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A new AP-NORC survey finds that most Americans believe recent U.S. military operations against Iran have exceeded appropriate limits, while a growing number are anxious about the cost of gasoline as the conflict continues.

Now entering its fourth week, the war involving the United States and Israel is beginning to pose political challenges for President Trump, even as his overall approval ratings remain largely unchanged, according to data from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Although the administration has increased its military presence in the Middle East, including additional ships and personnel, roughly 59% of Americans say the U.S. response in Iran has been excessive.

At the same time, economic concerns are rising. About 45% of respondents say they are “extremely” or “very” worried about affording gas in the coming months, a notable increase from 30% in a similar poll conducted shortly after Trump’s reelection, when he had pledged to lower living costs.

There is broad agreement on at least one major policy goal: preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Approximately two-thirds of Americans say this objective should be considered “extremely” or “very” important. However, a similar proportion also prioritizes keeping domestic oil and gas prices from climbing, creating a potential conflict in policy priorities for the administration.

About 40% of adults in the U.S. continue to approve of Trump’s job performance, a figure that has remained stable since last month. His approval ratings on foreign policy are slightly lower but have also shown little change.

Trump has not clearly outlined his next move regarding Iran. While issuing strong warnings, he has also suggested that diplomacy could still bring an end to the fighting. Many Americans, however, remain uneasy about his judgment when it comes to using military force overseas, and there is broad opposition to more aggressive steps such as deploying ground troops.

Concern about fuel prices cuts across party lines, with large majorities of both Republicans and Democrats saying it is important to prevent increases at the pump.

Around three-quarters of Republicans and roughly two-thirds of Democrats say keeping oil and gas prices stable should be a top priority. Still, the level of concern differs significantly between the parties. Only about 30% of Republicans say they are “extremely” or “very” worried about paying for gas in the near future, compared to about 60% of Democrats.

Republicans also place greater emphasis on stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions. While about two-thirds of Americans overall view that goal as highly important, roughly 80% of Republicans say it is at least “very” important, compared with about half of Democrats.

The war has also fueled debate over the role of Israel in U.S. foreign policy, particularly after Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu advocated for military action against Iran. Only about 40% of Americans say preventing Iran from threatening Israel should be a major priority.

Even fewer Americans support the idea of regime change in Iran. About 30% say it is at least “very” important for the U.S. to replace Iran’s government with one more aligned with American interests.

Public opinion on the military campaign itself shows a clear divide. About 90% of Democrats and 60% of independents believe the U.S. strikes in Iran have “gone too far.”

Republicans are more split. Roughly half say the level of military action has been “about right,” while relatively few support escalation. Only about 20% believe the U.S. has not gone far enough, while around one-quarter say it has already exceeded appropriate limits.

Previous AP-NORC polling has shown that about 60% of Americans feel Trump has “gone too far” on various issues, including tariffs and executive authority. That figure closely mirrors his overall approval rating, suggesting that while his approach to Iran is unpopular, it aligns with broader perceptions of his presidency.

Further escalation could shift those views. Around 60% of Americans say they “somewhat” or “strongly” oppose sending U.S. ground troops into Iran, including about 80% of Democrats and roughly half of Republicans. Opposition is also notable when it comes to airstrikes targeting Iranian leadership or military infrastructure, with just under half opposed, about 30% in favor, and another 30% undecided.

Trust in Trump’s decision-making on military matters remains limited. About half of U.S. adults say they have “only a little” trust or “none at all” in his ability to make the right choices regarding the use of force abroad, consistent with findings from a February poll.

Roughly 34% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of foreign policy, nearly unchanged from 36% earlier this year. That level of support has remained steady despite a series of controversial actions, including tensions over Greenland and a strike on Venezuela.

Similarly, the new poll shows that about 35% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the situation with Iran, closely matching his broader foreign policy ratings.

{Matzav.com}

OpenAI is discontinuing its Sora video platform less than a year after launching it, signaling a major change in direction as the company turns its attention toward productivity-focused tools and positions itself for a possible public offering.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI has decided to phase out Sora, a consumer-oriented product that debuted with significant hype but has since receded from public attention. The move reflects a broader shift away from consumer entertainment products and toward enterprise and software development solutions.

CEO Sam Altman informed employees of the decision on Tuesday, explaining that all products tied to the company’s video-generation models would be wound down. This includes not only the Sora app itself, but also its developer tools and video-related features within ChatGPT.

The decision is part of a wider restructuring effort aimed at directing OpenAI’s computing power and engineering resources toward tools designed to boost productivity for both businesses and individual users. The change comes as the company lays the groundwork for a potential initial public offering that could take place as soon as the fourth quarter.

