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The ongoing battle over the draft law, the status of bnei yeshivah, and government funding for Torah institutions spilled into the corridors of the Knesset on Tuesday, as a tense confrontation erupted involving Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and senior chareidi lawmakers.

According to political commentator Michael Shemesh, an unusual incident unfolded when Baharav-Miara was making her way through the Knesset accompanied by security personnel.

In an apparent effort to avoid unnecessary confrontations and allow her to leave the area quickly, members of the Knesset Guard reportedly opened a side exit that is ordinarily closed to the public.

The move drew an immediate reaction from MKs of Degel HaTorah who were present at the scene and who have been among the attorney general’s fiercest critics amid ongoing disputes over issues affecting the Torah world.

According to the report, MK Yitzchak Pindrus noticed the unusual arrangement and shouted toward Knesset security personnel, questioning the decision.

“Who gave her permission to leave through there?” Pindrus reportedly called out.

Moments later, Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni joined in with a sharply sarcastic remark reflecting the growing hostility between chareidi political leaders and the attorney general.

“Be grateful,” Gafni reportedly said. “Earlier they brought her through my office, but don’t worry — we washed the place after she passed through.”

The exchange comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between chareidi parties and Baharav-Miara over a range of issues, including the draft status of yeshivah students, legal challenges involving Torah institutions, and broader disputes between the government and the attorney general’s office.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF and Israel Security Agency (ISA) announced that a joint operation carried out in northern Gaza last Sunday successfully eliminated two senior Hamas operatives who played central roles in the terrorist group’s financial infrastructure.

According to Israeli officials, the strike targeted Khader Jamasi, who oversaw Hamas’ money-transfer apparatus, along with his deputy, Muhammad Harazin. Both men were deeply involved in managing and distributing funds on behalf of Hamas throughout the Gaza Strip.

Israeli intelligence assessments indicate that during the course of the war, the pair facilitated the movement of tens of millions of dollars to Hamas’ military wing through an extensive network of currency exchange businesses operating across Gaza.

The transferred funds were used to sustain Hamas’ terrorist activities, including paying operatives, maintaining the organization’s military capabilities, and financing attacks against both IDF personnel and Israeli civilians.

The two operatives are the latest members of Hamas’ financial leadership to be eliminated. Over the past year, Israeli forces have also targeted and killed other key figures involved in the organization’s monetary operations, including senior operatives Firas Mashharawi and Ihab Khrizim.

Following the operation, the IDF emphasized that measures were taken to reduce the possibility of civilian casualties during the strike.

“Prior to the strike, steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.”

The military also stressed that Israeli forces remain positioned in the area under the terms of the ceasefire arrangement and will continue responding to security threats as necessary.

“IDF troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat.”

{Matzav.com}

Tensions are rising ahead of anticipated demonstrations by Peleg Yerushalmi supporters, as organizers prepare for renewed protests surrounding the military trial of yeshivah bochur Dovid Petrov, the son of Rav Eliezer Petrov, rosh yeshivah of Maalos HaTorah and a prominent figure within the movement.

As preparations intensify, an audio message distributed through the movement’s emergency hotlines reveals unusual concern among organizers and includes a series of strict instructions aimed at maintaining control of the demonstrations.

A central theme of the message is a forceful effort to distance the movement from last week’s incident in which protesters blocked railway tracks near the Ganot Junction area.

In the recording, organizers stress that entering the tracks was not an organized action and warn participants in the strongest possible terms against repeating such behavior.

“Anyone who thinks it is permissible to go down and block Israel Railways tracks should know that this is certain death. Under no circumstances should anyone go onto the tracks.”

Organizers also reportedly instructed participants not to film or circulate footage of similar incidents, expressing concern that such material could cause significant damage to the protest movement.

The emergency directives come amid heightened scrutiny following several controversial incidents in recent weeks, including the break-in at the home of Deputy Supreme Court President Justice Noam Sohlberg, which drew widespread condemnation, including from chareidi political leaders.

‘Golden Rules’ for Demonstrators

Beyond the warning regarding railway tracks, organizers distributed what they described as a series of “golden rules” for those planning to participate in upcoming protests.

Participants were instructed not to attend demonstrations alone and instead to arrive in organized groups.

The guidelines also urged protesters to avoid confrontations or provocations involving police officers or civilians and encouraged participants to carry recording devices and cameras.

“Our strength is in our unity,” organizers declared in the concluding message, while emphasizing that demonstrators should follow only the directives issued by the Vaad LeHatzalas Olam HaTorah.

The instructions appear aimed at preserving discipline within the demonstrations and preventing incidents that could escalate into uncontrolled violence while police closely monitor developments.

In recent weeks, Peleg Yerushalmi supporters have held a series of protests over the arrest and imprisonment of yeshivah students in military facilities. Demonstrations have included gatherings outside Prison 10 and protests at major intersections across the country, some of which ended in clashes with security forces.

Focus Turns to Petrov Trial

The immediate catalyst for the expected demonstrations is Wednesday’s military court hearing involving Dovid Petrov, who is facing proceedings on charges related to draft evasion.

Many observers view the case as another flashpoint in the ongoing tensions between the Torah world and the defense establishment, raising concerns that additional protests could follow the court’s decision.

Several high-profile incidents have already occurred in recent days. Authorities arrested three suspects in connection with a break-in at a police station in Beit Shemesh, while a chareidi avreich was recently detained at the Tunnels Checkpoint on suspicion of involvement in demonstrations outside Justice Sohlberg’s home.

Police officials have repeatedly stated that they will not tolerate attacks on state institutions or symbols of government authority.

At the same time, leaders of the Vaad LeHatzalas Olam HaTorah have made clear that the protest campaign will continue until what they describe as the persecution of lomdei Torah comes to an end.

Nevertheless, the unusually detailed instructions issued to demonstrators suggest that organizers are increasingly concerned that uncontrolled incidents could undermine the broader protest effort.

With police on heightened alert and the Petrov ruling expected Wednesday, attention is now focused on whether the coming days will bring a wider wave of demonstrations or a more restrained and carefully managed response.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump signaled Wednesday that additional American military action against Iran could be imminent, warning that Tehran will “have to pay the price” for what he described as prolonged delays in reaching a peace agreement.

During a phone conversation with Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump said he is “getting close to ordering new strikes against Iranian power plants and bridges,” indicating that critical infrastructure could soon become a target.

The president also accused Iran of failing to negotiate in good faith, alleging during the call that the regime was “tapping the United States along when it comes to the negotiating process.”

The remarks came shortly after Trump issued a forceful message on Truth Social, where he vowed retaliation following Monday’s downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.

“They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!!” Trump wrote in a thunderous post Wednesday morning, after stating that the country’s military infrastructure and leadership were in disarray.

He continued by portraying Iran’s armed forces as severely weakened.

