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The National Weather Service has placed New York and New Jersey under a winter storm watch as a significant snow system is expected to impact the region beginning Sunday.

The alert is scheduled to take effect Sunday morning and remain in place through Monday afternoon, forecasters said.

Meteorologists are predicting heavy snowfall across the tri-state area, which could sharply reduce visibility and make travel dangerous. Wet, heavy snow combined with strong wind gusts may also cause tree limbs to snap, potentially leading to scattered damage.

Forecasts call for widespread accumulations ranging from 3 to 10 inches in parts of New York City, as well as Westchester and Putnam counties, Nassau County, northeastern New Jersey and portions of Connecticut.

Suffolk County is expected to see even greater totals, with projections of 10 to 13 inches of snow. The National Weather Service cautioned that blizzard-like conditions are possible in that area.

City officials are urging caution as the storm approaches. The New York City Office of Emergency Management advised residents to limit nonessential travel on Sunday and Monday morning and to rely on public transportation if travel is necessary. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said municipal crews are preparing for the storm and are continuing to monitor the forecast closely.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump has given Iran 10 to 15 days to return to negotiations or face repercussions, placing a tight timetable on the latest round of nuclear diplomacy and raising questions about whether military action could follow if talks fail. The new deadline comes after Trump said in June that he would decide “within the next two weeks” whether to strike Iran, ultimately reaching a decision just two days later. On Thursday, he issued another warning, saying the Islamic Republic must move toward negotiations within 10 to 15 days or face consequences.

The shortened timeframe now looms over renewed diplomatic efforts. Analysts note that when Trump sets deadlines, they can serve both as pressure tactics and as signals of potential escalation.

Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, told Fox News Digital, “The Iranian regime has been operating under a grand delusion that they can turn President Trump into President Obama and President Trump has made it clear that that’s not happening.”

Brodsky said officials inside the administration appear doubtful that the talks will lead to a meaningful breakthrough. “I think there’s deep skepticism in the Trump administration that this negotiation is going to produce any acceptable outcome.”

He suggested that diplomacy may be functioning as part of a broader strategy. “They’re using the diplomatic process to sharpen the choices of the Iranian leadership and to buy time to make sure that we have the appropriate military assets in the region.”

A Middle Eastern source familiar with the discussions told Fox News Digital that Iranian leaders recognize how close the threat of conflict feels and are unlikely to intentionally provoke Trump at this moment.

At the same time, the source said Tehran is unwilling to accept restrictions on its short-range missile capabilities, describing that issue as a clear red line established by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian negotiators, the source said, do not have authority to compromise on that matter, and any concession on missiles would be perceived domestically as tantamount to defeat in war.

However, the source indicated there could be room for discussion regarding uranium enrichment limits if meaningful sanctions relief were offered in return.

Brodsky argued that Iran’s fundamental positions remain unchanged. “They’re trying to engage in a lot of distraction… shiny objects, to distract from the fact that they’re not prepared to make the concessions that President Trump is requiring of them,” he said. “The Iranian positions do not change and have not changed fundamentally. They refuse to accept President Trump’s position on zero enrichment. They refuse to dismantle their nuclear infrastructure. They refuse limitations on Iran’s missile program, and they refuse to end support for terror groups.”

Behnam Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, cautioned that Tehran may attempt to advance a different kind of arrangement altogether.

“The first kind of deal that we have to be worried about… they may pitch an agreement that is based more on transposing the current reality onto paper… these kinds of agreements are more like understandings,” Taleblu said.

“You take the present reality, and you transpose that onto paper, and then you make the U.S. pay for something it already achieved.”

Taleblu outlined what he views as Iran’s broader goals. “The Iranians want three things, essentially. The first is they want to deter and prevent a strike.”

“The second is that they are actually using negotiations… to take the wind out of the wings of Iranian dissidents. And then the third is… they actually do want some kind of foreign financial stabilization and sanctions relief.”

“What the Iranians want is to play for time… an agreement like this doesn’t really require the Iranians to offer anything.”

Taleblu also said the administration’s strategy remains intentionally unclear. “It’s hard to read the tea leaves of the administration here. Obviously, they don’t want a nuclear Iran, but also obviously they don’t want a long war in the Middle East.”

“The military architecture they’re moving into the region is signaling that they’re prepared to engage in one anyway. The question that the administration has not resolved politically… is: What is the political end state of the strikes? That’s the cultivation of ambiguity that the president excels at.”

Jacob Olidort, Chief Research Officer and Director of American Security at the America First Policy Institute, told Fox News Digital, “The President has been clear that he wants to give diplomacy a chance. However, if, in his estimation, diplomatic efforts prove unsuccessful, he will almost certainly turn to military options. What is rightfully unpredictable is the specific objective and scope of military action the President may take.”

