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Iranian officials are pushing back against reports questioning the condition of Mojtaba Khamenei, insisting the country’s supreme leader is healthy and actively leading, despite continued speculation following a deadly Israeli strike.

Esmail Baghaei, a spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, rejected claims that Mojtaba Khamenei had been killed or was seriously ill. Speaking in an interview with India Today, Baghaei said the Iranian leader is in stable condition and functioning normally.

He added, “We are pleased that the regime is operating efficiently, our armed forces are acting according to Iran’s defense plans, and most importantly, our people are united in the face of these aggressive and brutal actions.”

Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed leadership after his father, was wounded during an Israeli airstrike targeting his father’s compound in February 2026. That attack killed multiple members of his immediate family, including his father, mother, wife, and daughter.

Days earlier, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, also sought to dismiss concerns, stating that Mojtaba Khamenei is “in excellent health,” “fully in control of the situation,” and carrying out his responsibilities as expected. The same assurances were echoed by the state-affiliated Mehr News Agency.

Even so, questions persist. While several official statements have been released in Mojtaba Khamenei’s name since the strike, there has been no recent visual confirmation of his condition, and he has not been heard speaking publicly.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump has indicated in recent conversations with close associates that he is aiming to avoid a drawn-out war with Iran and is working toward bringing the conflict to a close in the near future, according to a report published Wednesday.

As the fighting approaches the one-month mark, Trump has privately told advisers that he believes the campaign is nearing its conclusion. He has encouraged them to remain aligned with the four-to-six-week timeframe he has previously outlined publicly, people familiar with the discussions told The Wall Street Journal.

Officials at the White House have also been preparing for a mid-May meeting in Beijing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, operating under the assumption that the conflict with Iran will be resolved before that summit takes place, according to individuals briefed on the planning.

One source told The Wall Street Journal that Trump expressed concern that the war is pulling attention away from other key priorities on his agenda.

Another individual who recently spoke with the president said Trump appears eager to move on to his next major initiative, though he has not specified what that will be.

“President Trump is extraordinarily skilled at multi-tasking and works on multiple challenges at the same time,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. “The President is laser focused on fully achieving the military objectives against the terrorist Iranian regime. The president’s sole focus is always victory.”

According to the report, one proposal Trump has discussed with advisers involves securing U.S. access to portions of Iran’s oil resources as part of a potential agreement to end the conflict. A senior administration official said, however, that no formal planning is currently underway for such an arrangement.

While Trump has not ruled out deploying U.S. troops on the ground in Iran, he remains hesitant to take that step, in part because it could prolong the war. Officials told The Wall Street Journal that he is also concerned that American casualties could rise if the conflict continues.

Earlier this week, Trump announced a temporary halt of five days on “any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure” in order to allow space for diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran. He added that the United States is in contact with “very solid” figures inside Iran.

Reports that followed suggested that Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was involved in representing Iran in discussions with the U.S., though Ghalibaf publicly denied that any negotiations were taking place.

Speaking Wednesday night in Washington, Trump said he believes Iran is interested in reaching an agreement but is unwilling to acknowledge it openly.

“I’ve never seen anything like we’re doing in the Middle East with Iran. And they are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they’re afraid to say it, because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people. They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us,” the President stated.

He added a pointed remark about Iran’s leadership, saying, “There’s never been a head of a country that wanted that job less than being the head of Iran. We listen to some of the things they say, we hear them very clearly. They say, ‘I don’t want it, we’d like to make you the next supreme leader. No thank you, I don’t want it.'”

{Matzav.com}

The United States has crossed a significant threshold in its ongoing military campaign against Iran, with more than 10,000 strikes carried out since late February, according to a senior U.S. commander, as the conflict continues to intensify both on the battlefield and across global economic systems.

In an update posted Wednesday, U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, who leads United States Central Command, said American forces reached the 10,000-strike mark nearly four weeks into Operation Epic Fury.

Cooper reported that U.S. operations have exceeded that number since the campaign began on Feb. 28, adding that forces remain “on plan or ahead of plan” in efforts aimed at dismantling Iran’s capacity to project power beyond its borders.

He said that sustained U.S. precision attacks have “overwhelmed Iranian air defenses,” created “tangible effects,” and significantly reduced Iran’s ability to target American forces and allied nations, noting that continued combat sorties are eroding Tehran’s offensive capabilities.

