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As thousands of Israelis prepare to spend Shavuos outside of Eretz Yisroel, a major halachic question surrounding Yom Tov Sheini Shel Goluyos has now received a clear ruling from the former Rishon Letzion, Rav Yitzchak Yosef.

The question was submitted by the rov of Uman, Rav Yaakov Jan, who sought guidance regarding the many Israeli visitors expected to spend Yom Tov in the city.

This year, Shavuos falls on Friday. In Eretz Yisroel, where only one day of Yom Tov is observed, the following day — Shabbos — will already feature the reading of Parshas Naso. Outside of Eretz Yisroel, however, Shabbos itself is observed as the second day of Yom Tov, and the regular weekly Torah reading is delayed. As a result, a gap develops between the parshiyos read in Eretz Yisroel and those read in chutz la’aretz, a discrepancy that will continue for several weeks until the readings are synchronized again around Parshas Balak.

In his letter, Rav Jan asked whether Israelis staying in Uman would be permitted to organize a separate minyan on Shabbos in order to hear the reading of Parshas Naso according to the Eretz Yisroel schedule.

Rav Jan noted that it is already well established that Israelis visiting abroad may not publicly perform melachah on the second day of Yom Tov. However, he suggested that given the unusually large number of Israeli guests expected this year, perhaps there would be room to allow a separate Torah-reading minyan without objecting to it.

Rav Yitzchak Yosef responded immediately with a detailed written teshuvah, ruling decisively that Israelis staying outside Eretz Yisroel must conduct themselves publicly exactly like local residents observing two days of Yom Tov.

According to the ruling, this requirement applies not only to melachah but also to the public structure of tefillah and Torah reading in shul. Therefore, separate public minyanim for the Eretz Yisroel Torah reading may not be held.

At the same time, the Rishon Letzion clarified that privately, within their homes, Israelis may daven and read according to the custom and schedule of Eretz Yisroel.

The issue of Yom Tov Sheini Shel Goluyos has long created fascinating customs and practices among various chassidic communities during the Yomim Tovim.

Visitors from abroad who travel to Eretz Yisroel for the regalim — particularly to spend Yom Tov in Yerushalayim or near their rebbes — continue observing two days of Yom Tov even while in Eretz Yisroel. Because these visitors are maintaining the stringencies of Yom Tov rather than relaxing them, their public minyanim do not create a concern of public desecration of Yom Tov.

In some chassidic courts in Eretz Yisroel, local chassidim have even adopted the custom of wearing their Shabbos clothing on the second day of Yom Tov as a visible sign of solidarity with their fellow chassidim visiting from overseas.

By contrast, Israeli chassidim who travel to the United States or Europe to spend Yom Tov with their rebbes are careful not to perform melachah publicly on the second day of Yom Tov, even when that day is an ordinary weekday back in Eretz Yisroel.

In typical years, when the second day falls during the week, some Israeli visitors quietly put on tefillin in complete privacy inside their lodgings so as not to appear to local residents as though they are violating Yom Tov. This year, however, that issue does not arise because the second day of Yom Tov coincides with Shabbos.

{Matzav.com}

Deep concern has spread throughout the Torah world and the halls of Yeshivas Ponovezh following reports that the famed masmid, Rav Chaim Berman, has become seriously weakened.

Rav Chaim, widely regarded in the yeshiva world as one of the greatest masmidim of the generation, has long been known for his extraordinary consistency in Torah learning and for never missing a single day in the famed Ponovezh bais medrash.

Several weeks ago, Rav Chaim was hospitalized for several days after his medical condition worsened. Although he has since returned home, he has yet to regain his strength, and his absence from the main bais medrash in Bnei Brak has been deeply felt by generations of talmidim.

For Ponovezh bochurim, the absence is especially painful. Rav Chaim is known as someone who virtually never left the walls of the yeshiva and who, despite his towering stature in Torah, would regularly enter the shiurim klaliyim and sit among the younger bochurim with humility and simplicity.

In light of Rav Chaim’s condition and prolonged absence from the yeshiva, Ponovezh rosh yeshiva Rav Berel Povarsky issued an unusual and emotional public letter addressed to current and former talmidim of the yeshiva, calling on them to intensify their tefillos for Rav Chaim’s recovery.

The rosh yeshiva went so far as to refer to Rav Chaim Berman with the rare title “hamaor hagadol – the great luminary” and wrote that “all of us are obligated to share in his suffering.”

The letter states: “To the holy sons of our yeshiva, throughout all generations: I hereby come with a request to increase prayer and supplication for the complete recovery of the great luminary, the gaon Rav Chaim ben Reisha Rizel Berman, shlita, whose image has served as a living example for generations of yeshiva students, like Yehoshua, the devoted student who never departed from the tent. His influence through his Torah, fear of Heaven, and tefillos upon the holy yeshiva is deeply evident.

“And now, to our great pain, his place is missing, as due to his suffering and weakness he is unable to come to the heichal Hashem as he did continuously throughout all the years until very recently. All of us are obligated to share in his suffering and to increase Torah, good deeds, and tefillos for his complete recovery. May Hashem hear our cries, and may the students of the yeshiva merit to continue benefiting from his light for many more years in health and tranquility.”

{Matzav.com}

Michal Waldiger sharply criticized Israeli government agencies and welfare authorities on Wednesday following the murder of yungerman Rav Yishai Por z”l in Bnei Brak, arguing that the tragedy reflects a deep systemic failure in the handling of severe mental-health crises.

