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Tensions are rising within the Likud Party as Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu reportedly continues to push for canceling the party’s traditional primaries in favor of a candidate-selection process that would allow him greater flexibility in shaping the party’s slate ahead of the next election.

According to remarks aired Sunday on Channel 13 News, several Likud ministers and Knesset members have expressed opposition to the proposal, arguing that party members—not a selection committee—should determine the makeup of the party’s list.

A source close to MK David Bitan made his position clear, saying, “David will not allow there to be a selection committee. Only primaries.”

Despite the resistance, Netanyahu has continued advocating for the idea in private discussions. Transportation Ministry Director-General Moshe Ben Zaken reportedly participated in one such conversation with the prime minister, while Minister Miri Regev has not ruled out supporting the proposal.

Others within the party have taken a more definitive stance. Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar declared, “I prefer primaries. There will be no committee; there will be primaries.”

Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman appeared unfazed by the internal debate, saying, “I don’t care about anything—whether there is a committee or not, I will be in the next Knesset.”

MK Sasson Guetta struck a more humorous tone, remarking, “If Bibi puts me in the top ten, I’ll sell all of you.”

Netanyahu has defended the proposed change by arguing that the next election will be uniquely important and may require unconventional measures. According to reports last week, he told associates, “These are fateful elections. We need to take unusual steps. We need to put forward a list that can appeal to broader audiences.”

One lawmaker reportedly being considered for removal from a future slate is MK Tally Gotliv, with critics arguing that she “drives away voters” and limits the party’s ability to maximize its electoral strength.

Despite Netanyahu’s efforts, many party insiders remain skeptical that he will succeed in eliminating the primary system altogether.

Several senior figures reportedly believe that “a complete cancellation of the primaries will be difficult” to achieve.

As a result, many within Likud view the current dispute less as a genuine restructuring effort and more as an internal power struggle, with one party source characterizing the confrontation as little more than “arm-twisting” among competing factions.

Israel’s Central Elections Committee is advancing a legislative proposal that would allow voters to cast ballots near their current location rather than traveling to their registered home address, a move that could significantly affect voting patterns among young people and other mobile populations.

According to a report by Amiel Yerachi on i24NEWS, the proposed change would permit eligible voters who notify election authorities in advance that they will not be near their official residence on Election Day to vote at a designated polling station closer to where they are staying.

If approved, the measure is expected to have a particularly significant impact on yeshiva students, many of whom currently must travel long distances to their parents’ cities or hometowns in order to vote.

Supporters of the initiative say it would make voting more accessible and remove logistical obstacles that prevent some citizens from exercising their right to participate in elections.

In addition to the proposed voting reform, the Central Elections Committee is reportedly pursuing several other changes to election procedures. Among them are new disclosure requirements for videos generated using artificial intelligence and a proposal to move up the deadline for submitting candidate lists to 50 days before Election Day.

A spokesperson for the Elections Committee said the purpose of the proposal is to expand access to voting and make it easier for citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

If the legislation is approved by the Knesset, the new voting procedures could already be in place for Israel’s next national election.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has unveiled a large collection of newly declassified documents detailing American funding for more than 120 biological laboratories in over 30 countries, arguing that the records substantiate concerns that were previously dismissed by critics as misinformation.

The release revisits a controversy that first gained attention after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, when Gabbard questioned the scope and nature of U.S.-supported biological laboratories in the country. At the time, opponents accused her of promoting Russian talking points, while supporters contended that legitimate concerns about oversight and transparency were being ignored.

Among the documents are Office of the Director of National Intelligence briefing materials outlining the extent of U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s network of laboratories.

One of the records indicates that more than 40 Ukrainian laboratories received American funding and maintained collections of potentially dangerous bacteria and viruses, including some specimens dating back to the Soviet period. The documents further show that Ukrainian researchers participated in U.S.-funded training programs involving hazardous pathogens and took part in initiatives focused on particularly dangerous infectious diseases.

The records identify numerous pathogens that were studied or stored within the laboratory system, including anthrax, tuberculosis, plague, Ebola virus, Marburg virus, MERS, and SARS.

Additional documents describe U.S.-financed construction projects and facility upgrades at laboratories throughout Ukraine, including sites in Kherson, Odesa, and western regions of the country. According to the records, engineering firm Black & Veatch played a major role in the projects, with individual facilities receiving between approximately $1.7 million and $3.5 million in U.S. funding.

One declassified report centers on a veterinary research facility in Kharkiv that received Pentagon support through the Defense Department’s Biological Threat Reduction Program.

According to the assessment, the laboratory maintained hundreds of samples of dangerous pathogens, including Brucella bacteria, which can cause the disease brucellosis. The report warned that the facility could become vulnerable during wartime, whether through damage, capture, compromise, or use as a target in Russian information campaigns.

Another ODNI briefing slide describes what it calls a “web of connections” linking Ukrainian laboratories to U.S. government agencies, universities, private contractors, and research institutions. According to the document, American funding supported studies involving avian influenza and other highly contagious viruses in high-security laboratory environments.

