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President Donald Trump unleashed a blistering response to Barack Obama on Monday after the 44th president ridiculed his White House renovations by comparing the executive mansion to a Cheesecake Factory operated by Saddam Hussein. Trump accused Obama of neglecting the historic building during his presidency and said the criticism demonstrated his predecessor’s poor judgment.

The exchange erupted as both men were making appearances in the final stretch of the midterm election campaign, with Obama campaigning for Democratic candidates and Trump traveling to Mississippi to rally Republican voters.

Speaking with reporters at Joint Base Andrews before departing Washington, Trump took direct aim at Obama’s remarks, rejecting the suggestion that his extensive changes to the White House had diminished the appearance of the presidential residence.

“For you to say it’s a Cheesecake Factory — that just shows why you were a lousy president,” Trump declared.

He then expanded his criticism beyond the building itself, questioning Obama’s intelligence and his record in office.

“We have to explain that to Obama because he doesn’t understand it because he’s not a smart guy,” the president continued. “He’s not smart at all because of the way he ran the country. Only a stupid person would run the country like that.”

Trump’s response followed Obama’s appearance at a Democratic campaign rally in Ohio on Saturday, where the former president used humor to attack Trump’s ambitious remodeling efforts.

Obama joked that Trump “should be on HGTV,” a reference to the television network known for home renovation and real estate programs.

“He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory,” Obama told the crowd.

The remark combined a reference to the late Iraqi dictator with a comparison to the restaurant chain known for its elaborate decor and unusually extensive menu. It was aimed at Trump’s preference for gold ornamentation and other decorative changes throughout the presidential complex.

Trump, however, argued that his renovations were necessary to preserve and improve one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks.

He claimed that Obama had failed to pay sufficient attention to the building’s physical condition during his eight years in the White House, allowing maintenance problems to accumulate.

“He doesn’t notice dirt and filth that hadn’t been cleaned, where the walls hadn’t been cleaned for years. He doesn’t notice areas that haven’t been painted,” Trump said.

The president continued his attack by suggesting that Obama had overlooked visible deterioration that should have been addressed.

“Guys like Obama don’t see it. You don’t see dirt. He doesn’t see filth. He doesn’t see broken ornaments on a building.”

Trump’s renovations have attracted considerable attention because of their scale and their departure from the appearance of several familiar White House spaces.

Among the most significant projects has been the demolition of the East Wing to make room for a large ballroom, an undertaking that has generated controversy over the preservation of the historic complex.

Other changes have included repairs and repainting of the columns along the North Portico, alterations to the Rose Garden that replaced much of its lawn with a paved surface, and an extensive redesign of the Oval Office featuring gold-colored fixtures and decorative elements.

Trump has consistently defended the improvements as necessary investments in the White House, maintaining that the building should reflect the prestige of the American presidency while remaining properly maintained.

“I’ve taken care of the White House. I fixed it with the finest artisans in the world,” he said. “We have to explain to Obama that the White House is a symbol of America, and it has to be maintained properly.”

The White House joined the dispute on social media, turning the restaurant comparison into an opportunity to promote the administration’s record.

“Since we’re talking about The Cheesecake Factory … The only thing bigger than the menu is the list of President Trump’s accomplishments,” the official White House account posted.

The message was accompanied by an image designed to resemble a restaurant menu, with various administration initiatives presented as selections. Among the accomplishments highlighted were the creation of more than one million private-sector jobs and tax changes affecting tips and overtime earnings.

The reference to the restaurant’s menu was deliberate. The Cheesecake Factory is famous for offering an enormous selection of dishes, with its menu typically running approximately 20 pages and featuring roughly 250 items.

The restaurant chain unexpectedly became a subject of national political debate after Obama’s remarks, with some conservatives accusing him of looking down on an establishment popular with ordinary Americans. Others defended the joke as criticism of Trump’s decorative tastes rather than of the restaurant’s customers.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent took the exchange a step further Monday by visiting a Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Washington, D.C., for lunch.

Speaking with reporters outside the restaurant, Bessent turned the architectural criticism back on Obama, taking aim at the design of the Obama Presidential Center under construction on Chicago’s South Side.

“This is the man who built the museum who looks like Darth Vader’s tomb,” Bessent said. “I had a great meal. I always have a great meal. I would tell the Martha’s Vineyard set to give it a try.”

Bessent’s reference to Martha’s Vineyard was directed at the upscale Massachusetts island where Obama and his wife maintain a residence. The island does not have a Cheesecake Factory location.

The Treasury secretary also disclosed that he had ordered his usual meal, a French Dip Cheeseburger. He later continued the exchange on social media by recommending the chain’s Cheeseburger Spring Rolls to Obama.

The Obama Presidential Center itself has attracted criticism over its unusual architectural design. The large, angular concrete-and-stone structure has been compared by some observers to the Death Star from the Star Wars films, while critics have nicknamed it the “Obamalisk.”

The dispute also drew attention to the political messaging behind Obama’s original remarks. During his Ohio appearance, the 44th president had criticized Trump for devoting attention to construction projects while Americans continued to express concerns about the cost of living.

Obama was campaigning in Cleveland for Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown and gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton when he made the remarks. His comments about the White House were part of a broader speech attacking the Trump administration’s economic record and urging voters to consider those issues in the November midterm elections.

The exchange was not the first time Obama had mocked Trump’s preference for extravagant interiors. At the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Obama made jokes about Trump’s decorative tastes while Trump was still a businessman and television personality.

Trump, meanwhile, expanded on his defense of the White House renovations during a Monday evening campaign rally in Corinth, Mississippi, where he spent several minutes discussing the building’s condition and the improvements he had undertaken.

The president described repairs involving damaged plaster, cracked columns, missing architectural ornamentation and broken tiles. He also discussed plans for a new ballroom and other changes to the White House grounds, arguing that the work was necessary to preserve the appearance and condition of the presidential complex.

Trump maintained that overseeing the renovations had not distracted him from his responsibilities as president, describing the work as something he enjoyed and found relaxing.

The controversy came as public opinion remained divided over Trump’s construction projects. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that 59% of respondents believed the president was spending too much time on the renovations, compared with 27% who considered the amount of attention appropriate and 11% who believed he should devote more time to them.

For Trump, however, the criticism appeared to have reinforced his determination to defend the changes. He insisted that maintaining the White House was a responsibility attached to the presidency and that the improvements would benefit the building long after his administration.

The clash also reflected the increasingly personal tone of the midterm campaign, with Obama using Trump’s renovation projects as a symbol of what he considered misplaced priorities and Trump responding with attacks on Obama’s presidential record and judgment.

By Monday evening, a joke about a restaurant chain had escalated into a dispute involving the president, his predecessor, the Treasury secretary, the White House’s official social media operation and the architectural legacy of both administrations.

President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed reports that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had asked the White House for an additional endorsement ahead of Tuesday’s Israeli election, insisting that no such conversation had taken place while offering strong praise for Netanyahu’s leadership and his handling of Israel’s security challenges.

The president addressed the matter after being questioned about a report published Sunday by Axios, which claimed that Netanyahu’s office had been lobbying the Trump administration to publicly reaffirm its backing of the prime minister as Israelis prepared to head to the polls.

“No, I never spoke to him about it,” Trump responded.

“I think he has done a very good job as prime minister under very trying conditions,” the President added.

Trump on Netanyahu:

Netanyahu has done a very good job as prime minister under very trying conditions. pic.twitter.com/gpgdwg7gIM

— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 26, 2026

Trump’s remarks followed his decision on Sunday to again throw his political weight behind Netanyahu, reposting an endorsement he had issued the previous week and making another direct appeal to Israeli voters to return the prime minister to office.

In his latest message, Trump portrayed Netanyahu as a vital American ally and pointed to the two leaders’ cooperation in confronting Iran, particularly the military campaigns that he credited with severely weakening Tehran’s armed forces, political leadership, and economy.

“To the people of Israel, to those who haven’t seen it, I am attaching the Endorsement I gave one week ago to your Prime Minister, Bibi Netanyahu. As everyone is aware, including the enemy, Bibi and I have had a great relationship in winning together. I did the Venezuelan attack, one of the most successful Military Operations in History but, before that, we did Operation Midnight Hammer, stopping the World’s Number One State Sponsor of Terror from obtaining a Nuclear Weapon. Then we did Operation Epic Fury, and Iran now has No Navy, No Air Force, and both their Military and Economy are in shambles, including the fact that Iran’s Inflation is at 301%. The Naval Blockade has precluded them from getting Oil, and two levels of leadership, both Military and otherwise, are gone.”

Trump followed that assessment with an explicit election appeal, describing Netanyahu as an exceptional leader during wartime and arguing that Israel and the United States must continue working together to complete their campaign against the Iranian threat.

“When you go to the Polls please remember that Bibi has been an outstanding Warrior Prime Minister! Israel was called The Little Satan, with the United States being called The Big Satan, by some very evil people. There can no longer be the chant heard around the World of ‘Death to America, Death to Israel,’ and there won’t be. Vote for Bibi Netanyahu for Prime Minister, we have to finish the job that we started!”

The president’s initial endorsement, released the previous Sunday, had similarly emphasized Netanyahu’s importance to Washington’s regional strategy, particularly the administration’s determination to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and rebuilding its military capabilities.

Trump also suggested that a change in Israeli leadership could disrupt the partnership between the two countries and leave the United States facing a greater burden in dealing with Tehran.

“If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so,” Trump warned.

Netanyahu subsequently released a video expressing appreciation for the president’s endorsement and reaffirming their common objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The exchange has placed the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu squarely in the spotlight during the final hours of Israel’s election campaign, with the American president making clear that he regards the prime minister as an essential partner in the two countries’ continuing confrontation with Iran.

Additional reporting has provided a more detailed picture of the dispute. According to The Jerusalem Post, American officials maintained that Netanyahu and individuals close to Trump had been making an intensive effort to obtain another presidential endorsement after the initial statement failed to generate a substantial improvement in Netanyahu’s standing in election surveys.

Axios reported that Trump and Netanyahu had spoken twice over a three-day period and that Netanyahu had personally proposed language for further statements of support. The report also claimed that the Israeli leader had suggested arranging interviews between Trump and Israeli journalists to reinforce the president’s endorsement before Election Day.

The Likud party rejected the allegations that Netanyahu had sought another endorsement, while Trump’s Monday comments appeared to support the Israeli prime minister’s position. Speaking to reporters before traveling to a campaign rally in Mississippi, Trump also emphasized that he had personally issued both statements of support.

The controversy comes as Netanyahu faces a closely contested election in which surveys have suggested that his existing coalition could fall short of the 61 Knesset seats necessary to form a government. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as a major challenger, although polling has also raised questions about whether the opposition could assemble a governing majority.

Trump’s intervention represents an unusual degree of direct involvement by an American president in an Israeli election. His original endorsement on October 18 was particularly significant because he had declined for months to publicly back Netanyahu despite repeated questions about his preferences.

