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Shas chairman Aryeh Deri has delivered a blunt message to coalition leaders: if the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study is not advanced this Wednesday, no other legislation will move forward.

The ultimatum comes after renewed pressure from chareidi parties to advance the bill, which has remained stalled for an extended period despite repeated calls for action.

Deri was the first to publicly demand movement on the legislation following last week’s Shas faction meeting. Only after his intervention did other chareidi parties begin actively promoting the measure, which is formally registered under the name of Degel HaTorah. Even within the Litvish faction, there had been uncertainty last week over whether to push the legislation at all.

According to Shas officials, Deri considers passage of the Basic Law: Torah Study an urgent priority and is less concerned with which party receives political credit for the initiative. Party leaders also stressed that no one in Shas requested the postponement of the Ministerial Committee for Legislation meeting, which was expected to discuss the proposal.

Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni said Sunday evening that the bill had been placed on the agenda of the Ministerial Committee for Legislation.

“Basic Law: Torah Study has been placed on the agenda of the Ministerial Committee for Legislation. At the direction of our revered Torah leaders, I was instructed to submit and advance this legislation,” Gafni said.

Gafni also expressed frustration that the committee had not yet convened.

“To my great surprise, the committee has still not met today,” he said. “I demand that it be convened immediately so that the bill can be brought before the Knesset plenum on Wednesday for its preliminary reading.”

Meanwhile, MK Yinon Azoulay has submitted a similar proposal. However, due to concerns raised by the Knesset’s legal advisers, it remains unclear whether his version of the legislation will be ready for a vote as early as Wednesday.

Despite the growing pressure from the chareidi parties, a senior Likud official told Kikar HaShabbat on Sunday that there is significant doubt whether the current coalition has the votes necessary to pass the measure.

“There is serious doubt that the current coalition can secure a majority for the Basic Law: Torah Study,” the official said.

The assessment raises questions about whether the legislation can clear even its first hurdle if it reaches the Knesset floor.

As previously reported, earlier Sunday, Deri visited Prison 10, where several yeshiva bochurim are being held over military draft-related issues. During the visit, he pledged to continue fighting for passage of the Basic Law: Torah Study and sharply criticized the treatment of Torah learners.

“From here we cry out: Stop treating Torah learners like criminals,” Deri declared.

{Matzav.com}

As the draft crisis continues to deepen and thousands of bnei yeshivah remain without a regulated legal status, leading Gedolei Yisroel are being asked to weigh in on a series of critical questions that could shape the future of the chareidi community and the olam haTorah.

One of the most pressing issues centers on the alert systems that notify the public whenever there is an attempt to detain a chareidi draft evader. These networks mobilize activists and supporters whenever there is concern that a detainee may be transferred from civilian police custody to military authorities or when military police attempt an arrest directly.

The alert systems were originally established by the Peleg Yerushalmi. Now, however, leading rabbinic authorities are being asked whether the broader chareidi public should cooperate with and respond to those alerts.

The question emerged prominently during the recent Vaad of Ichud Bnei HaYeshivos, where thousands of regional coordinators had an opportunity to present the issue to senior roshei yeshivah. Two of the most prominent participants, members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch and Rav Dovid Cohen, declined to address the matter publicly on camera, choosing instead to provide their guidance privately over Shabbos.

In the meantime, the organization Ezram U’Maginam has moved forward with its own initiative, establishing what is believed to be the first independent alert network within the Litvishe community.

The new system will operate alongside the existing Peleg Yerushalmi networks known as “Black Alert” and “The Kidnappers Have Arrived,” providing real-time notifications regarding arrest attempts involving bnei yeshivah.

The controversy surrounding the alert systems intensified after Tel Aviv City Council member Hadas Regulsky submitted an urgent request to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy demanding that the hotlines be shut down immediately.

Regulsky stated that she first approached cellular providers and requested that the lines be disconnected. The companies reportedly refused, explaining that they lacked the authority to terminate communications services without either a court order or a directive from a government agency.

Having failed to persuade the telecommunications companies, Regulsky has now turned to law enforcement authorities in an effort to have the networks blocked.

Meanwhile, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri has increased pressure on coalition leaders, warning that he will not permit legislative proceedings to continue unless the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study is brought for approval this Wednesday.

Deri conveyed the message during discussions with senior coalition officials, signaling that the legislation has become a top priority for the chareidi parties.

Later in the evening, Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni publicly aligned himself with Deri’s position.

“Basic Law: Torah Study has been placed on the agenda of the Ministerial Committee, and pursuant to the instructions of the Gedolei HaTorah shlita, I have been working to advance it,” Gafni stated. “Remarkably, the committee has still not convened. I demand that it meet immediately so that the legislation can be brought to a vote.”

The coordinated push reflects growing determination among the chareidi parties to secure legal protections for lomdei Torah amid the ongoing draft crisis.

{Matzav.com}

A prominent member of Shas’ Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah delivered a sharp attack on Israel’s attorney general and the High Court while defending the efforts of chareidi representatives working to secure legislation protecting the status of bnei yeshivah.

Speaking to his talmidim at Yeshivas Maor HaTorah, Rav Avraham Salim, addressed growing frustration within the yeshivah world over the ongoing draft crisis and the efforts to regulate the status of lomdei Torah.

Rav Salim pushed back against criticism directed at Shas representatives, insisting that they have been working diligently on behalf of bnei Torah.

