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The German parliament on Friday advanced a landmark bill criminalizing the denial of Israel’s right to exist and making it punishable by up to five years in prison.

The historic legislation, which was backed by Germany’s upper house of parliament, the Bundesrat, and now heads to the lower house, the Bundestag, for approval, comes amid an 83% increase in antisemitism in Germany since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.

The initiative, which was introduced by the German western state of Hesse, would impose penalties of up to five years in prison or a fine for statements made publicly that deny Israel’s existence or urge its destruction if they encourage “a willingness to commit acts of antisemitic violence or arbitrary acts.”

The bill is opposed by civil rights groups and free-speech advocates who say it endangers freedom of expression guaranteed by Germany’s Constitution, and supported by the German Justice Minister, the State of Israel and German Jewish community leaders as a necessary legal tool to fight the burst of antisemitism in the country.

Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor welcomed the parliamentary decision on Friday.

“The signal is clear: Those who deny Israel’s right to exist and spread antisemitic incitement will not get away with it unpunished,” he wrote on X. “I fervently hope that the German Bundestag will take up the decision and promptly enact the necessary amendment to the Criminal Code.”

The proposed legislation is expected to be examined by the lower house of parliament after the summer recess. JNS

{Matzav.com}

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Sen. Lindsey Graham’s final overseas trip took him to a highly classified Ukrainian drone production facility, where he praised the country’s military innovation just one day before his sudden death at the age of 71.

The South Carolina Republican died last night following what his office described as a brief illness. His final public appearances included meetings with top Ukrainian officials, discussions on sanctions against Russia, and a rare visit inside a secret factory producing some of Ukraine’s most effective combat drones.

According to Ukraine Pravda, Graham toured a manufacturing facility operated by Ukrainian defense company SkyFall during his visit to the country. The trip came only hours before news emerged that he had fallen ill.

While in Ukraine, Graham also held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), who was traveling with the senator, also met with the Ukrainian leader.

Just a day before his death, Graham announced that he had reached an understanding with the White House regarding legislation imposing additional sanctions on Russia, saying the Trump administration was prepared to back the measure.

During his visit to the SkyFall facility, Graham observed the production of Ukraine’s Vampire bomber drones, commonly referred to as “Baba Yaga,” which have become a key weapon in the country’s war effort.

The senator said the United States has much to gain from Ukraine’s rapid progress in unmanned aerial vehicle technology.

“I believe that it would be a huge mistake for America not to cooperate with Ukraine in the field of drones. They are ready to help us, because we were ready to support Ukraine in the most difficult times,” Graham was quoted as saying.

The Vampire drones, designed to transport explosive payloads deep behind enemy positions, have become an important part of Ukraine’s battlefield strategy.

Following Graham’s passing, President Zelensky issued a heartfelt tribute honoring the longtime senator’s support for Ukraine.

“Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and of the values that make our world safer,” Zelensky said in his statement, noting that Graham had visited Ukraine ten times during the war.

“We were in constant dialogue, which I will miss,” the Ukrainian President said, adding that “in recent weeks [Graham] worked on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including strengthening sanctions against Russia.”

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also mourned Graham’s death, describing him as a “true friend” and “one of the strongest voices” supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Sybiha said Graham consistently advocated for tougher sanctions on Moscow while helping ensure Ukraine received the assistance it needed to defend itself.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte likewise honored Graham’s legacy, saying the senator “was a powerful advocate for America who believed strongly in the NATO Alliance and was actively working to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.”

Graham’s office announced that he died “from a brief and sudden illness.”

“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the statement read.

Authorities responded Saturday to a report of a “cardiac arrest” at Graham’s Washington, D.C., residence. Images from the scene showed emergency crews transporting a person on a stretcher from the home to a waiting ambulance.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune reflected on Graham’s decades of public service, saying his “long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world,” adding that “he was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe.”

Thune added that Graham “believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause.”

{Matzav.com}

Coca-Cola is widening its lead over longtime rival PepsiCo, with investors rewarding the beverage giant’s streamlined business model while Pepsi continues to struggle under the weight of its snack division. Coca-Cola’s stock is hovering near record highs, while Pepsi shares have fallen sharply from their peak as concerns mount over slowing sales and shrinking profit margins.

Shares of Coca-Cola are trading close to the highest levels in the company’s more than century-long history as a publicly traded company. By contrast, PepsiCo’s stock has dropped nearly 30% since reaching just under $200 per share in 2023.

PepsiCo reported second-quarter earnings on Thursday that exceeded Wall Street’s expectations, but the stronger-than-expected results did little to ease investor concerns after the company’s core North American beverage business posted declining sales.