Gabbard argued that the newly released materials show the public was not fully informed about the scope of U.S.-backed biological research activities overseas. Critics, however, continue to maintain that the laboratories were part of longstanding public-health and threat-reduction initiatives intended to secure dangerous pathogens and reduce biological risks, rather than serve as components of a biological weapons program.

The declassification is expected to renew arguments over government transparency, gain-of-function research, and the broader extent of U.S.-funded biological research efforts around the world.

{Matzav.com}

Transcripts released Sunday night provide a glimpse into conversations allegedly held between two suspects connected to the case involving demonstrations outside the home of Supreme Court Deputy President Justice Noam Sohlberg. The discussions reportedly centered on evidence gathered by investigators, the possibility of arrest, and concerns about the ongoing investigation.

The transcripts, first reported by i24NEWS, suggest that the two suspects spent considerable time discussing the evidence authorities claimed to possess and the options available to them during questioning.

According to the report, much of the conversation focused on photographs and video footage that investigators allegedly presented during interrogations. The suspects reportedly attempted to assess the strength of the evidence and whether it would be possible to deny involvement in the incident.

In one exchange, one of the suspects said his attorney had advised him to admit involvement only if the footage clearly and definitively identified him. The second suspect reportedly disagreed, insisting that no admission should be made even if investigators presented photographs from the scene.

The discussion later turned to the possibility of an extended detention, media coverage of the case, and concerns about the legal proceedings that could follow. Near the end of the conversation, one of the suspects was heard reciting from Shir LaMaalos, while the other sought to be mechazeik him, saying that ultimately everything is determined by Hashem.

Earlier Sunday, prosecutors filed indictments against four individuals accused of involvement in the demonstration outside Justice Sohlberg’s residence earlier this month.

According to the indictment, Nachman Plotnik, 20, Avraham Fried, 20, Gershon Hanun, 21, and Shimon Attaf, 41, all residents of Beit Shemesh, were charged with participating in a riot. Two of the defendants were additionally charged with trespassing.

The court ordered that the four defendants remain in custody until further notice, while other suspects connected to the case were released to house arrest pending further proceedings.

{Matzav.com}

All are asked to daven for the Horedenka Rebbe of Manchester, England, who is in very serious condition and in need of abundant Heavenly mercy.

Sources said that the Rebbe has been hospitalized for an extended period at a hospital in Zurich, Switzerland. Over the past month, he underwent surgery on his leg and his condition had shown signs of improvement. However, his condition deteriorated significantly over the last 24 hours after he developed a severe infection. He is currently said to be in critical condition.

The Rebbe is widely known throughout the chassidic world and is regarded as one of its foremost supporters of Torah institutions and chassidic causes. His brother is Rav Chanoch Dov Weiss, the renowned dayan of Antwerp.

Calls for tefillah have been issued by the Badatz of the Eidah Hachareidis as well as by the Chassidus of Sanz.

The Rebbe’s name for tefillah is Rav Yitzchak Aryeh ben Chana.

{Matzav.com}

United Torah Judaism MK Meir Porush has launched a sharp attack on the government following a State Comptroller report that uncovered significant failures in Israel’s handling of security detainees, accusing authorities of misplaced priorities and demanding immediate corrective action.

In a strongly worded letter sent to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Ministers Yisrael Katz, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Yariv Levin, Porush condemned what he described as a “systemic failure and hypocrisy that cries out to the heavens.”

The comptroller’s report found that thousands of terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre were released back into Gaza because of overcrowding and a shortage of detention facilities. According to the report, some of those releases occurred without direct approval from elected officials. The findings also indicated that law enforcement authorities delayed filing indictments against terror suspects for extended periods.

Citing those revelations, Porush questioned the government’s allocation of resources and priorities.

“How is it possible that a state that declares ‘it has no room in its prisons’ for Palestinian terrorists, and releases a Gaza hospital director who hid hostages, suddenly finds budgets, personnel and detention facilities to arrest yeshiva students?”

Porush urged senior government officials to intervene and redirect resources toward combating terrorism rather than pursuing what he characterized as aggressive enforcement against bnei yeshiva.

“It is unacceptable to allow a situation in which the safety of Israeli citizens is abandoned because of detention failures, while those same systems behave with bullying and callousness toward Torah scholars. Direct resources to the places where they are truly needed – their detention, trial and the severe punishment of the terrorists who seek our lives.”

{Matzav.com}

With millions of soccer fans expected to pour into the New York metropolitan area for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officials are warning travelers to beware of a growing threat at the region’s airports: scammers posing as legitimate taxi and ride-share drivers.

Concerned that visitors and residents alike could become targets of illegal transportation operators, the Port Authority has unveiled a sweeping $100 million enforcement initiative known as Operation Legal Ride. The program is designed to combat unauthorized drivers soliciting passengers at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport.

Officials say the effort is aimed at eliminating a long-standing problem in which travelers arriving at airports are approached by individuals offering unlicensed rides, often at inflated prices and under questionable safety conditions.

