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Shock spread through the Torah world after Rav Eliyahu Meir Feivelson was interrupted by a group of extremists while delivering a Tishah B’Av talk in Yerushalayim earlier tonight. The disturbance occurred as the rosh yeshiva was speaking about the Churban.

The incident took place at Rav Feivelson’s bais medrash, Pischei Olam, where he was delivering a shiur and speaking about the destruction of the Batei Mikdash.

According to sources, several extremists disrupted the gathering by shouting loudly and hurling insults while Rav Feivelson was in the middle of his address. Video from the scene appeared to show the rosh yeshiva visibly pained as the shouting continued.

Witnesses said the demonstrators continued yelling even after the shiur had concluded.

Educators who spoke following the incident expressed deep concern, saying the latest disruption follows an earlier confrontation in Modiin Illit in which Rav Feivelson was reportedly physically assaulted.

Several mechanchim described the incident as crossing every acceptable boundary and constituting a serious affront to the honor of Torah. They said the public harassment of a talmid chacham and rosh yeshiva—particularly on Tishah B’Av, the day commemorating the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash—demands a firm response. They warned that remaining silent in the face of such incidents could embolden further attacks against talmidei chachamim.

Many voiced concern over what they described as an escalating pattern of increasingly aggressive conduct by extremist elements. They said such actions bear no connection to genuine yiras Shamayim and pose a serious educational challenge.

Earlier this week, the publication Chadashos HaPargod reported that two individuals identified as having played leading roles in a campaign against Rav Feivelson several years ago later experienced severe personal tragedies while still in their 40s. According to that report, one suffered a debilitating stroke that left him paralyzed, while the other died in a tragic fall from a rooftop.

During a recent visit by Rav Feivelson to the home of one of Gedolei Yisroel, the senior Torah leader greeted him by quoting the posuk, “For all the men who sought your life are dead.” According to the report, the gadol remarked that such events serve as a powerful reminder of Chazal’s warning: “Be careful with their burning coals,” highlighting the obligation to show proper respect to talmidei chachamim.

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{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing sharp criticism after issuing a Tishah B’Av message to the Jewish community, with opponents arguing that his well wishes ring hollow in light of his repeated criticism of Israel and his past positions on the Jewish state.

In a post published this evening, the Muslim socialist wrote: “Wishing a peaceful Tisha B’Av to Jewish New Yorkers across the five boroughs.

“From sundown tonight until tomorrow, mourners will pause and reflect on the history and resiliency of the Jewish people.

“May all observing have a safe and meaningful fast.”

The message quickly drew attention online.

Among those responding was conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, who challenged the mayor’s characterization of the day.

“Tisha B’Av commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples, located on the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem, Israel. You know, historic and current Jewish territory. Thanks for your best wishes.”

The exchange reignited criticism from many of Mamdani’s political opponents, who argue that his Tishah B’Av message is difficult to reconcile with his long record of anti-Israel rhetoric and activism.

Mamdani has repeatedly accused Israel of committing war crimes, has supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, has called for economic pressure on Israel, and has been a vocal critic of Israeli military operations. He has also drawn criticism from Jewish organizations and pro-Israel leaders over statements regarding Zionism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Critics also pointed to Mamdani’s recent pledge to seek the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu should he visit New York City, citing the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant. Mamdani has repeatedly referred to Netanyahu as a war criminal and has argued that city officials should cooperate with efforts to detain him.

{Matzav.com}

US intelligence agencies are investigating whether Russia helped Iran carry out recent drone attacks against CIA facilities in the Middle East by providing targeting intelligence or advanced drone technology, according to a Reuters report citing multiple sources familiar with the investigation.

Reuters reported that American intelligence officials are examining whether Moscow supplied Tehran with information identifying CIA sites or technology that increased the effectiveness of the drone attacks. The report, based on four people familiar with the matter, said both possibilities remain under active review.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the investigation, stressed that no final conclusions have been reached. However, they said intelligence analysts are scrutinizing the precision of the strikes and Russia’s longstanding military and technological partnership with Iran to determine whether Moscow played a supporting role.

According to Reuters, two CIA facilities were struck in March, including the agency’s station inside the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and another CIA location in eastern Iraq. Several of the sources said additional CIA sites were also targeted, although they declined to identify them.

A Western intelligence assessment reviewed by an official with access to the document reportedly concluded that Russia likely helped identify CIA facilities for the attacks. Two Western officials familiar with intelligence findings said analysts believe the strike on the Riyadh embassy involved two Russian-enhanced versions of Iran’s Shahed drones. According to those officials, the first drone breached a vulnerable section of the embassy’s exterior, allowing a second drone to pass through the opening before detonating. No casualties were reported.

US investigators are also looking into whether Russian targeting data was used during the embassy attack. At the same time, some intelligence officials cautioned that Iran may have intended to strike the embassy itself, with the CIA station being hit unintentionally.

The Reuters report added that Russia has supported Iran’s drone program for years and may have significantly improved the accuracy of the Shahed-136 by providing the Kometa-M satellite navigation system, which experts believe is more precise and more resistant to electronic jamming than Iran’s existing navigation technology.

The White House referred questions about the report to the CIA, which declined to comment. Iran’s mission to the United Nations, the Russian Defense Ministry, and the Saudi government also did not respond to requests for comment.

Daniel Hoffman, a former CIA station chief, told Reuters that any cooperation between Moscow and Tehran aimed at targeting CIA facilities would be consistent with the strategic alliance between the two countries.

“They share an interest in trying to reduce or eliminate US influence altogether in their self-designated spheres of influence,” Hoffman said.

{Matzav.com}

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved legislation aimed at restricting stock trading by members of Congress and their immediate families, but the measure’s inclusion of a voter ID requirement divided lawmakers and is expected to face significant obstacles in the Senate.

The “Stop Insider Trading Act” passed by a vote of 232-198, with every Republican voting in favor and 13 Democrats joining them.

The Democrats who supported the legislation were Reps. Kathy Castor of Florida, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, Susie Lee of Nevada, Jared Moskowitz of Florida, Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, Darren Soto of Florida, and Derek Tran of California.

Many Democrats opposed the legislation because it included a provision requiring voters to present photo identification before casting a ballot.

That addition has significantly reduced the bill’s prospects in the Senate, where most legislation must overcome the chamber’s 60-vote filibuster threshold.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sharply criticized the measure, arguing that Republicans had combined two unrelated issues into a single bill.

“Republicans are trying to pull a trick this week. They say we are voting on an ‘insider trading’ bill, but have snuck in massive SAVE Act-style voter suppression measures to it,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) declared. “This is a GOP effort to sabotage national mail-in voting, disguised as a trading ban.”