Overall, PepsiCo generated net revenue of $24.2 billion during the quarter, a 6.4% increase from a year earlier. Of that total, $7.2 billion came from its North American beverage operations.

For decades, Coca-Cola and Pepsi battled for dominance through high-profile marketing campaigns, including the famous “Pepsi Challenge” and Coca-Cola’s infamous “New Coke” rollout. While many believed Coca-Cola had already won that battle years ago, investors now appear to be reinforcing that conclusion through the companies’ market valuations and financial performance.

One of the clearest differences between the two companies is profitability. Coca-Cola posted a first-quarter operating margin of 35%, an improvement from roughly 33% during the same period last year. PepsiCo’s operating margin for the first half of the year stood at approximately 16.5%—less than half of Coca-Cola’s.

“It’s becoming more obvious to the investor base that Coke has a superior business model,” Nik Modi, co-head of global consumer research at RBC Capital Markets, told Barron’s.

Much of PepsiCo’s difficulty can be traced to its large snack-food business and the way the company manages its bottling operations.

Snack products such as Lay’s potato chips, Doritos, and Cheetos accounted for 58% of PepsiCo’s revenue in 2025.

However, steep price hikes introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic have weighed heavily on demand, as many shoppers have increasingly turned to lower-priced store brands in an effort to reduce grocery bills.

During the second quarter, North American snack revenue declined 2% compared to the same period last year, while overall unit sales remained essentially unchanged.

PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said higher gasoline prices have also contributed to weaker snack sales because consumers are making fewer impulse purchases at convenience stores.

“I think the consumer is worse than what we had anticipated and driven mainly by gas prices,” the exec said Thursday during a conference call with investors.

Citi analyst Filippo Falorni said the company faced “continued weakness in North America” in a note to clients on Friday. He cautioned that sluggish sales are likely to continue as inflationary pressures tied to the Iran war continue affecting the U.S. economy.

“This dynamic also creates carryover risk to numbers in 2027,” he added, “with still elevated cost inflation pressuring margins.”

Unlike PepsiCo, Coca-Cola has concentrated almost entirely on beverages, fueling growth through products such as Fairlife ultra-filtered milk and smaller, premium-priced soda cans that generate higher margins.

The company also maintains a leaner cost structure by franchising the vast majority of its bottling operations. PepsiCo, meanwhile, still owns roughly 80% of its bottling network, resulting in significantly higher operating costs that weigh on profitability.

PepsiCo’s recent struggles have also attracted pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management.

After revealing a $4 billion investment in PepsiCo last September, Elliott urged the company to simplify its business, reduce prices, and explore refranchising its North American bottling operations to more closely resemble Coca-Cola’s model.

Pepsi later reached an agreement with Elliott that calls for a broad restructuring effort. The plan includes eliminating 20% of its U.S. product lineup by early 2026, lowering prices on key brands, and closing several manufacturing facilities.

Although PepsiCo has stopped short of fully franchising its bottling business, it has begun experimenting with combining its snack and beverage distribution systems in an effort to improve efficiency.

According to RBC’s Modi, the company may ultimately have to reconsider its extensive ownership of manufacturing plants and distribution assets if it hopes to improve profitability.

“They may have to make some tough choices,” he said.

Investors continued favoring Coca-Cola on Friday, further expanding the gap between the two beverage giants.

As of 2 p.m. EDT, Coca-Cola shares were trading at $83.34, up 71 cents, or nearly 1%, from Thursday’s closing price of $82.63. The stock remains close to its 52-week high of $85.68.

PepsiCo shares, meanwhile, slipped 56 cents, or 0.4%, to $137.30, leaving the stock much closer to its 52-week low of $133.75 after closing Thursday at $137.86.

Coca-Cola is scheduled to release its second-quarter earnings report on July 28, a report investors will watch closely to see whether the company can continue extending its lead over its longtime rival.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump led a wave of tributes Sunday following the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, calling the longtime South Carolina Republican “one of the greatest people and Senators” he had ever known.

Graham, 71, died on Motzoei Shabbos following what his office described as a brief and sudden illness. His passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, with lawmakers, administration officials, and longtime friends remembering his decades of public service, his unwavering commitment to America’s national security, and his steadfast support for Israel.

In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump expressed both personal grief and admiration for one of his closest political allies.

“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!” Trump wrote. “He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!”

The president’s tribute reflected a friendship that extended well beyond politics. Graham was one of Trump’s closest allies in the Senate during his second administration and frequently accompanied the president on golf outings. The two also campaigned together extensively, including during Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign.

