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Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed serious concerns Friday about reports describing a potential agreement with Iran, arguing that the terms being circulated would amount to a deeply flawed arrangement if they prove accurate.

The South Carolina Republican said he was encouraged by President Donald Trump’s rejection of Iranian media reports regarding the proposed framework and praised the administration’s efforts to weaken the Iranian regime through military and economic pressure.

“I am very glad to hear from President Donald Trump that Iranian media reports about the so-called deal are fake because the deal as described by Iran would be awful. President Trump and our military deserve a lot of credit for making Iran the weakest they’ve been since 1979 through a combination of highly effective military strikes and a crushing blockade. However, we must remember the Iranian regime has killed 42,000 of their own people for simply wanting a better life, and their leadership are radical religious Nazis.”

Graham said any future agreement should be measured against the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Obama-era nuclear accord that many Republicans viewed as fundamentally flawed. He specifically criticized reports suggesting Iran could receive a massive reconstruction package while the current regime remains in power.

“As to any potential deal, it must be compared to the JCPOA, and I am hopeful that it will be vastly different. The idea of a $300 billion reconstruction fund, given who is in charge of Iran, seems to be tone deaf. It would be akin to a Marshall Plan for Germany with the Nazis still in charge. That wouldn’t have been a good idea then, and any reconstruction fund that benefits this terrorist regime wouldn’t be a good idea now.”

The senator also emphasized what he views as the most important benchmark for any nuclear agreement, saying the administration must maintain its longstanding opposition to Iranian uranium enrichment.

“As to the Iranian nuclear program, President Trump’s red line has been no enrichment. I hope that holds – as it must.”

Graham further argued that allowing Tehran to continue enriching uranium was among the most significant shortcomings of the JCPOA and insisted that lawmakers should have the opportunity to examine and approve any future accord.

“Allowing Iran to enrich under the JCPOA was one of the major flaws of that terrible deal. As I’ve stated before, any deal with Iran must come to Congress for scrutiny and approval.”

{Matzav.com}

Degel HaTorah MK Uri Maklev said Thursday that his party was not responsible for the collapse of the latest effort to advance legislation regulating the status of yeshiva students, insisting that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu simply could not guarantee the votes needed to pass the measure.

In a wide-ranging interview with Avi Blum on Kol Chai’s main news program, Maklev addressed the proposed Basic Law on Torah Study, the arrests of yeshiva bochurim, relations with the Prime Minister, and the recent political battle over legislation concerning Torah learners.

Maklev offered his account of the events that led to the shelving of the legislation. According to him, Degel HaTorah never opposed the bill itself and never instructed Netanyahu not to bring it forward. Rather, he said, the process stalled because the Prime Minister was unable to demonstrate that he had a coalition majority to approve it.

“No one stood at the door and told him not to submit it,” Maklev said. “Did anyone tell him not to bring the bill to committee? If he wanted to move forward, he should have submitted it and advanced the process.”

Maklev explained that once it became clear Netanyahu could not provide assurances that the legislation would pass, the party’s rabbinic leadership instructed Degel HaTorah to distance itself from the coalition bloc and refuse to rely on future promises.

“The Gedolei Torah asked one simple question: Is there a commitment that a majority exists for this law, and is the Prime Minister prepared to guarantee that majority? The answer that came back after two days was that there was no such commitment and that significant difficulties remained in securing enough support.”

According to Maklev, Likud later suggested applying legislative continuity to the proposal and advancing it in the next Knesset, hoping a different coalition makeup would improve its chances. Degel HaTorah, however, viewed that as insufficient.

“We saw that perhaps there was a desire within Likud to continue business as usual and live on promises,” he said. “That is what led to the declaration that we are no longer committed to the bloc.”

Asked about reports that Netanyahu later renewed his willingness to promote the legislation but was rebuffed by Degel HaTorah, Maklev rejected that characterization.

According to him, even during the second round of discussions, Netanyahu did not provide a concrete commitment that the bill would pass, offering only optimism that support would materialize as the process moved forward.

“He came and said, ‘In the end there will be a majority, but there has to be a dynamic process,’” Maklev recounted. “There was no clear commitment. Ultimately, it was impossible to move forward with legislation based on statements like that.”

Blum pressed Maklev, suggesting that the party did not oppose the bill itself but simply never received assurance that it could actually be passed.

“Yes,” Maklev replied. “That is exactly the issue.”

He added that had Netanyahu formally submitted and advanced the legislation, Degel HaTorah would not have blocked it.

“We were not authorized to give anything in exchange for promises. He could have acted. No one told him not to submit the bill.”

Turning to the proposed Basic Law on Torah Study, Maklev acknowledged that the measure does not address the immediate fears facing yeshiva students and avreichim who worry about arrests and economic sanctions.

“That concern is constantly before us,” he said. “We have not taken our minds off the fear, the reality, the economic decrees, and the severe restrictions.”

Nevertheless, he argued that formal recognition of the value of Torah study carries both public and legal significance, even if it does not replace comprehensive legislation regulating the status of Torah learners.

“At a time when bnei Torah and the chareidi public are being targeted, maligned, and attacked, the very act of elevating the importance of Torah study is significant,” he said. “There is value in ensuring that recognition is reflected in legislation as well.”

Maklev emphasized that his priority remains comprehensive legal protections for yeshiva students and avreichim. He even expressed discomfort with the term “draft law,” preferring instead to call it a “regulation law.”

“The Basic Law on Torah Study was meant to be one component of broader legislation recognizing and regulating the status of Torah learners,” he explained. “Of course, the primary goal should have been the regulation itself.”

He said the intention remains to advance the Basic Law through all three Knesset readings rather than settling for preliminary approval. Maklev added that he recently consulted a legal expert involved in drafting the proposal years ago, who advised continuing to pursue it despite the current legal climate.

