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Vice President JD Vance is facing criticism from some of President Donald Trump’s strongest supporters after agreeing to appear on Megyn Kelly’s program, sparking a backlash among segments of the MAGA movement.

News of Vance’s scheduled appearance on “The Megyn Kelly Show” prompted a wave of reactions on social media Monday, with several Trump allies questioning why the vice president would sit down with Kelly following her recent disputes with the president over the Iran conflict.

The controversy intensified after Kelly announced that Vance would join her Tuesday to discuss his new book, “Communion.” Conservative activist Laura Loomer quickly responded on X, expressing disbelief over the decision and criticizing the choice to appear on the show.

“Why would our Vice President go on Megyn Kelly’s show? Megyn Kelly is constantly bashing President Trump and she recently said MAGA is dead and that Trump is ‘losing his mind,’” Loomer wrote on Monday. “I find this to be insane. Megyn Kelly has been condemned by Trump and she accused him of being ‘owned’ by Israel… in addition to defending Candace Owens’s vicious attacks on [Erika Kirk].”

Loomer continued her criticism by pointing to several controversies she associates with Kelly’s commentary.

“Megyn Kelly has entertained the lie that the Trump administration killed Charlie Kirk and she has insinuated Trump is covering up for Jeffrey Epstein. Not a good look.”

Despite her frustration, Loomer suggested there was still a possibility Vance could use the appearance to confront Kelly directly. She argued that the host is “truly out to destroy President Trump” and described the interview as “terrible optics,” adding that she could not “believe this [was] real.”

She concluded with a warning directed at the vice president’s advisers. “Wow. Whoever told our VP this was a good idea is leading him astray,” she concluded. “I say this in the most respectful and sincere way. Who thought this was a good idea?”

Loomer was not alone in voicing concern. Conservative commentator and activist Chris Loesch also criticized the planned appearance, suggesting it sent the wrong message at a time when Trump is facing attacks from political opponents and critics.

“He goes on the show of someone who has lambasted this administration,” he wrote, “who has befriended and defended the people dogging on Trump and this administration worse than progressives? This is signaling. The President needs people watching his back.”

Other critics went further, speculating that Vance may be positioning himself for a future presidential campaign. One commenter argued that the vice president was making a strategic mistake by engaging with a host who has repeatedly criticized the administration.

“Megyn Kelly has been ripping the Trump administration for months, and JD Vance has been silent. And now he rewards her by going on her show. If Vance is betting on the Woke Reich’s vote in 2028, he’s not going to get it, and real Republicans are not going to allow it.”

Another detractor offered an even harsher assessment, branding Vance “Brutus” and urging President Trump to publicly address the matter.

Not everyone in Trump’s orbit viewed the interview negatively, however. Some supporters defended Vance and argued that the vice president’s actions likely have the president’s approval.

“There’s always a plan though you may not know what it is, Laura. You think Trump doesn’t know what JD is doing or where and why he’s going? How many more things does Trump need to do until you realize there’s always a plan and he knows exactly what he’s doing?”

The White House did not immediately provide a response when contacted for comment regarding the controversy, according to TheWrap.

Vance’s interview is scheduled to air today at noon Eastern Time on SiriusXM Channel 111 as part of “The Megyn Kelly Show,” with the full conversation expected to be posted to Kelly’s YouTube channel later that day.

{Matzav.com}

A Republican candidate sharing the same name as Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan has been removed from the state’s Senate primary ballot after election officials concluded that his campaign appeared intended to mislead voters and undermine the integrity of the election.

In a decision issued Monday, Alaska Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher ruled that Dan J. Sullivan’s candidacy could not proceed, determining that it appeared to have been filed for the purpose of creating confusion among voters. In a formal letter, Beecher wrote that the campaign seemed to be “filed with a purpose to confuse or mislead and to thereby compromise the ballot’s fairness or neutrality.”

Dan J. Sullivan, a retired educator who entered the race as a Republican despite having no previous ties to the party, retains the right to challenge the decision through the appeals process, according to Beecher’s ruling.

The move follows weeks of criticism from Republican officials, who alleged that the late-entry candidacy was orchestrated to deceive voters by placing another “Dan Sullivan” on the ballot shortly before the filing deadline. GOP leaders argued that the effort amounted to a political maneuver designed to siphon votes away from the incumbent senator.

Under Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system, both Dan S. Sullivan and Dan J. Sullivan could have advanced from the primary to the general election if they finished among the top four candidates in August.

