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[Video below.] Former White House national security adviser John Bolton said Sunday that the United States has yet to complete its objectives in the ongoing conflict with Iran, even as the fighting has now stretched beyond two months.

Appearing on NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday,” Bolton argued that while the U.S. holds a strong position militarily, its broader goals remain unfulfilled. “Well, it’s anybody’s guess at this point, I think the United States holds a great advantage here, but it hasn’t finished the job that was started,” Bolton told host Chris Stirewalt.

He went on to outline what he believes would constitute a decisive outcome. “My definition of finishing the job is ousting the regime in Tehran, but there are steps less than that that [President] Trump could take, and I’m a little surprised that he hasn’t done it,” he added.

Bolton’s comments came after President Trump indicated last week that he was dissatisfied with the current situation between Washington and Tehran, particularly as nuclear negotiations between the two sides have stalled.

“We’ve already won, but I want to win by a bigger margin,” Trump said during an interview with Newsmax’s Greta Van Susteren.

He continued by emphasizing that, in his view, the damage inflicted on Iran has been extensive, but still insufficient. “We’ve destroyed everything. If we leave right now, it will take them 20 years to rebuild, if they ever could rebuild, but it’s actually not good enough,” he added. “We have to have guarantees they will never have a nuclear weapon.”

Iranian officials, for their part, have said they are reviewing Washington’s response to a recent proposal aimed at ending the war, while stressing that the discussions are not centered on nuclear issues.

Meanwhile, tensions in the region remain high. On Sunday, a cargo vessel traveling near the Strait of Hormuz reported coming under attack by several small boats, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center. The incident is one of at least two dozen similar attacks reported in the area since the conflict began.

Public opinion in the United States appears divided, with a recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll showing that a majority of Americans disapprove of the military action. According to the survey, 61 percent of respondents said they believe the Trump administration made the wrong decision in launching the operation against Iran.

The ongoing conflict has also had economic repercussions. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, has remained closed throughout much of the fighting. As a result, fuel prices have climbed significantly, with AAA reporting that the national average for a gallon of gas has risen to about $4.45, compared to $3.17 at the same time last year.

Federal investigators have opened an inquiry after a United Airlines aircraft hit a light pole while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport, officials said Sunday.

The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed it has begun examining the incident involving United Airlines Flight 169, a Boeing 767-400 traveling from Venice to Newark. In a statement posted on X, the agency said, “The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into Sunday’s incident involving United Airlines Flight 169, a Boeing 767-400 operating from Venice to Newark, which struck a light pole while on approach to Newark Liberty International Airport.”

The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft made contact with a pole on the New Jersey Turnpike as it was descending toward Newark on Sunday afternoon. According to the agency, the jet “struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike” but “landed safely.” The FAA noted it will also conduct its own review of the event.

United Airlines said in a statement sent late Sunday that Flight 169 reached its destination without further issue. The company said the aircraft “taxied to the gate normally” and confirmed that “no passengers or crew were injured.”

The airline added that its maintenance crews are now inspecting the plane and that a full internal review is underway. “Our maintenance team is evaluating damage to the aircraft. We will conduct a rigorous flight safety investigation into the incident and our crew has been removed from service as part of the process,” United said.

Authorities reported that a truck traveling on the highway was struck by the pole after impact, and the driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

The incident comes shortly after another event involving a United flight last week, when a plane approaching San Diego reported a possible midair encounter with a drone.

“United flight 1980 reported a possible drone strike just prior to arriving in San Diego. The flight landed safely, and customers deplaned normally at the gate. Our maintenance team found no damage after thoroughly inspecting the aircraft,” United said in a statement issued Wednesday to NewsNation.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump’s disapproval rating has climbed to its highest level yet, according to a newly released national survey, with voters citing concerns over rising costs, inflation, and the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll, published Friday, found that 62 percent of Americans disapprove of the president’s performance. That marks a 2-point increase since February, with respondents pointing to affordability issues and economic pressures as key factors shaping their views.