Vice President JD Vance also paid tribute, recalling both his policy disagreements and his respect for Graham’s character.

“Lindsey Graham came from humble beginnings and became one of the most powerful lawmakers in the most powerful nation on Earth. His story was a fundamentally American one,” Vance wrote.

He recounted an early clash with Graham over Ukraine funding, only to discover the following day that Graham had quietly helped advance legislation important to him.

“That was Lindsey Graham. He fought like hell for the things he believed in, and he was just as willing to go to bat for you when it counted.”

Vance also praised Graham’s personality and political instincts.

“Lindsey had the best sense of humor in the Senate. He loved the game of politics. He was constantly asking which races were up and down, and how he could help.”

Although the two did not always agree, Vance concluded, “We certainly had our disagreements. But I couldn’t help but like him. A one of a kind figure in our politics. I’ll be praying for him and his family.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called Graham’s death a tremendous loss for both the country and the administration.

“America has lost a statesman,” she wrote. “President Trump and the White House have lost a friend. Rest in Peace, Senator Graham.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune remembered Graham as one of the chamber’s most influential voices on national security and foreign affairs.

“My heart is heavy this morning to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham,” Thune said.

“Lindsey’s long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world. He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe. He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause.”

Thune noted that Graham’s influence on the federal judiciary, America’s military, and his home state “will be felt for generations.”

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott called Graham “a true statesman.”

“America’s lost a true statesman. We don’t have many left, but he was a true statesman,” Scott said during an appearance on CNN. “But I’ve lost a friend.”

Scott also recalled that Graham warmly welcomed him when he entered the Senate in 2013.

“He was one of the first folks in the Senate to welcome me in with open arms.”

Republican senators from across the country also honored Graham’s legacy.

Sen. Ted Cruz described him as “a fearless patriot, a devoted public servant, and one of the fiercest advocates for America’s national security.”

“He loved this country deeply, and he dedicated his life to defending it,” Cruz said. “For years, I had the privilege of serving alongside Lindsey in the Senate. We fought shoulder to shoulder for conservative judges, stood together with our allies, and never wavered in confronting America’s adversaries.”

Sen. John Barrasso called Graham “my dear friend” and said he “represented South Carolina and America with pride and determination.”

“All of us in the Senate will miss his quick wit and infectious laughter. The Senate will never again see anyone quite like Senator Lindsey Graham.”

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who entered the Senate alongside Graham more than two decades ago, wrote that “it is hard to convey the loss that I feel knowing that we will no longer have his leadership in the Senate.”

Rep. Michael McCaul called Graham “a giant” in American politics and urged Congress to pass new sanctions on Russia in his memory.

“This is a loss not only for his family and friends like me, but for the entire nation,” McCaul said. “We shared a similar world view that America is strongest at home when we are strong abroad.”

He added that he would introduce House legislation mirroring Graham’s sanctions proposal and said, “Congress should pass it in his honor.”

Even political opponents praised Graham’s commitment to public service.

South Carolina Democrat James Clyburn said that although their relationship was “sometimes partisan and passionate,” it was “always pleasant and productive on behalf of the people of South Carolina.”

“For more than three decades, we served the people of the Palmetto State together in Congress,” Clyburn said. “Throughout that time, we maintained a relationship grounded in mutual respect, even when our political differences were significant.”

Democratic Senate candidate Annie Andrews likewise urged South Carolinians “to set partisanship aside and offer gratitude to Senator Lindsey Graham for his service to the great state of South Carolina.”

{Matzav.com}

The Ozherover Rebbe was rushed to the hospital on Sunday morning after suffering a heart attack while at his beis medrash in Bnei Brak.

The Rebbe reportedly began feeling severely unwell while in his beis medrash on Rechov Chazon Ish.

Hatzalah volunteers and Magen David Adom emergency personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they provided him with initial medical treatment.

After undergoing a preliminary evaluation, doctors determined that the Rebbe had suffered a heart attack. He was transported by Magen David Adom ambulance to Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, where he was taken for an emergency cardiac catheterization procedure.

All are asked to daven for Rav Tanchum Binyamin ben Miriam.

{Matzav.com}

Police arrested several suspects, including minors, during a major anti-crime operation in Beitar Illit targeting juvenile delinquency over the summer vacation. The suspects are under investigation for a range of alleged offenses, including illegal possession of a knife, making threats against a public official, property damage, diesel fuel theft, and drug trafficking.

The operation, dubbed “Breaking the Waves,” was carried out by detectives from the Etzion Police Station in the Judea and Samaria District. As part of the initiative, officers increased patrols and inspections throughout the city in an effort to identify and apprehend young suspects allegedly involved in criminal activity.