The president previously explained that he had deliberately waited until closer to the election to announce his support, telling Axios, “I was always going to do that. I just didn’t want to do it too soon.”

Asked at the time whether he could work with another Israeli prime minister, Trump left the question open, responding, “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. Who wants to take the chance?”

Netanyahu has made his relationship with Trump a central theme of his reelection campaign, presenting their cooperation against Iran as evidence that his continued leadership is essential to Israel’s national security. During a televised appearance Sunday night, Netanyahu described the relationship as exceptionally close and suggested that additional military action against Iran could follow if he remains prime minister.

“US President Donald Trump has come with a friendship that has never existed before between an Israeli prime minister and an American president. And it is doubtful we will ever have such a friendly president again,” Netanyahu said. “He has another two years, and he says he is calling on you to vote for me.”

Netanyahu also indicated that Trump was prepared to pursue further measures against Tehran, describing the possibility of action “that would finally, finally, remove the Iranian threat”.

Despite their public expressions of solidarity, reports have indicated that some senior Trump administration officials have grown frustrated with Netanyahu over differences concerning Iran and other regional issues. Axios reported that certain presidential advisers believe Washington could potentially advance its Middle East objectives more effectively under a different Israeli government.

Nevertheless, Trump has chosen to make an unmistakable public commitment to Netanyahu during the closing days of the campaign, tying his endorsement to the two leaders’ record of military cooperation and their shared position on Iran.

With Israeli voters heading to the polls Tuesday, the president’s denial of Netanyahu’s reported lobbying efforts has added another dimension to an already contentious campaign. Whatever discussions may have occurred privately, Trump has made clear that he wants Netanyahu to remain in office and regards their partnership as central to his administration’s Middle East strategy.

{Matzav.com}

A 56-year-old Marine Corps veteran from Arizona has been sentenced to 38 months in federal prison after being convicted of threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump and Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election and the weeks that followed. The defendant, Rene Ortiz, delivered written threats to two federal courthouses, including a declaration that he intended to “execute” whichever candidate emerged victorious in the election.

Federal prosecutors announced the sentence Monday, following Ortiz’s conviction by a jury on three felony counts involving threats against individuals protected under federal law. The case involved two counts of threatening successors to the presidency and one count of threatening a former president.

Ortiz, a resident of Casa Grande, Arizona, a city situated between Phoenix and Tucson, made the threats as the country prepared for the 2024 presidential election and the subsequent transfer of power. His statements targeted both Trump and Harris, indicating that he intended to act against the winner regardless of which candidate prevailed.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Ortiz first appeared at the federal courthouse in Phoenix on November 5, 2024, the day Americans went to the polls to elect their next president.

He submitted a written document threatening to “execute the newly elected [President of the United States],” a statement prosecutors said was directed at both presidential candidates.

Several weeks later, Ortiz appeared at another federal courthouse, this time in Tucson, where he delivered an additional written threat concerning the upcoming presidential inauguration.

In that communication, he threatened to shoot “the incoming fraudulent elected [President of the United States]” during the inauguration ceremony, according to federal authorities.

The repeated threats prompted an investigation by the United States Secret Service, whose agents questioned Ortiz about his statements and whether he intended to carry them out.

During an interview with investigators, Ortiz acknowledged that he had written and submitted the threatening documents. According to reporting by Arizona radio station KTAR, he also told agents that he intended to shoot the president-elect unless certain demands were satisfied.

Federal authorities arrested Ortiz on January 17, 2025, just three days before Trump was sworn in for his second presidential term.

Investigators learned that Ortiz had been involved in a longstanding dispute with the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning educational benefits he believed the agency owed him.

Ortiz claimed that the VA had promised to cover the cost of his education if he resigned from a position with the department. According to his account, he left the job and enrolled in school, only to discover that the agency would not provide the reimbursement he believed had been guaranteed.

That disagreement apparently became a central grievance underlying his increasingly threatening communications with federal officials.

Court documents also revealed that Ortiz had made disturbing references to the assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, when a gunman opened fire during a campaign rally, grazing Trump’s ear and killing an attendee.

According to KTAR, Ortiz submitted a separate filing in which he appeared to seek permission to aim at the presidential candidate’s head rather than his ear, an apparent reference to the earlier shooting.

The prosecution presented its case during a four-day federal trial, arguing that Ortiz’s repeated written threats constituted serious criminal conduct regardless of whether he ultimately attempted to carry them out.

Ortiz’s defense attorney disputed that characterization, maintaining that the defendant suffered from significant psychiatric problems and had never genuinely intended to assassinate either political figure.

A licensed psychologist testified on behalf of the defense that Ortiz had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and borderline personality disorder, conditions the defense argued were relevant to understanding his behavior and the nature of his statements.

The public defender maintained that Ortiz was a mentally ill individual expressing grievances through alarming language rather than someone preparing to commit an actual assassination.

The jury nevertheless found Ortiz guilty on all three felony counts, concluding that the government had established the elements of the charged offenses.

Additional court records reveal that Ortiz’s threats were accompanied by an unusual legal campaign in which he attempted to involve the federal judiciary in his personal grievances and even sought to alter the 2024 presidential ballot.

In September 2024, approximately two months before the election, Ortiz filed a civil lawsuit requesting that both Trump and Harris be removed from the presidential race. He proposed that he be placed on the ballot as a presidential candidate instead, with President Joe Biden serving as his running mate.

The documents Ortiz subsequently submitted to federal courthouses became increasingly explicit. His Election Day filing identified a specific military-style rifle and ammunition, while the November 25 document described a potential attack on the inauguration from a considerable distance.

In the second filing, Ortiz claimed he was “entitled to shot (sic) the incoming fraudulent elected POTUS from 300 or 666 yards away with 666 rounds for an M-16A2 service rifle at the inauguration on Jan. 20th, 2025.”

Another document contained an apparent reference to the Butler assassination attempt, requesting permission “for him to make an attempt to shot (sic) at the candidate with an M-16A2 service rifle with a magazine of 3 rounds from a distance of 300 or 500 yards, the rounds targeting the head not the ear of the candidate.”

The specificity of those statements became an important element of the government’s case, particularly because Ortiz repeatedly submitted the documents through official federal court channels rather than limiting his remarks to private conversations.

On December 5, 2024, Secret Service agents interviewed Ortiz at the agency’s Phoenix field office. He acknowledged preparing the threatening communications and, when questioned about whether he intended to shoot the incoming president, replied, “if my demands are not met.”

The interview also provided investigators with details about his dispute with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which Ortiz believed had failed to honor a financial commitment concerning his education.

Ortiz’s attorneys maintained throughout the trial that his conduct reflected serious psychiatric difficulties rather than a genuine plan to commit violence. They pointed to his military background, mental health diagnoses, and unusual court filings in arguing that his threats should not be interpreted as evidence of an actual intention to assassinate a political leader.

The jury rejected that defense on June 8, 2026, following four days of testimony. The conviction exposed Ortiz to a maximum prison sentence of five years on each of the three felony counts, along with possible fines of up to $250,000 per count and a period of supervised release.

Following the verdict, U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine emphasized that threats of political violence would be prosecuted regardless of the identity or political affiliation of the intended target.

“The message in this case is clear: The American people will not stand for threats of political violence against President Trump or any other elected official,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “A jury of Mr. Ortiz’s peers unanimously agreed that his threats were egregious violations of the law and rendered a just verdict. Once again, federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and agents from the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Secret Service proved their excellent skills and duty in protecting our elected officials.”

William R. Mack, the special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Phoenix field office, likewise stressed that the agency investigates threats against individuals under its protection regardless of whether the person making them ultimately attempts an attack.

“The Secret Service takes every threat against our protectees with the utmost seriousness,” Mack said. “Our agents, working closely with our law enforcement partners, acted swiftly and thoroughly to investigate these threats and ensure the safety of those we are sworn to protect. This conviction demonstrates our unwavering commitment to our protectees and to upholding the law, as well as the dedication and professionalism of our team and law enforcement partners.”

U.S. Marshal Van Bayless also addressed the case following the conviction, describing the prosecution as an example of the legal consequences facing individuals who threaten elected officials.

“Our incredible Nation continues to flourish through a living Constitution with the understanding that we must abide by the Rule of Law,” Bayless said. “This case is an excellent reminder that anyone who threatens or attempts to intimidate our elected or appointed officials will be investigated by law enforcement, will be prosecuted, and will be held accountable for their conduct.”

Senior U.S. District Judge Stephen M. McNamee imposed the 38-month prison sentence on October 20, 2026. The Justice Department publicly announced the sentence two days later.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Chang and Abbie Broughton handled the federal prosecution in Arizona.

The case concludes a nearly two-year legal process that began with threats delivered during one of the most politically charged election periods in recent American history and ended with a federal jury conviction and a sentence of more than three years in prison.

{Matzav.com}

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In a potentially significant development on the eve of Israel’s Knesset elections, political sources are raising the possibility that Agudas Yisroel, headed by MK Yitzchok Goldknopf, could provide support to a government led by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s political opponents, marking a possible departure from the chareidi party’s longstanding alignment with Likud.

According to a report published Monday by the Jerusalem Post, political figures are examining several possible coalition scenarios following Tuesday’s elections, including one in which Agudas Yisroel’s three Knesset members could help an opposition-led government take office.

The possibility is being discussed amid mounting frustration within Agudas Yisroel over Netanyahu’s failure to deliver legislation protecting the status of yeshiva bochurim from military conscription.

Although no formal agreement has been announced, the prospect of Agudas Yisroel cooperating with Netanyahu’s opponents has become a subject of increasing discussion within Israeli political circles.

One scenario under consideration would involve Agudas Yisroel providing outside parliamentary support to a government led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, potentially in exchange for commitments concerning the draft issue and funding for chareidi institutions.

Such an arrangement would not necessarily require Agudas Yisroel to formally join the government. Its representatives could instead abstain during a confidence vote, making it easier for an opposition-led coalition to secure sufficient parliamentary support.

The idea has surfaced repeatedly in recent weeks as tensions between the chareidi parties and Netanyahu have intensified.

In late September, Channel 12 political analyst Amit Segal reported that senior Agudas Yisroel officials were considering a scenario in which Goldknopf and fellow Ger representative Yaakov Tessler would abstain rather than vote against the establishment of a minority government headed by Eisenkot.

According to that report, the officials believed other United Torah Judaism representatives might also consider such a move, although there was no confirmation that Degel HaTorah would participate.

The report prompted considerable discussion because United Torah Judaism has traditionally been counted as part of Netanyahu’s right-wing and chareidi political bloc.

Goldknopf subsequently clarified that Agudas Yisroel’s position remained dependent on resolving the military draft controversy.