The race has attracted national attention as Democrats seek to capture a seat they view as one of their few possible pickup opportunities in the upcoming midterm elections. Sen. Sullivan is seeking a third term and is expected to face former congresswoman Mary Peltola, a Democrat who entered the race with support from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Beecher’s decision cited multiple factors that she said raised doubts about whether Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign was a legitimate effort conducted in “good-faith.”

According to the ruling, the candidate sought to appear on the ballot simply as “Dan Sullivan,” despite being registered to vote under the name “Daniel J. Sullivan, Jr.” Beecher also noted that at one point he attempted to use the same middle initial as the incumbent senator.

“‘S’ is Senator Sullivan’s middle initial, not yours,” Beecher wrote.

The elections director further pointed to the fact that Dan J. Sullivan was not registered as a Republican before launching his Senate campaign. She also said that the design and branding of his campaign website closely resembled that of the incumbent’s campaign.

Beecher additionally referenced the candidate’s ties to Amber Lee, a Democratic political consultant in Alaska who has previously worked in support of Peltola. Earlier reports noted that metadata associated with the campaign’s launch identified Lee as its author.

“This consultant’s work on your behalf is, in isolation, innocuous,” Beecher wrote. “Alongside the other facts I have catalogued in this letter, however, it suggests a determined effort and a deliberate attempt to use the similarity of your name to confuse Alaska voters in the upcoming primary election.”

Representatives for Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the ruling.

The incumbent senator has repeatedly accused his challenger of participating in a coordinated Democratic effort to manipulate the race, previously describing him as a “far-left liberal” involved in an attempt to “rig” the election.

“Is Schumer or Gillibrand and their staffs or the DSCC or the staff at the DSCC — were they aware? Were they coordinating, orchestrating?
I mean, if that’s the case, that would be a huge scandal,” Sullivan told Fox News Digital last week.

Democratic officials have denied having any role in Dan J. Sullivan’s candidacy.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee celebrated the ruling after previously urging state election officials to examine the circumstances surrounding the campaign.

“Alaskans saw right through Chuck Schumer and Mary Peltola’s tricks to confuse and deceive them with a sham candidate,” NRSC Regional Press Secretary Nick Puglia said in a statement. “Nobody delivers for Alaskans like Senator Dan Sullivan, which is why Alaska Last Democrats like Mary Peltola are stooping so low.”

The controversy has also drawn strong reactions from Senate Republicans, who view Sullivan’s seat as a key battleground and have vowed to defend it aggressively.

“Even by Chuck Schumer’s low standards, this was an outrageous attempt to trick Alaska voters and rig the election,” Senate Republican Conference Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said Monday.

{Matzav.com}

California Governor Gavin Newsom alleged Monday that President Donald Trump is weaponizing federal law enforcement against him, after federal agents reportedly questioned individuals connected to both the governor and his wife.

While the precise nature and scope of the federal inquiries remain uncertain, Newsom’s office said investigators have recently contacted a number of people within the couple’s personal and professional circles. According to aides, part of the scrutiny appears to involve Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the governor’s wife, with former staff members and individuals linked to her nonprofit organizations among those interviewed by federal agents.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed that several federal investigations involving the governor are currently active, including one examining financial matters related to Mrs. Newsom. However, the source rejected the governor’s accusation that the inquiries are politically driven, saying the investigations originated with federal law enforcement personnel in California rather than officials in Washington. The source spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Newsom, a Democrat frequently mentioned as a possible 2028 presidential contender, portrayed the investigations as an effort to uncover wrongdoing where none exists. He claimed agents have been combing through extensive records and contacting people close to the family in search of evidence tied to an unspecified offense.

“Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean tweets,” Mr. Newsom said in the video. “He’s coming after me because I am considering running for president.” He added, “To get me, he’s coming after my wife.”

According to the governor’s office, multiple individuals associated with the Newsoms have been approached by federal authorities over the past week. Newsom’s aides also suspect that investigators may have obtained banking records through subpoenas, although they acknowledged they have not seen any formal documentation confirming that action.

Federal officials have declined to discuss the matter publicly. Representatives for both the FBI and the Justice Department refused comment, while the White House directed all inquiries to the Justice Department.

The developments come as Newsom continues to emerge as one of the Democratic Party’s most prominent national figures, setting the stage for what could become a significant political and legal confrontation in the months ahead.

{Matzav.com}

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries faced pushback during a Monday morning television interview after criticizing President Donald Trump over rising fuel costs while discussing the administration’s recent agreement with Iran.

