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A newly implemented pedestrian traffic arrangement in Bnei Brak has become the focus of a legal and political battle after opponents filed a petition with Israel’s High Court of Justice seeking to overturn the city’s decision to designate separate sides of a sidewalk for men and women during busy evening hours near local wedding halls.

The arrangement, approved by the Bnei Brak Municipality with the backing of the city’s rabbanim, applies only to a section of Shlomo HaMelech Street adjacent to several event halls. Under the plan, one side of the sidewalk is designated for men and the other for women during evening hours, when thousands of people pass through the area attending weddings and other celebrations.

City officials say the temporary arrangement is intended to ease heavy pedestrian congestion while preserving the area’s traditional character and standards of tznius. They emphasize that the policy is limited to a specific location and time of day and is not part of any broader initiative affecting other areas of the city.

The measure has nevertheless drawn sharp criticism from opponents, who argue that it amounts to gender separation in a public space.

The issue has also generated extensive media attention, with numerous journalists and television crews visiting Shlomo HaMelech Street to photograph the newly installed signs and interview residents opposed to the arrangement.

The controversy comes at a time of heightened political tensions, with national elections scheduled to begin this Sunday, further amplifying debate over issues involving religion and the public sphere.

The legal challenge was filed by Yaya Fink and Michal Rozin, both candidates in the Democratic Party’s upcoming primary elections. They contend that the city’s policy constitutes unlawful gender segregation in the public domain and are asking the High Court to invalidate it.

Announcing the petition, the two said they intend to fight the municipality’s decision, declaring, “We will not allow the exclusion of women from the public sphere. Bnei Brak will not become Tehran.”

{Matzav.com}

Government funding provided to Israel’s Reform Movement has come under renewed scrutiny following Wednesday morning’s Women of the Wall gathering at the Kosel, with critics questioning why the Ministry of Settlements and National Missions continues to provide financial support to an organization whose legal arm has been at the forefront of efforts to alter the status quo at the site.

The debate intensified after members of Women of the Wall brought a Sefer Torah into the women’s section of the Kosel, an action that critics say violated the guidelines established by the rov of the Kosel and the holy sites.

According to publicly available government support records, the Reform Movement—officially known as the Reform Movement–Progressive Judaism in Israel—received more than 650,000 shekels from the Ministry of Settlements and National Missions during 2025. In 2024, the organization reportedly received nearly 900,000 shekels from the same ministry as part of broader government funding totaling several million shekels.

The published figures also indicate that government support from the ministry increased significantly after Minister Orit Strock assumed leadership of the office.

While the Reform Movement also receives funding from other government ministries, including the Education Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office, critics argue that the support provided by the Ministry of Settlements and National Missions is especially noteworthy because it is headed by Strock, a leading figure within the Religious Zionist camp.

Opponents contend that, given the ministry’s mission and priorities, it is appropriate to question whether organizations identified with the Reform Movement should be receiving funding from that office.

Critics also point to what they describe as the direct connection between the Reform Movement and the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC), the movement’s legal and public advocacy arm.

According to IRAC’s own website, the organization operates as part of the Reform Movement. In addition, its donation page instructs contributors to make checks payable to the Reform Movement and mail them to the movement’s headquarters on King David Street in Yerushalayim.

Critics argue that this demonstrates that even if IRAC does not appear independently in government funding records, its financial operations are conducted through the Reform Movement, which receives the government grants.

IRAC has long advocated for what it describes as equal prayer rights at the Kosel, including support for Women of the Wall services. The organization has also been involved in a wide range of legal and public campaigns on matters of religion and state, including opposition to the Basic Law: Torah Study, petitions against rabbanim and right-wing public officials, and previous legal efforts seeking to disqualify Dr. Michael Ben Ari from running for the Knesset.

Critics also noted that donations to the Reform Movement qualify for tax benefits under Section 46 of Israel’s Income Tax Ordinance—the same provision under which recognition was recently revoked from numerous Torah institutions and yeshivos.

Approximately two months ago, the advocacy organization B’Tzalmo formally appealed to Minister Strock, urging her to immediately halt government funding to the Reform Movement and its affiliated organizations.

The organization argued that public funds should not be directed to a movement it says is working against the sanctity of Jewish holy sites and against the values of the national camp. Its letter asserted that ministry funds were being provided to an organization actively seeking to dismantle the long-standing status quo at the Kosel and encourage public provocations there.

B’Tzalmo CEO Shai Glick sharply criticized the funding on Wednesday.

“The reality in which the Minister of Settlements and National Missions is funding the provocations at the Kosel is outrageous,” Glick said. “Women of the Wall and the fight against religion are not a national mission—quite the opposite. Minister Strock must immediately stop these absurd transfers of public funds that harm the Torah of Israel, the people of Israel, and the Land of Israel.”

{Matzav.com}

Large crowds of Chareidi demonstrators gathered Wednesday outside military draft offices in Tel Hashomer and Yerushalayim, protesting the enlistment of bnei yeshiva as tensions over the draft crisis continued to escalate. Senior rabbanim, roshei yeshiva, and community leaders were among those who joined the demonstrations.

The protests, held on Rosh Chodesh Av as a new round of military draft activity got underway, drew thousands of participants and became some of the largest anti-draft demonstrations seen in recent weeks.

The largest and most energetic gathering took place outside the IDF induction center at Tel Hashomer, where masses of protesters assembled to voice their opposition to the enlistment of yeshiva bochurim.

At the center of the demonstration, organizers positioned a large truck that served as an elevated platform for prominent rabbanim and roshei yeshiva, who addressed the crowd with speeches of encouragement and protest.