“Agudas Yisrael will not support the establishment of a government and will not assist any government from the outside without regulating the status of bnei yeshivos and legislating a draft law without sanctions and without targets,” Goldknopf declared.

His statement did not explicitly address how Agudas Yisroel would vote if an opposition-led minority government were presented for Knesset approval.

United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher also sought to distance the party from suggestions that it was actively attempting to replace Netanyahu.

Asher said UTJ “has no desire to topple or install anyone [as prime minister], and [is] not acting out of a desire for revenge or other interests.”

He maintained that the party’s position was based on obtaining a satisfactory legislative resolution to the status of yeshiva students.

The disagreements reflect growing dissatisfaction among elements of the chareidi political leadership with Netanyahu’s handling of the draft issue.

Agudas Yisroel officials have repeatedly expressed frustration over commitments made during previous coalition negotiations that were never fulfilled to their satisfaction.

Goldknopf has insisted that his party will not automatically support Netanyahu’s efforts to establish another government, even if the traditional right-wing and chareidi parties secure the 61 seats needed for a Knesset majority.

Instead, he has demanded written guarantees concerning legislation protecting yeshiva and kollel students.

The position has particular significance because of the involvement of the Gerer Rebbe, whose instructions have played a central role in determining Agudas Yisroel’s approach to the elections and the draft controversy.

Goldknopf has previously explained that the Gerer Rebbe wanted concrete assurances that legislation addressing the status of yeshiva students would actually be enacted, rather than general political promises.

Although the Gerer Rebbe has instructed his chassidim to vote for United Torah Judaism in Tuesday’s elections, questions remain concerning the party’s willingness to participate in a future Netanyahu government without binding commitments on the draft issue.

The uncertainty has also exposed differences between Agudas Yisroel and Degel HaTorah, the two factions that comprise United Torah Judaism.

Both factions have expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the draft crisis, but they have not necessarily adopted identical positions concerning future coalition arrangements.

According to the latest political assessments, Agudas Yisroel’s willingness to consider alternatives could complicate Netanyahu’s efforts to assemble a governing majority even if the traditional parties associated with his bloc perform sufficiently well at the polls.

At the same time, cooperation with an opposition-led government would present serious difficulties for Goldknopf.

Much of Agudas Yisroel’s electorate identifies politically with the Israeli Right, and analysts have suggested that an open commitment to supporting Netanyahu’s opponents could alienate voters who would otherwise support United Torah Judaism.

There is also the question of whether an opposition-led government would be prepared to offer concessions on military conscription acceptable to Agudas Yisroel’s rabbinic leadership.

Several parties associated with the opposition have campaigned on expanding military enlistment among chareidim, potentially complicating negotiations with Agudas Yisroel.

Eisenkot, however, has taken a comparatively more flexible position on the draft issue than some other opposition leaders and has previously indicated a willingness to cooperate with chareidi parties.

The Jerusalem Post report also examined other possible coalition arrangements if neither Netanyahu nor his opponents secure a workable parliamentary majority.

One possibility involves former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett joining a Netanyahu-led government, although such an arrangement is considered politically difficult and would require substantial changes in existing political alignments.

Another possibility discussed involves Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman, who previously served in Netanyahu governments but has become one of his most prominent political opponents.

Political observers consider cooperation between Liberman and Netanyahu particularly difficult because of their longstanding personal and political disagreements.

A further possibility is that neither side succeeds in forming a government, resulting in another election.

For Agudas Yisroel, however, the central question remains whether any prospective prime minister will be willing and able to provide the guarantees its leadership is demanding concerning yeshiva bochurim.

{Matzav.com}

In a significant development just hours before Israel’s Knesset elections, Rav Moshe Tzadka, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Porat Yosef, has withdrawn a planned public letter opposing support for Shas, following a meeting with senior members of the party’s Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah.

The decision brings an apparent resolution to several days of tension within the Sefardi chareidi community, where reports that the prominent rosh yeshiva intended to publicly oppose Shas had generated considerable concern ahead of Tuesday’s vote.

Instead of issuing the original letter, Rav Tzadka released a new statement instructing individuals to follow the guidance of their own rabbonim regarding the elections, without explicitly endorsing or opposing Shas.

“After meeting with the chachomim and gedolei hador shlit”a concerning the matters currently before us, ahead of the consequential campaign over the Jewish character of Eretz Hakodesh and the protection of those who study Torah in Eretz Yisroel, so that they may learn in peace and security without interference, we hereby make known our position that regarding the elections, each person should follow the instructions of his rabbonim, and through this he shall merit blessing and goodness,” the statement declared.

The carefully worded announcement followed discussions at Rav Tzadka’s residence with members of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah who had visited him last week in an effort to prevent publication of the original letter.

Among those who participated in the meeting were former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Rav Yitzchok Yosef, Rav Moshe Maya, Rav Avrohom Salim, and Rav Yehuda Cohen.

The controversy centered on Rav Tzadka’s objections to Shas’s handling of the proposed military draft legislation, particularly provisions that critics contend could lead to the enlistment of chareidi young men who are not enrolled in full-time yeshiva studies.

According to those objections, the draft proposals under discussion included substantial enlistment targets that could result in pressure to recruit young chareidi men who are not learning in a formal yeshiva framework throughout the day.

Rav Tzadka’s associates had previously made clear that the rosh yeshiva had not instructed anyone to vote for Shas, despite claims circulating within the party.

“No instruction was given. We will not support [Shas] without a commitment that no one will be drafted,” individuals close to the rosh yeshiva said.

The new statement represents a carefully constructed compromise between the positions that had emerged during the dispute.

While Rav Tzadka stopped short of directing his followers to support Shas, he also refrained from issuing the anticipated instruction against voting for the party.

Instead, his declaration that “each person should follow the instructions of his rabbonim” leaves the decision to individual voters acting under the guidance of their respective rabbonim.

The development comes as Shas has intensified its election preparations, including a major emergency gathering in Yerushalayim attended by members of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah and approximately 200 roshei yeshiva, community rabbonim, and heads of Torah institutions.

At that gathering, senior rabbonim spoke about the challenges confronting the yeshiva world and called for widespread participation in the elections.

Rav Moshe Maya, the senior member of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah, also recently issued an unusually forceful appeal concerning the elections, addressing even communities whose members do not ordinarily participate in Knesset voting.

“Today the situation is completely different,” Rav Maya declared. “Today their banner is to disgrace talmidei chachomim as much as possible.”

His remarks reflected the concerns expressed by Shas rabbinic leaders over the treatment of Torah scholars and the ongoing controversy surrounding military conscription.

The possibility that Rav Tzadka would publicly oppose Shas had threatened to deepen divisions within the Sefardi chareidi community at a particularly sensitive moment, with the elections approaching and the future of draft legislation remaining a central issue.

The withdrawal of the proposed letter appears to have averted an open confrontation between the rosh yeshiva and the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah.

Nevertheless, the wording of Rav Tzadka’s statement is significant. It does not constitute an endorsement of Shas, nor does it indicate that his underlying concerns regarding the draft legislation have been resolved.

Rather, the announcement establishes a position under which individual voters are directed to consult their own rabbonim, allowing Rav Tzadka to maintain his reservations while avoiding a public call against the party.

With polling stations scheduled to open Tuesday morning, the development closes a contentious chapter in the final days of the campaign, while leaving the broader disagreements over the proposed draft law unresolved.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Shabtai Levi, rov of Bnei Brak’s Ramat Aharon neighborhood and head of Mosdos Halichos Moshe, delivered an impassioned address at a gathering attended by thousands of bnei Torah, calling for participation in Tuesday’s Knesset elections and revealing discussions concerning changes in the leadership structure of Shas, including a renewed commitment to the authority of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah.

Speaking at a large Shiras Habakashos gathering held Sunday night at the Ramat Elchanan stadium in Bnei Brak, Rav Levi addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the draft of yeshiva bochurim and rejected arguments that members of the chareidi community should refrain from voting.

The event, attended by thousands of participants, was held under the leadership of Bnei Brak Deputy Mayors Shlomi Elharar and Eliyahu Shushan.

During his remarks, Rav Levi recalled a personal conversation he had approximately 14 years ago with Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l, the longtime spiritual leader of Shas.

According to Rav Levi, Rav Ovadia had been deeply distressed over government measures threatening the yeshiva world and the possibility of restrictions on Torah learning.

He described how Rav Ovadia wept bitterly as he spoke about the dangers confronting the Torah community and personally urged him to devote his energies to strengthening the Shas movement.

Rav Levi told the gathering that developments which had appeared distant and unlikely at the time of that conversation have since become pressing realities, particularly in light of the ongoing efforts to draft yeshiva bochurim and impose restrictions on those who do not enlist.

He connected his remarks to the example of Avrohom Avinu, speaking about the importance of dedication, emunah, and personal responsibility when confronting challenges to Torah life.

Turning to those advocating abstention from the elections, Rav Levi strongly rejected the suggestion that remaining passive could be justified on halachic grounds.

He specifically addressed the argument of shev v’al taaseh, refraining from action, as well as the expression safek bechiros lehakel, a play on the halachic principle of adopting a lenient position in cases of doubt.

Rav Levi argued that such reasoning was inappropriate when questions involving the observance of Shabbos, the preservation of religious standards, and the future of Torah institutions were at stake.

He maintained that these circumstances called for greater stringency and active involvement rather than leniency or inaction.

“Anyone who has Jewish blood flowing through his veins will not sit at home,” Rav Levi declared, according to the message conveyed in his address.

He characterized the current situation as a critical moment for the yeshiva world and appealed to those who identify with the values of Torah and Yiddishkeit to recognize the seriousness of the challenges facing the community.

Toward the conclusion of his speech, Rav Levi addressed another issue that has generated discussion within the Sefardi chareidi community: the relationship between Shas’s political leadership and the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah.

He disclosed that he had personally spoken with senior figures involved in the party’s leadership, including rabbonim and political officials, concerning the direction of the movement following the elections.

According to Rav Levi, those discussions resulted in explicit assurances that significant changes would be implemented after Election Day, with renewed emphasis on the authority of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah and adherence to its decisions.

He said the commitments included a strengthening of the movement’s leadership structure and a renewed dedication to conducting its affairs in accordance with daas Torah.

{Matzav.com}

An extraordinary account of the mesirus nefesh demonstrated by the previous Belzer Rebbe, Rav Aharon of Belz zy”a, during Israel’s 1951 elections was shared at an emergency election gathering held at the home of the current Belzer Rebbe, where rabbonim, communal leaders, and representatives of chareidi institutions assembled ahead of Tuesday’s Knesset elections.

The gathering, convened in support of United Torah Judaism, brought together representatives of the various chareidi political factions, municipal council members, askonim, roshei mosdos, and administrators of yeshivos, Talmudei Torah, and girls’ educational institutions, along with leaders of the Belzer mosdos.

