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President Trump said Wednesday night that Iran has reached out to the United States seeking a deal, but questioned whether Tehran could be trusted to honor any agreement as American forces continued a second straight night of military strikes against Iranian targets.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington from Turkey, Trump said Iranian officials had recently contacted him in hopes of restarting negotiations.

“Iran called a while ago. They want to make a deal so badly,” said the President, who added, “I just don’t know if they are worthy. I don’t know if they are going to honor the deal. That’s the problem.”

Trump on Iran:

Iran called a while ago. They want to make a deal so badly.

I just don't know if they are worthy. I don't know if they are going to honor the deal. That's the problem. pic.twitter.com/yE63e3lfVP

— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 8, 2026

Trump’s remarks came after the U.S. military carried out another wave of attacks inside Iran, marking the second consecutive night of American strikes.

Discussing the latest operation, Trump vowed that the United States would continue responding forcefully to any Iranian aggression.

“We just hit them very hard. We hit them 20 to 1. Every time they hit us, we are going to hit them 20.”

When asked whether he had received intelligence about specific threats from Iran, Trump acknowledged that he remains a primary target.

“I hear threats all the time. I am number one on their list.”

Earlier Wednesday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces had begun launching additional military operations against Iranian targets.

The announcement followed reports of explosions in several locations across Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, and Kharg Island.

“At the direction of the Commander in Chief, US Central Command forces have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” said CENTCOM.

“The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway,” it added.

Trump also addressed the military action in a post on Truth Social, framing the strikes as retaliation for Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping.

“This is in retribution for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!” he wrote.

At the same time, a U.S. official told CNN that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran “has at least temporarily ceased”.

The official said the situation remains highly fluid and warned that additional military action could follow beyond the strikes already announced. According to the official, U.S. forces are closely monitoring developments, while the latest attacks were directed at Iranian missiles and drones that could threaten American military assets, including aircraft carriers.

The newest round of strikes followed a large-scale operation the previous night, when CENTCOM said it attacked more than 80 targets across Iran using precision-guided munitions in what it described as “as an immediate response to Iran’s latest attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.”

{Matzav.com}

President Trump received a blunt threat from Iran on Wednesday after declaring that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire appeared to have collapsed and signaling that additional American military action—including possible strikes involving Iran’s vital Kharg Island oil terminal—could be on the table.

The warning came from Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, after Trump discussed the possibility of further military operations against the strategically important island during remarks at the NATO summit in Turkey.

Speaking to reporters, Trump revealed that American forces had already carried out an attack involving part of Kharg Island and suggested that additional action could follow.

“We attacked Kharg Island last night, knocked out a piece,” Trump said.

“I said, ‘Don’t touch the oil, because maybe we’ll take over Kharg Island.'”

“I said, ‘Don’t hit the pipes, just hit everything else.'”

“And they hit it.”

“They may hit it again tonight.”

Trump also indicated that the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was effectively finished following the latest exchange of military strikes.

Rezaei responded with a direct warning in a post on X.

“Come — we are waiting for you — and we promise that not a single American soldier will return alive,” Rezaei wrote, according to an English translation provided by X.

Situated in the Persian Gulf off Iran’s southern coastline, Kharg Island serves as the country’s primary oil export terminal and is widely viewed as one of Tehran’s most strategically valuable assets.

Roughly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports typically pass through the island, making it a crucial source of government revenue and a prime target for any effort aimed at disrupting Iran’s ability to finance its activities.

Its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz further elevates its importance, as the narrow waterway is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints for global energy shipments.

Earlier in the conflict, reports indicated that the Trump administration evaluated several military options involving Kharg Island, including possible operations to seize the island or strike facilities connected to Iran’s oil export infrastructure.

According to those reports, U.S. officials also examined potential military operations targeting other islands near the Strait of Hormuz as part of broader efforts to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten international shipping.

Kharg Island was also hit during fighting in April.

At that time, the Trump administration emphasized that the strikes were not directed at Iran’s oil production or export facilities.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump unexpectedly abandoned plans to depart Turkey aboard the new $400 million Air Force One on Wednesday, opting instead for the older presidential aircraft as tensions with Iran intensified. The sudden decision immediately fueled widespread speculation that security concerns — including the possibility of an Iranian attack — played a role, particularly after Trump repeatedly discussed Tehran’s alleged desire to assassinate him.

Rather than returning from the NATO summit aboard the lavish new aircraft that he had enthusiastically debuted last week, Trump boarded the previous version of Air Force One. The switch came just days after he had begun showcasing the new jet, which he has repeatedly praised as a major upgrade to the presidential fleet.

Although Trump publicly insisted the new aircraft was heading to England so American service members could tour it, many questioned that explanation after he spent much of the day highlighting threats from Iran against his life.

Asked directly during a press conference whether security concerns influenced the decision, Trump stopped short of dismissing the suggestion.

“I’m number one on the kill list for Iran. They’re lovely people,” Trump told a NY Post reporter who asked if security concerns motivated the switch.

Earlier Wednesday, Trump also warned of the danger posed by Tehran, saying, “They want to take out the US leader, me … And so far, I guess I’ve been a little bit lucky. But that maybe doesn’t last very long.”

When questioned by a New York Times reporter about why he wasn’t using the new aircraft, Trump responded: “It’s flying to Europe, to one of the big bases, two or three of the big bases, where we can show it to the people, and we’ll be going home by normal methods.”

The president had eagerly displayed the aircraft during its first official outings, including two domestic trips last week, and upon arriving in Ankara on Tuesday, he again praised the jet’s luxurious features.

The older Air Force One is widely believed to be equipped with advanced missile-defense systems, one reason officials have long restricted close-up photographs of the aircraft’s rear section. Whether the newly acquired presidential jet has been fitted with comparable defensive capabilities has not been publicly confirmed.

The aircraft change came as Trump dramatically escalated military pressure on Iran. Overnight, he ordered a new wave of American airstrikes, declared the recently brokered peace arrangement effectively finished, and warned that additional strikes could follow later Wednesday. He also floated the possibility of targeting Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal and restoring a naval blockade.

In his initial social media announcement, Trump framed the decision as a tribute to American troops.

“We are sending the brand new, and truly spectacular, Air Force One to Mildenhall Air Force Base, in the United Kingdom, to give them a chance to tour the Aircraft — Everybody is so excited, and we thought that they should be the first,” Trump wrote.

He added, “For old time’s sake, we’ll be taking the former Air Force One, from Turkey to Mildenhall, a short trip that is totally worth doing in order to give our Great Military Heroes a chance to appreciate our beautiful new addition to the Air Force Fleet!”