“There are many yeshiva students who are very angry at the representatives and claim that they are doing nothing. That is not true!” the rosh yeshivah told his talmidim. “The representatives are trying, I know! Both in the past and today, they are searching for every possible way to regulate the status of Torah learners.”

The senior rosh yeshivah then turned his attention to Israel’s legal establishment, sharply criticizing both the attorney general and the High Court.

“The attorney general and the High Court justices are working together and fighting in every possible way. The attorney general is a modern-day Izevel, and the High Court is Yerovom ben Nevat. They have joined forces with the left, and they are persecuting Torah learners.”

Rav Salim’s comments come amid mounting criticism within the chareidi community toward Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, whom many blame for obstructing attempts to pass legislation addressing the status of bnei yeshivah and lomdei Torah.

His remarks echoed comments made earlier in the day by Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, who accused the attorney general of deliberately undermining the legislation.

“The anarchist attorney general, who has been removed from office, did everything possible to torpedo the law,” Deri said.

Rav Salim also addressed the demonstrations and protests that have accompanied the battle over the draft issue, urging his talmidim to stay away from such activities.

“The protests and demonstrations, what is happening in the streets, do not help—they are harmful! And they completely take a person away from learning,” he said.

The rosh yeshivah cautioned that participation in confrontational protests can negatively affect a person’s character and spiritual development.

“When a person becomes accustomed to violence, it is not good. It harms his personality. One must make efforts—whether through meetings or phone calls—but should try as much as possible to remain closely aligned with the guidance of the rabbanim.”

{Matzav.com}

Amid growing anxiety in the chareidi community over the draft crisis and what many view as the ongoing persecution of bnei yeshivah, Rav Avraham Yosef is calling on the public to stop searching for culprits and instead strengthen their commitment to tefillah.

Speaking on Kol Chai’s “Shamor V’Zachor” program, Rav Yosef said that while the current situation has left many feeling distressed and powerless, Jews must respond not with accusations and arguments, but with faith and prayer.

“We are all upset and feel helpless in the situation that has developed in the Jewish state,” Rav Yosef said.

He stressed that even those whose own families are not directly affected should feel the pain of those who are. Mutual responsibility, he said, requires every Jew to share in the burden of others.

“Even if you don’t have someone in your home who is suffering, we are responsible for one another. My sons are already older, but I have grandchildren and nephews. I see the suffering of these young men, and it is heartbreaking to watch them endure a situation in which they feel completely trapped.”

Rav Yosef described some of the hardships facing yeshivah students under the current circumstances, including restrictions that have prevented some from visiting family members overseas.

“A young man who wants to travel to see his parents abroad, whose parents live overseas, was forced to spend the Seder here in Israel because he was not allowed to leave the country.”

At moments like these, he said, Jews must remember where their salvation truly comes from.

“The answer is tefillah. We have no other path. We have no power of our own. This is not a matter of ‘my strength and the might of my hand.’”

Rav Yosef also criticized the public conversation surrounding the crisis, arguing that too much attention is being devoted to assigning blame.

“I am not blaming anyone. I know for a fact that the politicians tried very, very hard. You cannot blame them.”

He reserved particular criticism for commentators and public figures who spend their time debating who is responsible for the current situation.

“All the talkers out there—including here on Kol Chai—those who keep blaming this person and that person and asking why, why, why. With all due respect to all the talkers…”

According to Rav Yosef, such discussions miss the most important point.

“We have stopped being Jews. To be a Jew means to daven.”

Concluding his remarks, Rav Yosef praised the dedication of bnei Torah, saying they are making tremendous sacrifices for the sake of Torah learning.

“Fortunate are the bnei Torah. Fortunate are those who learn Torah, who are literally giving of themselves for Torah.”

He emphasized that Torah remains the foundation upon which the world rests and urged listeners to view the crisis through the lens of emunah rather than politics.

“We should not focus on the stick that is striking us, but on the One Who holds the stick. And the One Who holds the stick is the Creator of the world.”

Rav Yosef ended with a heartfelt prayer that Klal Yisroel soon emerge from its present difficulties.

“May the Creator of the world be gracious and merciful to all of us and bring us from darkness into great light. Amen.”

{Matzav.com}

A controversy has erupted within the Golani Brigade after fellow soldiers alleged that a religious combat soldier was removed from operational duty in Lebanon over Shabbos because he was wearing a “Moshiach” patch on his uniform.

According to reports, the soldier serves in Battalion 12 and holds a specialized role in efforts to counter explosive attack drones, one of the most significant threats facing Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon.

Friends of the soldier told Channel 7 that the incident began Friday afternoon during a conversation between the outgoing battalion commander and members of the unit. During the discussion, the commander reportedly noticed the patch on the soldier’s uniform and instructed him to remove it immediately.

According to those familiar with the incident, the soldier complied without objection and removed the patch as soon as he was asked.

Despite his cooperation, however, the soldier was reportedly informed several hours later that he would be removed from Lebanon during Shabbos. His fellow soldiers claim there is concern that the decision could also have consequences for his future military service and standing within the army.

The move has sparked criticism among some members of the unit, who questioned the priorities behind the decision at a time when Israeli forces remain heavily engaged in combat operations along the northern front.

Speaking to Channel 7, several of the soldier’s comrades expressed disbelief over the incident.

“It’s absurd that during such an intense period of fighting, the army is dealing with matters like these,” they said.

As of now, the IDF has not issued an official response addressing the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s removal or the allegations made by his fellow servicemen.