“Hustlers target vulnerable travelers, first-time visitors and non-English speakers, by taking advantage of unfamiliar surroundings for those who are new to our region or country,” Kathryn Garcia, Port Authority Executive Director, said in a statement this week.

“This multi-jurisdictional problem requires a multi-pronged solution, and that’s exactly what we’re proud to deliver today, working with our partners across the city and the state to bolster our efforts and end this dangerous practice.”

According to the Port Authority, these illegal operators pose a significant public safety risk because they may be driving uninsured or underinsured vehicles and often lack the licenses required of legitimate taxi, limousine, and ride-share drivers. Agency officials say many offenders are repeat violators who repeatedly return to airport terminals despite prior enforcement actions.

JFK Airport has become a particular focus of the campaign due to its large volume of international passengers, many of whom may be unfamiliar with local transportation systems.

The crackdown comes as New York and New Jersey prepare to host massive crowds for the World Cup. MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host eight matches, including a Brazil-Morocco contest on June 13 and the tournament final in mid-July.

As part of Operation Legal Ride, the Port Authority will significantly increase the presence of its officers and New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission enforcement personnel at all three major airports.

The initiative also introduces tougher penalties for offenders, including additional license points, eventual suspension of driving privileges for repeat violators, and possible arrest by the Port Authority Police Department if drivers continue operating vehicles on airport property after their licenses have been suspended.

Officials said individuals whose vehicles are seized in connection with illegal solicitation schemes will face substantially higher fees to recover them, helping offset the costs associated with enforcement efforts.

The program is also intended to protect licensed drivers who follow the rules by providing additional prosecutorial resources, accelerating enforcement actions, and reducing delays in collecting fines from violators.

Authorities are further deploying new technology designed to identify repeat offenders in real time, allowing investigators to target habitual violators more effectively. The campaign will also include a multilingual public-awareness effort featuring in-flight announcements, airport signage, and social media messaging warning travelers about illegal transportation scams.

“Our airports are New York’s gateway to the world, and no visitor to our state should have to worry about being taken advantage of by predatory taxi hustlers,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “Your trip to the city should not include being taken for a financial ride by scammers.”

“That’s why the Port Authority, DMV, and partners across government are cracking down on hustling, making our airports safer and putting these criminals out of business.”

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill voiced support for the initiative, stressing that visitors should not become victims the moment they arrive in the region.

“Visitors to our region deserve a warm welcome, not a shakedown.”

“I commend the Port Authority for partnering with city and state partners to tackle this problem and protect travelers and hardworking drivers who follow the rules.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump announced today that the United States and Iran have finalized a peace agreement ending more than three months of hostilities between the two countries, marking what he described as a major diplomatic breakthrough.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared that negotiations had concluded successfully and that the agreement was now in effect.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The president also announced immediate steps aimed at restoring maritime traffic and global energy flows through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

“Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”

Trump’s announcement came just minutes after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that Washington and Tehran had reached an understanding that would pave the way for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching formal discussions regarding the future of Iran’s nuclear program.

According to Sharif, representatives of both countries are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding during a ceremony scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday.

“Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED,” Sharif wrote on X. “Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts.”

The agreement appears to bring an end to a conflict that had persisted for approximately three and a half months and raised fears of a broader regional war. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to ease concerns over global energy supplies and international shipping routes, while upcoming negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program could shape the next phase of relations between Washington and Tehran.

Further details of the agreement have not yet been released.

{Matzav.com}

What began as a citywide celebration of the Knicks’ NBA championship quickly descended into disorder overnight, as violent crowds rampaged through parts of Manhattan, damaging police vehicles, setting buses ablaze in Times Square, and leaving dozens under arrest.

Authorities said 63 people were taken into custody during the unrest, while at least 10 NYPD officers suffered injuries. Police also reported that 15 suspects have already been charged with various crimes connected to the disturbances.

The violence extended beyond property damage. A 17-year-old boy was shot in the foot, and four separate stabbing incidents were reported amid the chaos, according to police officials.

“The vast majority of New Yorkers celebrated appropriately. There were some who did not,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Sunday.

“We said time and again, no matter how excited we are, there’s no tolerance for violence, whether towards police officers or anyone else.

“I appreciate the men and women of the NYPD for keeping our city safe,” he said.

Police said those arrested face a range of charges, including assaulting police officers, weapons possession, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of governmental administration. Among those charged was a 28-year-old man from Arlington, Texas, who is accused of attacking a police officer.

Dramatic footage from Times Square showed crowds swarming yellow school buses designated to transport soccer fans to FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Protesters and revelers were seen vandalizing multiple vehicles, while one bus was completely engulfed in flames.

Officials said rioters also damaged NYPD vehicles with baseball bats, launched fireworks into packed crowds, blocked roadways, and engaged in numerous street fights throughout the night.

The teenager who suffered a gunshot wound to his left foot near West 42nd Street and Broadway told officers he was riding a Citi Bike when he was struck, law-enforcement sources said. Investigators indicated that he has not been cooperating with the investigation.

