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The IDF announced Monday morning that Command Sergeant Major (Res.) Alexander Glovanyov, 47, of Petach Tikva, was killed in a Hezbollah drone attack near the Israel-Lebanon border.

Glovanyov served as a heavy transport vehicle driver in the 6924th Transport Battalion of the Transportation Center.

According to the IDF, the fatal incident took place Sunday at approximately 4:00 p.m., when multiple explosive drones crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory and detonated near the border area. Glovanyov was struck directly by one of the drones and was killed in the attack.

The deadly strike came amid continued fighting and military operations along Israel’s northern front, where Hezbollah terrorists have repeatedly targeted Israeli positions and communities near the border.

The IDF stated Sunday that troops from the 91st Division carried out extensive operations over the weekend in southern Lebanon aimed at removing immediate threats to Israeli forces.

As part of those operations, soldiers struck more than 40 Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites and eliminated over 10 Hezbollah terrorists who were operating in proximity to IDF troops in the area.

Among the targets attacked were military compounds used by Hezbollah operatives, weapons depots, launchers, and additional terror infrastructure.

The military said the sites targeted by Israeli forces had been used by Hezbollah terrorists to plan and execute attacks against IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon.

“The IDF will continue to operate against threats directed at Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers, in accordance with directives from the political echelon,” said the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Rav Aharon Teitelbaum, the Satmar Rebbe of Kiryas Yoel, delivered sharp words of criticism last week regarding what he described as the increasingly inappropriate atmosphere that has become commonplace at many contemporary weddings within the frum world, calling it “ekeldig,” or “disgusting.”

The remarks were delivered during a gathering in Williamsburg last Tuesday, where the Rebbe addressed a range of concerns affecting the broader tzibbur. A central focus of his comments was the changing style and tone of contemporary chasunos, particularly the growing dominance of nightclub-style music and behavior that many ehrliche Yidden feel has drifted far from the spirit of a traditional Jewish wedding, calling it “ekeldige negginim mit ekeldige tantzeray” (disgusting songs with disgusting dancing).

The rebbe lamented what he described as a steady erosion of the kedusha and dignity that once defined a chasunah. He expressed pain that weddings, which are meant to be sacred occasions centered around building a bayis ne’eman b’Yisroel, have increasingly become centered around spectacle and goyishe noise.

The rebbe joins the chorus of rabbonim who decry scenes now commonly witnessed at weddings, where guests dance to booming DJ-driven music that resemble secular nightlife culture far more than a traditional simcha shel mitzvah.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Anti-Semitic YouTuber Tyler Oliveira is reportedly on his way to Israel aboard El Al Flight LY26, raising concern among many in the frum world following a series of highly controversial videos in which he portrayed Orthodox Jewish communities in an inflammatory and deeply negative light.

Oliveira, a YouTube personality with millions of followers, has become known for producing provocative “investigative” videos in which he enters insular or controversial communities and creates highly dramatized content built around confrontation, shock value, and controversy.

Over the past year, Oliveira sparked widespread outrage in frum communities after releasing videos focused on Orthodox Jewish populations in places such as Kiryas Joel and Lakewood. He deliberately frames frum Jews through the lens of longstanding antisemitic stereotypes while ignoring the broader reality of Torah life, family values, chessed, and community infrastructure.

Among the strongest criticisms leveled against Oliveira is that his videos focused obsessively on government assistance, poverty, large families, and political influence in a way many felt was designed to provoke hostility toward religious Jews. Community members have shown how the editing, narration, thumbnails, and titles painted frum communities as parasitic, secretive, manipulative, and alien, themes with deep historical antisemitic roots.

Oliveira selectively edits interviews and interactions to maximize controversy while minimizing nuance and context. Several people featured in the videos later claimed they were misrepresented or used to create a predetermined narrative.

The backlash intensified as antisemitic comments flooded social media platforms beneath the videos, with many commenters openly attacking Jews and repeating classic anti-Jewish tropes. Oliveira either knowingly fueled that reaction or was reckless in creating content that predictably encouraged such hostility.

Now, with Oliveira reportedly heading to Israel, concern is growing that he may attempt similar content involving chareidi neighborhoods, protests, the draft issue, poverty, or tensions between secular and religious Israelis.

{Matzav.com}

A former US intelligence and Pentagon official warned Sunday that adversaries such as China and Russia could trigger massive economic disruption by targeting the undersea cable network that powers global communications, financial systems, and military infrastructure.

The warning comes as President Donald Trump prepares to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing for high-stakes discussions expected to center on trade, artificial intelligence, and Taiwan.

According to experts, undersea cables carry approximately 99% of the world’s data traffic and support as much as $10 trillion in global financial transactions every day.

Andrew Badger, chief strategy officer at defense technology startup Coalition Systems, said hostile nations increasingly view the ocean floor as a strategic battlefield.

“America depends on the fragile nervous system of subsea cables for modern life,” Badger told Fox News Digital before warning that U.S. adversaries “seek to turn the bottom of the ocean into a battlefield.”

Badger argued that China and Russia have invested far more heavily in offensive undersea capabilities than the United States and its allies have invested in defense.

“The asymmetric threat — China and Russia are devoting far more resources to attacking undersea infrastructure than the U.S. or its allies are to defending it,” Badger said.

According to Badger, Beijing and Moscow have identified a critical vulnerability in Western infrastructure.