{Matzav.com}

Iran issued a stark warning to Israel on Sunday, threatening a significantly stronger military response if Israel expands its operations in Lebanon or retaliates for the recent Iranian missile attack. The warning came hours after Iran launched missiles toward Israel and following an Israeli strike in Beirut’s Dahieh district.

The statement was released by Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Emergency Command, which accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire and escalating its military actions in Lebanon.

According to the statement, Iran claims Israel is acting with the support and approval of the United States and is committing what Tehran described as war crimes, including the alleged use of prohibited weapons such as phosphorus bombs.

Iranian officials focused much of their criticism on the Israeli strike in Dahieh, the southern Beirut suburb that serves as a major Hezbollah stronghold. The statement charged that, despite previous warnings from the Islamic Republic, Israel had crossed every red line by intensifying attacks in southern Lebanon and striking Dahieh as well.

The warning came after Israel carried out its first strike in Dahieh since the ceasefire announced last week by President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisroel Katz said the operation was conducted in response to Hezbollah attacks on Israeli territory and harm caused to Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon.

Iran indicated that it views the strike on Dahieh as a major escalation. The statement said Tehran had previously warned that if attacks in the Beirut suburb expanded, Iran would target objectives in what it referred to as the “occupied territories.” It also called on Israel to immediately cease military operations in southern Lebanon and in Dahieh.

The most severe threat appeared at the end of the statement, where Iranian officials warned that any expansion of Israeli attacks in the area, or any Israeli response to Iranian military action, would be met with “crushing and more severe blows” that would leave Israel regretting its actions and would trigger destructive attacks against the Israeli government and its supporters.

Separately, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued its own statement, claiming that its agreement to a ceasefire in April had been contingent on a halt to fighting across all fronts. The group accused both the United States and Israel of violating those understandings by continuing military operations in Lebanon and by allegedly targeting Iranian interests at sea.

The Revolutionary Guards stated that the overnight operation was intended as a warning and cautioned that if the attacks continue, Iran’s response would be much broader and would include American and Israeli targets throughout the region.

{Matzav.com}

A growing political clash over the arrest of yeshivah bochurim intensified on Sunday after Finance Minister and Religious Zionism chairman Betzalel Smotrich sharply criticized chareidi political leaders for visiting detained bnei yeshivah at Military Prison 10.

Smotrich accused members of the chareidi parties of focusing on the imprisonment of yeshivah students while Israel continues to grapple with the loss of soldiers and the pain endured by bereaved families. He described the actions of portions of the chareidi leadership as an example of “detachment and insensitivity” during a difficult period for the country.

The criticism came after Shas chairman Aryeh Deri visited Prison 10 earlier in the day to meet with imprisoned bnei yeshivah, offer encouragement, and express solidarity with them.

During the visit, Deri argued that Torah learners should not be treated as criminals and reiterated his party’s intention to advance a Basic Law on Torah Study that would formally define the status of Torah learning within the State of Israel.

Joining Deri on the visit were MK Michael Malchieli and Shas Director-General MK Chaim Biton. The delegation met with several detainees, heard accounts of their incarceration conditions, and pledged to work toward improving their situation.

Deri also presented the detainees with copies of Emunah U’Bitachon and conveyed what he described as the full support of the Shas movement for the imprisoned yeshivah students.

Separately, United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzchak Goldknopf also visited Prison 10 and met with the detainees.

Goldknopf stated that the imprisonment of bnei yeshivah because of their dedication to Torah learning is a reality that should not be accepted. He called for a change in government policy and voiced support for the students being held in custody.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he intends to press Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu not to retaliate against Iran following Tehran’s missile barrage against Israel, warning that further military escalation could jeopardize delicate diplomatic efforts currently underway, the NY Post reports.

The comments came after Iran launched at least ten missiles toward Israel on Sunday, just hours after the IDF carried out a strike on a Hezbollah command facility in Beirut.

Speaking with Fox News, Trump indicated that he was displeased by Israel’s operation in the Lebanese capital, particularly because he had previously urged Netanyahu to avoid such action. At the same time, he acknowledged that Iran’s missile attack would also complicate efforts to advance negotiations.

“What I would suggest to Iran: You’ve shot your missiles, that’s enough. Get back to the table and make a deal,” Trump told the outlet.

The President also highlighted the strength of the American military and pointed to the impact of the ongoing naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which has placed significant economic pressure on Iran by disrupting key oil exports.

In separate remarks to Axios, Trump said he was taking direct action to prevent a broader confrontation between Israel and Iran.

“Calling Netanyahu right now and telling him not to attack Iran in response.”

Trump argued that both sides had already demonstrated their capabilities and warned that another round of attacks could trigger an endless cycle of retaliation.

“Each of them had their fun. If Bibi strikes them back it’s just gonna keep going like the last 47 years, or the last 3,000 years,” Trump said.

In a brief telephone conversation with The New York Post later in the day, Trump expressed confidence about the overall situation, saying simply that “things are going very well.”

Iranian officials, however, signaled that they were prepared for a wider confrontation and issued fresh threats directed at both Israel and the United States.

In a statement distributed through state-affiliated media, Iran’s military claimed that its acceptance of a ceasefire agreement earlier this year had been contingent upon a halt to hostilities across the region, while accusing both Washington and Jerusalem of violating those understandings.

“Our acceptance of the ceasefire on April 8 was conditional on a ceasefire on ALL fronts; but as always, America and Israel did not adhere to their commitment, they continued the aggression and crimes in Lebanon, and attacked Iranian vessels,” Iran’s military said in a statement shared with regime media on Sunday.

Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, praised what he described as Tehran’s response to foreign adversaries and warned that any Israeli retaliation would be met with a significantly harsher reaction.

He touted the “response” foreign “aggressors” received and promised that Israel would see “a more crushing response and heavier costs” if it retaliates.

Despite Trump’s efforts to calm the situation, Israeli officials indicated that military planning remains ongoing.

Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, one of the IDF’s senior spokesmen, announced that the military had approved plans for additional operations in Lebanon if necessary.

While Defrin stopped short of announcing an immediate response to Iran’s missile attack, he sharply criticized Tehran’s actions, declaring that Iran had committed “a grave mistake.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s airspace remains fully operational and commercial flights are continuing according to schedule despite the recent Iranian missile launches toward the country, Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced following a high-level security assessment.

The decision was reached after Regev convened a special meeting with Transportation Ministry Director General Moshe Ben-Zaken and senior representatives from Israel’s aviation sector to evaluate the situation and determine whether any restrictions on air travel were necessary.

Following the assessment, transportation officials concluded that there was no immediate need to suspend or limit civilian air traffic, allowing airlines and airports to continue operating as normal.

Officials stressed that the decision reflects the current security picture and remains subject to change should conditions deteriorate. The Transportation Ministry emphasized that it is closely monitoring developments and maintaining ongoing contact with security and aviation authorities.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump appealed to Israel on Sunday to refrain from launching a retaliatory strike against Iran following Tehran’s missile attack on northern Israel, saying such a response could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts and reignite a cycle of conflict.

In remarks to Channel 12 News correspondent Barak Ravid, Trump revealed that he intended to personally contact Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to urge restraint. “I am going to call Netanyahu right now and tell him not to strike back.”

Trump argued that the Iranian missile barrage caused no casualties and warned that a counterattack would only prolong hostilities. “The Iranian strikes didn’t hurt anybody. Hopefully Israel is not going to retaliate. If Bibi strikes them back it’s just gonna keep going like the last 47 years, or the last 3000 years.”

The President also emphasized the progress being made in negotiations with Tehran, expressing concern that renewed military action could jeopardize a breakthrough. “We are very close to a final deal with Iran. It is going to be a good deal. I don’t want it to blow up because of what is happening now.”

Reiterating his position, Trump said both sides had already demonstrated their capabilities and that further escalation was unnecessary. “I am going to call Bibi right now and tell him not to retaliate. Each of them had their fun. Israel had its strike and Iran had its strike. We don’t need another one,” he stressed.

Trump’s comments followed a large-scale Iranian missile attack on Israel in which ten missiles were launched in three separate waves. According to the IDF, all of the incoming projectiles were successfully intercepted before reaching their targets.

Despite the successful interceptions, Israeli authorities responded by increasing the country’s security posture. The Home Front Command announced a nationwide tightening of civilian safety regulations, elevating the entire country to a stricter orange alert level. Under the updated directives, schools across Israel will not operate.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch subsequently confirmed that all educational institutions would remain closed on Monday and that matriculation exams scheduled for that day would be postponed in accordance with Home Front Command instructions.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu held an emergency security assessment on Sunday evening with Defense Minister Israel Katz and senior members of Israel’s defense establishment. The consultation came in the wake of Israel’s strike in Beirut’s Dahieh neighborhood and a series of threatening statements issued afterward by senior Iranian officials.

{Matzav.com}

Three weeks after his election, Rav Yitzchak Edelstein was formally installed as Chief Rabbi of Ramat Hasharon during a historic ceremony held at the city’s main shul.

The newly appointed rabbi marked the occasion by wearing a new Hamburg-style hat and a new tallis, upon which he recited a Shehecheyanu with visible emotion.

The event was attended by many of Israel’s leading Torah authorities and roshei yeshivah. Among those present were Rav Berel Povarsky, Rav Shraga Shteinman, Israel’s Chief Rabbi Rav Kalman Meir Ber, former Chief Rabbi Rav Yisrael Meir Lau, and numerous other rabbonim and public figures.

Rav Edelstein’s appointment continues a distinguished family legacy in Ramat Hasharon. His grandfather, Rav Tzvi Yehuda Edelstein zt”l, served as the city’s rov before him, followed by his father, Rav Yaakov Edelstein zt”l, who held the position for more than 60 years.

Speakers throughout the ceremony emphasized Rav Edelstein’s qualifications for the role, praising both his personal accomplishments and decades of service to the community, while noting that he represents a direct continuation of the city’s rabbinic leadership since its founding.

Among the keynote speakers was Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Meir Ber, who signed Rav Edelstein’s official appointment document and offered words of blessing.

“My friend, Rav Yitzchak, a descendant of a distinguished rabbinic dynasty, a Torah scholar of great stature whose wisdom is joined with genuine concern for people. Through his deeds and activities, he has brought—and will continue to bring—honor to Heaven in his city. May it be Hashem’s will that he continue his sacred work and mission for many long years.”

The evening’s musical program featured singer Uziel Deitch and keyboardist Ari Kuritz. The event was produced by Isaac Stein of Shechakim Productions.

{Matzav.com}

An Israeli singer has sparked widespread attention after claiming that he won the grand prize in Israel’s latest lottery drawing and then shared the news directly with his followers on social media.

According to posts published overnight, singer Osher Biton said he was the sole winner of the 40 million shekel jackpot awarded in the lottery drawing held on Motzoei Shabbos.