According to Cooper, U.S. strikes have crippled Iran’s naval strength, with roughly 92% of its largest vessels rendered inoperable. He also said that Iran’s use of drones and missiles has dropped by more than 90% following coordinated U.S. and allied operations.

He further stated that more than two-thirds of Iran’s facilities tied to missile, drone, and naval production—as well as key shipyards—have been hit or destroyed, while U.S. forces have maintained control of the skies and conducted over 10,000 combat flights throughout the campaign.

Cooper praised the role of long-range B-52 bombers and the involvement of more than 50,000 U.S. troops, saying they “embody the courage and resilience” of American service members.

Despite the scale of U.S. operations, Iran has continued launching retaliatory strikes, firing missiles and deploying drones at Israeli territory as well as U.S. and allied installations across the Middle East.

Several Iranian barrages have struck sites throughout Israel, including residential areas and civilian infrastructure. One such attack on March 1 resulted in the deaths of at least nine Israeli civilians.

Thousands of Israelis have been wounded in the attacks, with total injuries surpassing 4,000.

Iranian strikes have also reached U.S. bases and allied facilities in Gulf countries, with missiles crossing regional airspace and causing structural damage. In some instances, drone attacks have struck U.S. Embassy compounds, leading to minor damage.

By mid-March, U.S. officials reported that at least 13 American service members had been killed in the conflict, with approximately 232 wounded. More than 200 of those injured have since returned to duty.

Earlier casualty reports had placed the U.S. death toll at six, though subsequent updates reflected a higher number as the campaign progressed.

Beyond the battlefield, the conflict has sent shockwaves through global energy and shipping markets.

Following U.S. and Israeli strikes, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued warnings that effectively shut down commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a steep drop in maritime activity.

At least a dozen commercial vessels sustained damage during the crisis, and one tugboat was sunk. Traffic through the strait initially declined by about 70% and, at times, came to a near standstill.

The disruption has affected roughly 20% of the world’s daily oil supply, along with significant shipments of liquefied natural gas, forcing major shipping companies to halt operations or reroute along significantly longer paths.

Oil markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude prices climbing past $100 per barrel and reaching highs of approximately $126.

The dual impact of sustained military conflict and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up war-risk insurance premiums for shipping and contributed to broader economic strain, including supply chain disruptions, rising commodity costs, and increased inflation in energy-dependent economies.

While U.S. officials maintain that Operation Epic Fury is steadily weakening Iran’s military capabilities and limiting its ability to conduct external attacks, Tehran’s ongoing retaliation continues to cause casualties and damage to Israeli and American interests throughout the region.

At the same time, Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has underscored the far-reaching global consequences of the conflict, particularly in energy markets and international trade.

U.S. military leaders continue to express confidence that Iran’s offensive capacity is diminishing as American forces sustain air superiority and press forward with the campaign.

{Matzav.com}

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Thousands gathered in Yerushalayim on Wednesday to accompany Rav Moshe Mordechai Chalkowski zt”l, a revered mechanech and man of chessed, to his final resting place. He was 86.

Rav Chalkowski served for decades as the spiritual director of Neve Yerushalayim Seminary and was among the founders and longtime gabbai of the Perushim Shul in the Givat Shaul neighborhood.

Born in England on the 9th of Teves 5698 (1938), he was the son of Rav Meir and Mrs. Devorah Chalkowski. From a young age, he displayed a deep commitment to Torah and avodas Hashem.

He later married Mrs. Rachel Chalkowski, know as “Bambi,” a well-known midwife who served for many years as the head of the delivery room at Shaare Zedek Medical Center. She is the daughter of Rav Yona Bamberger of France, who was involved in helping Jews escape Eastern Europe, at times facilitating their passage to neutral Switzerland before being captured by the Gestapo, after which his fate remained unknown.

Mrs. Chalkowski was awarded the Yakir Yerushalayim Honor in recognition of her decades of service and dedication to acts of kindness, having helped bring tens of thousands of children into the world over the course of fifty years.

Together, the couple built their home in Yerushalayim, which became a center of kindness and generosity. Rav Chalkowski was known as a devoted oveid Hashem, whose home was open to those in need and whose life was marked by genuine compassion.

