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Senior Official: Israel Halting Iran Strikes at Trump’s Request

Matzav -

At the request of President Donald Trump, Israel has temporarily suspended planned retaliatory strikes against Iran, according to a senior Israeli official. At the same time, the official emphasized that military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon will continue unabated and that Israel remains prepared to target Beirut’s Dahiyya district if attacks against Israeli civilians and communities persist.

The official said Israeli leaders believe the latest confrontation with Iran has effectively come to an end and that the current round of hostilities has run its course.

Earlier on Monday, President Trump publicly demanded that both Israel and Iran halt their attacks after Iran violated the ceasefire late Sunday night.

“Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting,'” Trump wrote on social media.

On Sunday evening, Trump also urged Israel not to respond militarily to the Iranian missile barrage launched toward northern Israel.

In remarks to Barak Ravid of Channel 12 News, Trump said, “I am going to call Netanyahu right now and tell him not to strike back.”

He further stated, “The Iranian strikes didn’t hurt anybody. Hopefully, Israel is not going to retaliate. If Bibi strikes them back, it’s just gonna keep going like the last 47 years, or the last 3000 years.”

Trump also expressed optimism about ongoing diplomacy with Tehran, saying the United States is “very close to a final deal with Iran. It is going to be a good deal. I don’t want it to blow up because of what is happening now.”

Reiterating his position, the president said, “I am going to call Bibi right now and tell him not to retaliate. Each of them had their fun. Israel had its strike and Iran had its strike. We don’t need another one.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Command, which oversees coordination between the country’s armed forces and the Revolutionary Guards, announced on Monday that its military campaign against Israel had concluded. Nevertheless, the organization warned that any future Israeli military action in Lebanon could trigger a significantly stronger Iranian response.

In its statement, the command claimed Iran’s missile attacks were carried out as retaliation for Israeli operations in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s Dahieh neighborhood.

“Following the acts of aggression and evil by the cruel Zionist regime in southern Lebanon and in the Dahieh area, which were carried out with the support of criminal America, Iran’s armed forces delivered a painful response to this regime, as part of support for the oppressed Lebanese people,” the statement said.

The statement further asserted that Iran’s action was “a response from which the fake Zionist regime and its supporters must learn a lesson.” At the same time, the command announced that “the operation by the armed forces is hereby declared concluded.”

Despite declaring an end to the operation, the Iranian military command issued a stark warning, saying: “It should be emphasized that in the event of continued acts of aggression and evil, including in southern Lebanon, far harsher and more crushing measures than before are on the way,” the Khatam al-Anbiya Command warned.

{Matzav.com}

Iran Declares Operation Over, Warns Israel of Crushing Response to Future Lebanon Strikes

Matzav -

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Command announced Monday that its military campaign against Israel has concluded, while simultaneously warning that any additional Israeli attacks in Lebanon could trigger a severe new Iranian response.

In a statement released by the command, Iranian officials said the missile attacks against Israel were carried out in retaliation for Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and in Beirut’s Dahieh district.

“Following the acts of aggression and evil by the cruel Zionist regime in southern Lebanon and in the Dahieh area, which were carried out with the support of criminal America, Iran’s armed forces delivered a painful response to this regime, as part of support for the oppressed Lebanese people,” the statement said.

The statement further asserted that the attack constituted “a response from which the fake Zionist regime and its supporters must learn a lesson.” At the same time, the military command declared that “the operation by the armed forces is hereby declared concluded.”

Despite announcing the end of the operation, Iranian officials coupled the declaration with a fresh warning directed at Israel.

“It should be emphasized that in the event of continued acts of aggression and evil, including in southern Lebanon, far harsher and more crushing measures than before are on the way,” the Khatam al-Anbiya Command warned.

The warning followed an Israeli strike Sunday in Beirut’s Dahieh neighborhood, a longtime Hezbollah stronghold. The operation came after repeated Hezbollah rocket attacks targeting Israeli communities.

According to the IDF, the target was a Hezbollah command center that was being used by the terror organization to coordinate attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF forces operating in southern Lebanon.