Military analysts suggested the official explanation may not tell the whole story. Retired Army Gen. Robert Abrams told ABC News that security at Ankara’s airport “was probably a concern” and that “it had to be significant enough, I think, in this case for President Trump to agree not to fly out on it.”

Marc Polymeropoulos, a retired CIA official, also questioned whether the aircraft was fully prepared for overseas presidential missions, writing on X that he believed the plane was “not equipped with [an] appropriate comms/force pro[tection]/security package” for international duty and that “Secret Service and US [Air Force] pleas must have won out.”

{Matzav.com}

A construction worker was killed Wednesday after falling through an opening in the roof of a Sanzer yeshiva building in Netanya that is undergoing extensive renovations.

The victim, believed to be about 40 years old, was performing maintenance work on the roof of the mesivta building on Rechov Harav Saadia Gaon when, for reasons that remain under investigation, he apparently lost his footing and plunged through an opening intended for the building’s air-conditioning system.

The worker fell from a significant height into the floor below, suffering catastrophic injuries and immediately losing consciousness. Witnesses at the yeshiva campus quickly called emergency responders.

United Hatzalah medics Avrumi Yaakov, Elimelech Philip, and Ephraim Friedman, who were among the first to arrive, found the man unconscious and without a pulse or breathing. They immediately began advanced resuscitation efforts, including chest compressions and assisted ventilation.

Magen David Adom paramedic Omer Faker and EMT Yonatan Yankelevitz described the scene.

“We found the worker lying on the ground inside the construction site, unconscious, without a pulse and not breathing after falling from a significant height,” they said. “We provided advanced medical treatment, including prolonged resuscitation efforts, and transported him to the hospital in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead.”

The victim was evacuated by intensive care ambulance to Laniado Hospital while CPR continued throughout the transport. Despite prolonged efforts by medical teams both at the scene and at the hospital, doctors were unable to save his life.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.

The Sanzer yeshiva building has been undergoing renovations for an extended period, with students temporarily relocated to an alternate facility while construction is completed.

Earlier this week, noted mekubal Rav Yaakov Ades visited the yeshiva to offer words of encouragement after traveling to Netanya to pay a shivah call to the family of the late mekubal Rav Amos Guetta.

{Matzav.com}

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner abruptly suspended his campaign Wednesday after a woman accused him of attacking her several years ago, bringing a dramatic end to a closely watched Senate bid that had already been overshadowed by a series of personal controversies.

Platner announced his withdrawal in an 11-minute video posted to social media. While emphatically rejecting the allegation and insisting it was fabricated, he said mounting pressure from Democratic leaders at both the state and national levels had left his campaign with no realistic path forward. He accused the political establishment of orchestrating his downfall.

“This is incredibly difficult, because I know that some will think it’s an admission of guilt, and it most certainly is not,” he said. “We’re not doing it because of the allegations, we’re doing it because of the structures that are being taken away from us by those in power.”

Platner said he intends to formally remove himself from the race by filing the required paperwork before the state’s Monday afternoon deadline.

His exit throws the high-profile Senate contest into turmoil as Democrats attempt to defeat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a race viewed as critical to the battle for Senate control. Under Maine law, Democrats now have until July 27 to choose a replacement nominee.

Earlier Wednesday, the Maine Democratic Party announced plans to hold a nominating convention to select a new candidate, saying additional details would be released shortly. Party officials also made clear that Platner would play no role in the selection process, as several prominent Democrats have already expressed interest in the nomination.

In his video, Platner urged party leaders to conduct what he described as an “open, transparent and democratic” selection process rather than allowing “party apparatchiks” to handpick his successor.

“My name might be on the ballot right now, but that ballot line belongs to the people of Maine,” he said in his video Wednesday.

Announcing his decision to suspend his campaign, Platner argued that he was denied a fair opportunity to respond before political leaders and the media rushed to judgment.

In his video announcing the end of his campaign, Platner said he learned about the allegations through press inquiries “with no time to truly respond, no time for investigations before a corporate media system and the political establishment got to act as judge, jury and executioner.”

“Accusations are supposed to be the beginning of things, not the end,” he said.

“This was the last week to try to get me off of the ballot, and that’s why this is occurring,” he added.

The allegations quickly prompted top Democratic officials to call for Platner’s withdrawal, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and the Maine Democratic Party. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee also announced it would withhold campaign support if Platner remained the nominee, while Senate Majority PAC redirected its resources elsewhere, severely damaging his chances of continuing the race.

Several of Platner’s most prominent supporters also distanced themselves, with Rep. Ro Khanna and Sen. Ruben Gallego withdrawing their endorsements shortly after the allegations became public.

Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, who had been one of Platner’s most influential backers, revealed Tuesday that he personally advised the candidate to leave the race.

Late Tuesday, as the deadline to remove Platner’s name from the ballot approached, the Maine Democratic Party accused his campaign of attempting to “put their thumb on the scale” by influencing the process for selecting a replacement nominee. Platner’s campaign denied trying to control the outcome, saying only that he wanted the decision left to “voters and volunteers.” Some former allies argued the party should replace him with another progressive Democrat.

Republicans quickly seized on the controversy, suggesting the allegations would have lasting political consequences even after Platner’s withdrawal.

In a statement shortly after Platner’s withdrawal, Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters said: “Democrats rolled in the mud with Platner, and now they are completely stained by their association with this sick monster.”

Platner, a 41-year-old military veteran and oyster farmer from coastal Maine, emerged as an unexpected Democratic contender last year, earning endorsements from progressive leaders including Bernie Sanders. After Gov. Janet Mills opted not to run, Platner easily captured the Democratic nomination without facing significant opposition.

His campaign, however, was repeatedly hampered by revelations about his personal history. Reports last year uncovered controversial Reddit posts he had written years earlier, and Platner acknowledged receiving a tattoo during his Marine service that is widely recognized as a Nazi symbol. He later apologized for the online posts and said the tattoo had since been covered.

Additional controversies followed after Mills exited the race.

Responding to those earlier reports, Platner acknowledged struggling through a difficult chapter in his life.

Platner has said some of the allegations against him stemmed from a “very dark period of my life where I struggled with undiagnosed PTSD, too often self medicated with alcohol…”

Following those earlier revelations, several supporters—including his former political director—publicly suggested he should end his campaign, fearing the mounting controversies would jeopardize Democrats’ effort to defeat Collins, who has represented Maine in the Senate since 1997 despite the state’s increasingly Democratic electorate.

Just last month, however, Platner insisted he had no intention of leaving the race.

Platner told MS NOW last month that “not once” had he considered dropping out of the race.