“They’ve identified one of our greatest vulnerabilities, and we haven’t caught up. A coordinated strike on American undersea infrastructure could fundamentally disrupt our way of life — the internet, banking, energy markets and military communications all run through these cables. The dollar cost is almost incalculable, and the real damage would be the chaos and political instability that would follow,” he said.

His remarks came amid growing concern in Washington over the security of critical subsea infrastructure.

In April, Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen introduced bipartisan legislation known as the Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026, designed to improve protection and resilience for underwater cable systems.

“Undersea cables are important for a variety of reasons. They carry 99% of the world’s internet traffic. They also support $10 trillion in financial transactions each and every day,” Barrasso said in a statement.

Concerns intensified after reports emerged in April that China had successfully tested advanced deep-sea cable-cutting technology.

According to reports, China’s Ministry of Natural Resources confirmed a mission involving an “electro-hydrostatic actuator,” a device reportedly capable of severing armored submarine cables at depths of 3,500 meters.

Suspicious cable disruptions have also occurred in Europe and other regions, fueling fears of coordinated “gray-zone” operations intended to pressure Western countries while avoiding outright military confrontation.

“This is hybrid warfare in its purest form, designed to weaken the adversary below the threshold of declared war,” Badger said, noting that incidents such as anchors dragging across the seabed can provide plausible deniability.

Badger warned that the ability to damage undersea infrastructure gives America’s adversaries enormous leverage.

“Cables give Beijing and Moscow the ability to inflict devastating economic chaos almost at will,” Badger warned. “This gives both nations tremendous strategic leverage over the U.S.”

He also suggested China could potentially use attacks on American undersea infrastructure to discourage US military involvement in a Taiwan conflict.

“Beijing could simultaneously target cables landing in the U.S., not to win militarily, but with the goal of breaking the American public’s will to intervene in Taiwan,” he said.

China continues to claim Taiwan as its territory, while the United States — Taiwan’s largest unofficial ally — continues providing military assistance under longstanding US law requiring support for Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.

The Taiwan Strait has also become increasingly critical because of its importance to the global artificial intelligence industry and related technologies.

Anniki Mikelsaar of the Oxford Internet Institute noted that expanding AI infrastructure is increasing demand on submarine cable networks worldwide.

According to Mikelsaar, growth in artificial intelligence means “rising capacity requirements on submarine cables.”

At the same time, she cautioned that not all cable disruptions are linked to hostile activity.

“Not all recent cable damage incidents can be attributed to foreign adversaries: the ICPC estimates 150 to 200 cable breaks occur per year around the globe, most of them accidents,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

[Full video below.] Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said Sunday that although Israel has made major advances against Iran and its regional network, the broader conflict remains unresolved and will continue until Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure and proxy forces are fully neutralized.

Speaking during a wide-ranging interview on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Netanyahu stressed that key Iranian nuclear assets still remain in place despite recent military successes.

“I think it accomplished a great deal, but it’s not over, because there’s still nuclear material, enriched uranium that has to be taken out of Iran. There are still enrichment sites that have to be dismantled. There are still proxies that Iran supports.”

When asked how Israel or its allies could physically remove enriched uranium from Iranian territory, Netanyahu answered bluntly: “You go in, and you take it out.”

“I think it accomplished a great deal, but it’s not over,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells 60 Minutes about the war in Iran. Netanyahu says highly enriched uranium must be removed from Iran and believes “it can be done physically.” pic.twitter.com/N5XbvzpYa0

— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) May 10, 2026

Although the prime minister declined to discuss operational details or possible future military coordination with the United States, he made clear that he and President Donald Trump remain aligned on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

“President Trump and I, that if necessary, we can reengage them militarily, if it’s necessary,” Netanyahu stated.

Netanyahu argued that Iran represents a uniquely dangerous threat because of what he described as the regime’s extremist ideology and hostility toward America and Israel.

“You don’t want a fanatic regime like that, that hates America… you don’t want them to have nuclear weapons. That’s what prompted President Trump and me to go out and stop them.”

The prime minister also addressed Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying Israeli forces have significantly degraded the terror group’s missile capabilities.

According to Netanyahu, Israel has destroyed more than 90% of Hezbollah’s estimated stockpile of roughly 150,000 rockets and missiles, though he warned that thousands of projectiles still remain.

“Hezbollah is basically a proxy of Iran. Iran holds Lebanon. We have no quarrel with Lebanon,” Netanyahu explained.

He further claimed Hezbollah had been preparing an assault in northern Israel that would have exceeded the scale of Hamas’ October 7 massacre, which he said justified Israel’s efforts to establish a “security belt” to protect Galilee communities.

Netanyahu also described the Iranian regime as being in its weakest condition since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, citing economic deterioration, growing public dissatisfaction, and internal fractures within the government.

When asked whether the Islamic Republic could ultimately collapse, Netanyahu said such an outcome remains possible, though uncertain.

“I think that you can’t predict when that happen. Is it possible? Yes. Is it guaranteed? No. But I can tell you, it’s like bankruptcy, you know? It proceeds gradually, and then it falls.”

Despite ongoing security threats, Netanyahu expressed optimism regarding Israel’s strategic standing in the Middle East and its relationships with regional countries.

He argued that Israel has transformed itself from a nation facing existential danger into a dominant regional force and a reliable ally of the United States.

According to Netanyahu, Israel’s confrontation with Iran has also strengthened ties between Israel and several Arab nations.