With temperatures soaring under the summer sun, several philanthropists financed the distribution of dozens of umbrellas to help shield demonstrators from the intense heat. The scene was striking, as hundreds of protesters stood beneath the umbrellas while police officers and security personnel remained exposed to the blazing sun as they monitored the demonstration.

Among those seen participating was the longtime mashamesh ba’kodesh of the Vasloi Rebbe, who joined the protest alongside numerous rabbanim, roshei yeshiva, and other respected community figures.

At the same time, a separate demonstration took place outside the military draft office in Yerushalayim, organized by members of the Eidah HaChareidis and other Chareidi communities.

Although the Yerushalayim protest was smaller and quieter than the demonstration at Tel Hashomer, participants there also voiced strong opposition to the military draft and what they described as the ongoing decrees against the Torah world.

Israel Police deployed large numbers of officers to both locations in an effort to maintain order throughout the day.

According to police, confrontations broke out after demonstrators intermittently blocked roads leading to the draft offices. Authorities described the incidents as unlawful disturbances, and several tense exchanges occurred between protesters and police as officers worked to reopen the roads and restore traffic flow.

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בתל השומר (צילום: אבשלום ששוני – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בירושלים (צילום: חיים גולדברג – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בירושלים (צילום: חיים גולדברג – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בירושלים (צילום: חיים גולדברג – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בירושלים (צילום: חיים גולדברג – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בירושלים (צילום: חיים גולדברג – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בירושלים (צילום: חיים גולדברג – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בירושלים (צילום: חיים גולדברג – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בירושלים (צילום: חיים גולדברג – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בירושלים (צילום: חיים גולדברג – פלאש 90)

הפגנה מול לשכת הגיוס בירושלים (צילום: חיים גולדברג – פלאש 90)

{Matzav.com}

Israel Police will launch a large-scale nationwide traffic enforcement operation beginning Thursday morning, deploying hundreds of officers, patrol vehicles, motorcycles, and advanced enforcement technology across the country’s highways and city streets in an effort to reduce deadly crashes, strengthen road safety, and remove dangerous drivers during the busy summer travel season.

The nationwide operation, led by the Traffic Division in coordination with police districts throughout Israel, is part of the force’s ongoing campaign against fatal traffic accidents and serious driving offenses that endanger motorists and pedestrians alike.

Police said officers will be stationed at key locations from the Galilee in the north to the Negev in the south, conducting continuous enforcement operations throughout the day and into the late evening. The objective is to increase deterrence, improve compliance with traffic laws, and ultimately save lives.

Hundreds of police officers and volunteers from across Israel’s traffic enforcement units will participate in the operation. Those taking part include Traffic Division officers, members of the National Motorcycle Patrol Unit, Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Unit personnel, detectives from the Traffic Division’s Central Investigations Unit, Traffic Division headquarters staff, regional traffic officers, and civilian volunteers.

Authorities will deploy hundreds of marked and unmarked patrol cars and motorcycles while making extensive use of advanced enforcement technology. Equipment will include still cameras, tactical cameras, laser speed detection devices, “Bee” radar speed detection systems, and other digital tools designed to identify dangerous drivers and improve enforcement on Israel’s roads.

The operation was planned following an extensive review by the Traffic Division’s Research and Development Department, which analyzed accident statistics and identified the traffic violations most closely associated with serious and fatal crashes.

Based on that analysis, enforcement efforts will focus on high-risk highways and urban areas. Officers will prioritize violations such as excessive speeding, distracted driving—including cellphone use behind the wheel—lane departures, running red lights, and dangerous conduct by riders of motorcycles, scooters, and electric bicycles.

Alongside the highly visible police presence, undercover detectives from the Traffic Division’s Central Investigations Unit will conduct targeted operations against repeat and high-risk traffic offenders whom police consider an ongoing danger to the public.

Police said the timing of the operation is intentional, as the summer vacation period typically brings a sharp increase in traffic volume, family travel, and nighttime driving by younger and less experienced motorists. The warmer months also see significantly greater use of motorcycles, scooters, and other two-wheeled vehicles, increasing the risk of serious accidents involving vulnerable road users.

Traffic Division Commander Maj. Gen. Chaim Shmueli urged motorists to remember that the road is not a place for taking risks or cutting corners.

He said every driver makes a choice each time they get behind the wheel whether to be part of the solution or part of the problem, emphasizing that the responsibility for protecting lives ultimately rests with the driving public.

Shmueli called on motorists to exercise patience, respect fellow road users, and remember that at the end of every journey, families are waiting for their loved ones to return home safely. Israel Police also urged the public to obey traffic laws, stressing that effective enforcement plays a critical role in saving lives.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance alleged that individuals connected to elements within the Israeli government financed an organized campaign aimed at discrediting him over the Trump administration’s efforts to negotiate with Iran. Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Vance claimed the operation was designed to undermine both the negotiations and the eventual ceasefire initiative.

During the interview, Vance described what he called a coordinated effort operating behind the scenes.

He said there was a “very discreet, extremely well-funded campaign” that had attempted to derail negotiations and a ceasefire agreement.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2077450739207610427

To support his claims, Vance pointed to a recent TIME magazine investigation examining a digital media campaign overseen by Brad Parscale, President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager. According to the report, Parscale’s firm, Clock Tower X, was retained by the global advertising agency Havas to conduct a messaging campaign on behalf of the State of Israel.

TIME reported that filings submitted under the Foreign Agents Registration Act showed Israel agreed to pay Clock Tower X $1.5 million each month. The campaign focused on producing online content geared primarily toward younger audiences while amplifying its message across social media and other digital platforms.