Appearing on “Good Day New York,” Jeffries argued that the conflict with Iran had imposed a financial burden on Americans and pointed specifically to fuel prices. “It was a reckless war of choice that has obviously cost the American people significantly, particularly as it relates to skyrocketing gas prices in an environment where the cost of living was already too high,” Jeffries said.

Jeffries then shifted the conversation toward domestic concerns, stressing the need for policymakers to focus on issues at home. However, co-host Rosanna Scotto responded by noting that gas prices had also climbed sharply during the administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

“Gas prices were up under Obama too. And Biden, right?” Scotto said.

As Jeffries began to respond, Scotto pressed further, asking, “Didn’t we have gas prices over $5?”

Attempting to explain the spike, Jeffries replied, “Well, there were gas prices in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic situation…”

Scotto then pointed to broader inflation concerns that affected consumers during that period. “And I remember eggs were like $12 a dozen,” Scotto said.

The discussion soon moved away from economic issues and turned to the New York Knicks’ NBA championship victory, with Scotto and Jeffries discussing the team’s title run.

Fox News Digital later sought comment from Jeffries’ office regarding the exchange but reported that it had not received an immediate response.

National gasoline prices reached a record average of $5.02 per gallon in June 2022 during the Biden administration.

At the time, many Democratic officials attributed the increase to economic disruptions following the COVID-19 pandemic and the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, frequently referring to the surge as “Putin’s price hike.”

Gas prices under President Trump climbed above $4.50 per gallon last month but have declined in recent weeks as the administration continues negotiations with Iran.

{Matzav.com}

Border Czar Tom Homan said Monday that a substantial majority of individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have either been convicted of crimes or are facing criminal charges, arguing that the agency’s current enforcement figures reflect a successful approach.

Appearing on Newsmax TV’s “Carl Higbie Frontline,” Homan said the percentage of ICE detainees with criminal records or pending charges has declined slightly from earlier levels but remains strong.

According to Homan, ICE classifies criminals as individuals who have already been convicted or who are currently facing charges and were located while being held in custody.

“The bottom line is, we say a criminal is those who have a criminal conviction or pending criminal charges, which means we found them in the jail cell, locked in a jail cell, which means they’re probably not a choir boy, right?”

Homan noted that roughly 70 percent of ICE arrests previously involved individuals with criminal convictions or pending charges, while the current figure is somewhat lower.

“So, it was about 70%. Right now, I think we’re about 64%. But you know what? That’s a good number. For the people who say, well, you need to arrest everybody. I tell them, look, let’s say 60, 40, I think 60% criminal, 40% non-criminal is a good mix. I think it’s better than 40% criminal and 60% non-criminal. But everybody’s on the table.”

He emphasized that while individuals with criminal backgrounds remain the primary focus of enforcement efforts, ICE is not limiting its operations exclusively to that category and retains the authority to take action against anyone in the country illegally.

{Matzav.com}

A devastating tragedy struck the community of Karmei Tzur when six-year-old Daniel Klapholtz was killed in a horrific traffic accident near the entrance to the community. The heartbreaking incident occurred just two days after his family moved into their new home.

Daniel was identified as the young child who lost his life in the accident on Route 3515 near the entrance to Karmei Tzur. Despite extensive efforts by emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The tragedy became even more painful after it emerged that the Klapholtz family, formerly residents of Beitar Illit, had relocated to Karmei Tzur only days earlier and had moved into their new residence just two days before the fatal accident.

The first emergency call was received by Magen David Adom at 6:21 p.m. Medics and paramedics rushed to the scene and immediately began intensive resuscitation efforts on the child, who had suffered catastrophic injuries. Despite their efforts, they were unable to save him and were forced to declare his death at the scene.

Volunteers from ZAKA’s Judea and Samaria District, along with teams from Beitar Illit and Gush Etzion, responded quickly to the scene and spent many hours handling the aftermath of the accident and ensuring the dignity of the deceased.

According to ZAKA volunteers who were present, preliminary findings indicate that Daniel was riding a small ride-on toy down the street when he apparently collided with the rear section of a bus near an intersection and was pulled beneath its rear wheels. Emergency personnel determined that his injuries were unsurvivable.

Hundreds of family members, friends, neighbors, and local residents gathered shortly after midnight Monday to accompany the young boy on his final journey. The funeral procession departed from the Gush Etzion Regional Cemetery at midnight, where Daniel was laid to rest amid scenes of profound grief and mourning.