Addressing recent meetings between Prime Minister Netanyahu and UTJ chairman Moshe Gafni, Maklev insisted that Degel HaTorah has not restored its political commitment to the coalition bloc.

According to him, the party has deliberately avoided public meetings that could be used to create the impression of reconciliation or a return to full political partnership. Requests for highly publicized meetings, he said, were not approved by the Gedolei Torah.

At the same time, Maklev stressed that routine working relationships with the Prime Minister and government ministries continue because the chareidi public requires assistance on a wide range of daily issues.

“We have much work to do in the various ministries, in education, welfare, and many other areas,” he said. “These are working meetings and nothing more. We received instructions, and we are acting accordingly.”

He emphasized that meeting with Netanyahu should not be interpreted as a renewed political commitment to the coalition or any decision regarding future governments.

Reflecting on the lengthy negotiations over the legislation, Maklev said he remained involved because even a small chance of securing protections for Torah learners justified continued efforts.

“The price being paid by those who study Torah is simply too high,” he said. “That is why we could not abandon the process as long as there was still hope. But once it became clear that no real commitment existed to pass the law, we could no longer rely on vague assurances.”

Maklev argued that the episode demonstrates that Degel HaTorah did not derail the legislation. Rather, he said, the proposal collapsed because Netanyahu and the coalition failed to secure a workable majority.

“If they had placed a bill on the table and guaranteed its passage, Degel HaTorah would not have stood in its way,” he said.

Maklev also took aim at the Religious Zionist camp, arguing that it has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years.

“Religious Zionism has gone through a major upheaval, and they need to recover from it,” he said. “Most of the opposition, even within Likud, comes from people influenced by Religious Zionism. Edelstein, Illouz, Saada, Tur-Paz, Stern—look where they have ended up. Tur-Paz has been holding meetings against the chareidi public for years. There is no precedent for this.”

Commenting on the removal of MK Moshe Solomon from Knesset committees, Maklev delivered one of the interview’s sharpest remarks.

“There was no need for much explanation as to why he was removed from committee assignments,” he said. “Anyone who betrays Torah will ultimately betray his party as well. Everything they are saying about us today, they will eventually say about you. They incited them against the Torah world, and they were influenced by it.”

{Matzav.com}

The world of dayanus was plunged into mourning Thursday with the passing of Harav Nachum Sheinin zt”l, a longtime member of the Beis Din HaRabani HaGadol and former Av Beis Din of Tel Aviv. He was 89 years old.

Widely regarded as one of the leading and most respected dayanim of his generation, Rav Sheinin devoted decades to Torah, hora’ah, and public service, leaving an enduring impact on countless talmidim, colleagues, and members of the broader Torah community.

A distinguished alumnus of Yeshivas Ponevezh, Rav Sheinin developed into a prominent talmid chacham under the guidance of the yeshiva’s revered roshei yeshiva. His years in Ponevezh laid the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to Torah scholarship, judicial leadership, and communal responsibility.

For many years, he served as Av Beis Din of the Tel Aviv Rabbinical Court, where he became known for his mastery of complex halachic issues, particularly in difficult family law matters. He handled sensitive and challenging cases with exceptional wisdom, helping resolve numerous agunah situations and adjudicating intricate disputes with both precision and compassion.

In 2008, Rav Sheinin was appointed to the Beis Din HaRabani HaGadol, Israel’s highest rabbinical court, where he continued to serve with distinction until his passing.

Alongside his judicial responsibilities, Rav Sheinin served as Rav of the Heichal Moshe Yitzchak beis medrash in Bnei Brak and headed Kollel Tov HaTorah. Over the years, he taught thousands, delivered countless shiurim, and became a respected address for Torah guidance and halachic counsel.

He maintained close relationships with many of the leading Torah figures of the generation, including Maran Harav Elazar Menachem Man Shach zt”l, from whom he drew inspiration and guidance throughout much of his public career.

His levayah took place Thursday afternoon, departing from his beis medrash on Baal Shem Tov Street in Bnei Brak. He was laid to rest in the cemetery of Yeshivas Ponevezh.

The family is sitting shivah at their home on Rashi Street in Bnei Brak.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com}

A fierce dispute erupted Thursday between chareidi parties and Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich after he decided at the last minute not to bring a funding package worth more than one billion shekels for new communities in Judea and Samaria to the cabinet for approval. Instead, the proposal will now be discussed at Sunday’s Security Cabinet meeting.

Associates of the finance minister said the decision stemmed from diplomatic concerns and international sensitivity surrounding settlement development. Chareidi political sources, however, argue that moving the matter from the government table to the Security Cabinet was also intended to reduce public scrutiny over both the source of the funds and their distribution.

The controversy follows a letter sent by United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzchak Goldknopf, who urged Smotrich to include the chareidi cities of Immanuel and Modiin Illit in the funding package. Goldknopf argued that there was no justification for excluding chareidi communities located in Judea and Samaria from the program. According to party sources, Smotrich declined the request.

A senior chareidi official sharply criticized the move, telling local media, “You killed and then inherited. Smotrich took more than a billion shekels for Judea and Samaria, including funds that had been frozen from the chareidi public, and instead of bringing the decision to a government meeting and facing criticism, he transferred it to the Security Cabinet under the pretext of diplomatic pressure.”

The official claimed that the move was designed to avoid a public debate over how the money is being allocated, why chareidi communities were left out, and why funds that had previously been removed from the Torah world and chareidi institutions are now being redirected elsewhere.

“This is an attempt to avoid a public discussion about how the money is being distributed, why the chareidi cities were excluded, and why funds taken away from the Torah world and chareidi institutions are now being directed to other purposes,” the source said.