“Iran’s Military is a complete and total mess. Much of it, like their Navy and Air Force, doesn’t even exist anymore – They have been completely defeated. Iran is all talk and no action. The Bully of the Middle East is DEAD!!! ” he added.

Trump also shared additional details from the dramatic helicopter incident, describing the survival of the two Apache pilots as a “miracle.”

According to the president, an Iranian drone struck the helicopter and became wedged between the two aviators. Although the drone ignited, it did not detonate.

Repeating Trump’s account, Yingst said, “And these pilots very quickly, within seconds, because they’re flying very low, take the helicopter down into the sea,” Yingst explained, recalling what the president told him.

In what officials described as a first for the U.S. military, the pilots were reportedly recovered roughly two hours later by an unmanned maritime drone, according to U.S. Central Command.

The helicopter’s destruction prompted a swift American military response. On Tuesday evening, U.S. forces launched what officials called “self-defense strikes” against Iranian targets.

According to Fox News, Trump said he authorized overnight attacks aimed at airfields, radar installations, and air-defense systems that Iran had attempted to restore during the recent ceasefire period.

The network reported that U.S. forces “took out about 55% of what they [Iran] were even able to rebuild,” the outlet said, citing Trump.

Iran responded Wednesday by launching drones and missiles at military installations in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, broadening the regional confrontation.

Despite the escalating exchanges, Trump had maintained until Wednesday that diplomacy remained possible, saying negotiations with Tehran were in their “final throes” and that an agreement could potentially be reached within “two to three days.”

Iran, meanwhile, appealed to neighboring Gulf states to help halt the American and Israeli military campaign, warning that further attacks could follow if they failed to act.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry argued that regional governments bear responsibility for preventing their territory from being used in operations against the Islamic Republic.

According to CBS News, Iranian officials said those countries have a “legal and moral responsibility … to prevent the US military and Israel from using their territory or facilities to plan, organize, execute or support hostile actions against Iran.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump disclosed striking new information about the survival of two U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilots who escaped death after an Iranian attack drone became embedded in their aircraft during a mission over hostile territory.

In comments relayed by Fox News on Wednesday, Trump described the incident as nothing short of miraculous. According to the president, an explosive-laden drone struck the helicopter and became lodged between the two pilots while the aircraft was flying at low altitude. Although the helicopter burst into flames, the drone failed to detonate.

“At any moment it could have exploded,” Trey Yingst told the network after speaking with Trump, who called the harrowing incident “a miracle.”

Yingst recounted the president’s description of the ordeal, saying, “And so we’re trying to take down the helicopter with the drone lodged into this gunship without it exploding. There was a lot of heat inside the cockpit of this helicopter, and ultimately these two pilots were able to take it down into the sea,” he said, quoting the president.

Despite the severe damage, the crew successfully ditched the approximately $40 million helicopter in the water, avoiding what could have been a catastrophic explosion.

The rescue that followed marked a historic first for the U.S. military. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the stranded pilots were located and assisted by an unmanned maritime vessel.

The craft, identified as a 24-foot AI-powered Saronic Corsair autonomous surface vessel, located the aviators after they spent roughly two hours in the waters off the coast of Oman.

The robotic boats are capable of carrying payloads of up to 1,000 pounds and can travel at speeds approaching 40 miles per hour.

Military officials said the pilots were eventually transferred to safety, where a rescue helicopter later hoisted them from the vessel and completed the extraction.

Following what Trump described as Iran’s “unjustified” downing of the helicopter, the United States launched a series of retaliatory military operations against Iranian targets, raising tensions and putting pressure on the fragile ceasefire that had been in place for roughly two months.

While emphasizing that Washington was not seeking a broader war, Trump told an ABC News reporter that a response was necessary.

“This is a response to what they did with our helicopter last night, and I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that’s what this one is,” he said.

U.S. Central Command characterized the operation as a defensive action rather than an escalation of the conflict.

“CENTCOM forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a US Army Apache helicopter,” the combatant command said Tuesday.

”The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression,” it added, suggesting that the operation is limited and is not intended to spark a return to daily war with Tehran.

Sources familiar with military planning told The Post that the American strikes are expected to concentrate on facilities and assets near the Strait of Hormuz, including locations believed to be used for launching or storing drones and other weapons systems.

Iran, however, has disputed suggestions that the helicopter was intentionally targeted. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Iranian officials maintained that the aircraft was not “deliberately” shot down.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a central figure in ongoing diplomatic negotiations, indicated that the incident may have been accidental.

{Matzav.com}

A deeply emotional scene unfolded this week in Kibbutz Be’eri as demolition crews razed the final remaining house in the community’s Kerem neighborhood, the longtime home of the Sharabi and Askapa families.

The demolition marked another painful chapter in the ongoing effort to rebuild communities devastated by the October 7 massacre. Heavy machinery moved into the neighborhood on Sunday and brought down the last structure still standing in the area.

Before the Hamas attack, the neighborhood had been a peaceful and vibrant corner of the kibbutz, surrounded by greenery and family life. In the aftermath of the massacre, however, it became a landscape of destruction, with piles of broken concrete, twisted metal, and debris serving as reminders of the devastation left behind.

Among those present was Eli Sharabi, who has become a symbol of resilience and loss in the wake of the tragedy.

On October 7, Sharabi’s wife, Lianne, and their daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were murdered in their home during the Hamas assault. During the same attack, his brother, Yossi Sharabi, was kidnapped and taken to Gaza. After weeks in captivity, Yossi was ultimately murdered by Hamas terrorists.

Standing beside the ruins, Sharabi watched as bulldozers destroyed the last physical remnant of the home where his family had lived. It was a final farewell to the walls that had once held the memories, laughter, and warmth of his loved ones.

Photographer Yarden Rokach documented the emotional moments and later shared a series of powerful images from the demolition.

“On Sunday, they demolished the last house in the Kerem neighborhood of Be’eri — the home of the Sharabi family and the Askapa family. A green paradise that became ruins of broken concrete and dust. Memories filled with light mixed with profound darkness. It was a day when the air ran out of my lungs. And yet, as always, the one who gave all of us strength was the one and only Eli.”

The photographs quickly resonated across Israel, drawing an outpouring of emotion from people throughout the country.

Singer Hanan Ben Ari was among those who reacted to the images.

“Eli, your tears break my heart, and Yarden’s photographs capture these moments in an extraordinary way.”

Many others flooded social media with messages of support, encouragement, and prayer.

Commenters praised Sharabi’s strength and dignity despite the unimaginable losses he has endured, expressing hope that he will find comfort and healing in the years ahead.

Others voiced prayers that, from the ashes of destruction and heartbreak, Sharabi will be able to rebuild his life and experience renewed blessing, while the memory of his wife, daughters, and brother continues to accompany him always.