Reacting to the shocking stabbing attack inside Kollel Chazon Ish, Waldiger described the incident as far more than an isolated criminal act and said the state bears responsibility for failing to properly address the suspect’s condition.

“The horrifying case in Bnei Brak gives me no rest. The death of Yishai Por z”l is first and foremost a failure of the state,” the Religious Zionism lawmaker wrote in a public post.

She questioned whether the suspect — described in reports as a homeless individual with a known psychiatric background — had received proper treatment or oversight from government agencies.

“‘The background is criminal,’ the headlines will scream. But what do we know about the background of the stabber?” Waldiger wrote.

She continued with a series of pointed questions aimed at the country’s welfare and mental-health systems: “Did he receive a proper support framework from the ministries? Was he under any supervision? Who sees him during the days of madness? Who takes him to the police station — a police officer in uniform or a social worker? And who will be able to say, ‘Our hands did not spill this blood’?”

As previously reported, Rav Yishai Por z”l, 50, was stabbed to death Tuesday afternoon while learning alongside his son inside the Chazon Ish kollel on Rechov HaAri in Bnei Brak.

According to reports, the suspect fled immediately after the attack. Authorities later arrested him near Beit Shemesh.

Investigators say the victim and suspect were involved in a heated verbal confrontation several days earlier inside the kollel, during which the suspect allegedly threatened Rav Por, saying, “I’ll deal with you yet.”

Waldiger concluded her remarks with a broader warning about the state of mental-health care in Israel.

“If mental health remains in the backyard of the State of Israel, we will not be denying the problem — on the contrary, the neglected garden will grow thorns into the main street for all of us,” she wrote.

Her comments reignited the longstanding public debate over how Israeli law enforcement and welfare authorities handle individuals suffering from severe psychiatric crises, particularly those who may pose a danger to others.

The discussion has increasingly centered on whether existing government systems provide sufficient supervision, treatment, and intervention for mentally ill individuals before situations escalate into violence.

Several months ago, the Knesset marked World Mental Health Day for the first time during an event led by Waldiger herself. At that gathering, Israeli Health Minister Uriel Buso stated that “during the war year, the State of Israel is treating hundreds of thousands” of citizens suffering from anxiety and emotional trauma.

Waldiger’s latest remarks drew widespread attention and shifted much of the public conversation from the specific crime itself to the larger unresolved questions surrounding Israel’s mental-health and social-service systems, as calls grow louder for broader reform and earlier intervention by trained welfare professionals.

{Matzav.com}

Fresh polling data released Wednesday indicates that Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu’s political bloc is strengthening, while opposition parties continue to fall short of forming a governing majority without relying on Arab parties.

A survey conducted by the Kantar Institute for Kan News found that if elections were held today, the Likud party would emerge as the largest faction with 27 seats. Naftali Bennett’s “Together” party would follow with 23 seats.

According to the poll, the “Yashar!” party would secure 16 seats, while The Democrats would receive 10. Otzma Yehudit and Shas would each win 9 seats, followed by Yisrael Beiteinu and United Torah Judaism with 8 apiece. Hadash-Ta’al and Ra’am would each receive 5 seats.

Under that scenario, Netanyahu’s coalition bloc would rise to 53 seats. Parties aligned against Netanyahu would control 57 seats, leaving the Arab factions holding the balance with 10 seats.

The survey also showed movement among smaller parties fighting to cross the electoral threshold. Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionist Party climbed to 3.1%, moving closer to reentering the Knesset, while Balad rose to 2.5%. Meanwhile, Blue and White dropped sharply to just 1.1%.

Respondents were also asked who they believe is best suited to serve as prime minister in head-to-head matchups.

In a direct comparison between Netanyahu and Bennett, Netanyahu led with 42% support, while Bennett received 32%. Another 26% said neither candidate was suitable for the role.

Netanyahu also held an advantage over Gadi Eisenkot, though by a narrower margin. In that matchup, 42% favored Netanyahu, compared to 35% for Eisenkot, while 23% said neither was fit to serve as prime minister.

A separate survey conducted by the Midgam Institute for Channel 12 News showed similar trends and found that the Religious Zionist Party would cross the electoral threshold for the first time in a considerable period, winning four seats.

According to that poll, Likud would receive 25 seats, while Bennett’s “Together” party would win 23.

The “Yashar!” party would capture 16 seats, The Democrats 10, Shas 9, United Torah Judaism 8, Yisrael Beiteinu 8, Otzma Yehudit 7, Hadash-Ta’al 5, Ra’am 5, and the Religious Zionist Party 4.

The Reservists Party, Blue and White, and Balad would all fail to reach the electoral threshold, receiving 2.4%, 1.4%, and 1.4% respectively.

Like the Kan News poll, the Channel 12 survey also projected Netanyahu’s coalition bloc at 53 seats, while anti-Netanyahu parties without Arab support would hold 57 seats.

A special atmosphere of anticipation and elevation filled the halls of Yeshivas Mir Brachfeld in Modiin Illit as hundreds of bnei yeshivah gathered for a unique evening of Torah and chizuk ahead of Matan Torah.

The highlight of the event was the arrival of Slabodka Rosh Yeshivah Rav Dov Landau, who traveled from Bnei Brak to deliver a shiur in Maseches Pesachim to the assembled תלמידים. The shiur, delivered in Rav Landau’s trademark clarity and depth, was listened to with intense concentration by the packed bais medrash.