During the operation, detectives stopped a 16-year-old Beitar Illit resident who was allegedly carrying a knife in violation of the law. After being taken to the police station for questioning, the teenager allegedly damaged chairs in the station’s waiting area by scratching anti-police graffiti into them with his fingernails while a police officer was present. He was subsequently arrested on additional suspicion of causing damage to public property.

In a separate case, police arrested two suspects, including a minor, following an investigation launched earlier this week into alleged threatening harassment directed at a public official. The investigation also involved suspected property damage after a garbage dumpster near the official’s home was set on fire. Police said the suspects were located with the assistance of station intelligence personnel.

Authorities also reported progress in an ongoing investigation into the theft of diesel fuel from buses and suspected drug trafficking. During an earlier phase of the investigation, detectives seized jerry cans, hoses allegedly used to siphon diesel fuel, and discovered a concealed location containing a large quantity of illegal drugs.

Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, police identified one of the suspects and arrested the minor during Thursday night’s operation. A search of his home allegedly uncovered a quantity of hard drugs that police said was inconsistent with personal use.

Police said all of the investigations remain ongoing at the Etzion Police Station and indicated that additional arrests are expected as the investigations progress.

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday announced a sweeping new consumer protection initiative aimed at eliminating subscription traps and hidden fees, introducing what he called the nation’s first municipal “Click to Cancel” rule.

The new regulation will require businesses to make canceling a subscription just as simple as signing up for one. Under the policy, companies will no longer be permitted to bury consumers in lengthy cancellation processes after allowing them to enroll with only a single click.

Mamdani unveiled the proposal alongside New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine and other city officials.

“I think many of us have come to feel this is inevitable,” Levine said. “The feeling like we’re navigating a minefield when we’re shopping is simply the price of modern convenience.”

The regulations are scheduled to take effect in October and are intended to protect consumers from recurring subscription charges—such as those associated with gyms and hotels—as well as so-called junk fees that are not disclosed until the final stages of a purchase.

City officials estimate that the Click-to-Cancel rule alone could save New Yorkers as much as $162.5 million annually.

“For years, companies have built their business model around making it harder for working people to hold onto their money,” Mayor Mamdani said. “Whether it’s hidden fees that suddenly appear at checkout or subscriptions that take one click to sign up for and a dozen steps to cancel, the result is the same: working people pay more while corporations profit. That ends now. If you can sign up with one click, you can cancel with one click.”

Many city residents welcomed the proposal, saying subscription services have become an expensive burden that is often difficult to escape.

“Like we have so many subscriptions that we barely even use or like family plans,” said Financial District resident Paige Southworth.

“I would say Netflix, or honestly all of the above. They definitely never give you a chance, I guess, to catch a break,” said Lower East Side resident Ike Sanchez.

The city initiative mirrors a similar nationwide rule introduced by Lina Khan while serving as chair of the Federal Trade Commission during the Biden administration. That federal regulation was later blocked by the courts during the Trump administration.

Khan now serves as an adviser to Mamdani and has played a leading role in bringing a comparable policy to New York City.

“The Mamdani administration’s work to tackle the affordability crisis and promote economic fairness continues to set a new standard nationwide, modeling effective governance and a relentless focus on using all of the city’s levers to improve life for New Yorkers,” she said.

Businesses found violating the rule could face consumer restitution orders as well as civil penalties beginning at $525 for each violation.

Questions remain, however, about how aggressively the city will enforce the new regulations and what the overall cost of implementing and policing the program will be.

{Matzav.com}

Mr. Sol Werdiger, CEO of Outerstuff and Chairman of Agudath Israel of America, speaks to Lara Trump on Fox News in honor of the USA’s 250th anniversary.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu on Sunday expressed profound sorrow over the sudden death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, hailing him as one of Israel’s strongest allies and describing his passing as a tremendous loss for both Israel and the United States.

In a statement, Netanyahu said he and his wife, Sara, were mourning alongside the American people.

“Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham,” Netanyahu said.

Recalling their most recent meeting, Netanyahu reflected on the close bond they shared and the senator’s unwavering commitment to Israel.

“In our recent meeting, I said, ‘Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsey.'”

The prime minister praised Graham for recognizing the close strategic partnership between the two nations and for dedicating his public life to strengthening that alliance.

“Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.”

Netanyahu concluded by emphasizing the magnitude of the loss on both a national and personal level.

