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Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu denounced the actions of an IDF soldier who was photographed striking a statue of Yoshkah with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon, pledging that the individual would face serious disciplinary consequences.

The widely circulated image shows the soldier smashing a fallen depiction of Yoshkah on the cross in the Christian village of Debel, amid Israel’s military operations against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

According to Fadi Falfel, a priest in Debel, the cross had stood as part of a small shrine located in a family garden at the outskirts of the village.

“One of the Israeli soldiers broke the cross and did this horrible thing, this desecration of our holy symbols,” he said.

Netanyahu said the conduct was in direct conflict with Jewish values and vowed that action would be taken against the soldier responsible.

“I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms,” he posted on X.

“Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender,” he continued.

“We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world.”

Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, also addressed the matter, stating that “Swift, severe, & public consequences are needed.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar likewise criticized the soldier’s behavior, describing it as disgraceful and shameful.

“We apologize for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt,” Saar said on X.

The IDF said it “views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that ⁠the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.

“The IDF is working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place,” the Israeli military said.

Debel has effectively remained under Israeli control since last month’s incursion into southern Lebanon, which followed Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel in support of Iran.

Earlier in the week, Israel and Lebanon reached a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

“We have every kind of crisis,” Father Falfel said.

“We thought the ceasefire would bring us some relief but we’re still ⁠surrounded, unable to travel to and from the town. There are some houses on the edge of town that we’re barred from accessing.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said he will not speed up efforts to end the ongoing war with Iran, now in its 52nd day, sharply criticizing both Democrats and Republicans who are urging him to wrap up the conflict.

In a phone interview with The New York Post, Trump argued that calls for a swift agreement are undermining the United States at a critical moment in negotiations.

“How bad is it that when you are in the middle of negotiations and you have got the Iranians in a perfect position, including being militarily defeated, and you have Democrats and some Republicans asking to settle it now?” Trump said.

He expressed frustration that pressure is coming from within his own country while talks are still ongoing. “As a negotiator — and I am a great negotiator — how bad is it when you have people from your own country trying to reach a deal?” he fumed.

Trump said such efforts only strengthen Tehran’s hand. “They are helping the other side. The other side has nothing, they have no cards, but they are using this to delay. When [Senate Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer was in, he was in Afghanistan for so long.”

He emphasized that he intends to proceed on his own timeline. “I have only been in this for five weeks. I will not be rushed,” he said.

At the outset of the conflict, Trump had predicted it would conclude quickly. He said last week that Iran had privately signaled agreement to key U.S. demands, including ending its pursuit of nuclear weapons and giving up roughly 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium, even as public statements from Tehran remained less accommodating.

Following a first round of talks in Islamabad that failed to produce results, the administration moved to blockade Iranian ports. A second round of negotiations is expected to begin as soon as Monday.

Early in the conflict, Trump had estimated the war would last “four weeks or so.”

Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which the White House maintains is unconstitutional, the president is required to obtain congressional authorization for military engagements that extend beyond 60 days.

Some Republican lawmakers have begun urging Trump to bring the operation to a close, especially after recent developments that included U.S. Marines seizing an Iranian tanker that attempted to breach the blockade.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said last week that the “clock is ticking” and that “I hope that we are arriving at an exit strategy here to bring this to a close to preserve our security interests and bring down the cost of gasoline.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) also signaled interest in the administration’s next moves, saying, “I think our members are going to be very interested in what next steps are,” and noting that a forthcoming supplemental funding request “will be an important inflection point if and when the administration submits their request.”

Democrats in Congress have largely opposed Trump’s military campaign, known as Operation Epic Fury.

The War Powers Resolution allows for an additional 30-day period to wind down hostilities after the initial 60-day limit, though enforcement of the law has historically been inconsistent.

In past conflicts, federal courts have declined to intervene to halt military operations, including during legal challenges brought against then-President Barack Obama over U.S. involvement in the Libyan Civil War.

Courts have generally ruled that questions about the duration of military engagements fall within the political sphere, leaving Congress with tools such as funding decisions to check presidential authority.

President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed his energy secretary’s recent forecast that gasoline prices may stay above $3 per gallon until next year, insisting instead that Americans could see lower prices much sooner if the conflict with Iran comes to an end.

Speaking to The Hill, Trump directly challenged Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s assessment, saying, “No, I think he’s wrong on that. Totally wrong.”