“I’m voting NO.”

Despite the controversy, the legislation represents one of Congress’ most significant efforts to curb concerns about lawmakers profiting from stock transactions since passage of the STOCK Act in 2012.

If enacted, the bill would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing individual publicly traded stocks while serving in office, with limited exceptions for certain investment funds.

The legislation would also require lawmakers and their immediate family members to provide between seven and 14 days’ advance notice before selling stocks. Those who violate the requirement could face financial penalties and ethics investigations.

Opponents, however, argue the proposal stops short of a true ban because lawmakers would still be permitted to sell stocks they already own.

Data compiled by Quiver Quantitative identifies several members of Congress whose households conducted the largest volume of stock trades during the past year, although exact totals are difficult to calculate because federal financial disclosures report transactions in broad value ranges.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) topped the list, with his household recording 4,772 trades totaling approximately $65.9 million. The investments spanned a wide range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, finance, and health care.

Khanna has insisted that he personally neither owns nor trades individual stocks.

“I do not own or trade stocks and have led the fight to ban stock trading,” Khanna claimed on social media last month.

“My household’s only investments are in a trust that my in-laws set up before marriage, managed independently by a third party trustee in full compliance with the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) and House Rules.”

Khanna also published a lengthy explanation of his family’s finances on Substack, writing that his “household’s compliance has been independently verified by the watchdogs who track congressional trading.”

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also remains closely associated with congressional stock trading because of investments made by her husband, Paul Pelosi.

According to Quiver Quantitative, Pelosi’s household completed approximately $52.5 million in stock transactions across 21 trades during the past year.

Responding to questions about the transactions, Pelosi spokesman Ian Krager said, “Speaker Pelosi does not own any stocks and has no knowledge or subsequent involvement in any transactions.”

Although Pelosi now supports restrictions on congressional stock trading, she previously defended the practice.

“We are a free market economy. They should be able to participate in that,” the former House speaker told a reporter five years ago when pressed on the fortune her husband has amassed trading stocks while she’s in office.

Retiring Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), the former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, ranked among the largest traders, with his family’s accounts recording roughly $48 million in transactions across 980 trades.

McCaul’s office has previously said that his wife’s investments are independently managed.

His staff noted that his “wife has assets she solely owns, and a third-party manager” makes purchases “without her direction.”

Most of the family’s investments appear to be diversified among financial, technology, and health care companies.

Rep. Tony Wied (R-Wis.) reported approximately $25.9 million in transactions spread across 19 trades, much of it involving technology stocks.

Although Wied voted for the legislation, he argued that Congress should have adopted broader ethics reforms.

“I plan to support this symbolic gesture when it comes to a vote, but let’s be real — insider trading is already entirely illegal,” Wied told The Post.

“If my colleagues on both sides of the aisle were serious about solving the actual problem, we would have gone much further with this legislation and addressed the real issue plaguing the swamp: career politicians using their connections and insider knowledge to enrich themselves as lobbyists and federal contractors after leaving office.”

Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.) and his family reported approximately $12 million in transactions through 1,128 trades involving investments in technology, industrial, and health care companies.

Cisneros emphasized that professional advisers—not he or his wife—manage the family’s investments.

“My wife and I have always employed outside financial advisors who have a fiduciary responsibility to maintain a diverse portfolio,” Cisneros told The Post. “We do not manage the day-to-day trading of our investment portfolio, nor have we ever suggested a trade while serving in Congress or at the Department of Defense.”

He added that he has “always complied with all rules and regulations regarding stock trading and financial disclosures” and supports stronger ethics safeguards.

Quiver Quantitative also listed Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) among Congress’ most active traders, though Roy’s office has disputed that ranking, saying it resulted from an error in his financial disclosures.

The remainder of Quiver Quantitative’s top 10 list of lawmakers with the highest trading volume last year included Reps. Cleo Fields (D-La.), Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), Tim Moore (R-N.C.), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), and Kevin Hern (R-Okla.).

Responding to questions about McClain’s transactions, House GOP Communications Director Joe Buccino said, “Chairwoman McClain’s investments are a matter of public record. They have been made in line with all House rules and applicable laws.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu delivered a national address on Wednesday as Israel prepared to enter Tisha B’Av. In his remarks, Netanyahu reflected on the lessons of Jewish history, praised the unity demonstrated by Israelis during times of crisis, and outlined his vision for the country’s future, including the formation of a broad national coalition.

Opening his address, Netanyahu drew a connection between the solemn day of remembrance and the importance of preserving national unity. “My brothers and sisters, dear citizens of Israel. On the eve of Tisha B’Av, we remember the destruction of the Bais Hamikdosh. We remember the terrible price of hatred and boycotts within us,” the Prime Minister opened.

The Prime Minister then pointed to the extraordinary challenges Israel has confronted in recent years, saying that the nation overcame them through solidarity and determination. He highlighted the cooperation and sacrifice displayed by both civilians and members of the security forces, declaring: “In the past three years, together, we prevented the destruction of the Bais Hamikdosh. Instead of a civil war, we were brothers who fought shoulder-to-shoulder to repel those who sought to harm us. We joined forces, we fought like lions, and together, we saved the State of Israel. We showed the world that the people of Israel are a brave people, with a brave army, a generation of heroes. We repelled the terror of destruction, and we achieved great achievements.”

While emphasizing Israel’s accomplishments, Netanyahu acknowledged that major challenges remain. He said the country still faces significant security and political hurdles but expressed unwavering confidence that Israel will continue to prevail. Stressing his priorities for the coming years, he stated that “even though the work is not complete, even though many challenges lie ahead, I am certain with every fiber of my being that we will succeed.” He also laid out his political objective, saying: “As the Prime Minister of Israel, I intend on increasing unity among us. Therefore, I will work to form a broad national government, a stable government that will care for our security and future.”

Turning to the increasingly heated political climate ahead of the elections, Netanyahu urged Israelis not to lose sight of the deeper bonds that unite them. He expressed confidence that the divisions dominating public debate do not reflect the true character of the nation, explaining: “I know that during the election period there will be arguments that will make it harder for us to see, but I also know that we are more united than it seems. How do I know? Because I’ve seen you at the moment of truth. Because I meet our heroic soldiers. Because I’ve seen the entire nation of Israel in all its glory, a nation that lends a hand to its friend.”

Netanyahu concluded by returning to the timeless message of Tisha B’Av, urging Israelis to replace division with unity and mutual respect. Ending his address with a call for national solidarity, he said: “The great lesson to be learned: with baseless hatred, we were destroyed. With love of one’s fellow Jew, we got up. Together, with G-d’s help, we will ensure Israel’s eternity.”