Last week, OpenAI outlined plans to merge several of its key offerings—including the ChatGPT desktop app, its Codex coding tool, and its browser—into a single integrated platform described as a “superapp.” The company believes this unified system will help streamline its efforts and concentrate its workforce on a single strategic vision.

Sora was originally introduced in September as part of OpenAI’s push to expand its presence in the consumer market. The platform included a social feed similar to TikTok, allowing users to generate and share AI-created video content. Following the launch, Altman encouraged users to experiment creatively, including inserting themselves into well-known scenes from popular media.

Internally, however, some employees questioned the scale of resources devoted to Sora, particularly given the lack of clear demand from users. Despite those concerns, Altman urged the company to continue pursuing ambitious ideas, including plans for a future AI-powered hardware device.

The rollout of Sora also drew criticism early on. Initially, the platform lacked sufficient safeguards to prevent unauthorized use of copyrighted material, leading to a brief legal dispute over intellectual property. OpenAI later introduced measures that allow content owners to restrict the use of their likenesses and protected works.

In December, Disney announced a $1 billion investment in OpenAI, with plans to license more than 200 characters for use on the Sora platform. The agreement would have enabled users to create AI-generated videos featuring iconic figures, placing themselves alongside characters such as Luke Skywalker or within scenes from Toy Story.

That partnership will now not proceed. A Disney spokeswoman stated, “As the nascent AI field advances rapidly, we respect OpenAI’s decision to exit the video generation business and to shift its priorities elsewhere.”

{Matzav.com}

A jury on Wednesday ruled that Meta and YouTube are responsible for designing platforms that contributed to harmful and addictive behavior among young users, marking a significant decision that could influence future lawsuits against social media companies.

Jurors awarded $3 million in damages to the lead plaintiff, a woman identified in court documents as Kaley, or “KGM,” who claimed that early exposure to YouTube and Instagram led to compulsive use and played a role in her mental health struggles, including depression, body dysmorphia, and suicidal thoughts.

The verdict follows a trial that spanned several weeks and featured testimony from high-profile executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who were called to defend their platforms. The case drew comparisons to litigation against tobacco companies in the 1990s. The jury deliberated for more than a week in a Los Angeles courtroom and at one point informed the judge that they were having difficulty reaching agreement regarding one of the defendants.

Kaley filed the lawsuit in 2023 against Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, as well as Google-owned YouTube. TikTok and Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, were initially included in the complaint but reached settlements before the trial began in late January.

Now 20 years old, Kaley testified that she spent extensive time on social media and experienced an emotional “rush” from likes and notifications, which kept her constantly engaged with her phone.

“We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options,” a Meta spokesperson told CBS News, noting that jurors were not unanimous in issuing the decision.

Her attorney, Mark Lanier of Lanier Law Firm, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Throughout the proceedings, Lanier argued that both Meta and YouTube knew their platforms could harm younger users but chose to prioritize profits over user safety.

The case centered on two primary claims against the companies: negligence and a failure to adequately warn users about potential health risks associated with their platforms.

For years, social media companies have defended against similar claims by invoking Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which shields platforms from liability for content posted by users.

This lawsuit, however, focused not on user-generated content but on the design of the platforms themselves.

In a separate but related development on Tuesday, a New Mexico jury found that Meta violated state laws regarding child exploitation and ordered the company to pay $375 million in civil penalties. That verdict was reached after just one day of deliberations.

Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said in a post on X that the company plans to appeal that ruling, adding that “we will continue to defend ourselves vigorously, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online.”

The New Mexico case marks the first time a state has successfully held a major technology company liable for harm caused to young users.

During the Los Angeles trial, both Meta and YouTube denied that Kaley’s social media use was the cause of her mental health difficulties. Their legal teams argued that other factors—including family background, challenges at home and in school, and learning disabilities—were more significant contributors to her condition.

“Not one of her therapists identified social media as the cause,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement to CBS News earlier this month.

Several mental health professionals who treated Kaley testified during the proceedings. Among them was Victoria Burke, a former therapist who worked with her in 2019, who said that social media and Kaley’s identity “were closely related,” and that activity on the platforms could “make or break her mood.”

Attorneys for the companies also maintained that Kaley used social media as a way to cope with existing emotional struggles, rather than those platforms being the source of her problems.

{Matzav.com}

United Airlines announced plans to roll out a new cabin concept designed to give economy passengers more room and comfort on long-distance flights, introducing a premium seating option called “United Relax Row.”

The airline revealed that the new section will feature specially designed seats equipped with adjustable leg rests that can be raised or lowered, allowing travelers to create a flat, couch-like space to stretch out during flights.

“The entire row is alllllll yours,” United said Tuesday in a post on social platform X.