The drawing generated enormous interest because the jackpot had reached the maximum amount allowed by law—40 million shekels in the regular lottery and up to 80 million shekels through the Double Lotto option.

Lottery kiosks across the country reportedly saw a surge of customers as tens of thousands of Israelis tried their luck in hopes of winning the record prize. In the end, however, only one ticket matched all of the winning numbers.

Biton, who first gained national recognition through his participation in Eurovision-related competitions and later built a successful music career, chose not to keep the news private.

Sharing a photo of what appeared to be the winning ticket on Instagram, he wrote: “Turns out I’m a millionaire—I didn’t realize it.”

The surprising announcement quickly spread across social media, with thousands of users sharing the post and flooding the singer with congratulatory messages.

The story also brought renewed attention to other notable lottery winners in Israel who publicly disclosed their winnings. Among them were a soldier who won 15 million shekels after serving months in reserve duty in Gaza and another individual who reportedly won 24 million shekels two years after a missile struck his home.

{Matzav.com}

In remarks that have sparked intense discussion throughout Israel’s medical community, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein sharply criticized the country’s health funds for spending vast sums on advertising and public relations campaigns while, he argued, making it difficult for elderly patients to obtain subsidized life-saving treatments.

The comments were delivered during the Rav’s weekly shiur for physicians and rabbanim at the shul of Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center. For nearly five decades, the gathering has served as a forum where complex questions at the intersection of halachah and medicine are discussed and analyzed.

Doctors who regularly travel from across the country to attend the lectures were taken aback by the unusually forceful criticism directed at the health funds. Rav Zilberstein argued that instead of expanding access to life-saving medications, the organizations are spending excessive amounts on large-scale advertising campaigns and public relations efforts.

The discussion arose from a complicated question involving an expensive medical treatment that a health fund subsidizes only under highly specific circumstances. A patient sought guidance regarding whether he could take certain steps to obtain coverage for a treatment that doctors deemed medically necessary, even though he did not technically meet the required eligibility criteria.

While Rav Zilberstein devoted much of the shiur to analyzing the halachic dimensions of the case, he used the opportunity to address what he described as a broader and troubling reality affecting many patients.

“In my opinion, the doctor is correct,” Rav Zilberstein said. “A health fund may be jointly owned by its members, but that would apply only if the members were consulted regarding all expenditures. Yet these health funds are pouring out money—yes, pouring it out. You ask why I used that expression? Because when an institution spends money on enormous newspaper advertisements, that is called wasting money.”

“Have you seen these advertisements?” he continued. “Entire pages. What is that? A full page costs a fortune. So I wrote that they are ‘pouring out’ money. They are spending it without justification on things that the public clearly would not approve of, such as massive advertising campaigns, public relations efforts, and other activities unrelated to actual medical care.”

Rav Zilberstein also criticized what he described as the approval of numerous prenatal tests that are often unnecessary and extremely costly.

“They act with excessive generosity and without proportion when it comes to these tests,” he said. “Therefore, there is no justification for the claims they make, and one cannot simply accept their position as binding when they themselves are spending money in this manner.”

Turning to the issue of medication coverage, Rav Zilberstein expressed frustration with what he characterized as inflexible eligibility requirements.

“But when it comes to elderly people who need life-saving medications, suddenly they become inexplicably stingy,” he said. “What do they say? ‘You’re missing this requirement. You’re missing a few points.’ That is stinginess. They have rigid rules. If someone’s protein level is 195, is he not in danger? Why must it be exactly 200 before he qualifies for assistance? These numbers can change within a month. They are constantly changing. Therefore, I say that fairness dictates that one should not automatically accept their position.”

Rav Zilberstein argued that the public would overwhelmingly prefer that health fund resources be directed first and foremost toward life-saving treatments.

“In my opinion, the public would rather see this money spent on life-saving medications,” he said. “As long as the health funds never ask the public how these funds should be used, it cannot simply be claimed that every expenditure reflects the will of the public. If they consulted their members, who would approve these advertisements? A single full-page ad costs an enormous amount of money. And there are many more advertisements—in newspapers, institutions, and elsewhere. The advertising is excessive and unjustified. It is money that should not be spent this way.”

One participant asked what purpose such advertising serves.

“Why are they advertising?” he asked. “Is it to build their reputation or to attract more clients?”

Rav Zilberstein replied, “To bring in more money and attract clients. But it is not justified. You cannot collect money from poor people who need that money to live and then spend it this way. It is not justified. Much of what we do today is not justified. It is not according to the Torah.”

{Matzav.com}

The effort to transfer control of Maimonides Medical Center to NYC Health + Hospitals has encountered yet another obstacle, dealing a fresh blow to a transaction that has already faced mounting legal and regulatory challenges.

Sources with knowledge of the process say the New York State Department of Health recently rejected Maimonides’ newest filing seeking approval of the proposed acquisition after determining that the hospital had not submitted a mandatory Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA).

The setback surfaced just as Maimonides officials were anticipating review of the transaction by the Establishment and Project Review Committee of the Public Health and Health Planning Council. When the committee’s agenda for its June 10 meeting was published, however, the proposed takeover was notably absent.

The latest development comes on the heels of a major legal ruling issued last month that significantly complicated the path forward for both Maimonides and NYC Health + Hospitals.

On May 12, Albany Supreme Court Justice Denise Hartman invalidated the Department of Health’s earlier approval of the $2.245 billion deal, finding that regulators allowed the transaction to move ahead without completing the review procedures required under state law.