“Specifically, will military action serve as a new layer of diplomatic pressure towards creating a new opportunity to make Iran agree to our demands — military force as coercive diplomacy — or simply achieve the intended objectives that diplomacy could not? Regardless, the President has a record of taking bold action to protect the American people from Iran’s threats.”

Sources inside Iran told Fox News Digital that public opinion remains divided. While many Iranians oppose the idea of a foreign military intervention, frustration over the deaths of young protesters continues to fuel unrest and deepen internal tensions.

With the 10 to 15-day window now counting down, Trump’s deadline appears to function not merely as a date on the calendar but as an instrument of leverage in a volatile diplomatic standoff.

{Matzav.com}

Mortgage rates declined again this week, reaching their lowest point in nearly three years, though housing market activity continues to show signs of weakness.

Freddie Mac reported that the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 6.01 percent, down from 6.09 percent the previous week. At this time last year, the same loan averaged 6.85 percent.

“This lower rate environment is not only improving affordability for prospective homebuyers, it’s also strengthening the financial position of homeowners,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

Khater added that refinancing demand has surged compared to last year, noting that applications have more than doubled. That increase has enabled many recent buyers to cut thousands of dollars from their yearly mortgage costs.

Rates on 15-year fixed mortgages, commonly used for refinancing, also moved lower, declining to 5.35 percent — the lowest level recorded since October 2024.

The easing in mortgage rates follows a recent decline in the 10-year Treasury yield, which typically influences home loan rates.

After beginning 2025 near the 7 percent mark, longer-term mortgage rates started to ease in July as investors adjusted expectations in anticipation of Federal Reserve rate reductions.

While the lower rates have modestly improved buying power for consumers, they have not yet translated into a meaningful rebound in home sales.

According to the National Association of Realtors, sales of existing homes dropped 8.4 percent in January compared to December, marking the sharpest monthly decline in almost four years.

Severe winter conditions likely played a role in slowing activity, but elevated home prices also remain a barrier. The median price for an existing home climbed to $396,800 in January — a record for the month — amid continued limited inventory. That figure represented the 31st straight month of annual price increases, NAR reported.

Industry analysts expect mortgage rates to remain in the low-6 percent range throughout 2026, suggesting that additional rate declines may be modest.

Jake Krimmel, senior economist at Realtor.com, cautioned that even if borrowing costs fall further, the persistent shortage of homes could offset any benefit.

“Without a significant return of supply through the easing of the mortgage ‘lock-in effect,’ lower rates may simply reignite competition and spike prices,” Krimmel said.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a new 10% worldwide tariff set to take effect immediately, responding to a Supreme Court ruling that restricted his ability to impose certain trade duties under emergency powers. While criticizing the decision, Trump said his administration would move forward using other legal avenues and confirmed that previously enacted national security and China-related tariffs will remain in force.

At a press conference following the Court’s 6-3 decision, Trump described the ruling as “deeply disappointing” and declared, “Today I will sign an order to impose a 10% global tariff under Section 122 over and above our normal tariffs already being charged.”

He singled out Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh for their dissents, commending their positions, while expressing frustration with other members of the Court. Trump said he was “ashamed of certain members of the court” for their rulings.

The majority opinion included Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both appointed by Trump, who joined Chief Justice John Roberts in applying the major questions doctrine. Justice Elena Kagan, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, agreed that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize tariffs but argued that the matter could have been resolved through traditional statutory interpretation rather than invoking the major questions doctrine.

Trump claimed that foreign governments were reacting positively to the ruling but predicted that their satisfaction would be short-lived. “They’re so happy, and they’re dancing in the streets, but they won’t be dancing for long,” he said.

He also took aim at the Court’s liberal justices, calling them “an automatic no” and comparing their stance to that of congressional Democrats. Trump further alleged that some justices are swayed by political pressure and foreign interests, though he offered no specific evidence to support that claim.

The president said he refrained from public commentary while the case was under review, asserting that he did not want to influence the Court’s deliberations. “I didn’t want to do anything that would affect the decision of the court, because I understand the court,” Trump said, adding that he believes the court can be “very easily swayed.”

He also remarked that he had attempted to conduct himself appropriately during the process. “I want to be a good boy.”

Defending his broader trade strategy, Trump cited recent stock market performance as proof of the effectiveness of his tariff policies. “Our stock market has just recently broken 50,000 on the Dow and … broken 7,000 on the S&P,” he said. “Nobody thought it was possible to do it within four years. And we did it in one year.”