{Matzav.com}

Although California Gov. Gavin Newsom is widely expected to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, a series of recent polls indicates that former Vice President Kamala Harris currently holds a clear advantage over him and the rest of the potential Democratic field.

Across the 14 most recent major national surveys, Harris has consistently emerged as the leading Democratic contender, establishing an early edge in what remains a wide-open race.

An Echelon Insights poll conducted between July 9 and July 13 placed Harris seven percentage points ahead of Newsom. Meanwhile, a Quantus Insights survey taken from July 3 through July 7 showed Harris leading by 18 points, capturing 35% support among Democratic voters.

Harris has occupied the top position in national polling since late May.

The last major survey that did not show Harris in first place was conducted by Emerson College on May 24 and 25. That poll placed former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg narrowly ahead with a two-point lead, while Newsom received 16% support and Harris trailed at 10%.

Since then, Newsom has remained in second place in virtually every major survey, generally receiving between 15% and 20% support. While early polling often reflects candidates’ public visibility more than eventual election outcomes, political analysts note that such surveys can influence perceptions about who is viewed as a viable contender.

Harris has fueled speculation about another White House campaign following her 2024 presidential defeat to President Trump. In recent months, she has taken steps that observers view as efforts to strengthen support within key Democratic constituencies, including reaching out to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a prominent figure among the party’s progressive wing.

Newsom, meanwhile, has continued to position himself as one of President Trump’s most outspoken Democratic critics.

Some of the governor’s recent policy positions have also attracted attention. His support for a federal tax on billionaires while opposing a similar proposal in California has been viewed by some observers as an effort to maintain support among progressive voters while also appealing to a broader national electorate.

“This whole jiu-jitsu he has to do to oppose the [billionaire] tax in his state and then support it federally, it doesn’t sound as authentic as others might sound on the soapbox at the Iowa State Fair,” GOP strategist Rob Stutzman told CalMatters.

{Matzav.com}

Americans shopping for a home are facing even steeper borrowing costs after the average interest rate on the nation’s most popular mortgage climbed last week to its highest level in nearly 11 months, with inflation concerns continuing to keep pressure on lending rates.

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported Wednesday that the contract interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased by four basis points to 6.69% during the week ending July 17. That matches the highest level recorded since the week ending August 22, 2025.

Mortgage rates have now risen by 0.60 percentage point since the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran in late February. The conflict pushed global oil prices higher, contributing to broader inflationary pressures at a time when the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge remains roughly double its long-term 2% target.

Although energy prices eased in June amid intermittent peace negotiations, the renewed fighting has once again driven oil prices upward. That rebound has heightened concerns among a number of Federal Reserve officials that additional interest rate increases may eventually be necessary to prevent inflation from accelerating further.

“Incoming data showed that inflation dropped in June, but with oil prices spiking again, that improvement seems unlikely to continue in July data, and mortgage ⁠rates are likely to remain higher as a result,” MBA Chief ⁠Economist Mike Fratantoni said in a statement.

Federal Reserve policymakers are scheduled to meet next week. While financial markets still view a rate hike at that meeting as unlikely, futures traders increasingly expect at least one quarter-point increase before the end of the year, which would lift the current benchmark interest rate range of 3.50% to 3.75%.

Even before the Fed takes any action, however, prospective homebuyers are already feeling the impact. Yields on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes—which play a major role in determining mortgage rates—have climbed by more than a quarter of a percentage point since late June, finishing Tuesday at their highest level in two months.

{Matzav.com}

New Jersey officials acknowledged that roughly 400 non-citizens illegally cast ballots in state elections after a software malfunction mistakenly placed more than 6,000 immigrants on the state’s voter rolls, a revelation that has intensified the national debate over election integrity and prompted renewed calls for stricter voting safeguards.

Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill disclosed the error during a news conference Tuesday but also used the opportunity to criticize President Trump when asked whether the incident could bolster his claims about vulnerabilities in the nation’s election system.

“I think that Donald Trump has done more to undermine free elections in this country than certainly anyone in my lifetime, including [Russian President] Vladimir Putin,” Sherrill said.

She further argued that Trump “has zero credibility on the issue of election integrity.”

The governor’s remarks came just days after President Trump stated in a nationally televised address that nearly 250,000 non-citizens had been registered to vote across California, New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. Trump specifically claimed that as many as 35,152 ineligible voters had been added to New Jersey’s voter rolls.

Sherrill confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security had sent her administration a letter citing the same figure but said state officials have requested documentation supporting the claim.

“We have asked them for any evidence of this, where they got that number, who this is. We’ve received nothing back yet,” she said.

Following the announcement, the White House argued that the New Jersey incident demonstrated why Congress should approve the SAVE America Act, legislation that would require proof of citizenship and voter identification before ballots can be cast.

“Democrats and their media allies have repeatedly said it is impossible for noncitizens to register to vote, let alone cast a ballot. Time and again, they have been proven wrong,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the New York Post.

According to state officials, the problem originated with a software defect at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission that automatically registered approximately 6,600 non-citizens to vote between June 2023 and June 2024.

Officials said the malfunction occurred even though applicants seeking driver’s licenses or state identification cards selected “no” when asked whether they were US citizens. Despite those responses, the computerized system incorrectly designated them as eligible to register to vote.

Sherrill said the approximately 400 non-citizens who ultimately voted were registered as Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters, with the registrations spread throughout the state.

Although she declined to specify where those ballots were cast, the governor said there is currently no indication that the improperly cast votes changed the outcome of any election.

“We have no evidence at this time that any elections were swayed,” she said.

According to Ballotpedia, New Jersey has held 13 elections since 2017 that were decided by 10 votes or fewer.

New Jersey is among 23 states, along with the District of Columbia, that use automatic voter registration through their motor vehicle agencies, requiring individuals to opt out rather than opt in.

The New Jersey Globe reported that the software involved was supplied by IDEMIA, a French technology company whose identity verification systems are also used for TSA PreCheck and other government programs.

Sherrill also criticized the administration of her predecessor, Phil Murphy, without mentioning him by name, accusing officials of failing to address the problem when it first emerged.

“It’s unacceptable that no one in the previous administration brought this to light, demanded accountability, or took action when it happened years ago,” she said. “For too long, the trend playbook has been to avoid tackling and solving tough problems.”

“This failure didn’t occur under my watch, but accountability starts now because the people of New Jersey shouldn’t have to wait a year for a problem to get solved, or two years to learn it even happened.”

To address the issue, the governor announced that her administration has retained the law firm CSG Law to conduct an independent investigation and intends to replace the state’s voter registration software vendor as early as next year.

State officials are also notifying individuals affected by the registration error and working to remove non-citizens from the voter rolls.