Israeli military officials said two Israeli Air Force fighter jets participated in the strike, releasing ten munitions on the command facility located inside a building.

Reports have indicated that Iran had previously assured Hezbollah that Dahieh would not come under attack and had warned Israel that any strike in the area would result in renewed Iranian missile launches toward the Jewish state.

Before the operation, Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu had faced mounting pressure from right-wing coalition partners and other political figures to target Dahieh in response to escalating rocket fire from Lebanon and the continued drone attacks against IDF troops along the northern front.

At the same time, since the outbreak of the regional conflict in October 2023, Netanyahu has pursued a strategy aimed at isolating the various theaters of war. The approach has been based on the view that weakening Iran’s regional network of proxies and allies would diminish Tehran’s influence and reduce its ability to project power throughout the region and beyond.

{Matzav.com}

MISDIRECTION: Iranian Outlet Claims Trump-Netanyahu Rift Was a Deception Designed to Lull Tehran

Matzav -

An Iranian news outlet closely associated with intelligence circles in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed that reports of tensions between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu before Israel’s strike on Iran were part of a coordinated effort to mislead Tehran and lower its guard.

According to a report published by Raja News, the flood of media reports suggesting disagreements between Washington and Israel was intended to convince Iranian officials that an Israeli attack had either been canceled or significantly delayed.

The outlet pointed to reports describing Trump’s opposition to military action, statements indicating that “the decision is mine,” and Israeli media accounts suggesting that Netanyahu was considering postponing a response and refraining from immediate action.

However, Raja News argued that those reports were part of what it called a “big lie” and a calculated deception campaign. The Israeli operation carried out in the early morning hours against targets in Iran, the report asserted, demonstrated that the narrative of a serious dispute between the United States and Israel was designed to create a false sense of security among decision-makers in Tehran.

The publication compared the strategy to a classic “good cop, bad cop” operation. According to the report, Trump played the role of the reassuring figure who appeared to be restraining Israel, while Netanyahu maintained a low public profile and projected calm before the attack was ultimately launched.

Raja News also criticized Iranian media outlets aligned with the country’s reformist camp, accusing them of eagerly embracing claims of a major divide between Washington and Jerusalem. The report argued that those media organizations not only fell victim to the alleged psychological operation but also helped spread it throughout Iran.

In particularly sharp language, the outlet accused those media figures of becoming the “foot soldiers of the enemy in the war of perception” by amplifying what it characterized as a false narrative.

The report concluded by asserting that the strike once again demonstrated close coordination between the United States and Israel. “The United States and Israel are two sides of the same coin,” the publication claimed, arguing that the overnight operation served as further evidence of that reality.

{Matzav.com}

Wizz Air Halts Israel Flights Amid Security Escalation

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Travelers flying to and from Israel received unwelcome news Monday after Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air announced a temporary suspension of its flights to the country following the latest security developments in the region.

The airline said it is canceling all flights to Israel on June 8 and June 9 as a precautionary measure in response to the ongoing escalation.

The decision came after a Wizz Air flight from Warsaw to Ben Gurion Airport was diverted to Larnaca, Cyprus, and did not complete its journey to Israel. According to reports, the pilot elected not to continue the flight to Tel Aviv. Wizz Air is among the first foreign airlines to suspend service to Israel in response to the current situation.

The company stated that, as of now, it plans to resume flights on June 10, subject to security conditions. Wizz Air emphasized that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its highest priority and said it continues to monitor developments in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, the Israel Airports Authority stressed that Ben Gurion Airport remains fully operational. The statement followed a security assessment conducted by the transportation minister and other officials.

Airport authorities said they are maintaining ongoing communication with the Ministry of Transportation, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Home Front Command, and other professional agencies to assess the evolving situation.

Officials also urged travelers to stay in close contact with their airlines and monitor official announcements, warning that additional carriers could adjust their flight schedules depending on future security developments.