“Amy and I knew early on that we were going to take lumps, and we just, we’re dedicated to this,” Platner said. “It has never crossed our mind to drop out of this thing. I am fully committed to this until the end.”

{Matzav.com}

Former IDF Chief of Staff and Yashar Party chairman Gadi Eisenkot says he supports exempting a small percentage of outstanding Torah scholars from military service, opposes proposals to revoke voting rights from chareidim, and would consider bringing Shas into a future coalition if it accepts his core governing principles.

In an extensive interview with Kikar HaShabbat’s Yishai Cohen, Eisenkot discussed the draft law, relations with the chareidi community, Israel’s security challenges, coalition politics, and his campaign to become Israel’s next prime minister.

Draft Law: ‘I’m a Ben-Gurionist’

Addressing the increasingly contentious debate over military service for yeshiva students, Eisenkot rejected calls for eliminating all exemptions.

“I am a Ben-Gurionist,” he said. “Unlike some of my colleagues, I will not say ‘zero exemptions.’ During the War of Independence, Ben-Gurion insisted that 400 yeshiva students continue learning despite the existential war.”

He said he supports granting exemptions to approximately 3% of each draft-age class made up of outstanding Torah scholars.

“I have great respect for the Torah world,” Eisenkot said. “Saying there should be ‘zero learners’ is a populist and unserious statement.”

He also criticized proposals to deny voting rights to chareidim who do not serve.

“Anyone who says chareidim should lose their right to vote is undermining the basic values of democracy.”

At the same time, Eisenkot argued that Israel can no longer tolerate widespread exemptions for those who are not engaged in full-time Torah study.

“There are tens of thousands of chareidim who are not learning in yeshivos. They should have enlisted immediately. The IDF desperately needs soldiers.”

Service Without Compromising Religious Life

Eisenkot pledged that, if elected, his government would ensure that chareidi soldiers can serve without sacrificing their religious lifestyle.

“The responsibility belongs to the IDF,” he said. “A chareidi should enlist as a chareidi and be discharged as a chareidi.”

He pointed to the establishment of dedicated military facilities during his tenure as IDF chief of staff and voiced support for expanding frameworks such as the Hashmonaim Brigade.

“I fully support separate bases, separate units, and missions designed specifically for chareidim. Those who prefer integrated service can choose that, but it should be a personal decision.”

Asked whether he still supports the principle that those genuinely learning Torah should continue studying while those who are not should serve, Eisenkot replied, “Absolutely. We need to define who qualifies as a full-time learner and how many there should be. Those who are not learning should enlist.”

Opposition to Coercion, But Support for Enforcement

When reminded that he previously told Kikar HaShabbat that chareidim could not be drafted through force alone, Eisenkot reiterated that dialogue remains important but emphasized that Israel already has a mandatory service law.

“The basic rule is that there is a compulsory military service law for Israel’s young people,” he said. “Given the existential threats facing the country, everyone must contribute.”

He again stressed that the military must provide all necessary accommodations for religious observance.

Open to Shas Joining His Government

Although often viewed as part of the political opposition to the chareidi parties, Eisenkot declined to rule out Shas as a coalition partner.

“Shas has broad Zionist components,” he said. “Many of its voters serve in the army. I see Shas as a potential partner—provided it accepts my three core principles.”

He noted that his own mother voted for Shas for 30 years.

“I’m the son of a mother who voted Shas for three decades,” he said with a smile. “I’ve finally convinced her to vote for Yashar.”

Asked about his relationship with Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, Eisenkot described him as someone who has often made meaningful contributions on security matters.

“I saw Aryeh Deri contribute significantly in many security cabinets,” he said.

However, he criticized Deri’s opposition to a stronger military response following Iran’s first direct missile attack on Israel.

“I believed we should have responded much more forcefully. Unfortunately, his position prevailed, and the response was far too weak.”

Eisenkot also said Deri should have taken a stronger stand in favor of hostage deals instead of allowing Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir to dominate the debate.

Despite those disagreements, he said Deri could serve in a future war cabinet under his leadership.

“Absolutely—provided he accepts the three basic principles.”

Calls for Justice Minister’s Dismissal

Eisenkot sharply criticized the justice minister after recent comments urging noncompliance with a High Court ruling.

“This is unprecedented,” he said. “It’s like a defense minister telling soldiers not to obey the chief of staff.”

He argued that Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu should have dismissed the minister immediately.

“A serious prime minister would have fired him this afternoon.”

Although critical of the current judicial controversy, Eisenkot said he supports meaningful reforms to Israel’s legal system.

“The fact that only 42% of Israelis trust the judiciary requires deep examination and reform.”

Security Challenges

Turning to regional security, Eisenkot argued that despite significant military successes against Iran, Israel has not yet achieved its strategic objectives.

“The enriched uranium is still in Iran. The missile program has been rebuilt. Hezbollah has recovered. Those are facts.”

He warned that Israel and the United States must continue working together to ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons and to sever Tehran’s ties with Hezbollah.

Asked whether Israel has won the war that began with Hamas’ October 7 attack three years ago, Eisenkot answered bluntly.

“No. Victory is measured by achieving the objectives of the war and improving Israel’s strategic position. We achieved important accomplishments, but we did not complete the political dimension in Gaza, Lebanon, or Iran.”

Rejects Allegations of Weakness on Security

Responding to Likud campaign videos portraying him as weak on national security, Eisenkot dismissed the attacks as misleading.

Regarding claims that he opposed eliminating Iran’s supreme leader, he said critics had deliberately omitted the rest of his remarks.

“I said clearly that eliminating Khamenei would have been entirely justified, and I would have approved eliminating him and the entire Iranian military leadership.”

He also rejected claims that he sought to reduce the size of the IDF or opposed the Rafah operation, calling both allegations false.

Coalition Plans

Eisenkot expressed confidence that his party can emerge as the largest faction in the next election and assemble a governing majority.

If his bloc falls short of 61 seats, he said he would first seek partners from Zionist parties rather than relying on Arab parties.

When asked whether he would choose Arab parties or chareidi parties if forced to decide, Eisenkot said any party willing to accept his three foundational principles would be welcome.

Those principles, he said, are recognition of Israel as a Jewish state with a solid Jewish majority, acceptance of the Declaration of Independence, and support for national or military service.

Concern Over Election Integrity

Eisenkot concluded the interview by expressing concern over the integrity of Israel’s upcoming elections, saying recent attacks on the judiciary undermine public confidence.

“I am very concerned,” he said. “When the justice minister calls for ignoring a High Court ruling signed by the chairman of the Central Elections Committee, that raises a red flag.”

He urged Israelis to remain vigilant against intimidation or attempts to undermine the electoral process.