He was transported to Bellevue Hospital and was reported to be in stable condition. Police detained three individuals in connection with the shooting and recovered a firearm at the scene, sources said.

“I’m scared for my homies,” a fan screamed in the chaos.

Another video captured a woman expressing frustration over the destruction of the school buses.

“You know, our taxpayer dollars go to public schools, right?” she said.

Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the violence while noting that most fans celebrated peacefully.

“You know, it’s a shame.

“The vast, vast, vast majority of people who came out to celebrate did so peacefully.

“There’s always some people who mar it for others,” she said. “I thank the NYPD for their quick response and having to do what they do. But it was a great celebration, and unfortunately, there will always be a few who will try to ruin it for others.”

{Matzav.com}

Russian President Vladimir Putin used a phone call to President Donald Trump on Saturday to offer birthday wishes on his 80th birthday while also discussing a range of major geopolitical issues, including the war in Ukraine, negotiations with Iran, and the trajectory of relations between Moscow and Washington.

According to Kremlin adviser Yury Ushakov, the conversation lasted approximately 55 minutes and took place in a cordial and open atmosphere.

“Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin congratulated the U.S. president by phone today on his 80th birthday. The conversation was friendly and candid and lasted about an hour,” Ushakov told reporters following the call.

Ushakov said Trump was especially appreciative of the call because Putin was the first foreign head of state to personally reach out and congratulate him on his birthday.

“Donald Trump was touched by Putin’s words and thanked him, noting that Vladimir Putin was the first among all foreign leaders to call him at the White House,” Ushakov said.

The Kremlin aide added that Putin complimented Trump’s perseverance and resolve, expressing admiration for the American president’s ability to withstand political challenges and pressure.

Beyond the birthday greetings, the two leaders reportedly reviewed the current state of U.S.-Russia relations and discussed the possibility of future contacts between officials from both governments.

Iran was also a major topic of discussion. According to Ushakov, Trump told Putin that talks between Washington and Tehran appear to be approaching a breakthrough.

“Donald Trump said that an agreement is close, and he expects that the results of difficult but ultimately successful negotiations may soon be made public,” Ushakov said.

Putin reportedly welcomed indications that tensions involving Iran could be easing. The conversation took place as the Middle East continues to grapple with escalating tensions involving Iran and Israel.

Analysts note that ongoing instability in the region could ultimately benefit Russia economically.

Higher oil prices driven by Middle East unrest are expected to boost Russia’s energy income.

Experts also suggest that any diplomatic developments involving Iran that alter sanctions policies or reshape energy markets could create new opportunities for Moscow by improving conditions for Russian oil exports and expanding its flexibility in global energy trade.

The war in Ukraine remained one of the central subjects of the call. According to Ushakov, Trump reiterated his desire to end the conflict and indicated a willingness to apply pressure on all parties involved in pursuit of a ceasefire.

“Regarding the Ukrainian conflict, Donald Trump once again stressed the need to cease military operations,” Ushakov said. “He stated that he is prepared to exert influence on both European partners and Kyiv.”

Trump has consistently advocated for a ceasefire and a negotiated resolution to the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously expressed support for an unconditional ceasefire proposal backed by the United States.

However, efforts to secure such an agreement have stalled, with Russia continuing its military campaign and large-scale attacks across Ukraine.

According to Ushakov, Trump argued that a rapid end to the war could fundamentally reshape relations between the United States and Russia.

“Trump said that if the war is ended as soon as possible, this would open prospects for building a truly new quality of American-Russian relations,” Ushakov said.

The Kremlin also announced that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are expected to visit Russia in the near future for additional talks, a sign that diplomatic engagement between the two countries remains active.

{Matzav.com}

Dozens of members of Peleg Yerushalmi gathered Sunday outside the home of Supreme Court President Yitzchok Amit in Mevaseret Zion, protesting what they said was an attempted arrest of a draft evader in the area.

According to reports, the demonstration was organized in response to efforts by authorities to apprehend a yeshiva student classified by the military as absent from service.

The protest comes amid a growing trend of demonstrations by members of Peleg Yerushalmi targeting senior judicial figures as tensions over the draft issue continue to escalate.

Two weeks ago, a violent protest by extremist chareidi demonstrators took place outside the home of Supreme Court Deputy President Justice Noam Sohlberg in Alon Shvut. Protesters allegedly caused significant damage to vehicles and other property during the demonstration.

Following that incident, police detained approximately 70 suspects. Earlier today, the State Attorney’s Office filed indictments against Nachman Plotnik, Avraham Fried, Gershon Hanun, and Shimon Attaf, all residents of Beit Shemesh, for their alleged roles in the unrest near Sohlberg’s home. All four were charged with participating in a riot, while two also face trespassing charges.

In light of the disturbances at Sohlberg’s residence, Yerushalayim District police deployed large forces near Amit’s home during recent demonstrations in Mevaseret Zion. Authorities said the increased security presence was intended to prevent a repeat of the chaos that occurred in Alon Shvut.