Following the shiur, Rav Landau addressed the tzibbur with heartfelt words of preparation for Kabbalas HaTorah. Speaking before hundreds of bnei yeshivah together with the roshei yeshivah and senior members of the administration, Rav Landau emphasized the importance of strengthening dedication to Torah learning and approaching Shavuos with seriousness and inner preparation.

The gathering left a profound impression on those in attendance and added a palpable sense of inspiration to the days leading into Yom Tov.

Photos by Shuki Lerer:

{Matzav.com}

Amid growing turmoil in the olam haTorah over government cuts and mounting pressure targeting yeshivos and kollelim, Slabodka rosh yeshiva Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch delivered a powerful address at Yeshivas Chevron, urging bnei yeshivah to prepare for what he described as a difficult and historic period for Torah Jewry.

In remarks that deeply stirred those in attendance, Rav Hirsch spoke about the increasing efforts to undermine Torah learning and stressed that the only path forward is unwavering dedication and self-sacrifice for the sake of Torah.

The rosh yeshivah warned that external pressures and temptations would intensify and called on the public not to be intimidated or swayed.

“Today, those who are against us, who do not want to allow us to learn, continue adding more and more restrictions every single day… It is becoming harder and harder. More and more, there is a need for self-sacrifice.”

He emphasized that strengthening commitment to Torah despite the challenges is itself the key to success and salvation.

“On the contrary, through our strengthening ourselves and being prepared to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of the Ribbono Shel Olam, that itself will be the koach, that itself will succeed. And through that there will be honor for the Ribbono Shel Olam, and that is what will bring the yeshuah.”

Rav Hirsch repeatedly warned that the challenges ahead would be severe.

“But people must know that there will be great tests here. Great tests. And the way to overcome the test and stand strong through these challenges is only by our being willing to sacrifice ourselves for the Ribbono Shel Olam. Through our truly being prepared, for the honor of the Ribbono Shel Olam, to give of ourselves.”

The rosh yeshivah said that only through such commitment can Klal Yisroel merit extraordinary siyata diShmaya.

“Only through this can we receive the great siyata diShmaya that comes from the Ribbono Shel Olam… Like by Moshe Rabbeinu — not only did the Ribbono Shel Olam give the Torah, but he merited rays of glory, special siyata diShmaya, and a unique closeness through accepting it upon himself.”

Rav Hirsch connected his message to the approaching Yom Tov of Shavuos and the concept of renewed acceptance of Torah.

“Regarding Kabbalas HaTorah in general, and Shavuos in particular — kavod Shamayim and learning Torah. Especially now, when we must accept upon ourselves to be ready to sacrifice ourselves for the Ribbono Shel Olam, to sacrifice ourselves so that we remain in Torah learning.”

He then issued a direct warning not to yield to outside influences or fear the pressures being brought against the Torah world.

“Chas veshalom, obviously we must not be tempted! But we also must not be afraid! We must do what needs to be done.”

Rav Hirsch concluded by expressing confidence that steadfast commitment to Torah would ultimately bring divine assistance and allow the Torah world to emerge from the current crisis stronger and more secure.

“And only through this — when the Ribbono Shel Olam sees that we are prepared to give ourselves for Him, that this becomes this great kavod haTorah — that is what will bring the great siyata diShmaya, so that we can emerge from all the hardships that exist now, and be able to return to learning with tranquility and peace.”

{Matzav.com}

President Trump said Wednesday that negotiations with Iran may be approaching a breakthrough, though he warned that military measures remain on the table if Tehran refuses to compromise on key issues tied to its nuclear program and regional shipping routes.

“We’re in final stages of Iran,” he told reporters at Joint Base Andrews. “We’ll see what happens. Either [we] have a deal or we’re going to do some things that are a little bit nasty, but hopefully that won’t happen.”

Following Trump’s remarks, oil markets reacted sharply, with global crude prices dropping more than 5%. In the United States, oil traded below the $100-per-barrel mark, settling at $98.94 — the steepest one-day decline in two weeks.

Sources in Pakistan told The Post that officials there are assisting Washington and Tehran in preparing a letter of intent meant to pave the way for another round of diplomatic discussions. The proposed framework would outline the major topics for negotiation. Trump has previously said talks could be held in Islamabad if Iran agrees to discuss ending its nuclear pursuits and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Efforts to restart negotiations have been bogged down by disagreements surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities and the future of maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Trump has maintained that no second round of negotiations will take place unless Iran backs away from its insistence on preserving uranium enrichment rights.

Later Wednesday, the president emphasized that developments could unfold rapidly.

“It could go very quickly, or a few days, it could be a few days, but it could go very quickly,” he said after he gave the commencement address at the Coast Guard Academy.

He described the situation as “very right on the borderline. Believe me, if we don’t get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We’re all ready to go. We have to get the right answers. It would have to be a complete 100% good answers.”

At the same time, Trump signaled he is still prepared to allow diplomacy more time before authorizing another military operation.

“If I can save people from getting killed by waiting a couple of days, I think it is a great thing to do,” Trump noted.

Reports from regional news outlets claimed Wednesday that a diplomatic understanding could emerge within “hours,” and suggested Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir may travel to Iran as early as Thursday to personally urge Iranian officials to finalize an agreement if talks remain stalled.

However, a Pakistani government source cast doubt on those reports, describing them to The Post as “speculative.”