A large majority of those surveyed—72 percent—said they disapprove of how Trump is handling inflation, up 7 points from two months earlier. By contrast, 27 percent expressed approval, while 1 percent did not respond.

On the broader issue of living costs, dissatisfaction was even more pronounced. Seventy-six percent of respondents said they disapprove of Trump’s handling of the cost of living in the United States, compared to 23 percent who said they approve. Another 1 percent declined to answer.

Trump has previously insisted that he “won” the issue of affordability” and has argued that inflation tied to the war would be temporary.

Despite those claims, many respondents indicated they are feeling the impact of higher fuel prices and increased energy costs, which have climbed during the Iran conflict. Core inflation also rose to 3.5 percent in March, the highest level in two years.

The poll also found that 66 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump’s management of the Iran war, while 33 percent approve. One percent of those surveyed did not answer the question.

Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain uncertain, even as most U.S. ground operations overseas have largely wound down.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump said the United States has received a new proposal from Iran aimed at ending the conflict, though he voiced doubt about its viability.

“I’ll let you know about it later,” he said, adding that “they’re going to give me the exact wording now.”

At the same time, tensions have surfaced between the United States and its allies, with Trump criticizing several countries for what he described as insufficient support during the Middle East conflict. Some European nations have voiced opposition to the U.S. military campaign.

In response, Trump announced plans to reduce the American troop presence in Germany.

“We are going to cut way down, and we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000,” Trump told reporters Saturday.

According to the survey, 65 percent of respondents said they believe Trump is handling relations with U.S. allies poorly amid these disputes.

The poll was conducted among 2,560 adults across the United States and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

{Matzav.com}

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With this year’s Lag BaOmer gatherings at the kever of Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron significantly restricted, Yerushalayim is preparing to serve as the main hub of celebrations, with numerous hadlakos planned throughout the city.

The central hadlaka led by Rav Meilech Biderman is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. on Rechov Shefa Chaim. A designated area for women will be available at Ginat Ezrat Torah.

A major hadlaka will also take place at Yeshivas Oryasa on Rechov Strauss at 8:30 p.m., featuring Bentzi Stein, Arele Samet, and others. The Hachnasas Orchim Rashbi organization has made large-scale preparations, including providing significant amounts of food and meat for participants.

At Kikar Zaks on Rechov Shmuel Hanavi, the hadlaka of Rav Yaakov Meir Shechter will take place at 8:00 p.m.

Additional celebrations are expected at the kever of Shimon Hatzadsik, at Rav Shalom Arush’s shul, and at Toldos Aharon in Meah Shearim.

In Beitar Illit, the Toldos Avraham Yitzchak rebbe will light at the Kavim parking lot at 10:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, in Meron, only three hadlakos will take place in a limited format: the Boyaner Rebbe, Rav Shlomo Amar, and a hadlaka organized by the Dati Leumi community, each limited to approximately 200 participants.

A wide-ranging recycling proposal in New York would require many companies to significantly reduce their use of plastic packaging, a move supporters say is necessary to address mounting waste, but critics warn could lead to damaged goods and higher costs for consumers.

The measure, known as the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, would apply to companies earning more than $5 million annually that sell or distribute certain products. It mandates a gradual elimination of packaging considered harmful or non-reusable, replacing it with materials that are reusable or more environmentally sustainable.

Similar initiatives have already been adopted in several states, including Maryland, Maine, Oregon, Colorado, California, and Minnesota, as well as in a number of countries. The push comes as New Yorkers generate nearly five pounds of waste per person each day.

Under the proposal, businesses would need to cut their use of non-environmentally friendly packaging by 10% within three years and by 30% over a 12-year period.

The legislation also sets benchmarks for reusable packaging, requiring at least 5% of materials to be reusable or refillable by 2032, increasing to 10% by 2040 and 20% by 2055.

In addition, a growing share of packaging would need to be recyclable, with a minimum of 25% by 2032, rising to 50% by 2040 and 75% by 2055.