The anger within the chareidi camp has also focused on a recent increase in funding for hesder yeshivos. According to sources in United Torah Judaism, Smotrich approved an increase in the funding formula for hesder institutions worth approximately 30 million shekels, even as chareidi yeshivos continue to contend with budget freezes and reductions.

Party officials argue that the decision reflects a pattern of favoritism toward institutions associated with Smotrich’s constituency while the chareidi educational system faces growing financial challenges.

“At a time when Gedolei Yisroel are traveling across the globe to raise money to sustain the Torah world, the finance minister is making sure to increase funding for the yeshivos identified with his own community,” the official said. “You cannot demand political partnership from the chareidim while systematically favoring the institutions and communities of one sector over another.”

{Matzav.com}

Shikma Bresler, one of the most prominent leaders of the protests against judicial reform, ignited a fierce backlash on social media Thursday night after sharply criticizing demonstrations by Peleg Yerushalmi activists that brought major roads across central Israel to a standstill.

Bresler took aim at the protests in a post on X, comparing the demonstrators to other groups she views as disregarding the rule of law.

“There is no difference between the chareidi factions of the government on the roads, for whom the law has no meaning, and the factions of the government in Judea and Samaria,” Bresler wrote.

She continued, “There’s no need to get angry. We need to understand who they are, what they want (a dark religious state), and then understand that we are fighting for the soul of the state.”

Her comments quickly drew criticism online, with many users pointing to her own role in organizing and supporting the anti-judicial reform protests, which frequently included major highway blockades, transportation disruptions, and demonstrations that paralyzed key traffic arteries throughout the country.

One commenter responded, “No, can you be any more lacking in self-awareness? You can be foolish, but to this extent? Did you forget Kaplan and what you did here?”

Another social media user wrote sarcastically, “Oh, so the left suddenly discovered the law? The same people who set the country on fire in Balfour and Kaplan are now preaching against blocking roads.”

A third response that gained significant traction online stated: “It’s unbelievable how much chutzpah this takes. Aren’t you the one who personally called for disrupting roads?”

Bresler’s remarks came amid a wave of Peleg Yerushalmi demonstrations held Thursday evening at several major locations throughout Israel. The protests were organized in response to the arrest of yeshiva students and their transfer to military authorities, leading to severe traffic congestion and road closures across the Gush Dan region and other parts of central Israel.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump sharply criticized Iran on Friday after Tehran suggested that key elements of a proposed peace agreement remain unresolved, insisting that Iranian officials are misrepresenting the status of negotiations and warning that the United States will not compromise on its core demands.

Trump’s frustration came after Iran’s foreign ministry stated that the country “had not reached a final conclusion” regarding any agreement. In response, the president described Iranian negotiators as “very dishonorable people to deal with” and cautioned that “they had better get their act together and fast!”

Reports from Iranian state media indicated that Tehran plans to continue discussions with Washington while seeking to preserve its uranium enrichment program. The reports also claimed Iran is unwilling to surrender oversight of the Strait of Hormuz and is demanding the release of $24 billion in frozen assets as “compensation” for losses suffered during the recent military campaign.

The president dismissed those reports outright, saying they were entirely inaccurate.

“What they said, including their weak and pathetic statement on having a deal, bears no relation to the truth,” the president wrote on Truth Social.

Trump said Thursday that negotiations had entered their final phase and asserted that Iran had agreed to terminate its nuclear weapons efforts. According to the president, an agreement could potentially be finalized and signed as soon as this weekend.

Throughout the talks, Trump has maintained that any agreement must permanently prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Iran, however, has presented a different interpretation of the draft accord. Officials in Tehran contend that the current language specifies that “Iran undertakes no new commitments” regarding nuclear weapons and that additional discussions on the issue would take place during a 60-day period after the agreement is signed.

Under the framework initially proposed by negotiators, the peace initiative was structured in two stages, with nuclear-related discussions scheduled for the second phase of the process.

The conflicting descriptions from Washington and Tehran have fueled uncertainty about the agreement, including how close it is to completion and what provisions it ultimately contains.

A senior administration official told The Post that the United States has identified five essential requirements that must be met before any deal is finalized.

According to the official, those conditions include the destruction of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, the dismantling of its nuclear infrastructure, withholding frozen Iranian funds until compliance is demonstrated, guaranteeing free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and ending Iranian financial support for terrorist organizations.

“This is what they have agreed to. This is a performance-based deal,” the official said.

A separate White House official told Fox News that negotiations are approaching the finish line and estimated that the agreement is roughly 75% complete.

“While this is tentative, we feel confident that we will be signing this in the next few days,” the official said.

Iran’s foreign ministry acknowledged that most of the agreement’s language has already been completed but argued that unresolved disputes remain.

“Textually, the text has almost been finalized in its major parts. The problem is that the contradictory positions of the United States have always caused turbulence and disruption in this process,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told Iranian state media.

{Matzav.com}

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu issued a forceful statement Friday following reports of an emerging agreement between the United States and Iran, declaring that Israel remains unwavering in its determination to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Speaking amid growing discussion about a US-backed diplomatic framework with Iran, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s position has not changed and that stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions remains a top national priority.

“As long as I am the Prime Minister of Israel – Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” he said, adding that he and US President Donald Trump “are in full agreement on this issue.”

Netanyahu pointed to his decades-long campaign against Iran’s nuclear program, arguing that sustained international pressure has delayed Tehran’s efforts to acquire atomic weapons.

“For over 30 years, I have been at the forefront of the international struggle against Iran’s nuclear program. Were it not for this struggle, Iran would have long ago possessed atomic bombs to destroy Israel.”

The prime minister also warned that Iran’s broader objective remains the destruction of Israel and said his personal mission has been to prevent that outcome.

“Iran is working to destroy the Jewish state, and I am dedicating my life to preventing them from doing so.”