The Klapholtz family is sitting shivah at their new residence on Einav Street in Karmei Tzur.

Umacha Hashem simah me’al kol ponim.

{Matzav.com}

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up a challenge brought by the firearms industry against a New York law that permits lawsuits against gun makers and sellers when their products are connected to injuries caused by criminal or unlawful use.

The legal challenge was pursued by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) together with major firearms manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Beretta, Glock, Sig Sauer, and Sturm. The group sought to overturn a lower court ruling, arguing that New York’s 2021 statute effectively undermines federal protections established under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act of 2005.

That federal law provides broad legal safeguards for firearm manufacturers, distributors, and dealers, shielding them from most civil lawsuits stemming from crimes committed by third parties using legally sold firearms or ammunition.

“NSSF sincerely believes that those criminals who illegally misuse lawful products should be held responsible for the harms they cause when they commit their crimes,” Mark Oliva, a spokesperson for the industry group wrote in an emailed statement to Reuters.

Oliva argued that holding gun companies accountable for crimes committed with their products is no different than blaming automakers for offenses committed by intoxicated drivers.

“Holding the firearm industry responsible for the criminal misuse of a firearm is akin to holding and Ford Motor Company responsible for damages from drunk-driving crimes,” Olivia added.

Support for the industry’s position also came from Republican Representatives Claudia Tenney and Nick Langworthy of New York, who filed a legal brief backing the manufacturers’ challenge.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, however, maintained that the federal law does not provide absolute immunity and that firearm companies may still face liability in certain situations involving the actions of third parties.

According to James, even the 2005 statute allows circumstances in which members of the gun industry can be held accountable for the consequences of their conduct.

State Senator Zellnor Myrie, a Democrat who authored the 2021 measure signed into law by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision and defended the law as an important public safety tool.

“New York has an obligation to protect the health and safety of every resident, and any industry—including members of the gun industry—impacting New Yorkers has to take reasonable steps to do the same,” Myrie said on Monday, according to a local outlet in New York.

{Matzav.com}

A unique and educational Torah event will take place this evening, June 16, when the Agudath Israel of America Torah Projects Commission presents a special shiur in Waterbury, Connecticut, 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 8:45 p.m. at Kehilas Ahavas Yisroel, located at 67 Columbia Boulevard in Waterbury, 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 Kehilas Ahavas Yisroel, located at 67 Columbia Boulevard in Waterbury, Connecticut, beginning at 8:45 p.m.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance said Monday that international nuclear inspectors will “absolutely” be permitted to return to Iran as part of the developing U.S.-Iran agreement intended to bring an end to the conflict that has persisted for months.

Speaking in an interview cited by NBC News, Vance explained that both the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency would play a direct role in supervising the elimination of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium under the proposed arrangement.

“In fact, one of the core parts of the agreement is that the [International Atomic Energy Agency] and the United States are going to help Iran destroy the highly enriched stockpile, and that’s something that’s spelled out very clearly,” he said.

His remarks come as the issue of nuclear inspections remains one of the most contentious aspects of the broader understanding between Washington and Tehran. Reuters reported that verification procedures and inspection rights are among the key issues that have yet to be fully resolved.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has been pressing for broader access to Iranian nuclear facilities after years of interruptions to its monitoring efforts and restrictions placed on inspectors during periods of escalating regional instability.

The IAEA, which serves as the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, operates under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and is tasked with ensuring that civilian nuclear programs are not used to advance weapons development. The agency carries out that mission through inspections, surveillance systems, and oversight of nuclear materials.

Under standard safeguards agreements, inspectors routinely conduct both scheduled and surprise visits to declared nuclear sites. Those inspections are supported by cameras, monitoring equipment, and inventory-tracking mechanisms designed to confirm enrichment levels and account for uranium stockpiles.

However, Reuters has reported that the agency’s ability to carry out those responsibilities in Iran has been increasingly challenged in recent years, as repeated restrictions on access have limited its capacity to independently verify enrichment activities and nuclear material inventories.

International scrutiny intensified further after the IAEA Board of Governors approved a U.S.-backed resolution demanding that Iran fully cooperate with inspectors, disclose details regarding its uranium reserves, and restore access to nuclear facilities affected by previous disputes.

The resolution reflected growing concern among Western nations over Iran’s expanding stockpile of uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade levels, as well as lingering questions surrounding nuclear material that has not been fully accounted for following disruptions at several key sites.