That court challenge was filed by Refuah Helpline, several Borough Park kehillos, and neighborhood residents who contended that the takeover could materially affect healthcare services relied upon by Brooklyn communities.

A central issue in the current dispute is compliance with the Health Equity Impact Assessment requirement, a provision enacted by New York State in 2023. The law requires a comprehensive independent review of major healthcare transactions to evaluate their potential effects on access to medical care, healthcare disparities, and vulnerable or underserved populations.

Opponents of the transaction maintain that such scrutiny is essential given Maimonides’ role as one of Brooklyn’s most important healthcare institutions, serving hundreds of thousands of patients, including the large Orthodox Jewish population of Borough Park and neighboring communities.

The hospital treats a patient base heavily dependent on Medicare and Medicaid and is home to Brooklyn’s only full-service children’s hospital and Pediatric Trauma Center.

Attorneys representing the petitioners argue that the recent court decision leaves little room for interpretation, making clear that the acquisition cannot move forward unless a HEIA is completed and the proposal undergoes a full review by the Public Health and Health Planning Council.

The latest delay could significantly alter the timetable for the transaction. The Establishment and Project Review Committee is not scheduled to convene again until August 27, and healthcare observers note that conducting a thorough, independent health-equity assessment often requires extensive research, community participation, and detailed analysis.

The proposed acquisition also remains entangled in additional legal disputes.

A separate lawsuit brought by seven members of Maimonides’ board of trustees is still pending in Kings County Supreme Court. The suit alleges that hospital leadership failed to adequately evaluate alternative options before pursuing the transaction.

Meanwhile, the Charities Bureau of the New York Attorney General’s Office has refused to authorize the transfer of Maimonides’ nonprofit assets without judicial oversight, adding another layer of uncertainty to the process.

Hospital officials and NYC Health + Hospitals had originally projected that the transaction would be completed by April 1, 2026, a target date repeatedly cited by leaders of both organizations. More than two months after that deadline, the proposal remains mired in litigation, regulatory scrutiny, and unresolved questions.

{Matzav.com}

Tensions across the Middle East surged Sunday evening after Iran launched four missiles toward northern Israel, triggering air raid sirens throughout the region. Israeli defense systems successfully intercepted all four projectiles, preventing casualties or damage.

The missile launch came shortly after the IDF warned that retaliatory fire could be directed at Israel following the recent strike in Beirut. Following an updated assessment of the situation, military officials said they were preparing for the possibility of attacks against Israeli territory in the hours ahead.

The military said it had strengthened its defensive deployment and remains fully prepared for a variety of possible developments. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, together with senior military commanders, has been conducting ongoing assessments and closely tracking the rapidly evolving situation.

As security concerns mounted, the Home Front Command announced a major tightening of civilian restrictions nationwide. Under the revised guidelines, the entire country was placed under a stricter orange alert level, and all school activities were canceled.

Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu convened a high-level security meeting Sunday evening with Defense Minister Yisroel Katz and top defense officials. The consultation followed Israel’s strike in Beirut’s Dahieh neighborhood and a series of threats issued afterward by senior Iranian officials.

The emergency discussions took place amid growing fears of a wider regional confrontation. Simultaneously, the U.S. military released footage highlighting its expanded presence throughout the Middle East and emphasized that American forces in the region remain “alert and ready.”

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Israeli security officials indicated that they currently assess the chances of an immediate large-scale Iranian attack as relatively low.

“We are prepared for every scenario, which is why the discussion with the Prime Minister was held,” the official said. “We do not know whether Iran will act on its threats. Our assessment is that it will not, but if it does, it will face a powerful response.”

Later, following another military assessment, the Home Front Command announced that its existing defensive directives would remain in place until Monday at 8:00 p.m. Officials stressed that no additional instructions had been issued to the public at this stage, while promising immediate updates should the situation change.

Israeli decision-makers believe Tehran may ultimately choose to confine its response to threats and public statements, despite repeated warnings from Iranian leaders that Israel would face consequences for the Beirut operation.

Iranian officials continued to escalate their rhetoric throughout the day. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, posted a warning on social media promising “a painful response” to the attack in Dahieh and added: “Watch the skies of the occupied territories tonight.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also issued a sharply worded statement, accusing Israel of aggression and asserting that the United States had facilitated the strike. In a social media post, he declared that American and Israeli facilities throughout the region had become “legitimate targets” and warned that Iranian forces “are ready and vigilant.”

{Matzav.com}

One hundred days after former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated in his office in Tehran, the Islamic Republic has yet to bury the man who ruled the country for more than three decades.

The delay has become one of the most unusual and politically sensitive aspects of Iran’s post-war transition. While senior military commanders and government officials who were killed in the same strike have already been laid to rest, repeated promises of a massive state funeral for Khamenei have yet to materialize.

Officials in Tehran have spoken of plans for a multi-day funeral procession later this month. According to those plans, ceremonies would be held in several cities before Khamenei is ultimately buried in the holy city of Mashhad.

The lengthy delay stands in contrast to Shiite religious tradition, which generally favors prompt burial except under extraordinary circumstances, such as uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of death. Several Shiite clerics have argued that unnecessary delays should be avoided if they risk showing disrespect to the deceased.

The television network Iran International reported that the absence of a funeral has fueled speculation regarding the condition of Khamenei’s remains following the attack in which he was killed. Iranian media reports concerning other officials who died in the same strike described bodies that were recovered only weeks later and identified through DNA testing after suffering extensive damage.