“As long as I am the Prime Minister of Israel, this will not happen.”

Netanyahu’s comments came one day after President Trump revealed that planned US military action against Iran had been suspended following progress toward a diplomatic understanding aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching a new round of nuclear talks.

Trump disclosed the development Thursday evening in a post on Truth Social, announcing that the scheduled strikes had been called off in light of commitments made by Iranian leadership.

“Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The president said the framework had received broad backing from numerous regional and international stakeholders involved in the negotiations.

“Discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others.”

While signaling optimism about the diplomatic effort, Trump made clear that pressure on Iran would continue until a final agreement is formally completed.

He stressed that “the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect until this transaction is finalized. The time and place of the signing will be announced shortly.”

Following Trump’s announcement, Netanyahu’s office released a statement confirming that the two leaders had spoken regarding the emerging understanding between Washington and Tehran.

“President Trump spoke this evening with Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) currently taking shape with Iran to enter into negotiations.”

The Prime Minister’s Office noted that although Israel is not directly participating in the proposed memorandum, Netanyahu welcomed Trump’s assurances regarding the objectives of any eventual agreement.

“Although Israel is not a party to the memorandum of understanding, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for President Trump’s commitment that the final agreement concluded at the end of negotiations will include the removal of enriched material, the dismantling of enrichment infrastructure, limits on missile production, and the cessation of Iran’s support for its regional terror proxies,” the statement added.

{Matzav.com}

Elon Musk crossed a historic financial threshold this week as soaring investor demand for SpaceX pushed the entrepreneur’s fortune beyond the trillion-dollar mark, cementing his status as the richest individual in history and underscoring the extraordinary confidence markets continue to place in his vision.

Few modern business figures have achieved the level of public recognition Musk commands. The entrepreneur has become as much a cultural phenomenon as a corporate leader, building a vast following online while transforming industries ranging from electric vehicles to space exploration.

His ascent has come during a period when skepticism toward billionaires and concerns about wealth concentration have intensified. Yet despite possessing a fortune unlike anything previously seen, Musk has maintained a devoted base of supporters, even without cultivating the everyman image associated with business icons such as Warren Buffett.

Supporters praise Musk’s blunt, unscripted style and willingness to challenge conventional thinking. Detractors, however, argue that his influence rivals that of a modern oligarch, pointing to governance concerns within his companies and criticizing his increasingly visible involvement in political debates.

Investor enthusiasm was on full display Thursday when SpaceX completed a blockbuster initial public offering that raised an unprecedented $75 billion. The offering highlighted Wall Street’s continued faith in Musk’s ventures. Before the IPO, Forbes estimated his fortune at approximately $780 billion, placing him far ahead of Alphabet co-founder Larry Page, the next wealthiest person on the list.

“The second richest person has been hovering around $300 billion, so about less than one-third of what Musk can potentially be worth tomorrow,” said Matt Durot, deputy editor at Forbes Wealth. “And only one other person, [Oracle founder] Larry Ellison, has ever been ⁠worth $400 billion.”

The bulk of Musk’s fortune is now tied to SpaceX, where his ownership stake is valued at roughly $866 billion. Combined with his holdings in Tesla and other enterprises, estimates from Forbes and Reuters indicate that his wealth will surpass $1.1 trillion once SpaceX shares begin trading publicly.

Although Tesla and SpaceX established Musk as one of the world’s most recognizable entrepreneurs, his influence expanded dramatically after he purchased Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion. Ownership of the platform provided him with direct access to hundreds of millions of users and amplified his voice on topics including immigration, government policy, free speech, and politics.

His growing political role has proven among the most divisive chapters of his career. Musk’s participation in President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency drew both praise and criticism. At the same time, Tesla faced mounting pressure overseas in 2025, as consumer boycotts and public demonstrations contributed to weakening sales in several markets.

Now 54 years old, Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, to a South African father and Canadian mother. After earning a degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997, he embarked on a career that would eventually place him at the forefront of multiple industries.

His leadership at Tesla began in 2008, driven by a belief that electric vehicles could be both technologically advanced and highly desirable. Under his guidance, Tesla helped reshape consumer expectations and accelerate the worldwide transition toward electric transportation.

Industry analysts argue that Tesla’s success—and its trillion-dollar-plus valuation—forced traditional car manufacturers to take electric vehicles seriously. Many investors now believe Musk may be capable of achieving a similar transformation in fields such as artificial intelligence and commercial space travel.

Despite the excitement surrounding SpaceX, the company continues to require substantial capital, and much of its valuation depends on technologies whose long-term commercial potential remains years away from realization.

In addition to Tesla and SpaceX, Musk has launched or co-founded several other ventures, including Neuralink, which develops brain-computer interfaces, and The Boring Company, focused on transportation tunnels.

Throughout his tenure at Tesla, Musk has generated both admiration and controversy. Nevertheless, he is widely credited with turning the company into the most valuable automaker on the planet.

For years, executives at established automobile manufacturers doubted Tesla’s prospects, questioning whether a startup could successfully mass-produce electric vehicles while remaining profitable.

“He renewed the world’s respect for American ingenuity in automotive engineering,” said Bob Lutz, a former General Motors vice chairman.

At the same time, Tesla has periodically faced legal disputes and investor concerns connected to Musk’s leadership, including scrutiny over his 2018 compensation package, which at one point carried a value of $56 billion.

Musk’s far-reaching influence has inspired market observers to coin the term “Muskonomy” to describe the ecosystem of businesses surrounding him. That influence has also contributed to what many investors call the “Elon premium”—a phenomenon in which confidence in Musk himself drives valuations beyond what conventional financial models might justify.

“Much like Tesla, SpaceX is a bet on Elon Musk,” said Matt Kennedy, senior strategist at Renaissance Capital, a provider of IPO-focused research and ETFs.