“The fact that we face down this neighborhood bully that these this killer regime in Iran, that’s brought quite a few of the Arab countries closer together with Israel. That’s good for peace.”

WATCH IN FULL:

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Lindsey Graham on Sunday called on President Donald Trump to reconsider his current approach toward Iran following reports that Tehran rejected the latest American proposal aimed at ending the war.

Responding to Trump’s Truth Social post declaring Iran’s response to the US proposal “unacceptable,” Graham said the time may have come for Washington to pursue a tougher strategy against the Islamic Republic.

“I appreciate President Trump’s earnest efforts to seek a diplomatic solution to change the behavior of the Iranian terrorist regime. However, between their constant attacks on international shipping, the persistent attacks on our Middle Eastern allies and now a totally unacceptable response to America’s diplomatic proposal, it is in my view, time to consider changing course,” Graham wrote.

The South Carolina senator also referenced “Project Freedom Plus,” the proposed expanded US maritime operation in the Strait of Hormuz that Trump delayed last week to allow negotiations with Iran to continue.

“Project Freedom Plus sounds pretty good right about now,” he added.

Later Sunday, after Iranian media reported that Tehran had officially rejected the American proposal, Graham issued another warning regarding Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

“The idea that Iran would not completely destroy all their enrichment facilities as part of a negotiated solution makes no sense. The moratorium – without complete dismantlement of the enrichment facilities and capabilities – truly becomes the JCPOA.”

“I am certain that Iran’s refusal to destroy their enrichment capability will be soundly rejected,” said Graham.

Iranian state-linked media reported Sunday night that Tehran had formally rejected the US-backed proposal intended to end the conflict.

According to the report, Iranian officials argued that “the American proposal is equivalent to a surrender by Tehran to Trump’s excessive demands.”

Earlier in the day, an Iranian official dismissed Trump’s criticism of Tehran’s response and indicated that Iran was not concerned by the president’s objections.

Speaking to the Tasnim news agency, the senior Iranian official stated, “No one in Iran drafts plans to please Trump. The negotiating team draft is solely for the rights of Iran, and naturally, it is better if Trump is dissatisfied with them.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Sunday sharply criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and several prominent Democratic attorneys, accusing them of attempting to influence future elections through a newly announced Democratic election task force.

In a Truth Social post, Trump reacted to Schumer’s recent announcement that Senate Democrats were assembling a legal and political operation aimed at protecting upcoming midterm elections from what Schumer described as threats posed by Trump and MAGA Republicans.

“Palestinian Chuck Schumer is hiring Eric Holder, famous for handing guns to Mexican cartels under the Barack Hussein Obama administration, as part of a Democrat-led ‘Election Integrity Group’ that will no doubt try to suppress Republican voters, and interfere in our Elections,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump also targeted Democratic attorney Marc Elias for his role in the effort.

“Furthermore, Marc Elias, a terrible lawyer with a horrible track record, is also involved,” Trump said.

Trump then revisited longstanding complaints regarding investigations connected to the 2016 election.

“This is the same disgusting individual who was responsible for the fake Russia dossier from a foreign nation to meddle in the 2016 Election, which I won in historic fashion,” he added. “The Democrats are totally unhinged and we will not allow them to threaten the integrity of our Elections.”

Schumer announced the election task force during remarks on the Senate floor last week, saying Democratic senators would work alongside Elias, former Attorney General Eric Holder, and other election lawyers in preparation for what he characterized as possible threats to future elections.

Holder served as attorney general during the Obama administration from 2009 through 2015.

Conservatives have frequently criticized Holder over the Justice Department’s “Fast and Furious” operation, an ATF gun-trafficking investigation connected to Mexican drug cartels.

Following his tenure as attorney general, Holder became chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, an organization involved in redistricting litigation and election map disputes.

Elias has emerged as one of the Democratic Party’s most prominent election attorneys and founded the Elias Law Group, which states that its mission is to help “Democrats win” and “citizens vote.”

He previously worked as general counsel for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and was linked to the financing arrangement surrounding the Steele dossier.

Trump also argued that Democrats are preparing broader election operations ahead of future races and pledged that Republicans would significantly expand their own election-integrity efforts in response.

“During my Historic Election in 2024, when I won every single Swing State, and decisively won both the Electoral and Popular votes by wide margins, the Republicans had an Election Integrity Army in every single State to preserve the sanctity of each legal vote,” Trump wrote.

Trump said Republican election-monitoring operations heading into 2026 would be even larger.

According to Trump, Republican efforts next cycle will be “much bigger and stronger,” while promising that “this Election will be fair.”

In recent years, Republicans have increasingly focused on election oversight initiatives following disputes surrounding the 2020 election. Several Trump-aligned organizations previously announced plans to deploy attorneys and volunteers across the country to monitor polling places and challenge suspected voting irregularities.

{Matzav.com}

With the New York Knicks completing a four-game sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers this afternoon, organizers of the upcoming Adirei HaTorah gathering at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia can now breathe easier, as there is no longer any possibility of a scheduling conflict with a potential 76ers playoff home game.

The Adirei event — the fifth of its kind — is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Xfinity Mobile Arena, formerly known as the Wells Fargo Center, and concerns had lingered in recent weeks that a deep playoff run by the 76ers could potentially complicate arena availability.