Police established roadblocks on nearby streets and restricted access to the area surrounding the judge’s home in an effort to maintain order and prevent demonstrators from reaching the residence itself.

As Israel braces for a potential Iranian response and diplomatic efforts continue toward a broader regional agreement, senior Israeli ministers are increasingly voicing frustration with President Donald Trump, accusing him of sending a dangerous message in the wake of recent attacks against Israel.

The Security Cabinet convened Sunday evening at a secret location amid heightened tensions, but alongside preparations for possible developments with Iran, criticism of Washington’s approach has been growing in Israel.

According to reports, several cabinet ministers sharply criticized Trump’s reaction to the recent attacks from Lebanon, arguing that his comments effectively legitimize attacks on Israel.

“The message being conveyed normalizes attacks on a sovereign nation,” ministers reportedly said.

According to a report by i24NEWS, members of the government believe efforts to separate the Iranian front from the Lebanese front have failed and that policymakers must now recognize the direct connection between the two arenas.

The report also said that ministers participating in cabinet discussions called for a tougher Israeli response policy, arguing that “the era of restraint is over” and that every attack against Israel must be met with a forceful response.

The criticism comes after Trump publicly rebuked Israel following its strike in Beirut’s Dahieh district.

In a Truth Social post, the president wrote, “The attack should not have happened, especially on such a special day when we are so close to a peace deal with Iran.”

Trump further stated that “Israel has the right to defend itself against threats, but the attack it was responding to was very small and meaningless. No one was hurt or killed, and it should not disrupt this important process.”

The president also expressed optimism about a broader regional agreement, saying, “We are very close to a deal that will bring peace to the region, including Lebanon, and all sides should show restraint. There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other side, including Hezbollah, against Israel. This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace — let’s not ruin it!”

Later, in an interview with Fox News, Trump predicted that “I expect the deal to be signed within two or three hours or tonight,” before revealing details of a conversation he had with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

“I spoke with Netanyahu on the phone and asked him, ‘What the …. are you doing?!’” Trump said.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli officials believe President Donald Trump may be prepared to grant additional concessions to Iran in an effort to prevent Tehran from retaliating for Israel’s strike on a Hezbollah target in Beirut’s Dahieh district, according to a report Sunday by Channel 12.

While the exact nature of any potential concession remains unclear, the report said intensive diplomatic discussions are taking place behind closed doors as the administration seeks to preserve momentum toward a broader agreement with Iran.

According to the report, American officials have also conveyed a clear message to Israel: Israel should avoid taking any steps that could endanger the emerging deal. The understanding reportedly extends even to a scenario in which Iran carries out an attack, with expectations that Israel would refrain from actions that could derail negotiations.

Iranian officials, meanwhile, claimed that the Trump administration offered financial incentives in exchange for restraint. Tehran said it rejected the proposal, declaring, “We will not betray our allies (Hezbollah). The response is close.”

Tensions escalated after Israel carried out a strike in Beirut following the explosion of several Hezbollah drones inside Israeli territory. The operation occurred on the same day Trump had reportedly hoped to finalize a memorandum of understanding with the Iranian regime.

Reacting angrily on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “This morning’s attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a Peace Deal with Iran.”

The president argued that Israel’s response was disproportionate to the threat it faced, saying that “Israel has the right to defend itself against threats, but the attack it was responding to was very small and meaningless, nobody was hurt, injured, or killed, and should not disrupt this important process.”

Trump also suggested that the proposed agreement would bring stability beyond Iran itself, stating, “We are very close to a deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down.”

Calling for restraint from both sides, he added: “There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other party, including Hezbollah, against Israel. This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace – Let’s not blow it!”

In an interview with Fox News, Trump revealed details of a conversation with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu after the strike, saying he asked him, “What the ‎‎‎ are you doing?” and instructed him not to launch additional attacks.

The president’s frustration was even more apparent in comments he made to Axios reporter Barak Ravid. Speaking candidly about the Israeli operation, Trump said: “Why did Bibi have to do a ….‎‎‎ attack? I was so pissed off. I let him know. He has no ….judgement. I let him know that.”

According to Channel 12, one of Netanyahu’s closest confidants said Trump’s public criticism was met with shock in Israel. A senior Israeli official described the administration’s position as a dramatic shift in U.S.-Israel relations.

“Trump’s announcement is a resounding slap in the face. The restrictions have reached a new level—the expectation that we not strike inside Lebanese territory is inconsistent with the notion of a strategic ally,” the official said.

{Matzav.com}15

A new independent investigation into tefillin sold by Judaica and STaM retailers in Brooklyn, NY has uncovered troubling findings that raise serious questions about quality-control practices within portions of the industry.

The private investigation, conducted by Rabbi Moshe Yisroel Dovid Wolf, involved the purchase of the least expensive pairs of tefillin sold by nine different Brooklyn-area retailers. The tefillin were purchased anonymously, documented on video, and submitted for a blind examination by an experienced sofer who was not told which store supplied any particular pair.