“Anyone who harms the integrity of the elections will find the people of Israel standing against them like a fortified wall.”

Asked whether he expects to return for another interview in six months as prime minister, Eisenkot replied, “I’m doing everything I can to make that happen. I work hard, not because I’m chasing power, but because I believe I can lead the country, and I’ll do everything possible to achieve that.”

{Matzav.com

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack on Israel Tax Authority inspectors during an enforcement operation in Bnei Brak, pledging his full support for the officials and calling for those responsible to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The confrontation erupted after a team of Israel Tax Authority inspectors arrived in the Vizhnitzer neighborhood of Bnei Brak to conduct a planned surprise audit of local businesses. During the inspections, the officials reportedly demonstrated an unusual command of Yiddish as they carefully examined business records, including bank accounts, appointment books, and transactions made through the Bit payment app.

As the inspections continued, hundreds of bochurim and children gathered around the inspectors, surrounding them, shouting insults, and throwing eggs at the government officials.

In a statement posted on X, Smotrich denounced the incident, writing: “I strongly condemn the violence carried out today against Israel Tax Authority personnel by lawless thugs in Bnei Brak.”

He expressed full support for the inspectors, adding, “Such violence against law enforcement officials who carry out their duties faithfully and professionally is completely unacceptable.”

Smotrich concluded by urging law enforcement authorities to act swiftly against those involved.

“I stand behind the employees and all members of the Israel Tax Authority, and I call on the Israel Police and the relevant enforcement agencies to act decisively and without delay to bring the rioters to justice with the full force of the law,” he said.

According to reports, the inspectors had been conducting a routine audit as they moved from one business to another throughout the Vizhnitzer neighborhood. Witnesses said the officials appeared highly familiar with the local community and even seemed to understand conversations conducted in Yiddish.

“It looked like they understood the Yiddish spoken in the neighborhood,” one resident said. “They knew exactly where to look.”

Local business owners were reportedly surprised by the thoroughness of the inspections. One shopkeeper said the auditors went far beyond reviewing cash registers, requesting access to bank accounts, examining transfers made through the Bit payment platform, reviewing computerized bookkeeping systems, and even cross-checking information with appointment calendars and mobile phone schedules in an effort to identify projects and income that had not been reported.

{Matzav.com}

A new poll conducted by the Associated Press in partnership with the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani enjoys a higher favorability rating among American Jews than Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, despite Mamdani’s outspoken criticism of Israel.

According to the survey, 44% of Jewish respondents expressed a favorable opinion of Mamdani, while just 32% viewed Netanyahu favorably. At the same time, 59% of respondents said they held an unfavorable view of Netanyahu, compared with 39% who viewed Mamdani negatively. The poll did not ask respondents to choose between the two figures directly; rather, each was rated independently as part of a broader list of public personalities.

The survey also found significant divisions among American Jews over Israel’s war in Gaza. Thirty percent of Jewish respondents said they believe Israel committed “genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza, a figure nearly identical to the 31% recorded among the broader American public. By contrast, 49% of Jewish respondents rejected that characterization.

While support for Israel’s initial response to Hamas’ October 7 attack remained strong, opinions were sharply divided over the continuation of the military campaign. Nearly three-quarters of Jewish respondents—73%—said they supported Israel’s immediate military response following the Hamas attack. However, views on the ongoing war were almost evenly split, with 42% saying the continued military operation is justified and 43% saying it is not.

The poll also highlighted the political makeup of the American Jewish community, which may help explain many of the findings. Fifty-nine percent of respondents identified as Democrats or leaned Democratic, while only 27% identified as Republicans or leaned Republican. Ideologically, 42% described themselves as liberal and 41% as moderate. Additionally, 83% of Jewish respondents said they do not support the MAGA movement associated with President Donald Trump.

{Matzav.com}

For the first time in years, the Stoliner Rebbe will not conduct the traditional yahrtzeit tish marking the yahrtzeit of Rav Shlomo of Karlin zt”l, a longstanding annual gathering that has become a central event for Karlin-Stolin chassidim.

The yahrtzeit, observed on the eve of 22 Tammuz, commemorates Rav Shlomo of Karlin, one of the towering figures of early Chassidus, who was murdered by a Russian Cossack in 1792. In Chassidic tradition, Rav Shlomo is often associated with Moshiach ben Yosef, based on a longstanding tradition that he was killed by a non-Jew named Armilus, paralleling descriptions connected to Moshiach ben Yosef.

Each year, the Stoliner Rebbe leads a large yahrtzeit tish in Givat Ze’ev attended by hundreds of chassidim. According to the custom observed in Karlin-Stolin, the Rebbe recites a Shehecheyanu over a new fruit during the tish, even though the yahrtzeit falls during the Three Weeks, when it is customary to refrain from reciting Shehecheyanu on weekdays. In recent years, the fruit traditionally used for the brocha has been a lychee.

This year, however, Karlin-Stoliner chassidim were surprised to learn that the annual gathering would not take place. Notices posted in the chassidus’ batei medrash throughout Eretz Yisroel informed chassidim that they should hold their yahrtzeit seudos locally, rather than travel to the customary central tish.

According to sources, the Stoliner Rebbe departed for Europe on Tuesday morning. While there has been no official confirmation, it is believed that the Rebbe intends to visit the kever of Rav Shlomo in Ludmir, Ukraine, on the day of the yahrtzeit—a visit that, if it takes place, would reportedly mark the first time he has done so.

No official announcement has been made regarding the trip. The Stoliner Rebbe is known for traveling with exceptional modesty, often flying without attendants, aides, or public notice.

{Matzav.com}

An unusual scene unfolded Wednesday in Israel’s Supreme Court when Michael Fuah, chairman of the “Choosing Family” organization, appeared before the justices wearing tefillin during a hearing on his organization’s petition concerning posthumous sperm extraction.

Justice Noam Solberg took note of Fuah’s appearance, observing that it is “not a routine occurrence” for petitioners to appear before the court wearing tefillin. Fuah explained that two months earlier he had accepted upon himself the practice of wearing tefillin throughout the day.

Justice Solberg responded that the practice was noteworthy, pointing out that wearing tefillin all day requires a person to maintain an atmosphere of holiness. Fuah replied that only engaging in frivolous or inappropriate activities would interfere with the mitzvah.

Chief Justice Yitzchok Amit also commented on the uncommon sight, calling the practice “very unusual” and adding that he was pleased Fuah regarded the Supreme Court as a holy place.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s aviation industry is making a remarkable comeback, with Ben Gurion Airport on track to record one of the busiest months in its history. According to the Israel Airports Authority, passenger traffic is expected to approach 100,000 travelers in a single day by the end of July, reflecting a rapid recovery following Operation Rising Lion.