Officials familiar with the discussions indicated that any current “deal” would not represent a finalized peace settlement, but rather a mutual commitment by Iran and the United States to seriously pursue negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

Trump has repeatedly stated that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a non-negotiable condition and that he wants such guarantees formally documented as part of any agreement.

Iranian leaders, however, have thus far rejected even preliminary discussions on abandoning their nuclear activities, insisting their program is intended solely for peaceful energy purposes.

Another major obstacle remains the Strait of Hormuz. Iran views the waterway as falling under its territorial authority and has pushed for imposing tolls on commercial shipping passing through the route. As a result, cargo ships and oil tankers continue waiting offshore while the passage remains shut down.

In response, the US military has implemented a blockade targeting Iranian ports, a strategy Pentagon officials reportedly view as one of Washington’s strongest pressure points against Tehran.

The ongoing confrontation over the strait could also carry major global economic consequences. On Wednesday, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization warned that prolonged disruption could spark a worldwide food-price emergency within the next six to 12 months if swift action is not taken.

“The window for preventive action is closing quickly,” the agency said.

Food costs have already begun climbing, and officials warned that poorer nations throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America may suffer the most severe effects because many rely heavily on nitrogen fertilizer imports from the Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz toured Israel’s eastern border on Wednesday as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security infrastructure and prepare for potential threats along the frontier.

Joining the visit were the IDF Deputy Chief of Staff, the commander of Division 96, and other senior military officials.

During the tour, Netanyahu and Katz visited one of the region’s central “Waterline Outposts,” part of an upgraded network of fortified positions that recently underwent major renovations and operational enhancements.

The upgraded defensive system is part of a broader strategic initiative aimed at reinforcing Israel’s frontline defenses and preventing weapons smuggling operations as well as possible infiltration attempts by Iranian-backed militias or terrorist organizations.

Military officials briefed the prime minister and defense minister on intelligence assessments and operational measures being implemented in the sector. The updates included details about the construction of a new physical and technological border barrier, along with the deployment of advanced monitoring systems, radar technology, and upgraded combat equipment.

Netanyahu and Katz later met with both active-duty and reserve soldiers stationed in the area and held an open discussion with troops serving under what officials described as difficult and demanding conditions.

During the visit, Netanyahu praised the soldiers for their efforts in securing the border.

“I am very impressed by the work you are doing here. This is extremely important work in defending the eastern border. We take into account that our enemies want to invade the State of Israel, and therefore we rely on you. I was very impressed by the new tools and capabilities, but above all I am impressed by you. I want to strengthen you and tell you that the entire people of Israel trust you. I salute you. Well done.”

{Matzav.com}

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US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee issued an unusually harsh rebuke Wednesday evening against National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir following his filmed confrontation with activists from the pro-Hamas flotilla headed toward Gaza.

Huckabee sharply criticized Ben Gvir’s conduct and said senior Israeli leaders across the political spectrum had denounced the minister’s actions.

“Universal outrage & condemnation from every high-ranking Israeli official, from Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Sa’ar, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and Ambassador Yechiel Leiter for despicable actions by Ben Gvir. Flotilla was a stupid stunt, but Ben Gvir betrayed the dignity of his nation,” Huckabee said.

Ben Gvir also faced public criticism earlier in the day from Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, who accused the minister of damaging Israel’s diplomatic standing.

“As Prime Minister Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar have made clear, Itamar Ben Gvir’s reckless grandstanding is not representative of government policy. I am Israel’s top diplomat in the US, at the heart of our most important alliance. Ben Gvir’s antics take a sledgehammer to our diplomatic efforts while Israel’s enemies gleefully jump on every unfortunate nonsense to discredit and demonize. The provocateurs of the Flotilla charade were properly detained in accordance with international law and will be deported to their home countries. End of story,” Leiter wrote on X.

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu also distanced himself from Ben Gvir’s handling of the situation, while reiterating Israel’s right to block flotillas attempting to reach Gaza.

“Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza. However, the way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms. I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs as soon as possible,” Netanyahu said.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar joined the criticism as well, accusing Ben Gvir of inflicting serious diplomatic damage on the country.

“You knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display – and not for the first time,” Sa’ar wrote in response to the incident. “You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people – from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others. No, you are not the face of Israel.”

The controversy has already sparked international fallout. At least five countries have announced plans to summon Israeli ambassadors for formal reprimand meetings following Ben Gvir’s tour among the flotilla activists and the footage later released from the encounter.

Despite the widespread criticism, Ben Gvir remained defiant and signaled no regret over his actions.

“There are those in the government who still do not understand how supporters of terrorism should be treated. Israel’s foreign minister is expected to understand that Israel has stopped being a punching bag. Anyone who comes into our territory to support terrorism and identify with Hamas will get hit – and we will not turn the other cheek,” Ben Gvir said.

{Matzav.com}

The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee renewed discussions Wednesday on the controversial Draft Law and legislation extending mandatory military service, following instructions from Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu amid growing political tensions surrounding the issue.

The renewed talks came shortly after MKs from the Degel Hatorah faction announced that they plan to support dissolving the Knesset during the preliminary vote scheduled for later Wednesday.

During the committee session, Brig. Gen. Shay Tayeb, who heads the IDF’s Planning and Manpower Administration Division, presented stark figures regarding the army’s manpower crisis.

“We have not yet received a new draft of the law. There is a need for 12,000 soldiers, and at the beginning of the year this will rise to 17,000 when soldiers are discharged after 30 months.”