“A market cap of $1.5 trillion-$2 trillion would certainly throw all traditional valuation methodologies out the window, and is instead best characterized as the ‘Elon Musk premium.'”

As Musk’s reach has expanded, so too have concerns about concentrating enormous influence in the hands of a single individual. Critics have questioned whether companies tied so closely to one personality face heightened governance risks and potential conflicts of interest.

Over the years, Musk has repeatedly found himself in public disputes with regulators, journalists, media organizations, short sellers, and fellow billionaires. Many of those confrontations have played out in real time across social media platforms, further reinforcing his reputation as one of business’s most unpredictable figures.

His partnership with President Trump followed a similar trajectory. After contributing heavily to Trump’s successful return to the White House and serving in a senior advisory capacity through the administration’s DOGE initiative, Musk emerged as one of the president’s most influential allies in the corporate world.

That alliance eventually deteriorated as disagreements over spending priorities and policy decisions escalated into a highly public feud. Although relations between the two have since improved, the episode underscored the increasingly intertwined nature of Musk’s business interests and political ambitions.

Despite those controversies, many investors remain focused on Musk’s record of turning ambitious concepts into highly successful enterprises, viewing his unconventional behavior as secondary to his achievements.

“Elon is the Edison of our time,” JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said during a recent conversation with Musk.

Dimon’s praise marked a striking shift from earlier years, when the two were engaged in a lengthy legal dispute. Reflecting on their improved relationship, the banking executive told CNBC that they had “hugged it out,” and praised Musk as “our Einstein.”

{Matzav.com}

A dramatic overnight confrontation in Ashdod ended with police releasing a yeshiva bochur who had been detained as an alleged draft evader, after dozens of chareidi protesters descended on the scene and demanded his immediate release.

The incident unfolded late Thursday night near the Big shopping complex in Ashdod. Police officers conducting a traffic stop pulled over a vehicle carrying several yeshiva students. During the inspection, officers discovered that one of the passengers had been classified by the IDF as a draft evader.

Police detained the bochur and summoned military police to take custody of him.

Within minutes, messages began circulating through chareidi communities under the headline “The kidnappers have arrived,” prompting a rapid mobilization. Dozens of protesters quickly gathered at the location, surrounding the officers and calling for the release of the yeshiva student.

As concerns mounted that the situation could escalate into a larger public disturbance and potentially block a major traffic artery at the entrance to the city, the officer in charge reportedly ordered the immediate release of the bochur and instructed that the checkpoint be dismantled.

Following the release, the protesters broke out into dancing, singing “Utzu Eitzah V’sufar,” celebrating what they viewed as a successful effort to prevent the transfer of the yeshiva student into the custody of the military police.

The crowd subsequently dispersed from the area without further incident.

{Matzav.com}

A remarkable moment of gadlus baTorah unfolded Thursday in a Lakewood, NJ home when Rav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Nesiv Hadaas, demonstrated an astonishing command of Torah by recalling the entirety of Maseches Bava Basra from memory before a captivated audience.

The episode took place during the visit of the gedolim of Keren Olam HaTorah, who are currently traveling throughout America on behalf of the yeshivos and kollelim of Eretz Yisroel. While Rav Chaim Mordechai Ausband, Rosh Yeshiva of Ateres Shlomo, was visiting the home of Yanky Stern, a bochur approached him with a challenging question in learning. The inquiry was anything but simple. The bochur asked for a complete accounting of every machlokes between Rabbah and Rav Yosef found throughout Maseches Bava Basra.

Rather than answer the question himself, Rav Ausband directed it to Rav Schreiber, whose reputation as an exceptional baki is well known in the olam haTorah. What followed left those present in awe.

Rav Schreiber began mentally traversing the masechta, moving through the dafim one by one. As he progressed, he identified each machlokes between Rabbah and Rav Yosef, systematically working his way through the entire masechta without opening a Gemara or consulting any notes.

The extraordinary display of mastery transformed an ordinary visit into an unforgettable lesson in the depth and breadth of true Torah knowledge.

WATCH:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VIDEO-2026-06-11-21-28-34.mp4 https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VIDEO-2026-06-11-21-34-43.mp4

{Matzav.com}

[Videos below.] LAKEWOOD, NJ — In an extraordinary demonstration of kavod haTorah, approximately 10,000 men, women, and children gathered Thursday evening in Lakewood to welcome some of the foremost gedolei Torah of Eretz Yisroel, who are visiting the United States on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah and its efforts to sustain the yeshivos and kollelim throughout the Holy Land.

The Kabolas Panim and Atzeres Tefillah took place on the grounds of Beth Medrash Govoha between Ninth and Tenth Streets, bounded by Clifton Avenue and Lexington Avenue. The men’s section was situated on the western side of the main event area, while a separate women’s section was located to the north. Entrances were available from both Clifton Avenue and Lexington Avenue, with designated access points for the public and separate entrances for rabbanim. Extensive security measures and road closures surrounded the event perimeter, with attendees directed by event staff and law enforcement personnel. Restroom facilities and emergency medical services stations were positioned throughout the area to accommodate the thousands who attended.

Long before the event began, thousands streamed into the area as organizers completed final preparations for what would become one of the largest public gatherings Lakewood has seen in recent years. Parking lots quickly filled to capacity, while additional attendees continued arriving from throughout the region. Security was highly visible, with heavily armed law enforcement officers stationed around the perimeter of the event.

By the time the maamad was set to begin, the grounds were overflowing. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the oilam waited to greet the distinguished visitors from Eretz Yisroel.

Harav Dov Landau and Harav Shimon Galai arrived to thunderous singing and heartfelt expressions of respect from the massive crowd.