Those concerns were erased today after the Knicks dismantled Philadelphia 144-114 to complete the second-round series sweep and eliminate the Sixers from the postseason.

The Knicks delivered a historic offensive performance in front of a heavily pro-New York crowd inside the Philadelphia arena, setting an NBA playoff record with 11 three-pointers in the first quarter. New York finished with 25 three-pointers overall and recorded the highest-scoring playoff game in franchise history. They will face either the Detroit Pistons or the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The New York Knicks were led by Jalen Brunson, while Deuce McBride erupted for seven three-pointers and 25 points. The Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive season.

Knicks fans once again overtook the Philadelphia arena in massive numbers, waving brooms and “Always Knicks” towels throughout the game as the Sixers’ season came to an end.

A significant number of members of the frum community were on hand at Xfinity Mobile Arena for the Knicks victory, including noted Adirei supporter and baal tzedakah Mr. Shimi Jacobovits, Owner and Principal of Censible Marketing. Other in attendance included noted music producer, composer, and arranger Matt Dubb.

Meanwhile, preparations continue for what is expected to be one of the largest Torah gatherings in North America this year. The featured guest arriving from Eretz Yisroel for Adirei HaTorah will be Rav Yitzchok Soloveitchik. The keynote address will be delivered by Rav Uri Deutsch.

Matzav.com has extensively covered each of the first four Adirei HaTorah events, publishing full reports, photographs, and detailed coverage of the gatherings, which have drawn tens of thousands in support of the lomdei Torah of Lakewood.

{Matzav.com}

Iran has reportedly turned down the latest American proposal aimed at ending the war, with officials in Tehran dismissing the plan as unacceptable and accusing the United States of demanding Iran’s surrender.

According to Iran’s IRIB news agency, Iranian officials argued that “the American proposal is equivalent to a surrender by Tehran to Trump’s excessive demands.”

The rejection came after President Donald Trump publicly criticized Iran’s response to the American proposal and declared it unacceptable.

“I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’ I don’t like it – TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” Trump wrote Sunday on Truth Social.

An Iranian official later responded by minimizing the significance of Trump’s criticism and insisting that Tehran’s negotiating team was not interested in satisfying the American president.

Speaking to the Tasnim news agency, the senior Iranian official stated, “No one in Iran drafts plans to please Trump. The negotiating team draft is solely for the rights of Iran, and naturally, it is better if Trump is dissatisfied with them.”

Trump’s remarks followed a separate Truth Social post earlier in the day in which he accused Iran of deceiving the United States and the international community for decades while benefiting from policies implemented during the Obama administration.

According to Trump, Iran spent 47 years “playing games” with America and “the rest of the World” while repeatedly delaying negotiations.

Trump also sharply attacked former President Barack Obama over his handling of relations with Tehran.

“He was not only good to them, he was great, actually going to their side, jettisoning Israel, and all other Allies, and giving Iran a major and very powerful new lease on life,” Trump wrote of Obama.

The president further claimed Iran received massive financial benefits from the United States during that period.

Trump alleged that Tehran obtained “Hundreds of Billions of Dollars” from the US, including “1.7 Billion Dollars in green cash, flown into Tehran.”

He added that the funds were “handed to them on a silver platter” and claimed the money arrived “in suitcases and satchels.”

“They had never seen money like this, and never will again,” Trump stated, adding that Iranian officials “finally found the greatest SUCKER of them all, in the form of a weak and stupid American President.”

Trump also accused Iran of being responsible for the deaths of Americans through roadside bomb attacks and condemned the regime for crushing internal protests and “wiping out 42,000 innocent, unarmed protestors.”

He concluded the post with a warning directed at Tehran, writing: “They will be laughing no longer!”

{Matzav.com}

Singer Yaakov Shwekey said he chose to return to Israel for his concert in Yerushalayim despite the tense security situation, explaining that he felt a responsibility to the many fans who had been waiting for the event.

Ahead of his performance at Binyanei HaUma, Shwekey appeared on the “Zman Avir” radio program hosted by Menachem Toker and spoke emotionally about returning to the country during such a sensitive period.

“To come once again to Yerushalauyim, to this holy place, and sing for all the people who have really been waiting such a long time — it’s truly going to be warm,” Shwekey said.

During the interview, Toker referenced the singer’s previous trip to Israel, when Shwekey became stranded in the country because of escalating security tensions. This time, however, the singer decided to come despite the concerns.

Shwekey said he viewed the trip as a genuine mission.

“I promised people that we would do this, and there’s a real responsibility in doing something like this,” he explained.

The singer added that during times of war and uncertainty, people need music and joy more than ever.

“We need more singing, more music, and more joy. To add morale and all these things. People are truly under tremendous pressure and stress, and music is the remedy — our remedy, spiritually as well.”

One of the more intriguing moments of the interview came when Toker raised the subject of President Donald Trump’s warm attitude toward Israel and Shabbos observance.

Toker jokingly wondered whether Trump himself may have heard Shwekey’s Shabbos songs through the singer’s popular “Project Shabbos” initiative.

Shwekey responded that he had heard from people working inside the White House that Jewish music is indeed played there.

“I actually spoke with a few people who work there… and they listen to Shabbos songs,” Shwekey said.

“There are a lot of Jews working there, so who knows,” he added.

Shwekey also said his “Project Shabbos” initiative has generated unexpected reactions around the world.

“I see with the Project Shabbos that it’s managing to accomplish things, that this is really entering every place in the world,” he said.