“My team is taking a hard look at the process failures that occurred under the previous administration, and the guardrails we can put down for the future,” Sherrill said.

“I’ve taken several oaths to support and defend our Constitution as a Navy pilot, a federal prosecutor, and an elected official,” she went on. “Election integrity is core to that oath. It’s my duty as governor to make sure our elections are free, fair, and secure.”

The disclosure comes as Republicans in Congress continue pushing legislation aimed at strengthening election security.

The House is expected to vote this week on legislation that would ban members of Congress from trading stocks while also requiring voter identification. Lawmakers in both chambers are also preparing to consider a framework for a third reconciliation package that includes a scaled-back version of President Trump’s SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration.

On Tuesday, House Republicans cleared an important procedural hurdle advancing three separate proposals containing elements of the SAVE America Act, including a voter ID provision attached to the congressional stock-trading bill, a modified version of the SAVE legislation, and a proposal to combine the measure with the annual defense authorization bill.

{Matzav.com}

Pakistan has formally asked the United States to establish a $10 billion exchange stabilization facility, a move that could provide crucial financial support for the country’s struggling economy if Washington agrees to the request, according to a source familiar with the discussions.

The proposal comes after Pakistan played a role in facilitating talks related to the Iran conflict, a diplomatic effort that elevated Islamabad’s international standing and fueled expectations that it would seek economic benefits from the United States and other allies.

According to the source, Pakistani officials requested that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent approve a five-year, $10 billion Bilateral Exchange Stabilization Support Facility between the two governments.

If approved, the arrangement would strengthen Pakistan’s foreign currency reserves, help stabilize the Pakistani rupee, and lessen the country’s dependence on international lending institutions as it continues implementing fiscal and monetary reforms required under its International Monetary Fund program.

The U.S. Treasury declined to comment on the reported request, while Pakistan’s Finance Ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters’ inquiries outside normal business hours in Asia.

Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with Bessent in Washington on Tuesday. According to a statement from the ministry, Aurangzeb discussed the vulnerability of Pakistan’s economy to regional geopolitical tensions, though the statement made no mention of the reported $10 billion request.

“Senator Aurangzeb sought greater U.S. support for Pakistan’s road to market, underpinned by improved access to international capital markets, higher foreign exchange reserves, and enhanced sovereign credit ratings,” it ⁠said, adding that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral economic cooperation, promoting greater U.S. investment, and advancing strategic projects.

Pakistan remains subject to a $7 billion IMF program that has required politically difficult measures, including tax hikes, spending cuts, and broad economic reforms.

Exchange stabilization facilities are uncommon financing tools provided by the U.S. Treasury, typically through the Exchange Stabilization Fund. They can supply dollar liquidity, currency swaps, or guarantees designed to strengthen a country’s reserves and support its currency.

These facilities differ from the Federal Reserve’s permanent dollar swap arrangements with major central banks, instead serving as emergency sources of U.S. dollar funding intended to promote international financial stability.

The most recent example came in 2025, when Argentina received such assistance—the first new exchange stabilization facility extended to a foreign government since Uruguay in 2002, excluding Mexico’s longstanding swap agreement that dates back to the 1940s and is currently valued at $9 billion.

Pakistan narrowly avoided a sovereign default in 2023 after securing a $3 billion IMF standby package. It later obtained a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility along with a separate $1.3 billion loan aimed at improving the country’s resilience to climate-related disasters. Despite those agreements, Pakistan continues to rely heavily on official financing, loan rollovers, and financial support from China and Saudi Arabia.

That dependence has left Islamabad vulnerable to shifts in foreign assistance and delays in IMF funding. The risks became apparent in April, when Pakistan repaid roughly $3.5 billion—about one-fifth of its foreign reserves—to the United Arab Emirates, while Saudi Arabia stepped in with $3 billion in new support.

Pakistan’s central bank said in January that it expects foreign exchange reserves to climb to approximately $20 billion by the end of 2026, approaching the country’s record levels reached in 2021.

Analysts say a U.S.-backed exchange stabilization facility would not only provide an important liquidity cushion but also send a strong political signal, helping support Pakistan’s reserves, stabilize the rupee, and reduce the country’s reliance on periodic IMF disbursements and emergency financial rescues.

Although IMF-mandated reforms have helped stabilize Pakistan’s economy, they have also come at a steep political cost, requiring higher taxes, reduced government spending, and limiting resources available for development and social welfare programs.

In April, Fitch Ratings said Pakistan’s continued compliance with its IMF program had strengthened its ability to secure financing and rebuild foreign exchange reserves, giving the country greater protection against economic shocks stemming from instability in the Middle East.

At the same time, Fitch warned that rising energy prices and potential supply disruptions could quickly erode Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves if regional tensions intensify.

Foreign investment has remained limited, hampered by repeated economic crises, policy uncertainty, security concerns, restrictions on profit repatriation in prior years, and a relatively narrow export base. Pakistan’s credit rating also remains well below investment grade, contributing to elevated borrowing costs and restricted access to international capital markets.

In recent months, Pakistan has sought to strengthen economic ties with the Trump administration through cooperation in areas including cryptocurrency, real estate, and mining.

Among those efforts, Pakistan signed a stablecoin agreement for cross-border payments with an affiliate of World Liberty Financial, the primary cryptocurrency business owned by President Donald Trump’s family. Islamabad has also pursued a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. government to redevelop the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, which is owned by Pakistan International Airlines, while also encouraging American investment in the Reko Diq mining project, where the U.S. Export-Import Bank has announced $1.25 billion in financing.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact but, Chazal explained, the deed of Zevulun/the Sponsor is considered even greater than that of Yissachar, because without the support of Zevulun, Yissachar would not have had the wherewithal to study Torah undisturbed.”

It is well-known that when it comes to learning Torah, people who sponsor the learning, often do so, not just as a donation. By financially supporting specific Torah scholars, they enter into a binding, written, signed and sealed learning partnership pact whereby the Sponsor (the Zevulun) is deemed by Halacha as if he personally studied the Torah completed by the Scholar (the Yissachar). (See below.) 

Thus, those who support the Talmidei Chachomim at Shas Yiden via a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact merit a portion in every daf of the entire Talmud Bavli and associated texts that they study, and complete the entire cycle in the space of ONE year. Some of the Sponsors opt to continue sponsoring repeat cycles of Shas which accrue to them.

Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden, emphasized: The most mehudar Yissachar-Zevulun pact to support in our times is that offered by Shas Yiden – it comprises the entire Shas, Rashi and Tosfos – all in just one year!