One of the most memorable moments came when the elderly Reb Mordechai Weber, who served as a personal attendant to Rav Aharon of Belz, recounted how the Rebbe had once permitted his entire household staff to leave him alone for an extended period so that they could travel to vote.

Weber described an incident that occurred during the second Knesset elections, held in Tammuz 5711 (1951), when three separate chareidi parties were competing: Agudas Yisroel, Poalei Agudas Yisroel, and Pagi.

After hearing the various arguments, Rav Aharon of Belz instructed his chassidim to support Agudas Yisroel, then led by Rav Yitzchok Meir Levin, a son-in-law of the Imrei Emes of Ger.

“We should vote for Itche Meir’s Agudah,” the Rebbe declared, according to Weber’s recollection.

Weber explained that the Rebbe was physically frail and ordinarily required attendants to remain with him at all times. His gabbaim and household members were careful never to leave him unattended, and the Rebbe himself insisted upon this arrangement.

On Election Day, however, the Rebbe was staying in Yerushalayim, as was his custom during the summer months, while members of his household were registered to vote in Tel Aviv.

Despite the considerable distance between the two cities and the lengthy travel times in those days, Rav Aharon instructed his gabbai, Reb Shalom Fogel, and the other members of his household to travel to Tel Aviv to cast their ballots.

Weber, who held foreign citizenship and was therefore not voting, remained behind to attend to the Rebbe.

“I was privileged to witness how the Rebbe demonstrated mesirus nefesh for the elections so that not even a single vote would be lost,” Weber recalled.

He described the extraordinary nature of the decision, explaining that the Rebbe had never previously remained without his regular attendants.

During the hours they were away, Weber heard the Rebbe speak forcefully about the obligation to participate in the elections and strengthen the political representation of Torah-observant Jews.

At one point, a visitor from overseas arrived to take leave of the Rebbe before departing on a journey.

Rav Aharon agreed to receive the visitor only on condition that he not present a kvittel, the customary written petition requesting a bracha.

When the visitor appeared in the doorway holding a piece of paper that resembled a kvittel, the Rebbe became visibly alarmed.

“Don’t you know that today is Election Day? Don’t you know that today is Election Day?” he exclaimed.

Weber explained to the Rebbe that the paper was merely an ordinary sheet and not a kvittel.

After the visitor departed, the Rebbe turned to Weber and explained why he had allowed his attendants to leave despite the considerable difficulty it caused him.

“You see that it is difficult for me to be without a gabbai, but such a mitzvah I cannot prevent,” Rav Aharon told him.

Weber recalled that when the Rebbe uttered the words “such a mitzvah,” he raised both hands with tremendous enthusiasm.

The elderly attendant also recounted that individuals came to the Rebbe’s home that day to protest his instruction to participate in the elections.

Rav Aharon responded sharply.

“I must say it already. They have absolutely no authority over us!” he declared.

The Rebbe subsequently cited a teaching from his father, the previous Belzer Rebbe, Rav Yissochor Dov zy”a, that when a person takes an action and afterward feels no regret over it, this indicates that he acted properly.

“And my heart does not trouble me over the decision I made,” Rav Aharon said.

Weber pointed out that in those elections, Agudas Yisroel secured its third Knesset seat by a margin of just 13 surplus votes, an example he cited to demonstrate the potential significance of every ballot.

He added that Rav Aharon’s involvement in elections continued in subsequent years. Ahead of the 1955 elections, the Rebbe reportedly inquired when the askonim would arrive to obtain his signature on the public proclamation calling for participation.

Weber concluded by drawing a connection between those earlier elections and the current situation confronting the chareidi community.

“If so, as we now stand before such a consequential election, with Jewish bochurim being persecuted because of their Torah learning, we must remember the words of the Rebbe zy”a, and the instructions of the present Rebbe shlit”a and all the gedolei Yisroel, and understand that every vote matters in this campaign, just as in 1951, when the third seat was decided by a margin of thirteen votes,” he said.

The gathering also featured an address by Hagaon Rav Yisroel Meir Druck, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Tiferes Yisroel, who spoke about the responsibility to respond to what he described as a threat to kavod Shomayim.

“At a time when there is concern about chillul Hashem, one may not look right or left,” Rav Druck declared. “There must be no delay and no negligence in this great battle.”

He connected his remarks to the actions of Avrohom Avinu in Parshas Lech Lecha, drawing upon Avrohom’s determination in confronting the challenges of his time.

Rav Shmuel Yaakov Landau, a dayan of Kahal Machzikei Hadas in Beit Shemesh, addressed the relationship between bitachon and practical hishtadlus.

“Under no circumstances may we become complacent and say that because we rely on Hakadosh Boruch Hu, we do not need to act,” Rav Landau said. “From Shomayim, they are waiting to see our actions and how much we are prepared to exert ourselves for the Torah.”

The speakers repeatedly emphasized the importance they attached to the upcoming elections in light of the continuing draft crisis and the challenges confronting yeshiva bochurim and the broader Torah community.

United Torah Judaism MK Yaakov Asher, who heads the party’s candidate list, also addressed the gathering.

Asher recalled guidance he had received from Rav Aharon Leib Steinman zt”l, who taught that in order to merit siyata diShmaya, one must make every possible effort to increase the number of votes cast for the chareidi party.

The emergency gathering concluded with the assembled representatives approaching the Belzer Rebbe to receive his bracha for success in their efforts.

כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק

אתם יושבים?! בית ענק במרכז עכשיו רק 1,820,000 ש”ח

שימי פרקש כתבה מקדמת

14:57

הזדמנות אחרונה לגור בפסגת אלעד. צפו במפרט >

תוכן מקודם

00:20

“מי שמחזיק בדירה – יכול לקבל הלוואה מידית”

תוכן מקודם

23:21

כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק כינוס הבחירות בבעלזאצילום: אנשיל בעק

{Matzav.com}

In an unusual halachic ruling released on the eve of Israel’s Knesset elections, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein has instructed a woman whose husband forbade her from voting for United Torah Judaism to cast her ballot anyway, without informing her husband, declaring that following the instructions of the gedolei hador takes precedence in the circumstances presented.

The ruling, which was publicized through the Siach Yitzchok telephone hotline, came in response to a question presented to Rav Zilberstein by his grandson, Rav Chaim Malin, concerning a woman who found herself caught between her husband’s opposition to participating in the elections and her desire to follow the instructions of the leading gedolei Yisroel.

According to the question, the woman and her husband had voted for United Torah Judaism for many years, following the guidance of Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l and Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, as well as the current instructions of Rav Dov Landau.

In recent years, however, her husband had become increasingly critical of the chareidi rabbinic leadership. He had begun expressing objections to the positions of the gedolei Yisroel and questioning their guidance on various matters.

Eventually, the husband informed his wife that he would not be voting in the upcoming elections and that he did not permit her to vote either.

“I am absolutely not agreeing to this. I am not voting, and you are not voting either,” the husband told her, according to the question presented to Rav Zilberstein.

The woman, however, was deeply troubled by the situation.

She explained that she had been watching Rav Dov Landau, despite his advanced age, traveling from city to city to encourage the chareidi public to participate in the elections.

“I see Rav Dov Landau at such an advanced age, traveling every day to another city, crying and speaking to people about how important it is to vote, and what a battle there is now,” she said.

The woman wanted to know whether she was obligated to follow her husband’s instructions or whether she should disregard his objections and vote in accordance with the guidance of the gedolei Yisroel.

Rav Zilberstein’s response was immediate and unequivocal.

“She should vote and not tell him!” he declared.

“Of course she is obligated to vote, certainly. She should go vote, but she should not tell him, and she should handle everything wisely.”

Rav Malin then presented a second question on the woman’s behalf.

Even if she were permitted to vote without her husband’s knowledge, she wondered whether doing so was worthwhile when her ballot represented only a single vote.

The woman questioned whether one additional ballot could possibly make a meaningful difference in the election results.

Rav Zilberstein rejected that reasoning.

“That one vote is enormous. It is impossible to know. It could be that this vote is the deciding one,” he explained.

The posek then added that the significance of the woman’s participation extended beyond its possible effect on the election results.

“But this vote is recorded in Shomayim to her merit, that she and her husband should live long lives, that both she and her husband should live long lives, because this is a Kiddush Hashem,” Rav Zilberstein said.

The discussion then turned to another question: whether the woman would be violating the expectation of openness between husband and wife by concealing her decision to vote.

Rav Malin noted that the traditional kesubah includes language concerning spouses not concealing matters from one another.

Nevertheless, he suggested that the circumstances were different because the woman was acting lesheim Shomayim, for the sake of Heaven.

Rav Zilberstein responded with a particularly striking distinction.

“The requirement not to conceal things from one another is about bubkes, not about Kiddush Shem Shomayim. Let us sanctify the Name of Heaven!”

His ruling made clear that, in the circumstances described, he regarded the woman’s obligation to participate in the elections as sufficiently important that she should vote even without her husband’s knowledge.

The recorded exchange has attracted attention because it addresses the intersection of shalom bayis, marital obligations, and adherence to the instructions of the gedolei hador.

Rav Zilberstein’s ruling was directed at the particular situation presented to him, involving a woman who wished to follow the rabbinic guidance she had traditionally accepted but whose husband had recently begun opposing that guidance.

The ruling comes amid an extraordinary effort by the Lithuanian chareidi leadership to encourage participation in Tuesday’s elections.

Rav Dov Landau has been traveling extensively in recent days, addressing gatherings and urging members of the chareidi community to support United Torah Judaism.

The election campaign has been dominated by concerns over the proposed military draft legislation, the legal status of yeshiva bochurim, and the future of Torah institutions in Eretz Yisroel.

Senior rabbonim have warned that the outcome of the elections could have far-reaching consequences for the ability of yeshiva bochurim and avreichim to continue learning without interference.

Rav Zilberstein himself has delivered several forceful appeals in recent days, emphasizing that voting is a religious obligation under the present circumstances.

During remarks delivered over Shabbos in his Ramat Elchanan neighborhood of Bnei Brak, Rav Zilberstein described the elections as a struggle over the future of the Torah world.

“Our situation is not simple,” he told those gathered. “We need a great deal of Heavenly mercy so that there should be a Kiddush Hashem, and that, chas veshalom, those who are plotting to destroy the Torah world should not defeat us.”

He continued, “This time, these are elections on which our very souls depend, so that we can continue learning Torah and observing mitzvos in Eretz Yisroel.”

Rav Zilberstein urged the public to follow the instructions of the gedolei Yisroel and participate in the elections, while also strengthening their Torah learning.

{Matzav.com}

More than 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to cast ballots Tuesday in elections for the 26th Knesset, with polling stations opening across the country at 7 a.m. and remaining open until 10 p.m. as voters determine the composition of Israel’s 120-seat parliament.

According to figures released ahead of Election Day, 7,331,981 citizens are eligible to vote, with 12,018 polling stations established nationwide. A total of 36 party lists are competing for representation in the Knesset.