{Matzav.com}

A growing dispute has erupted between the Bnei Brak municipality and Israel Police over planned road closures surrounding the city during a series of major concerts by singer Omer Adam at nearby Ramat Gan Stadium.

City officials sent an urgent letter Tuesday to the commander of the Dan District Police, demanding that authorities find immediate transportation solutions rather than shutting down key access routes leading to the Soferim neighborhood.

The confrontation comes as tens of thousands of concertgoers are expected to arrive at the stadium each evening over the coming days. According to estimates, roughly 40,000 spectators are anticipated nightly, prompting police to implement extensive traffic-control measures throughout the area.

Under the traffic plan released by police, major roads surrounding the neighborhood will be subject to extensive closures during both the arrival and departure periods of the events.

According to the published guidelines, numerous thoroughfares will be closed between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., with additional restrictions imposed from 10:30 p.m. until midnight as crowds leave the stadium.

Among the roads expected to be affected are the Mivtza Kadesh Bridge, the Raul Wallenberg–Shitrit intersection, portions of Shitrit Street, the Em HaMoshavot corridor, and sections of Maccabim Street in Bnei Brak. Additional closures are planned at the Abuchatzira–Lehi intersection in Bnei Brak and along Ben-Gurion Boulevard in Ramat Gan.

Municipal officials argue that the closures would effectively sever the primary routes leading into the Soferim neighborhood, leaving hundreds of local families with severely limited access to their homes.

Residents have expressed particular frustration because the transportation difficulties come just days after the inauguration of a new bridge that was intended to prevent exactly this type of disruption.

The recently completed bridge, which connects Derech Em HaMoshavot with Rechov Lehi in Bnei Brak, was designed to provide a direct transportation link for the Soferim neighborhood and ease congestion during large events at the stadium.

However, despite the public dedication ceremony and official announcements surrounding the project, the bridge has not yet been opened for regular vehicular traffic due to unresolved issues involving outside agencies.

As a result, residents remain dependent on the older roads that are now scheduled to be closed, adding to growing frustration throughout the neighborhood.

Municipality: ‘We Stand Shoulder to Shoulder With Residents’

Bnei Brak officials issued a forceful statement backing the residents’ complaints and insisting that alternative arrangements must be found.

“The municipality stands shoulder to shoulder with the residents in their justified struggle,” city officials said.

“We are working intensively with all relevant authorities to bring about the full and immediate opening of the new bridge as quickly as possible, and we will not accept road closures that harm the quality of life of Bnei Brak residents and turn them into hostages.”

The dispute highlights the increasing tension between the logistical and security requirements involved in managing a massive public event and the needs of local residents seeking normal access to their homes.

Attention is now focused on whether police and transportation officials will develop an alternative traffic plan that can accommodate the large crowds expected at the concerts while minimizing disruption to residents of the Soferim neighborhood.

{Matzav.com}

By Efraim Mendelson

I’ll get straight to the point. Our neighborhoods have become more dangerous. We are facing a public safety emergency. And no, this isn’t about crime, although that’s worrisome too.

Not long ago, being on the sidewalk didn’t require constant alertness for fast-moving vehicles whizzing by. But times have changed. Today, people of all ages are zooming down sidewalks and streets on electric scooters and bikes, many with little to no experience operating them.

Everyone understands why driving a car has a minimum age requirement and only comes after training, testing, and licensing. This ensures competent drivers, safe roads, and adherence to traffic laws. But when it comes to e-scooters, it’s the wild west. Though sidewalk use is prohibited under New York law, and there are official speed limits, the regulations are weakly enforced. This creates a menace to pedestrians and turns our walkways into danger zones.

Aside from frequently crashing into pedestrians on sidewalks, e-scooters pose other hazards as well. Bumps, potholes, and broken asphalt can all cause loss of control and falls. Even when using designated bike lanes (which are mostly one-way), riders sometimes travel against traffic. This can lead to collisions with pedestrians crossing the street who aren’t expecting bikes or scooters from the wrong direction. Others leave designated areas and weave through traffic, endangering both themselves and motorists. Sadly, many adults ride recklessly as well and also get into accidents, but the risk is greater among children, who are even less prepared to operate these vehicles safely.

Yes, the pressure is real. Your child may beg for that scooter, insisting that all of his or her friends have one. But would you give your toddler a knife or allow them to cross the street alone, even after repeated cries and pleas? This is no different. A parent’s first obligation is safety, which often requires tough love. Also, bear in mind that if a child on an e-scooter injures themselves or someone else (or worse, G-d forbid), the parent who purchased it or permitted its use bears the ultimate moral responsibility.

If your child already has one, you need to ask yourself some tough questions about their safety and your role in it. If you’re an adult who rides on sidewalks or disregards designated lanes and traffic rules, you need to take a hard look in the mirror. Pikuach nefesh comes before the entire Torah. Repeatedly jeopardizing one’s life and the lives of others, or allowing a child to do so, can lead to devastating consequences, and calls into question one’s entire frumkeit.

Don’t wait for a tragedy to start taking responsibility. Act now, before an accident leads to a lifetime of regret!

———- Practical suggestion:
You may wish to avoid using a bike or scooter in the article’s header image so that the title encourages curiosity without giving the whole thing away immediately. Seeing a picture of a scooter may lead some riders to skip the article outright before even starting to read. Instead, you may wish to use an image of a more general “caution” or “danger” sign on a sidewalk. {Matzav.com}

The chairman of Israel’s Central Elections Committee, Deputy Supreme Court President Justice Noam Sohlberg, ruled Tuesday that a campaign video featuring Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu may no longer be distributed, finding that it improperly used a state-owned facility for political purposes.

The decision came after the committee accepted a petition filed by the organization Lawyers for Good Governance, which challenged the use of the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv as the backdrop for political campaign material.

At the center of the case was a video published on May 19, 2026, through the prime minister’s personal social media accounts. The footage was filmed inside the historic Ben-Gurion House, located within the heavily secured Kirya military compound.

The petitioners argued that the production violated Section 2A of Israel’s Election Propaganda Law, which prohibits candidates and political parties from using government or public property to gain a political advantage during an election campaign.

‘Attempt to Influence Voters’

Justice Sohlberg sided with the petitioners, determining that the content of the video clearly crossed the line into political campaign activity.

In his ruling, Sohlberg wrote that the video highlighted the prime minister’s achievements and performance in the diplomatic and security arenas in a manner designed to influence voters ahead of the election.

According to the decision, the message presented in the video was intended to showcase Netanyahu’s leadership and accomplishments for electoral purposes, placing it squarely within the category of prohibited campaign material.

Sohlberg further emphasized that Ben-Gurion House within the Kirya is a state-owned public asset that exists solely for the official duties of the prime minister.

As such, he ruled that neither the facility itself nor its historic symbolism may be used to advance a personal or party political campaign.