The emotional high point of the opening moments came shortly after 8:15 p.m., when the visiting gedolim entered the gathering. Tens of thousands rose in unison, singing and welcoming them to Lakewood in a stirring display of reverence for Torah and its leaders.

Opening the formal program, Harav Malkiel Kotler spoke about the vital work of Keren Olam HaTorah and the extraordinary mission undertaken by the gedolei Eretz Yisroel.

Harav Dov Landau then addressed the overflow crowd, delivering words that were received with profound attention and respect by those gathered.

Throughout the evening, the crowd repeatedly broke into spirited singing and dancing lichvod haTorah. As Harav Don Segal prepared to speak, the assembled masses erupted in song, creating an atmosphere that reflected the deep connection between the participants and the gedolei Torah before them.

The gathering also welcomed Harav Yaakov Hillel and Harav Avraham Salim, who are participating in the Keren Olam HaTorah mission across the United States.

One of the evening’s most moving moments came when the visiting gedolim and the roshei yeshiva of Beth Medrash Govoha joined hands and danced together with the crowd. More than 10,000 participants sang and danced in unison, transforming the event into a powerful celebration of Torah.

Addressing the gathering, Harav Chaim Mordechai Ausband, Rosh Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo, urged attendees to undertake a practical commitment on behalf of the avreichim of Eretz Yisroel. He encouraged every member of the community to assume responsibility for supporting at least one month of an avreich’s expenses during the coming year, noting that the amount needed was just $276.

As the program continued, the crowd sang “Ki Orech Yamim” in honor of Harav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber as he rose to address the assembled thousands.

Later, Harav Shimon Galai led the massive gathering in the recitation of Tehillim b’rov am, creating a powerful scene of collective prayer and supplication.

The evening concluded with Harav Avraham Salim leading a stirring Kabolas Ol Malchus Shamayim, bringing the maamad kavod haTorah to a fitting and inspiring close.

Even as temperatures remained high and humidity blanketed the area, the crowd remained energized until the final moments. Thousands continued singing and dancing lichvod haTorah as the gathering drew to an end, capping off a remarkable evening that showcased the enduring bond between the bnei Torah of America and the yeshivos and kollelim of Eretz Yisroel.

VIDEOS:

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{Matzav.com}

A unique and educational Torah event will take place this Sunday morning, June 14, when the Agudath Israel of America Torah Projects Commission presents a special shiur in Far Rockaway, New York, featuring Rav Amitai Ben David, acclaimed author of Sichas Chulin and a renowned expert in the practical and halachic aspects of shechitah.

The program will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Agudas Yisroel of Long Island, located at 1121 Sage Street in Far Rockaway, and is expected to attract Daf Yomi participants, bnei Torah, rabbanim, and members of the broader community seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating and practical areas of halachah.

What makes this event especially noteworthy is that the shiur will feature a live shechitah and treifos demonstration, offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness firsthand many of the concepts discussed in Maseches Chulin and related areas of Torah study. Through practical examples and real-life illustrations, participants will gain a clearer appreciation of the intricate halachos governing kosher slaughter and the examination of animals.

Organizers explain that the program is designed not only for Daf Yomi learners studying or reviewing the sugyos of Chulin, but also for anyone interested in understanding 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 subjects in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner. His sefer, Sichas Chulin, has become a highly regarded resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of shechitah and treifos.

The shiur, as mentioned, will take place at Agudas Yisroel of Long Island, 1121 Sage Street, Far Rockaway, New York, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

{Matzav.com}

OpenAI announced that it had shut down a series of accounts tied to Chinese influence operations that allegedly used ChatGPT to generate content aimed at shaping American discussions surrounding tariffs and the rapid expansion of AI data centers.

According to a report by Axios, the campaigns failed to gain meaningful attention online, but OpenAI said they offer a glimpse into how individuals connected to Beijing are testing artificial intelligence as a tool for amplifying divisions and contentious policy debates within the United States.

The company disclosed that investigators uncovered two separate efforts that relied on ChatGPT to create social media content, including posts, comments, and political cartoons focused on U.S. technology issues. One campaign, which OpenAI dubbed “Data Center Bandwagon,” produced material arguing that AI data centers were driving up electricity prices for American consumers. A second campaign, labeled “Tech and Tariffs,” generated content attacking the Trump administration’s tariff policies and criticizing America’s efforts to maintain leadership in advanced technology sectors.

“This was not a case of an influence operation creating a debate,” said Ben Nimmo, principal investigator on OpenAI’s intelligence and investigations team, in comments to reporters. “The debate existed already. This was an influence operation from China trying to interfere in it.”

While OpenAI said neither effort achieved significant reach or engagement, company officials noted that the data center operation appears to be the first known China-linked influence campaign to use OpenAI’s technology to inject itself into the ongoing public discussion over AI infrastructure and energy consumption.

Investigators believe the data center effort involved individuals connected to a Chinese government contractor. According to OpenAI, those users instructed ChatGPT to create comic strips and other content focused on power-grid capacity and rising electricity costs. The material was later distributed through what appeared to be fake accounts on X, often accompanied by links to legitimate news stories discussing the energy demands of large-scale data centers.

A separate operation, whose organizers could not be definitively identified, used ChatGPT to produce political cartoons critical of U.S. trade and technology policies. One image cited by OpenAI depicted President Trump wearing pants emblazoned with the American flag and the words “America First,” while holding a hammer marked “Tech Dominance” and striking a barrier labeled “Global Future.”

OpenAI said the campaigns illustrate how foreign actors may increasingly turn to artificial intelligence to quickly generate large volumes of content designed to influence debates over divisive political and economic issues. The company said its ability to detect and remove the accounts underscores both the growing sophistication of foreign information operations and the challenges facing AI companies seeking to prevent their platforms from being exploited for propaganda and influence campaigns.

