Those who were present never forgot the awe-inspiring tefillah. His stirring voice reverberated through the walls of the packed beis medrash and left an indelible impression on thousands of chassidim.

Following that unforgettable Tishrei, Rav Berel received numerous offers to remain abroad and serve as chazzan in prominent and affluent Jewish communities. Nevertheless, he followed the Rebbe’s guidance and settled in Nachalas Har Chabad in Kiryat Malachi, where he established his home among fellow chassidim.

In 1980, once again acting on the Rebbe’s instruction and recognizing the tremendous need to reach Russian-speaking Jews, he relocated to the United States. He began working extensively with Soviet Jewish immigrants in Los Angeles, where he quickly became a beloved and revered figure.

In 1992, Rav Berel and his wife moved to Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where they founded the Bris Avrohom community for Russian Jews. There, they continued spreading Chassidus, ahavas haTorah, and a love for heartfelt tefillah.

Rav Berel leaves behind a remarkable legacy of Chassidic music, unwavering faith, and total dedication to ensuring Jewish continuity even during the most difficult periods of Jewish history.

He is survived by a beautiful generation of children, grandchildren, and descendants continuing in his path: his son Rav Yosef Yitzchok Salzman, a Chabad shliach in Toronto; his son Rav Boruch Mordechai Salzman, founder and menahel of Yeshivas Or Temimim in Toronto; his son Rav Menachem Mendel Salzman, Chabad shliach in Fair Lawn; his daughter Mrs. Shaindel Braud, wife of Rav Shraga Feivel Braud of Crown Heights; his daughter Mrs. Rivkah Sirota, wife of Rav Aharon Sirota, Chabad shliach in Denver; his daughter Mrs. Sterna Sarah Kanelsky, wife of Rav Mordechai Kanelsky, who works extensively with Russian Jewish communities through Bris Avrohom; and his daughter Mrs. Rochel Matusov, wife of Rav Menachem Mendel Matusov, a Chabad shliach in Calgary.

The levayah was held today at 770 Eastern Parkway, the world headquarters of Chabad-Lubavitch, on its way to Montefiore Cemetery in Queens for kevurah.

Yehi zichro boruch. Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

A newly released book in the United States claims that President Donald Trump unleashed a furious verbal attack on Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu during a tense phone call held just days before the public announcement of an agreement to end the war in Gaza and weeks before a hostage deal was finalized.

According to a report by Ynet, the book—written by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan—recounts a heated conversation involving Trump, Netanyahu, Jared Kushner, and White House special envoy Steve Witkoff.

During the call, Trump allegedly lashed out at Netanyahu, telling him, “Everyone is sick of you, Bibi. All the Jews are sick of you. Even the two Jews on this call are sick of you.”

The conversation reportedly took place during the United Nations General Assembly in September, as Trump was advancing a 20-point plan aimed at ending the Gaza war that erupted following Hamas’ October 7 attack.

The authors describe the two weeks leading up to the agreement as one of the most strained periods in U.S.-Israel relations during the negotiations. According to the book, tensions escalated significantly after an Israeli strike targeting senior Hamas officials in Qatar, which took place one day after Kushner, Witkoff, and Ron Dermer met in Miami to discuss plans for postwar Gaza.

According to the account, Kushner and Witkoff were enraged by the operation and concluded afterward that “Dermer lied to us.” The book further claims that Kushner privately vented his frustration to associates, saying, “I’m out, the Israelis are crazy.” The authors say he later changed his position after realizing that the dispute could be used to pressure Netanyahu into accepting a broader agreement.

During the UN meetings, Kushner and Witkoff reportedly met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and presented him with a draft of the American proposal. According to the book, Al Thani personally edited portions of the document, which later became the basis for Trump’s peace plan.

The authors claim that Trump first presented the framework to Arab and Muslim leaders before sharing it with Netanyahu. Concerned that Netanyahu might try to persuade Trump to abandon the proposal, Kushner and Witkoff allegedly stayed on the line when the Israeli prime minister called the White House.

According to the book, Trump immediately began shouting once he joined the call, telling Netanyahu, “You can’t back out of this. I am the best friend Israel has ever had. Everyone hates you, and I stood by your side.”