Exclusive Access Violated Principle of Equality

Another factor cited in the ruling was the unique location of the filming site.

The court noted that Ben-Gurion House is situated inside a closed military base that is inaccessible to other candidates and political parties.

Because only the sitting prime minister could gain access to the facility, Sohlberg concluded that the filming created an unfair advantage over competing candidates.

The ruling described the situation as an improper exploitation of exclusive access to a restricted military installation, undermining the principle of equality that is meant to govern election campaigns.

As a result of the decision, a temporary injunction previously issued in the case was converted into a permanent order.

Netanyahu and the Likud Party are now prohibited from continuing to publish or distribute the video on any media platform.

In addition, the prime minister and Likud were ordered to jointly pay 7,500 shekels in legal costs to the organization that filed the petition.

{Matzav.com}

As Israel’s political system increasingly shifts into election mode, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is reportedly working behind the scenes to engineer a renewed partnership between Itamar Ben Gvir and Betzalel Smotrich, amid growing concern that Smotrich’s party may fail to clear the electoral threshold.

According to a report Tuesday evening by Channel 12 political analyst Amit Segal, Netanyahu fears that if Smotrich’s faction falls short of the minimum vote requirement, a significant number of right-wing votes could be lost, potentially costing the right-wing bloc its parliamentary majority and jeopardizing his ability to remain in power after the next election.

The report states that Netanyahu has been promoting a plan under which Ben Gvir and Smotrich would once again run together on a joint list, while receiving guaranteed spots for their representatives on the Likud slate.

According to Segal, Netanyahu has offered two reserved positions as part of the proposal, though the arrangement could come at the expense of places previously expected to be allocated to allies of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Under the reported plan, Sa’ar ally Ze’ev Elkin would have to compete for his place on the list rather than receive a guaranteed slot.

The proposal reportedly calls for what Netanyahu describes as a technical merger only, allowing Ben Gvir and Smotrich to campaign together in order to maximize right-wing votes while retaining the option of separating again after the election.

Under the framework being discussed, each party leader would receive a guaranteed placement within Likud’s broader electoral structure, while an additional representative from their camps would be included on the list of what is expected to remain the largest party in the right-wing bloc in the next Knesset.

The effort reflects mounting concern within the coalition over recent polling that has shown uncertainty regarding Smotrich’s ability to cross the electoral threshold on his own. Should his party fail to enter the Knesset, the loss of those votes could significantly damage the right-wing camp’s chances of forming the next government.

While neither Netanyahu, Ben Gvir, nor Smotrich has publicly confirmed the details of the reported proposal, the initiative highlights the increasingly intense political maneuvering taking place as parties begin positioning themselves for a potentially high-stakes election campaign.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Attorney General has reportedly authorized the Israel Tax Authority to conduct a covert investigation into UTJ chairman MK Yitzchok Goldknopf, who previously served as Minister of Housing, according to a report Tuesday evening by journalist Avishai Grinzeig of i24NEWS.

According to the report, a review conducted by the Tax Authority found that Goldknopf declared ownership of 13 real-estate properties as of 2022. However, investigators allegedly identified at least three additional properties that were not included in the reported holdings.

The report further claimed that the Tax Authority examined several unusual transactions involving Goldknopf and members of his family.

Among the transactions cited was the sale of a large apartment by a Bais Yaakov-affiliated nonprofit organization identified with Goldknopf to his granddaughter at a price allegedly below market value. According to the report, investigators are examining claims that the family relationship was not disclosed during the transaction. The report further alleged that the granddaughter later transferred ownership of the apartment to her parents as a gift.

Another transaction highlighted in the report dates back to 2015. According to the allegations, Yisrael Goldknopf, a son of Yitzchak Goldknopf, transferred half ownership of an apartment to his father as a gift. The report states that Goldknopf later sold the property.

The report also alleged that Tax Authority officials examined claims of unpaid taxes related to certain transactions, asserting that payment was allegedly made only after the matter was identified by authorities.

In addition, questions were reportedly raised regarding the sources of funding used to purchase some of the properties. However, according to the report, investigators did not reach a definitive conclusion on that issue.

Grinzeig further reported that intelligence information reviewed by authorities included allegations that, while serving as Housing Minister, Goldknopf raised issues during professional meetings with municipal officials concerning kindergartens operated by the educational network he previously founded and managed, and which is currently run by his son.

According to the report, those discussions may have conflicted with the terms of Goldknopf’s conflict-of-interest arrangement.

Despite the findings outlined in the report, it was stated that the Attorney General has not instructed authorities to question Goldknopf under caution at this stage.

Both the Israel Tax Authority and the Attorney General’s Office declined to comment on the report.

In response, the office of UTJ chairman MK Yitzchok Goldknopf said that several of the allegations had already been published and examined in the past, and that no wrongdoing had been found.

Goldknopf’s office further stated that the apartment in question belongs to his granddaughter and has no connection to him, while dismissing the allegations involving his son Yisrael as entirely baseless.

The statement also rejected claims that taxes were paid late, asserting that no inquiry had ever been received from tax authorities regarding the matter.

Regarding the financing of the properties, Goldknopf’s office said that all purchases and funding sources were fully documented and conducted in accordance with the law.

Addressing allegations related to discussions involving the Bais Yaakov network, Goldknopf’s office dismissed the claims outright, describing them as “complete nonsense.”

{Matzav.com}

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith launched a sharp attack on President Trump Tuesday, criticizing the extensive security measures and traffic disruptions surrounding Trump’s appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden and mocking the president over videos that appeared to show him dozing off during the game.

Trump attended the highly anticipated matchup at MSG, where he was seated in a luxury suite alongside Knicks owner James Dolan. Footage that circulated on social media appeared to show the president sitting with his eyes closed during portions of the contest.

Addressing the videos on ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith ridiculed the president’s appearance and questioned why he attended the game if he was not actively watching it.

“And guess what he was doing during the game, ladies and gentlemen. Go online, look at the videos,” Smith said on ESPN’s “First Take.” “I’m not going to accuse him of snoring because I wasn’t in earshot. The brother wasn’t awake.”

Smith then compared the images to Trump’s long-running criticism of President Joe Biden, arguing that the president opened himself up to the same kind of ridicule.

He pressed on, saying that if it was so important for the president “to be there, why did you look like you were asleep? Didn’t you call out former President Joe Biden, ‘Sleepy Joe’? Well, what should we call you. Because you weren’t awake.”

The veteran broadcaster also jokingly blamed Trump for interfering with the Knicks’ pursuit of their first NBA championship since 1973, noting that the president, a lifelong New Yorker from Queens, understands how much such a title would mean to the city.

“He knows exactly what New Yorkers have been through and he didn’t care,” Smith continued.

Smith also focused on the logistical headaches caused by the presidential visit, describing widespread complaints from fans and residents who encountered road closures and heightened security around the arena.