Rav Chaim explained why this pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar. Chazal say that the highest level of learning is when one understands what he is learning b’iyun u’ve’amkus. However, even higher than that is when one remembers b’al peh all what he has learned. I have farhered the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim many times and can attest ZEI KENNEN SHAS (they know Shas)!

YES! YOU CAN MAKE

your OWN SIYUM on the ENTIRE Shas, Rashi & Tosfos IN JUST ONE YEAR!

The Yissachar-Zevulun Pact in Halacha

The Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh De’ah Chapter 246 regarding the efficacy of the Yissachar-Zevulun Sponsorship Pact for the Zevulun (the Sponsor) states clearly:  It is deemed as if he (the one sponsoring the learning) himself learned all the Torah studied under the pact. 

All the learning under the Shas Yiden Yissachar-Zevulun Pact is yours בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in both This World and the World to Come)! Concerning this, the Netziv of Volozhin comments that in Olam Habah, the Zevulun sponsor will sit together with the Gedolei Torah of the past and merit to participate in their discussions and pilpulim on all the Torah learned.

Achieve Almost 7 million Mitzvos in One Year

The Vilna Gaon in Shnos Eliyahu Pe’ah 41 states that one should hold precious every word of Torah that he learns because each word is considered a mitzvah of its own. 

Thus, since in Talmud Bavli, Rashi and Tosfos there are 6,608,891 words, that translates into almost 7 million mitzvos accruing through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden. 

Official Shtar from Shas Yiden

Each Yissachar-Zevulun pact is confirmed by an official contract (shtar) from Shas Yiden specifying the learning of the entire Shas, and is witnessed by talmidei chachomim.

All who wish to enter into a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact for the entire Shas during ONE year should contact Shas Yiden to make arrangements: 718-702-1528.

The opportunity to complete the entire Shas has been a cherished way to honor family members and others as a prized achievement. It has also proven to be a source of comfort for mourners to obtain such a zechus for their dear ones during the year of mourning – a siyum of the entire Shas can be completed on the yahrzeit!

Yissachar-Zevulun Pact –

Beyond the Grave

The legendary visionary and “Father of Yeshivos”, Reb Chaim of Volozhin, was the founder of the famous yeshiva in the town of Volozhin and the beloved talmid of the Vilna Gaon. 

Reb Chaim had an ongoing Yissachar-Zevulun pact with a local shoemaker – a man who was not learned but who dearly valued Torah learning. They had a ‘deal’ whereby the shoemaker would pay the monthly financial support needed for Reb Chaim and his family. For this financial support, the shoemaker would have an equal share in all Reb Chaim’s daily Torah study – both in the mitzvah of Torah study בעוה”ז and that the knowledge of the Torah learned would continue to be his בעוה”ב (in the World to Come).

One day the shoemaker passed away suddenly. During the shiva period, Reb Chaim was facing a perplexing halachic question and researched high and low for a solution. That night the shoemaker appeared to him in a dream and gave him the full solution that he sought. Reb Chaim was amazed and commented, “Azoi gich, Azoi Gich – So quickly, so quickly has he acquired the zchus and knowledge of the Torah that I have studied!”

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden:

“In just ONE year, through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden, you can be zoche to the entire Shas forever – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in olam hazeh and olam habah).

“Moreover, whoever supports Shas Yiden is zocheh to fulfill both Yissachar-Zevulun and support of aniyei (the poor of) Eretz Yisroel in the fullest sense of the word.

“Those who support Shas Yiden will be saved from chevlei (the travails of) Moshiach – spiritually and materially, and will be zoche to have ehrlicher bonim u’vanos yir’eishomayim ”

Maran Hagaon Harav Dov Lando, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Slabodka:

“Who compares to the Shas Yiden? Incredible talmidei chachomim geonim who raised the bar in limud Hashas b’iyun u’v’amkus. Blessed are those who enter a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with them.”

Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Meilech Biederman, shlit”a:

 “Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden – best possible deal, and in just 1 year! 100% partnership! 100% Shas x 5 times! 100% Shisha Sidrei Mishna – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב”

Sanzer Rebbe, shlit”a:

“A first in 2000 years of Jewish history! Until Shas Yiden, never a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim metzuyonim v’geonim know the entire Shas by heart”

Harav Yaakov Hillel, shlit”a:

“Therefore, the great mitzvah to support the efforts [of the Talmidei Chachomim] with generous donations in order that they should continue diligently with their studies to enhance the greatness of the Torah and its glory. 

ShasYiden.com

The IDF on Wednesday released the identities of several Gaza soccer players, coaches, and a FIFA referee whom it says were not merely athletes, but active members of the military wings of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, pushing back against international allegations that Israel deliberately targeted Palestinian sports figures during the war.

According to the military, the disclosure was prompted by what it described as a growing international campaign accusing Israeli forces of intentionally killing Palestinian athletes in Gaza solely because of their involvement in sports.

The IDF said that intelligence gathered during the war enabled it to identify the operational roles and terrorist affiliations of a number of individuals who were killed. It argued that many of those individuals had been portrayed abroad exclusively as soccer players, referees, or coaches, while their membership in terrorist organizations was omitted.

Israeli defense officials maintained that these accusations are part of a broader effort to discredit Israel internationally. The IDF said it has repeatedly encountered cases in which terrorists killed during military operations were publicly presented only as journalists, humanitarian workers, or other civilian professionals, with no mention of their involvement in terrorist activity.

The military stated that it intends to continue releasing similar information when possible in order to counter what it described as misleading narratives and provide what it says is a fuller account of those targeted during the conflict.

Among those identified by the IDF was Mohammed Mohammed Hassan Barakat, a soccer player whom the military said was a member of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization and infiltrated Israel during the October 7 massacre.

The IDF identified Mahmoud Kamal Mohammad Ali Al-Rifi, also a soccer player, as a Company Commander in Hamas’ Aerial Array.

Mohammed Mansour, described as both a soccer player and coach, was identified by the military as the Deputy Commander of Hamas’ Nuseirat Battalion who infiltrated Israel during the October 7 massacre.

The military said Ahmed Mohammed Hassan Abu Al-Atta, a soccer player, served as a Platoon Commander in the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization.

According to the IDF, Abdullah Riyadh Abdullah Khattab, another soccer player, was an operative in Islamic Jihad’s anti-tank unit.

Mohammed Sami Mohammed Khattab, an international FIFA referee, was identified by the IDF as a member of Islamic Jihad’s Central Camps Brigade.

The military also identified Ali Mahmoud Ahmed Al-Kurd, a soccer player and coach, as an Islamic Jihad Platoon Commander in Rafah.

Mohammad Emad Ata Hussouna, a soccer player, was identified by the IDF as a member of Hamas’ military wing who infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7 massacre.