Trump reportedly argued that the agreement was good for Israel, and the book claims Netanyahu ultimately agreed to support it.

Two days later, Trump and Netanyahu jointly unveiled the initiative at a press conference, even though the agreement had not yet been formally signed.

According to the authors, the deal was officially finalized on October 8, and shortly afterward the remaining 20 living hostages held in Gaza were released.

The new allegations add to other claims contained in the book regarding the relationship between the two leaders. In additional excerpts, the authors allege that Trump referred to Netanyahu as a “crook” and said that the Israeli prime minister never truly wanted to achieve peace.

{Matzav.com}

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett disclosed Tuesday that Israel had covertly worked to bring thousands of Starlink internet devices into Iran in an effort to assist anti-regime activists, but claimed the initiative was abandoned after his government left office.

Speaking at the JNS International Policy Summit in Yerushalayim, Bennett said he launched a covert effort aimed at preserving internet access for Iranian dissidents during government-imposed blackouts.

He told attendees that he had initiated a “process of acquiring and smuggling into Iran tens of thousands of Starlink receptors ⁠that would allow continuity of the internet and social networks.”

Starlink, the satellite internet network operated by SpaceX and owned by Elon Musk, provides internet connectivity through satellites rather than traditional telecommunications infrastructure. Iranian officials have previously accused Israel and the United States of secretly introducing Starlink equipment into the country as part of efforts to weaken the regime. Although the service does not have official authorization to operate in Iran, Musk has stated in the past that Starlink is functioning there.

According to Bennett, the objective was to give demonstrators the ability to communicate, organize, and challenge the ruling regime even when authorities attempted to shut down internet access.

“Unfortunately, the current incompetent Israeli government stopped doing that,” he said. “And when the protest happened, that infrastructure was not there.”

Officials in Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Bennett’s claims. SpaceX also did not provide a response outside normal U.S. business hours.

Iran has repeatedly imposed internet restrictions during periods of political turmoil. Authorities have shut down or severely limited online access during major waves of unrest, including nationwide protests earlier this year and throughout the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel that erupted at the end of February.

Previous reporting by Reuters indicated that some Iranian citizens relied on Starlink equipment to stay connected during government-imposed internet outages.

Bennett, who currently leads a right-wing political faction and is widely viewed as a potential challenger to Netanyahu in elections expected by October, said he would pursue a more aggressive campaign against the Iranian regime if he returns to power.

He argued that efforts to weaken Tehran should extend beyond direct military action and could include economic pressure, industrial disruption, and other measures designed to destabilize the government and ultimately bring about its downfall.

{Matzav.com}

The Western world may have only a short window to prepare for a coming wave of artificial intelligence-driven cyberattacks, according to a stark new warning from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which says hostile nations are rapidly developing AI capabilities that could soon threaten governments, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

In a joint alert cited by the Financial Times, senior cybersecurity officials from the Five Eyes partnership warned that the threat is approaching much faster than many policymakers and organizations realize.

“The timeline is not years, it is months,” the officials said in a rare joint communiqué.

The Five Eyes alliance brings together the intelligence agencies of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Its roots trace back to Allied codebreaking efforts during World War II, and the partnership was formally established through the UKUSA Agreement in 1946. Today, it is considered the most extensive intelligence-sharing arrangement in the world.

The warning highlights mounting concern among Western security officials that adversarial nations such as China, Russia, and North Korea are aggressively integrating advanced AI technologies into their cyber warfare programs.

Although alliance officials believe Western countries currently hold an advantage due to access to cutting-edge commercial AI systems and broader adoption of AI across defense and intelligence sectors, they cautioned that this lead may not last.

The alert follows reports that the United States recently directed AI company Anthropic to limit access by foreign nationals to some of its most powerful AI models because of national security considerations.

Evidence suggesting that AI-enhanced cyber threats are already emerging has begun to surface, cybersecurity experts say.

In May, the Google Threat Intelligence Group revealed that it had disrupted an attack in which artificial intelligence was allegedly used to identify a previously unknown software flaw and convert that discovery into an operational cyber weapon.

Investigators indicated that individuals linked to Russia were suspected in the incident, while similar techniques have also been associated with hacking groups connected to China and North Korea.

According to the Five Eyes assessment, the next generation of so-called frontier AI systems could radically reshape the cyber battlefield for both attackers and defenders.