The New York Police Department had announced enhanced security measures before the game because of Trump’s attendance.

“From 6th Avenue to 9th Avenue, you had people complaining about how hectic it was, because this barricade, this blockage, this wall that was being built by folks for the garden because of the climate that existed,” he said. “Somehow, some way, it was there to protect him.”

The remarks came one day after Trump responded to Smith during a postgame exchange with reporters. Trump was asked about Smith’s earlier joking claim that he would blame the president if the Knicks lost the game.

While describing Smith as a “nice guy,” Trump suggested the commentator lacked the intellectual credentials necessary for a presidential campaign and argued that Smith did not possess a “high IQ.”

Smith responded forcefully on Tuesday, challenging Trump’s assessment and accusing the president of avoiding a direct conversation with him.

“You wanna talk about IQ,” Smith said the following day. “I could put my IQ against yours. I got something even better — I could ask you why you been running from me for the past year since I asked you to talk to me. I could ask you to debate me since you think you’re that dude. We could go a myriad of ways.”

Despite his criticism, Smith acknowledged Trump’s earlier compliment and suggested that the president’s comments had crossed a line.

He added that he appreciated Trump calling him a “nice guy, till you tug at me a little bit, then after that I’ve got to show my other side.”

Trump also encountered a mixed reception from the Madison Square Garden crowd. During the playing of the National Anthem, some fans could be heard booing as the president appeared on arena screens.

Later, speaking with reporters, Trump brushed off the reaction and offered praise for the league despite acknowledging its political leanings.

He said he considers the NBA “a little left-wing,” but added that it remains “great entertainment.”

Meanwhile, the Knicks will have little time to dwell on their Game 3 defeat, as they are scheduled to host the Spurs once again Wednesday night in a crucial NBA Finals rematch in New York.

{Matzav.com}

Canada is preparing to join a growing list of countries moving to restrict social media access for minors, with the federal government expected to introduce legislation in the coming days that would prohibit many children under the age of 16 from using major online platforms.

The proposed measure, which is expected to be presented in the House of Commons this week, would place Canada among a number of nations tightening regulations on youth access to social media amid mounting concerns over mental health, online safety, and harmful digital content.

According to a government official who spoke anonymously to the National Post, the Canadian approach is expected to be somewhat more flexible than the model adopted by Australia, which has emerged as a leading advocate of strict age-based social media restrictions.

The official said the legislation will “include provisions that allow platforms to seek exemptions should they demonstrate an ability to keep the youngest Canadians safe while using their products online.”

Unlike some recent proposals aimed at emerging technologies, the forthcoming legislation is not expected to impose a similar prohibition on artificial intelligence chatbots.

“The legislation is not expected to include the same type of ban for AI chatbots, but will establish a set of responsibilities platforms need to meet,” the National Post added.

Reports indicate that the bill would also establish the framework for a new oversight body tasked with enforcing the restrictions and addressing various forms of harmful online content.

When asked Tuesday about the proposal, Culture Minister Marc Miller declined to discuss specific details but confirmed that stronger online regulations remain under serious consideration by the government.

“It’s clear that a ban or a moratorium on social media by kids, who we do need to protect. It can be an important element, but it can’t be the only one,” he said.

Miller acknowledged that age-based social media restrictions have gained significant public support in many countries. However, he cautioned that Australia’s experience has shown mixed results, with many young users finding ways to circumvent verification systems designed to enforce the ban.

According to Miller, such restrictions appear to be “perhaps 50 percent or more effective.”

Similar concerns were raised by Kaitlynn Mendes, a professor at Western University, who argued that policymakers should focus more heavily on changing how social media platforms operate rather than relying primarily on enforcement efforts directed at young users.

She suggested that governments should encourage companies to “change their design,” rather than assigning regulators to “regulate and monitor young people, and try to chase them off these platforms, which we know doesn’t work.”

Mendes also advocated for increased corporate transparency and greater scrutiny of platform features that may expose children to harmful material or encourage unhealthy behavior patterns, including functions such as automatic video playback.

Canada previously attempted to address online safety concerns for minors in early 2025 during the administration of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. That legislation stopped short of banning social media access for children and instead required technology companies to implement safety measures and regularly report their progress to government officials.

The proposal ultimately failed to advance through Parliament before the legislative session ended.

Since then, two developments have significantly altered the debate. The first was Australia’s decision to begin enforcing its social media restrictions in December 2025, followed by a number of other countries announcing similar policies throughout 2026.

The second was growing concern over online content and artificial intelligence following a mass shooting in British Columbia in February carried out by 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar.

Relatives of the eight victims later accused OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman of failing to implement adequate safeguards within ChatGPT to prevent dangerous interactions with troubled users.

Reports indicated that ChatGPT’s safety team identified Van Rootselaar’s fixation on violence and murder and eventually terminated his account. However, he reportedly created a new account and continued using the chatbot while planning the attack.

The issue has fueled renewed calls for stricter oversight of digital platforms throughout Canada.

Last week, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced support for restrictions targeting both social media platforms and AI chatbots for younger users.

“These are highly addictive tools that are monetizing the attention of our children and causing mental health harms in the process,” he said.

Similar concerns have been voiced in Ontario. In April, Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra suggested that provincial officials should consider additional limits on cellphone and social media use within schools.

“I think the evidence is becoming more and more clear that cellphone use in our schools, elementary and our secondary schools, anywhere on site, has become a problem,” he said.

Momentum for a nationwide policy increased further in April when Canada’s governing Liberal Party approved a non-binding resolution supporting a countrywide ban on social media access for children under 16.

The proposal, however, generated opposition from some younger delegates attending the party’s convention, who complained that they were not given an adequate opportunity to voice concerns about the measure.

Among the objections raised were worries about personal privacy, data collection, and the possibility that age-verification systems could expose sensitive information to security breaches.

{Matzav.com}

The State Department is preparing to roll out a new premium visa service that will allow certain foreign travelers to secure visa interview appointments at participating U.S. embassies and consulates within days rather than months—for a substantial additional fee.

Under the new initiative, business and tourist visa applicants will be able to pay an extra $750 to gain access to expedited interview scheduling at selected diplomatic posts overseas. The fee will be charged in addition to the standard $185 visa application cost.

According to a notice expected to appear in the Federal Register this week, applicants who opt into the program will be eligible to schedule an interview within 10 days of making the payment. The Associated Press first reported details of the upcoming program.

The State Department plans to launch the pilot initiative on July 1, with the trial scheduled to continue through Dec. 31. Officials could extend the program beyond that date if demand proves strong.

The list of embassies and consulates participating in the expedited service is expected to be released before the program begins.

Officials believe the new option could help ease lengthy backlogs for visa interviews, which have persisted as the Trump administration has implemented broader changes to visa vetting and enforcement procedures.