Over more than fifty years at Neve Yerushalayim Seminary, he guided and inspired generations of students, drawing thousands of young women closer to Torah and mitzvos with unwavering dedication. To many, he was not only a teacher, but a father figure, mentor, and trusted guide. His counsel was sought by countless individuals, and his words, delivered with calm and clarity, illuminated the path for many.

In addition to his work at the seminary, he played a central role in the Perushim Shul, where he was among its founders and served faithfully as gabbai for many years. He also delivered shiurim at other shuls in the neighborhood, building a devoted group of talmidim who remained closely connected to him.

Rav Chalkowski maintained close relationships with leading gedolei Torah in the community, including Rav Shlomo Wolbe and Rav Mordechai Zuckerman, from whom he drew inspiration and guidance.

Throughout his life, he bore personal suffering with remarkable strength and acceptance, serving as a living example of enduring hardship with dignity and faith.

The levayah began at 2 Rechov Panim Meiros in Yerushalayim, proceeded through the Perushim Shul on Rechov Rav Amram Gaon in Givat Shaul, and was attended by large crowds before continuing to Har HaMenuchos for kevurah.

The family is sitting shivah at his home, located at 3 Rechov Azriel in the Givat Shaul neighborhood of Yerushalayim.

{Matzav.com}

Israel will move to daylight saving time overnight, with clocks set to advance by one hour between Thursday and Friday, affecting schedules across the country.

The time change will take place during the night of March 26–27, 2026. At 2:00 a.m., clocks will be moved forward to 3:00 a.m. Daylight saving time will remain in effect until the night between Saturday and Sunday, October 25, 2026, when standard time resumes.

Most modern smartphones update automatically, so users generally do not need to adjust their devices manually. Those who want to be certain can check their settings to confirm that automatic time updates are enabled.

The annual time change in Israel is governed by a 2013 law, which establishes that clocks are advanced by one hour starting on the Friday before the last Sunday in March and remain that way until the last Sunday in October. The goal is to better align daily routines with seasonal daylight hours and make more effective use of natural light.

The shift in time can also affect the human body. During the winter months, when daylight is limited, melatonin levels rise, often leading to increased fatigue.

Reduced exposure to light can also influence serotonin levels, which play a role in mood. Moving to daylight saving time helps synchronize daily activity with longer daylight hours, provides more light in the evening, and allows for more efficient use of the day.

Israel’s Health Ministry has issued an alert after a confirmed measles patient spent several days in a public shelter in a chareidi neighborhood in Kiryat Malachi, urging anyone who was present to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

According to the Health Ministry, the individual was in a public shelter located at 147 Sderot Yerushalayim in the Nachalat Har Chabad neighborhood between March 20 and March 24, 2026. The warning follows an epidemiological investigation conducted by the Ashkelon District Health Office.

Officials called on anyone who was in the shelter during those dates to verify that they have received the recommended two doses of the measles vaccine.

In recent weeks, multiple measles cases have been identified across the country, including in chareidi communities, prompting repeated calls from health authorities for the public to get vaccinated.

Last Tuesday, the Health Ministry reported that a 17-year-old boy who had not been vaccinated died after contracting measles. According to the ministry, the teen had underlying medical conditions and was hospitalized approximately two and a half weeks earlier, where he was diagnosed with the disease. His condition later deteriorated, and he passed away in the hospital.

Health officials also noted that among 16 additional reported deaths, most of the victims were infants and children who had no prior health conditions but were not vaccinated against measles.

“Measles is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever, general malaise, runny nose, and a rash,” the Health Ministry said. “The illness can lead to severe and even life-threatening complications. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical care promptly, after coordinating arrival in advance.”

The ministry emphasized that vaccination—and preventive treatment even after exposure—can help prevent severe illness.

“We stress that the vaccine, as well as post-exposure preventive treatment, can prevent serious illness from measles. Therefore, individuals who were in this shelter on the specified dates are requested to ensure they are vaccinated in accordance with Health Ministry recommendations (two doses of the vaccine).”

Vaccinations are available through health maintenance organizations, local health offices, and maternal-child health clinics. The public can also contact the Health Ministry hotline (*5400) for further guidance. Officials reiterated their call for widespread vaccination, noting that measles is a preventable disease with a safe and effective vaccine.