Iranian authorities have released no information regarding the condition or location of Khamenei’s remains. The unanswered questions surrounding his burial have merged with another mystery: the continuing disappearance of his designated successor.

Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed leadership following his father’s death, has not appeared publicly since the assassination. Officials insist that he survived the attack and suffered only minor injuries, but reports and rumors of more serious wounds have continued to circulate.

If Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and actively governing, he would rank among Israel’s highest-priority targets. Any major public appearance could pose significant security risks.

That reality complicates what would ordinarily be a defining moment for a new leader. The funeral of a supreme leader is not merely a religious ceremony; it is also a powerful display of political continuity. The successor’s absence from such an event would be difficult to explain, while his attendance could expose him to risks that authorities may be unwilling to accept.

For now, 100 days after Khamenei’s death, Iran has officially selected a successor but has yet to present him publicly. It has promised a historic farewell to its longtime leader but has not delivered one. And it continues to grapple with questions that neither official statements nor public ceremonies have been able to answer.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] A tense interview between President Donald Trump and NBC News moderator Kristen Welker came to an abrupt end after a heated exchange over Trump’s continued assertions that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. The confrontation escalated during the final minutes of the discussion, with Trump ultimately ending the interview and criticizing the network’s coverage.

The interview, which aired Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” grew increasingly contentious when Welker challenged Trump over his repeated claims that the 2020 election had been manipulated and questioned his assertions about election practices in California.

As Welker pressed for evidence supporting those allegations, Trump turned his criticism toward NBC itself.

“You’re a one-sided crooked network,” Trump fumed during the interview, which aired Sunday. “Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough. Thank you, darling. Have a good time.”

Welker attempted to persuade the president to continue the conversation, reminding him that she had traveled to Wisconsin to conduct the interview. Trump, however, signaled that he had no interest in continuing.

“I sat in the rain with you for an hour,” he grumbled.

“On and off in the rain, and I’ve given you enough time. You ought to straighten out your press,” he added. “A country can never be great with a dishonest press.”

After broadcasting the exchange, Welker disclosed that she later spoke with Trump and that he agreed to participate in another interview at a future date, though no timetable has been announced.

According to Welker, both she and the president acknowledged that challenging weather conditions had complicated portions of the interview, which was conducted outdoors and included periods of rainfall.

The interview’s tone shifted sharply during its closing minutes when Welker questioned Trump about a proposed $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund that had been designed to compensate individuals who claimed they had been harmed by politically motivated federal investigations and prosecutions.

The issue gained renewed attention after Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informed lawmakers last week that the Justice Department had abandoned plans for the controversial fund. Nevertheless, some observers have expressed concern that the proposal could resurface in the future.

Trump voiced support for the concept and indicated that he would like to see it move forward.

Welker then asked whether individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot should be eligible for compensation under such a program.

“Now, I don’t know what’s going to happen with the weaponization fund. I love the idea,” Trump said. “People like stupid [former President Joe] Biden, he’s not smart enough to know what’s going on, but people that surrounded him … what they did to the lives of people, they destroyed people. They sent people to jail who did nothing wrong.”

Welker challenged those remarks, responding that “there’s no evidence of what you’re saying” before attempting to redirect the conversation to questions concerning Blanche and the Justice Department.

Instead, Trump returned to the subject of the 2020 election and reiterated his longstanding allegations regarding the outcome.

“The election was rigged. It was a dirty election,” Trump snapped about the election, which he lost to Biden before winning in 2024 against Democrat Kamala Harris.

Welker noted that Trump has not publicly produced evidence supporting those claims and continued pressing him on the issue. The exchange became increasingly strained, culminating in Trump’s decision to end the interview before its scheduled conclusion.

Despite the contentious ending, NBC indicated that discussions between Welker and the president remained cordial afterward, and both sides have expressed interest in conducting a follow-up interview in the future.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

The IDF has cleared for publication the identity of the reserve soldier killed in Sunday’s deadly shooting attack in the Sharon region. The victim was identified as Master Sergeant (Res.) Chaim Klomity Hy”d, 55, of Tzur Natan, who served as a regional defense fighter in Battalion 8881 of the Ephraim Brigade.

According to the IDF, Klomity was killed during the terror attack near Tzur Natan. Another reserve soldier was seriously wounded in the same incident and was evacuated to a hospital for treatment. His family has been notified.

The attack began at approximately 10:36 a.m., when police received reports of gunfire at a gas station and fast-food restaurant near the entrance to Kochav Yair. Following the initial reports, Central District Commander Amir Cohen declared the incident a terrorist attack and dispatched large numbers of police officers, Border Police personnel, and additional security forces to the area.

Preliminary findings indicate that the terrorist, an Israeli citizen in his 20s from Tayibe, left the city in his vehicle shortly after 10:30 a.m. and embarked on a shooting spree across several locations.

Authorities said the gunman first opened fire at civilians at a gas station in the Tzur Yigal area, wounding two people. He then drove to Tzur Yitzchak, where he fired at a security post at the entrance to the community, injuring another civilian.

The attacker later arrived in Tzur Natan, where he carried out another shooting at a security position, wounding a security guard and a nearby woman. He then continued his rampage, firing at a reserve soldier traveling in his vehicle and fatally wounding him. That victim was later identified as Klomity.