Pressed on when drivers might expect prices to ease, Trump tied any relief to developments in the war, stating, “as soon as this [the war with Iran] ends.”

Wright had taken a more measured position during an appearance on CNN the previous day, pointing to uncertainty caused by instability in the Strait of Hormuz. “I don’t know. That could happen later this year. That might not happen until next year,” Wright said, though he added that prices may have already peaked and could begin to fall. “Certainly, with a resolution of this conflict, you will see prices go down.”

The contrasting statements underscore differing expectations within the administration, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated last week that prices could drop into the $3 range as early as this summer, according to The Hill.

Oil markets have reacted sharply in recent days due to Iranian actions affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy transport. U.S. gas prices have climbed past $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, data from AAA shows.

Crude prices also jumped after U.S. forces seized an Iranian vessel near the strait on Sunday. Brent crude, a global benchmark, reached roughly $94 per barrel on Monday, while West Texas Intermediate hovered around $88.

Washington has increased economic pressure on Tehran by enforcing a blockade targeting Iranian ports, which Trump said is taking a significant toll. “The blockade is very powerful, very strong. They lose $500 million a day with the blockade up,” Trump said. “We control it. They don’t control it.”

Vice President JD Vance is slated to head a U.S. delegation to Islamabad for discussions with Pakistani and Iranian representatives. Still, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Monday that no final decision has been made regarding its participation in the talks.

President Donald Trump said Monday that if the current ceasefire with Iran falls apart, the situation could quickly escalate into renewed military action, warning that “lots of bombs start going off.”

Speaking in a phone interview with PBS News, Trump indicated that the United States is ready to intensify its response if Iran does not reach an agreement on its nuclear program, highlighting the urgency as the truce deadline approaches.

“Then lots of bombs start going off,” Trump said when asked what would happen if the ceasefire ends Tuesday, pointing to the possibility of a return to direct confrontation after weeks of heightened tensions.

The president reiterated that his administration’s primary objective remains preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

“No nuclear weapons. Very simple. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

American officials are preparing for another round of negotiations in Islamabad, with Vice President JD Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff, and senior adviser Jared Kushner expected to lead the discussions.

While Trump noted during the interview that Iran is “supposed to be there,” he also questioned whether Iranian representatives will ultimately attend. “If they’re not there, that’s fine too,” he said.

The administration has continued to balance diplomatic efforts with warnings of serious repercussions should Iran refuse to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

In a post on Truth Social the previous day, Trump cautioned that Tehran could face significant military consequences if it declines what he described as a “very fair and reasonable deal.”

Recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz have heightened tensions, as the area remains a vital corridor for global shipping.

U.S. officials have accused Iran of breaching the ceasefire by targeting vessels, drawing a firm reaction from Washington.

Trump has pointed to Iran’s actions as evidence that it cannot be relied upon and must be dealt with decisively.

At the same time, he suggested that resolving the conflict could bring economic relief, particularly in energy markets, countering concerns about rising fuel costs.

He told PBS that gas prices could “come roaring down” if Iran agrees to a deal and tensions subside.

Trump also defended Jared Kushner’s involvement in the negotiations, brushing aside criticism and describing him as a capable negotiator focused on ensuring Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.

With the ceasefire nearing its end and global markets closely monitoring developments, the coming days are expected to be critical.

Trump made clear that while a diplomatic resolution is preferable, the United States stands ready to take further action if needed.

A public dispute broke out between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski following an incident involving an IDF soldier in southern Lebanon, triggering a broader exchange over military conduct and antisemitism.

The disagreement began when Sa’ar addressed the incident in which a Christian religious symbol was damaged by an Israeli soldier, condemning the act in strong terms as “grave and disgraceful.” He praised the IDF for promptly denouncing the behavior and initiating an investigation into what occurred.

“This shameful action is completely contrary to our values,” Sa’ar wrote, underscoring Israel’s respect for all faiths and their sacred symbols. He also expressed regret over the incident and apologized to members of the Christian community who were offended.

Sikorski responded in Polish, acknowledging Sa’ar’s swift apology while adding that “there was something to apologize for.” He called for disciplinary measures against the soldier and suggested that the episode should prompt a reassessment of military training practices. Sikorski went further, alleging that Israeli soldiers themselves have admitted to war crimes, including harm to Palestinian Arab civilians and even Israeli hostages.