{Matzav.com}

A sharp dispute has emerged between two Sephardic Chief Rabbis over the stature and approach of Rav Yaakov Chaim Sofer, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Kaf HaChaim, highlighting a broader debate over the role of stringency in halachic decision-making.

During his most recent weekly shiur, the former Rishon LeTzion, Rav Yitzchok Yosef, addressed the halachic question of whether a posek may rule against the Shulchan Aruch, even in a stricter direction. In the course of his remarks, he delivered pointed criticism of Rav Yaakov Chaim Sofer, grandson of the author of the sefer Kaf HaChaim, who has been known to cite his grandfather’s teachings in support of adopting chumros.

Rav Yitzchok Yosef responded to a passage quoted by Rav Sofer from Kaf HaChaim (siman 158, se’if katan 25), which states that “anyone whose soul is more refined desires to pursue greater stringencies and piety, while one whose soul is not properly rectified desires to follow leniencies.” Based on this idea, Rav Sofer has explained his general approach of favoring chumrah in many areas.

Rejecting this interpretation, Rav Yitzchok Yosef said: “Did Beis Hillel, who were generally more lenient than Beis Shammai, have flawed souls, Heaven forbid? Did Maran Beis Yosef, who ruled leniently in many places, have a flawed soul, Heaven forbid? Rather, these are words of nonsense.”

He went on to clarify his understanding of the original teaching, explaining that a person of elevated soul does not rush to issue lenient rulings without careful analysis, but instead hesitates and says, “I do not know, I must investigate,” and only after proper consideration rules according to halachah—whether leniently or stringently.

According to a report, one of Rav Sofer’s sons responded to the criticism, arguing that a careful reading of Kaf HaChaim shows that the statement refers to personal conduct and not to psak halachah for the public. “Anyone who studies the original Kaf HaChaim will see that the statement was said only regarding appropriate personal conduct for each individual, and has no connection to private piety versus public halachic rulings. The quote is accurate and faithful to the original wording,” he said.

He further maintained that there is no comparison between Rav Yitzchok Yosef’s argument regarding Beis Hillel and the Beis Yosef and the concept of personal spiritual conduct, adding that his father based his approach on earlier authorities, including the Rosh and the Pele Yoetz.

The controversy is further underscored by contrasting remarks made recently by Rav Dovid Yosef, the current Rishon LeTzion and brother of Rav Yitzchok Yosef. At a recent dinner for alumni of Yeshivas Kaf HaChaim, Rav Dovid Yosef spoke in glowing terms about Rav Sofer, referring to him explicitly as “פאר הדור והדרו” and emphasizing that he meant every word.

Rav Dovid Yosef also recited the blessing “שחלק מחכמתו ליראיו” in honor of Rav Sofer, stating that “Maran the great gaon, the rosh yeshiva of Kaf HaChaim, is certainly worthy according to all opinions of the blessing ‘שחלק מחכמתו ליראיו’.”

In light of the ongoing security situation, with many residents displaced and others frequently moving between home and protected spaces, Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Meir Ber, has issued a comprehensive set of psakim addressing how to properly fulfill the mitzvah of bedikas chametz this year.

The guidelines clarify obligations for evacuees, those staying in temporary housing, and the use of public shelters.

Regarding evacuees, the ruling distinguishes between those who have permanently left their homes and those who still intend to return during Pesach. If one has fully vacated their residence and does not plan to return, the obligation of bedikas chametz no longer applies there. However, if there is any intention to return during Pesach, even briefly, the home must be checked before departure or arrangements must be made for someone else to perform the bedikah.

For individuals staying in temporary accommodations—such as hotels, host homes, or other residences—they are required to perform bedikas chametz in the place where they will be residing for Pesach. The obligation rests on the person using the space, even if they are not the owner.

A significant portion of the guidelines addresses public shelters. The responsibility to check for chametz in a shared or public shelter falls on those who regularly use the space. In practice, this obligation may be fulfilled by a representative of the residents, a designated individual, or local authorities. A berachah is generally not recited when checking such shared spaces unless it clearly qualifies as one’s primary dwelling for Pesach.

In situations where sirens may interrupt the bedikah, the ruling is clear: safety takes absolute precedence. If an alarm sounds during bedikas chametz, one must immediately stop and proceed to a protected area. Upon returning, the bedikah should be resumed without a new berachah, provided the interruption was not excessively long or distracting.