While the measure stopped short of referring Iran to the U.N. Security Council, it significantly increased diplomatic pressure on Tehran to comply fully with its obligations under international nuclear safeguards.

Taken together, the latest developments highlight the central role that inspections and verification will play in any final agreement. Both American officials and international nuclear authorities have stressed that meaningful on-the-ground monitoring will be critical to ensuring that any future deal is enforced.

{Matzav.com}

Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for Senate who recently covered up a Nazi Totenkopf tattoo, accused Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu of war crimes on Monday.

“Benjamin Netanyahu is an international fugitive,” Platner stated. “He is charged with the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare and of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.”

Platner has said that he didn’t know his tattoo was a Nazi symbol, but those who were close to him, including an ex-girlfriend, said that he bragged about it being a Nazi symbol.

“The man with a Nazi tattoo is lecturing on war crimes,” stated Yaakov Kaplan, a member of Brooklyn Community Board 12. JNS

{Matzav.com}

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir declared Monday that Israel must continue its military campaign in southern Lebanon regardless of pressure from Washington, arguing that the country’s overriding obligation is to protect its own citizens and borders.

Speaking during a faction meeting and responding to a question from Arutz Sheva-Israel National News, Ben Gvir stressed that Israel must make decisions based on its security needs rather than foreign expectations.

“We are an independent country, and we cannot stop demolishing houses in southern Lebanon,” Ben Gvir stated.

He called on the government “to continue acting even against the position of the United States,” adding, “We cannot stop preventing the population in southern Lebanon from returning. It endangers our soldiers; it endangers our residents. We must not allow them to return to the borders, to return to the status quo before October 7.”

The minister argued that Israel should maintain control of strategic areas in southern Lebanon even if doing so creates friction with the Trump administration.

“We must retain control of the territory, even against the wishes of President Trump,” he said.

Ben Gvir emphasized that existential security threats require Israel to act independently and decisively.

“Faced with existential threats, we must not act out of external pressure, but rather out of our national conscience. Just as an individual is obligated to do whatever it takes to defend their home, the State of Israel is obligated to do what Israel must do.”

Warning against what he described as failed policies of restraint, Ben Gvir said Israel cannot afford to repeat past mistakes.

“History teaches us a painful lesson: every time we chose the path of containment, deferred a decisive outcome, or relied on a false quiet, we paid the heaviest price. Let me be unequivocally clear: the era of endless rounds of fighting is over. Not in Gaza, not in Lebanon, and not against Iran. I demand that the Prime Minister allow IDF soldiers to continue the critical work of demolishing homes, eliminating Hezbollah terrorists, and keeping residents away from their houses – we must not operate according to understandings reached between Trump and Khamenei,” Ben Gvir added.

He further warned that any future attacks from Lebanon must be met with overwhelming force.

“any fragment of a drone or missile launched at us will demand a crushing response, to the point of setting the Dahieh ablaze. Firing at the State of Israel is tantamount to a declaration of war, and in war, as in war, you strive for a decisive victory. We have proven through concrete action that when a security window opens, our moral duty is to see the mission through to the very end. Stopping halfway is neither a strategy nor an option. We deeply cherish and appreciate our profound friendship with the United States and President Trump’s standing with Israel. However, the direct and exclusive responsibility for Israel’s security rests solely on the Israeli government. Israel must maintain total freedom of military action at all times and in all places; we will not accept a reality where terrorist organizations retain capabilities that threaten our sovereignty and the lives of our citizens.”

Concluding his remarks, Ben Gvir addressed Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu directly, urging him to stand firm and prioritize long-term security over temporary diplomatic arrangements.

“Our dear Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: it is in moments like these that leadership is tested. History will never remember those who sought a temporary, fake quiet, but only those who dared to secure the safety of the people and the state. The People of Israel returned to their land to live in security, freedom, and pride, and that is exactly how I expect you to continue to act.”

{Matzav.com}

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New intelligence assessments have raised serious concerns inside the Trump administration about whether Iran genuinely intends to follow through on the nuclear-related commitments sought by the United States, according to an Axios report published Monday. The concerns were reportedly conveyed by CIA Director John Ratcliffe during briefings with President Donald Trump and senior administration officials.

According to three individuals familiar with the discussions, intercepted Iranian communications suggest a significant gap between what Iranian leaders are privately saying and the assurances they are providing to international intermediaries and American negotiators. The sources said the private conversations paint a very different picture from Tehran’s public diplomatic posture.