According to the investigation, more than 60% of the tefillin examined were determined to be either pasul (halachically invalid) or b’dieved (a level that may fulfill the mitzvah after the fact , are not allowed to be worn again after the findings are revealed,  and definitely should not be sold to consumers in its present condition).

The findings were subsequently reviewed by posek Rav Avraham Tzvi Wosner of Monsey, New York, who issued the final halachic ruling on each pair. Rabbi Wosner heads the rabbinic oversight of Vaad Mishmeres STaM (VMS), widely regarded as the world’s leading organization dedicated to ensuring the halachic integrity of Sifrei Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzos.

After reviewing the findings, Rabbi Wosner expressed deep pain over what had been discovered. Rabbi Wosner remarked in Yiddish: “עס טוט אזוי וויי אז זיי פארקויפן די תפילין” (“It hurts so much that they are selling these tefillin.”)

Rabbi Wolf stated that Rabbi Wosner’s reaction reflected concern not only for the specific deficiencies found in individual pairs, but also for the broader responsibility of those who sell STaM products to ensure that every pair of tefillin reaching a customer has been properly checked and verified.

“This investigation was never about attacking any particular store,” said Rabbi Wolf. “It is about protecting consumers and raising awareness. Most people assume that if tefillin are being sold in a reputable Judaica store, they have already been thoroughly checked and verified. Unfortunately, the evidence suggests that assumption is not always justified.”

“Tefillin are handwritten by human beings, and mistakes can occur at every price point,” Rabbi Wolf explained. “The issue is not whether mistakes can happen. The issue is whether those mistakes are being identified and corrected before the product is sold to the public.”

The investigation also revisits longstanding ruling regarding STaM in 1987 issued by the Crown Heights Beis Din, which stated that local sellers of STaM must verify the kashrus of the products they sell and may not rely solely on quick wholesale inspections performed in Israel prior to being sold.

The complete investigation documents the purchase of the tefillin, the opening of the batim, the examination of the parshiyos, the findings of the sofer, and the final rulings issued by Rabbi Wosner.

Rabbi Wolf hopes the project will increase consumer awareness and encourage higher standards throughout the STaM industry.

“The goal is simple,” Rabbi Wolf said. “We should all be able to take for granted that the Tefillin that are being sold in religious stores are Kosher. Our sages tell us that the Mitzvah of Tefillin brings blessings to the individual that puts them on, adds in the protection to the entire Jewish community and hastens the Geulah. When a Jew spends hard-earned money to buy tefillin, he deserves confidence that what he is receiving has been properly checked, meets the standards that were promised, and that he will fulfill the Mitzvah while putting them on.”

{Matzav.com}

A major controversy erupted in Tzfas following a large Shabbos retreat attended by hundreds of families affiliated with Satmar and the Eidah Hachareidis, with local residents complaining about noise, sanitation issues, traffic disruptions, and the use of what they claim were unapproved facilities.

Hundreds of families traveled to the city for the weekend and stayed in public buildings that typically function as educational institutions. The facilities were reportedly rented specifically for the gathering, which was also attended by the eldest son of the Satmar Rebbe.

The uproar intensified after details emerged about the accommodations used during the event. Residents alleged that the visitors were housed in a building that had not received the necessary occupancy approvals, sparking outrage among neighbors in the city’s southern section.

According to local complaints, the large-scale gathering created significant disturbances throughout the weekend. Since the school buildings were not equipped to accommodate such an event over Shabbos, industrial generators were brought in to provide electricity, resulting in substantial noise complaints. After Shabbos, residents said large quantities of garbage were left behind, with piles of refuse reportedly overflowing into nearby streets.

Local activist Natalie Fitoussi discussed the matter during an appearance on Liat Ron’s radio program and claimed the facilities were not suitable for hosting guests.

“Hundreds of families were hosted inside educational facilities belonging to a chareidi girls’ seminary. The site operated using generators, which means it does not have a Form 4 occupancy permit. One of the workers died there in the past after a fall. You can see from the photos that the place is not up to code.”

Fitoussi also criticized what she described as the private use of public property and questioned how the funds generated by the event were handled.

“Beyond the fact that the place is not up to code and someone is using public buildings in Tzfas as though they were his private business, I am very interested in knowing where the money went. Residents pay municipal taxes and property taxes here, and it isn’t cheap. This certainly wasn’t free. There was catering, waiters, and non-Jews working there on Shabbos. The garbage dumpster overflowed completely. Our criticism is not against chareidim. We simply feel that decisions were imposed on us in a forceful manner without consulting the local community.”

Residents also claimed the event caused severe traffic congestion. According to those complaints, large numbers of pedestrians walked along the main roadway leading to Ziv Medical Center, making travel difficult and disrupting normal traffic patterns.

Nurit, a Tzfas resident of 40 years, described one encounter she experienced during the weekend.

“I was driving home alone from my daughter’s house when people suddenly started shouting ‘Shabbos’ and banging on my car. I have never experienced anything like that. Tzfas residents know how to show respect, but these were people who came from outside the city.”

Fitoussi further alleged that confrontations occurred and that police were forced to intervene.