The IDF further identified Tariq Ziad Hussein Al-Hour as a terrorist in Hamas’ military wing.

His relative, Mohammed Ziad Hussein Al-Hour, was identified by the military as a Platoon Commander in Hamas’ Nuseirat Battalion.

The IDF also identified Mahmoud Osama Al-Jazzar, a soccer player, as a combat operative in the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization.

Finally, the military identified Mohammad Nidal Mohammed Al-Hawajri, a soccer player, as a Combat Commander in Hamas’ Nuseirat Battalion.

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

The United States and Saudi Arabia have officially entered into a landmark civil nuclear partnership after senior officials from both countries signed a sweeping cooperation agreement on Wednesday, paving the way for decades of economic collaboration, expanded energy development, and billions of dollars in potential investment.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman formalized the agreement, marking a significant milestone in relations between Washington and Riyadh. The accord establishes the framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation and is expected to deepen the two nations’ long-term strategic and commercial ties.

The Department of Energy said the agreement, known as a “123 agreement” under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, was signed together with a bilateral safeguards agreement. Together, the documents create the legal structure for a multi-billion-dollar partnership while reaffirming both countries’ commitment to international nuclear nonproliferation requirements.

As part of the deal, American companies will receive substantial opportunities to participate in the development of Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear energy sector. US officials said the agreement will generate business for American manufacturers, strengthen domestic supply chains, support industrial jobs, and help Saudi Arabia meet its growing long-term electricity needs.

Officials also emphasized that the agreement strengthens security both in the United States and throughout the Middle East by enforcing strict standards for nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation. At the same time, they said it enhances the global competitiveness of American nuclear technology.

“These agreements reflect our two nations’ shared commitment to strengthening US-Saudi commercial relations, delivering prosperity at home and security to our allies abroad,” said Secretary Wright. “Rest assured, these agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation, while relying on the world’s best nuclear technology and scientists, designed right here in the United States. Thanks to President Trump, the American nuclear renaissance is underway and will deliver long-term benefits to the American and Saudi people.”

The White House described the agreement as another step in President Trump’s effort to reestablish American leadership in the global civilian nuclear industry.

According to the Department of Energy, the agreement is designed to expand exports of American nuclear technology, create well-paying US jobs, stimulate economic growth, strengthen national and energy security, reinforce international nonproliferation efforts, and further solidify the strategic relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The agreement will now be submitted to Congress, where lawmakers must complete the review process required under federal law before it can move forward.

The Wall Street Journal first reported details of the agreement Tuesday evening, saying the multi-billion-dollar arrangement gives US companies a dominant role in building Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear infrastructure while shutting out competing foreign firms from winning the project.

A key provision under consideration would allow American companies to build a uranium enrichment facility inside Saudi Arabia if a joint feasibility study concludes that the project is practical. US officials have said American supervision would ensure the program remains strictly civilian and cannot be diverted for military purposes.

The agreement has already drawn opposition from some pro-Israel voices. Earlier Wednesday, the Zionist Organization of America called on Congress to reject the proposal, arguing that it could accelerate nuclear proliferation in the region and ultimately endanger Israel.

In a statement, ZOA National President Morton A. Klein described the proposed agreement as “a serious, dangerous mistake,” arguing that it “seems likely to lead to widespread nuclear proliferation throughout the Middle East and redouble Iran’s determination to rapidly obtain nuclear weapons at all costs.”

Saudi Arabia has long maintained that developing a civilian nuclear program is essential to capitalize on its untapped uranium reserves and diversify its energy production. Officials say greater reliance on nuclear power would reduce domestic oil consumption, allowing the kingdom to export more crude and increase government revenues.

Although Saudi officials continue to insist their nuclear ambitions are entirely peaceful, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared in 2018 that if Iran were to successfully develop a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would pursue one as well.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Shraga Shteinman, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Orchos Torah in Bnei Brak, delivered a forceful defense of lomdei Torah, rejecting accusations that yeshiva bochurim are “parasites” and declaring that those making such claims have the accusation backwards.

Speaking during a question-and-answer session with Rav Eliav Miller, Rav Shteinman compared yeshiva students to a vital branch of the military, describing them as “Hashem’s army” and emphasizing the indispensable role of Torah learning in sustaining the Jewish people.

Rav Miller opened the discussion by asking about what he described as the growing persecution of the Torah world.

“Today there is an unprecedented persecution of Torah, with people from within Klal Yisroel attacking the Torah world,” Rav Miller said. “Some of the bochurim here are approaching the age where they themselves may become targets. How should they view this? Are they soldiers of Hashem? Are those attacking them really attacking Hakadosh Baruch Hu? What should their inner perspective be?”

Rav Shteinman responded by citing the Rambam’s comments at the end of Hilchos Shemittah V’Yovel.

“The Rambam says that Shevet Levi, because they were set aside to learn Torah and serve Hashem, are called ‘Hashem’s army.’ Just as there is an Air Force, a Ground Force, and a Navy, there is also ‘Hashem’s army.’ And it is not only Shevet Levi. Anyone who understands the value of Torah, separates himself from worldly pursuits, and dedicates himself to learning becomes part of Hashem’s army.”

Rav Shteinman noted that hostility toward Torah observance is nothing new.

“There have always been periods of persecution,” he said. “Young people think this is something unique to our generation, but I remember that every few years there is another wave of hatred.”

He recalled the atmosphere during the famous Yossele Schumacher affair, when religious Jews were harassed over the disappearance of the young boy.

“There was a time when they were searching for a child named Yossele. A religious child couldn’t walk down the street without being beaten. They would ask, ‘Tell me where Yossele is!’ Did I hide him? Did I kidnap him? That’s how it was. Every few years there is another atmosphere like this. It is the work of the yetzer hara. The same thing happened in Communist Russia. ‘Your destroyers and those who lay you waste shall come from among you.'”

He expressed confidence that the current tensions would eventually pass.

“That is the way of the world. We are not frightened by it. ‘A decree is destined to be annulled.’ This too will pass. We have survived many hardships and many tragedies, and with Hashem’s help we will survive this as well. Torah will always endure. ‘Hashem will not forsake His people.’ There have been times when learning Torah was more difficult and times when it was easier, but the Torah and those who learn it will always remain. They are the pinnacle. They are Hashem’s army. We have nothing to fear.”

When Rav Miller compared today’s hostility toward the Torah world to the persecution of religious Jews under the Bolsheviks, Rav Shteinman agreed.

“Under the Bolsheviks, it was Jews who fought against Judaism,” he said. “There was a Jewish division called the Yevsektsiya. They informed on religious Jews and because of them Volozhin was closed. The problems always came from them. They fought against Judaism. But we survived it. Every few years there are challenges like these, and they pass.”