The Chief Rabbi also emphasizes that even under these unusual conditions, one should strive to perform bedikas chametz properly, using a candle or flashlight as appropriate, and ensuring that all areas where chametz may have been brought are checked.

At the same time, the tone of the psak underscores sensitivity to the realities on the ground. In cases of uncertainty, danger, or significant difficulty, one should rely on leniencies where appropriate and consult a competent rav.

These guidelines aim to ensure that the mitzvah of bedikas chametz is fulfilled responsibly and safely, even under the challenging circumstances facing Klal Yisroel this year.

{Matzav.com}

The United Arab Emirates has issued a sharp warning against Iran, with its ambassador to Washington declaring that Tehran poses a direct threat to global security and economic stability, as tensions continue to rise across the region.

In an opinion piece published in The Wall Street Journal, UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba wrote that weeks of ongoing conflict have reinforced long-standing concerns about Iran’s role in the region.

“Three and a half weeks of war have proven what we have known for nearly 50 years, that the Iranian revolution is a threat to global security and its economic stability. We cannot allow Iran to hold the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and the global economy hostage,” he wrote.

Al Otaiba stressed that a simple ceasefire would not be sufficient, arguing instead for a broader outcome that addresses Iran’s full range of threats.

“A simple ceasefire is not enough. We need a comprehensive outcome to the war that addresses the full spectrum of Iran’s threats: its nuclear capabilities, missiles, drones, proxy terrorist organizations, and the blockade of international shipping routes,” he wrote.

He explained that Iran has singled out the UAE more than any other country, not only because of geography but also because of fundamental differences between the two nations.

“The reason Iran is attacking the UAE more than any other country, and why we have become a primary target, is not only because we are so close, but because we are so different. The UAE is a modern, progressive Muslim society that is thriving and serves its people. We empower women and welcome all religions. The UAE is an argument Iran cannot win, an idea it cannot accept.”

Al Otaiba emphasized that the UAE will continue to meet the challenge, expand its economy, and strengthen ties with the United States. At the same time, he noted that despite damage to Iran’s nuclear program and its proxy forces, more must be done to address ongoing threats.

“More must be done to remove the missile and drone threats,” he said, adding that the UAE is “ready to join an international initiative to reopen the strait and keep it open,” referring to the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that the UAE has been on the front lines of the conflict, noting that Iran has launched more than 2,180 missiles and drones toward the Emirates—more than at any other country.

“We have one of the most effective defense systems in the world and intercept more than 95% of these attacks,” he said.

Al Otaiba also warned that Iran’s actions extend far beyond the UAE’s borders.

“Beyond our borders, Iran is attacking airports, seaports, and energy infrastructure. It is blocking energy shipments and supplies for fertilizers and manufacturing, and threatens amusement parks and cultural sites around the world through its proxy network. This is not a war we wanted. Until hours before the first strike, Emirati officials were engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts from Tehran to Washington. We made it clear to the Iranians that in the event of war, UAE territory and airspace would not be used for attacks on Iran.”

Iran signaled a firm refusal to enter negotiations with the United States as the conflict continues, with its foreign minister declaring Wednesday that Tehran has no intention of engaging in talks.

The remarks, delivered by Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and broadcast by state media, came as American strikes on Iranian targets persist.

“We do not plan on any negotiations,” the minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said, signaling a hardline stance despite reports of indirect diplomatic contacts.

Iran has also dismissed a U.S.-supported 15-point proposal aimed at ending the fighting, describing it as unreasonable and unacceptable, according to regional sources and officials familiar with the matter.

Instead, Tehran has put forward its own five-point outline for bringing the conflict to a close.

The Iranian proposal calls for a complete cessation of hostilities, assurances that fighting will not resume, an end to targeted assassinations, compensation for damages caused by the war, and acknowledgment of Iran’s role in safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Officials in Tehran maintain that the competing proposals from both sides cannot be reconciled.

A senior Iranian official told international media that Washington lacks the authority to impose an outcome and that Tehran will determine “how to end the conflict” based on its own conditions.

Observers say these statements underscore a growing disconnect between Iran’s public rejection of talks and U.S. assertions that diplomatic channels remain active behind the scenes.

Donald Trump has said his administration is involved in “constructive” discussions intended to bring the war to an end, now entering its fourth week.