According to the airline, the new seating is “ideal for families traveling with small children, solo travelers and couples who want the value of United Economy but with a little extra comfort.”

Passengers who book the Relax Row will receive additional perks, including a fitted mattress pad, a soft blanket, and two extra pillows. Families traveling with children will also be provided with a plush toy and a dedicated travel kit.

United said the new seating option is expected to debut in 2027 and will eventually be installed on more than 200 of its Boeing 787 and 777 widebody aircraft by 2030.

The Relax Row section will be positioned between standard economy seating and United Premium Plus, with each eligible aircraft offering as many as 12 of these upgraded rows.

Airline officials said the initiative reflects growing demand among travelers for more comfortable flying options.

“Customers traveling in United Economy on long-haul flights deserve an option for more space and comfort, and this is one way we can deliver that for them,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “United is the only North American airline offering a product like the United Relax Row.”

{Matzav.com}

Iran announced Wednesday that it launched cruise missiles toward the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, escalating tensions just hours after its military leadership rejected any possibility of reaching an agreement with the United States to end the war.

The semiofficial Fars News Agency, closely aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that the strike “forc[ed] the American naval fleet to change position.”

US Central Command did not immediately respond to the claim. In previous instances, however, CENTCOM has used social media to dispute Iranian assertions that American naval assets, including the Lincoln, had been successfully targeted.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has been operating in the Arabian Sea as part of Operation Epic Fury, which is nearing the end of its fourth week on Friday.

Speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday, President Trump told reporters that Iran had “shot 100 missiles at one of our aircraft carriers, one of the biggest ships in the world, actually.

“Out of 101 missiles, every single one of them was knocked down.”

The reported missile launches came shortly after a senior Iranian military spokesman issued a forceful rejection of any negotiations with Washington, following the transmission of a 15-point US peace proposal through Pakistani intermediaries.

“Someone like us will never come to terms with someone like you. Not now, not ever,” Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari said in a video shared by Fars.

“The strategic power you used to talk about has turned into a strategic failure,” he added. “The one claiming to be a global superpower would have already gotten out of this mess if it could. Don’t dress up your defeat as an agreement. Your era of empty promises has come to an end.”

According to the Wall Street Journal, the American proposal includes sweeping requirements for Iran, such as dismantling its nuclear infrastructure, abandoning any pursuit of nuclear weapons, transferring enriched uranium to international oversight, limiting its missile capabilities strictly to defensive purposes, ensuring open passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and ending support for terrorist proxy groups.

Tehran has countered with its own demands, including the complete lifting of sanctions and the removal of US military forces from the Persian Gulf—conditions that a US official described as “ridiculous and unrealistic,” according to the Journal.

There has been no indication that diplomatic efforts have reduced the intensity of the fighting.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Israeli military reported carrying out “several waves of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in Tehran” and said additional details would be released later.

The day before, the Israel Defense Forces said it had struck military production facilities in Isfahan, including sites used for submarine construction and naval support operations.

In a separate update, Israel’s defense ministry stated that more than 15,000 strikes have been conducted against Iran since combat began on Feb. 28, a figure more than four times higher than the number of strikes carried out during the 12-day conflict with the Islamic Republic last June.

{Matzav.com}

Iran on Wednesday dismissed President Trump’s proposed 15-point framework to end the war, instead presenting its own far-reaching conditions that would significantly expand its regional control and influence.

Despite Trump’s assertion that Tehran had accepted key elements of his plan, including abandoning its pursuit of nuclear weapons, Iranian officials told mediators the proposal was unacceptable, according to reports from state media.

In response, Iranian lawmakers outlined an alternative set of terms under which the Islamic Republic would assume authority over the Strait of Hormuz and take responsibility for securing it, as well as safeguarding its network of allied forces abroad.

At the same time, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has tightened its grip over what remains of Iran’s governing structure, signaled no willingness to de-escalate. The group said the conflict would continue until the United States shuts down all of its military installations in the Gulf and compensates Iran for damages caused by American strikes.

Iran’s leadership is also demanding complete American withdrawal from the region and insists on exclusive control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes.

Under Tehran’s proposal, Iran would be permitted to levy transit fees on vessels moving through the strait, mirroring Egypt’s model with the Suez Canal. This potential revenue stream would be paired with a full lifting of international sanctions imposed on the regime.

In addition, Iran is calling for a permanent cessation of hostilities, including an end to Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed terrorist organization operating in Lebanon.

While Iran’s proposal did not directly address its nuclear program, it made clear that its missile capabilities are not open for negotiation and would remain intact without restriction.

The Iranian terms stand in stark contrast to Trump’s plan, which a U.S. official described as “ridiculous” and “unrealistic,” according to the WSJ.