“New York State must follow suit to meet the moment for environmental accountability,” said a memo supporting the bill, which is sponsored by Assemblywoman Deborah Glick and state Sen. Peter Harckham.

“This legislation shifts the onus of recycling and waste hauling for packaging from municipalities and residents and ensures that producers of products are serving our interests by establishing solutions to sustainable packaging,” the memo said.

Companies that fail to meet the new requirements would face financial penalties, with funds directed toward improving recycling systems and infrastructure.

Industry representatives and supermarket groups, however, argue the changes would force a shift away from protective plastic materials toward less effective alternatives, potentially leading to product damage.

“Even with its recent amendments it will eliminate the plastic film packaging that keeps essential products like toilet paper, paper towels, and diapers dry and sanitary,” said Dan Felton, president and CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association.

“Without it, retailers and consumers face increased product damage, higher replacement costs, and less reliable shelf availability.

“We agree that we must improve recycling systems and reduce waste, but good public policy will also avoid higher costs and keep critical packaging in place to protect public health,” he said.

Nelson Eusebio, director of government affairs for the National Supermarkets Association, said the impact would be especially felt in lower-income communities.

“For independent supermarkets serving New York City’s working-class and minority communities, even modest shifts in packaging policy can quickly translate into higher costs for families.

“When changes move forward without scalable, commercially viable alternatives, those costs ripple through the supply chain and affect prices at the register.”

A similar version of the bill cleared the state Senate last year but failed to pass in the Assembly amid strong opposition from plastics manufacturers.

The renewed effort comes as Gov. Kathy Hochul continues discussions with lawmakers over adjusting deadlines tied to a 2019 climate law aimed at transitioning the state away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro.

Glick and Harckham said the current proposal has undergone extensive revisions, including roughly 150 changes that extend deadlines and adjust restrictions on certain materials.

“The underlying challenge has not changed. New York is facing a growing solid waste and pollution crisis, and the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act is a real solution that must be passed this year,” Glick said.

Harckham added that industry concerns were taken into account during the revision process.

“We have forged a middle ground with these amendments to our bill, and now we are working to finally gain the necessary legislative and executive approvals that will save New Yorkers millions of dollars each year while helping to protect our environment,” he said.

The bill has received support from multiple environmental organizations, as well as the state Association of Counties, which argue that excessive plastic use is overwhelming landfill capacity.

“New Yorkers are drowning in plastic waste, and for too long, taxpayers have been stuck with the bill while multi-billion-dollar companies pump toxic chemicals into our communities,” said Judith Enck, founder of Beyond Plastics and a former regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“These amendments are a major concession to the plastic industry, but the foundation of the bill remains important, necessary and impactful. We cannot afford another year of inaction.”

Business groups, including the Business Council of New York State and the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment, maintain that the legislation would impose heavy burdens on companies and consumers alike.

“This proposal includes requirements – such as stringent source reduction targets, material restrictions, and limited flexibility – that go well beyond those in EPR laws adopted by other states, most recently Minnesota, Washington, and Maryland,” the groups said in a joint statement.

“If adopted, this bill would impose significant operational challenges on business and result in significant impacts on consumer costs and product availability.”

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu placed a phone call to the Belzer Rebbe in recent days to inquire about his condition, following reports that the Rebbe had been experiencing weakness.

According to those familiar with the conversation, the Rebbe’s condition has been improving after a recent period of illness, as chassidim continue to follow updates and daven for his continued recovery. Amid that concern, Netanyahu reached out personally to check on his well-being.

The prime minister contacted the Rebbe’s residence and spoke with him for several minutes. Netanyahu asked about the Rebbe’s health, and the Rebbe responded briefly, expressing thanks and answering amen to the prime minister’s wishes.

During the conversation, Netanyahu also expressed strong appreciation for the efforts of the Belzer community’s leadership, particularly praising the work of the Rebbe’s son, Rav Aharon Mordechai Rokeach.

Toward the end of the exchange, after it was recently reported that Netanyahu himself had undergone a medical procedure, the Belzer Rebbe extended a brocha to the prime minister, wishing him continued good health.