According to Tayeb, the military is already facing an urgent shortage of between 6,000 and 7,000 combat troops.

He added that enlistment numbers have increased in part due to enforcement measures and penalties already being implemented, but cautioned that the broader situation remains alarming.

“there are already 30,000 draft dodgers now, and another 50,000 on the way to becoming draft dodgers.”

Tayeb also noted that the burden on reservists has grown far beyond earlier projections. While the army had originally hoped to limit reserve duty to approximately 55 days annually, he said the reality is far harsher.

“today we are at 80-100 days of reserve duty.”

Committee chairman MK Boaz Bismuth addressed the prolonged legislative deadlock as well as the public uproar over the punishment handed to a soldier who wore a “Moshiach” patch.

“Today we are resuming the discussion on the Draft Law after many long weeks, and at the instruction of the Prime Minister, out of a genuine and sincere intention to complete the legislation of the law that is so necessary at this time for the IDF, for the cohesion of the people, and out of the need to ensure that brothers do not turn to each other as enemies – certainly not during wartime,” Bismuth said.

Later in the discussion, Bismuth argued that efforts to increase chareidi enlistment cannot simultaneously reject outward expressions of religious identity and faith.

“You cannot want more chareidim in the IDF and at the same time be alarmed by every expression of faith or Jewish spirit that they bring with them.”

“If we want more chareidim in the IDF, we must understand that they will not arrive as secular people wearing a kippah; they will arrive with their value system, with faith, with symbols, and with a spirit that will integrate into a single Israeli partnership.”

Bereaved father Yehoshua Shani also addressed the committee and appealed directly to MKs Yuli Edelstein and Dan Illouz, both of whom oppose the current legislation.

“Show responsibility and support the Draft Law. This is the only law that will expand the enlistment of chareidim and prevent the rift from deepening.”

{Matzav.com}

The Knesset plenum convened Wednesday afternoon for a high-stakes debate and preliminary vote on a coalition-backed proposal to dissolve the 25th Knesset, as political tensions surrounding the Draft Law continue to shake the government.

The proposal passed overwhelmingly, with all 110 MKs present voting in favor and no lawmakers opposing or abstaining.

The initiative is being pushed by the chareidi parties after the coalition failed to move forward with legislation addressing military draft exemptions through the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

Under political agreements reached between coalition factions, a separate bill submitted by the Blue and White party calling for the dissolution of the Knesset is also expected to pass its preliminary reading in the plenum.

Despite Wednesday’s dramatic vote, the Knesset will not immediately dissolve. Under parliamentary procedure, the legislation must first move to the Knesset Committee for additional deliberations and final drafting.

Once committee discussions are completed, the bills will return to the plenum for a first-reading vote. If approved at that stage, they will once again be sent back to committee for further preparation before being brought for final approval in second and third readings.

Only after a bill passes its third reading will the Knesset officially dissolve and a date for new national elections be set.

According to the explanatory notes attached to the coalition’s proposal, “It is proposed to determine, in accordance with Sections 34 and 35 of Basic Law: The Knesset, that the 25th Knesset will disperse before the end of its term, and that the elections for the 26th Knesset will be held on a date to be determined by law, as proposed by the Knesset Committee as part of the legislative process.”

{Matzav.com}

The IDF stated Wednesday that a soldier who petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice over his prison sentence was not punished for wearing a “Moshiach patch,” but rather for what the military described as a disciplinary infraction.

In a statement released by the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, the military said the case involved conduct that harmed military discipline and was unrelated to uniform appearance regulations.

“The soldier was tried for an offense of harming discipline, and not for a violation related to appearance and dress code. According to the military disciplinary regulations, a senior judicial officer holding the rank of colonel is authorized to impose up to 30 days of military imprisonment for such an offense. The IDF responded directly to the appeal submitted yesterday afternoon by the soldier’s legal representative,” the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said in a statement.

The clarification came after the soldier submitted an emergency petition to the High Court against IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and the Military Advocate General. The filing was made one day after the soldier’s sentence was reduced by ten days by his regional commander, leaving a remaining sentence of 20 days in military prison.

Through his attorney, Ran Cohen-Rochberger, the soldier argued in the petition that his imprisonment is unlawful and exceeds the authority granted under existing military regulations.

According to the defense, the commander of the Nachal Brigade did not possess the legal authority to impose such a severe sentence on a combat soldier for what they characterized as a first-time disciplinary matter connected only to “appearance and dress.”

Meanwhile, parents of soldiers serving in the Nachal Brigade announced plans to intensify protests in response to what they described as indifference and insensitivity on the part of senior military leadership.

The parents said demonstrations in the coming days would expand and be directed toward the homes and offices of senior IDF officials and decision-makers.

“We will not be silent and we will not rest. The system is abandoning its soldiers and harming the spearhead of the IDF because of ego and pettiness. We demand immediate intervention – release the soldier from prison immediately!” the parents’ protest headquarters said in a statement.

{Matzav.com}

A reportedly difficult phone conversation between President Trump and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu exposed sharp disagreements over a developing proposal aimed at ending the fighting with Iran and opening a new round of negotiations, according to a report Wednesday night by Barak Ravid on Channel 12 News.

At the center of the discussion was a new draft framework being advanced by several Arab and Muslim countries in an effort to broker a compromise formula between the United States and Iran that could prevent the war from reigniting. Three sources familiar with the conversation provided details of the exchange.

According to the report, Trump told Netanyahu that mediators are working on what he described as a “letter of intent” that both the United States and Iran would sign.