Key elements of the American proposal, many of which were reported by Israel’s Channel 12, include a series of sweeping requirements placed on Tehran.

1. Iran must dismantle existing nuclear capabilities.

2. Iran must commit never to pursue nuclear weapons.

3. No uranium enrichment on Iranian territory.

4. Iran must hand its stockpile of enriched uranium to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

5. The Natanz, Isfahan and Fordo nuclear facilities must be dismantled.

6. The IAEA must be granted full access to Iran’s nuclear facilities.

7. Iran must abandon its “regional proxy paradigm.”

8. Iran must cease funding, directing and arming its proxies.

9. The Strait of Hormuz must remain open.

10. Iran’s missile program must be limited in both range and quantity.

11. Iran must limit its use of missiles to self-defense.

In return, Iran would receive the following:

12. The end of sanctions imposed by the international community.

13. US assistance to advance its civilian nuclear program.

14. A “snapback” mechanism allowing for the automatic reimposition of sanctions if Iran fails to comply would be removed.

Iranian officials have rejected these conditions outright, with a senior figure telling PressTV that the demands are “excessive” and disconnected from realities on the ground, particularly as the United States has yet to achieve its objectives nearly a month into the conflict.

“Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met,” the official said.

“The end of the war will occur when Iran decides it should end, not when Trump envisions its conclusion,” he added.

With Washington and Tehran still avoiding direct talks, regional mediators in the Middle East are continuing efforts to bridge the divide and reach a negotiated resolution to the conflict.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has directed the military to intensify its campaign against Iran’s weapons infrastructure, ordering that as much of the country’s arms industry as possible be destroyed within 48 hours, according to a report published Tuesday by The New York Times.

The directive came after Netanyahu reviewed a copy of the United States’ proposed 15-point framework aimed at ending the war, the report said.

Responding on Monday to President Trump’s comments about ongoing contacts with Iranian officials, Netanyahu made clear that Israel would continue acting to protect its own security interests regardless of any diplomatic developments involving Washington.

“Earlier today, I spoke with our friend, President Trump. He believes there is an opportunity to leverage the tremendous achievements of the IDF and the US military in order to achieve the objectives of the war through an agreement that will preserve our vital interests,” Netanyahu said.

He added, “At the same time, we continue to strike both in Iran and in Lebanon, dismantling the missile and nuclear program piece by piece, and continuing to deal severe blows to Hezbollah.”

“Just a few days ago, we eliminated two more nuclear scientists, and more actions are forthcoming. We will safeguard our vital interests under all circumstances,” the Prime Minister concluded.

Meanwhile, Reuters and The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Iran has rejected the American proposal and has reverted to its earlier demands—conditions Washington had already dismissed before the war began.

Iranian officials also publicly derided the diplomatic effort. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesman for the Revolutionary Guard’s emergency command, mocked the U.S. president’s approach, saying he is “negotiating with himself.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Knesset has taken a significant step toward regulating the massive Lag BaOmer gathering in Meron, as the National Security Committee approved legislation on Wednesday aimed at ensuring a safer and more orderly event in 2026.

The bill, which passed through the committee chaired by MK Zvika Fogel of Otzma Yehudit, will now move forward to its final readings. Drafted as a temporary measure, the legislation is intended to provide clear structure and oversight for the annual pilgrimage, which attracts hundreds of thousands of participants each year. It establishes tighter safety protocols and new limitations designed to maintain order and prevent dangerous overcrowding.

Communications Minister Dr. Shlomo Karhi, who has been tasked with overseeing this year’s event, expressed appreciation to MK Zvika Fogel and MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism for pushing the legislation forward. “This law will allow us to hold a safe and joyful event for the people of Israel,” Karhi said.

Fogel underscored that the primary goal of the measure is to impose organization and accountability on the large-scale gathering. “The purpose of this law is to bring order, establish clear boundaries, and ensure that the pilgrimage takes place safely. Our first and foremost responsibility is to protect human life.”

MK Meir Porush, who previously oversaw the event in his role as Minister of Yerushalayim Affairs and Jewish Tradition, also welcomed the progress of the bill and commended both Karhi and Fogel. “This is an important and central step in the preparations for the celebration,” he said, adding that he hopes the security situation will permit the pilgrimage to be held with both joy and safety.

The Lag BaOmer event in Meron is among the largest yearly gatherings in Israel. Following the 2021 disaster, in which 45 people lost their lives in a crowd crush, authorities have implemented increasingly strict safety measures and closer supervision in an effort to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.

{Matzav.com}

After nearly 20 years of legal battles, families of victims of Iranian-backed terrorism are set to receive compensation from a Manhattan office tower that had long generated income tied to the Iranian regime, despite outstanding court judgments, JTA reports.