In recent years, federal authorities have expanded screening requirements for foreign applicants. Among the measures introduced are visa bonds of up to $15,000 for applicants from certain countries with high visa-overstay rates, as well as expanded disclosure requirements covering years of personal information, including social media activity.

Those enhanced screening procedures have contributed to longer processing times in many parts of the world, leaving some applicants waiting months for interview appointments.

While payment of the new fee will not increase an applicant’s chances of obtaining a visa, it is expected to significantly shorten the wait for an interview, particularly for travelers from countries that do not participate in the Visa Waiver Program, where appointment delays can stretch for several months or longer.

The State Department has emphasized that the premium service affects only the speed at which an interview can be scheduled and does not alter the standards used to determine whether a visa is ultimately approved.

{Matzav.com}

Delegation of Baltimore Rabbanim embark on a historic four day visit to Eretz Yisroel, meeting with Rabbanim, mechanchim, and municipal officials to gain firsthand insight into life in Eretz Yisroel.

As growing numbers of frum families explore the possibility of building their futures in Eretz Yisroel, a distinguished delegation of Rabbanim from Baltimore embarked this past week on a four-day leadership mission to Eretz Yisroel organized by Naava Kodesh.

Leaving behind families, kehillos, and many daily responsibilities, the Rabbanim traveled to Eretz Yisroel to see firsthand and gain a better understanding of the realities, new opportunities, and solutions to successfully deal with the challenges facing families considering Aliyah and settling long-term in Eretz Yisroel.

The visit reflects a growing trend in frum communities in North America of families exploring the possibility of relocating to Eretz Yisroel. The visit offered the Rabbanim a firsthand, close-up look at the many Anglo-friendly mosdos, communities, support systems, and practical resources available to those considering the move.

The mission began in Yerushalayim, where the Rabbanim met with Harav Yitzchok Berkowitz Shlit”a and Harav Asher Weiss Shlit”a to discuss the various components that go into moving to Eretz Yisroel and how to best prepare a family for a successful move both beruchniyus uvegashmiyus.

The delegation also participated in roundtable discussions with public officials and organizations actively involved in helping Olim navigate life in Israel, including MK Yitzchok Pindrus and R’ Nechemyah Malinowitz, Executive Director of Eretz HaKodesh, as well as an in-depth discussion about the financial aspects of Aliyah with the team of financial counselors at Mesila headquarters.

The Rabbanim also met with Chaim V’Chesed founder and director, R’ Pesach Friedman, at the Chaim V’Chesed headquarters in Yerushalayim to hear how the Anglo community is navigating bureaucracy and day to day life in Eretz Yisroel.

On subsequent days, the delegation traveled extensively throughout Ramat Beit Shemesh, touring the many Anglo-friendly mosdos, chadarim, Bais Yaakovs, and high schools that make up the Ramat Beit Shemesh landscape, discussing with mechanchim how challenges in chinuch  are successfully being addressed and how to best guide and prepare the families that are moving.

The delegation was also hosted for a special luncheon at the home of R’ Avrohom Leventhal, International Director of Lema’an Achai. Joining the gathering were a number of prominent mechanchim and community leaders who shared their perspectives on the chinuch landscape in Ramat Beit Shemesh and discussed the opportunities and challenges facing families making Aliyah today. 

Meetings also took place with local Rabbanim in Ramat Beit Shemesh, including Harav Yaakov Haber Shlita, Harav Elimelech Kornfeld Shlita, and Harav Dovid Gottlieb Shlita.

Particular attention was given to the areas most relevant for families considering Aliyah: chinuch, parnassah, community integration, housing, and navigating day-to-day life in Eretz Yisroel.

The mission also included discussions with municipal leaders, including Beit Shemesh Mayor Shmuel Greenberg and local Klitah Director Yonah Kaufman, providing participants with insight into the support structures available to new Olim.

‘’This was a truly high-level and impactful mission that gave participants a firsthand look at the realities, opportunities, and growth taking place in Eretz Yisroel’’, shared Yonah Kaufman Director of the Klita dep. In Bet Shemesh,  ‘’particularly in Ramat Beit Shemesh. The insights gained will undoubtedly help the Rabbanim provide informed guidance and support to the growing number of Baltimore families considering Aliyah.” 

Founder and Executive Director of Naava Kodesh, R’ Tzvi Arnstein noted, ‘’It was very moving to see the group of Rabbanim come and see firsthand how a family can practically make the move and be matzliach. The question was not whether Eretz Yisroel can work for english speaking families; rather, it was how the move can be done successfully.’’

Beyond the established communities of Yerushalayim and Ramat Beit Shemesh, the delegation explored emerging communities throughout Israel, including Rechovot and Afula, which offer more affordable housing options. These conversations highlighted the expanding range of opportunities available to families seeking affordable housing, strong Torah infrastructure, and vibrant community life throughout the country.

Also accompanying the delegation was R’ Dovid Paige, Director of Naava Kodesh’s Baltimore Division, who shared his amazement at the many Anglo-friendly mosdos, institutions, and resources available to families considering Aliyah. 

 “I was amazed by the tremendous כוח being invested by so many people whose sole motivation is to be מרבה כבוד שמים, all working to make ארץ ישראל a place where every Yid can thrive and truly call home.”

As the first of what is intended to be many such missions, the trip provided the Rabbanim with a unique opportunity to gain an on-the-ground, close-up perspective of the communities, schools, organizations, and support systems available in Israel. Meeting directly with mechanchim, Rabbanim, municipal leaders, and families who have successfully made the transition offered a clearer understanding of the opportunities, resources, and realities available to families seeking to successfully make the move to Eretz Yisroel.

 

About Naava Kodesh

Naava Kodesh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping English-speaking families build successful, lasting Torah lives in Eretz Yisrael. Through personalized guidance on community and school placement, fully coordinated pilot trips, and a vast network of volunteer mentors across the country, Naava Kodesh has helped countless families navigate their Aliyah journey with clarity and confidence.

WATCH:

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​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

 

Democratic Senate hopeful Graham Platner brushed aside weeks of damaging headlines and secured a commanding primary victory Tuesday night, setting up a closely watched showdown with Sen. Susan Collins in one of the nation’s most consequential Senate contests.

Platner’s win had been widely anticipated, but recent allegations involving messages and accusations from former partners had raised questions about whether the controversy would significantly weaken his support among Democratic voters. Instead, the progressive candidate emerged with a decisive victory and now turns his attention to the general election campaign.

Addressing supporters after claiming the nomination, Platner acknowledged concerns surrounding his candidacy while pledging to win over skeptical voters.

“To any of those who feel let down or disappointed or disillusioned, it is my job to earn your trust, faith, and support, and I will spend every day of this campaign, and if I have the privilege, every day in the United States Senate, doing exactly that,” he told supporters at a rally.