An American source familiar with the details of the call told Channel 12 that the proposed document could pave the way for ending the war and launching an additional 30 days of negotiations over issues including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s nuclear program.

Netanyahu, however, reportedly expressed deep skepticism about the initiative and argued that the United States should continue applying military pressure on Iran in order to further weaken the regime.

Two Israeli sources familiar with the contents of the call said the conversation was tense and that Trump and Netanyahu sharply disagreed over how to proceed regarding Iran.

The American source added that Israel’s ambassador in Washington later updated several members of Congress and indicated that Netanyahu emerged from the conversation deeply concerned about the developing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Another senior American source who is also uneasy about the talks remarked, “Bibi’s hair went up in flames after that conversation with Trump.”

When Trump was asked Wednesday about his conversation with Netanyahu, he responded, “Netanyahu will do whatever I tell him to do regarding Iran.”

The Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment on the report. A spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy denied that Ambassador Yechiel Leiter told American lawmakers that Netanyahu had come away worried from the call. The White House also declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Qatar, along with mediators including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, is continuing efforts to formulate an agreement between the United States and Iran.

According to two Arab officials and one Israeli source, Qatar recently presented both Washington and Tehran with a revised draft proposal intended to end the conflict.

A fourth source claimed the document was not an entirely separate Qatari initiative, but rather a Pakistani draft that the Qataris modified.

One Arab official said Qatar dispatched a delegation to Tehran in recent days to discuss the proposal, while Pakistan also reportedly sent representatives to the Iranian capital.

The goal of the initiative is said to be securing concessions from Iran on its nuclear program while creating a framework for the gradual release of frozen Iranian assets held overseas.

All three sources cautioned that it remains far from certain that Iran will agree to the proposal, raising questions about whether Netanyahu’s concerns are ultimately justified.

A senior Qatari official responded to the report by saying, “Qatar supports the mediation efforts being led by Pakistan. We continue to consistently support efforts to reduce escalation for the sake of the region and its people.”

A Democratic congressional candidate in Texas is facing fierce backlash after her campaign promoted inflammatory rhetoric calling for an immigration detention center to be converted into a “prison for American Zionists” that would include a castration facility.

Maureen Galindo, a therapist who finished first in the Democratic primary for a South Texas House seat, drew outrage after her campaign posted the remarks on Instagram while accusing her runoff opponent of participating in alleged Zionist trafficking schemes.

Galindo’s campaign claimed that if she is elected to Congress, she would pursue legislation targeting Zionism.

“When Maureen gets into Congress, she’ll write legislation so that all Zionism and support of Zionism is undoubtedly Anti-Semitic, since it’s Zionism harming the Semites,” her campaign wrote on Instagram last week.

The post then escalated further, declaring:

“She’ll turn Karnes ICE Detention Center into a prison for American Zionists and former ICE officers for human trafficking. (lt will also be a castration processing center for pedophiles which will probably be most of the Zionists).”

The Karnes Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility has frequently been the focus of demonstrations by progressive activists opposed to ICE policies.

The remarks came as Galindo’s campaign attempted to rebut claims by her Democratic opponent, Johnny Garcia, that she supports putting Jews into warehouse-style detention facilities.

Critics quickly pointed out that her own language about imprisoning Zionists in detention centers closely resembled the accusations she was trying to deny.

“The standard that Democrats rightly apply to right-wing antisemites must apply equally to left-wing Jew-haters,” the watchdog group StopAntisemitism said in a statement. “Democratic leaders must clearly, publicly denounce these bigots infecting their party without hedging.

“They must decline to appear on platforms with Hasan Piker. They must stop winking at extremist voices and truly stand for the principles they claim to stand for.”

Galindo led the Democratic primary in March with 29.2% of the vote, while Garcia received 27%, sending both candidates into a runoff election scheduled for next Tuesday after neither secured a majority.

The two candidates are competing for Texas’ 35th Congressional District, which stretches from San Antonio toward the Austin suburbs. The district is currently represented by Rep. Greg Casar, though Republicans recently redrew the district’s boundaries in hopes of making the seat more competitive.

“Instead of focusing on table-kitchen issues my opponent is pushing conspiracy theories and hateful rhetoric. That’s why Republicans are spending to boost her campaign,” Garcia wrote Tuesday on X.

Garcia has argued that Republican-linked groups are attempting to elevate Galindo’s candidacy through outside spending. Much of that attention has focused on Lead Left PAC, an obscure political organization that has reportedly spent $428,713 supporting Galindo, according to the latest Federal Election Commission filings.

Democrats contend the actual amount may be significantly higher. Records indicate the PAC has spent more than $1 million across three Democratic House primaries.

FEC filings also show that before the March primary, Galindo herself had raised less than $10,000.

“At a time when antisemitism is at historic levels, Republicans’ dirty campaign tricks aren’t just cynical, they’re extremely dangerous,” Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Madison Andrus told The Post.

“Republicans are spending nearly $1 million to uplift a violent antisemite — no matter what your politics are, using virulent antisemitism for your own partisan gain is nothing short of disgusting.”

National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Christian Martinez mocked the increasingly bitter Democratic primary fight.

“Democrats Johnny Garcia and Maureen Galindo are tearing each other apart in a full-blown primary civil war, turning their own races into a circular firing squad.”

Martinez also took aim at Democratic leadership, saying House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ preferred candidates were struggling badly this election cycle.