According to the singer, the fact that Shabbos songs are now being heard in surprising places creates a powerful feeling of Kiddush Hashem and strengthens Jewish identity and connection.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli police arrested a 25-year-old resident of Chevron on suspicion of stealing dozens of mezuzos from residential buildings in Cholon and Bat Yam over the past week.

According to police, the suspect — described as an illegal infiltrator — was apprehended in an apartment in Yaffo following a targeted operation carried out by security forces.

The investigation was launched after multiple reports were received regarding mezuzos being removed from the doorposts of homes throughout the two cities.

Officers from the Cholon police station conducted an undercover investigation that included the use of advanced technological equipment in an effort to identify those responsible for the thefts.

As investigators gathered evidence and carried out additional investigative activity, police said they were able to uncover the suspect’s identity and locate him.

Authorities stated that at the time of the arrest, the suspect was found in possession of numerous mezuzos believed to have been torn from the doorframes of homes in Cholon and Bat Yam.

The suspect was taken to the Cholon police station for questioning as investigators continue examining whether he may have been involved in additional incidents and work to gather further evidence connected to the case.

Police said that the suspect is expected to be brought before the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where investigators will request an extension of his detention in order to continue the investigation.

{Matzav.com}

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday that negotiations involving Iran’s enriched nuclear material fell apart after the United States allegedly reversed an earlier understanding and insisted the material be transferred exclusively to American control rather than Russia.

Speaking at a lengthy press conference in the Kremlin following Russia’s Victory Day commemorations in Moscow, Putin described the failed discussions as a lost diplomatic opportunity that could have eased tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and the broader crisis in the Persian Gulf.

During the exchange with reporters, Putin disclosed what he described as previously undisclosed details about negotiations involving Iran, Israel, Russia, and the United States.

“We didn’t just propose it; we already did it once, in 2015,” Putin said.

According to Putin, Russia had previously handled transfers tied to the international nuclear agreement with Iran and had earned Tehran’s trust in the process.

“Iran trusts us completely … and it has good reason to trust us, because, firstly, we’ve never violated any agreements.”

Putin said that during the latest round of discussions, all sides initially supported the idea of sending Iran’s enriched nuclear material to Russia.

“And initially, and this is sort of a secret, everyone agreed — representatives of the United States agreed, Iran agreed, Israel agreed,” Putin told the press about more recent negotiations.

He claimed the negotiations later collapsed after Washington toughened its demands and insisted the material be transferred only to the United States.

According to Putin, “the United States hardened its position and demanded that the uranium be transported only to the United States.”

Putin said Iran subsequently withdrew support for exporting the material overseas.

The Russian president said former Iranian official Ali Larijani later informed Moscow that Tehran no longer backed the plan to transfer the uranium abroad.

Instead, Putin said Iran proposed “creating a joint venture, but on Iranian territory, and diluting the uranium together there.”

Putin stated that Russia remained willing to accept that compromise if it helped reduce regional tensions.

He said Moscow responded to Tehran by saying: “Go ahead, we’re not against it. The main thing is that this defuses the situation.”

At the same time, Putin indicated he doubted the revised proposal would be accepted by either Washington or Jerusalem, describing the negotiations as having reached “a dead end.”

Despite Putin’s comments, a source within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government reportedly told Newsmax that Israel still supports the concept of transferring Iran’s nuclear material to Russia provided international inspection safeguards are included.

Putin argued that the Russian proposal would have ensured transparency through international supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“Everyone would see what it is, how much of it, and where it is,” Putin said. “Secondly, it would all be placed under IAEA control.”

He also said the process of diluting the uranium would have remained under international oversight as well.

According to Putin, “the work of liquefying this uranium would also be organized under IAEA control and would be transparent and safe.”

The Russian leader additionally defended Iran against accusations that it is actively pursuing nuclear weapons capability.

Putin asserted that “the IAEA has never said that there’s evidence that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons,” while also citing religious rulings issued by Iranian leaders opposing nuclear weapons development.

Throughout the press conference, Putin repeatedly portrayed Russia as acting primarily as a mediator attempting to lower tensions rather than seeking strategic advantage in the region.

“We simply want to make some small contribution, if it suits everyone, to defusing the situation,” he said.

Although the negotiations failed, Putin maintained that a diplomatic breakthrough remains achievable.

He insisted that “compromises are possible” and said Russia would back “any solution that will break this deadlock and make it possible to move toward a peaceful resolution.”

Putin’s remarks came amid continued tensions across the Persian Gulf tied to Iran’s nuclear activities and ongoing instability throughout the Middle East.

The Russian president warned that any further escalation would ultimately harm all sides involved and argued that there were “no longer any interested parties in continuing this standoff.”

Saturday’s press conference followed Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. This year’s events were noticeably reduced in scale because of ongoing security concerns linked to the war in Ukraine.

{Matzav.com}

As first reported by Matzav.com, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Slabodka rosh yeshiva, was unable to join Keren Olam HaTorah’s fundraising mission to Brazil and Argentina, which departed on schedule on Motzaei Shabbos, due to unforeseen developments involving the health of his rebbetzin.

The rosh yeshiva remained in Eretz Yisroel in order to stay at the side of the rebbetzin, who has been hospitalized and is in need of rachamei Shomayim and tefillos.