While Iranian leaders deny that formal negotiations are taking place, diplomatic sources indicate that communication is continuing through intermediaries in countries such as Pakistan and Turkey.

The conflict erupted on February 28, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched widespread strikes on Iranian assets, triggering retaliatory attacks by Iran throughout the region.

Since then, the confrontation has included missile barrages, disruptions to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, and military actions across several countries.

At the same time, Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened.

A U.S. proposal reportedly included restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile activities in exchange for easing sanctions.

Tehran has refused to negotiate under what it describes as pressure created by ongoing military action.

Iranian leadership insists that talks cannot occur while strikes continue, a stance Amir-Abdollahian repeated on Wednesday.

It remains uncertain whether the current indirect exchanges could eventually develop into formal negotiations.

There is also ongoing uncertainty regarding which figures within Iran’s leadership hold the authority to decide on ending the war.

For now, both sides appear to be advancing on two tracks simultaneously — escalating military operations while maintaining limited diplomatic contact — leaving the chances for a negotiated resolution unclear.

Israel and the United States have reportedly paused plans to target two senior Iranian officials in a move aimed at creating space for potential negotiations to end the fighting, according to American sources.

Sources indicate that Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have been removed from operational target lists for a period of approximately four to five days. The temporary step comes as part of a broader effort to explore whether diplomatic progress can be made at the highest levels.

At the same time, international mediators—including Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt—are working to coordinate a meeting between U.S. and Iranian representatives in the near term. The goal is to secure a temporary ceasefire that would allow formal negotiations to begin.

Despite these efforts, officials involved in the process have cautioned that significant gaps remain between the two sides. Reports from Tehran suggest that Iranian leaders are, for now, rejecting proposals to enter negotiations.

The White House has also issued a firm warning that Washington is prepared to escalate its actions if diplomatic efforts fail.

In Israel, officials believe a ceasefire could be reached within days, though there is also a strong interest in continuing military operations beyond any initial pause.

Airport security operations across the United States are approaching a breaking point as funding instability and a partial government shutdown continue to disrupt the system, Transportation Security Administration acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told lawmakers on Wednesday.

Appearing before the House Homeland Security Committee, McNeill explained that the TSA has been operating without consistent funding for nearly half of fiscal year 2026. As a result, more than 61,000 employees — roughly 95 percent of the agency’s workforce — have been required to continue working without receiving pay.

During questioning, McNeill warned legislators that the agency is “being forced to consolidate,” signaling that smaller regional airports could face closure if conditions persist.

She disclosed that TSA has already accumulated close to $1 billion in unpaid wages, leaving many officers struggling to meet everyday financial obligations.

“We continue to screen millions of passengers a day, but our workforce is under severe financial and emotional stress,” McNeill said, describing reports of officers sleeping in their cars, taking multiple jobs, or relying on public donations to get by.

The ongoing funding gap is also having a clear impact on staffing levels.

Since February, approximately 460 TSA officers have left their positions, adding to more than 1,100 departures that occurred during last year’s shutdown.

At the same time, absenteeism has climbed sharply. Call-out rates nationwide have increased from 4 percent to 11 percent, with some airports reporting rates above 40 percent.

These staffing shortages are colliding with a rise in passenger traffic. Travel volume has grown by about 5 percent compared to last year’s spring break period, putting additional pressure on already strained screening operations.

McNeill noted that wait times at certain airports have stretched beyond four and a half hours, heightening the likelihood of missed flights and raising broader security concerns.

She cautioned that conditions could deteriorate further in the coming months, particularly with the FIFA World Cup scheduled for June, which is expected to drive a significant surge in travel demand.

Even if funding is restored in the near future, McNeill emphasized that newly hired officers would not be ready in time to assist during the event, as proper TSA training requires several months.

Her testimony highlighted the wider disruption affecting airports nationwide as the Department of Homeland Security funding dispute continues.

With frontline personnel going unpaid, increasing numbers of workers leaving their jobs, and travel demand reaching high levels, airports are experiencing growing delays, extended security lines, and operational challenges.

Airlines and airport officials have cautioned that if the uncertainty continues, both service quality and safety could decline further, especially during peak travel periods.

Although TSA screening is classified as essential infrastructure and continues even during shutdowns, employees are required to work without compensation under current conditions.

Members of Congress from both parties acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, though disagreements remain over how to resolve broader budget issues.