Election officials have announced special arrangements for soldiers, hospitalized patients, residents displaced by the war, and individuals with mobility limitations. Free transportation will also be provided on designated intercity routes to help voters reach their polling stations.

Most polling stations will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday and close at 10 p.m. However, voting will end at 8 p.m. in certain smaller communities and at special polling stations operating in hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes.

Voters who are uncertain where they are registered can obtain their polling station information through the Interior Ministry’s online locator by entering the required identification details. Additional information about polling locations and operating hours is available through the Central Elections Committee.

Although eligible voters have received election notices by mail, bringing the notice is not mandatory. It can, however, help voters identify their assigned polling station and make the process more convenient.

Every voter must present an approved identification document before receiving a ballot envelope. Accepted documents include an Israeli identity card, known as a teudat zehut, a valid Israeli driver’s license, a valid Israeli passport, or valid personal military identification. Police officers may also identify themselves using their official police credentials.

Special voting procedures have been established for individuals who cannot cast their ballots at their regular polling stations.

IDF soldiers may vote at designated military polling stations on their bases or at their assigned civilian polling stations. Police officers are permitted to vote at polling stations throughout the country, subject to the applicable identification and voting requirements.

Hospitals with at least 50 inpatient beds will be served by a total of 250 special polling stations, enabling patients receiving medical treatment to participate in the elections without leaving their facilities.

Similar arrangements will be available at nursing homes housing more than 50 residents. Individuals with mobility difficulties who reside in institutions without their own polling stations may use designated accessible voting locations.

Separate arrangements have also been prepared for Israelis who remain displaced from their homes because of the war.

Those residents may vote at the polling stations assigned to their original residential addresses or utilize special arrangements established for displaced communities. Dedicated polling stations will be provided for evacuees from Be’eri, Kfar Aza, Nir Oz, and Holit, while eligible individuals may also use specially accessible polling stations.

Accessibility is another major component of the election preparations. Of the polling stations operating nationwide, 6,208 will be accessible to people with disabilities, including 3,620 classified as specially accessible polling stations.

Voters whose mobility limitations prevent them from reaching their assigned polling station may cast ballots at these specially accessible locations, even if they are not registered there. Their votes will be placed in double envelopes to ensure they are included in the national count while preventing duplicate voting.

Where a voter’s disability is not apparent, election officials may require a signed declaration confirming eligibility to use the special arrangements. Providing false information in such a declaration constitutes a criminal offense.

The Central Elections Committee’s polling station map identifies accessible facilities, with purple markings indicating locations that contain at least one specially accessible polling station.

Election officials are also reminding voters to follow the required procedures carefully to prevent their ballots from being disqualified.

After presenting identification, each voter receives an official ballot envelope and enters a private voting booth. Inside the booth, the voter selects the paper slip bearing the letters of the chosen party, places it inside the envelope, and deposits the sealed envelope into the ballot box.

Voters are advised to use the official ballot slips provided at the polling station and avoid adding writing, markings, or other materials. Ballots that do not comply with the required dimensions, color, or printing standards may be rejected.

An envelope containing two or three identical ballot slips will still be counted as a single valid vote. However, voters are encouraged to insert only one slip to avoid unnecessary complications.

Transportation authorities have meanwhile announced free travel on selected public transportation services beginning Monday evening.

The arrangement takes effect at 8 p.m. Monday and continues until the conclusion of public transportation operations on Election Day. It covers Israel Railways services and intercity bus routes longer than 15 kilometers.

Local urban bus services will continue charging their usual fares.

Voters traveling Tuesday may also face difficult weather conditions in parts of the country. Forecasts indicate that temperatures will fall toward seasonal averages, with scattered rainfall expected primarily in southern and eastern Israel.

Rain is expected to become heavier during the afternoon in those regions, potentially accompanied by thunderstorms, strong wind gusts, and hail.

Authorities have warned of possible flash flooding in streams and low-lying areas of the southern Negev, Arava, Judean Desert, and Dead Sea region. Motorists and others traveling through those areas are advised to monitor weather warnings and comply with official safety instructions.

The counting of votes will get underway after polling stations close Tuesday night at 10 p.m. Election workers at each location will open the ballot envelopes, tally the votes, and prepare official reports documenting the results.

Those reports, together with the election materials, will be delivered to regional election committees for verification before the figures are entered into the Central Elections Committee’s national reporting system.

Preliminary results will begin appearing overnight, with additional figures released as more polling stations complete their counts. However, the initial totals will not necessarily reflect the final distribution of the Knesset’s 120 seats.

A major factor in determining the final outcome will be the counting of double-envelope ballots, which are used by voters who cast their ballots outside their regularly assigned polling stations.

These include soldiers, police officers, prison guards, hospitalized patients, and other individuals covered by special voting arrangements.

Under the system, the completed ballot is placed inside a regular voting envelope, which is then enclosed in a second envelope containing identifying information. Election officials use the outer envelope to confirm that the individual has not voted elsewhere, while the inner envelope preserves the secrecy of the ballot.

Between 600,000 and 650,000 voters are expected to use double envelopes in this election, according to Central Elections Committee estimates. That would represent a record number of such ballots, numerically equivalent to approximately 15 Knesset seats.

The comparison does not mean that 15 seats will change hands when those ballots are counted. Rather, it illustrates the considerable number of votes that may remain outstanding after the initial election-night results are published.

In previous elections, the inclusion of double-envelope ballots has sometimes altered the final allocation of one or two Knesset seats.

Because a substantial share of these ballots comes from IDF personnel, their political distribution has historically differed from the overall electorate. In earlier elections, the additional count has sometimes increased the relative representation of Zionist parties while reducing the proportional strength of chareidi and Arab parties.

Those historical patterns do not establish how the ballots will be distributed in Tuesday’s election, but they explain why political parties will be closely monitoring the count even after most ordinary polling stations have reported their results.

Election officials expect the counting process to be substantially completed by Thursday afternoon. The legal deadline for publication of the official election results is Wednesday, November 4.

Additional preparations for the election include the printing of approximately 450 million ballot slips, the deployment of roughly 15,000 cameras for election oversight, and a nationwide operation involving approximately 100,000 election workers.

Voters arriving at a polling station before its scheduled closing time will be permitted to cast their ballots even if they remain in line after the official closing hour. Election officials also have authority to adjust polling arrangements in exceptional circumstances, including security emergencies.

For voters traveling by public transportation, authorities have clarified that eligible intercity bus passengers may board without presenting identification or validating a fare card. Train passengers, however, must obtain a complimentary ticket from a station ticket machine or service counter.

Travelers can determine whether a particular bus route qualifies for free service by calling the Transportation Ministry’s information line at \*8787. Free transportation to or from Eilat is subject to separate eligibility requirements and advance registration through Egged at \*2800.

Election Day is also generally a paid day off for eligible employees in Israel, although essential services will continue operating and separate compensation arrangements apply to those required to work.

With millions of voters, thousands of polling stations, and a substantial number of ballots expected to be counted after Election Night, Israel’s next Knesset will begin taking shape Tuesday evening, although the precise allocation of seats may remain unsettled for several days.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spent weeks attempting to arrange a new military strike against Iran ahead of Tuesday’s Israeli elections, encountering resistance from IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and failing to secure approval from President Donald Trump, according to multiple reports published Monday that have triggered a major controversy within Israel’s political and defense establishments.

The reports, citing senior Israeli defense officials, American officials and individuals familiar with the discussions, describe growing disagreements over the timing and potential consequences of renewed military action against Iran, particularly with Israelis preparing to vote on October 27.

Netanyahu reportedly sought to advance an operation that could have reignited hostilities with Tehran, while Zamir raised concerns about the military implications and the possibility that an Iranian retaliation could disrupt or even force the postponement of the elections.

The Prime Minister’s Office has rejected the allegations, describing reports of Netanyahu’s efforts to secure an immediate attack as “fake news.” Defense Minister Yisrael Katz also issued an emphatic denial, insisting that Israel had never intended to initiate military action against Iran before the elections.

According to a report in Israel Hayom, Netanyahu supported moving ahead with a relatively swift operation against Iran and received backing from Mossad Director Roman Gofman. Zamir, however, opposed the proposal and reportedly had not been informed about it beforehand.

A source familiar with the discussions said the contemplated action “could have led to renewed war with Iran,” although the proposed operation was not intended to constitute a full-scale military offensive.

The disagreement reportedly centered on whether Israel should proceed immediately with an operation that could provoke a broader confrontation or wait until the military and political circumstances were more favorable.

Channel 12 reported Sunday evening that tensions between Netanyahu and Zamir had intensified after the military chief received instructions concerning an operation that senior defense officials believed could rapidly escalate into another confrontation with Iran.

Because of the potential consequences, Zamir reportedly insisted on a thorough examination of the proposal and appropriate authorization before proceeding.

Military officials were also said to be concerned about the appearance of launching a major security operation immediately before an election, particularly amid accusations from opposition politicians that Netanyahu could benefit politically from a renewed confrontation with Iran.

However, the Israel Hayom report emphasized that legitimate operational considerations could also explain the proposed timing, independent of the election campaign. It further indicated that the military and intelligence establishments generally support continued efforts to weaken Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, even while disagreeing about the timing and methods of particular operations.

The dispute extended to Washington, where Netanyahu reportedly sought American participation in renewed attacks.

CNN reported Monday that Netanyahu had pressed Trump to approve a joint American-Israeli operation before the Israeli election, but the president declined to authorize an immediate strike.

“Netanyahu really wanted and tried to convince Trump for a joint attack in Iran before the elections, and Trump did not give a green light,” an Israeli security source told CNN.

According to the report, American officials indicated that Washington was not ruling out renewed military action but wanted Israel to delay any operation until the United States was prepared to participate.

American military planners have reportedly developed substantial strike options that could be implemented within days of receiving presidential authorization.

CNN reported that a major American operation could begin within 96 hours of an order from Trump and could involve attacks against Iranian military installations, nuclear facilities and critical infrastructure.

The proposed campaign would reportedly go considerably beyond limited strikes intended merely to degrade Iranian capabilities temporarily.

Israel was said to have accepted Washington’s request for a delay partly because of concerns about its ability to defend against a large-scale Iranian missile response without American assistance.

Defense officials are reportedly concerned that another confrontation could bring missile attacks from Iran and potentially from the Houthis in Yemen, placing additional demands on Israel’s air-defense systems.

The timing of any renewed offensive is also complicated by the American midterm elections scheduled for November 3.

According to diplomatic sources cited by Israel Hayom, Trump prefers to postpone a major operation until after the American elections, with officials believing that military objectives could be achieved just as effectively afterward.

The administration is also reportedly concerned that renewed fighting could cause oil prices to rise, creating additional economic and political complications immediately before Americans head to the polls.

The latest controversy follows earlier reports that Netanyahu and Trump discussed the possibility of another major campaign against Iran during several conversations this month.