Sources involved with the mission said that upon hearing of the rebbetzin’s condition, leading South American nedivim strongly urged Rav Moshe Hillel to remain with her and pledged to intensify their support for Keren Olam HaTorah l’zechus a complete recovery.

All are asked to daven for the refuah sheleimah of Avigayil Gittel bas Chaya Miriam.

Despite Rav Moshe Hillel’s absence, the mission is proceeding under the leadership of Rav Yaakov Hillel, Rav Avrohom Salim, Rav Chaim Peretz Berman, Rav Malkiel Kotler, Rav Shimon Galei, and Rav Yosef Chevroni, who are traveling on behalf of the urgent campaign to support the Torah world in Eretz Yisroel and strengthen the future of its yeshivos and kollelim.

{Matzav.com}

Senior officials within the Israeli chareidi parties are privately acknowledging that legislation regulating the status of yeshiva students and the draft law will likely not pass during the current Knesset term, according to conversations ahead of the opening of the Knesset summer session.

The upcoming summer session is widely viewed as the final realistic opportunity to pass the controversial legislation before Israel enters another election period.

“We failed in our central mission in the Knesset,” one senior chareidi party leader reportedly admitted during a private conversation over the weekend.

Another senior chareidi official said the parties remain deeply dissatisfied with the current wording of the proposed law and expressed serious doubt that it can advance in the present political climate.

“We are not at peace with the wording of the draft law, and it is difficult to see it passing during the current term,” the official said.

According to the report, much of the internal hesitation stems from objections to comments and revisions proposed by the Knesset’s legal advisers.

“The comments are unacceptable to us, so passing a law without any legal support could end up causing more harm than good,” the official added.

The report said the chareidi factions are now facing a critical decision regarding whether to continue pushing the legislation or postpone the battle until after the next elections.

As previously reported, Shas and Degel HaTorah are expected to decide in the coming days how to proceed regarding legislation regulating the status of yeshiva bochurim, with only a few months remaining before the likely collapse of the current coalition and the start of a new election campaign.

Officials in Shas reportedly continue supporting efforts to advance the legislation and are waiting for a final decision from Degel HaTorah. According to the report, the parties previously agreed that any move on the issue would only proceed in full coordination between the chareidi factions.

A senior Degel HaTorah official said a ruling from Rav Dov Landau could arrive within the next day or sometime this week.

At the center of the discussions are three possible paths forward.

The first option would involve accepting the demands and revisions proposed by the Knesset’s legal advisers, including stricter provisions and changes to the bill’s language.

A second option would be to pass the legislation without legal backing, despite fears that the courts could immediately freeze or strike down the law through injunctions and judicial intervention.

The third possibility would be abandoning efforts to pass the law during the current Knesset altogether and postponing the issue until after the next elections, in hopes that a future right-wing coalition would have stronger political leverage.

Another senior chareidi source involved in the draft-law negotiations said that the legislation currently lacks sufficient parliamentary support to pass.

“The law will not pass. It is not acceptable to us, but mainly because it does not have a majority in the Knesset. That is the truth. It will not have a majority during the final months of this term,” the source said.

The Knesset summer session, which opens this week, is expected to be the final opportunity to advance the legislation before Israel shifts fully into election mode.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Ezriel Auerbach, noted posek and rov of Kehillas Chanichei Hayeshivos of Bayit Vegan in Yerushalayim, is currently on a visit to the United States.

Rav Auerbach spent this past Shabbos, Parshas Behar-Bechukosai, where he was hosted at the home of Reb Mendel Tress on New Central Avenue. Friday night, the public was invited to join Rav Auerbach at an oneg Shabbos held at the home of his hosts.

This morning, Rav Auerbach delivered divrei hisorerus at the Lutzk Bais Medrash in Lakewood.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump sharply criticized Iran on Sunday, accusing the Islamic Republic of deceiving the United States and the international community for nearly half a century while also attacking the Obama administration’s handling of relations with Tehran.

In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump claimed Iran spent decades stalling negotiations and manipulating world powers before receiving massive financial and political concessions from the United States during President Barack Obama’s administration.

According to Trump, Obama fundamentally shifted American policy in Iran’s favor at the expense of Israel and other US allies.

“He was not only good to them, he was great, actually going to their side, jettisoning Israel, and all other Allies, and giving Iran a major and very powerful new lease on life,” Trump wrote of Obama.

Trump also revisited longstanding criticism surrounding money transferred to Iran during the Obama years, claiming the regime received enormous sums from the United States, including cash delivered directly to Tehran.

Trump said Iran obtained “Hundreds of Billions of Dollars” from the United States, including “1.7 Billion Dollars in green cash, flown into Tehran.” He added that the money was “handed to them on a silver platter” and alleged that it arrived “in suitcases and satchels.”

“They had never seen money like this, and never will again,” Trump stated, adding that Iranian officials “finally found the greatest SUCKER of them all, in the form of a weak and stupid American President.”

The president further accused Iran of supporting attacks that killed Americans and violently suppressing its own citizens during periods of unrest.

Trump alleged the regime was responsible for killing Americans through roadside bomb attacks and accused Iranian authorities of “wiping out 42,000 innocent, unarmed protestors.”

He concluded the social media post with the declaration: “They will be laughing no longer!”

Earlier Sunday, Trump also discussed the ongoing conflict with Iran during an interview with Full Measure, where he argued that Iran’s military capabilities have largely been destroyed, although he cautioned the conflict itself may not yet be finished.