Trump further credited tariffs with influencing geopolitical outcomes, stating they helped resolve “five of the eight wars that I settled,” including tensions between India and Pakistan. He reiterated his belief that the conflict could have escalated into nuclear confrontation and said Pakistan’s prime minister told him he could have “saved 35 million lives” by helping bring the fighting to an end.

He also tied tariffs to domestic security concerns, arguing that trade penalties combined with stricter border measures reduced fentanyl entering the United States by 30%. He characterized the duties as a consequence for countries “illegally sending this poison into our country.”

Trump stressed that tariffs linked to fentanyl enforcement remain unaffected by the Court’s ruling. “All of those tariffs remain,” he said. “They all remain. We’re still getting them, and we will after the decision.”

Although he disagreed with the Court’s reasoning, Trump argued that the ruling still leaves significant authority for imposing tariffs through alternative statutes, quoting from what he described as language in Kavanaugh’s dissent. “Although I firmly disagree with the court’s holding today, the decision might not substantially constrain a president’s ability to order tariffs going forward,” Trump said, reading from the dissent. “And it doesn’t.”

He then cited several other trade laws — including the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the Trade Act of 1974, and the Tariff Act of 1930 — as mechanisms that can be used to implement duties, describing them as involving a “little bit longer process” but capable of broader application. “In fact, I can charge much more than I was charging,” Trump said.

Calling the decision contradictory, Trump argued that while the Court limited his ability to impose minimal tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, it left open the possibility of sweeping trade restrictions. “To show you how ridiculous the opinion is,” Trump said, “the court said that I’m not allowed to charge even $1 … but I am allowed to cut off any and all trade or business with that same country.”

He maintained that the ruling ultimately clarified presidential authority rather than diminishing it. “The Supreme Court did not overrule tariffs,” Trump said. “They merely overruled a particular use of tariffs.”

Trump reiterated that tariffs enacted for national security reasons and other enforcement measures remain active. “Therefore, effective immediately, all national security tariffs under section 232 and existing Section 301 tariffs … remain in place, fully in place and in full force and effect,” he said.

In addition, the administration is initiating new trade reviews. “We’re also initiating Section 301 and other investigations to protect our country from unfair trading practices of other countries and companies,” Trump said.

He concluded by pledging further steps to compensate for the tools invalidated by the Court. “But other alternatives will now be used to replace the ones that the court incorrectly rejected,” he said. “We have alternatives. Great alternatives.”

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee delivered a blunt message to Tehran, saying Iran must agree to a comprehensive deal dismantling its nuclear ambitions or risk American military force.

In an interview with Fox News, Huckabee stressed that Iranian leaders should take President Donald Trump’s warnings seriously and not assume they are rhetorical.

“If there’s not a deal, and a deal means they get rid of their nuclear enrichment, they don’t have any more aspirations for nuclear weapon, they quit killing their citizens, and they start lowering the inventory of ballistic missiles and especially the range – if they don’t do that, President Trump has said there is no deal,” said the Ambassador.

Huckabee added that any miscalculation by Iran regarding Trump’s resolve would be a serious mistake. “If they don’t believe President Trump will do what he says in a military action, then they’re not real smart and they certainly have a short memory. They don’t remember what happened to them last summer,” he said, referencing U.S. strikes carried out in June against Iranian nuclear facilities during Operation Midnight Hammer.

Turning to the situation in Gaza, Huckabee addressed the aftermath of the war and President Trump’s recent inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, which is tasked with overseeing reconstruction efforts in the region.

“The great tragedy of Gaza is that it could have been Singapore, but Hamas turned it into Haiti. They built an underground system of tunnels that is larger than the London Underground, over 500 miles of tunnels, to the express purpose of carrying out terrorist activities,” he said.

Huckabee also made clear that, in his view, Israel should not be responsible for funding the rebuilding of Gaza under current circumstances.

“Absolutely not, and I’ll tell you if anything, there ought to be reparations to Israel for the extraordinary fight that they have had to conduct to get their hostages back – 252, including many Americans – and to pay reparations to the families for the 1,200 people who were murdered, massacred and mutilated by these hideous disgusting savages of Hamas,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Friday sharply warned Iran to agree to what he called a fair nuclear deal, while condemning the regime’s recent violent suppression of anti-government demonstrations and signaling he is weighing possible military action.

Speaking publicly about last month’s crackdown, Trump highlighted the reported scale of the bloodshed and drew a distinction between Iran’s citizens and its ruling leadership. “You know, the people of Iran are a lot different than the leaders of Iran. And it’s a very, very sad situation. 32,000 people were killed over a relatively short period of time,” Trump said, in his first reference to a specific death toll tied to the unrest. “They were going to hang 800, two weeks ago, some by crane. They lift them up with a tall crane and they play them around the square.”