{Matzav.com}

Iran: “The United States Bears Direct Responsibility for Any Action the Zionist Regime Takes”

Matzav -

Iran on Monday accused Israel of undermining diplomatic efforts with the United States, warning that the latest exchanges of fire between the two countries threaten to deepen instability and further complicate already fragile negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

Speaking to reporters, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said ongoing hostilities would only intensify what he described as an already “chaotic diplomatic process.” He noted that communications between Iran and the United States are continuing, but said they are taking place under conditions of “extreme suspicion.”

Baghaei argued that Israel’s military activities in Lebanon, regardless of whether they were carried out with American approval, were intended to sabotage diplomatic initiatives and prevent progress toward a political resolution.

The Iranian spokesman further asserted that the United States bears responsibility for maintaining the ceasefire reached on April 8 and should be held accountable for any violations, including military actions attributed to Israel. He also cautioned that the international community should be concerned about the possibility of the conflict expanding across the region.

“The United States bears direct responsibility for any action the Zionist regime (Israel) takes in relation to violating regional peace and security against Iran,” ⁠Baghaei said.

According to Baghaei, Sunday’s visit to Tehran by Pakistan’s interior minister formed part of ongoing efforts to facilitate indirect communications between Iranian and American officials.

Turning to nuclear issues, Baghaei said Iran would take action in response to any measure adopted against it during this week’s meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors.

He also launched a sharp attack on IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, accusing him of ignoring realities on the ground and allowing political bias to influence his positions. Baghaei argued that such conduct has damaged the credibility and impartiality of the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

TONIGHT IN MONSEY: Special Shechitah and Treifos Demonstration Shiur with Rav Amitai Ben David

Matzav -

A unique and educational shiur is scheduled to take place Monday night, June 8, when the Agudath Israel of America Torah Projects Commission hosts a special shiur in Monsey, NY featuring Rav Amitai Ben David, acclaimed author of Sichas Chulin and a noted expert in the practical and halachic aspects of shechitah.

The event, which will begin at 8:00 p.m. at Kollel Kinyan Hadaf in Monsey, is expected to draw Daf Yomi participants, bnei Torah, rabbanim, and members of the wider community interested in gaining a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating and practical areas of halachah.

What will make the evening particularly noteworthy is that the shiur will be accompanied by a live shechitah and treifos demonstration, providing attendees with a rare opportunity to see firsthand many of the concepts discussed in Maseches Chulin and other related areas of Torah study. Through practical illustrations and real-world examples, participants will be able to better appreciate the intricate halachos governing kosher slaughter and the examination of animals.

Organizers say the program is designed not only for Daf Yomi learners currently studying or reviewing the sugyos of Chulin, but also for anyone seeking a clearer understanding of the halachic foundations behind the kosher food that appears on Jewish tables every day.

Rav Amitai Ben David has earned widespread recognition for his ability to present complex halachic topics in a clear and engaging manner. His work, Sichas Chulin, has become a classic for those learning about shechitah and treifos.

The shiur will take place at Kollel Kinyan Hadaf, located at 2 Ribier Court, at the corner of Concord Road in Monsey, which is Ahavas Torah, the shul of Rav Ephraim Wachsman.

The event is being sponsored by Meal Mart.

{Matzav.com}

Poll: Vice President JD Vance and Kamala Harris Dominate Potential 2028 Candidates

Matzav -

A new survey of potential 2028 presidential contenders suggests that Vice President JD Vance and former Vice President Kamala Harris currently hold commanding positions within their respective parties, placing them at the forefront of early speculation about the next White House race.

According to polling data highlighted by Political Polls, Vance led the Republican field with 38 percent support, while Harris topped the Democratic side with 37 percent.

Among Republicans, Secretary of State Marco Rubio followed Vance with 18 percent support, while Donald Trump Jr. registered 10 percent.

Some political observers have noted that both Rubio and Trump Jr. would likely back a Vance presidential campaign rather than launch competing bids of their own. Under that scenario, support currently attributed to those figures could ultimately consolidate behind Vance, potentially giving him the backing of roughly two-thirds of Republican voters represented in the poll.

President Donald Trump weighed in this week on the possibility of a Republican ticket featuring both Vance and Rubio. Praising the pair, he remarked, “So I watch them together. They get along great. They have a good relationship. They’re sort of similar in a lot of ways, but they’re very talented. I think the two of them running together as a team would be very unbeatable.”