The terrorist subsequently reached the entrance to Sal’it, where he again opened fire toward a security post. The community’s security chief engaged the gunman, returned fire, and exchanged shots with him, forcing the attacker to flee the area.

At the same time, police officers, Border Police units, IDF troops, and civilian emergency response teams established roadblocks and launched extensive search operations. A police helicopter assisted in the manhunt from the air.

At approximately 11:03 a.m., officers from the Tayibe police station located the suspect and began pursuing him. The chase ended in an open area near the quarries between Tzur Natan and Tayibe, where the terrorist was neutralized and killed.

The shooting spree left one Israeli dead and several others wounded with varying degrees of injuries.

As part of the ongoing investigation, several members of the terrorist’s family have been arrested and questioned. Investigators from the Sharon Major Crimes Unit, together with officers from the Tira police station, also arrested an additional suspect believed to have assisted the attacker. Authorities said he is expected to be brought before a court for a remand hearing following the completion of initial questioning.

{Matzav.com}

In a dramatic development just days after the tumultuous protest outside the home of Supreme Court Deputy President Justice Noam Solberg in Alon Shvut, a prominent rav affiliated with the Peleg Yerushalmi has issued an unprecedented public letter calling on the community’s rabbanim not to accord the judge any honors in shul.

Rav Tuvia Halevi Shlesinger, one of the senior rabbanim associated with the Peleg Yerushalmi, sent a sharply worded letter last Thursday to the rabbanim of Alon Shvut. In the letter, he describes Justice Solberg as a “mored b’malchus Shamayim” and rules that he should not receive any kibbudim in shul, including being called up for an aliyah to the Torah.

The letter comes amid escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing arrests of yeshiva bochurim and the fierce opposition within the Peleg Yerushalmi to judicial decisions viewed as facilitating increased enforcement against bnei Torah.

The unusual appeal follows the widely publicized incident outside Justice Solberg’s home, where dozens of chareidi protesters gathered in demonstration. According to reports, windows were broken, property was damaged, and planters near the entrance to the residence were smashed. The situation became serious enough that the Gush Etzion emergency response team was mobilized to protect the home.

While leaders of the Peleg Yerushalmi have denied any involvement in the disturbances, individuals closely involved in the struggle against the arrests of yeshiva bochurim say the letter highlights that the campaign is far from over.

According to sources involved in the effort, “Very dramatic days lie ahead, and the campaign will only intensify if the authorities do not leave the bochurim of Israel alone.”

Following the incident, Israel’s Judicial Authority issued a forceful condemnation of the protest.

The judiciary stated that it “views with great severity the violent demonstration near the home of the Deputy President of the Supreme Court.” The statement further described the episode as “a grave and unacceptable event that crosses the boundaries of legitimate protest, in an attempt to undermine the sense of security of judicial officeholders and their family members.”

The Judicial Authority further stated that it would continue working together with law enforcement and security officials to safeguard members of the judiciary.

“Attempts to exert pressure on, intimidate, or deter judges will not affect the fulfillment of their duties,” the statement said.

{Matzav.com}

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri visited a group of yeshiva bochurim being held in Prison 10 on Sunday, offering encouragement and expressing solidarity with those detained amid the ongoing dispute over the status of full-time Torah learners. During the visit, Deri strongly criticized what he described as the criminalization of Torah study and pledged continued political efforts on behalf of the detainees.

Speaking during the visit, Deri said, “From here we cry out: Stop treating Torah learners like criminals! Yeshiva bochurim are the pride of the Jewish people and the guardians of our nation’s spiritual heritage. Shas will continue to defend the status of Torah learners with all its strength, and this week we will work to advance the Basic Law: Torah Study, which will enshrine the supreme value of Torah in the State of Israel.”

The visit, which had been scheduled in advance, took place Sunday morning at Prison 10. Accompanying Deri were MK Michael Malchieli and Shas Director-General MK Chaim Biton. The delegation was escorted by prison commander Lt. Col. Shay Ben Baruch, the prison rabbi, and members of the facility’s professional staff.

During the tour, Deri met with approximately ten chareidi detainees, listened to their concerns, and heard firsthand accounts of their experiences behind bars. He distributed copies of Emunah Ubitachon bearing a personal inscription from Rav Dovid Abuchatzeira and promised to send additional religious study materials that the prisoners said they were lacking.

Deri sought to bolster their spirits and assured them that the entire Shas movement stands firmly behind them. He emphasized that the party is actively working to secure their release and resolve their legal status as quickly as possible.

Outside the prison, Deri met with Rabbi Meir Levy, the father of detainee Yosef Levy. For several days, Rabbi Levy has reportedly been learning Torah continuously outside the prison as a protest and a show of solidarity with his son and the other incarcerated yeshiva bochurim.

Deri embraced Rabbi Levy and offered words of support for his efforts. He also met with attorney Itai Cohen, a law partner of attorney Shlomo Chadad, to discuss the legal proceedings currently taking place in military court concerning Yosef Levy’s case and to review possible legal strategies moving forward.

United Torah Judaism chairman MK Rabbi Yitzchok Goldknopf also visited Prison 10 and later issued a statement describing his impressions from the visit.

“I toured Prison 10 again today together with my chief of staff, Moti Babchik, in order to visit the yeshiva bochurim being held there. Meeting the detainees, including those who have been classified as deserters or draft evaders, is deeply troubling. We did not return to the Land of Israel after two thousand years of exile so that our brothers and sons would be arrested because they are studying Torah. This reality must change.”

{Matzav.com}