Trump went on to describe what he said was a direct warning delivered to Tehran over the planned executions. “They were going to hang 837 people and I gave them the word: ‘If you hang one person, even one person, that you’re going to be hit right then and there.’ I wasn’t waiting two weeks and negotiating, and they gave up the hanging. They didn’t hang 837. Supposedly they didn’t hang anybody,” he added.

NEW: Trump says the Islamic regime in Iran killed 32,000 protesters.

"I feel very badly for the people of Iran. They have lived in hell." pic.twitter.com/4YDWqnd78D

— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) February 20, 2026

Expressing sympathy for ordinary Iranians, Trump said, “I feel very badly for the people of Iran. They’ve lived in hell,” continued Trump.

Earlier in the day, Trump appeared to acknowledge that he is considering a limited military strike aimed at pressuring Iran into accepting U.S. terms for a nuclear agreement. When reporters asked whether he was contemplating such an option, following a Wall Street Journal report published Thursday, Trump briefly paused before replying, “I guess you can say I am considering it.”

Even as he made that remark, Trump signaled he would not disclose details of any potential course of action, indicating he would not publicly reveal his strategy regarding Iran as reporters were escorted from the room.

His comments coincided with new developments in the region. The USS Gerald R. Ford, which Trump directed to deploy to the Middle East last week, has now entered the Mediterranean Sea, according to maritime tracking information. Tracking data also showed that the USS Mahan, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that is part of the Ford carrier strike group, passed through the Strait of Gibraltar. The aircraft carrier itself is expected to require several more days before arriving in the Middle East, where it would be positioned for potential operations involving Iran.

A day earlier, Trump cautioned that Iran must finalize an agreement regarding its nuclear activities or face consequences, warning that “bad things” would occur if no deal is reached.

While maintaining that diplomatic talks are progressing, Trump emphasized that any accord must meet U.S. standards. “Now, we may have to take it a step further – or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal. You’re going to be finding out over the next, probably 10 days,” Trump added.

According to a report Wednesday by CBS News, senior national security officials have informed Trump that the U.S. military stands ready to carry out strikes against Iran as soon as Saturday, if directed to do so.

At the same time, individuals familiar with the high-level deliberations told CBS News that any action is unlikely to occur within the immediate weekend timeframe.

Separately, The Telegraph quoted a source within the U.S. administration as saying the probability of war in the coming weeks now stands at 90 percent. An Israeli former intelligence chief cited in the same report indicated he believes a strike could happen within days.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Moshe Nusbacher zt”l, a revered talmid chacham who devoted his life to spreading Torah and yiras Shamayim within the batei midrash while remaining remarkably unassuming. Known as a profound talmid chochom and a master of Toras hanistar, he passed away at the age of 78.

Rav Nusbacher was born on the 25th of Elul 5707 to his father, Rav Avraham Yosef Nusbacher.

In his youth, he studied at Yeshivas Or Yisrael L’tzeirim in Petach Tikvah, where he absorbed Torah from the rosh yeshiva, Rav Yosef Rozovsky.

He later continued his learning at Yeshivas Ponovezh, cleaving closely to the roshei yeshiva, Rav Shmuel Rozovsky and Rav Mordechai Shlomo Berman.

Upon reaching marriageable age, he married his wife, Rebbetzin Yonah, a daughter of the Chabad mashpia, Rav Nachum Goldschmidt.

Rebbetzin Yonah leads spiritual support and guidance for women and girls rescued from Arab villages by Yad L’Achim.

Together, Rav Moshe and his wife established a home firmly founded upon Torah and yirah. For many years, Rav Nusbacher delivered shiurim with penetrating depth and exceptional clarity.

Over the course of his life, he served as rosh kollel in Ramat Hasharon, a ram at Yeshivas Or Yosef in Chadeira, was among the founders of Yeshivas Shaarei Dovid Premishlan, and served as one of the roshei yeshiva at Yeshivas Shaar HaTalmud in Kiryat Herzog. He also headed Kollel Adabra Be’eidosecha.

He was deeply connected, heart and soul, to Rav Dovid Chai Abuchatzeira of Nahariya, who described him as one of the hidden tzaddikim of the generation whose true greatness was known to few, a towering talmid chochom in the hidden dimensions of Torah.

He merited to leave behind an outstanding mishpacha. Among his sons are Rav Yechezkel Nusbacher, author of the sefarim Adabra Be’eidosecha; Rav Nachum Nusbacher, rosh yeshiva of Shaar HaTalmud; and Rav Shalom Nusbacher.