McNeill called on lawmakers to approve a full-year Department of Homeland Security funding measure without delay, warning that ongoing inaction could jeopardize both national security and the stability of air travel.

“The safety of the traveling public must not be compromised by budget uncertainty,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

Iran has taken significant military steps to prepare for a possible American ground operation targeting Kharg Island, a key oil export hub, even as its foreign minister denied any direct negotiations with the United States and reports emerged of fresh airstrikes in western parts of the country.

According to a report by CNN, Tehran has intensified its defenses on the strategic island, raising concerns that a new phase in the conflict could be approaching. The preparations come amid ongoing reports of indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran.

The report states that Iran has planted mines around Kharg Island, deployed additional military forces, and transferred advanced air defense systems to the area. These measures are intended to counter the possibility of a U.S. attempt to seize the island, which plays a central role in Iran’s oil exports.

At the same time, officials in Washington are said to be weighing the option of using ground forces to capture the island as part of a broader effort to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical global shipping routes.

However, U.S. officials and military analysts have cautioned that such an operation would carry substantial risks. They note that Kharg Island is heavily fortified with layered defenses, including reinforced surface-to-air missile systems deployed in recent weeks. In addition, the mines surrounding the island could endanger armored units and complicate any attempted landing.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed reports of direct negotiations with the United States aimed at ending the conflict. He stated, “The enemy has failed to achieve its objectives and has not succeeded in breaking the unity of the Iranian people.” At the same time, he acknowledged that messages are being exchanged indirectly through intermediaries.

Araghchi added that Iran does not view itself as being in conflict with regional countries, but made clear that any military response would target American bases or parties involved in attacks against Iran. “Our message to the countries of the region is to distance themselves from the Americans,” he said.

Meanwhile, reports from within Iran indicated that airstrikes struck the city of Mashhad, the country’s second-largest city. According to available information, the strikes focused on areas near the local airport, though no official details have yet been released regarding damage or casualties.

{Matzav.com}

A missile struck a residential area in Arad — and with it, the lives of 170 families were completely upended.

170 families, mostly children, are now HOMELESS. Dozens are injured, and many children are hospitalized.

These aren’t numbers.
These are families. Mothers. Fathers. Children.

Children who went to sleep in their beds… and woke up with nothing.

Their homes are GONE!

Where are they making Pesach?

They need our help! 

• Food for Yom Tov
• Clothing for their children
• A place to stay
• The ability to experience Pesach with dignity

Not luxuries. Not extras. Just the chance to spend Pesach as a typical family.

Join Klal Yisrael’s effort to help them make Pesach.    

A Brooklyn nursing home property has changed hands in a major transaction, as investor Daryl Hagler sold the Boro Park Center facility for $161.5 million.

The nine-story building, which contains 504 beds and is located at 4915 10th Avenue, has been run by Centers Health Care, a company jointly owned by Hagler and Kenny Rozenberg.

The sale represents a dramatic increase in value from when Hagler first acquired the property. City records show he purchased the nursing home in 2011 for just $19 million. Several years later, in 2017, he refinanced the asset with a loan totaling $78.4 million.

Centers Health Care operates a wide network of facilities, including assisted living centers, adult day care programs, rehabilitation services, and home healthcare operations throughout New York City and the broader Tri-State region. The Boro Park Center is described on the company’s website as its primary flagship location.

The buyer is listed in property filings as 4915 10th SNF Realty LLC, a company based in Lakewood, New Jersey, and registered to Shmuel A. Serle.

Financing for the purchase included a $64 million mortgage issued by Huntington National Bank, which was part of a broader $130.7 million loan package, according to documents filed with the city.

In a separate development tied to the broader Centers network, Elevance Health completed the acquisition of Centers Plan for Healthy Living — the company’s insurance division — at the end of 2024, in a deal that valued the business at more than $1.1 billion, based on filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump discouraged Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu from publicly urging Iranians to rise up against their government last week, warning that such a move could lead to widespread civilian deaths, according to U.S. and Israeli sources, Axios reports.

“Why …. should we tell people to take to the streets when they’ll just get mowed down,” Trump said to Netanyahu during their call, according to a U.S. official briefed on the conversation.

Although Washington and Jerusalem are largely aligned on their military goals in the ongoing conflict, they remain divided over whether toppling Iran’s regime should be an explicit objective and how much instability is acceptable in pursuit of that outcome.