“It is deeply humbling to stand here as your Democratic nominee,” he continued. “It is an honor, and I will not let you down.”

Leading Senate Democrats quickly rallied behind their nominee. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who chairs Senate Democrats’ campaign organization, issued a joint statement expressing confidence in both Platner and the party’s prospects this fall.

“in November, Maine voters will elect Graham Platner, and we will win a Senate majority.”

Elsewhere, voters in South Carolina and Nevada also participated in pivotal primary elections that will help shape several major races heading into November, including contests for governor, Senate, and other key statewide offices.

Platner’s performance drew particular attention because many political observers wondered whether Democratic voters would use the primary to register dissatisfaction with his candidacy. Some had speculated that outgoing Gov. Janet Mills, despite suspending her campaign, might still attract a substantial protest vote.

Those expectations failed to materialize. With most ballots counted, Platner captured roughly 72 percent of the vote, while Mills received around 20 percent. Democrat David Costello trailed well behind.

Analysts were also closely monitoring turnout figures to determine whether Democratic voters were disproportionately participating in the gubernatorial primary instead of the Senate contest. The final numbers showed little difference between the two races, suggesting that dissatisfaction with Platner did not significantly affect voter participation.

The result represented an important victory for Platner, whose campaign had been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks.

Reporting by The New York Times included interviews that he understood a tattoo he once displayed resembled a Nazi symbol. Platner has denied knowing the meaning associated with the tattoo and has rejected accusations that he knowingly displayed the symbol.

Speaking to supporters Tuesday night, Platner argued that critics were focusing on his personal controversies instead of the broader issues motivating his campaign.

“Maine, I love you. I love this state,” Platner said Tuesday. “Now the national pundits, the political establishment, they keep looking for that one story, that one headline, that one moment in my life that they can define the campaign by, but in trying so hard to understand me, they failed to understand that this is not about me at all.”

“This is a movement about us, about the far too many working far too hard and struggling far too much at the hands of the ruling class,” he added.

In South Carolina, Sen. Lindsey Graham comfortably secured renomination as he seeks another term in the Senate.

The veteran lawmaker avoided a runoff election despite facing multiple challengers and easily advanced to the general election.

His chief opponent, businessman Mark Lynch, attempted to portray Graham as insufficiently conservative and repeatedly highlighted past criticism of Graham by President Donald Trump.

Lynch entered the race with endorsements from former Trump adviser Michael Flynn, former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, and former Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino. Campaign finance records showed that Lynch raised nearly $6 million, including approximately $5 million he personally loaned to his campaign.

Graham, however, entered the race with substantial support from prominent Republicans, including President Trump, Sen. Tim Scott, and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.

Both Trump and Graham criticized Lynch for aligning himself with Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, one of Trump’s most outspoken Republican critics.

On the Democratic side, pediatrician Annie Andrews captured her party’s nomination and will challenge Graham in November. She faces long odds in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1998.

Meanwhile, Rep. Nancy Mace saw her bid for governor come to an abrupt halt after failing to advance from South Carolina’s Republican primary.

Because no candidate secured a majority of the vote, the race will proceed to a runoff between Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson. Both finished ahead of Mace and Rep. Ralph Norman in the crowded contest to replace the retiring McMaster.

Evette received a late endorsement from President Trump just days before the primary, providing a significant boost in a state where candidates frequently emphasized their support for the president.

Mace had previously acknowledged that her criticism of the administration’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents may have jeopardized her chances of securing Trump’s endorsement.

Following her defeat, she defended her decision and reflected on the political consequences.

“I chose to expose the abusers of children. And apparently, I chose wrong if the goal was winning an election. I’m at peace with that. Because when a candidate is OK with corruption and cover-ups – something is broken. That’s not a political opinion. That’s a moral emergency,” Mace said.

Although her congressional career will end next year, Mace suggested she is not leaving public life permanently.

“This isn’t the end of the fight. It’s just the end of this chapter,” Mace said.

The South Carolina runoff now presents another opportunity to measure the continued strength of Trump’s endorsements in Republican primaries.

In Maine, several races remained unresolved because of the state’s ranked-choice voting system.

The retirement of Rep. Jared Golden opened a potentially competitive battle for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, a seat Republicans view as a strong pickup opportunity after Trump carried the district in the last presidential election.

Former Gov. Paul LePage advanced unopposed on the Republican side, while Democrats headed into ranked-choice tabulations after no candidate secured a majority in the first round.

State Sen. Joe Baldacci narrowly led the Democratic field after the initial count, holding a slim advantage over state auditor Matt Dunlap and former congressional chief of staff Jordan Wood.

Under Maine’s ranked-choice system, the lowest-performing candidates are eliminated one by one, with their voters’ next preferences redistributed until one candidate receives a majority.

A similar process was expected to determine Maine’s Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

Former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah held a narrow first-round lead over former state Sen. Troy Jackson and former state House Speaker Hanna Pingree.

Jackson, Pingree, and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows had cross-endorsed one another during the campaign, while Shah encouraged voters who supported other candidates to rank him second.

On the Republican side, former federal official Bobby Charles led the initial round by a comfortable margin over businessman Benjamin Midgley and healthcare executive Jonathan Bush, a member of the Bush political family.

Although Democrats are favored to retain the governor’s mansion being vacated by Janet Mills, Maine has a long history of alternating between Democratic and Republican governors.

In Nevada, Gov. Joe Lombardo officially secured a rematch many political strategists have been anticipating for months.

The Republican incumbent is expected to face Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford in one of the nation’s most competitive gubernatorial races.

Lombardo remains the only Republican governor elected during the GOP’s difficult 2022 cycle and is currently viewed as one of the most vulnerable Republican incumbents seeking reelection.

The former Clark County sheriff has carefully balanced his relationship with President Trump while attempting to appeal to a broader electorate concerned about inflation, affordability, and economic pressures.

Ford, backed by Nevada’s entire Democratic congressional delegation, defeated five primary opponents and has frequently used his position as attorney general to challenge Trump administration policies.

Nevada remains one of the country’s premier battleground states after supporting Trump in 2024. Its economy, heavily dependent on tourism and hospitality, creates a uniquely fluid electorate that often requires candidates to continuously introduce themselves to voters.

The state’s large Hispanic and Latino population is also expected to play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the gubernatorial contest, making the Nevada race one of the most closely watched battles of the 2026 election cycle.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Lindsey Graham secured another Republican nomination Tuesday night, overcoming a spirited challenge from businessman Mark Lynch in a closely watched South Carolina primary that highlighted continuing divisions within the GOP between establishment conservatives and insurgent America First activists.

Although six Republicans appeared on the ballot, the race ultimately became a two-man contest between Graham and Lynch. Their campaign battle underscored the ongoing debate inside Republican ranks over the future direction of the party and the scope of the MAGA movement.