The levayah took place at his home at 17 Rechov Harav Herzog in Bnei Brak and proceeded to Segulah Cemetery in Petach Tikvah for kevurah.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) forcefully criticized the prospect of a renewed agreement with Iran, describing the Islamic Republic as a “cancer” and arguing that only strength can deter its nuclear ambitions.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News as tensions escalate between Washington and Tehran, Fetterman questioned how the United States could permit Iran to move closer to a nuclear weapon. “How could you allow Iran to acquire a nuclear bomb? Now, people have always said that. Well, you know, [President Donald Trump] actually did something to actually prevent Iran from doing that,” said Fetterman.

He pointed to reports about Iran’s uranium stockpile and suggested military action may be warranted. “If they have 900 pounds of near weapons-grade uranium why wouldn’t you strike that? Why wouldn’t you hold them accountable that way? And now here we are again, and now we’ve demonstrated that’s the only thing Iran ever responds to is strength and power,” he continued.

Fetterman went further, expressing doubt that diplomacy alone would succeed and suggesting additional military measures could be necessary. He said the United States would likely have to strike again “because I don’t think you can’t really trust and negotiate with them. You can’t negotiate with cancer. You have to attack it and go right at it with superior force.”

His remarks come as the United States engages in diplomatic discussions with Iran, while at the same time increasing its military footprint in the Middle East in case negotiations collapse. President Donald Trump has ordered additional forces into the region as talks proceed.

On Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported that the President is considering a limited, initial military strike intended to pressure Iran into complying with U.S. demands on a nuclear agreement.

According to the report, such a step would aim to compel Tehran to negotiate seriously without escalating into a broader war that could trigger significant retaliation.

Earlier Thursday, Trump cautioned that failure to reach a nuclear agreement would carry consequences, warning that “bad things” will happen if Iran does not come to terms.

At the same time, the President indicated that diplomatic efforts are progressing but emphasized that any accord must be substantial. “Now, we may have to take it a step further – or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal. You’re going to be finding out over the next, probably 10 days,” Trump added.

Fetterman, who has emerged as one of Israel’s most outspoken supporters within the Democratic Party, recently reiterated his backing for the Jewish state during an interview with i24NEWS.

{Matzav.com}

Naftali Bennett announced Friday afternoon that, if tasked with assembling Israel’s next government, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir would not be part of his coalition — marking a clear shift from his earlier position.

In a pointed statement, Bennett took aim at Ben Gvir’s performance and conduct in office. “I want to be clear: Itamar Ben-Gvir has no place in my government. Not because of ‘boycott rhetoric,’ but because he is a failed minister who acts with bullying and racism against the values of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.”

Earlier in the week, speaking at a conference in Efrat, Bennett had called for the establishment of a broad national unity government following the upcoming elections. He cited the 1984 unity arrangement as a model — the government that featured a rotation agreement between Yitzhak Shamir and Shimon Peres.

Audio published by the Kipa website captured Bennett addressing questions from attendees and clarifying that he was not formally boycotting either Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir or Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich.

Discussing Ben Gvir in those remarks, Bennett said: “I’m not boycotting him, but he’s simply a terribly, terribly unserious person. I know it’s not talked about, but clownish behavior is not a substitute for seriousness.”

Bennett struck a different tone when referring to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, acknowledging his confrontational style while emphasizing his ability to function effectively. “Smotrich today is very combative, but he knows how to work. One of the reasons I’m involved with Religious Zionism is so that there will be enormous pressure on them after the elections to end the boycott against us. What happened? Why can’t you sit with us? There is a boycott today.”

{Matzav.com}

The Supreme Court on Friday curtailed a major portion of President Trump’s tariff program, a move that could lower projected costs for American families next year but likely derails his proposal to distribute $2,000 “tariff dividend” checks.

Before the ruling, households were expected to face significantly higher expenses due to elevated import taxes. The Yale Budget Lab had estimated that, with an average tariff rate of 16.9% in place, the typical U.S. household would pay an extra $1,300 to $1,700 in 2026.

In a 6-3 decision, however, the justices concluded that Trump went beyond his executive authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to implement a series of steep tariffs tied to trade imbalances and fentanyl trafficking.

While certain other tariffs remain intact, eliminating those imposed under IEEPA is expected to meaningfully reduce the financial hit to consumers. John Ricco, associated director of policy analysis at the Budget Lab, told CNBC that the ruling could lower the projected additional burden in 2026 to roughly $600 to $800 — about half of earlier estimates.

Not all analysts agreed on the precise savings.