According to the magazine, three individuals familiar with the project described a network in which conservative social media influencers received suggested messaging through private group chats and were compensated based on the reach and engagement generated by their posts.

Parscale denied that any money from the Israeli contract was used to pay influencers and rejected accusations that he had attempted to interfere with or undermine President Donald Trump’s policies.

Vance, however, interpreted the report differently.

“It lists a bunch of people who have quite literally been paid by a former Trump campaign person who was himself paid by certain elements within the Israeli government,” Vance told Rogan. He alleged that those individuals were “attacking me viciously for quite literally trying to accomplish the negotiation objective that the president set for the country.”

When Rogan asked how those attacks had manifested themselves, Vance said they came through online criticism as well as information being leaked to members of the media.

“They’re attacking me obsessively, saying that we should not be negotiating with Iran. We should just keep the military campaign going indefinitely,” he said.

Vance also said some critics accused him of being influenced by Qatar and other foreign governments, while others alleged that he was taking “marching orders from Tucker Carlson.”

The vice president emphasized that he has no objection to Israeli officials expressing their views or attempting to persuade American policymakers. However, he said he opposes situations in which U.S. leaders allow outside influence to shape American policy decisions.

“When I open up the pages of Time Magazine and I see that there’s a literal foreign influence campaign being funded to tank the very deal that I was pursuing, and, oh, by the way, many of the people who were receiving that money were actually attacking me in completely dishonest ways, you know, my response to that is, well, go to hell,” Vance said.

“I’m going to do what I have to do for the American people. I represent Americans first.”

TIME also reported that some U.S. officials believed Israel’s effort to preserve support among younger conservatives conflicted with the Trump administration’s push to end the conflict with Iran. The publication quoted a senior U.S. intelligence official who claimed that American influencers were being paid by a foreign government in an effort to influence either the president or those closest to him.

Vice President JD Vance tells Joe Rogan that Jeffrey Epstein had clear connections to US and Israeli intelligence services.

"He clearly had connections to the highest levels of American intelligence, he clearly had connections to the highest levels of Israeli intelligence.” pic.twitter.com/Ze7HVfh0zC

— Jon Michael Raasch (@JMRaasch) July 15, 2026

Parscale denied coordinating any such operation and maintained that his firm’s work for Israel did not direct or influence independent commentators or hosts affiliated with Salem Media.

Elsewhere in the interview, Vance also discussed convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, asserting that Epstein maintained ties to both American and Israeli intelligence services.

“He clearly had connections to the highest levels of American intelligence. He clearly had connections to the highest levels of Israeli intelligence,” Vance stated.

Vance said the Epstein case illustrated the importance of distinguishing between different factions within Israel’s government, adding that not all Israeli officials opposed the administration’s diplomatic efforts.

“There are a lot of elements within the Israeli government that actually do like our peace process,” he said.

He further alleged that Epstein’s relationships were primarily with left-leaning figures within Israel’s political establishment.

“I’ve always found that fascinating,” Vance said. “It wasn’t like he was super connected to the right of center of Israeli politics.”

{Matzav.com}

In a significant shakeup within Israel’s ruling Likud Party, Knesset Member Dan Illouz announced Wednesday that he is leaving the party after serving a single term in the Knesset, citing deep disagreements over its direction and its handling of the military draft exemption issue.

“I cannot ask the public to vote for a party that I myself can no longer vote for,” Illouz said in a statement released Wednesday evening.

Reflecting on the aftermath of the October 7 massacre, Illouz argued that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu should have made way for new leadership at the conclusion of his current term.

“The truth is that immediately after October 7, it was clear to everyone that Netanyahu should end his tenure after this term. Instead of standing before the public and asking for forgiveness, Likud is doing everything it can to evade responsibility. We are removing the word ‘massacre’ from legislation and preventing the establishment of a commission of inquiry. A Jewish identity means, first and foremost, taking responsibility.”

Illouz said the recent legislation concerning military service exemptions for yeshivah students was the decisive factor behind his decision to leave the party.

“The saga of the draft exemption is a disgrace that made it clear to me that my place is no longer in Likud.”

He sharply criticized the party’s approach, accusing it of capitulating to its Chareidi coalition partners.

“At a time when the IDF is warning that it is collapsing under the burden, and my fellow reservists are sacrificing their families and their experience of fatherhood, Likud chose ongoing surrender to the Chareidi parties and advanced political maneuvers to institutionalize draft evasion. Today, there is no difference between voting for Likud, Shas, or Goldknopf.”

Illouz concluded by pledging to continue serving the country despite his departure from the party.

“I will continue to work for the State of Israel from wherever I am, with integrity and determination.”

In recent months, Illouz had emerged as one of the most outspoken critics within Likud, particularly regarding efforts to formalize the status of yeshivah students. Over the past two days, he voted against both the Basic Law: Torah Study and the law freezing the arrest of draft evaders.

Commenting on those measures, Illouz argued that they represented “a severe blow, not to mention a spit in the face of the public we were elected to represent.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump declared Wednesday that Iran is on the brink of defeat, signaling that the United States is prepared to intensify its military campaign unless Tehran agrees to negotiate. His remarks came as U.S. Central Command announced a second wave of strikes targeting Iranian military assets tied to threats against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, Trump expressed confidence that the United States has gained the upper hand in its confrontation with the Islamic Republic.

“We’re doing really well with Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran is not happy right now.”

Trump argued that decisive action against Iran should have been taken decades ago rather than allowing the regime to grow stronger over the years.