According to Axios, Netanyahu expressed concern about intelligence suggesting that Iran was attempting to rebuild elements of its nuclear program following earlier military operations.

Israeli officials have reportedly been particularly concerned about the possibility of renewed uranium-enrichment activity at deeply buried Iranian facilities.

American and Israeli military officials have continued preparations for possible renewed hostilities even as Trump has withheld authorization for an immediate offensive.

Zamir reportedly warned American military officials that an attack shortly before the Israeli election could produce substantial Iranian retaliation and potentially interfere with the voting process.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu has publicly emphasized the continuing threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

On Sunday, he circulated an AI-generated image depicting a nuclear explosion in Tel Aviv, warning about the dangers of allowing Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and calling for the confrontation with Tehran to be completed during the remaining two years of Trump’s presidency.

The reports have prompted strong reactions from opposition politicians.

Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman announced Monday that he had asked Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to investigate Netanyahu over allegations that he had pressured security officials to undertake actions that could lead to a confrontation with Iran.

Liberman accused Netanyahu of potentially endangering Israeli security for electoral purposes, allegations that have not been established and that the government denies.

Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot also criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the Iran issue, accusing him of employing alarming security messages during the election campaign.

Katz, however, strongly defended the government’s conduct and rejected suggestions of a confrontation between Netanyahu and the military leadership.

“The reports of disagreements between the political leadership and the IDF on Iran are completely baseless and false,” Katz said Monday.

“I state unequivocally that Israel had no intention of initiating an attack on Iran before the election in Israel, while making clear that if Iran attacks Israel, we will respond with great force,” he added.

Netanyahu himself denied reports of a confrontation with Zamir during an appearance on Channel 14 Sunday night, insisting that “there is no confrontation.”

The prime minister also suggested that the controversy was distracting attention from warnings that Iran was attempting to interfere in Israel’s election.

Separately, Israel Hayom reported that Israeli and American officials have been examining broader military options intended to severely weaken the Iranian government and potentially bring about its collapse.

Those discussions reportedly include attacks against Iranian leadership and military infrastructure, although no decision to proceed with such a campaign has been publicly announced.

The immediate question is whether Israel and the United States will resume major military operations against Iran after their respective elections.

For now, despite reports of extensive military preparations and continuing discussions between Jerusalem and Washington, Trump has not authorized the immediate joint attack that Netanyahu reportedly sought.

Rav Shaul Alter, rosh yeshiva of the Pnei Menachem community, is scheduled to depart for Florida on Tuesday, where he will spend the coming Shabbos at a special Chavrusa convention organized by Mosdos Pnei Menachem in Tampa. Before leaving Eretz Yisroel, the rosh yeshiva intends to cast his ballot for United Torah Judaism, whose electoral symbol is Gimmel.

Rav Alter’s schedule on Election Day will be particularly tight. He is expected to vote early Tuesday morning and then travel directly to Ben Gurion Airport for his flight to the United States.

The upcoming visit has generated considerable anticipation among members of the Pnei Menachem community in America, who are preparing to welcome the rosh yeshiva for the Shabbos gathering.

During his Seudah Shlishis tish this past Shabbos, Rav Alter spoke about the upcoming journey and asked his chassidim to daven for his success.

“Please daven for me that I should succeed in my mission and that I should not stumble into arrogance and haughtiness,” the rosh yeshiva told those assembled.

During the same tish, Rav Alter delivered sharp remarks condemning recent incidents in which prominent admorim from Yerushalayim and Bnei Brak were subjected to violence and harassment.

The incidents, which occurred last week, prompted widespread condemnation across the chareidi community, with rabbonim and communal figures expressing outrage over the mistreatment of respected Torah leaders.

Rav Alter addressed the issue through a discussion of a posuk in Parshas Lech Lecha describing Yishmoel: “Yado vakol,” meaning that his hand would be against everyone.

The rosh yeshiva cited the differing explanations of the Targum and Rashi regarding the meaning of the expression. According to one interpretation, the reference is to a hand extended toward others to receive money, while the other describes a hand raised to strike others.

Rav Alter then applied the two interpretations to those responsible for the recent attacks, criticizing individuals who solicit funds overseas to support demonstrations while also engaging in violent conduct.

“There are those who think they are being ‘machmir’ according to both interpretations,” Rav Alter remarked. “On the one hand, their hands are extended to collect money overseas for the demonstrations and protests they organize, while on the other hand, they are also ‘machmir’ and seek to resort to violence. If they were merely collecting money, that would be one thing, but why are they ‘machmir’ and insist on engaging in violence as well?”

The rosh yeshiva’s remarks were understood as a pointed condemnation of extremist elements involved in demonstrations that have included attacks on prominent admorim.

Members of the Pnei Menachem community also revealed that following the recent incident in which the Karlin-Stolin Rebbe was attacked, Rav Alter sent the Rebbe a personal letter of chizuk.

In the letter, Rav Alter referred to the words of Chazal in the Sifri concerning the posuk, “On condition that they will stone you and revile you,” which describes the abuse that may be directed at those who uphold the Torah.

The rosh yeshiva expressed his pain that such words had become relevant to contemporary events.

“Had our generation been worthy, we would not have needed to fulfill this condition in practice,” Rav Alter wrote. “But since our generation has not been worthy, we are compelled to witness these words being fulfilled in reality.”

{Matzav.com}

The Israel Defense Forces has released new figures showing a continued increase in military enlistment among chareidi men, with 781 recruits entering designated military programs since August, including a record number entering combat positions.

The figures, reported Monday by Israel Hayom, come amid an intensifying confrontation over the drafting of chareidi men, with the military expanding recruitment efforts while gedolei Yisroel continue to strongly oppose the conscription of yeshiva bochurim.

According to the latest IDF statistics, 286 chareidi recruits entered combat positions during the current recruitment cycle, compared with 230 during the corresponding period last year. The increase of approximately 24 percent represents a new high for chareidi combat enlistment.

The military also reported substantial recruitment into technological programs, with 234 chareidi men joining such frameworks during the past two weeks alone.

Those recruits joined another 547 men who had begun military service since August, bringing the total number entering designated chareidi programs to 781.

The latest technological recruits were divided among three programs. A total of 139 joined the Kodkod program, 57 entered Ma’alot Tzur, and another 38 enlisted through Pa’amei Atidim.

These frameworks are designed to provide military and professional training while accommodating aspects of the religious lifestyles of chareidi recruits.

The IDF said it expects additional recruitment into combat and combat-support positions in the coming months, as the military continues expanding programs specifically intended for men from chareidi backgrounds.

Among the military’s initiatives is the Chashmonaim Brigade, established as a combat formation for chareidi soldiers. The unit operates with religious accommodations, including enhanced kashrus arrangements, designated times for tefillah and Torah learning, and other provisions intended to facilitate service within a chareidi framework.

Other recruitment programs provide training in technological and professional fields, including communications, cybersecurity, intelligence-related work, and military support functions.

The increase in enlistment follows a broader upward trend recorded during the previous military recruitment year.

According to figures presented by the IDF in August, 4,298 chareidi men enlisted between July 2025 and June 2026, compared with 2,811 during the preceding recruitment year.

The increase was attributed by military officials to several factors, including expanded enlistment programs, greater enforcement of draft requirements, and financial and legal measures affecting individuals who have not reported for military service.

Despite the rising numbers, the military maintains that enlistment remains considerably below the level it believes is necessary to address its manpower requirements.

The latest figures also emerge against the backdrop of new legal pressure on the government to intensify enforcement against draft avoiders.

Last week, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara submitted an update to the Supreme Court reporting that approximately 110,000 individuals subject to military service requirements had failed to comply with those obligations.

According to the figures submitted to the court, 67,230 chareidi men had been classified as draft avoiders or individuals who had failed to report to military recruitment offices after receiving orders.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Yitzchok Yosef, the former Sephardic chief rabbi of Israel, has issued a forceful public letter ahead of Tuesday’s elections, declaring that he has received explicit commitments that resolving the status of yeshiva bochurim will be the first and most important matter addressed following the elections.

In the letter, directed particularly toward bochurim and bnei Torah struggling under the ongoing draft crisis, Rav Yosef acknowledges the frustration and suffering experienced by the chareidi community and addresses those questioning the value of participating in elections after previous political efforts failed to resolve the situation.

The Rishon Letzion states that assurances have been obtained from the relevant political parties that the status of yeshiva students will take precedence over all other issues in the negotiations following the elections.

“Above all, we have informed all the relevant parties that the matter of regulating the status of bnei Torah will be the first and most important priority, ahead of every other issue, and we have received clear and absolute commitments regarding this matter,” Rav Yosef writes.

His letter comes amid considerable frustration throughout the chareidi community over the continuing draft crisis, including the issuance of draft orders, enforcement measures against yeshiva bochurim, and the difficulties faced by those seeking to continue learning without interference.

Rav Yosef opens his message by directly acknowledging the distress of the bochurim, making clear that he is fully aware of the circumstances confronting them.

“I know very well your great pain and the severity of your plight,” he writes. “For, because of our many sins, you are being persecuted by government authorities and the judicial system, who seek to silence the voice of Torah, Heaven forbid. You cannot even come and go freely for necessary matters, and we have already cried out about this many times and protested vehemently against the persecution of those who learn Torah in the Holy Land.”

The rosh yeshiva then addresses an argument that has gained traction among some members of the chareidi public: Why should voters continue supporting chareidi representatives when those representatives have been unable to secure a satisfactory solution to the draft issue?

Rather than dismissing those concerns, Rav Yosef explicitly raises them in his letter.

“There are those who will say, Heaven forbid, ‘What benefit have the representatives of the rabbonim brought us?’ After all, the persecution continues without interruption, and there is no solution. The harvest has passed, the summer has ended, and we have not been saved. If so, what benefit is there in voting when it brings no influence?”

The question reflects the disappointment felt by some yeshiva bochurim and their families over the failure to enact legislation protecting the status of full-time Torah learners, despite years of political negotiations and repeated promises.

Rav Yosef responds by emphasizing the commitments he says have now been secured concerning the next round of coalition negotiations.

According to the letter, the issue of yeshiva students’ status will not be relegated to a secondary position or postponed while other political demands are negotiated. Instead, it is to be treated as the foremost priority.

Rav Yosef also addresses the broader significance he attaches to the chareidi public uniting behind its political representatives, describing such unity as a public demonstration of commitment to Torah.

“The very gathering under the call of ‘Whoever is for Hashem, come to me,’ proclaiming that there is an enormous community that occupies the benches of the bais medrash and cleaves to Hashem and His Torah, is itself a tremendous kiddush Hashem and a strengthening of the power of Torah,” he writes.

Toward the conclusion of the letter, Rav Yosef issues an unequivocal halachic directive regarding participation in the elections, specifically calling upon bnei yeshivos to support Shas and encourage others to do likewise.