“Frontier AI models are anticipated to exceed current industry expectations, fundamentally transforming both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities,” the cyber chiefs said.

Alliance officials urged private companies and infrastructure operators to accelerate the adoption of AI-powered defensive technologies, warning that organizations that fail to modernize their cybersecurity systems could become increasingly vulnerable as foreign adversaries deploy more advanced digital weapons.

The warning also reflects the intensifying race between the United States and China to dominate the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

American officials have repeatedly maintained that preserving U.S. leadership in AI is essential not only for economic competitiveness but also for military strength, national defense, and the protection of vital infrastructure.

For the moment, Five Eyes leaders believe the West still possesses the upper hand. However, they stressed that the opportunity to strengthen defenses before the next generation of AI-powered threats emerges may be disappearing faster than many expect.

{Matzav.com}

Conservative commentator Mark Levin launched a blistering attack on reported diplomatic discussions involving Hezbollah, arguing that the process sidelines the very nations most affected while empowering hostile actors at Israel’s expense.

“Has anybody ever heard of a negotiation where the two countries directly affected, Israel and Lebanon, are left out of the negotiation?” Levin wrote, referring to what he described as a Hezbollah renewal negotiation involving Qatar, Pakistan, and the United States.

Levin contended that any agreement emerging from such discussions would effectively be imposed on both Israel and Lebanon without their direct participation. He questioned the logic behind such an approach, asking, “Have we ever forced a democratic ally to endanger its own citizens by supporting a terrorist organization that has murdered Americans?”

Expressing outrage over the reported framework, Levin declared, “Honestly, this is an abomination. What kind of [rubbish] is this,” he continued.

The commentator went on to argue that the negotiations threaten Israel’s security while simultaneously bolstering Iranian influence through Hezbollah’s entrenched position in Lebanon.

“Even worse, we are smearing Israel for refusing to abandon its security, we ensure Iran’s control over Lebanon via Hezbollah, and we have done absolutely nothing over the 45 year period Hezbollah has slaughtered Americans,” he wrote. “Only Israel has. Why are we helping Hezbollah? Pure appeasement to Iran.”

Levin also expressed disbelief over the reported role being played by Qatar and Pakistan in the talks.

“And why the hell are Qatar and Pakistan lead negotiators?” Levin asked. He described the two countries as “corrupt, brutal, terror-tied regimes with ties to Iran and hate for Israel.”

Taking his criticism even further, Levin argued that the reported proposal would be more damaging than the nuclear agreement negotiated during the Obama administration.

“Certainly far worse than Obama’s nuclear deal,” he wrote.

“I can’t think of another time in American history where we’ve done anything as preposterous as this,” he wrote. “Israel must completely reject it. For its country’s security AND ours!”

Levin further asserted that Qatar and Pakistan appear to be advancing Tehran’s interests more effectively than Washington is defending one of its closest allies.

“Qatar and Pakistan are doing a better job representing Iran than we are supporting our ally.”

Turning his attention to Capitol Hill, Levin questioned whether Republican lawmakers would stand behind the reported initiative and suggested the matter deserves far greater scrutiny.

“I wonder how many congressional Republicans support this? No way this escapes scrutiny. Something is going on here that stinks to high heaven,” he wrote.

Concluding his remarks, Levin predicted that public support for the arrangement would collapse if voters were fully informed about its details.

“If the public were actually polled on specific major parts of this, like the above lunacy, and it was explained, the polls would be in the toilet.”

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Former hostage Ilana Gritzewsky appeared before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva this week, delivering an emotional testimony about the atrocities committed on October 7 and the abuse suffered by hostages in Gaza, while urging the international community not to ignore the victims of Hamas.

“I have to speak for those who no longer have a voice, so people will understand what our soldiers are fighting for day and night,” Gritzewsky said. She explained that the appearance marked her first interview since the release of her partner, Matan Zangauker.

Gritzewsky attended the council session alongside Merav Lapidot. Their participation was facilitated by UN Watch, a Geneva-based watchdog organization that scrutinizes the actions and decisions of the United Nations. The group has long argued that UN institutions exhibit a disproportionate focus on Israel, noting that from 2006 through 2025, the Human Rights Council passed 112 resolutions condemning the Jewish state—nearly half of all country-specific condemnations directed at every other nation combined during the same period.