On Monday, as fighting between Israel and Iran continues, a $318 million agreement was finalized, directing proceeds from the building’s sale to hundreds of victims. Those eligible for compensation include Jewish and Israeli families who lost relatives in attacks linked to Iran, both in Israel and abroad.

The dispute revolved around hidden Iranian ownership interests in 650 Fifth Avenue, a high-rise office building in Manhattan. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran assumed control of the Alavi Foundation, originally established under the shah, and entered into a partnership with Bank Melli Iran, a state-owned financial institution under U.S. sanctions.

Through a network of front companies, the bank allegedly funneled tens of millions of dollars in rental revenue back to Tehran while concealing its stake in the property, in violation of American sanctions laws.

Among those who will benefit from the settlement are families and estates connected to the 2001 bombing of the Sbarro restaurant in Jerusalem, which left 15 people dead and more than 100 wounded. That attack, carried out by Hamas with Iranian backing, was among the most devastating suicide bombings during the Second Intifada.

The compensation also extends to victims of other suicide bombings targeting Israeli civilians in the 1990s and early 2000s, as well as to the family of Rabbi Meir Kahane, who was murdered in 1990.

For years, victims of terrorism obtained default judgments against Iran in U.S. courts, but those rulings went unpaid. As a result, plaintiffs were forced to pursue Iranian-linked assets within the United States. The broader litigation involved claims totaling more than $5 billion, including those brought by families of victims killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks.

US Attorney Jay Clayton said the outcome reflects years of persistent effort to locate and secure those assets.

“For nearly two decades, we pursued hidden Iranian government assets tied to a Manhattan skyscraper to ensure those funds would ultimately compensate victims of Iran-sponsored terrorism rather than terrorists and their enablers,” Clayton said in a statement.

As part of the agreement, the Alavi Foundation will be dismantled, and its holdings — including the Fifth Avenue property — will be transferred to a newly created nonprofit organization known as the Amir Kabir Foundation. The new group will operate under oversight from U.S. authorities, with governing rules requiring it to remain independent of any government influence.

Hundreds of weddings were thrown into last-minute disarray after two major event halls in Bnei Brak were ordered closed, requiring couples to urgently find alternative venues.

Tel Aviv District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Chaim Sargrof, signed closure orders for the Dekel and Heichlei Malchus event halls after police alleged that the venues had employed and housed a total of nine illegal residents in violation of the law.

The action comes as part of a focused police campaign targeting offenses related to employing, transporting, and sheltering individuals residing in Israel illegally. Officers from the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan station in the Dan region of the Tel Aviv District have been carrying out intensified inspections at businesses and construction sites where such individuals are suspected to be present, with the stated goal of safeguarding public safety.

Approximately three days prior, police conducted a business licensing operation during which inspections were carried out at several event halls in Bnei Brak. At the Dekel Hall on Ezra Street, officers located two illegal residents from the Palestinian territories who did not have valid permits to remain in Israel. At Heichlei Malchus on Shlomo Hamelech Street, police found seven individuals in similar circumstances.

According to police, in both locations the individuals were not only employed unlawfully but were also being housed on-site. The suspects were taken into custody, and the employers were questioned under caution by investigators at the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan police station.

Following the investigation, licensing enforcement officers in the Dan region, together with local police, moved to shut down the halls. The Tel Aviv District commander issued administrative closure orders for a period of 30 days, effective from February 23, 2025, through March 24, 2025. The investigation into the employers is ongoing.

{Matzav.com}

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, is expected to return to Eretz Yisroel this week after undergoing a significant medical procedure in Germany and spending several days recuperating in Switzerland.

The Rebbe, who is currently resting in Davos, is scheduled to arrive in Israel ahead of Thursday. On Thursday night, he is expected to lead a tish at the main Vizhnitzer beis medrash in Bnei Brak in honor of the yahrtzeit of his grandfather, the Imrei Chaim of Vizhnitz.

Last week, the Rebbe successfully underwent a critical medical procedure at a hospital in Munich that lasted approximately three hours. Doctors expressed strong satisfaction with the initial results, and members of the Vizhnitzer community received the news with relief while continuing to daven for his full recovery.

Initially, plans called for the Rebbe to return to Israel before last Shabbos. However, following consultations with doctors, it was decided that he would remain in Munich for Shabbos, staying in a rented apartment, and delay his return.

Those plans later changed again, and the Rebbe traveled to Davos for Shabbos. Throughout this period, he has been accompanied by his grandson, Rabbi Lipa Hager, son of the Av Beis Din of Kiryat Vizhnitz, who has been overseeing his medical care. His son, Rav Yaakov Mordechai Hager, also succeeded in traveling from Israel to spend Shabbos with him in Switzerland.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Ted Cruz said the United States should press forward with its military campaign against Iran until the current leadership is removed, arguing that recent operations have already dealt a major blow to the regime.