“There was violence, and the police closed the road so vehicles would not pass through the area. When they realized the police were coming, they acted as if it were a national emergency drill and disconnected all of the generator cables. They came to Tzfas to create terror. They don’t care about anyone else, just like the government.”

The Tzfas municipality did not dispute the seriousness of the complaints and said the incident would be thoroughly reviewed.

“This is a serious incident that requires a comprehensive investigation, lessons to be learned, and a briefing of all relevant parties to ensure that such a situation does not happen again,” the city said in a statement.

During Keren Olam HaTorah’s emergency fundraising campaign in Lakewood, Rav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber shared a painful and startling personal account from the medical treatments he has been undergoing in Eretz Yisroel, describing what he said was discrimination directed at him because he is a chareidi rosh yeshiva.

Rav Schreiber, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Nesiv Hadaas — for whom the public has been asked to daven, Rav Yisroel Bunim ben Chaya Roiza l’refuah sheleimah — traveled to the United States as part of Keren Olam HaTorah’s fundraising mission. On Motzoei Shabbos, he participated in an asifa at the Lakewood Yeshiva alongside Rav Chaim Mordechai Ausband, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo.

Seeking to illustrate what the chareidi community in Eretz Yisroel is experiencing, Rav Schreiber spoke about the difficult medical treatments he is currently undergoing as a result of his illness.

In remarks delivered in Yiddish, the rosh yeshiva recounted what he described as a shocking example of the hostility faced by lomdei Torah in Israel. He explained that while he regularly receives ongoing treatment, there are occasions when he must visit doctors who are not part of his usual medical team.

According to Rav Schreiber, one physician entered the room, noticed his chareidi appearance, and learned that he was a rosh yeshiva. The doctor then left, assuring him that he would return in a few minutes.

Instead, approximately ten minutes later, another medical professional entered the room and explained the reason for the change. “The doctor finds it difficult to treat a rabbi, so I came to replace him,” the caregiver told him.

Rav Schreiber said the physician effectively refused to provide treatment himself solely because he was chareidi, sending another practitioner in his place. He told the audience that the incident reflects what he believes is a painful and deeply troubling reality currently facing the chareidi community in Eretz Yisroel.

President Donald Trump sharply criticized Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday, blaming Israel’s strike in Beirut’s Dahieh district for delaying what he said was an imminent agreement with Iran and accusing the Israeli leader of exercising poor judgment.

Speaking during a live interview on Fox News and in comments later confirmed to journalist Barak Ravid, Trump expressed anger over the operation, claiming it disrupted delicate diplomatic efforts that were nearing completion.

According to Trump, a deal with Iran was on the verge of being finalized. “A deal will be signed within two or three hours. I told Netanyahu, ‘What the …. are you doing?’” he said, referring to Israel’s recent military action in Beirut.

The president said he had personally conveyed to Netanyahu that further strikes against Hezbollah should be avoided in order not to jeopardize ongoing negotiations. Trump added that he would likewise seek to prevent Iran from launching attacks against Israel.

Trump did not hold back in his criticism of the Israeli prime minister, declaring, “Bibi has no **** judgment. I told him I’m not happy,” in reference to Israel’s recent actions.

The criticism was echoed in additional remarks Trump made to Ravid, in which he reportedly confirmed the severity of the message he delivered to Jerusalem.

Repeating his frustration, Trump stated, “Bibi has no **** judgment — I delivered that message to him — that I am very unhappy about the strike in Beirut,” arguing that the operation had created an unnecessary crisis. He also questioned the decision to launch the strike given what he characterized as the limited impact of Hezbollah’s earlier attack.

“Why did Bibi do this attack?” Trump asked during the interview. “Hezbollah fired and hit in the middle of nowhere. Nobody was hurt. Then he had to do this **** attack, and in Beirut. It made me very angry.”

The president also described learning about the strike shortly before what he said was supposed to be the official signing of an agreement with Tehran.

“They called me and said, ‘Sir, Israel is attacking in Beirut’ — one hour before we were supposed to sign the deal. I couldn’t believe it was happening. It’s very bad,” Trump said.

Iran, however, has continued to insist that no agreement is expected to be signed today.

Despite his criticism of Israel’s actions, Trump maintained that the emerging agreement would ultimately benefit Israel by preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He said the deal would allow inspections of suspicious Iranian sites with 24 hours’ notice and would eliminate Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium.

Trump concluded by saying that diplomatic efforts remain underway despite the setback and expressed confidence that an agreement could still be reached later in the day.

“We were supposed to sign the deal this morning, and the Israeli strike in Beirut delayed it,” Trump said. “I think the signing will still happen today in a few hours. But the Israeli strike shook things up.”

Growing concerns in Israel over potential efforts by the Trump administration to limit the IDF’s operational freedom in Lebanon may have played a role in Sunday’s strike in Beirut, according to a report from Israel.

The report, by political correspondent Anna Barsky, suggests that the Israeli strike in Beirut’s Dahieh district was intended in part to send a clear message that Israel will continue to act militarily in Lebanon when necessary and will not accept new restrictions on its operations, even as diplomatic efforts with Iran continue.