“Well, they’re militarily defeated. In their own minds, maybe they don’t know that. But I think they do because I deal with them,” Trump said.

Trump again stressed that the United States cannot permit Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.

“And we cannot ever let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” he added. “But they are militarily defeated. They have no Navy. They have no Air Force. They have no anti-aircraft weaponry. They have no radar.”

He also claimed Iran’s military leadership structure has been devastated.

“They have no leaders. Their leaders are gone. The first set, the A team is gone, the B team is gone, and part of the C team is gone,” he stated.

When asked whether the war had effectively ended, Trump suggested additional military operations remain possible if necessary.

“No, I didn’t say that. I said they are defeated, but that doesn’t mean they are done.” He added, “We could go in for two more weeks and do every single target.”

Throughout the interview, Trump repeatedly returned to the issue of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, insisting Tehran cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons under any circumstances.

“We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon because they’re crazy. We cannot let them have access to nuclear,” he said.

Trump also defended his decision during his presidency to withdraw the United States from the Obama-era nuclear agreement with Iran.

“If I didn’t terminate the Iran nuclear deal, they would have had it. And they would have used it on Israel and the Middle East right now,” Trump asserted.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] President Donald Trump said Iran has suffered a devastating military collapse but cautioned that additional fighting could still take place if circumstances require it, during a broad interview discussing the war, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and the future of American involvement in the region.

Speaking with Sharyl Attkisson on Full Measure, Trump described Iran’s military infrastructure as shattered and claimed the regime’s leadership has been severely weakened following months of conflict.

Asked whether the war was finished or merely paused, Trump said Iran’s military capabilities have effectively been destroyed, even if Iranian leaders may not publicly acknowledge it.

“Well, they’re militarily defeated. In their own minds, maybe they don’t know that. But I think they do because I deal with them.”

Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a central American objective.

“And we cannot ever let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” he added. “But they are militarily defeated. They have no Navy. They have no Air Force. They have no anti-aircraft weaponry. They have no radar.”

The president also argued that Iran’s military command structure has been decimated.

“They have no leaders. Their leaders are gone. The first set, the A team is gone, the B team is gone, and part of the C team is gone,” he said.

Trump claimed the destruction has been so extensive that Iran would require decades to recover militarily.

“if we left today, it would take them 20 years to rebuild.”

During the interview, Attkisson also questioned Trump about Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and whether American officials had secured control over the material.

Trump indicated the United States maintains close surveillance capabilities and suggested Washington could act at any moment if necessary.

“Well, we’ll get that at some point, whatever we want. We’ll have it surveilled.”

Referring to the US Space Force, he added, “If anybody got near the place, we will know about it. And we’ll blow them up.”

When pressed on whether military operations had formally ended, Trump made clear he was not ruling out additional action.

“No, I didn’t say that. I said they are – they are defeated, but that doesn’t mean they are done,” Trump replied.

He said the United States still possesses additional targets inside Iran that could be struck if the conflict escalates again.

“We could go in for two more weeks and do every single target,” he continued. “We have certain targets that we wanted, and we’ve done probably 70 percent of them.”

Trump maintained that the damage already inflicted would take years for Iran to repair, even if no further attacks are carried out.

Throughout the conversation, Trump repeatedly returned to the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, insisting Tehran cannot be permitted to obtain nuclear weapons.

“We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon because they’re crazy. We cannot let them have access to nuclear,” Trump said.

Trump also sharply criticized the nuclear agreement negotiated during the Obama administration.

“If I didn’t terminate the Iran nuclear deal, they would have had it. And they would have used it on Israel and the Middle East right now.”

At another point in the interview, Trump referenced the US killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, describing him as “an evil genius” and “an evil guy.”

Trump additionally defended American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, saying they were necessary to stop Tehran from rapidly obtaining nuclear weapons capability.

“When those beautiful B-2 bombers attacked eight months ago and attacked their potential nuclear site, they would have had a nuclear weapon within two weeks if we didn’t,” he said.

“That’s why I had to go in,” he said. “I knew that they were going to have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump claimed the strike completely destroyed the targeted nuclear site.

“That attack “obliterated” the site, adding, “If we didn’t do that, they would have already blown up Israel, in my opinion.”

Toward the conclusion of the interview, Trump discussed the broader geopolitical implications of the war, including NATO’s role in the region.

“Well, NATO has proven to be a paper tiger,” Trump said.

He explained that the American military campaign was undertaken largely to assist regional allies.

The US intervention was carried out “to help Israel and Saudi Arabia and Qatar and UAE and others,” he said, while also arguing that the United States itself is no longer heavily dependent on the strategic shipping routes in the region.

Trump further touted American energy production, saying the United States now produces more oil and natural gas than several major global producers combined.

The United States is “now producing more oil and gas than Russia, and Saudi Arabia put together,” Trump said, adding that “by the end of this year, that number will probably double.”

WATCH:

After nearly a decade of requests from Jewish communities across the United States, the former chief rabbi of Israel, Rav Yitzchok Yosef, concluded a major and historic visit to communities and Torah institutions throughout California, Texas, and New Jersey.

The trip began last Wednesday at the invitation of rabbonim and community leaders who asked the rav to deliver Torah shiurim in kollelim, strengthen yeshivos and בתי מדרש, and inspire Jewish communities during the ongoing war in Eretz Yisroel.