With the victory, Graham moves on to the November general election as he seeks a fifth term in the U.S. Senate. He will face Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who emerged victorious from a three-candidate Democratic primary earlier in the day.

Graham entered the race with significant advantages, including his prominent role in advancing the Republican Party’s $70 billion immigration enforcement package and his longstanding relationship with President Donald Trump.

The South Carolina senator has become one of Trump’s closest allies on Capitol Hill and received the president’s endorsement well before the primary campaign entered its final stretch.

Lynch, meanwhile, attempted to rally conservative voters dissatisfied with Graham’s foreign-policy positions and establishment credentials. He recently received the backing of Joe Kent, who previously served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center under Trump.

“He is the America First candidate,” Kent said in an endorsement video on X. “He’s gonna keep us out of all these foreign wars, and he is the best postured right now to get the warhawk neocon Lindsey Graham out of office.”

Lynch also argued that Republicans should send more outspoken populist conservatives to Washington, calling for “more MTGs, Gaetzes and Massies” in Congress, referencing former Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz, as well as Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.

Both Greene and Massie have emerged as frequent critics of Trump and his administration in recent years. Massie, however, suffered a primary defeat in Kentucky last month at the hands of a candidate backed by Trump.

Lynch’s support for Massie drew the attention of the president, who used social media to urge South Carolina Republicans to reject Lynch and stand behind Graham.

“Senator Lindsey Graham is doing a fantastic job,” Trump said. “He is running against a LUNATIC named Mark Lynch, who supports perhaps the Worst Congressman in the History of our Country, Thomas Massie, of the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

Trump continued his endorsement by warning Republicans against supporting Graham’s challenger.

“I don’t have to go into great detail, but needless to say, Mark Lynch would be a DISASTER for the Republican Party, and Lindsey Graham just, GETS THE JOB DONE,” he continued. “VOTE FOR LINDSEY ALL THE WAY. MAGA!”

In the end, Graham’s coalition proved strong enough to fend off the challenge, preserving his place as one of the Senate’s most influential Republicans and setting the stage for a high-profile general-election battle this November.

{Matzav.com}

More than two months after President Trump declared that the United States and Iran were on the verge of a historic agreement, a final deal remains nowhere in sight despite repeated assurances from the White House that a breakthrough is imminent, CNN reports.

Since the early stages of the conflict, Trump has consistently projected optimism about negotiations with Tehran, repeatedly suggesting that an agreement was only days away. Yet after weeks of similar predictions, no formal accord has emerged.

On April 7, Trump announced a ceasefire and stated that both sides were nearing the finish line. In a social media post, he said the parties were “very far along” and estimated that only two more weeks would be needed before “the Agreement to be finalized and consummated.” He added that “it is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution.”

That forecast did not materialize. Nevertheless, Trump has continued to describe a deal as imminent, making similar comments in interviews, public appearances, speeches, and online posts over the past two months.

CNN reports that by one count, Trump has publicly indicated no fewer than 38 times that negotiations were nearing completion or that Iran was eager to reach an agreement.

The President first began making such predictions on March 23, less than a month after hostilities began. Speaking with reporters near Air Force One, Trump referenced what he characterized as significant progress in discussions, saying there were “major points of agreement, I would say — almost all points of agreement.” Iranian officials, however, denied that negotiations were taking place.

The following day, Trump introduced a theme that would become a recurring feature of his comments, arguing that Iran was highly motivated to reach a settlement.

“I think we’re going to end it,” Trump added. “I can’t tell you for sure.”

Over the next several days, Trump intensified his rhetoric. On March 25, he claimed Iran wanted “to make a deal so badly.” One day later, during a Cabinet meeting, he asserted that Iranian officials were “begging to make a deal.”

Despite those declarations, negotiations remained unresolved.

On March 29, while speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked whether an agreement could be completed within a week.

“I do see a deal in Iran, yeah,” he responded.

As the weeks progressed, the President’s confidence appeared to grow. On April 6, he stated that negotiators had previously been “very close to a deal” before encountering obstacles.

The next day, Trump announced a ceasefire that was expected to provide a two-week window for negotiations aimed at reaching a broader settlement.

By mid-April, Trump was again predicting a breakthrough. During an April 15 interview with Fox Business, he said, “I think it’s close to over, I view it as very close to over.”

“We’ll see what happens,” he added. “I think they want to make a deal very badly.”

The following days brought even stronger declarations.

On April 16, Trump told reporters, “It’s looking very good that we’re going to make a deal with Iran, and it’s going to be a good deal.”

A day later, he offered several optimistic assessments, stating that Iran had “agreed to everything,” that “I think we will get a deal in the next day or two,” and that “I don’t think there’s too many significant differences.”

On April 20, he took to Truth Social and predicted that “it will all happen, relatively quickly!”

As negotiations continued without resolution, Trump maintained his position. On April 30, he said Iran was “dying to make a deal.”

The next day, while discussing the conflict with reporters, he remarked, “When the war ends, which shouldn’t be too long …”

After a brief period with fewer public predictions, Trump returned to the subject on May 18. He revealed that he was postponing planned military action for “two or three days” after requests from regional governments that believed a diplomatic agreement was within reach.

At the time, Trump acknowledged that earlier expectations had repeatedly failed to produce results.

“We’ve had periods of time where we had — we thought pretty much getting close to making a deal and it didn’t work out,” Trump said.

Even so, he insisted, “But this is a little bit different.”

The negotiations continued without a breakthrough.

The next day, speaking at a congressional picnic, Trump declared, “We’re gonna end that war very quickly.”

By May 23, the President again signaled that a deal was nearing completion. He described negotiations as “getting a lot closer,” said the agreement was “largely negotiated, subject to finalization,” and predicted that an announcement would come “shortly” as negotiators worked through the remaining details.

Five days later, in an interview with Lara Trump, he said the administration was “close to a very good deal.”

The latest round of optimistic comments came over the weekend. Trump said the parties were “very close to having a deal,” while expressing concern that renewed tensions between Iran and Israel could complicate negotiations.

“We are very close to a final deal with Iran,” he told Axios. “It is going to be a good deal. I don’t want it to blow up because of what is happening now.”

It was at least the third time Trump had told the outlet that an agreement was imminent.

Despite ongoing military tensions in the region, the President has continued to project confidence.

During a tele-rally Monday in support of Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Trump predicted that the United States would achieve “total victory” within two weeks and said Iran was “willing to give us everything.”

Then, after attending the NBA Finals in New York on Tuesday, Trump told reporters that negotiations were in their final stage.

“The strait will open up right away,” Trump added. “It’ll open up immediately upon signing, which could be in two or three days.”

For now, however, the agreement that Trump has repeatedly described as imminent remains unsigned, leaving observers waiting to see whether the latest prediction will prove more accurate than the many that came before it.

{Matzav.com}