Rav Miller then asked about those who label yeshiva bochurim as “parasites.”

“Thousands of bochurim are sitting here,” he said. “People call them parasites. Are they parasites?”

“The ones calling them that—they are the parasites!” Rav Shteinman replied. “What does the world exist on? The Gemara says that the entire world was sustained in the merit of Rabi Chanina ben Dosa, even though he himself lived on a measure of carobs. The whole world is sustained by Torah. Rav Chaim of Volozhin explains the verse, ‘If not for My covenant day and night, I would not have established the laws of heaven and earth.’ If Torah learning were to stop for even a single moment, the entire world would return to chaos. Everyone exists because of Torah learning. And they are parasites? People simply do not understand that. Not everyone is privileged to understand it.”

At the conclusion of the session, Rav Miller thanked Rav Shteinman for addressing the students throughout the year and asked him to bless those preparing to enter the larger yeshivos.

Rav Shteinman responded with a bracha that the bochurim continue growing in Torah and yiras Shamayim.

“Hashem should help that everyone continue to toil in Torah and fear of Heaven, becoming great talmidei chachamim who are complete both in Torah and in good middos,” he said. “As we approach bein hazmanim, everyone should be especially careful and remain connected to Torah. The haftarah of Tishah B’Av says, ‘To cut off child from outside, young men from the streets.’ The commentators explain that troubles begin when people are out in the streets. Even today, those attacking Torah learners encounter them in the streets. So far, at least, they have not entered the batei medrash. Those who are learning Torah have not been harmed. One must remain connected to Torah. Perhaps there is a little less learning and a little less supervision during bein hazmanim, but anyone who stays connected to Torah will not suffer harm.”22

{Matzav.com}

Canada has agreed to give the United States half of the net revenue generated by the Gordie Howe International Bridge during its first 15 years of operation, according to a newly released agreement between the two countries that has already sparked political criticism north of the border.

The agreement, made public Wednesday, provides that Canada will split 50% of the bridge’s net revenue with an economic development fund that is “established and solely controlled” by the U.S. government during the bridge’s first 15 years in service, CBC reported.

Under the terms of the deal, net revenue consists of all tolls and other income collected from the Detroit-to-Windsor bridge after deducting operating expenses.

The wording of the agreement appears to conflict with earlier statements made by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had previously indicated that Canada would not begin sharing money until it had fully repaid the debt incurred to construct the bridge.

Carney later explained that the agreement concerns net revenue rather than net profits. Opposition lawmakers, however, argued that his clarification only created additional confusion and pressed the government to release the complete agreement.

Canada paid the full $4.7 billion cost of building the international crossing.

Under the original agreement negotiated more than a decade ago, Canada and the state of Michigan were expected to divide toll revenue only after construction costs had been recovered, a benchmark that was projected to take many years to reach.

Canadian officials have insisted that the original agreement remains in force.

The newly published document does not specify which expenses qualify as operating costs, nor does it mention repayment of Canada’s construction debt before revenue sharing begins.

The Trump administration has maintained that the revenue-sharing arrangement would take effect before Canada finishes paying the bridge’s principal and interest obligations.

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Carney on Wednesday, accusing the prime minister of contradicting his earlier promise that Canada would first repay the debt before sharing any bridge revenue with the United States.

The agreement also states that both governments will jointly establish the goals of the economic development fund, which “will be for the benefit of the United States and trade between Canada and the United States.”

In addition, the document says officials from both countries will work together to complete the legal, financial, and administrative framework necessary to implement the agreement “as expeditiously as possible.”

The deal follows months of uncertainty surrounding the bridge after President Donald Trump warned earlier this year that he could prevent the crossing from opening unless Canada accepted a series of concessions, despite Canada’s financing of both the bridge and the surrounding infrastructure.

At the same time, Canadian officials announced they are canceling a joint U.S.-Canada ceremony that had been scheduled for Friday to celebrate the bridge’s opening. The decision came after Trump imposed a 50% tariff earlier this week on certain Canadian imports, including dairy products and alcoholic beverages.

“In light of trade action threatened by the United States earlier this week, it would be inappropriate to proceed with a celebratory event between the two countries,” Jenna Ghassabeh, a spokesperson for Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, said in a statement.

Instead, Canada plans to hold its own opening ceremony on Friday, ahead of the bridge’s official opening on July 27.

Trump announced the latest tariffs on Monday, with administration officials saying the measures would affect a wide range of Canadian products, “from wine to hockey sticks to cement.”

The White House said the tariffs were imposed in response to what it described as “discriminatory” Canadian trade policies.

Ghassabeh emphasized that Canada remains committed to opening the bridge on schedule on July 27, “and to celebrating this milestone among Canadians on July 24th.”

It remains unclear whether U.S. officials intend to hold a separate opening ceremony of their own.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Iran is seeking an agreement with the United States but remains unwilling to commit to one, as American military operations against Iranian targets continue and Washington warns of even harsher retaliation if attacks on international shipping persist.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Marietta, Georgia, Trump argued that Tehran is eager to negotiate but continues to undermine the process by repeatedly changing its positions.

“They’re getting hit so hard, and they want to make a deal – but I say they’re not ready to make a deal because every time they make a deal they want to change it and everything. They’re not ready,” Trump told the crowd.

Trump on Iran: "They're getting hit so hard, and they want to make a deal — but I say they're not ready to make a deal because every time they make a deal they want to change it and everything. They're not ready." pic.twitter.com/MZqmlxTUBN

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 22, 2026

The President also declared that the United States has the upper hand in its confrontation with Iran and vowed that the regime would never again be able to threaten America as it has in the past.

The US is “winning in the Islamic Republic of Iran and we are ensuring that they will never ever be able to do to us what they have done to so many,” Trump said.

He also accused the Iranian regime of carrying out a brutal crackdown on anti-government demonstrators in recent months.

“They’ve killed 52,000 plus protesters. People that were protesting have been killed over the last four months. Nobody wants to talk about it,” he added.

Trump’s remarks followed a sharply worded warning issued earlier in the day, in which he threatened to dramatically expand US military action if Iran continues targeting commercial vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Earlier Wednesday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces had completed another round of strikes inside Iran, marking the 11th consecutive night of military operations.

CENTCOM said the latest attacks focused on Iranian military command centers, naval assets, aircraft shelters, drone warehouses, and logistics facilities, with the objective of further reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

“Over the past three months, Iran has attacked more than 30 commercial vessels transiting the international waterway vital for regional and global trade. The unwarranted attacks have endangered hundreds of innocent mariners and undermined freedom of navigation,” said CENTCOM.