The intelligence findings have reportedly deepened divisions among Trump’s top advisers. Axios reported that Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have become leading voices expressing skepticism about the prospects for a successful agreement.

On the other side of the debate, Vice President JD Vance and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have continued to strongly support the framework and its potential to produce a broader agreement.

“The intelligence reflects that the Iranian intentions are not in line with their commitments under the deal,” one source told Axios.

Responding to reports of disagreements within the administration, a White House official stressed that President Trump remains firmly in charge of the decision-making process.

“President Trump listens to all opinions on any given issue – but everyone understands he is the final decision-maker,” the official stated to Axios.

The same official defended the memorandum, arguing that it satisfies the key conditions the administration has consistently demanded from Iran.

“This MOU meets all of the redlines that the administration has long articulated by ensuring that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon, they cannot keep their highly enriched uranium, and they cannot hold the world’s energy supply hostage,” the official said, adding that Trump would only agree to a “good” final agreement.

Neither the State Department nor the CIA commented publicly on the report. The Pentagon also declined to respond.

At the center of the debate is the memorandum’s treatment of nuclear issues. Under the arrangement, the nuclear provisions are temporary and dependent upon the successful completion of a far more detailed agreement that negotiators hope to finalize during a 60-day period of talks.

As part of that effort, Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner are expected to travel on Friday for meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, and mediators from Pakistan and Qatar to continue negotiations on a permanent accord.

Opponents of the framework argue that the lack of public disclosure surrounding the full 14-point agreement could allow Iran to secure major benefits before proving it is willing to meet Washington’s long-term demands.

Sources familiar with the draft say one provision requires the United States to lift its naval blockade within 30 days. In exchange, “Iran will make arrangements, using its best efforts, for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days.” After that period, Iran is expected to begin discussions with Oman and other Gulf states regarding the future governance of the waterway, “in line with applicable international law and sovereign rights” of regional countries.

Meanwhile, Iranian state-controlled media have suggested that transit fees could be imposed once the initial 60-day period comes to an end, raising additional questions about the future operation of one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

{Matzav.com}

Despite growing doubts within Israel’s political system about the prospects of passing legislation that would regulate the status of yeshiva students, Shas MK Michael Malkieli insists that his party has no intention of giving up. In a forceful interview, Malkieli addressed criticism of the chareidi parties’ conduct within the coalition and stressed that Shas remains committed to pursuing solutions, even as the legal and political obstacles become increasingly difficult.

“We cannot sleep peacefully while talmidei chachamim are being arrested,” Malkieli said. “We simply cannot. The reality in which yeshiva students are afraid to walk the streets is an indictment against Klal Yisroel, and we cannot accept it.”

He said Shas chairman Aryeh Deri is investing tremendous time and effort in trying to resolve the issue of yeshiva student arrests rather than choosing the easier path of withdrawing or surrendering.

“We are trying to find a solution,” Malkieli explained. “Yes, it is difficult, lengthy, and exhausting. Perhaps in the end we will not succeed, but we cannot stand by and do nothing.”

Malkieli also rejected claims that the chareidi public was misled throughout the government’s term by promises that never materialized. He argued that the decision not to push draft legislation earlier was made in coordination with rabbinic leadership and reflected an effort to establish a stronger legal foundation for the law.

“There was an understanding that we wanted to secure legal backing from the Knesset for this legislation,” he said. “Anyone claiming otherwise is simply not telling the truth.”

He noted that once it became clear there was no majority for advancing the daycare subsidy legislation, Shas was prepared to take significant political steps, including supporting efforts to dissolve the Knesset.

When asked about the likelihood of future legislation succeeding, Malkieli avoided making predictions and instead emphasized responsibility and perseverance.

“It is not our job to be optimistic or pessimistic. Our job is to work hard,” he said. “The public and the gedolei Torah sent us to work tirelessly. The easiest thing would be to throw down the keys and say it cannot be done. We did not choose that path.”

He pointed to previous occasions when observers predicted that chareidi initiatives would fail, only for Shas to successfully advance major measures involving religious services and local religious councils.

Malkieli also addressed tensions between Shas and elements within United Torah Judaism, calling for greater unity among the chareidi parties.

“The time has come for genuine unity,” he said. “We face so many challenges. There is absolutely no reason to provide fuel to those who oppose religion. They are motivated enough without help from within our own camp.”

He stressed that Shas is not engaged in attacks or briefings against its political partners and said Deri remains focused on strengthening the Torah world rather than internal disputes.