“Hakeem Jeffries’ pathetic handpicked candidates were already staggering through the cycle with embarrassing fundraising numbers, zero grassroots energy, and no real support from Texans,” he told The Post.

Campaign mailers backing Galindo have highlighted her support for impeaching President Trump and dismantling ICE.

Galindo has also called for Garcia, a former Bexar County public information officer, to be tried for treason.

Throughout the campaign, Galindo has repeatedly attacked Zionists and has also targeted “Jews who own Hollywood,” echoing a widely condemned antisemitic trope.

{Matzav.com}

In two undercover operations carried out within less than 12 hours on Wednesday, soldiers from the Duvdevan Unit arrested two wanted terrorists in Qabatiya and Shechem (Nablus).

During one operation, the unit’s troops arrested a suspect in the village of Qabatiya, in the Menashe Brigade’s area of responsibility. The suspect had allegedly been working to advance terrorist operations and was planning to carry out a terror attack in the immediate timeframe.

In a separate operation, forces arrested another suspect in Shechem, in the Samaria Brigade’s area of responsibility, for allegedly advancing terrorist activity.

The detainees were transferred to the Shin Bet for interrogation.

{Matzav.com}

Police arrested a suspect Wednesday evening following a large-scale manhunt after a 52-year-old yungerman was fatally stabbed inside Kollel Chazon Ish on Rechov HaAri in Bnei Brak.

The victim, Rabbi Yishai Por זצ”ל, was attacked during the afternoon hours inside the kollel. According to police, the suspect fled the scene immediately after the stabbing, while emergency medical personnel evacuated the victim to a hospital in critical condition. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

Following the attack, Dan District Commander Elad Klein conducted a special situational assessment at the scene, and the investigation was handed over to the district’s major crimes unit.

Initial findings indicate that the incident was criminal in nature and that the suspect — a 52-year-old homeless man — was previously acquainted with the victim. Police said there had been no prior complaints filed by the victim against the suspect.

After the suspect escaped, police launched an extensive search operation. A short while later, officers from the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan station, working together with police in Beit Shemesh, located and arrested the suspect in Beit Shemesh. He was taken in for questioning.

In an unusual move aimed at allowing the victim to be buried later Wednesday night, the forensic institute in Abu Kabir reopened specially after hours in order to process the body and avoid delaying the levayah.

According to information published by Chadashot HaPargod and attributed to avreichim who were present in the kollel and witnessed the events firsthand, the background to the shocking attack stemmed from a strange dispute that had developed over the past week.

A troubled individual known in the area had reportedly confronted the victim repeatedly regarding the study of the writings of the Rambam.

According to witnesses, the suspect claimed that it was forbidden to study the Rambam’s works. Rabbi Por, described as a righteous and upright avreich known for his tremendous diligence in learning, reportedly continued his regular sedorim and immersed himself in Torah without responding to the provocations.

Witnesses said that on Tuesday night, the suspect approached the victim and ominously warned him that because he continued studying the Rambam’s writings, “he sees that he will not complete his year.”

On Wednesday, that threat tragically became reality.

According to reports, the suspect entered the bais medrash during learning hours armed with a weapon, approached Rabbi Por’s shtender, and stabbed him to death in a brutal attack.

One of the most heartbreaking details of the tragedy is that the murder reportedly took place in front of the victim’s 13-year-old son, who had been sitting beside his father during the sacred moments of Torah study and witnessed the horrifying attack unfold.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States is prepared to give Iran a final opportunity to reach an agreement that would lead to the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while insisting he is not rushing toward a broader conflict.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the administration stands ready to respond if necessary, but emphasized that he is deliberately avoiding hasty action despite political pressure and mounting tensions in the region.

Trump explained that any agreement with Tehran would require the reopening of the critical shipping route, saying, “we’d have to open the strait. That would open immediately. So we’re going to give this one shot.”

The president dismissed suggestions that domestic political considerations were pushing him toward a faster timetable, remarking, “I’m in no hurry. [People say] due to the midterms, I’m in a hurry. I’m in no hurry.”

Trump also stressed that his preference is to avoid a large-scale military confrontation if possible, stating, “I just, ideally, I’d like to see a few people killed as opposed to a lot. We can do it either way, but I’d like to see few people killed.”

During the remarks, Trump pointed to what he described as growing frustration and instability inside Iran, arguing that worsening living conditions and dissatisfaction with the regime could shape future developments in the country.

The president questioned whether Iran’s leadership was prioritizing the welfare of its citizens, saying that “some of the things they’re doing to me means they don’t have the good of the people [in mind], and they have to have the good of the people.”

Trump further claimed that public anger inside Iran has intensified significantly in recent months.

“There’s a lot of anger now in Iran because people are living so badly. There’s a lot of foment that we haven’t seen before so much, and we’ll see what happens.”

{Matzav.com}

The Yarchei Kallah in Yerushalayim ahead of Chag Matan Torah, initiated by the “Torasi V’Umanusi” foundation headed by the Chevron Rosh Yeshiva HaGaon HaRav Yosef Chevroni shlit”a and under the nesius and hadracha of Maran the Rosh Yeshiva HaGaon Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a, concluded with a chashuve massa from Maran HaGaon Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a. The event, which brought together hundreds of anshei maaseh, baalebatim, and kovei itim from all over Eretz Yisrael who were invited to the event, were zoche to a day that was Kulo Torah, Amal, and spiritual hachana for zman matan toraseinu.