“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”

Offering condolences to Graham’s loved ones and to the American people, Netanyahu added, “Our hearts are with Lindsey’s family and with the American people at this difficult time. May his values and initiatives continue to guide us toward victory and peace, and may his memory forever be a blessing. “

{Matzav.com}

Israeli President Isaac Herzog paid tribute Sunday to the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, remembering him as one of Israel’s most loyal allies and a lifelong friend whose unwavering support for the Jewish state never faltered.

In a video message delivered from the President’s Residence in Yerushalayim, Herzog expressed deep sorrow over Graham’s sudden passing.

“I was deeply shocked and heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of a great American patriot, a true friend of Israel, and a dear friend of mine, US Senator Lindsey Graham,” Herzog said.

Herzog praised the longtime South Carolina senator as “a beacon of moral clarity” who brought “an exceptional sense of justice, truth, and loyalty to his decades of public service.”

Reflecting on Graham’s role in international affairs, Herzog said the senator stood out as “a maverick in world affairs, and one of Israel’s greatest friends and allies in the United States of America, who maintained his steadfast and unwavering support for the people of Israel, especially at our most difficult and painful moments.”

The president said Graham possessed a deep appreciation for the unique relationship between the United States and Israel, noting that he understood “the profound importance of the US-Israel partnership” and “tirelessly advocated for our shared values and shared interests.”

Herzog also spoke of his personal relationship with Graham, emphasizing the senator’s lasting impact on both Israel and those who knew him.

“The people of Israel will always remember, and always cherish, his exceptional friendship,” Herzog continued. “On a personal note, Lindsey was a dear friend, whom I met with many times, and I will miss him dearly.”

Concluding his remarks, Herzog extended condolences on behalf of the State of Israel to Graham’s loved ones.

“On behalf of the State of Israel, I send my deepest condolences to Senator Graham’s family and friends at this devastating moment. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing.”

{Matzav.com}

A Beis Din in Beit Shemesh has issued a unique compromise ruling to resolve a prolonged dispute between residents of an eight-story apartment building over the operation of a Shabbos elevator, balancing the needs of elderly and upper-floor residents with concerns about preserving the building’s Shabbos atmosphere.

The ruling follows lengthy deliberations over a dispute that erupted in a residential building in the city’s Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled neighborhood, highlighting an issue that has become increasingly common as high-rise construction expands within the chareidi community.

According to sources, the building was originally equipped by the developer with a Shabbos elevator control system, which was included as part of the apartments’ specifications when the units were sold. However, after residents moved in, disagreements emerged over whether the system should actually be operated on Shabbos and Yom Tov.

Residents supporting the elevator’s operation argued that the feature was purchased as part of their homes and that they were entitled to use it. They noted that an elderly resident living on the seventh floor, as well as a family residing on the top floor, face significant hardship without a functioning Shabbos elevator, at times making it difficult even to attend tefillos on Shabbos.

Opponents countered that operating a Shabbos elevator would undermine the atmosphere and sanctity of Shabbos within the building. They also argued that it could negatively affect the chinuch of children and alter the building’s unique character, which is home primarily to bnei Torah families.

Both sides ultimately agreed to submit the matter to a Beis Din composed of Rav Naftali Tzvi Hirsch Rotenberg, one of Beit Shemesh’s rabbanim, together with Rav Yitzchak Lezenovsky, a dayan at the Nesivos Chaim Beis Din in Yerushalayim and the Ashkenazi Beis Din in Beitar Illit.

During the proceedings, the dayanim heard extensive arguments from both sides. In their written ruling, they discussed at length the sanctity of Shabbos, the unique religious character of Beit Shemesh, and the sensitivity within the chareidi community regarding the operation of electrical systems on Shabbos. At the same time, they also took into account the residents’ property rights and the fact that the Shabbos elevator system had been installed by the developer as part of the original building plans.

Rather than adopting either side’s position in full, the Beis Din fashioned a detailed compromise. Under the ruling, the Shabbos elevator will operate only during designated hours, its operation will be limited in scope, and additional measures will be implemented to minimize any perceived impact on the building’s Shabbos atmosphere while still accommodating residents who require its use.

{Matzav.com}

Four Israeli settlers were arrested on Shabbos morning on suspicion of involvement in an incident with a foreign television news crew near the Arab village of Sinjil in the Binyamin region, after reports that the journalists’ vehicle was blocked and damaged.

According to Israel Police, several foreign journalists were traveling near Sinjil when a group of suspects allegedly blocked their vehicle and caused damage to it. Following the report, IDF troops from the Shomron Brigade were dispatched to the scene, secured the area, enabled the journalists to continue on their way, and detained four individuals suspected of involvement in the incident.

Officers from the Binyamin Police Station later arrived at the scene, arrested the suspects, took statements from members of the media crew, and located the suspects’ vehicle, which was seized as part of the investigation.