Figures released on Wednesday show that approximately 85,500 passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday, July 9, aboard roughly 520 arriving and departing flights. Airport officials say those numbers are only a preview of even heavier travel expected later this month.

Beginning Sunday, July 12, daily passenger traffic is projected to exceed 80,000 travelers on every weekday throughout the remainder of the month. An interim high is expected on Thursday, July 16, when about 91,000 passengers are scheduled to travel through the airport.

The busiest day of the month is forecast for Thursday, July 30, when approximately 94,000 passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport on around 560 flight movements. The figure comes close to the 100,000-passenger mark and represents the airport’s busiest day since Operation Rising Lion.

Another particularly busy travel day is expected on Sunday, July 26, when roughly 90,000 passengers are forecast to use the airport.

Overall, approximately 2.3 million passengers are expected to travel through Ben Gurion Airport during July, representing a 25 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The Airports Authority said the figures reflect renewed confidence among both Israeli travelers and international airlines operating in Israel.

The sharp recovery has been fueled by the return of numerous foreign airlines and the reopening of Terminal 1 for international flights. In recent months, the terminal had been operating on a limited basis, with many flights redirected to Terminal 3.

In anticipation of the heavy summer travel season, the Israel Airports Authority issued several recommendations for passengers:

• Arrive at the airport three hours before departure.
• Complete online check-in through your airline before arriving.
• Verify in advance which terminal your flight departs from and its scheduled departure time.
• Use the airport’s self-service kiosks to tag and check baggage.
• Travelers who have already checked in and are flying with carry-on luggage only are encouraged to use the airport’s W fast-track complex for quicker processing.
• Whenever possible, use public transportation to reach the airport.

The Airports Authority also recently opened a designated waiting lot that offers one hour of free parking for drivers picking up arriving passengers. The initiative is intended to reduce congestion around the terminal and discourage illegal roadside stopping.

Airport officials say the strong passenger numbers point to a full return to normal operations for Israel’s aviation sector. During the height of the recent security situation, the airport operated on a limited schedule, with flights provided primarily by Israel’s domestic carriers—El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa.

With international airlines now returning in force, the record-breaking passenger forecasts for July signal renewed confidence in air travel to and from Israel, as Israelis once again head abroad in large numbers during the peak summer vacation season.

{Matzav.com}

A matzeivah has been erected at the kever of the mekubal, Rav Amos Guetta zt”l, following the conclusion of the shivah after his tragic murder. Hundreds of talmidim, admirers, and community members gathered at the cemetery in Netanya for the dedication ceremony, while preparations are already underway for an ambitious project that will transform the site into a major center of tefillah and Torah.

As Netanya continues to mourn the loss of Rav Amos Guetta zt”l—a figure renowned for his extraordinary avodas Hashem and known for not sleeping in a bed for nearly 40 years—hundreds visited his kever at the Veterans Cemetery immediately after the shivah concluded. The gathering included the formal unveiling of the matzeivah, accompanied by heartfelt tefillos, Selichos, and the sounding of shofaros.

The inscription on the matzeivah reads: “Here rests Rabban Shel Kol Bnei HaGolah, the father and savior of Yisroel, who endured great suffering, Rosh Yeshiva of ‘Rav Chai Taieb Lo Mes,’ the holy mekubal Rabbeinu Amos Kamos Guetta ztz”l, son of Rabbi Avraham and Fortuna a”h. A lover of Hashem, a lover of Torah, a lover of Yisroel, who drew hearts close to our Father in Heaven with self-sacrifice. He was taken from this world on the 16th of Tammuz 5786. May his soul be bound in the bond of eternal life. His soul shall dwell in goodness, and his descendants shall inherit the land.”

Images from the site show that the kever has already become a major destination, with crowds arriving throughout the day and night to daven. To accommodate the growing number of visitors, organizers have installed lighting, tents, and refreshment stations, providing food and drinks around the clock.

Throughout the shivah, Rav Guetta’s yeshivah in Netanya hosted continuous hespeidim and inspirational gatherings attended by many rabbanim. Those who participated included the Sephardic Chief Rabbi, Rav Dovid Yosef; the Yenuka; Rav Benyahu Shmueli; the mekubal Rav Yaakov Ades; Rav Chaim Yosef Abergel; as well as Rav Yaakov Cohen, Rav Yosef Delouya, Rav Avraham Amrami, and many other rabbanim and marbitzei Torah.

A source at the yeshivah said the gatherings of chizuk and spiritual inspiration will continue long after the shivah. In the coming weeks, the institution plans to host a full schedule of shiurim delivered by prominent rabbanim from morning until night, modeled after the renowned Musayoff bais medrash in Yerushalayim.

Matzav.com has also learned that plans are in their final stages for a major expansion of the site. According to the proposal, a large bais tefillah will be constructed above the kever, alongside a spacious bais medrash, a public mikveh, and a kollel for avreichim, creating a permanent center for Torah, tefillah, and spiritual growth.

{Matzav.com}

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a striking assertion this week, claiming that Ukraine has video documentation for every Russian soldier it kills, wounds, or captures on the battlefield. Speaking at a NATO defense forum in Turkey, Zelensky said Ukrainian forces are inflicting roughly 30,000 Russian casualties each month, with drones accounting for the overwhelming majority of those losses.

Addressing the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Defence Industry Forum in Ankara on Tuesday, Zelensky said Ukraine is currently “eliminating” approximately 30,000 Russian troops every month and has visual evidence confirming every casualty. His comments highlight how dramatically modern warfare has evolved, with tiny digital cameras now integrated into nearly every aspect of combat—from helmet-mounted and rifle-mounted cameras carried by infantry to the countless first-person-view drones dominating the battlefield. As a result, today’s conflicts generate an unprecedented volume of recorded footage, with traditional artillery among the few weapons not routinely producing visual documentation.

Zelensky’s estimate of Russian losses aligns with a recent assessment released by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Earlier this month, the think tank concluded that “Russia’s monthly casualty rates of over 30,000 per month in 2026Russia’s monthly casualty rates of over 30,000 per month in 2026.” According to the report, the staggering pace of soldiers killed, wounded, or missing has driven the overall toll of Russia’s invasion to roughly two million casualties, including an estimated 1.4 million Russians and about 600,000 Ukrainians.

Seeking to emphasize that his remarks were not intended as a celebration of battlefield success, Zelensky said the figures instead reflect the grim reality of a war Russia chose to launch. He told the forum: “… in Ukraine as we defend our positions on the frontline, and do so in a fully justified war of self-defense, we are now eliminating around 30,000 Russian soldiers every month… and we have video confirmation for every single one of them. The overwhelming majority were struck by drones. And frankly we take no pride in this. We are saying it to show what modern war looks like, not a war we started, but one we are forced to fight.”