“Should have been done 47 years ago. Should have been done at least during the 47-year period. And it wasn’t. Other presidents didn’t do what was right. They should have done it a long time ago. Would have been much easier.”

Trump:

Iran will be defeated very soon. pic.twitter.com/DW1RxEjynl

— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 15, 2026

He also suggested that mounting U.S. pressure has left Tehran eager to negotiate, while making clear that military action remains on the table if diplomacy fails.

“They want to settle so badly. They don’t like what we’re doing. And they do want to settle. We’ll find out whether or not we settle with them or we just finish it off,” said Trump.

The president also took aim at President Barack Obama over the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, arguing that the deal strengthened the regime and contributed to the current crisis.

“He was very bad on Iran because he basically gave them the money. He made a – what a horrible deal. He went away from Israel and he went to Iran. And that’s part of the reason that we’re stuck with this whole situation,” Trump stated.

Trump’s latest comments followed an interview with Fox News a day earlier in which he warned that U.S. attacks would become increasingly severe if Iran refused to engage in meaningful negotiations.

“We’re going to hit them very hard tonight, we’re going to hit them very hard tomorrow night, we’re going to hit them very hard the night after, and then next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants, next week comes the bridges.”

He said the campaign would soon expand to include critical infrastructure unless Iranian leaders changed course.

“We’re going to knock out all their power plants, we’re going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate,” he added.

Trump emphasized that the military operation would continue for as long as he deemed necessary, saying Iran’s capabilities had already been significantly weakened. “Continue until I say it’s enough…the word the military likes to use is degrade. They’ve been degraded to a very low level.”

As Trump spoke, U.S. Central Command confirmed Wednesday evening that American forces had begun a second wave of operations against Iran. According to CENTCOM, the latest strikes are focused on Iranian military capabilities that have been used to threaten international shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways for global trade.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Israel’s Knesset interrupted its proceedings on Wednesday to pay an extraordinary tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, honoring the longtime South Carolina lawmaker with a moment of silence in recognition of his decades of steadfast support for the Jewish state. The ceremony reflected the deep admiration Graham earned across Israel’s political spectrum and underscored the unique bond he forged with Israeli leaders over more than 30 years in public service.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana opened the tribute by asking lawmakers to rise in memory of Graham, praising him as one of Israel’s most devoted allies in the United States.

“In honor of one of the greatest friends the state of Israel has ever had, members of the Knesset from both sides of the aisle will now rise for a moment of silence to pay our respects to the legendary Sen. Lindsey Graham.

“May his memory be a blessing,” he said.

Following Ohana’s remarks, members of the Knesset stood together in silence to honor the late senator.

The rare parliamentary recognition highlighted the immense respect Graham commanded in Israel, where he was widely regarded as one of the most vocal and dependable champions of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

During his years in the Senate, Graham consistently advocated for robust American military assistance to Israel, promoted closer defense cooperation between the two allies, and was among Washington’s leading voices calling for a hard line against Iran and other threats facing the region.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who shared a longstanding personal friendship with Graham, released a heartfelt statement after learning of his death.

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

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

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

President Isaac Herzog also expressed his sorrow, remembering Graham as a genuine friend of Israel whose commitment to the country never wavered. Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar likewise praised the senator’s unwavering dedication to Israel’s security and to strengthening the alliance between Jerusalem and Washington.

Graham died unexpectedly on Saturday following a brief illness caused by an aortic dissection, according to the District of Columbia’s chief medical examiner.

His passing at the age of 71 stunned political leaders in the United States and abroad, particularly because he had remained actively engaged in foreign policy discussions and had recently returned from overseas travel.

It is uncommon for Israel’s parliament to formally commemorate an American lawmaker in this manner, making Wednesday’s tribute especially significant.

The ceremony served as a reflection of Graham’s exceptional standing among Israel’s leadership, who viewed him not only as a steadfast advocate in Washington but also as a trusted personal friend whose support remained constant through changing administrations and multiple wars.

The tribute came as Israel prepares to send a high-level delegation—including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—to Graham’s funeral in the United States, another indication of the remarkable relationship the senator cultivated with the Jewish state throughout his long career in public service.

{Matzav.com}

A major coalition crisis erupted in the Knesset on Wednesday, throwing into doubt the fate of legislation aimed at significantly reducing the powers of Israel’s attorney general after Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni threatened to withhold support for the bill amid an escalating dispute with Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich.

The legislation, championed by Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Constitution Committee chairman MK Simcha Rothman, had reached the Knesset floor for its second and third readings after approximately 70 committee sessions. But moments before the decisive vote, the coalition was thrown into turmoil when the Chareidi parties signaled they might oppose the measure, triggering a direct confrontation between Gafni and Smotrich.

As negotiations intensified behind the scenes, Rothman prolonged his speech from the Knesset podium in an effort to delay the vote and buy time for coalition leaders to resolve the standoff.

At the heart of the dispute is mounting frustration within United Torah Judaism over what party leaders say is the government’s continued refusal to approve long-promised seniority-based salary increases for Chareidi preschool teachers.

According to UTJ officials, Smotrich has deliberately withheld the funding in an effort to pressure the Chareidi parties into allowing Religious Zionism representatives to join the municipal coalition in Beit Shemesh. In response, Gafni and his colleagues warned they would vote against one of the coalition’s flagship judicial reform bills—a move that could doom the legislation.

Religious Zionism responded with an unusually sharp public attack, accusing Gafni of effectively rescuing Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and preserving what it described as judicial overreach.