During a search of the vehicle, police said they recovered several clubs and a knife. The four suspects were taken to the Binyamin Police Station for questioning, and the investigation remains ongoing.

According to a report by military correspondent Doron Kadosh, the journalists involved were members of a CNN news crew. One member of the team was reportedly involved in a previous incident with an IDF reserve unit in the Arab village of Tayasir. The report added that the suspects allegedly blocked the crew’s vehicle and punctured one of its tires.

Police and the IDF said they view acts of violence and property damage with great seriousness, particularly when directed at journalists carrying out their work. Authorities emphasized, however, that the investigation is still in its early stages and that the allegations against the suspects have not yet been proven.

{Matzav.com}

A new public opinion poll released over the weekend indicates that a majority of Israelis would prefer the next government be formed without the participation of the chareidi parties. The survey also found that former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot is viewed as the country’s most credible political leader, while Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu received significantly lower marks for trustworthiness.

The survey, conducted by Mano Geva in cooperation with the Midgam Institute and iPanel for Channel 12 News, measured public perceptions of Israel’s leading political figures as well as voter preferences regarding the composition of the next governing coalition.

According to the findings, 54% of respondents rated Eisenkot’s credibility as good overall, while only 29% gave him a negative rating. The results place the former IDF chief at the top of the political field in terms of perceived reliability, a potentially significant advantage as Israel moves closer to elections.

Netanyahu, by contrast, received considerably weaker ratings. Sixty percent of those surveyed said the prime minister’s credibility is poor, while only 38% gave him a positive rating. The findings reflect continuing public skepticism amid Israel’s prolonged political and legal battles.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also received mixed reviews. Fifty-three percent of respondents rated his credibility negatively, compared to 41% who viewed him favorably. The poll comes as Bennett recently attended the prestigious Allen & Company conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, while his political party, Beyachad, continues to decline in public opinion surveys.

The survey also examined potential coalition scenarios following the next election.

A majority of respondents—53%—said they oppose the formation of a government that depends on the support or outside backing of the Ra’am party, led by Mansour Abbas. Only 31% expressed support for such an arrangement, suggesting continued public resistance to relying on the Arab party in a governing coalition.

Perhaps the most striking finding concerned the role of the chareidi parties. According to the poll, 61% of Israelis said they would prefer that the next government not include chareidi parties, while only 27% favored including them in the governing coalition.

The results reflect heightened public tensions surrounding the chareidi parties in the wake of ongoing disputes over military conscription, government funding, and legislation affecting the chareidi community.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is pushing a dramatic overhaul of Likud’s candidate selection process ahead of the next election, seeking to secure broad authority to shape the party’s Knesset list through reserved slots and a selection committee—a move that has triggered growing resistance from incumbent lawmakers who fear for their political futures.

The Likud Constitution Committee, headed by Minister Chaim Katz, is scheduled to convene Sunday evening to make a final decision on how the party’s Knesset slate will be chosen and to approve the rules governing the upcoming primaries.

Netanyahu has already canceled his participation in the committee’s meetings three separate times, reportedly to postpone the sensitive discussions while the Knesset remained in session. According to party insiders, the delays were intended to prevent internal tensions from spilling over into coalition politics during the legislature’s final week before the election campaign.

If approved by the committee, the proposal will move to the Likud Convention, where approximately 5,000 delegates will cast secret ballots at 15 polling stations across the country to decide whether to adopt the changes. The vote comes despite an unusual warning from the party’s internal comptroller, attorney Shay Galili, who cautioned that canceling or significantly limiting the primary system could expose the party to serious legal challenges.

Two competing proposals are currently under discussion, both of which would significantly strengthen Netanyahu’s control over the composition of the party’s list.

Under Netanyahu’s preferred plan, the prime minister would receive the authority to reserve between 10 and 11 personal slots on the list, including four positions within the top ten. The goal, according to sources, is to reshape the parliamentary faction by replacing some current lawmakers with candidates viewed as stronger public representatives and closer to Netanyahu.

A second proposal, backed by several cabinet ministers, would establish a hybrid system. Under that model, a special selection committee would determine the placement of approximately 20 incumbent ministers and MKs, while primaries would be held only for district representatives. The practical effect would be that the first 30 positions on the Likud list would largely be determined in advance.

To ease opposition within the party, officials are also considering placing representatives from three districts—the Negev, Shfelah, and Dan/Tel Aviv regions—within the top 30 positions. Another proposal would amend party rules to allow incumbent MKs to compete in district slots that are currently reserved exclusively for new candidates.