“I’m actually shocked that the number wasn’t a little higher on the financial burden to the average American household than $1,000,” Erik Rosica, sales supervisor at OEC Group New York, a global freight forwarding company, told The NY Post.

“I do agree that the impact of reversing them would hopefully halve it – but again, that’s only if people lower their prices,” Rosica told The Post.

Rosica questioned whether companies would, in fact, pass those savings on to consumers. He suggested that while businesses might reduce prices on lower-cost goods, they may be inclined to keep higher price levels in place where possible.

The Court’s decision also casts doubt on Trump’s plan to issue “tariff rebate” payments ahead of the midterm elections.

According to Rosica, the ruling effectively eliminates the revenue stream that would have funded the checks, though he added that “nothing’s off the table.”

A sharp public and political backlash has followed an interim ruling by Israel’s High Court of Justice regarding prayer arrangements at the Kosel. The court determined that a previous cabinet decision regulating the southern prayer area remains in force and instructed state authorities to move quickly to advance the necessary permits and construction work to establish the site as a permanent mixed-gender prayer plaza.

The decision was issued by Justices Yitzchak Amit, Deputy President Noam Sohlberg, and Justice Daphne Barak-Erez. It centers on removing bureaucratic obstacles that have delayed implementation of the approved framework. According to the ruling, if renewed authorization from the Israel Antiquities Authority is required, it must be granted within 14 days, after which applications for building permits are to be submitted.

The court also ruled that if no planning decision is reached within 45 days, the delay will be considered a rejection, triggering an appeals process within an additional 14 days. The state and the Yerushalayim Municipality were ordered to update the court within 90 days on the progress made.

At present, the southern section of the Kosel includes the Ezras Yisrael platform, a temporary structure made of wood and metal that does not directly adjoin the ancient stones. The petitions before the court sought to implement a previously approved plan to convert the area into a permanent stone-paved plaza, upgrade access routes and infrastructure, and expand the space closer to the Wall itself.

The proposed plaza is expected to span approximately 900 square meters, about 70 percent of the size of the men’s section. It would allow mixed-gender prayer without a separation barrier and would be managed by representatives of the Reform and Conservative movements, with annual government funding.

Following the ruling, calls intensified to advance the so-called Kosel Law, introduced by MK Avi Maoz, which aims to anchor in legislation the authority over management of Jewish holy sites and define the limits of judicial intervention in such matters.

The Chief Rabbis of Israel, Rav Dovid Yosef and Rav Kalman Ber, strongly criticized the court’s decision. In a joint statement, they said the ruling represented an inappropriate intervention at the holiest site for the Jewish people and warned that it could lead to division at a place that symbolizes unity.

Shas party chairman Aryeh Deri also condemned the ruling and announced that his party would move to promote immediate legislation. He declared that the court has no authority to alter the nature of prayer at the Kosel and insisted that management of the site must remain solely under the Chief Rabbinate. He pledged that no Reform prayer plaza would be established at the Kosel and said Shas would urgently advance legislation to safeguard the site’s sanctity in line with longstanding tradition.

MK Meir Porush accused the judiciary of attempting to undermine the Jewish character of the state and called for reforms to the legal system. He argued that if the system is not corrected, references to Israel as a Jewish state should be removed from the Declaration of Independence.

Deputy Minister Yisrael Eichler described the ruling as predictable and charged that the court consistently acts against religious tradition. He asserted that the majority of the Jewish public supports maintaining the current status quo at the Kosel and expressed confidence that the site’s sanctity would be preserved.

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich also denounced the decision, saying the court had once again exceeded its authority and harmed the sanctity of the Kosel. He stated that there is one people, one Kosel, and one form of prayer as practiced for generations according to Jewish law and the rulings of the Chief Rabbinate, and vowed to move quickly to pass legislation protecting the site.

Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Minister, and Minister for Religious Services Yariv Levin said the ruling crossed a red line and called it illegitimate. He argued that it contradicts the foundational values of the State of Israel and urged the government and Knesset to act without delay. He expressed support for legislation stipulating that management of the Kosel be entrusted exclusively to the Chief Rabbinate or an authority it approves.

Knesset Constitution Committee chairman MK Simcha Rothman described the ruling as further evidence of what he called the judiciary’s loss of direction. He predicted that the decision would ultimately be overturned and cited previous High Court rulings that were later reversed through legislation, saying this one would be changed even more quickly.

Amid the public outcry, the judiciary issued a clarification defending the ruling. In a statement, it explained that the decision enforces the government’s position in accordance with a directive from the Prime Minister issued in June 2017. The statement added that the government’s position in the hearing was that a building permit for the southern plaza should be advanced and that this stance was supported by an affidavit from the Cabinet Secretary.