Cruz made the remarks during an appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Jesse Watters Primetime,” where he was asked about the direction of negotiations in the coming days.

“Senator, these negotiations, what do you expect this week?” host Jesse Watters asked.

Responding, Cruz pointed to what he described as significant military achievements over the past three weeks. “Well, listen, the first three weeks of this military conflict have been incredibly successful. In three weeks, we have taken out all of Iran’s air defenses. We’ve taken out virtually every one of their short range and medium range ballistic missiles. We’ve taken out their missile production capacity. We’ve taken out their drone capacity. We’ve taken out their drone manufacturing. You look at what we’ve done to the Navy. We’ve had over 8,000 strikes in Iran and on the Navy, we have sunk more than 120 ships. This is the largest naval defeat, the most ships sunk since World War II. That’s in three weeks. And in addition to that, we have decapitated the regime, taking out not just the Ayatollah, but the senior military leaders, the mullahs, who have been tyrants in that country for 47 years. The outcome, I believe, should be simple and straightforward.”

He went on to describe what he believes should follow from the military campaign, emphasizing the need for a different type of leadership in Iran. “We want to see a government in Iran that is not run by crazed Islamists who lead mobs chanting, ‘Death to America,’” he continued. “We want a government that is not the largest funder of terrorism in the world, that is not giving 90 percent of the funding to Hamas and Hezbollah and the Houthis and we want a government that is not murdering Americans. The Iranian regime has killed nearly 1,000 Americans. The Ayatollah twice hired hit men trying to kill President Trump, and so President Trump has reacted with strength that is making America much safer. As you noted, the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has been trying to put economic pressure on the world, and the President responded with an ultimatum, you open the Strait of Hormuz or you will face crushing economic blows to Iran. I think that got their attention, and the President said, we made some progress. I’m hopeful that’s right.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that he regrets describing Israel as an “apartheid” state, while at the same time making clear his strong opposition to the leadership of Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.

The initial comments came earlier this month during an appearance on a political podcast, where Newsom indicated agreement with claims labeling Israel an “apartheid state” and raised questions about continued U.S. military assistance.

In that discussion, Newsom also suggested that Israel’s role in influencing U.S. strikes against Iran was obvious, and he directed pointed criticism at Netanyahu.

“The issue of Bibi is interesting because he’s got his own domestic issues. He’s trying to stay out of jail, he’s got an election coming up, he’s potentially on the ropes, he’s got folks, the hard line, that want to annex the West Bank,” said Newsom, adding that “others are talking about it appropriately as sort of an apartheid state.”

When asked during the podcast whether Washington should reconsider its military support for Israel, Newsom responded, “It breaks my heart, because the current leadership in Israel is walking us down that path where I don’t think you have a choice.”

In remarks published Tuesday in an interview with Politico, Newsom struck a more measured tone and clarified his views.

Responding to a question about whether he identifies as a Zionist, Newsom said, “I revere the state of Israel. I’m proud to support the state of Israel. I deeply, deeply oppose Bibi Netanyahu’s leadership, his opposition to the two-state solution and deeply oppose how he is indulging the far-right as it relates to what’s going on in the West Bank.”

Pressed on whether he regretted using the term “apartheid,” Newsom acknowledged that he did, explaining the context in which he used it. “I do in this context. I said it, and I referenced why I used it – a Tom Friedman article – in that same sentence where Tom used it in the context of the direction that Bibi is going.”

Newsom was referring to a column by New York Times writer Thomas Friedman, who argued that if the conflict with Iran helps Netanyahu secure victory in upcoming elections, it could accelerate policies he believes would fundamentally alter Israel’s character.

In that piece, Friedman wrote that such an outcome would “be a major propellant to his efforts to annex the West Bank, cripple the Israeli Supreme Court and make Israel an apartheid state.”

Expanding on that point, Newsom told Politico that he shares those concerns about Israel’s trajectory under its current leadership.

“That is a legitimate concern I have, that I share with Tom – that that direction, if that vision and that direction of the far right that Bibi is indulging, that if they see the full annexation of the West Bank, then that’s not something – that’s a word you may hear others use.”

{Matzav.com}

Iranian officials have conveyed to the Trump administration that they are unwilling to resume negotiations with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, instead indicating a preference to deal with Vice President JD Vance, according to two regional sources who spoke with CNN on Tuesday.

The communication, delivered through indirect diplomatic channels, reflects Tehran’s view that talks involving Witkoff and Kushner would likely be unproductive. Iranian leaders reportedly believe that trust has eroded following the collapse of earlier negotiations that preceded military action by Israel and the United States.