Sources close to Smotrich said Baharav-Miara “can send Gafni flowers,” arguing that his actions are granting her immunity, preserving her “judicial dictatorship,” and enabling her to continue undermining both the right-wing coalition and the Chareidi public for years to come.

The party also issued a direct warning to Gafni and his allies, declaring that if they are responsible for defeating legislation intended to curb the attorney general’s authority, “they will not be able to show their faces on the Chareidi street.” The statement concluded with the blunt message: “Let them not threaten.”

The confrontation comes despite earlier coalition understandings under which the Chareidi parties had agreed to fully support the attorney general legislation as part of a broader political agreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Under that arrangement, the coalition advanced several key priorities sought by the Chareidi parties, including the Basic Law: Torah Study, the law temporarily freezing the arrest of yeshiva bochurim who fail to report for military service—which has since been suspended by the High Court—and legislation repealing the kashrus reform.

Now, with tensions between coalition partners at their highest point in months, questions are mounting over whether that broader political agreement can survive.

The legislation at the center of the dispute would significantly reshape the relationship between Israel’s elected government and its legal advisers.

Its principal provision would eliminate the binding authority of the attorney general’s legal opinions, making them advisory rather than mandatory. Under the proposal, the attorney general would continue providing legal guidance, presenting policy alternatives, and helping ensure compliance with the law, but final decision-making authority would rest with the government and its ministers.

The bill also provides that while the attorney general’s written legal opinions would continue to reflect his or her interpretation of existing law, they would no longer be legally binding on the government. Ministers would have the authority to determine that an opinion does not accurately reflect the law, subject to notification of the Knesset Constitution Committee.

In addition, the proposal would give the government the final authority over its legal positions before the High Court and other courts. If the attorney general declines to represent the government’s position, the government would be permitted to retain private legal counsel to argue its case.

For now, however, the future of the judicial reform package remains uncertain, as coalition leaders struggle to bridge the widening divide between Smotrich and Gafni before the legislation comes to a vote.

{Matzav.com}

A House amendment to end aid to Israel sharply divided the Democratic caucus on Wednesday with less than half of Democrats voting to continue annual military funding to the Jewish State.

Only 93 of the 212 Democratic lawmakers in the House voted to oppose the amendment from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) to end $3.3 billion in assistance to Israel.

The amendment failed 104-314, with 103 Democrats voting to end aid to Israel and 10 voting “present.” Massie was the lone Republican to vote in favor of the measure, with 215 Republicans opposed.

Debate on the amendment before the vote largely pitted Democrats against one another, with pro-Israel Democrats accusing their colleagues, who intended to vote in favor of the amendment, of endangering U.S. national security and the lives of Israeli civilians.

“This amendment would embolden the enemies of peace, those pursuing the complete elimination of Israel and those who seek the death of Jews,” said Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). “It is a vote to weaken our ability to engage in the region and it’s a vote against American security, against American interests and against American safety.”

Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) accused Israel of “ethnic cleansing” and said that Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu had taken Israel “down an ugly path.”

“Israel does not need and quite honestly does not deserve more American money for weapons,” Castro said. “Do not reward a wrongdoer.”

Support for Israel has rapidly become one of the biggest fault lines in Democratic politics, as pro-Israel incumbents have lost a string of primary elections to anti-Israel challengers.

Democrats who voted in favor of the amendment to cut off Israel aid included 15 congressmen who are endorsed by AIPAC as “pro-Israel” candidates or thanked by the pro-Israel group on their endorsement page, including former House speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

One of those endorsees, Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), said after the vote that he was rejecting AIPAC’s endorsement and returning its donations to his campaign.

“I expect groups like AIPAC will not support me in my future elections and frankly, I don’t want their support,” Ryan wrote. “Hardline stances that refuse to stand up to a corrupt and increasingly dangerous Netanyahu regime have no place in our politics.”

Two other AIPAC endorsees, Reps. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) and Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.) voted “present” on the amendment.

Other pro-Israel groups that had endorsees who voted to cut off Israel aid included Democratic Majority for Israel and the Jewish Democratic Council of America. (JNS sought comment from AIPAC, DMFI and JDCA.)

Matt Brooks, CEO of the Republican Jewish Coalition, stated that the group “applauds House Republicans for unanimously defeating Thomas Massie’s reckless effort to strip all American aid to Israel from the State Department funding bill.”

Under the “strong leadership” of U.S. President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), “America has Israel’s back,” Brooks stated. “Today, the GOP-led House of Representatives proved it.”

Brooks said that Massie is “a voice of one in the Republican Party” and a “lame duck outlier.”

“The Republican majority left no doubt about where our party stands: resolutely with the Jewish state,” he said. “The contrast could not be clearer. In today’s Democratic Party, vociferous hostility to Israel is not the fringe. It is their future.”

“Democrats’ primaries are sending it to Congress, their leaders are indulging it and their base is demanding it,” he added. “Today’s Democratic Party is being shaped in the image of the worst, most radicalized elements of its anti-Israel base, and the Squad’s Hamas caucus is leading the way. Today’s vote reaffirms the longstanding commitment of Republicans to stand unwaveringly with Israel through thick and thin.”

The vote divided Democratic leadership even after Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) sent a letter to colleagues on Tuesday explaining his reasons for voting “no” on the measure. Jeffries said in the letter that he would not whip the vote given the “strongly held views” among Democrats on Israel.

Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), both of whom are endorsed by AIPAC, voted in favor of the amendment, while Jeffries and the two other members of the Democratic leadership team, Reps. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), voted to oppose it.