According to the legislative proposal being advanced by Shas, the Kosel would be managed strictly in accordance with religious law and established custom. The bill outlines prohibitions against Shabbos and Yom Tov desecration, ceremonies not in line with local practice, mixed-gender prayer, inappropriate dress, and various religious activities in the women’s section that diverge from tradition. Violations could carry penalties of up to six months in prison or a fine of 10,000 shekels.

Political officials estimate that the dispute surrounding the Kosel is likely to intensify in the coming days, as efforts to fast-track legislation collide with the High Court’s ruling, which has triggered widespread public controversy.

{Matzav.com}

Catskills Hatzoloh and other emergency personnel responded to an MVA earlier on Route 17 Westbound near Exit 116, where one individual was reported trapped inside a vehicle. The victim was eventually extricated by first responders and transported by Catskills Hatzoloh to Westchester Medical Center in stable condition.

The USS Gerald R. Ford sailed into the Mediterranean Sea on Friday morning, fueling mounting speculation that the United States could be preparing for possible military action against Iran.

Maritime tracking data showed the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier transiting the Strait of Gibraltar earlier in the day. Despite its entry into the Mediterranean, the warship remains several days away from reaching a position from which it could conduct operations targeting the Islamic Republic.

The Ford is expected to link up with the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, reinforcing the American naval presence in the region. The movement comes after President Trump indicated Thursday that he may decide within the next 10 days whether to authorize a strike on Iran.

{Matzav.com}

On Motzaei Shabbos Mishpatim, the Beren dining room of Beis Medrash Govoha was transformed into an elegant setting befitting a beautiful simcha — the annual Talmudo B’Yado Melave Malka. At the center of the room stood seforim shranks displaying the newly printed kuntreisim, the very reason for the celebration.

The evening honored the accomplishments of the talmidim who were mesayem the rigorous three-year program with the publication of their kuntreisim. The mesaymim were joined by their families — wives, parents, in-laws, and grandparents — to mark this milestone. The crowd of over 400 participants also included the Roshei Yeshiva of BMG, Roshei Chaburah, editors, and other chashuve guests who came to share in the simcha.

Rabbi Yitzchok Wagner, Director of Talmudo B’Yado, opened the evening by explaining the nature of the simcha. He related that several years ago, a yungerman in BMG who had been married for some time and had not yet been zoche to children went to Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l seeking a bracha. Knowing that Rav Chaim would often advise such individuals to write a sefer, this yungerman, who had completed Talmudo B’Yado, arrived with his published Talmudo B’Yado kuntres in hand.

When Rav Chaim suggested that he write, the yungerman quietly placed his kuntres on the shtender. Rav Chaim warmly bentched him, but as he turned to leave and reached to retrieve his work, Rav Chaim stopped him firmly: “This stays with me.” In that moment, Rav Chaim affirmed the profound value of written Chiddushei Torah — not only from renowned talmidei chachamim, but from every sincere ben Torah. Talmudo B’Yado seeks to instill that same appreciation, teaching participants to recognize that their Torah, carefully developed and committed to writing, truly matters. How great, then, was the simcha this evening with the publication of 63 new kuntreisim, representing the amal and yegiah baTorah of these chashuve yungerleit.

Rabbi Wagner then introduced the Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Malkiel Kotler, who has guided Talmudo B’Yado since its founding 18 years ago. The Rosh Yeshiva spoke about the immense benefits of writing in developing one’s learning and truly making it part of oneself. He shared about a certain Talmid Chacham who, in his later years, struggled with his former ability to learn. Yet when presented with Torah he had written decades earlier, he was able to recognize it and learn it anew. What he had written had become part of him — something his mind could still access. This, the Rosh Yeshiva explained, is what every talmid who works to write his chiddushei Torah can achieve.

A noticeable buzz passed through the crowd as the next speaker was introduced: the new Mashgiach of BMG, HaRav Reuven Hechster. The Mashgiach discussed how the Chofetz Chaim mentions many times that one must find a practical way to fulfill the chiyuv of Tzipisa L’Yeshua — bringing the Geulah closer. He quoted Rav Shlomo Kluger, who writes in the hakdamah to his sefer Tuv Taam V’Daas that every measure of Torah that is written and published brings the Geulah nearer. Just as the Gemara teaches that Moshiach will come only after a certain number of neshamos enter the world, so too there is a measure of Torah that must be publicized to pave the way for his arrival. Through the efforts of Talmudo B’Yado and the talmidim who are learning to write and publish their Torah, there is a tangible kiyum of the inyan of bringing Moshiach closer.