Concluding the interview, Malkieli delivered a direct message to the avreichim and yeshiva students currently being held in military prisons.

“You are not imprisoned because of a personal offense,” he said. “You are representatives of the entire community. The entire chareidi public, the gedolei Torah, and the roshei yeshiva stand behind you and support you. You are the locomotives pulling Klal Yisroel forward.”

He added, “We do not believe in violence or in methods that are not the way of Torah. But we say clearly: we are not afraid of anyone, and we do not bow our heads before anyone. Anyone who thinks he can crush the Torah world simply does not understand Jewish history.”

{Matzav.com}

As efforts to pass a military draft law remain stalled and arrests of yeshiva students continue to intensify, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri is advancing a temporary legislative measure aimed at halting criminal proceedings against Torah learners. The initiative, however, has drawn sharp criticism from United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzchak Goldknopf, who dismissed it as political maneuvering.

In recent weeks, Deri has been working on a plan designed to stop the arrests of yeshiva students amid growing recognition within the coalition that comprehensive draft legislation regulating the status of bnei yeshiva is unlikely to pass during the current government’s term.

Last week, Deri declared in Shas’s official newspaper, Haderech, that “we will turn over every stone by the end of the summer session to stop the arrests of Torah learners.” At the time, however, he did not reveal the details of the strategy he intended to pursue. It has now emerged that a specific proposal has been formulated behind the scenes.

According to reports, Deri approached Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs approximately two weeks ago with a plan to separate portions of the draft legislation currently under discussion in the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Under the proposal, a one-year temporary order would enact only the law’s transitional provisions, allowing authorities to suspend criminal proceedings and arrests involving yeshiva students.

The proposal would leave economic sanctions in place while freezing criminal enforcement measures. Shas argues that thousands of Torah learners have effectively been classified as lawbreakers despite the absence of legislation formally regulating their status. Party officials contend that, given the current political reality, no broadly accepted draft law can be passed before elections are held and a new government is formed.

Supporters of the initiative also point to its speed. Rather than beginning an entirely new legislative process, Deri is seeking to carve out the relevant provisions from the existing draft bill and move them forward through second and third readings as part of the current legislative framework.

Over the past several days, Deri has reportedly been in contact with the Cabinet Secretary in an effort to accelerate the process. According to the report, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz, the Cabinet Secretary, and other senior officials also participated in a conference call to discuss the proposal and explore ways to ease tensions and reduce protests surrounding the arrests.

Goldknopf, however, responded forcefully to the reports and rejected the initiative outright.

“We are tired of tricks and gimmicks designed to generate headlines and spin, nothing more,” Goldknopf said. “What the government failed to accomplish over four years, it certainly will not accomplish now. We woke up long ago and have no trust.”

He added that, following the guidance of senior Torah leaders, his party continues to demand that legislation to dissolve the Knesset be brought to a vote as early as this Wednesday.

Vice President JD Vance disclosed Monday that the memorandum of understanding recently reached between the United States and Iran is a surprisingly brief document, describing it as a broad framework rather than a detailed agreement and emphasizing that many of the most difficult issues remain unresolved.

During an interview with CNN, Vance said the memorandum is only about a page and a half in length and is intended to establish general principles while leaving the specifics to future negotiations.

“Yes, so the MOU is about a page and a half, so it is a very general document,” the vice president said.

Vance explained that substantial technical and logistical matters will have to be addressed in subsequent discussions, but said the agreement creates a mechanism through which Iran can receive benefits only by fulfilling its commitments.

“On a number of issues, we are going to have to figure this stuff out during the technical negotiation phase, but what the MOU does is set up a framework whereby the Iranians get the benefits of the bargain by meeting their obligations under the bargain,” he added.

According to Vance, the opening section of the memorandum focuses on regional stability and outlines obligations intended to reduce tensions throughout the Middle East. He said the provision requires Iran to move away from activities that contribute to instability in the region.

“What paragraph one of the agreement says is effectively that Iran commits itself, just as the United States commits itself, to regional peace and stability,” Vance said.

He further stated that a key component of that commitment involves ending support for terrorist groups and destabilizing actors.

“Part of that is that the Iranians have to stop funding violent terrorist organizations, they have to stop funding regional instability.”

Shortly after President Donald Trump announced the agreement Sunday evening, Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency published what it claimed were the 14 core provisions of the understanding.

According to that report, the financial component of the deal would require the United States to release $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets before formal negotiations begin. The report further claimed that another $12 billion would become available during a 60-day period of final negotiations.