If the casualty estimates are accurate, Russia could face increasing pressure to sustain its military campaign, as battlefield losses may now be exceeding the country’s ability to replenish its forces. The CSIS report estimates that Russia is recruiting roughly 27,000 new soldiers each month—slightly fewer than the number reportedly becoming casualties. Supporting Ukraine’s broader claims about the changing nature of combat, the report added: “According to some estimates, over 90 percent of Russian casualties are from drone attacks rather than a result of human-to-human engagements. Casualty rates are extremely high for soldiers that enter the kill zone.”

{Matzav.com}

A newly released study from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas lends support to Vice President JD Vance’s longstanding argument that the surge of illegal immigration under the Biden administration contributed to rising home prices and rents across the United States.

Vance has repeatedly argued that the arrival of millions of illegal immigrants increased competition for a limited housing supply, placing additional financial pressure on American families seeking to buy or rent homes. During his debate with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Vance said that 25 million illegal aliens were “competing with Americans for scarce homes is one of the most significant drivers of home prices in the country.”

He made a similar point during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, saying that many young Americans believe “housing is way too expensive,” while arguing that the nation had been “flooded with 30 million illegal immigrants who are taking houses that ought by right go to American citizens” at a time when home construction has failed to keep pace with demand.

According to Fox Business, a recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas examined how the influx of illegal immigrants “between 2021 and 2024 affected local labor and hosing markets.”

The researchers concluded that illegal immigration played a significant role in both employment growth and rising housing costs. They estimated that “unauthorized immigrant worker flows accounted for about 30 percent of employment growth, roughly 30 percent of home-price growth, and about 20 percent of rent growth”:

“A 1 percent increase in unauthorized workers relative to a local labor force corresponded with roughly a 1 percent increase in overall employment, with no evidence the immigration surge reduced average wages. The same 1 percent increase, however, was associated with a roughly 2.2 percent rise in home prices and a 1.4 percent increase in rents. Researchers found little evidence that homebuilding expanded enough to meet the added demand, concluding the influx acted as a housing demand shock in markets where supply was already constrained.

“The economists estimate unauthorized immigrant worker flows accounted for about 30 percent of employment growth, roughly 30 percent of home-price growth, and about 20 percent of rent growth in the average metropolitan area between March 2021 and March 2024.”

Vance’s assertions have previously been challenged by several major news organizations, which argued that his claims overstated the role of illegal immigration in driving housing costs.

In October 2024, CBS News reported that although Vance “posted some studies and speeches on social media to back up his claim” that millions of illegal immigrants were competing with Americans for housing, the Federal Reserve material he cited amounted to a “short prepared speech by a Fed official who had pointed out that the ‘inflow of new immigrants to some geographic areas could result in upward pressure on rents.’”

CBS also maintained that “the causes behind skyrocketing housing costs stem” primarily from broader market conditions, including “a longstanding lack of new construction in the decade that followed the U.S. housing crash in 2007”:

“The causes behind skyrocketing housing costs stem chiefly from larger issues in the real estate market. The biggest factor: a longstanding lack of new construction in the decade that followed the U.S. housing crash in 2007, along with the ensuing global financial crisis.”

The New York Times likewise questioned Vance’s argument, writing that although “millions of illegal immigrants” have contributed to increased housing demand through population growth, economists believe the primary cause of the affordability crisis remains an inadequate housing supply.

Responding to the new Federal Reserve findings, a spokesperson for Vance sharply criticized previous media coverage.

“Once again, the useless attempts to fact-check the Vice President have proven that the mainstream media is nothing more than a propaganda arm for the Left,” the spokesperson said in a statement to Breitbart News. “While the media tries to gaslight the public into ignoring the real impact left-wing policies have had on their lives, the Trump administration is working to ensure that Americans can afford to own homes on American soil.”

{Matzav.com}

A rare and historic chalitzah ceremony was held this week under the auspices of the Bais Din of the Machzikei Hadas community in Antwerp, Belgium, drawing rabbanim, talmidei chachamim, and hundreds of local residents who gathered to witness the uncommon event.

The ceremony marked the first chalitzah conducted in Antwerp in nearly four decades. The previous ceremony took place approximately 40 years ago at the Moriah bais medrash, where it was presided over by Rav Dovid Moshe Lieberman, zt”l, Av Bais Din of Shomrei Hadas.

The current ceremony was held in a large hall to accommodate the hundreds of Torah scholars and members of the community in attendance. Among those present were Antwerp’s chief rabbi, Rav Aharon Schiff; the dayanim Rav Amram Hennig, Rav Zeikel Pollak, and Rav Eliezer Shimon Eckstein; and the witnesses, Rav Asher Sternbuch and Rav Shalom Grinfeld.

At the request of Rav Aharon Schiff, the city’s Av Bais Din, Rav Aharon Dovid Donner, Raavad of London, traveled especially to Antwerp to preside over and conduct the chalitzah ceremony. According to halachah, one who has never personally conducted a chalitzah should not oversee the procedure lechatchilah.

The day before the ceremony, members of the Bais Din, following longstanding halachic tradition, visited the site to determine the precise location where the ceremony would take place. Rav Donner arrived accompanied by his close associate, Rabbi Strah, from England, along with Rav Elimelech Schwartz of Tshaba.

At the appointed hour, the assembled crowd gathered for the solemn occasion. A palpable sense of awe filled the room as the Bais Din distributed special booklets containing the Seder Hachalitzah of the Maharam, a disciple of the Rema, to all those in attendance.

Preparations for the ceremony required extensive planning and careful attention to detail. Rav Donner, who has previously presided over several chalitzah ceremonies, brought with him from England, together with Rav Elimelech Schwartz, the specially crafted leather chalitzah shoe prepared in accordance with all the requirements of halachah.

In keeping with Jewish law, the dayanim fitted the special shoe onto the foot of the yavam, an avreich who had traveled from France. The widow then removed the shoe, recited the prescribed Yehi Ratzon prayer, and spat onto the ground before him, as required by the Torah. The entire congregation then proclaimed three times in a loud voice: “Chalutz hana’al! Chalutz hana’al! Chalutz hana’al!” (“The one whose shoe has been removed!”)

At the conclusion of the moving ceremony, those in attendance quietly offered a heartfelt prayer: “Yehi ratzon that no daughters of Israel should ever again require either chalitzah or yibum. Amein.”