Although both plans would benefit Netanyahu politically, they have alarmed many sitting Likud lawmakers. Unlike a traditional primary, in which incumbents compete for numerous realistic positions, both proposals would sharply reduce the number of available spots. Those not selected through Netanyahu’s reserved appointments or by the proposed committee would be forced to compete for the limited district positions.

According to party sources, Netanyahu’s broader objective is to substantially reshape the Likud faction by replacing several current ministers and MKs in an effort to improve the party’s public image and present a refreshed slate to voters.

Against the backdrop of concerns over the next election, Netanyahu is reportedly seeking to replace outspoken figures such as Tally Gotliv, Dudi Amsalem, Idit Silman, May Golan, and Shlomo Karhi with candidates viewed as more broadly representative.

At the same time, he hopes to bring prominent new figures into the party’s top ranks, including Local Government Center chairman Chaim Bibas. Another name reportedly being considered for a reserved slot is Tally Guaily, the mother of fallen hostage Ran Guaily, z”l.

One senior party source described the emerging structure by saying, “There is a display window, there is a store, and there is a warehouse.”

Creating a selection committee would also provide Netanyahu with a political advantage by allowing the committee—not the prime minister personally—to make many of the controversial decisions regarding candidate placement. If the proposal is adopted, Kiryat Motzkin Mayor Tzvika Brot is expected to chair the committee, alongside several influential Likud mayors, including Chaim Bibas, Ronen Plot, Beni Biton, Yaakov Peretz, and Shay Hajaj.

Among those posing the greatest challenge to Netanyahu’s plans is MK Tally Gotliv, whose popularity among the party’s grassroots members has made efforts to sideline her particularly difficult.

“If I weren’t here, you wouldn’t be in the Knesset,” Gotliv declared. “Everyone would vote for Ben Gvir.”

Although efforts to push her aside continue, senior party officials acknowledge that her strong support among Likud activists could make such a move difficult.

Gotliv has also escalated her opposition by warning that she may not seek reelection on the Likud ticket if the party abandons traditional primaries.

“If there are no primaries, I’ll consider not running with Likud,” Gotliv told Walla. “Likud is a party of voters. It’s a democratic party. The smart, right-wing voters are the ones who decide. The fact that some people are afraid of receiving a low ranking in the primaries is not a reason to cancel the primaries.”

Pressure inside the party continues to mount. Roughly 60 candidates—including 43 sitting ministers and MKs—are expected to compete for only about 20 realistic positions on the next Likud slate.

In an effort to ease concerns among incumbents, Netanyahu has reportedly promised an expanded version of the so-called Norwegian Law, under which ministers resign their Knesset seats, allowing additional Likud candidates lower on the list to enter parliament. However, that proposal would only take effect if Likud succeeds in forming the next government.

Meanwhile, political maneuvering is also intensifying across the broader political landscape. Coalition and opposition parties remain deadlocked over election procedures, including disputes over relocating polling stations away from nursing homes.

In the opposition, MK Chili Tropper is expected to join Gadi Eisenkot’s emerging political list, although Eisenkot has indicated he intends to accept only a limited number of candidates. Benny Gantz’s camp, meanwhile, continues to face uncertainty, with associates reportedly saying they are “selling an option, not a party,” as current polls show the faction failing to clear the electoral threshold.

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Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of the Republican Party’s most influential voices on national security and one of Israel’s staunchest allies in Congress, died tonight after a brief illness, his office announced. He was 71.

According to a statement released by his office, Graham passed away on Motzoei Shabbos “from a brief and sudden illness.”

“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the statement continued.

A Republican from South Carolina, Graham had served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 after four terms in the House of Representatives. Before entering Congress, he served in the U.S. Air Force and later in the Air Force Reserve, while also practicing law and serving in the South Carolina legislature.

Over more than two decades in the Senate, he became one of the chamber’s most recognizable figures, chairing several major committees, including the Senate Judiciary Committee and, most recently, the Senate Budget Committee.

Graham was in the midst of campaigning for a fifth six-year Senate term and had recently secured the Republican nomination for reelection.

Throughout his career, Graham emerged as one of Congress’ strongest defenders of Israel. He was a frequent visitor to the Jewish state, consistently advocated for robust American military assistance, backed sanctions against Iran, and repeatedly argued that Israel had both the right and obligation to defend itself against Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations.

Following the October 7 massacre, Graham became one of Israel’s most outspoken supporters on Capitol Hill, urging decisive military action against Hamas and pressing the Biden administration—and later the Trump administration—to maintain unwavering support for Israel’s security.