“Therefore, one must not be negligent in any way regarding voting and influencing others. It is the obligation of every Jew, and particularly bnei Torah, to do everything in their power to sanctify Hashem’s Name in the world and to exert whatever influence they can on behalf of the holy Shas movement. It is a serious prohibition to stand on the sidelines and refrain from voting or influencing others.”

The Rishon Letzion concludes with a bracha for those who assist the effort, invoking the zechus of strengthening Torah and supporting its lomdim during a difficult period.

“May the merit of increasing the strength of Torah stand for all those who came to Hashem’s aid among the mighty and stood alongside those who learn Torah in their time of distress,” he writes.

Former Hamas hostage Agam Berger has publicly demanded that Yair Golan’s Democrats Party stop using footage of her from the October 7 terrorist attacks in its election campaign, objecting to the inclusion of images showing her inside the shelter where she took refuge before being abducted to Gaza.

Berger issued the demand in a direct response to a new campaign video released by the Democrats Party ahead of Tuesday’s elections in Israel. The video, titled “Remember,” incorporates disturbing footage from the October 7 massacre and the abduction of hostages, accompanied by criticism of the Israeli government and appeals to voters.

Among the images included in the campaign advertisement are scenes from the fortified shelter in which Berger was present before being taken captive by Hamas terrorists.

Responding directly beneath the party’s Instagram post, Berger invoked a message about truth and the spiritual strength of the Jewish people.

“One who seeks the truth and girds himself for battle on behalf of the truth always prevails,” she wrote. “And the truth is that we do not prevail by virtue of power, but through the power of merit and the merit of our forefathers.”

She then added an unequivocal demand: “And don’t use videos in which I appear in the shelter.”

Her public objection drew considerable attention on social media, with Berger making clear that she did not want footage of her experiences on October 7 used in the party’s political advertising.

The Democrats Party campaign video combines scenes from the Hamas attack with political messages accusing the government of failing to protect Israelis during the massacre.

“Remember those who abandoned the sons and daughters, the male and female soldiers, the residents of the kibbutzim and neighborhoods, the men and women who were dancing and fled for their lives into the fields and were abducted into the tunnels,” the advertisement’s narration declares.

The video also praises those who participated in demonstrations and activities calling for the return of the hostages, before concluding with an appeal connected to the upcoming elections.

Berger’s response places her at odds with the party’s decision to incorporate her personal experience into the advertisement. Her statement did not address the broader political arguments made in the video, focusing specifically on the use of footage showing her in the shelter.

Berger, who served as an IDF surveillance soldier at the Nachal Oz military base, was abducted during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. She spent 482 days in captivity before being released on January 30, 2025, as part of a hostage exchange agreement.

Since returning home, Berger has participated in numerous public and religious gatherings, including a major Selichos gathering at the Kosel attended by approximately 100,000 people. She has also met with prominent rabbonim, including Rav Yigal Cohen, who praised the extraordinary inner strength she demonstrated during her captivity.

The campaign controversy comes just one day before Israelis head to the polls, with Golan’s Democrats Party seeking support through advertisements highlighting the events of October 7 and the government’s handling of the war and hostage crisis.

The advertisement concludes with the message, “Remember. Now is the time to choose whether we remain in darkness or whether, together, we turn on the light.”

As of the latest reports, there had been no public response from Golan or the Democrats Party addressing Berger’s request, and it was not clear whether the footage would be removed from the advertisement.

{Matzav.com}

The United States military is reportedly preparing for the possibility of a major new operation against Iran, with American forces potentially capable of launching strikes within 96 hours of receiving authorization from President Donald Trump.

According to a report attributed to CNN, military preparations could allow the United States to initiate an operation within four days of a presidential decision, raising the prospect of another confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

The reported timeline does not mean that Trump has ordered an attack or that military action is imminent. Rather, it concerns how quickly American forces might be able to act if the president decides to authorize an operation.

The report comes at a particularly sensitive moment, with Israel preparing for Tuesday’s Knesset elections and renewed attention focused on disagreements between Washington and Yerushalayim over how to confront Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities.

Two American officials familiar with the military preparations told CNN that sufficient forces are already deployed throughout the Middle East to carry out the potential attacks.

Unlike the more limited strikes conducted since Trump halted full-scale combat operations against Iran earlier this year, the new plans reportedly contemplate a substantially broader campaign aimed at inflicting lasting damage on Iranian capabilities.

“It will be a big effort,” one American official told CNN.

The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command have reportedly assembled an extensive list of possible targets, including Iranian military installations, energy infrastructure, and nuclear facilities.

Officials familiar with the discussions believe Trump could authorize the operation before the end of the year, with several suggesting that action is most likely after the November 3 American midterm elections.

Some officials reportedly regard renewed military action as increasingly likely, although they acknowledged that Trump has previously appeared close to authorizing strikes before deciding against them.

The White House declined to comment on the military preparations.

A senior Pentagon official, responding to questions about the report, said, “The Department is a planning organization, and its job is to develop and execute military options ordered by the President.”

American military planners are also confronting significant operational challenges. Iranian forces have become increasingly familiar with U.S. military tactics, potentially making it more difficult to destroy key installations and prevent Tehran from rebuilding damaged capabilities.

The possibility of renewed American military action has also prompted concern over Iranian retaliation.

Recent U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that Iran and the Iranian-backed Houthi movement in Yemen are taking the threat of additional American and Israeli strikes seriously.

Intelligence officials believe that a renewed military campaign could trigger immediate retaliatory attacks against American military personnel and facilities throughout the Middle East, potentially extending beyond the region.

An October 23 intelligence memorandum reportedly warned that Iran had intensified efforts to target American personnel, with some plots reaching advanced stages.

Washington has already begun taking precautions to protect American personnel in the region.

The State Department ordered nonessential personnel and their families to leave the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh amid repeated Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. Additional American diplomatic facilities could face similar restrictions as regional tensions intensify.

The military has also reportedly canceled certain planned deployments of nonessential personnel to the Middle East, another indication that officials are preparing for the possibility of a broader confrontation.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has been pressing Washington to renew military operations against Iran.

According to CNN, Netanyahu sought American approval for a joint military strike before Israel’s October 27 elections, but Trump declined to authorize the proposed operation at that time.

“Netanyahu really wanted and tried to convince Trump for a joint attack in Iran before the elections, and Trump did not give a green light,” an Israeli security source told CNN.

American officials reportedly urged Israel to postpone military action until Washington was prepared to participate in a coordinated operation.

The timing has particular political significance because a major confrontation with Iran could affect Israel’s elections and the ability of its next government to conduct military operations.

According to the report, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned his American counterpart, General Dan Caine, that a strike before the Israeli elections could disrupt the voting process and potentially force a postponement.

Despite the reported disagreement over timing, Trump has continued publicly supporting Netanyahu.

In a message posted Sunday, the president urged Israelis to reelect Netanyahu, declaring, “Vote for Bibi Netanyahu for Prime Minister. We have to finish the job that we started!”

The statement fueled speculation that Washington and Yerushalayim could be preparing for another phase of their campaign against Iran following the elections.

The developments also come amid continuing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, where American military operations and restrictions on Iranian shipping have contributed to a prolonged regional crisis.

U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper flew over the strategic waterway Sunday, meeting American military personnel involved in operations to clear Iranian mines.

American officials have described the situation in the strait as unsustainable over the long term, although questions remain about how a renewed military offensive would affect international shipping and regional stability.

The central uncertainty remains Trump’s ultimate decision.

Although American military forces are reportedly positioned to begin a major operation within four days of receiving presidential authorization, no such order has been publicly confirmed.

Tens of thousands of people gathered Sunday evening at the Rav Landau Bridge in Bnei Brak for a massive United Torah Judaism election gathering attended by leading roshei yeshiva, rabbonim, and members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah. The gathering, held two days before Tuesday’s elections, was dominated by expressions of grave concern over the ongoing draft crisis and its impact on the yeshiva world.

The central address was delivered by Hagaon Rav Dov Landau, who spoke with great emotion about the situation confronting yeshiva bochurim and kollel yungeleit throughout Eretz Yisroel.

“My rabbonim and gentlemen, we are now in a terrible situation,” Rav Landau declared. “I cry out: Never before in Eretz Yisroel has there been such a terrible situation as the one we find ourselves in now. Never before have yeshiva bochurim and kollel yungeleit been persecuted as they are being persecuted now.”

Rav Landau continued with an impassioned appeal concerning the future of the Torah world.

“Our brothers, Bnei Yisroel, save, save, save the Torah world and its continued existence,” he said. “The only possibility of saving it at present is to vote for the letter Gimmel. The situation is so terrible that I am allowing myself to appeal even to those who have never voted Gimmel in previous elections.”

He stressed that his position was based on what he regarded as the needs of the yeshivos and the continuation of Torah life, rather than loyalty to any particular political camp.

“Return to your tents and hold fast to the Tree of Life,” Rav Landau said. “We are not connected to one side or another. We are connected only to the Torah, and we will support only those who give us the ability to continue the Torah lives of our children in the yeshiva world, the dwelling place of the Shechinah in our generation, for the preservation of religion and Yiddishkeit.”

Rav Landau also spoke sharply against the establishment of alternative political parties within the chareidi community, warning that votes cast for those parties could weaken the existing chareidi representation.

“With a pained heart, I call upon those who have gone astray and those who mislead others, who have established various parties that do not have the approval of the chachomim,” he said. “Please, do not waste votes. You are harming the Torah world. Supposed concern for yeshiva bochurim and for those who work to support their families is being used as a false pretext. It is forbidden to support these parties, which represent falsehood and harm.”

The gathering began with Maariv, led by Bnei Brak Deputy Mayor Menachem Shapira of Degel HaTorah. Eliezer Sorotzkin subsequently addressed the crowd and welcomed the arriving gedolim, who entered amid enthusiastic singing from the assembled thousands.

Hagaon Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch addressed the growing frustration among some chareidi voters, including those considering abstaining altogether or supporting alternative parties.

“There are people who are embittered,” Rav Hirsch said. “Some say not to vote at all, and others say to vote for different parties. We must understand several important things. If, chas veshalom, we reach a situation in which there is no clear victory, it will be a chillul Hashem without parallel, and chillul Hashem is the most serious matter.”

Rav Hirsch warned that, in his view, the struggle extended beyond the immediate draft issue and involved the future religious character of Eretz Yisroel.

“There are elements that want to change the character and nature of religion in Eretz Yisroel,” he said. “The Reform movement wants, chas veshalom, to turn religion into something else. If they succeed, chas veshalom, in changing the entire reality in Eretz Yisroel, a situation could develop in which we will no longer have the ability to act.”

He emphasized that the concerns he was raising affected the broader chareidi community, including those who were not themselves learning in yeshiva.