Addressing the gathering, Israel’s ambassador to the UN institutions in Geneva, Daniel Meron, accused anti-Israel activists of attempting to reverse the roles of perpetrators and victims. He argued that the BDS movement is working to portray Israelis as the guilty party while minimizing the suffering of those targeted by Hamas. Meron also sharply criticized UN Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem, alleging that she has promoted misinformation and failed to properly acknowledge the abuse endured by Israeli women both during the October 7 massacre and while being held captive.

Critics pointed to Alsalem’s report to the council, which referenced “Palestinian suffering” 11 times but omitted any mention of the October 7 massacre or the trauma experienced by Israeli civilians. UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer condemned the omission, stating, “There is something absurd about the fact that the UN envoy responsible for combating violence against women has produced a document that erases Hamas’ victims.”

Neuer further argued that while Alsalem’s report levels accusations against Israel, Gritzewsky came before the council to provide firsthand testimony about Israeli women who were attacked and kidnapped by Hamas terrorists.

During her remarks, Gritzewsky spoke directly to Alsalem and recounted the horrors she experienced both during the attack and throughout her captivity.

“On October 7, terrorists broke into our kibbutz. They touched me and abused me. I woke up half-naked with seven terrorists standing over me,” she told the council. “I came back with a broken hip, a broken jaw, and a wounded soul.”

In a direct challenge to the UN official, Gritzewsky accused Alsalem of ignoring the suffering of Israeli women, declaring: “I am another Israeli woman who begged not to be hurt. Why were you silent? Please look at me.”

After Gritzewsky concluded her testimony and exited the chamber visibly shaken, Alsalem offered only a brief response. She said that her position regarding violence committed against Israeli women and girls on October 7 had been expressed in a public statement posted on her website.

Alsalem added, “For the past three years I have requested to speak with survivors of October 7 and to visit Israel and Gaza, but the Israeli government has rejected my requests.”

Closing her remarks, the special rapporteur said she remained open to meeting with Gritzewsky before the session concluded and before the former hostage departed the council chamber.

{Matzav.com}

Shas chairman MK Aryeh Deri and Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni issued a dramatic warning Tuesday evening, threatening to bring down the coalition government within days if legislation viewed as critical by the chareidi community continues to be delayed.

The ultimatum came after a high-stakes meeting between the two party leaders and Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu at the Prime Minister’s Office.

“On behalf of the great Torah sages, we conveyed to him an unequivocal demand to immediately advance the Basic Law: Torah Study and the law to stop the arrests of Torah students, by convening the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and the Knesset Committee already this week,” Deri and Gafni stated. They stressed that if tangible progress is not made immediately, they are prepared to support legislation dissolving the Knesset in the coming days.

During the meeting, Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to both measures and pledged to personally secure the parliamentary support needed to pass them.

The two chareidi leaders also sought to dispel reports of any political arrangement with the prime minister. “There is no ‘deal’ with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Our demand to advance the Basic Law: Torah Study and the law preventing the arrests of Torah students stands on its own, is not dependent on anything, and we have not given up on any demand. If we see that these laws are being practically advanced, we will be able to resume voting on coalition legislation, in accordance with the instructions of the great Torah sages.”

Earlier in the day, Deri and Gafni took the unusual step of boycotting a scheduled gathering of coalition faction leaders, a move that resulted in the meeting being canceled altogether.

The boycott was widely viewed as a calculated effort to pressure Netanyahu into a one-on-one discussion and determine whether the coalition actually possesses the votes necessary to advance the chareidi legislative agenda.

The confrontation follows weeks of growing dissatisfaction among chareidi parties, which believe repeated commitments have not been fulfilled. Just last week, Netanyahu reportedly assured Deri that he would personally guarantee passage of two key bills during the current Knesset session: the Basic Law granting constitutional recognition to Torah study and legislation designed to halt Military Police arrests of bnei Torah who have not enlisted.

Despite those assurances, coalition leaders have continued postponing the measures, fueling frustration within the chareidi parties and prompting Deri and Gafni to significantly intensify their pressure campaign against the prime minister.

{Matzav.com}