Sources said that Vance is seen differently by Iranian officials. Compared to Witkoff, Kushner, and even Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he is perceived as more inclined toward ending the conflict.

“The perception is that Vance would be intent on wrapping up the conflict,” one of the sources told CNN.

At the same time, regional observers acknowledge that involving Vance carries its own challenges, noting that reaching a resolution to the conflict would be complex and difficult regardless of who leads the talks.

Despite Iran’s stated preferences, Witkoff continues to play a central role in U.S. diplomatic efforts. The sources added that Tehran may ultimately have little choice but to negotiate with whichever representatives are appointed by the Trump administration.

Reports surfaced last week claiming that a direct line of communication between Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had been reopened. However, Araghchi publicly rejected that assertion.

Witkoff recently disclosed that during discussions over a potential nuclear agreement, Iranian officials claimed they had the capability to produce 11 nuclear weapons.

In an appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity, Witkoff also said it was evident from those discussions that Iran had no real intention of reaching an agreement.

Earlier Tuesday, President Donald Trump stated that all senior members of his diplomatic team are taking part in the ongoing negotiations.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the decision over who represents the United States rests solely with the president.

“President Trump and only President Trump determines who negotiates on behalf of the United States. As the President stated today, Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, and Mr. Kushner will all be involved,” Leavitt said.

Looking ahead, a potential meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials later this week in Islamabad remains under consideration. However, even those supporting the idea are doubtful that it will ultimately take place, according to the sources.

In a separate report, Axios indicated that Iranian officials have told mediating countries that they feel they have already been misled twice by Trump and are wary of repeating that experience, saying “we don’t want to be fooled again.”

{Matzav.com}

A political and religious dispute intensified following the Knesset’s approval of a law expanding the authority of rabbinical courts, after former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett vowed to repeal the legislation if he returns to power.

The law, which passed its second and third readings in the Knesset plenum, allows rabbinical courts to adjudicate financial disputes as arbitrators with the consent of both parties. Bennett sharply criticized the measure, labeling it a “disgrace law” and declaring that he would act to overturn it immediately upon forming a new government, warning against what he described as the creation of “a state within a state.”

MK Moshe Gafni, chairman of Degel HaTorah, responded forcefully to Bennett’s remarks, calling them an embarrassment and defending the law as a measure that simply grants individuals the option to resolve disputes according to Torah law. He argued that the legislation respects both the Jewish and democratic character of the state. “It would be appropriate for opposition leaders to first focus on building public trust before making declarations about repealing laws in a desperate attempt to stand out,” Gafni said.

Gafni also pointed out that earlier proponents of similar legislation included prominent figures from the religious Zionist camp, such as Rabbi Yitzhak Levy and Rabbi Zevulun Orlev, who come from the same ideological background as Bennett. He compared the current opposition to past resistance against legislation regulating chametz in hospitals, arguing that it reflects an ongoing anti-Jewish agenda presented under the guise of democracy.

According to Gafni, Bennett is deliberately misleading the public about the nature of the law, emphasizing that it is based solely on voluntary consent and does not impose religious adjudication on anyone. He reiterated his criticism, stating: “It would be appropriate for opposition leaders to first focus on building public trust and bringing in voters, before making declarations about future coalitions and repealing laws, in a desperate attempt to stand out within the opposition bloc.”

{Matzav.com}

A wave of online speculation has erupted after a resurfaced social media post claimed to predict the death of King Charles III, following an earlier accurate prediction of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.

The renewed attention centers on a screenshot of a tweet from June 2022 attributed to a user named Logan Smith, who appeared to list two significant dates concerning the British royal family. The first prediction stated that Queen Elizabeth II would die on September 8, 2022—a claim that was later fulfilled, drawing widespread attention at the time. Now, focus has shifted to the second part of the post, which references the current monarch.

According to the same tweet, posted approximately three months before the Queen’s death, King Charles III is predicted to die this coming Shabbos, March 28, 2026. The specific date has fueled intense discussion online, particularly among conspiracy theorists and followers of the royal family, especially in light of recent disclosures regarding the king’s health.

The original tweet, dated June 7, 2022, has garnered tens of thousands of shares and likes, becoming a major topic of conversation in the UK ahead of the weekend. Some users describe the prediction as an eerie coincidence or an example of highly improbable guesswork, while others question the authenticity of the screenshot, suggesting it may have been altered after the fact to generate panic.

Buckingham Palace has not issued any official response to the circulating claims, and the king’s schedule continues as planned for now. Despite skepticism surrounding the prediction, many are watching closely to see whether the claim proves accurate or is ultimately dismissed as baseless online rumor.