The published framework also asserted that U.S. sanctions on Iran’s oil and petrochemical industries would be suspended and that a naval blockade imposed on Iran would be lifted within 30 days.

Mehr reported that these measures would need to occur before any final treaty negotiations could proceed, making the release of funds, suspension of sanctions, and removal of the blockade prerequisites for further talks.

The Iranian account of the agreement was later challenged by a senior U.S. official, who dismissed the claims as misleading and denied that Iran would receive billions of dollars before meeting its obligations.

Speaking to Axios reporter Barak Ravid, the official rejected reports that Tehran would gain immediate and unrestricted access to $12 billion in frozen assets before the 60-day negotiating process begins, characterizing that portrayal as a distortion of the agreement.

“This is completely not true. This is a pay-for-performance deal and no frozen funds will be released without the Iranians implementing their commitments,” the official stated.

{Matzav.com}

All eight people aboard a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber were killed Monday evening (Israel time) when the aircraft went down shortly after departing from Edwards Air Force Base in California, according to military officials.

Dramatic images circulating on American news outlets and social media showed large plumes of smoke billowing from the crash scene as emergency crews rushed to the area.

The Air Force later confirmed that none of the eight occupants survived. Those killed included a combination of military personnel, civilian government employees, and contractors assigned to the mission.

Initial findings from investigators indicate that the bomber crashed only minutes after takeoff while participating in a routine test flight connected to ongoing upgrades of the aircraft’s radar systems.

Officials said the cause of the accident has not yet been determined and remains under active investigation. The crash also caused significant damage to the runway, prompting the temporary suspension of all flight activity at the base.

Earlier in the day, Edwards Air Force Base had released a statement indicating that the accident appeared to have been fatal for everyone on board.

“An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress carrying eight people on a routine test mission crashed today shortly after take-off at 11:20 a.m. (PDT). Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable. Emergency response personnel are on scene, and officials are working to account for all personnel,” the statement said, adding, “The crash is currently under investigation.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump forcefully denied reports Monday that the newly announced memorandum of understanding with Iran includes an unconditional $300 billion payout, insisting that Tehran has committed to permanently abandoning any pursuit of nuclear weapons.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump dismissed the reports as false and reiterated what he described as a key achievement of the agreement.

“Iran has agreed to never have a Nuclear Weapon! Also, the story that the U.S. is paying Iran 300 million Dollars is Fake News, put out by the Dumocrats!!! President DJT,” he wrote.

Trump’s remarks came amid growing debate over the terms of the understanding reached between Washington and Tehran and claims circulating online regarding a massive financial package for the Islamic Republic.

Earlier in the day, Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz also sought to counter those reports, arguing that critics were deliberately misrepresenting the proposal.

“The narrative about a supposed $300 billion ‘Iran investment fund’ is being deliberately distorted by grifters to generate clicks and controversy. In reality, this is not an unconditional handout. It is a conditional incentive or, in simpler terms, a ‘carrot.’”

Bruesewitz said any economic benefits would be contingent on sweeping actions by Iran, including dismantling its nuclear infrastructure, ending support for terrorist organizations, and implementing significant domestic reforms.

“Under this approach, Iran would first have to fully dismantle its nuclear program, completely end its support for terrorist groups, and carry out meaningful internal reforms. Only then would the United States help organize a group of investors to pursue commercially attractive opportunities in Iran.”

He argued that the broader objective is to tie Iran’s future prosperity to regional stability and peaceful relations rather than conflict.

“The aim would be to create deep economic ties and mutual interdependence that make future conflict far more costly for all sides and demonstrate that choosing peace delivers greater long-term benefits than continuing to back terrorism,” explained Bruesewitz.

Bruesewitz then lashed out at opponents of the proposal, suggesting their objections are driven either by self-interest or ignorance.

“The only people who could possibly oppose this plan are those who are either financially benefiting from prolonged conflict or are individuals of severely low intelligence… or perhaps both,” he charged.

Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance offered new details about the agreement during an interview with CNN, revealing that the memorandum itself is surprisingly brief.

According to Vance, the document totals only about a page and a half and serves primarily as a framework rather than a detailed treaty.

“Yes, so the MOU is about a page and a half, so it is a very general document,” the vice president said.

Vance explained that many of the most complex issues have yet to be resolved, but said the memorandum establishes a structure through which both sides can be held accountable as negotiations continue.

He described the agreement as a broad roadmap that leaves the finer details to future rounds of discussions and implementation talks.