According to the report, Israeli officials are determined to preserve complete freedom of action on the northern front and are seeking to make that position unmistakably clear amid ongoing discussions involving Washington and Tehran.

The Beirut operation reportedly comes against the backdrop of growing tensions between Jerusalem and Washington. During one of their recent conversations, President Donald Trump allegedly urged Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to agree to an Israeli withdrawal from five strategic positions in southern Lebanon as well as from the Syrian Hermon region.

The proposal, which security officials reportedly view as a worst-case scenario, was said to be part of a broader American effort to secure understandings with the Iranian regime as part of a potential agreement.

According to the report, Netanyahu firmly rejected the proposal and made clear during the conversation that Israel would not agree to such a withdrawal.

Meanwhile, criticism of Israel’s actions has been increasing on social media in the United States, particularly among some members of the MAGA movement, who have argued that the Beirut strike was intended to complicate or derail a possible agreement with Iran. According to the report, that assessment may not be entirely unfounded.

At the same time, the United States has reportedly been exerting significant pressure on Iran in an effort to prevent a military response against Israel. Washington’s diplomatic push is aimed at preventing a broader regional escalation while negotiations continue.

The report adds that similar pressure could be directed at Israel should Iran launch missiles in the coming hours and Israel prepare a response.

For its part, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the ongoing developments and emphasized that authority over any agreement with the United States does not rest with him or his government.

Explaining Iran’s decision-making structure, Pezeshkian stated that “the decision regarding war or negotiations is in the hands of the Supreme Leader and the National Security Council, and everyone must obey.”

His comments underscore that Iran’s ultimate military and diplomatic decisions remain subject to the approval of the country’s highest leadership.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump expressed frustration Sunday over Israel’s retaliatory strike against a Hezbollah command center in Beirut, signaling that he believes further Israeli military action could jeopardize ongoing efforts to reach an agreement with Iran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized the operation, writing, “This morning’s attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a Peace Deal with Iran.”

While emphasizing Israel’s right to protect itself, Trump argued that the incident prompting the response did not warrant a major military escalation. “Israel has the right to defend itself against threats, but the attack it was responding to was very small and meaningless, nobody was hurt, injured, or killed, and should not disrupt this important process,” he said.

The president maintained that diplomatic progress is within reach and suggested that restraint from all sides could pave the way for broader regional stability. “we are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down,” Trump stated.

Calling for an immediate halt to hostilities, Trump urged both Israel and Hezbollah to refrain from further attacks. “There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other party, including Hezbollah, against Israel. This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace – Let’s not blow it!” he urged.

The Israeli strike targeted a Hezbollah command center in Beirut’s Dahieh district after three unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Lebanon entered Israeli airspace earlier in the day. Two of the drones detonated near Shlomi in the western Galilee, while a third exploded later inside a military zone in Israel.

{Matzav.com}

A dramatic shift has emerged in the prediction markets, with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot overtaking Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu as the leading contender to become Israel’s next prime minister following the country’s next election.

According to the latest figures from the Polymarket forecasting platform, Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, is now viewed as the most likely candidate to form the next government.

The market currently assigns Eisenkot a roughly 36.4% chance of becoming prime minister, compared with 32% for Netanyahu. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett ranks third at approximately 24%, while Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman trails far behind at about 3.6%.

When viewed collectively, the market suggests that traders see a greater likelihood of a post-Netanyahu government than a continuation of the current leadership. Roughly 68% of market activity reflects scenarios in which Netanyahu does not remain prime minister after the next election.

That does not necessarily mean those traders are betting specifically on Eisenkot. Some participants believe Bennett, Liberman, or another candidate could ultimately succeed in assembling a governing coalition.

Eisenkot’s rise has been particularly striking. For an extended period, he lagged significantly behind both Netanyahu and Bennett in the market’s rankings. In recent weeks, however, his standing has surged, allowing him to pass both rivals and move into first place.

Analysts caution that Polymarket is not a public opinion survey. Rather, it is a prediction market where participants buy and sell contracts based on what they believe will happen in the future.

As a result, the percentages fluctuate constantly in response to political developments, campaign news, public statements, and trading activity.

The question being evaluated is also different from traditional polling. Prediction markets are focused on who will ultimately become prime minister, not which party will win the most Knesset seats.

A candidate whose party finishes second—or even third—could still emerge victorious if he succeeds in assembling a coalition capable of securing a parliamentary majority.

For that reason, the numbers are generally viewed as a reflection of traders’ assessments regarding coalition-building prospects rather than direct measures of voter support.

Despite Eisenkot’s newfound lead, the race remains highly competitive. The gap separating him from Netanyahu is relatively narrow and could change quickly as political conditions evolve.

For now, however, the message emerging from the market is clear: a growing number of traders believe the post-election political landscape may usher in a new era, even though no single challenger has yet established himself as the overwhelming favorite to replace Netanyahu.

{Matzav.com}