{Matzav.com}

By Jonathan Pollard

President Donald Trump’s decision to lift U.S. defense sanctions on Turkey is not just another diplomatic misstep.

It is a direct betrayal of Israel, the Jewish people, and America’s long-standing policy to preserve Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge.

Trump announced that Washington would lift sanctions imposed on Turkey over Ankara’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile system, a move that could reopen the door to Turkey acquiring F-35 stealth fighters.

That is the same Turkey led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan — a man who has repeatedly attacked Israel politically, aligned himself with Islamist causes, and positioned Ankara as a rival power in the Middle East.

This is not how a faithful ally behaves.

This is not how a president who claims to support Israel behaves.

This is how a president rewards a NATO member like Turkey that refused to stand with the United States when it mattered most.

Trump has spent years castigating European NATO countries for failing to support America, failing to spend enough on defense, and failing to stand shoulder to shoulder with Washington.

Yet Turkey is also a NATO member.

During the recent U.S.-Iran conflict, Turkey did not help the United States.

It did not allow its air, land, or sea assets to be used for operations.

Erdogan thumbed his nose at Trump and stated that Ankara would not permit its territory or airspace to be used in a war to which Turkey was not a party.

Even worse, Trump himself publicly claimed that Erdogan was “a prime candidate” to enter the war with Iran — “maybe on the Iran side” — because, as Trump put it, Erdogan is “not a big fan of Israel.”

Trump said he personally asked Erdogan to stay out of the conflict.

Think about that.

The president of the United States is now rewarding a NATO ally that, by Trump’s own telling, might have entered the war on the side of Iran.

Now, the “reward” for such disloyalty may be access to the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world—after Erdogan flouted NATO by buying Russia’s advanced weaponry.

That is madness.

Turkey declined to support U.S. military operations against Iran, prioritized preventing Kurdish gains over confronting Tehran, and, according to Trump’s own public statements, was a potential participant on Iran’s side before deciding to stay out.

Iran has a significant Kurdish population in its north.

Had the Kurds risen up in the days after February 28, the regime’s grip on the country may well have collapsed.

But Turkey’s actions scuttled U.S. and Israeli plans for such a revolt.

Ankara’s overriding concern was clear: Turkey feared any policy that might strengthen Kurdish forces more than it feared Iran.

For Israel, the danger is obvious. The F-35 is not just another aircraft. It is a strategic platform.

Israel’s possession of the F-35 helps preserve its military superiority against hostile states and non-state enemies.

Allowing Erdogan’s Turkey to move toward that same capability erodes Israel’s edge and signals that Washington’s promises are negotiable.

This is only the latest in a series of Trump decisions that have damaged Israel’s strategic position.

He imposed premature ceasefires that preserved Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s military infrastructure.

He walked away from Yemen, leaving Israel exposed to the Houthis.

He negotiated understandings with Tehran that, in my view, failed to destroy Iran’s missile production, failed to dismantle its regional proxies, and failed to end the threat to Israel.

Today he is embracing Erdogan, a man who has called Israel a “terrorist state,” claimed its leaders are Nazis engaging in genocide, and threatened to militarily attack it.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should not endorse Trump’s embrace of Erdogan with a smiling White House visit.

If he goes to Washington after this decision, he risks looking weak.

Israel needs an Israel First doctrine. That means recognizing that no foreign leader — not even an American president — can be trusted to place Jewish survival above political convenience.

It means Israel must reserve full freedom of action against Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas and every enemy that seeks Jewish destruction.

Some of the measures I have advocated are serious because the threats Israel faces are severe.

Iran’s regime, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other enemies do not seek compromise. They seek annihilation.

These very same groups also seek to destroy the U.S.

A self-respecting Jewish government must respond not with pleading, but with deterrence, sovereignty and force.

Trump’s defenders will say this is diplomacy.

They will say Turkey is too important to alienate. They will say Erdogan can be managed.

We have heard all of this before. The Jewish people have paid the price too many times for trusting foreign assurances.

The truth is simpler: Trump is rewarding Erdogan despite Turkey’s refusal to help America against Iran and despite Trump’s own admission that Turkey may have leaned toward Iran.

He is doing so while pressuring Israel to accept ceasefires, restraint and humiliation.

That is not friendship. That is betrayal.

Israel must now judge Trump by his actions, not his speeches.

And his actions in Ankara tell us everything we need to know.

Jonathan Pollard is an Israeli citizen, co-president of the Israeli First Movement, and adviser to several technology start-up businesses.

This article first appeared at Newsmax. 

Nearly eight decades after he was killed during Israel’s War of Independence, the final resting place of Pvt. Yaakov Zrihan has been identified following a painstaking 15-year investigation, bringing long-awaited closure to his family.

Investigators concluded that Zrihan was laid to rest in a mass grave at the Harel Brigade military cemetery in Kibbutz Kiryat Anavim, alongside other IDF soldiers who were killed during Operation Harel.

The IDF announced that “Private Yaakov Zrihan fell in a supply convoy to the besieged Jerusalem during Operation Harel in 1948, and his place of burial was unknown. After an intense investigation led by the IDF Casualties Department’s Missing Persons Branch, which took 15 years, his place of burial was located.”

Zrihan immigrated to Israel from Casablanca, Morocco, in December 1947 aboard the Haportzim illegal immigration ship as part of the Habonim movement. After arriving, he underwent training at Kibbutz Ramat Hakovesh as part of the “Hasna” program, whose participants were expected to settle in Kibbutz Bror Chayil. On April 12, 1948, he enlisted in the Transportation Service and became an operational driver in the Etzioni Brigade. Just days later, during Operation Harel, he joined a convoy of approximately 300 vehicles transporting supplies to the besieged city of Jerusalem. On April 20, 1948, fierce fighting erupted in the Shaar Haguy area, where Zrihan and 13 fellow convoy members were killed. He was buried two days later in the cemetery at Kiryat Anavim.

The breakthrough came after years of investigative work aimed at uncovering Zrihan’s fate. In 2024, the IDF assembled a dedicated investigative team that examined historical archives, interviewed witnesses, carried out sophisticated soil testing, and conducted archaeological surveys at the site. By piecing together evidence from multiple sources, investigators were ultimately able to determine the precise location of his burial in the Harel Brigade military cemetery.

On Tuesday evening, members of Zrihan’s family, including his sisters, were officially informed that the investigation had reached its conclusion and that the decades-old mystery had finally been resolved. Brig. Gen. Edna Eliya, head of the IDF Personnel Directorate’s Casualties Division, personally delivered the news.

In the coming weeks, 78 years after Zrihan fell in battle, the IDF will hold a state military ceremony at the Kiryat Anavim military cemetery, where a memorial marker bearing his name will be placed at his grave.