Although he was at times a vocal critic of President Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Graham later became one of Trump’s closest political allies in the Senate. The two developed a strong working relationship, particularly on judicial appointments, immigration, foreign policy, and defense issues.

Emergency responders were dispatched to Graham’s Capitol Hill residence tonight after receiving a report of a person in cardiac arrest, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News. Photographs reviewed by NBC News showed paramedics removing an individual from the home on a stretcher before transporting the person by ambulance. Police and fire department vehicles also responded to the scene.

Just one day before his death, Graham had returned from Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as part of his continued involvement in U.S. foreign policy and support for Ukraine.

A large-scale search operation is underway in Beit Shemesh after a local resident disappeared on Shabbos morning, prompting growing concern among family members and emergency responders.

ZAKA’s emergency hotline received a report shortly before midnight on Motzoei Shabbos that the man, a resident of Beit Shemesh, had last been seen on Shabbos morning in the Ramat Beit Shemesh D neighborhood and had not returned.

Immediately after receiving the report, ZAKA’s Missing Persons Unit in Beit Shemesh established a field command center to coordinate an extensive search effort throughout the area.

Searches are being conducted in close cooperation with emergency services and security agencies, with volunteers working to locate the missing man as quickly and safely as possible. Members of ZAKA’s Missing Persons Unit are combing the area using advanced technological equipment while gathering and analyzing information from every available source.

Avremi Kapp, commander of ZAKA Beit Shemesh, said, “Immediately upon receiving the report, we established a command center in the field and began directing the search operation from there. Volunteers from ZAKA’s Missing Persons Unit are searching the area, gathering information, and utilizing every resource at their disposal to locate the missing individual as quickly as possible. We hope to share good news soon.”

Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the disappearance as search efforts continue.

{Matzav.com}

A dispute over a café that recently began operating on Shabbos escalated into violent confrontations in Yerushalayim on Shabbos, as protesters blocked roads, police intervened to restore order, and a minor was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.

The latest unrest highlights the growing tensions between the city’s chareidi and secular communities over the public character of Shabbos.

The controversy centers on Café “Basimta,” located in a neighborhood with both chareidi and secular residents. After the café began opening on Shabbos several weeks ago, local chareidi residents launched protests, arguing that the move constitutes a public desecration of Shabbos. The dispute has since evolved into a broader political and ideological battle over the city’s identity.

The demonstrations first began about a month ago, when area residents discovered that the café was operating on Shabbos. Videos of the protests quickly spread on social media, along with the café’s exact location, drawing increasing attention and prompting repeated police deployments to prevent physical confrontations.

On Shabbos, Yerushalayim City Council member Tzachi Brim joined the protest together with a number of young demonstrators.

According to Yerushalayim District Police, protesters placed objects in the roadway, blocked traffic, and endangered public safety by refusing to clear the streets.

Police officers on the scene ordered the demonstrators to disperse and reopen the roads. When they refused, Border Police officers and members of the Lev Habirah police station moved in to clear the area and restore traffic.

The confrontation intensified during the evacuation of the protesters when, according to police, one of the demonstrators—a minor—allegedly assaulted a police officer. He was arrested at the scene and taken in for questioning.

Police emphasized that while they are committed to protecting the right to lawful protest and freedom of expression, they will continue taking firm action against anyone who disrupts public order or assaults officers carrying out their duties.

The dispute has also moved beyond the streets into City Hall, where chareidi and secular council members have taken opposing positions. Chareidi representatives are exploring legal and regulatory avenues to shut down the café and preserve the city’s Shabbos character, while secular officials argue that the business is exercising its legal right to operate and that residents are entitled to freedom of choice.

The controversy comes amid broader tensions in Yerushalayim over Shabbos observance. Last week, sharply worded posters appeared throughout the city criticizing the chareidi parties for supporting Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi’s media reform plan, linking the issue to the broader struggle over the city’s public character.

Tensions reached another peak this past Shabbos, when long lines of customers formed outside the café. Many patrons said they were intentionally visiting the establishment as a statement in support of personal freedom, while chareidi demonstrators gathered nearby to protest the public desecration of Shabbos.

Police deployed large forces to separate the two groups, preventing protesters from reaching the entrance to the café. Although shouting matches broke out and emotions ran high, authorities succeeded in preventing major physical clashes.

The unrest follows other recent Shabbos-related demonstrations in Yerushalayim, including protests near Bar-Ilan Street over light rail construction work that led to confrontations between demonstrators and police.

Meanwhile, chareidi city council members continue examining legal options to close the café, while secular activists are organizing efforts to defend its right to remain open. Police say they will maintain an increased presence in the coming weeks in an effort to prevent further violence.

{Matzav.com}