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Rav Yitzchok was greeted at the airport by leading rabbonim and dayanim of the city, including Rav Yehuda Moshe and Rav Moshe Norola, together with Israel’s consul general in California, Israel Bachar.

Immediately after landing, the rav joined a large ציבור for Shacharis and afterward encouraged organizers of a special weekly Torah program for professionals throughout Los Angeles, including attorneys, doctors, and other working individuals who dedicate Wednesdays to Torah study and shiurim. Rav Yitzchok emphasized the importance of kevias ittim laTorah.

Later, the Rishon Letzion visited the Or Eliyahu school headed by Rav Goldberg, where he addressed hundreds of students studying in a unique framework that combines prominent local families together with kiruv-oriented families.

That afternoon, Rav Yitzchok delivered an in-depth shiur iyun at the central Los Angeles kollel led by Rav Shmuel Pasman. Speaking before hundreds of avreichim, he spent an extended period analyzing the sugya of tartei l’reiusa in Maseches Niddah, which is currently being studied in the kollel.

That evening, the rav visited the Beis Aharon kehillah led by Rav Moshe Norola. Following a large reception attended by hundreds of community families, Rav Yitzchok spoke for more than an hour, delivering divrei aggadah, kiruv, chizuk, and practical halachic guidance regarding Hilchos Brachos and Sefiras HaOmer.

On Thursday morning, the Rishon Letzion davened at the Shuva Yisroel community led by Rav Shmuel Laniado. The community regularly broadcasts Rav Yitzchok’s weekly shiur from the Yazdim Shul in Yerushalayim.

Following davening, Rav Yitzchok delivered a shiur on Hilchos Basar B’Chalav and encouraged the ציבור to strengthen their observance in those areas.

The rav later made an emotional visit to the Maimonides school in Los Angeles, which serves approximately 1,000 students. In honor of the visit, local organizers closed nearby streets and arranged an elaborate reception as Rav Yitzchok walked through long rows of students accompanied by live music.

Afterward, the Rishon Letzion visited the Beis Yaakov seminary, where he spoke about the importance of building a Torah home and establishing a life centered around Torah learning and kevias ittim.

That evening, Rav Yitzchok delivered another major shiur chizuk in the Valley neighborhood at a community led by Rav Shimon Gabai, which includes hundreds of Israeli families.

One of the central events of the visit took place at a gathering organized by the Israeli Consulate in California under the leadership of Consul General Israel Bachar. Thousands attended the event, including prominent members of the local community and civic leaders, as Rav Yitzchok spoke extensively about the many miracles experienced by Israel during the war and stressed the merit of Torah learners in bringing about those ניסים.

The Rishon Letzion spent Shabbos with the Magen David kehillah led by Rav Yehuda Moshe, where thousands participated throughout the special Shabbos gathering. The main sanctuary could not contain the crowds, forcing organizers to open additional halls for the tefillos and events.

Throughout Shabbos, Rav Yitzchok delivered multiple shmuessen and divrei chizuk. The main shiur on Shabbos afternoon drew extraordinary crowds, with longtime residents of Los Angeles reportedly saying they had not seen anything similar since Rav Ovadia Yosef’s visit to the city roughly 50 years earlier.

On Sunday morning, the rav visited the central Los Angeles yeshiva gedolah and delivered a lengthy shiur klali filled with deep pilpula d’Oraisa. Participants described an atmosphere of intense rischa d’Oraisa among the talmidim and roshei yeshiva.

On Monday, Erev Lag B’Omer, Rav Yitzchok visited several additional educational institutions, including a major Talmud Torah and girls’ school led by Rav Dovid Zargari, who has spent decades building Torah institutions in the city.

As sunset approached, the Rishon Letzion headed to the week’s central event — a massive citywide Lag B’Omer gathering and hadlakah organized jointly for the first time by all the major communities in Los Angeles. Thousands attended the gathering in honor of the special day.

Rav Yitzchok spoke passionately about the importance of achdus among Klal Yisroel and the need to strengthen Torah and halachah study. The evening also included a Siyum HaZohar led by Rav Yair Chodorov before the Rishon Letzion conducted the central hadlakah amid singing and dancing by the massive crowd.

The following day, Rav Yitzchok traveled to Dallas, Texas, at the invitation of local community organizations and the iConnect organization led by Rav Yitzchok Chazan. Organizers described the visit as an effort to recreate the historic trip made by Rav Ovadia Yosef to Dallas in 1976.

That evening, thousands of local residents — men, women, and children — gathered together with the rabbonim and dayanim of Dallas to hear Rav Yitzchok’s keynote address, which continued late into the night.

During his remarks, the rav stressed the importance of building strong religious infrastructure throughout the region, preserving the integrity of Jewish life, and combating assimilation through increased Torah learning, Torah classes, and kiruv activities.

The next day, Rav Yitzchok visited numerous schools throughout the city and encouraged educators to continue bringing Jewish children from public schools into Jewish educational institutions.

“Upon your shoulders rests the future of the next generation,” the Rishon Letzion told the educational staff.

Throughout the entire trip, and due to ongoing security concerns, Rav Yitzchok traveled with a high-level security convoy typically reserved for senior government officials.

At the conclusion of the visit, the rav traveled to New Jersey, where he delivered a shiur at a local yeshiva gedolah, participated in Shacharis, and later gave another shiur at Congregation Adas Israel before returning to Israel.

{Matzav.com}