Sa’ar pushed back sharply, dismissing the accusations as “unfounded” and “defamatory.” He said Sikorski’s comments demonstrated “ignorance and a deep lack of understanding.”

Expanding on the issue, Sa’ar noted that all wars involve unintended incidents, including friendly fire, and that civilian casualties can occur—especially in situations where terrorists operate among civilian populations. He stressed that the IDF conducts its operations with a level of precision and intelligence that surpasses other Western militaries and consistently works to limit harm to noncombatants.

“The IDF is a professional and ethical army,” Sa’ar stated, adding that for 78 years it has faced continuous attempts to eliminate the State of Israel by hostile states and terrorist organizations.

He also maintained that Western armies study Israel’s military experience and that European civilians ultimately benefit from the outcomes of its counterterror operations.

Sa’ar further called on Sikorski to address what he described as a “disgraceful antisemitic display” that took place in Poland’s parliament the previous week, warning against what he characterized as reckless rhetoric.

The incident referenced involved Polish lawmaker Konrad Berkowicz from the far-right Confederation party, who defaced an Israeli flag at the parliamentary podium on Holocaust Remembrance Day. He replaced the Star of David with a swastika and accused Israel of being “the new Third Reich.” The Israeli Embassy in Warsaw condemned the act as an “antisemitic atrocity,” while senior Polish officials, including the Speaker of Parliament, also denounced the behavior and called for legal consequences.

Sikorski replied that he had already condemned the antisemitic act when it occurred and pointed out that the lawmaker involved had been disciplined by the Speaker of parliament. He added that if his remarks did not lead to changes in IDF training, there was little more he could do.

In his response, Sikorski also included a Haaretz article that cited claims from soldiers alleging involvement in war crimes.

Israeli defense officials are expressing growing concern that Iran may be able to quickly restore its ballistic missile capabilities if the matter is not included in any future diplomatic agreement.

An assessment by the IDF Intelligence Directorate, within the bounds of military censorship, indicates that Iran has the capacity to reestablish its missile systems within “very few years.”

Security sources caution that leaving the missile issue unresolved could set the stage for renewed hostilities with Iran sooner rather than later, particularly if upcoming negotiations fail to incorporate this critical element.

A senior Israeli official told Army Radio that “the missile issue is currently not on the negotiating table. That is troubling.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump forcefully denied Monday that Israel played any role in influencing his decision to launch military action against Iran, pushing back against accusations circulating from Tehran, political critics, and commentators across the ideological spectrum.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump insisted the move was entirely his own, rooted in long-standing convictions and recent events rather than outside pressure. “Israel never talked me into the war with Iran,” he said, emphasizing that his actions were driven by “the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.”

Trump also used the post to lash out at media coverage and polling, accusing both of widespread dishonesty. “I watch and read the FAKE NEWS Pundits and Polls in total disbelief. 90% of what they say are lies and made up stories, and the polls are rigged, much as the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged.”

He expressed confidence that the military campaign would ultimately produce favorable outcomes, drawing a comparison to recent U.S. operations elsewhere. “Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media doesn’t like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing – And if Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future!”

Assertions that Israel pressured Washington into entering the conflict have circulated widely since hostilities erupted earlier this year, becoming a repeated talking point among critics of the war.

That claim gained renewed attention when former Vice President Kamala Harris raised it at a Democratic Party gathering in Detroit, arguing that “Trump entered a war – and he got pulled into it by Bibi Netanyahu, let’s be clear about that – that the American people didn’t want. Among the many consequences of it is jacking up the price of gas.”

Similar accusations have also been voiced by figures on the political right, including Tucker Carlson and former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, who wrote in his resignation statement that the United States “started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

{Matzav.com}

As the IDF unveils its updated security zone map in southern Lebanon, Avi Maoz is voicing sharp criticism of current policy, calling the ceasefire a major strategic mistake that undermines Israel’s long-term security goals.

In an interview on Kol Chai radio’s central news program, the Noam party chairman argued that the ceasefire disrupts Israel’s sustained effort to dismantle what he described as Iran’s regional “axis of evil.” “This ceasefire restores the Gordian knot between Tehran and Hezbollah to existence,” Maoz warned, adding that military control alone is insufficient to ensure lasting sovereignty without the complete destruction of the enemy.