Trump continued his praise by adding, “I would think that JD and Marco as a team would be very hard to beat, when you compare that to these low IQ people that we have on the other side.”

On the Democratic side, Harris remains a central figure in early presidential discussions. Earlier this year, the 2024 Democratic nominee indicated that she “might” seek the presidency again in 2028.

Polling averages compiled by Race to the White House and reported in February showed Harris leading the prospective Democratic field with 27.5 percent support. She was followed by California Governor Gavin Newsom at 22.7 percent. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stood at nine percent, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 8.7 percent, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro at 4.9 percent, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker at 3.4 percent.

Although Ocasio-Cortez recently stated that her “ambition is way bigger” than running for president in 2028, recent reports have suggested that she may nevertheless be positioning herself for a possible White House campaign.

{Matzav.com}

Trump Orders Israel and Iran to Stop ‘Shooting’

Matzav -

President Donald Trump publicly intervened Monday in an effort to prevent further fighting between Israel and Iran, demanding that both sides immediately stop launching attacks following Iran’s violation of the ceasefire late Sunday night.

Taking to social media, Trump issued a direct appeal for calm, writing, “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting.'”

The call came after Trump spent Sunday night urging Israel not to respond militarily to the missile barrage Iran launched toward northern Israel.

In comments to Barak Ravid of Channel 12 News, Trump revealed that he intended to personally contact Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, stating, “I am going to call Netanyahu right now and tell him not to strike back.”

Downplaying the impact of Iran’s attack, Trump said, “The Iranian strikes didn’t hurt anybody. Hopefully Israel is not going to retaliate. If Bibi strikes them back it’s just gonna keep going like the last 47 years, or the last 3000 years.”

Trump also expressed optimism about ongoing diplomatic efforts with Tehran, asserting that the United States is nearing a breakthrough. “Very close to a final deal with Iran. It is going to be a good deal. I don’t want it to blow up because of what is happening now.”

Emphasizing his desire to prevent another round of hostilities, Trump reiterated his intention to contact Netanyahu directly. “I am going to call Bibi right now and tell him not to retaliate. Each of them had their fun. Israel had its strike and Iran had its strike. We don’t need another one,” he stressed.

{Matzav.com}

Israel Expands Air Campaign, Wipes Out Iranian Air Defenses in Major Offensive

Matzav -

The Israeli Air Force carried out a sweeping operation against key Iranian military assets on Monday morning, targeting and destroying strategic air-defense systems across the country in a move aimed at expanding Israel’s operational freedom over Iranian territory.

Acting on intelligence provided by the IDF Intelligence Directorate, dozens of Israeli fighter jets participated in the large-scale mission, which focused on defensive infrastructure maintained by the Iranian regime.

In recent months, Iran had been working to rebuild and strengthen its air-defense network after suffering significant setbacks during Operation Roaring Lion. New detection and interception systems had been deployed in multiple locations throughout the country as part of that effort. According to the IDF, the latest strikes successfully eliminated many of those restored capabilities.

Military officials said the operation further weakens Iran’s ability to defend its airspace and builds upon the damage inflicted during Operation Roaring Lion, when Israeli forces severely degraded the regime’s defensive network.

The latest attacks come as fighting between Israel and Iran continues to intensify. Following Iran’s missile attacks against Israel beginning Sunday night, Israel launched two separate waves of retaliatory strikes aimed at strategic targets inside Iran.

The opening phase of the operation concentrated on Iran’s air-defense infrastructure. Israeli aircraft struck surface-to-air missile batteries and related systems in the Tehran area, as well as locations in central and western Iran, seeking to reduce the regime’s ability to detect incoming threats and engage hostile aircraft or missiles.

A second wave of strikes shifted focus to critical economic and industrial targets in southwestern Iran. Among the sites hit was a major petrochemical facility in the Ahvaz region, where Israeli forces targeted infrastructure connected to Iran’s energy sector.

{Matzav.com}

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