A senior Iranian lawmaker warned Sunday that any attempt by the United States to intervene in maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz would be viewed as a breach of the current ceasefire, as tensions rise following a new U.S. initiative in the region.

Ebrahim Azizi, who heads Iran’s Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, issued a series of statements cautioning Washington against involvement in what he described as Iran’s maritime framework for the strategic waterway.

“Any American interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire,” he said in a translated message posted on X.

Azizi also dismissed remarks by President Donald Trump regarding the situation, writing, “The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf would not be managed by Trump’s delusional posts!”

He further rejected accusations directed at Tehran, stating, “No one would believe Blame Game scenarios!”

In a separate post, Azizi reiterated that the region should not be used for political messaging. “The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf are not a place for rhetoric,” he said.

The comments followed President Trump’s announcement of “Project Freedom,” a plan under which U.S. forces would begin escorting vessels through the strait starting Monday to ensure safe passage.

Trump’s move came after he voiced skepticism about a 14-point peace proposal put forward by Iran over the weekend.

{Matzav.com}

Tensions are mounting over transportation arrangements for a major Lag BaOmer gathering in Yerushalayim, where tens of thousands are expected to attend the lighting ceremony led by Rav Elimelech Biderman, but may face severe shortages in public transit.

Critics warn that without adequate service, participants could be left stranded or forced to pay high private travel costs, even as other large events receive extensive transportation support.

In an interview on Kol Chai Radio, Yisrael Gefner, head of the Emes L’Yaakov organization, described a growing crisis in planning for the event. He noted that while the situation in Meron is being handled separately, the large-scale gathering in Yerushalayim has not been matched with sufficient transportation infrastructure.

“We are essentially operating under two separate processes,” Gefner said, explaining that the Yerushalayim event requires its own dedicated logistical response.

Gefner pointed to a past case involving Israel Railways, which initially halted service during a mass protest near the entrance to Yerushalayim over the draft law, prompting a petition to the High Court of Justice. “The trains only resumed operation after the petition,” he said, arguing that the current dispute reflects the same broader issue — equal access to public services.

According to Gefner, while left-wing demonstrations and major entertainment events receive significant transit reinforcements, the chareidi tzibbur is often left without comparable support. “When a well-known secular singer performed, they added 14 trains,” he said, adding that protests and sporting events routinely receive expanded service. By contrast, for Lag BaOmer events, “not only is there no reinforcement — we are at risk of a shutdown.”

He also challenged the claim that the restrictions are based on genuine security concerns. “They conducted a review and found that the police actually requested increased security personnel, not a halt to train service,” he said, suggesting that the policy reflects systemic discrimination rather than operational necessity.

Gefner warned that without organized public transportation, many attendees will be forced to seek costly alternatives. “People are paying over 100 shekels for private rides — they don’t deserve that,” he said, emphasizing that public transit offers a safer, more affordable, and better-regulated option that also helps reduce congestion and risk.

In response, an urgent petition was filed with the High Court, seeking to establish a permanent policy requiring expanded transportation services for large chareidi events. “We want to ensure there is no situation where some receive and others do not,” Gafner said.

A decision from the court is expected by Tuesday morning, a delay that drew criticism from radio host Avi Mimran. “The same High Court that saw fit to convene in the middle of Shabbos to urgently discuss a protest in Kaplan suddenly shows surprising patience when it comes to the rights of the chareidi tzibbur. Even though the hilula begins tomorrow night, the court has until tomorrow morning to calmly deliberate the petition for increased transportation,” he said. Gefner added that even if the ruling does not impact the upcoming event, establishing a clear principle for the future remains the primary goal.

Shortly after the interview, Justice Yitzchak Amit ordered the relevant authorities — including the transportation minister, the Ministry of Transportation, the national transport authority, Israel Railways, the police, and the Yerushalayim municipality — to submit responses by 10:00 a.m. Tuesday regarding the petition, which argues that insufficient transportation poses a risk to public safety.

{Matzav.com}