The event, hosted by the Yirmiyahu 33 hotel in Yerushalayim, started early morning hours, with the hundreds of participants filling the halls with a great atmosphere of shkius in learning, ritcha d’oraysa, and a special hisromemus ahead of Shavuos. Alongside the many participants on-site, hundreds more connected throughout the day to the live stream of the event, which was broadcasted on various platforms in Eretz Yisroel and Chutz La’Aretz.

Throughout the day, Gedolei Yisroel, Roshei Yeshivos, and Marbitzei Torah shlit”a gave shiurim and shmuses around the sugya of Birchos HaTorah b’iyun, halacha l’maaseh, drush, and mussar, with geshmake Q&A’s in divrei Torah and chizuk among the oilam.

Among the participants and speakers at the event: Rabbeinu HaGadol Maran Rosh HaYeshiva HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a, HaGaon HaGadol HaRav Shaul Alter shlit”a, Maran Rosh Yeshivas Chevron HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen shlit”a, HaGaon HaGadol HaRav Yehoshua Eichenstein shlit”a, HaGaon HaTzaddik Rav Shimon Galai shlit”a, Chevron Rosh Yeshiva HaGaon HaRav Yosef Chevroni shlit”a, HaGaon HaRav Elimelech Kornfeld and HaGaon HaRav Daniel Rabin from the Rabbonim of ‘Chelki B’Kehilasi’, HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Mordechai HaCohen Rubin shlit”a, HaGaon HaRav Yehuda Aryeh Dunner shlit”a, HaGaon HaRav Yisrael Landau shlit”a, HaRav Dovid Braverman shlit”a, and other choshuve Rabbonim.

The central speech of the event was delivered by Rabbeinu HaGadol Maran Rosh HaYeshiva HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a, who spoke about the chashivus to give a chizuk to the olam ha’Torah among the working tzibbur, and the tremendous need to strengthen Yiras Shamayim and keep a kavua mussar seder, even just a seder of 5 or 6 minutes: “It’s a muchrach for every Yid to have a mussar seder, and this doesn’t just belong to a yeshiva bochur or a kollel yungerman. It doesn’t make a nafka mina if a person is a balebos or a ben yeshiva; without limud mussar, a person can forget his tachlis in his day-to-day life. A Yid needs to know that to hold onto Yiras Shamayim, he is mechuyav to learn mussar.”

Maran the Rosh Yeshiva added that the koach of a kavua limud mussar is that it changes a person’s whole hashkafa on life: “A person who learns mussar will suddenly see that things he was sure were a muchrach for him, are not a muchrach at all. And like Reb Yisroel Salanter says, if a person learns a quarter-hour of mussar, he will find out he has a whole hour to learn.”

The seder hayom that the askanim put together for the Yarchei Kallah day, as well as the divrei hisorerus of Maran the Rosh Yeshiva, left a powerful influence among the oilam, creating a special hachana with kabalos l’maaseh to strengthen kviyus itim and limud mussar ahead of the chag of Matan Toraseinu.

Alongside the divrei chizuk and hachana for Kabalas HaTorah from HaGaon HaGadol Rav Shaul Alter shlit”a and HaGaon HaTzaddik Rav Shimon Galai shlit”a, the participants were zoche to have a Q&A session with them on inyanim that are nogea to the tzibbur of kovei itim l’Torah in chayei hamaaseh, with specific reference to their nisyonos, setting up sidrei limud, and keeping a ruchniyusdige seder hayom amidst the tirdos of parnassa and everyday life.

The ‘Shivti’ organization Lehagdil Torah u’leha’adira and Keren ‘Torasi V’Umanusi’, pointed out at the end of the event that given the gevaldige hatzlacha, the massive response, and the big demand, there are expected to be more maamadei Torah and events for the tzibbur of bnei Torah kovei itim throughout the entire year.

The evet was dedicated l’ilui nishmas HaRav Uri Lupolianski zt”l, founder of the ‘Yad Sarah’ organization, who was niftar this past year and was poel his whole life to be marbe chesed and zechuyos in Klal Yisroel.

Passengers traveling with doctor-prescribed marijuana are now officially permitted to bring it aboard commercial flights under a revised policy quietly updated by the Transportation Safety Administration last month.

The move marks a major shift in federal air-travel policy, given that while medical cannabis has been legalized in 40 states and Washington, D.C., marijuana has continued to remain illegal under federal law, which governs airports and aviation security nationwide.

The policy update follows an order signed by President Trump reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III substance, a change that formally recognizes accepted medical uses for cannabis and opens the door for expanded federally approved research.

According to the TSA’s updated guidance, medical marijuana may now be transported in both checked luggage and carry-on bags. The agency emphasized that its primary concern remains aviation security rather than searching for personal drug possession.

“TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers,” the policy revised April 27 spells out.

“Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance or evidence of criminal activity is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.”

The agency also made clear that the TSA officer stationed at the checkpoint retains discretion over whether any particular item is ultimately allowed through security.

Attorneys interviewed by SFGATE said that travelers carrying small amounts of marijuana are seldom targeted for prosecution by airport authorities, though they cautioned that larger quantities could still lead to legal trouble.

In some cases, authorities continue to crack down aggressively on passengers carrying substantial amounts of cannabis. In March, for example, a 23-year-old Texas man was arrested at Miami International Airport after officials allegedly discovered 75 pounds of marijuana packed inside his luggage. He was later charged with drug trafficking.

{Matzav.com}