Massie argued in the debate that he was opposed to all foreign aid, not just aid to Israel, but his subsequent amendment to cut off aid to Jordan revealed the extent to which the Jewish state has become a particular focus of ire among House Democrats.

That amendment failed 421-6, with not a single Democrat voting to cut off military aid to the Arab kingdom. JNS

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Yosef Rabinowitz zt”l, the longtime mara d’asra of Khal Zichron Aryeh Leib in Flatbush, Brooklyn, who was niftar after decades of distinguished harbotzas haTorah and tireless service to his kehillah.

Rav Rabinowitz served as the rov of Khal Zichron Aryeh Leib for more than 40 years, earning the deep respect and affection of generations of mispallelim through his dedication, warmth, and steadfast hanhogah.

Rav Rabinowitz pursued his formative years of learning at Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin, where he became one of the devoted talmidim of the legendary rosh yeshiva, Rav Yitzchok Hutner zt”l. The profound influence of his rebbi and the other illustrious rabbeim at Chaim Berlin remained with him throughout his life, shaping both his worldview and his approach to Torah, avodah, and communal leadership. Those who knew him often remarked that he carried the distinctive spirit and ideals of Chaim Berlin wherever he went, remaining deeply connected to the yeshivah and its enduring legacy.

When he assumed the rabbonus of Khal Zichron Aryeh Leib, Rav Rabinowitz devoted himself wholeheartedly to the spiritual growth and well-being of his kehillah. For more than four decades, he served not merely as the rov of the kehillah, but as its guiding heart and soul. He was available at all hours to answer shailos, offer counsel, provide chizuk during difficult times, and share in the simchos of his mispallelim. His door was always open, and countless individuals benefited from his chochmah and compassion.

His rabbonus was characterized by genuine personal concern for every member of the kehillah. Whether delivering shiurim or providing practical guidance, he approached every interaction with sincerity and humility.

Throughout his life, Rav Rabinowitz remained deeply committed to harbotzas haTorah. An outstanding talmid chochom himself, he encouraged his mispallelim to engage in serious Torah learning and inspired others through his own hasmadah and ahavas haTorah.

The levayah was held today in Flatbush, after which kevurah took place at Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, New York.

Rav Rabinowitz is survived by his devoted rebbetzin, together with a distinguished family of children and grandchildren who continue to walk in his path of Torah, yiras Shamayim, and dedication to Klal Yisroel.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

A Gerer yeshiva bochur studying at Yeshivas Sfas Emes was arrested Wednesday at an Israeli military draft office and immediately sentenced to 20 days in military prison after being classified by the IDF as a draft evader, despite having reportedly appeared at the enlistment office three separate times in an effort to regularize his status.

The arrest has sparked outrage within the Gerer community, where officials insist the young man made every effort to comply with the military’s instructions and that bureaucratic delays at the draft offices ultimately led to his imprisonment.

According to sources in Ger, the bochur‘s original reporting date was Monday. He arrived that day, but mistakenly went to the draft office in Yerushalayim instead of the office in Haifa, where he had been instructed to report.

Personnel in Yerushalayim directed him to the Haifa office, but by the time he arrived there, the office was preparing to close. He was instructed to return the following day.

The bochur returned to the Haifa draft office on Tuesday as instructed. However, according to those close to him, his case was not processed, and he was again told to return on Wednesday.

When he appeared for the third consecutive day on Wednesday morning, military officials informed him that because two days had passed since his original reporting date on Monday, he was now officially classified as absent without authorization and therefore considered a draft evader.

He was immediately tried by military authorities and sentenced to 20 days in military prison.

Officials in Ger contend that the imprisonment resulted solely from delays and repeated runarounds at the draft offices, arguing that the young man consistently followed every instruction he was given and genuinely sought to resolve his status.

The case is the latest in a growing series of arrests involving bnei yeshiva in recent days and has intensified criticism within the Chareidi community regarding the military’s handling of draft matters.

Just one day earlier, another ben yeshiva—a grandson of the Ziditchov Rebbe—was arrested after reporting to a draft office to address his status and was likewise classified as a draft evader, an incident that generated widespread outrage throughout the Chareidi community.

Community leaders say the military and defense establishment continue to demonstrate a lack of sensitivity to the unique realities of the Chareidi public.

“When an ordinary yeshiva bochur is arrested, localized protests immediately break out,” community sources said. “But when the person arrested is the grandson of an Admor or a chassid from a well-known family, the situation changes entirely and the public reaction becomes much more intense.”

Many within the Chareidi community now fear that the recent arrests could trigger widespread demonstrations, particularly because several of those detained were young men who, according to their supporters, were acting in good faith to regularize their status but instead became caught in bureaucratic delays.

The latest arrest also comes just a day after the Knesset approved legislation temporarily freezing the arrest of yeshiva bochurim over draft-related issues. That law, however, has since been suspended by an interim order issued by Israel’s High Court of Justice, leaving thousands of bnei yeshiva in continued legal uncertainty.

{Matzav.com}

Yerushalayim Affairs and Jewish Heritage Minister Meir Porush delivered a fiery address in the Knesset on Wednesday, launching a blistering attack on Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Israel’s High Court of Justice during debate over legislation redefining the powers of the attorney general. In an emotional speech, Porush accused the legal establishment of waging a campaign against Torah learners, likened its actions to those of Haman in the Purim story, and vowed that the Chareidi community would no longer submit to what it views as judicial persecution.

Taking the podium during the heated Knesset debate on the Attorney General Law, which addresses legal opinions, government representation, and oversight, Porush sharply criticized both the attorney general’s conduct and recent High Court rulings concerning the military draft of yeshiva bochurim and the funding of Torah institutions.