King Charles is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, a condition publicly disclosed by Buckingham Palace in early February 2024. According to the official statement at the time, the illness was discovered during a medical procedure.

Since then, the king has begun a course of regular treatment. While continuing to carry out his constitutional duties behind the scenes—including weekly meetings with the British prime minister and handling state documents—he has significantly reduced his public appearances in accordance with medical advice.

{Matzav.com}

A controversial bill mandating the death penalty for terrorists moved a step closer to becoming law overnight after the Knesset’s National Security Committee approved it for its second and third readings, clearing more than 2,000 objections along the way.

The legislation, a central component of coalition agreements involving the Otzma Yehudit party, stipulates that a terrorist responsible for the killing of an Israeli civilian with intent to harm the state would be sentenced to death by hanging.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir welcomed the development, saying: “The death penalty law for terrorists is the most important law the Knesset has enacted in recent years, and it is meant to protect our children. With G-d’s help, we will fully implement this law and kill our enemies.”

Under the proposed law, a distinction is made between cases inside Israel’s pre-1967 borders and those in Judea and Samaria. In the latter, military courts would be authorized to impose the death penalty as the default sentence, unless special reasons are found to instead issue life imprisonment. Committee chairman MK Tzvika Fogel stressed the deterrent effect of the measure, stating: “The bill approved today is a significant step in restoring deterrence. Anyone who comes to murder Jews as an act of terror—his blood is on his own head.”

MK Limor Son Har-Melech added: “This law is uniquely Jewish and moral,” while MK Avichai Boaron said the Likud party is proud to be part of the initiative. Meanwhile, MK Oded Forer of Yisrael Beytenu called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show up for the decisive Knesset vote and not avoid taking a position.

Opposition lawmakers strongly criticized the legislation. MK Gilad Kariv described it as “a pathetic election campaign” and warned of serious consequences for Israel’s ability to negotiate future hostage deals. “This is an extreme bill with moral flaws and security foolishness that will only increase bargaining and revenge attacks,” Kariv said.

Legal advisers to the committee also raised concerns, including the absence of a mechanism for granting clemency, which they noted could conflict with international agreements.

Despite support from right-wing lawmakers, the bill is expected to face significant legal challenges, with Israel’s Supreme Court likely to have the final say on its constitutionality.

{Matzav.com}

25Leaked remarks attributed to Ziv Agmon, who serves in practice as chief of staff and spokesperson to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, triggered a political storm Tuesday night after revealing sharp criticism of Netanyahu, Likud lawmakers, and members of the Sephardic community.

The comments, reportedly taken from multiple conversations—including phone calls—and broadcast by Channel 12 News, shed light on the views of one of Netanyahu’s closest remaining advisers during the ongoing war.

In the recordings, Agmon was heard making offensive remarks about Jews of Middle Eastern descent, saying: “It’s not good that Morocco was opened to Israeli tourism—now we know where our Moroccans came from. From Africa. A baboon is a monkey.”

He also directed harsh criticism at Likud Knesset members, ridiculing both their background and qualifications: “Nissim Vaturi is a baboon, Eli Revivo is a retarded Moroccan. It’s unclear how these people were elected to the Knesset. Eli Dalal is a nobody. Who would know these people? What a bunch of baboons. It’s a shame the whole list can’t just be appointed and skip the primaries.”

Agmon was further quoted making claims about the prime minister’s son: “Yair came to the Foreign Ministry and forced Eli Cohen to issue him a diplomatic passport, even though there was no justification for it.”

Following the October 7 attacks, Agmon allegedly turned his criticism toward Netanyahu himself, stating: “Bibi is finished. The question is whether a state will remain.”

He continued: “He has to go home. I wonder who will handle the hostage negotiations—Karhi or Amsalem? This is a finished country.”

Referring to reports—denied by Netanyahu—that Egypt had warned Israel ahead of the attack, Agmon said: “Likud is finished. The Egyptians need to release the recording of the conversation with Bibi—he’s done.”

Agmon also reportedly expressed interest in joining a rival political camp, saying: “I want a spot on Gantz’s list. I’m honestly much more suited to him than to the monkeys.”

He further attacked the Shas party, stating: “Shas—they only know how to take money, that’s what this party does.”

In response to the report, Agmon issued a statement denying the remarks, particularly those concerning the Sephardic community: “I do not intend to respond to all the slanderous statements attributed to me tonight, but there is one matter I cannot remain silent about. Anyone who knows me and my work with the prime minister knows very well that the words attributed to me regarding Jews of Middle Eastern descent are completely foreign to me—not least because a large part of my own family comes from Sephardic and Moroccan backgrounds. A serious injustice has been done to me here.”

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