Maoz dismissed attempts to pursue direct dialogue with the Lebanese government, even with American backing, describing such efforts as illusory. He contended that Israel’s conflict is not with Lebanon as a state, but with Hezbollah, which he characterized as an extension of Iranian influence that must be eliminated entirely. Referring to past Israeli leadership approaches to defeating terrorism, he emphasized: “We must destroy the terrorists completely. A peace agreement with Lebanon does not work,” arguing that the government in Beirut is either unable or unwilling to enforce its authority over Hezbollah in the south.

On the national front, Maoz pointed to the upcoming 60th anniversary of the liberation of Yerushalayim and Judea and Samaria as a milestone for completing what he called a “historic mission.” He called for full Israeli sovereignty over these areas, from Chevron to Shechem. The planned reestablishment of the community of Sa-Nur, he said, represents the beginning of correcting the 2005 disengagement from northern Samaria.

For Maoz, the struggle extends beyond territory to the broader question of Israel’s identity. “The state needs to appear as a Jewish state—that is our struggle,” he said, stressing the importance of preserving Jewish character in the public sphere.

Despite his harsh criticism of Israel’s Supreme Court interventions in matters related to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Shabbos demonstrations, Maoz expressed optimism about the future. He rejected claims that the Jewish people are experiencing a “spiritual exile,” pointing instead to the unprecedented growth of Torah study since the Holocaust.

{Matzav.com}

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith said Democrats may find themselves in a difficult position heading into the 2028 presidential election, particularly if Kamala Harris is not chosen as the party’s nominee.

During a conversation with podcaster Megyn Kelly, Smith reflected on Harris’ political standing following her loss to President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Harris had entered that race after Joe Biden stepped aside from his reelection campaign in July 2024.

Smith suggested that Harris could once again emerge as a leading contender in a Democratic primary, pointing to the circumstances that led to her previous nomination.

“Essentially by default, that means Kamala Harris could be at the top of the heap. I don’t, I don’t, I, I think that would be a mistake, obviously, because I think that she’s had her chance, or bites at the apple, not just once but twice in 2020, she couldn’t even make it to Iowa. In this last election, you had 107 days, that’s true, but you also had $1.5 billion you understand, and you were to upgrade from Joe Biden and you still managed to lose that,” Smith told Kelly, a former Fox News host. “I don’t know how the Democratic Party will rally behind her being the candidate yet again, particularly after her book was calling out Josh Shapiro one minute, Gavin Newsom the other, etc., etc., but who knows.”

He went on to argue that the party’s internal dynamics could make the decision even more complicated if Harris is not ultimately selected.

“So here’s the interesting thing, the Democrats are going to be in a position if they don’t select her, which is the same one they tried to avoid when Biden was forced out: They did not want to be seen as stepping over a black woman, given how important black women are to Democrat elections,” Smith continued. “So they, there was a large segment of the Democrat, you know, political class saying, we have no choice, we’ve got to give it to her, she’s the sitting vice president, like, if we try to bypass her for a Josh Shapiro or somebody like that, we’re gonna get killed.”

Harris has already signaled she will not pursue other political offices in the near term, announcing on July 30, 2025, that she would not run for governor of California despite earlier speculation.

Smith said a competitive primary could still create a challenging scenario if Harris is defeated by another candidate, particularly one with a different demographic profile.

“You cannot bypass a black woman, female, like the, the, the VP for a Josh Shapiro, white guy,” Smith said. “Well, now we’re gonna have a primary this time around and If she gets bypassed, in other words, doesn’t win, and she loses to the guy who’s in the number two position, who is a white straight male Christian, Gavin Newsom, are they in the same position of having to look like they cast her aside?”

In addition to Harris, several Democrats are seen as possible contenders in the next presidential cycle, including Pete Buttigieg, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

After initially indicating it would not participate in a follow-up round of negotiations scheduled for Sunday, Iran is now showing a willingness to return to the table, according to Pakistani officials who spoke Monday with The New York Post. Those familiar with the discussions say Tehran’s earlier tough rhetoric appears to be a strategic move aimed at strengthening its bargaining position ahead of future talks.

“Current hard stance is posturing to extract maximum advantage when second round happens,” the person said, citing takeaways from discussions with the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Even with this apparent shift in tone, Iranian leadership has not yet reached a final decision on whether it will take part in the next round, the source noted, emphasizing that deliberations are still ongoing as of Monday afternoon local time.

“For now, no decision has been taken about whether we will have a second round,” the source said. “Whenever we have a decision, we will share details.”