{Matzav.com}

Federal authorities are investigating after the numbers “86 47” were discovered etched into a grassy section of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., just days before large crowds are expected to descend on the capital for a UFC event scheduled to coincide with President Donald Trump’s birthday.

The markings were spotted Thursday on a sizable patch of grass east of the World War II Memorial. Live webcam images captured the numbers cut into the discolored area, though officials have not yet determined when the damage occurred. Images taken of the same location on June 5 showed no sign of the message.

Although the carving was clearly visible from above, visitors at ground level had difficulty seeing it Thursday afternoon. Witnesses reported that emergency vehicles temporarily restricted access to the area around 1 p.m. while members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team landed nearby. According to a law enforcement source who spoke with CNN, the Secret Service will assist the U.S. Park Police if investigators identify a suspect.

Authorities are still working to determine exactly what caused the damage. A spokesperson for the Park Police said samples from the affected grass have been collected and are being analyzed. Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior issued a sharp condemnation of the incident, describing it as “deranged vandalism.”

“Any threat against the President is taken very seriously by the Department, and our U.S. Park Police will investigate this incident and hold those responsible accountable,” a department spokesperson said.

The phrase “8647” has circulated in some anti-Trump circles in recent years, while members of the administration have argued that the slogan amounts to a threat directed at the President.

The controversy surrounding the phrase intensified in April when the Department of Justice brought charges against former FBI Director James Comey after he shared a photograph on Instagram showing the numbers arranged with seashells.

The meaning commonly attributed to the phrase stems from the use of “86” as slang for eliminating, removing, or getting rid of something, while “47” is a reference to Trump’s status as the 47th President of the United States.

Investigators have not announced any suspects or motives in connection with the National Mall incident, and the inquiry remains ongoing as authorities work to determine who was responsible for the markings and when they were created.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on Sen. Mitch McConnell on Thursday, portraying the retiring Kentucky Republican as embittered, disloyal, and undeserving of the praise he has received over the years for reshaping the federal judiciary.

Trump made the remarks during an Oval Office question-and-answer session following the signing of a proclamation rolling back fishing regulations enacted during the Obama administration. The exchange was broadcast live on Newsmax and the network’s streaming platform, Newsmax2.

The President was asked about the possibility that Senate Republicans could pursue a third budget reconciliation package, a proposal that has been floated as a vehicle for additional funding tied to the conflict with Iran, election-security measures connected to the SAVE America Act, and restrictions on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.

Earlier this week, McConnell, who is stepping down at the end of his current term and will not serve in the next Congress, cast doubt on the idea during a Senate hearing.

“I think it’s safe to conclude there will not be another reconciliation bill, so it’s really not an option.”

Trump responded with a lengthy criticism of the former Senate Republican leader.

“McConnell is an angry man,” Trump said. “You know, he got thrown out of his position [as Senate GOP leader]. He’s an angry guy. You know, he should be very thankful to me because if I didn’t win, he wouldn’t have gotten to a point … I appointed the judges. He didn’t.

“He gets credit for appointing judges. He didn’t appoint anybody. I did. You know how I did? I won the election and then I picked judges, and the judges ended up getting approved and they said, oh, didn’t he do a good job?

“He didn’t do a good job. What the hell did he do? I won the election.”

The President also accused McConnell of undermining Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who succeeded him as Republican leader in the upper chamber.

“He’s an angry man who’s very disloyal to John Thune,” Trump said. “John Thune is a good man. He was a loyal worker for Mitch McConnell. He worked very hard. He was very loyal to him.

“I disagree with him a lot because Mitch McConnell gave so much money to Democrats. He gave them money. I had to go get the [border] wall money from the military [in Trump’s first term]. I just took it out of the military because that guy wouldn’t do anything.

“No, Mitch McConnell’s a bad guy. And I thought he was lousy at his job. But the only thing they gave him a lot of credit was for judges.

“But I’m the one that got the judges. You know why? I won the election. If I didn’t win the election, he wouldn’t have had any judges.”

The conversation then shifted to reports that the White House is preparing a supplemental funding request for Congress. While the Pentagon initially discussed a package approaching $200 billion to replenish weapons stockpiles and maintain military readiness, recent reports indicate the administration may ultimately seek between $80 billion and $100 billion.

Rather than address the details of the funding proposal, Trump turned his attention to Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, criticizing the Republican senator over her voting record.

Last month, Murkowski joined Sens. Susan Collins and Rand Paul in voting alongside Democrats to advance a measure aimed at preventing U.S. military action against Iran without congressional approval.

Trump argued that despite efforts by his administration to benefit Alaska, Murkowski has consistently opposed his agenda.

“But you have him. You have Murkowski,” Trump said. “I’ve done so much for Murkowski. And Murkowski is terrible. Terrible to us, terrible to the country. I almost feel guilty.

“I [have] probably done more for Alaska than any other state, not because of her, because it’s the right thing to do. She’s just an impediment. But she’s there. She probably will be a negative vote.”

{Matzav.com}

LISTEN:

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​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

 

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Today, the New Jersey State Assembly removed language from a bill that would have jeopardized religious rights. The legislation had allowed individuals to sue anyone accused of interfering with their decision to obtain reproductive or gender-related health care services and seek damages for harm to their business or personal reputation, financial harm, or pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional harm.

Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office led opposition to the language, warning that its broad and undefined terms could expose rabbis, educators, counselors, schools, and parents to costly litigation for providing guidance or expressing views regarding gender-related medical procedures. In addition to working with legislators in both chambers, the Agudah issued an action alert urging residents across the state to contact their Assembly members and oppose the bill.

“We are grateful to the bill sponsors and legislative leadership for recognizing the serious concerns included in this provision and for addressing them,” Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office, said.

“The removal of this language is an important victory for religious liberty, free speech, and parental rights.