“This concerns every single individual, not specifically someone who learns Torah or studies in yeshiva,” Rav Hirsch said. “It concerns anyone who belongs to the chareidi community. The Gemara in Maseches Shabbos teaches us how serious it is when, so to speak, Hakadosh Boruch Hu says, ‘If you do not want Me, then I do not want you either,’ and He withdraws, rachmana litzlan.”

Concluding his remarks, Rav Hirsch warned against complacency and called for greater communal involvement.

“Therefore, we must not be indifferent to the situation,” he said. “We must act with all our strength to reinforce chareidi Yiddishkeit in Eretz Yisroel, understanding that assistance from Shomayim cannot be taken for granted. If, chas veshalom, we lose our siyata diShmaya, we may face a grave spiritual danger from the Reform movement. Therefore, it is absolutely forbidden not to vote Gimmel, and absolutely forbidden to vote for another party.”

Hagaon Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman also addressed the gathering, describing the current period as one of the most difficult confronting the Torah community in Eretz Yisroel.

“We are living through an extremely difficult period for Klal Yisroel here in Eretz Yisroel,” Rav Bergman declared. “They have declared war on the holy Torah, and above all, they want to take yeshiva bochurim into the army, rachmana litzlan. We are obligated to show mesirus nefesh over this, as ruled in the Shulchan Aruch, and boruch Hashem, the yeshiva bochurim are learning Torah and will continue to stand firm.”

Rav Bergman referred to the longstanding approach of the Chazon Ish and Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach regarding participation in elections.

“We are now approaching elections, and we have a mesorah from our teachers and rabbonim, Maran the Chazon Ish and Maran Rav Shach, zichron tzaddikim livracha, that we follow this path and will continue following it until the arrival of the redeemer,” he said. “If it has been established that this is the proper path of hishtadlus, then this is our path of hishtadlus.”

He added that the public demonstration of commitment to Torah was itself significant.

“When everyone sees that there is a large community faithful to Hashem and His Torah, a community that is neither frightened nor discouraged by all the harsh decrees, Hashem will help, and they will leave us alone,” Rav Bergman said. “Every individual is obligated to act on this matter and vote for the United Torah Judaism list.”

Hagaon Rav Aviezer Piltz addressed the gathering with a message concerning the obligation to follow the guidance of the gedolim even when the reasoning is not immediately apparent.

“The Torah says, ‘Whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her voice,'” Rav Piltz said. “The greatest nisayon is to overcome even spiritual values because of Hashem’s command. Sometimes we do not understand, but this is the zechus with which we will come before the Creator.”

Hagaon Rav Tzvi Drebkin addressed those who question whether voting can accomplish anything in the face of the continuing draft crisis. He described the argument that political participation is futile and challenged the conclusion that no action should be taken.

“Regarding the great danger hanging over the Torah world, there are those who claim that voting will not help anyway, and that the situation will not change whether we vote or not,” Rav Drebkin said. “According to them, there is no solution to the draft problem, and therefore there is no reason to go out and vote. We must strengthen ourselves in Torah and tefillah, fulfill the principle that ‘We have no one upon whom to rely except our Father in Heaven,’ and trust that Hakadosh Boruch Hu will show us kindness.”

Rav Drebkin then rejected the suggestion that bitachon in Hashem eliminates the obligation to make a practical hishtadlus.

“Rabbosai, this is a very serious mistake!” he declared. “Certainly, the Torah world will continue to grow and flourish, and everything is through the merit of our Father in Heaven. But when? When we make the hishtadlus that is incumbent upon us.”

To illustrate his point, Rav Drebkin recalled the account of Basya bas Pharaoh reaching toward the basket containing Moshe Rabbeinu in the Nile.

“Even when Moshe Rabbeinu was in the basket in the river, Pharaoh’s daughter extended her hand to save him,” he explained. “Seemingly, there was no possibility that extending her hand would lead to his rescue through natural means. Nevertheless, the miracle occurred as a result of that hishtadlus.”

He continued, “So too in our time, we must certainly trust that our Father in Heaven will perform miracles for us. This coming Tuesday, we are obligated to do what is within our power: go out and vote Gimmel. We will make our hishtadlus and trust that Hakadosh Boruch Hu will continue to save His people and protect the Torah world.”

Hagaon Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein spoke about the importance of accepting the guidance of the chachmei hador, citing the Sefer Hachinuch.

“It is brought in the Sefer Hachinuch that one who does not listen to the advice of the chachmei hador faces a very severe punishment, because this is the strong pillar upon which the Torah rests,” Rav Zilberstein said. “And one who listens to the gedolei hador is fortunate, and it will be good for him.”

Hagaon Rav Dovid Cohen, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Chevron, emphasized the significance of the gathering as an expression of emunas chachomim and adherence to the mesorah handed down by previous generations.

“We have gathered here today not only to strengthen the campaign against those who persecute Torah and religion, but to declare publicly that we stand under the leadership of our great fathers, with emunas chachomim, and that we will stand firmly and resolutely to continue the heritage of Torah that was transmitted to us, without any change,” Rav Cohen said.

Rav Cohen quoted Rav Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler regarding the central importance of accepting the authority of gedolei Torah.

“Rav Dessler says that the failure to submit oneself to the gedolei Yisroel and the failure to recognize the judgment of our rabbonim are the root of all sin, and the foundation of everything is emunas chachomim,” he said. “We have come today to declare that we stand under our rabbonim. They are our leaders. We have no other leadership and no other path.”

He continued by describing the gathering as an opportunity for a public kiddush Hashem.

“The gathering in which we find ourselves today is a great gathering, in which those who are faithful to the Torah stand together and speak about kiddush Hashem, which is the greatest mitzvah,” Rav Cohen said. “On the other hand, Yom Kippur does not atone for chillul Hashem, as Chazal taught us. We have neither right nor left. We have come to rescue from the lion and the bear, for the preservation of the Torah world, so that we may stand and sanctify the Name of Heaven.”

Hagaon Rav Shraga Steinman, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Orchos Torah and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, spoke about the nisyonos confronting the Torah community and the importance of remaining steadfast despite outside pressures.

“The main thing is to declare that we belong to Hashem and to Moshe His servant, and that we act according to the way of the Torah,” Rav Steinman said. “The nisyonos that Hakadosh Boruch Hu places before us are not intended to cause us suffering, but to enable us to rise higher and reveal the tremendous strengths within each and every one of us.”

He referred to the disrespect directed at lomdei Torah and recalled the words of his father, Rav Aharon Leib Steinman zt”l, concerning the purpose of elections.

“‘Be gracious to us, Hashem, be gracious to us, for we have endured much contempt.’ There is tremendous contempt toward those who learn Torah, and through this we declare that we withstand the nisyonos and are not deterred,” Rav Steinman said.

“As my father zt”l said, the purpose of elections is to increase kavod Shomayim and demonstrate that there is a large community of lomdei Torah that does not concern itself with the disturbances and continues to cling to the path of Torah.”

Hagaon Rav Shevach Rosenberg, rov of Bnei Brak, addressed those who argue that the government’s treatment of yeshiva bochurim should lead the chareidi community to abandon participation in the political process.

“Someone claimed that the state is corrupt because it persecutes those who learn Torah, and that this amounts to genocide,” Rav Rosenberg said. “But was the state not corrupt in the days of Maran the Chazon Ish? Did the state not commit serious acts and attempt to turn immigrants who arrived from other countries away from their religion? Does that person believe that in the days of the Chazon Ish, the state was properly run?”

Rav Rosenberg argued that the difficulties confronting Torah observance in earlier generations had not prevented the gedolim of those periods from instructing the public to participate in elections.

“There was a war against the Jewish religion, and nevertheless the Chazon Ish instructed people to vote,” he said. “The other gedolei Torah ruled likewise, as did Rabbeinu Rav Shach. Even then, the state was corrupt, with all kinds of decrees, and nevertheless they did whatever they could to save what was possible.”

He continued by emphasizing the religious significance he attached to the participation of the chareidi community.

“We, the yirei Hashem, the more people who vote for the chareidi party, the greater the kiddush Hashem,” Rav Rosenberg said. “It is a declaration of ‘Whoever is for Hashem, come to me.’ Even if there were no practical benefit, as some of those who think themselves clever claim, who would give up this kiddush Hashem? Who would give up the opportunity granted to him to sanctify the Name of Heaven? Obedience to the instructions of the gedolei Torah is included in the Torah commandment, ‘And you shall act according to all that they instruct you.'”

Hagaon Rav Nosson Zochovsky, one of the rabbonim of Degel HaTorah, warned against efforts that he said were intended to weaken the party and distance the public from the leadership of the gedolim.

“We are in a situation in which various individuals are trying to weaken the spirit of Degel HaTorah because they know that this is the key to continuing the mesorah of the generations according to the gedolei Yisroel,” Rav Zochovsky said.

He drew a comparison to the separation of Avrohom Avinu and Lot in Parshas Lech Lecha.

“We see that Avrohom Avinu told Lot, ‘Please separate from me.’ True, Avrohom Avinu told him to separate, but Lot should have responded, ‘I cannot manage without you.’ The moment he failed to say that, even while he was still in Avrohom Avinu’s home, he already had the status of a wicked person.”

Rav Zochovsky concluded by speaking about the relationship between the Torah community and its gedolim.

“When we have gedolei Yisroel standing at the head, and when we see their mesirus nefesh, when they tell us, ‘Remain with us, and we will lead you where you need to go,’ we understand how important it is to remain attached to their leadership.”

The massive gathering brought together leading figures from across the Litvishe Torah world at a time of considerable concern over the draft crisis, the future of yeshiva bochurim, and disagreements within the chareidi community over political participation.

Throughout the evening, the speakers repeatedly returned to the same themes: the severity of the current situation, the longstanding approach of the Chazon Ish and Rav Shach, the importance of emunas chachomim, and their opposition to abstention or support for newly established parties.

The gathering concluded with the messages of the gedolim reverberating among the tens of thousands who had assembled in Bnei Brak, just two days before the opening of the polls.

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Deep concern is being expressed throughout the olam haTorah following a serious deterioration in the health of Rav Yitzchok Hacker, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Grodno in Be’er Yaakov and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Degel HaTorah.

The elderly rosh yeshiva, one of the senior roshei yeshiva of the generation, was hospitalized earlier today at Maayanei Hayeshua Medical Center in Bnei Brak after his medical condition worsened significantly.

According to reports from Eretz Yisroel, Rav Hacker’s condition is serious, and he was transferred within the past hour to the hospital’s intensive care unit for continued treatment and close medical supervision.

The news has prompted widespread concern among his talmidim and throughout the yeshiva world, with calls being issued for Klal Yisroel to increase their tefillos and be misorer rachamei Shomayim for his refuah sheleimah.

The public is asked to daven for Rav Yitzchok ben Nechama, b’soch shaar cholei Yisroel.

Hein Keil Kabir lo yim’as tefillas rabbim.

{Matzav.com}

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