While Netanyahu has emphasized the importance of fostering conditions for a grassroots uprising in Iran, U.S. officials indicate that Trump views regime change as more of a “bonus.”

At the beginning of the war, Trump suggested that Iranians might have an opportunity to seize control of their government after U.S. military operations conclude, but he has seldom repeated that idea since.

In a series of coordinated operations last Tuesday, Israel carried out targeted killings of Ali Larijani, Iran’s national security chief and effective acting leader, as well as Gholamreza Soleimani, who led the Basij militia, along with several senior aides.

Israeli officials said Soleimani’s assassination was intended to weaken the regime’s ability to suppress dissent, as he was responsible for quelling protests.

Later that same day, Netanyahu told Trump in a phone call that Iran’s leadership appeared to be in disarray, presenting what he described as a strategic opening to intensify pressure on the regime, according to sources familiar with the discussion.

Netanyahu suggested that he and Trump jointly call on the Iranian public to take to the streets.

Trump, however, pushed back, voicing concern that such encouragement could spark a deadly crackdown. Thousands of Iranian demonstrators had already been killed prior to the current conflict.

Instead, the two leaders agreed to wait and observe whether Iranians would independently mobilize during the annual Festival of Fire the following day, according to a source familiar with the matter.

In the interim, Netanyahu issued his own public message.

“Our aircraft are striking terrorist operatives on the ground, on roads and in public squares. This is meant to allow the brave Iranian people to celebrate the Festival of Fire. So go out and celebrate…we are watching from above,” Netanyahu said, speaking from air force headquarters.

Despite the anticipation, only a small number of Iranians participated in public gatherings the next day, with U.S. and Israeli officials attributing the low turnout to lingering fears of regime retaliation.

Days later, Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, said in an interview that Israel’s strategy remains focused on weakening the regime to the point where it can no longer suppress internal opposition.

“Hopefully that would trigger that combustion point where the people are able to take charge of their own lives… I think we can degrade this regime to the point the it collapses from the air. The boots on the ground have to be Iranian boots,” he said.

As the military campaign continues and the U.S. weighs the possibility of a broader escalation, Trump is also exploring diplomatic options that could preserve elements of Iran’s existing leadership.

Israeli officials, however, say Netanyahu remains doubtful that any near-term agreement would meet Israel’s security requirements.

The White House has declined a proposal from billionaire Elon Musk to personally cover the salaries of TSA employees during the ongoing partial government shutdown, despite the idea being reviewed at high levels, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Officials in the administration did examine the concept, but concerns quickly surfaced over potential legal complications. One source indicated that Musk’s extensive ties to federal contracts could make any such arrangement — even indirect — difficult to carry out within existing rules.

Another factor influencing the decision was the expectation within the White House that the shutdown may be resolved in the near future, sources said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt placed responsibility for the impasse on Democrats and urged immediate action to restore funding.

“It’s the Democrats who have led to this stalemate over the past six weeks,” Leavitt said Wednesday. “The president and the Republicans’ position has been very clear — fund the Department of Homeland Security.”

Musk had publicly floated the idea over the weekend, posting on his platform X: “I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country.”

President Donald Trump initially reacted favorably when asked about the offer, telling reporters Monday, “I’d love it. I think it’s great. Let him do that.”

According to sources, the total cost of covering TSA payroll during the shutdown would come to roughly $250 million.

Officials at the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and Musk also did not issue further statements.

Within the administration, discussions included the possibility of Musk contributing funds to the federal government’s general treasury, which could then be used to compensate workers. However, existing ethics rules prohibit private individuals from directly paying federal employees, according to guidance from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson acknowledged the offer but underscored the obstacles. “We greatly appreciate Elon’s generous offer,” she said, adding, “This would pose great legal challenges due to his involvement with federal government contracts. The fastest way to ensure TSA employees — and all DHS employees — get paid is for Democrats to fund the Department of Homeland Security.”

As the shutdown continues, TSA employees are now on the verge of missing their second full paycheck. So far, they have received only a partial payment early in the shutdown period.

The agency’s acting chief said Wednesday that by the end of the week, TSA workers will have collectively lost about $1 billion in wages across the current 40-day shutdown and an earlier 43-day lapse in funding last fall.