We especially thank the thousands of New Jersey residents who responded to our action alert and contacted their legislators to make their voices heard. Their advocacy helped ensure that constitutionally protected speech and religious expression will not be subjected to vague and potentially far-reaching civil liability.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, sharply condemned UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese on Thursday after she reportedly responded to the grieving mother of a victim murdered during Hamas’s October 7 massacre by telling her to “change medication.”

Danon highlighted the exchange in a public statement, accusing Albanese of displaying shocking insensitivity toward a bereaved parent.

“The mother of Carolin Bohl, a young German woman brutally murdered by Hamas on October 7, has posted about the extreme anti-Israel hostility she encountered at a film premiere in Berlin, where Francesca Albanese, the UN ‘Special Rapporteur,’ was the guest of honor,” Danon wrote.

According to Danon, Bohl’s mother shared the emotional pain she experienced at the event and described the atmosphere she encountered. He said Albanese’s response only deepened the hurt.

“After the bereaved mother shared her pain and experience, Albanese’s outrageous response was: ‘Change medication,’” he added.

Danon said the remark reflected what he described as a continuing pattern of conduct by the UN official.

“There seems to be no limit to Francesca Albanese’s moral decline,” said Danon.

Albanese has long faced criticism from Israeli officials and others who argue that her statements demonstrate a consistent anti-Israel bias. Most recently, several European foreign ministers rebuked comments she made during an Al Jazeera conference.

During that event, Albanese stated: “The fact that instead of stopping Israel, most of the world has armed, given Israel political excuses, political sheltering, economic and financial support … We who do not control large amounts of financial capitals, algorithms and weapons, we now see that we as a humanity have a common enemy.”

After the remarks generated controversy, Albanese denied that she had characterized Israel as humanity’s common enemy.

In a subsequent interview, she insisted that she “never, ever, ever said ‘Israel is the common enemy of humanity,'” and dismissed the criticism as “completely false accusations.”

Questions surrounding Albanese’s views on Israel have persisted for years. In 2022, previously uncovered social media posts drew widespread attention after she asserted that the “Jewish lobby” exerts control over the United States.

Albanese rejected claims that those comments were antisemitic, arguing that her words had been “mischaracterized.” Nevertheless, critics have continued to point to similar statements as evidence of longstanding hostility toward Israel.

Following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, scrutiny of Albanese intensified after she argued that the massacre should be viewed within a broader “context” and described it as a response to Israeli “aggression.”

More recently, in late March, Albanese leveled additional accusations against Israel, claiming the international community had granted the country “a license to torture Palestinians.” She further alleged that “torture has effectively become state policy” in Israel.

Her latest clash with the family of an October 7 victim has now sparked fresh outrage, with Danon and others arguing that the comments cross a line of basic human decency and further undermine her credibility as a UN official.

{Matzav.com}

The United States was reportedly only hours away from launching military strikes against Iran on Thursday night before President Donald Trump abruptly pulled back the operation, announcing instead that a new agreement with Tehran had been reached, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to NBC News.

Sources told NBC News that the military had already received direct orders to carry out the mission and was fully prepared to proceed. With roughly three hours remaining before the planned attack, forces were in position, Navy assets had adjusted their flight operations, and weapons had been loaded in anticipation of the strike order.

Despite Trump’s public warnings aimed at Kharg Island, officials said that strategic oil terminal was never included among the designated targets for Thursday’s operation. While the Pentagon has spent months developing extensive plans for possible strikes against, or even an invasion of, Kharg Island, those scenarios remained contingency options and were never approved for execution by the President.

Kharg Island has previously been targeted by American forces during earlier military conflicts. On Thursday morning, however, Trump escalated his rhetoric on Truth Social, declaring that the United States would hit Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT,” while also stating that American forces would soon be “taking Kharg Island” along with additional Iranian energy facilities.

One U.S. official told NBC News that Trump’s public comments regarding Kharg Island did not align “with any of the planning or action” that military commanders were actually preparing to carry out that evening.

Although defense planners had multiple military options available, officials said the precise targets and operational details for Thursday night’s mission were not finalized until after Trump’s morning social media post. Following that message, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed military leadership to craft a strike package that differed from the standard retaliation plans he had previously reviewed.

According to the officials, the final plan approved for Thursday bore a strong resemblance to the precision attacks American forces had already conducted the night before.

Several hours after publicly announcing the agreement with Iran, Trump addressed reporters in the Oval Office and indicated that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had signed off on the arrangement.

“I understand the answer is yes,” Trump replied when asked if Khamenei had given his approval to the agreement.

When questioned about why he believed the negotiations would succeed this time, Trump pointed to the pressure Iran had endured in recent weeks.

“Because they’ve taken a pounding. They’ve taken a pounding like very few people could take. And they want to make a deal a lot more than I do.”

The President also reiterated a key condition of the agreement, declaring, “Iran will, in no way, shape, or form, build a nuclear weapon or purchase a nuclear weapon.”

Additional details of the emerging agreement were reported by Al Arabiya, which said the framework includes a minimum 60-day extension of the ceasefire, efforts to clear naval mines, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international maritime traffic within 30 days.

The reported understandings would also permit Iran to resume oil exports while sanctions relief is reviewed in stages. The proposal further calls for continued nuclear negotiations during the ceasefire period and an end to hostilities across all active fronts.

At the same time, Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that the proposed Memorandum of Understanding is in advanced negotiations and is “nearly finalized.”

Iranian officials said mediating nations have spent recent hours attempting to resolve the remaining issues separating the two sides. Nevertheless, Tehran stressed that the agreement has not yet been formally completed or officially ratified.

According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said the Islamic Republic has demonstrated that it will not retreat from what it considers its “red lines.”

The report added that Iran has not yet made a final decision on whether it will ultimately accept the agreement.

{Matzav.com}