Addressing Baharav-Miara directly, Porush accused her of pushing the country toward an irreparable national divide through her legal policies on matters of religion and state.

Recalling the bill’s preliminary reading more than six months ago during the Purim season, Porush drew on imagery from Megillas Esther to compare the current political struggle to the biblical confrontation between Mordechai and Haman.

“You, Attorney General, are leading the country toward civil war,” he declared. “You are leading the nation toward an irreparable rift. When this bill passed its preliminary reading—the same bill we are debating today—during Purim more than half a year ago, I said: In Megillas Esther it is written, ‘If you have begun to fall before him, you shall surely fall,’ and I added, ‘Attorney Miara—you shall surely fall.’ Many members of this Knesset answered me then with ‘Amen,’ and today, together with the government, we are bringing that ‘Amen’ to fruition.”

Porush escalated his rhetoric by directly comparing the actions of the Attorney General’s Office and the High Court to those of Haman, accusing them of attempting to destroy the Torah world through legal rulings and financial sanctions.

“Just moments earlier in the Megillah it says, ‘If Mordechai is of the seed of the Jews…’ And today I stand here and say to everyone who thinks they can persecute Torah students—whether in the Attorney General’s Office or in the High Court—you, intoxicated by your own power, are behaving like Haman. Other than hanging Torah learners on the gallows, you have already done almost everything. But power does not last forever. ‘If Mordechai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the seed of the Jews, you will not prevail against him, but you shall surely fall before him,’” Porush proclaimed from the Knesset podium.

The minister went on to review Jewish history, arguing that every empire, ruler, and regime that sought to eradicate Torah and its students ultimately disappeared, while the Jewish people endured.

“Jewish history is filled with empires, rulers, tyrants, and officials consumed by delusions of grandeur who tried to uproot the Torah, restrict those who study it, and impose a foreign culture upon us. Where are they today? Buried beneath the dust of history. And where are we? Growing stronger! ‘The Eternity of Israel does not lie,’” he said to applause from members of his faction.

Concluding his speech, Porush declared that the Chareidi public would no longer bow to judicial decisions that, in its view, undermine the Torah world. He argued that the legislation represents the beginning of restoring authority from unelected legal officials to Israel’s elected representatives.

“The legal bureaucracy, sitting in its ivory tower, has become accustomed to believing it is the true ruler of the State—that it can issue decrees, freeze funding, turn kollel avreichim into criminals, and expect us to bow our heads. Those days are over. Today we are restoring authority to the people and to their elected representatives, and just as importantly, we are placing a bright stop sign in front of this anti-Jewish campaign of persecution,” Porush concluded.

{Matzav.com}

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is openly questioning Sen. Mitch McConnell’s extended absence from Congress, saying she cannot understand how such a lengthy disappearance by an elected official is being treated as routine.

Speaking with a reporter outside the U.S. Capitol, Ocasio-Cortez expressed disbelief over McConnell’s continued absence from the Senate.

“I mean, this is — I don’t even know how this is legal. I really don’t even know how this is legal at this point. And it — I just find it shocking,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “And how is everyone pretending this is normal? This is not normal. This is not normal, at all.”

The New York Democrat also referenced the extended absence of another Republican lawmaker, widely understood to be Rep. Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey, though she did not mention him by name.

“First of all, how is it that we have sitting elected members of Congress going missing for months at a time when, especially right now when the margin — margin in the Senate are razor-thin, the margins in the House are razor-thin,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “Every single person’s absence here has country-altering implications.”

While acknowledging that lawmakers can face legitimate medical issues, she argued that there comes a point when prolonged absences become unacceptable.

“There’s a line here, and I think almost everyone can agree that it’s been crossed.”

Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks come after weeks of questions surrounding McConnell’s health and whereabouts following his hospitalization on June 14.

McConnell, 84, has not cast a vote in the Senate for more than a month. On Sunday, he addressed the speculation by releasing a statement accompanied by a photograph of himself in the hospital with his wife.

In the statement, McConnell said his absence stemmed from injuries suffered in a fall, as well as a mild case of pneumonia.

“As much as it frustrates me, this process takes time. And on the advice of my doctors, I won’t be able to return to the Senate floor to vote quite yet,” he wrote in a Sunday statement shared with The Hill.

Despite that explanation, questions have continued to circulate regarding his condition.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., fueled some of that speculation on Monday when he questioned how recently the hospital photograph had been taken, though he later walked back those comments.

McConnell’s prolonged hospitalization, combined with the recent death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has complicated President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda, particularly efforts to advance a $1.5 trillion defense spending package.

As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, McConnell oversees legislation involving Pentagon funding. Without his vote, Republicans could face an uphill battle in passing the defense package unless they secure support from Democratic senators.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump threw his full support behind MyPillow founder Mike Lindell on Wednesday, issuing a glowing endorsement of his campaign for governor of Minnesota and urging voters to send the longtime ally to the governor’s mansion.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump praised Lindell while sharply criticizing outgoing Democratic Gov. Tim Walz.

“Mike Lindell, the “Pillow Man,” and one of America’s greatest and most hard working Patriots, is running to be GOVERNOR OF MINNESOTA, replacing one of the worst and most incompetent governors in the history of the U.S.A.,” Trump wrote.

Lindell entered the gubernatorial race last December, becoming one of several Republican candidates seeking to succeed Walz. The Democratic governor, who had initially sought a third term, withdrew from the race in January after facing intense scrutiny over a massive fraud scandal in Minnesota.

According to prosecutors, as much as $9 billion was allegedly stolen by multiple organizations that claimed to provide meals for needy children and other services reimbursed through state agencies.