{Matzav.com}

A federal judge has scheduled the drug trafficking trial of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, for June 1, setting the stage for a high-profile courtroom battle as the couple continues to challenge the legality of the U.S. military operation that removed them from power and brought them to the United States.

U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein announced the trial date Wednesday after attorneys for both the prosecution and defense agreed to the proposed schedule. Beginning in early September, defense lawyers are expected to file motions seeking dismissal of the indictment. The couple is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 17 for oral arguments on those motions.

Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, have remained in custody at a federal detention facility in Brooklyn since U.S. forces conducted a pre-dawn raid at their Caracas residence in early January and transported them to New York.

Neither defendant addressed the court during Wednesday’s brief 15-minute hearing. Seated separately at defense tables alongside their legal teams, both have pleaded not guilty to charges alleging they participated in a conspiracy to funnel cocaine into the United States. If convicted, they could each face life imprisonment.

Before the hearing began, Maduro greeted court personnel and shook hands with attorneys representing both himself and his wife. Wearing a tan jail uniform and appearing noticeably slimmer, the former Venezuelan leader smiled, spoke casually with his attorney, and appeared relaxed despite the proceedings.

Throughout the hearing, Maduro listened to a live Spanish translation through headphones. With his hands clasped in front of him for much of the proceeding, he occasionally took notes on a white legal pad using a black pen. As deputy U.S. marshals escorted him from the courtroom, he waved toward someone seated in the gallery.

The Trump administration has defended the January operation, characterizing it as a “surgical law enforcement operation” tied to a criminal case first filed six years earlier. Maduro, however, has insisted that he is a prisoner of war and has described his capture as a kidnapping.

Federal prosecutors allege that Maduro orchestrated a long-running conspiracy to send thousands of tons of cocaine into the United States by working with elements of Venezuelan law enforcement to assist major drug traffickers.

“I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country,” he said in Spanish at his arraignment in January.

Maduro’s attorney, Barry Pollack, has said he intends to challenge what he calls Maduro’s “military abduction,” arguing that the circumstances surrounding his client’s capture raise significant legal questions.

Addressing the court on Wednesday, Pollack said his first objective will be to seek dismissal of the indictment on sovereign immunity grounds. If that argument succeeds, he said, Maduro would no longer be required to defend himself against the criminal charges.

Defense attorneys have maintained that the case presents numerous complicated legal issues that must be resolved before any trial can proceed.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sharply condemned New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday, branding him “an evil anti-Semite” and accusing him of deliberately fueling hatred against Jews after the mayor once again referred to Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu as a “war criminal.”

Huckabee’s remarks came in response to a video released by Mamdani in which the mayor reiterated his criticism of Netanyahu while acknowledging that New York City has no legal authority to arrest the Israeli leader if he attends the U.N. General Assembly in September.

Responding on X, Huckabee rejected the notion that Mamdani’s comments stemmed from ignorance. “Would be easy to say NY Mayor is just an ignorant bigot, but he is not dumb,” Huckabee wrote on X. “He’s an evil anti-Semite who deliberately lies about serious things like ‘genocide’ to stoke Jew hate.”

Huckabee went even further, suggesting that the mayor himself should face legal consequences. “If anyone should be arrested, it’s the Mayor of NY for incitement. NYC should be ashamed,” he added.

The ambassador also reposted a video clip showing Mamdani referring to Netanyahu as “a war criminal.”

According to The New York Times, Mamdani said his administration examined whether the New York Police Department could enforce the International Criminal Court’s 2024 arrest warrant against Netanyahu but ultimately determined that the city lacked “independent legal authority” to carry out such an arrest.

Mamdani argued that while New York City could not act on its own, Washington could. “The federal government, however, does,” Mamdani said, urging the United States to join the ICC and enforce the warrant.

The socialist Democratic mayor also declared that “Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City,” accusing the Israeli prime minister of being “the architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people.”

President Donald Trump rejected that possibility earlier this week, stating that Netanyahu “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form” while visiting the United States.

Legal analysts likewise dismissed Mamdani’s suggestion that New York City could have arrested the Israeli premier. According to CNN, the network’s senior legal analyst described the proposal as “utterly ridiculous,” explaining that matters involving foreign policy fall exclusively under federal jurisdiction and noting that the United States is not a member of the Rome Statute that established the ICC.

Israel has consistently denied the ICC’s accusations of war crimes in Gaza, arguing that its military has taken extraordinary steps to minimize civilian casualties while combating Hamas in the wake of the terrorist organization’s October 7, 2023 massacre.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, including thousands of women and children. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and terrorists in its casualty figures.

Mamdani’s latest comments also prompted a forceful response from Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, who accused the mayor of amplifying “Hamas’ propaganda” instead of focusing on the needs of New York City’s residents.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center also criticized Mamdani, saying he was abusing the influence of his office to promote rhetoric that further isolates Israel and deepens divisions within the United States, according to CNN.

{Matzav.com}

Nearly nine months after regaining his freedom from Hamas captivity in Gaza, Bar Kupershtein returned to the Nova Music Festival memorial in Re’im, where he was kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 massacre. At the site, he donned tefillin, recited Shema, and participated in the writing of a Sefer Torah.

Kupershtein shared images from the emotional visit on Instagram, showing him praying at the exact location where Hamas terrorists abducted him. The photos also captured him adding a letter to a specially prepared Sefer Torah that had been brought to the memorial.

On the morning of October 7, Kupershtein was serving as the deputy security officer at the Supernova Music Festival when Hamas launched its deadly assault. Rather than escaping the attack, he repeatedly drove an ATV back into the danger zone to evacuate wounded victims and provide lifesaving assistance. During one of those rescue missions, he stopped to help injured festivalgoers and was ultimately seized by the terrorists and taken into Gaza.

While he remained in captivity, his mother, Julie, initiated the “Tefillin for Every Hostage” campaign. As part of the effort, Bar’s personal tefillin were lent to thousands of young Jews in Israel and around the world, who used them as a zechus while praying for his safe return.

After returning home, Kupershtein revealed that tefillah had become one of the greatest sources of strength during his months in captivity. “When I heard my captors praying, I realized that if they pray, I have to pray and strengthen myself even more.”

Following his release, he also spearheaded a large public tefillin-laying gathering at Hostages Square.

The visit to Re’im came only days after Kupershtein announced on social media that he was preparing to move into a new apartment, writing that he hoped “to start from scratch.”

After asking for assistance furnishing his new home with basic household necessities, he received an overwhelming response from the public, with thousands offering to help. “I can’t keep up with all the messages. It moves me to tears to see how everyone wants to help,” Kuperstein wrote in response to the outpouring of support he received.

{Matzav.com}