Reflecting on the completion of the investigation, Brig. Gen. Eliya said, “Following a comprehensive investigation, today we were able to bring an emotional sense of closure. We informed the family of Yaakov Zrihan, of blessed memory, of the investigation’s findings and the location of their loved one, who fell in battle 78 years ago. It is a privilege for us to continue acting out of a deep moral commitment to bring comfort and to accompany bereaved families.”

Yvonne Cohen, Zrihan’s sister, expressed the family’s emotions upon learning the news. “For me, finding my brother’s burial place means everything. I will call my sons so that, for the first time, they will be able to recite Kaddish at his grave.”

{Matzav.com}

Tensions between the chareidi parties and the Likud intensified on Wednesday after Degel HaTorah informed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that it would oppose any changes to the agreed-upon wording of the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study.

Party officials said their position follows explicit instructions from senior gedolim, who insist that the commitments made by the government be honored in full and that the agreement reached in recent weeks not be reopened for negotiation.

The dispute stems from a meeting held approximately two weeks ago between Netanyahu, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, and Degel HaTorah chairman Moshe Gafni, during which the prime minister reportedly committed to advancing the Basic Law. However, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz has since sought to introduce changes to the bill’s language.

Slabodka Rosh Yeshiva Rav Dov Landau sharply criticized the reported attempt to alter the agreement.

“They won’t even honor this agreement?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz reportedly expressed frustration with the chareidi parties, saying they did not notify him in advance of their opposition to the proposed revisions or their intention to reject any changes to the legislation. Katz also announced that the Likud plans to submit formal reservations to the bill.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday to immediately suspend all U.S. trade with Spain, sharply criticizing the country for what he described as its failure to meet NATO obligations and accusing Madrid of being an unreliable ally.

Trump announced the move during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the alliance’s summit in Ankara, Turkey. For years, Trump has made strengthening NATO’s military readiness a central objective, repeatedly pressing member nations to increase defense spending and restore the alliance’s ability to deter aggression.

In addition to declaring that the ceasefire arrangement with Iran had effectively collapsed because of Tehran’s conduct under the Memorandum of Understanding and criticizing Denmark over Iceland, Trump turned his attention to Spain, portraying it as one of NATO’s weakest contributors. He argued that the country’s socialist-led government had failed to adapt to the alliance’s new security priorities and remained unwilling to make meaningful defense investments.

Trump pointed to Spain’s continued refusal to embrace NATO’s new defense spending target of 5 percent of gross domestic product, instead insisting on adhering to the alliance’s former 2 percent benchmark. He also faulted Spain for declining to assist the United States during its confrontation with Iran. Turning from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was seated beside him, Trump instructed, “we don’t have to trade with them, I don’t want to do any more trade with them… take it immediately, don’t even talk to them. They’re hopeless, bad people.”

Bessent responded simply, “yes sir,” prompting Trump to predict that Spain would eventually reverse course, saying he believed the country would “come running back.”

Explaining his decision, Trump argued that Spain has consistently failed to fulfill its responsibilities within the alliance. “Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don’t participate, they don’t pay… they’re open about it, they’re hostile”. He also claimed that Spanish officials had treated NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte “terribly.”

It remains unclear exactly how an American suspension of trade with Spain would be implemented. Trump has previously threatened economic measures against Madrid over defense spending, while European officials quickly dismissed the proposal, arguing that Washington lacks the authority to impose such restrictions and warning that any attempt to do so would also harm the United States.

A spokesman for the European Union urged Washington to “honour its commitments,” while Spanish officials maintained that, as a member of the European Union’s Single Market, Spain could not be singled out for an embargo. They also emphasized that they have “no intention” of changing anything about their relationship with the United States.

Spanish officials further argued that trade between the two countries benefits both sides, stating: “…the US has a trade surplus with Spain (meaning it benefits more from this relationship than we do)… the bilateral relationship between the US and Spain is beneficial for both countries”.

Although the United States exports more goods to Spain than it imports, that trade balance is influenced heavily by Spain’s growing purchases of American liquefied natural gas. Over the past year alone, Spain significantly increased its imports of U.S. LNG, with the United States now supplying roughly one-third of the country’s natural gas.

The article noted that Spain’s dependence on imported American energy has become more significant in light of recent concerns over the country’s energy infrastructure, including a widespread power outage that began in Spain and disrupted electricity service across a large section of Europe.

{Matzav.com}

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a nationwide initiative Tuesday urging hospitals to eliminate ultra-processed foods from their menus, expanding President Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda by promoting better nutrition as a key component of patient care.

The new Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge asks hospitals to voluntarily replace heavily processed meals with more nutritious options that follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Administration officials say the effort is intended to improve patient recovery and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses through healthier eating.

“Patients recovering from serious medical conditions deserve better than ultra-processed and deep-fried junk foods,” Kennedy said in a statement. “President Trump has directed HHS to put real food at the center of American health.

“Today, we’re challenging hospitals across the country to lead by example by serving nutritious, minimally processed meals that help patients heal, reduce chronic disease, and help Make America Healthy Again.”

Under the voluntary pledge, hospitals are encouraged to reduce offerings of ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages, and processed meats while increasing the availability of whole grains, minimally processed proteins, and meals prepared using healthier methods such as baking, broiling, roasting, grilling, and stir-frying instead of deep frying.

The announcement represents the latest phase of Kennedy’s broader effort to reshape federal nutrition policy since assuming leadership of HHS. The department said improving the quality of hospital food can aid recovery while reinforcing the importance of nutrition in preventing disease.

As part of the campaign, HHS introduced a new nutrition-focused webpage that will serve as the central resource for Kennedy’s food and nutrition initiatives. The site includes the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, educational materials aimed at expanding nutrition training in medical schools, information about the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, and details on the department’s upcoming program, “The Real Food Show.”

The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said hospitals should recognize nutrition as a fundamental element of quality medical care.

“When it comes to managing chronic disease, reducing co-morbidities like obesity, and shortening recovery times, a healthy diet can make all the difference,” Oz said in a statement. “I’m grateful to President Trump for his leadership in putting nutrition and prevention at the center of America’s health agenda.”

Oz added that hospitals should “nourish patients with the same commitment they bring to every other aspect of care.”

“That’s why we’re challenging hospitals to limit ultra-processed foods, feature nutritious meals that promote healing, and lead the way in delivering prevention-first, whole-person care,” he said.

The new campaign also builds on guidance issued by Oz in March reminding hospitals that Medicare regulations require facilities to meet the individual nutritional needs of every patient. CMS said hospital meals should be consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

{Matzav.com}