Trump has repeatedly clashed with Walz over the alleged fraud, as well as over immigration enforcement and the administration’s policies regarding the conflict with Iran.

In his endorsement, Trump said Lindell is the candidate capable of reversing the state’s decline.

“He can do it! Nobody has sacrificed more than Mike Lindell in fighting for our country, especially when it comes to Election Integrity,” Trump wrote. “He truly deserves everything he gets – He will MAKE MINNESOTA GREAT AGAIN!!!”

Trump concluded his endorsement by declaring, “MIKE LINDELL HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT – HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN. Good Luck Mike!!!”

Lindell’s campaign comes only months after a federal judge ruled that he had defamed Smartmatic by making false statements alleging that the company’s voting machines helped rig the 2020 presidential election.

President Trump has continued to maintain that the 2020 election was illegitimate, despite courts and election officials finding no evidence of widespread fraud sufficient to change the outcome. He is expected to deliver a primetime address Thursday focused on election integrity.

Minnesota voters will head to the polls for the state’s primary election on Aug. 11. On the Democratic side, Sen. Amy Klobuchar is widely viewed as the leading contender heading into the November general election.

Last month, Lindell announced that retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Phillip Parish will be his running mate for lieutenant governor if he is elected. Parish, a former intelligence officer, withdrew his own gubernatorial campaign to join Lindell’s ticket.

{Matzav.com}

A wave of grief swept through the community in Yerushalayim on Wednesday following the tragic passing of four-and-a-half-year-old Frieda Hershkowitz a”h, who was fatally struck by a vehicle in the Meah Shearim neighborhood.

The devastating accident occurred shortly after midday on Rechov Harav Shmuel Salant. The young girl was hit by a passing vehicle, prompting an immediate response from emergency personnel.

First responders performed extensive resuscitation efforts at the scene before evacuating her in critical condition to a hospital in Yerushalayim. Despite the determined efforts of medical teams, she succumbed to her injuries, and her petirah was later confirmed.

The tragic news spread quickly, leaving family members, friends, neighbors, and residents of the surrounding Chareidi neighborhoods in profound shock and mourning.

Following the accident, ZAKA volunteers responded both at the scene and at the hospital to assist the family and ensure that every aspect of the situation was handled with dignity and according to halachah.

“With the receipt of the report, ZAKA volunteers were dispatched to the scene of the accident,” said Bentzi Auering, Commander of ZAKA’s Jerusalem District, together with Tzvi Yurovitz, a ZAKA Yerushalayim District minilance driver. “After the girl’s death was pronounced at the hospital, the volunteers worked at the scene collecting all findings out of respect for the deceased. At the same time, they accompanied the family at the hospital and assisted in coordinating with all the relevant authorities until she could be brought to burial.”

ZAKA’s legal department worked with police and the appropriate legal authorities to expedite the process. Following those discussions, it was decided that the child’s body would be released directly for kevurah without being transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Auering praised the efforts of the volunteers and those involved in securing the family’s request.

“From the moment the report was received, ZAKA volunteers worked at both the scene and the hospital alongside the family. At the same time, ZAKA’s legal department coordinated with all the relevant authorities, and with siyata diShmaya the process was completed and the child was released for burial without being transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine.”

Michael Gutwein, coordinator of ZAKA’s legal department, said the organization regularly assists bereaved families during their most difficult moments.

“Members of the legal department accompany families during their hardest moments and work with all the authorities to ensure the swift release of the deceased for burial while preserving the dignity of the deceased and the rights of the family.”

The circumstances surrounding the fatal accident remain under investigation. The levayah is expected to take place as soon as arrangements are completed.

Baruch Dayan HaEmes.

{Matzav.com}

A photograph showing Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu reading a book aboard an aircraft has ignited widespread discussion on social media, with critics questioning whether the image captured a genuine moment or was staged for public consumption.

The image, shared by political commentator Amit Segal on his Telegram channel alongside a political update, appeared to portray Netanyahu making productive use of his flight time by reading. Instead of focusing on the book itself, however, many online commenters zeroed in on details they said cast doubt on the authenticity of the scene.

Among the issues raised was the apparent difficulty of reading under the circumstances. Critics questioned why someone would choose to read a printed book inside a dimly lit, noisy aircraft while using a cellphone as a flashlight in one hand and holding the book in the other. They argued that the posture appeared awkward for sustained reading and looked more like a carefully arranged photo opportunity than a candid moment.

The biggest point of criticism centered on Netanyahu’s lack of reading glasses. Social media users referenced longstanding claims that his prepared speeches are printed in unusually large type so he can read them without wearing glasses in public. That prompted many to ask how he could comfortably read the small print of a book under poor lighting inside an aircraft without eyewear.

For many of the photo’s critics, those details transformed what might have been viewed as a flattering image into what they described as evidence that Netanyahu was posing with the book rather than actually reading it. They argued that the photograph was intended to project the image of a diligent, intellectual leader who uses every spare moment productively.

Segal also came under criticism for publishing the photograph. Some detractors argued that instead of simply reporting the accompanying political news, he amplified what they viewed as a public relations image from the prime minister’s office without explaining the circumstances in which it was taken or questioning whether it reflected a spontaneous moment or one designed to convey a particular message.

At the same time, critics acknowledged that the photograph itself does not prove Netanyahu was not reading. Nevertheless, they argued that the combination of the cellphone flashlight, the dim conditions, and the absence of reading glasses gave them reason to question whether the image depicted genuine reading or simply the appearance of it.

{Matzav.com}