The final speaker was a Rosh Chaburah in BMG and for Talmudo B’Yado, R’ Ohad Ben-Moshe. Rabbi Ben-Moshe developed the idea that a yungerman who toils in a sugya is creating his own world within that Torah, as Chazal teach that it becomes his Torah. The completion of that process occurs when the yungerman commits his Torah to writing; at that point, he achieves a complete kinyan in the material. Of course, this is only possible with the encouragement and support of the yungerman’s wife and family, who often sacrifice precious time to enable him to invest the necessary effort to reach these lofty levels. Thus, the evening was truly a celebration for all involved, as these new kuntreisim — tangible expressions of hard work — were published.

The night concluded with spirited dancing befitting a true siyum and simcha shel mitzvah. Participants expressed how deeply moved they were by the special atmosphere and energy that filled the room. As one attendee put it, “this is a simcha at which everyone present is a baal simcha!” Rabbi Wagner closed by wishing all participants continued growth, going meichayil el chayil, and noted that the Amudei Ohr Publication Center, also operated by Talmudo B’Yado, stands ready to assist them in continuing to write and publish their chiddushei Torah.

Now entering its 19th year, Talmudo B’Yado has seen over 2,500 talmidim already mesayem the program. Enrollment takes place twice annually, at the beginning of the summer and winter zmanim. For more information, contact Rabbi Wagner at 732-367-1060 ext. 4266.

{Matzav.com}

Senior Israeli defense officials have informed their American counterparts that Iran is dramatically accelerating its missile production, raising concerns that the Islamic Republic could amass 5,000 ballistic missiles by the end of 2027. According to updated assessments, Iran is currently producing roughly 100 missiles per month — a pace that may continue to increase.

The warning comes as the United States remains engaged in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. However, Israeli officials are emphasizing what they describe as a more immediate and tangible threat: Tehran’s rapidly expanding ballistic arsenal. Military correspondent Yossi Yehoshua reported in Ynet that during recent high-level security discussions, Israeli defense leaders presented updated intelligence outlining the scale and speed of Iran’s missile buildup.

Iran’s strategy, according to the assessment, is based on overwhelming volume. While Israel fields advanced air defense systems such as the Arrow, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome, Iranian planners are believed to be banking on the fact that even the most sophisticated systems have limits. Sustained, large-scale barrages are intended to saturate Israel’s defensive shield and inflict significant damage on civilian areas and strategic sites.

Israeli intelligence and air force officials reportedly view these figures not as theoretical projections but as operational planning realities. Sources indicate that the situation could have been even more severe. Without a series of covert disruption and deterrence efforts carried out under Operation “Am KeLavi,” Iran’s stockpile might have reached as many as 8,000 missiles by the end of the decade. Those efforts are said to have slowed the expansion, though not halted it entirely.

Israeli officials are careful not to appear as though they are pushing Washington toward a broader conflict, but they have intensified engagement with the Pentagon in an effort to refocus attention on the missile threat. The Israeli message, according to sources familiar with the discussions, is that the danger is not limited to Israel. Iranian ballistic missiles also pose a direct threat to American bases in the Middle East, regional allies, and overall U.S. freedom of action in the region.

Within Israel’s defense establishment, the central question is whether the acceleration of Iran’s missile production can be curbed before the projected numbers become a strategic reality. For Israeli planners, the concern is no longer abstract. The threat consists of advanced missiles equipped with explosives and guidance systems, and the effort to counter it has become a race against time aimed at preventing a lasting shift in the regional balance of power.

{Matzav.com}

Reporter: Mr. President, are you considering a limited military strike to pressure Iran into a deal? Trump: I guess I can say I am considering it.

A tentative agreement has been reached in the New York nurses’ strike at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

The US economy grew less than expected at the end of last year, as inflation-adjusted gross domestic product increased an annualized 1.4% in the fourth quarter. Overall, the economy expanded 2.2% last year.

The Supreme Court ruled Friday that President Trump does not have the authority to rely on emergency powers to enact wide-ranging tariffs on goods imported into the United States.

By a 6-3 margin, the justices determined that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — the statute cited by Trump to implement sweeping tariffs, including a 10% baseline levy and an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports tied to its role in the flow of fentanyl into the US — does not grant the president the power to impose such duties.

Chief Justice John Roberts authored the court’s majority opinion. He was joined by conservative justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, along with liberal justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor.

{Matzav.com}

The Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s far-reaching global tariffs on Friday, handing him a significant loss on an issue crucial to his economic agenda. The decision centers on tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law, including the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs he levied on nearly every other country. It’s the first major piece of […]