The same individual described Iran’s outlook as measured rather than driven by strong expectations in either direction.

“We are neither optimistic or pessimistic; rather, realistic,” the person added.

Pakistan continues to play a central role in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran, maintaining the confidence of both sides as a neutral intermediary.

“Pakistan remains the sole trustworthy mediator, which means process is on and Islamabad will be the venue whenever a final decision is taken,” the source said.

An image showing an Israeli soldier striking a statue of Yoshka in southern Lebanon has ignited strong reactions online, drawing criticism from activists, politicians, and social media users.

The Israeli military acknowledged on Monday that the photograph, which spread rapidly across social platforms and drew more than 5 million views on X, is genuine.

According to the military, a preliminary examination found that the image depicts an Israeli soldier “operating in southern Lebanon,” where Israeli forces carried out a ground incursion last month alongside airstrikes.

Officials added that a formal probe has been launched and stated that “appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings.”

Reacting online, Ayman Odeh, a Palestinian member of the Knesset, responded with sarcasm, writing: “We’ll wait to hear the police spokesperson claim that ‘the soldier felt threatened by Yoshka.’”

Another Arab lawmaker, Ahmad Tibi, posted on Facebook that individuals who destroy mosques and churches in Gaza and harass Christian clergy in Yerushalayim without consequences are not deterred from damaging a statue of Yoshka and sharing it publicly.

“Perhaps these racists have also learned from Donald Trump to insult Yoshka and insult Pope Leo?” he asked.

The statue was reportedly located on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Debl, near the Israeli border.

Sen. John Fetterman said the Democratic Party is grappling with a significant issue related to antisemitism, pointing to a series of recent controversies and public figures as evidence during a televised interview.

Speaking with CNN’s Kasie Hunt, the Pennsylvania Democrat did not hold back in his criticism of his own party, citing the case of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner as a troubling example.

“I mean, the guy that’s gonna win the primary in Maine has a Nazi tattoo on his chest. And that’s no problem for a lot of voters. That’s crazy,” Fetterman said.

Platner has said the tattoo dates back to 2007, when he was in his 20s serving in the Marine Corps and had it done while in Croatia. He later covered it with another tattoo and claimed he did not understand its meaning at the time. Fetterman, however, pointed to reports challenging that explanation.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2045253290896589044

“And now we know he knew what that was,” Fetterman said, referencing accounts that Platner had previously described the tattoo as his “Totenkopf.”

Fetterman, who has become one of the more outspoken pro-Israel voices among Democrats, also raised concerns about the party’s association with online commentator Hasan Piker.

“He absolutely is proud to cheer for Hamas, loves Hamas. Democrats are proud to stand with him and campaign with him,” Fetterman said.

The senator further cited past remarks attributed to Piker, including statements that “America deserved 9/11,” that Hamas is a “1,000 times better” than Israel, and “It doesn’t matter if rapes happened on October 7th.”

“We have a serious problem with my party. So if I have to be the last man standing in the Democratic Party, I’m proud to stand with Israel,” Fetterman said.

His comments come shortly after a Senate vote in which all but seven Democratic senators supported two resolutions introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders aimed at blocking a U.S. arms sale to Israel.

The interview also aired the same day that Kamala Harris, who is weighing a potential presidential run in 2028, criticized Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and accused him of drawing President Donald Trump into the conflict with Iran.

Additional controversy surfaced ahead of the broadcast when Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed said in a separate CNN appearance that he sees no distinction between Israel’s government and Hamas, stating both are “evil.” When asked directly whether he considers Netanyahu a “war criminal,” El-Sayed responded, “Absolutely. When you conduct a genocide, you’re a war criminal.”

Fetterman has taken visible steps to demonstrate his support for Israel since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. He displayed posters of Israeli hostages in his Senate office and kept them up until all were accounted for.

During protests outside his office accusing Israel of genocide, Fetterman responded by going to the roof of the building and waving an Israeli flag.

{Matzav.com}

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene circulated a social media post suggesting that the July 2024 assassination attempt on President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, may not have unfolded as officially described, raising questions about the response and subsequent investigation.

In her own accompanying remarks, Greene questioned why Trump himself has not taken a more aggressive role in uncovering details about the incident involving gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks. During the rally on July 13, 2024, Crooks opened fire from a nearby rooftop, and Trump was struck by a “bullet that pierced the upper part” of his right ear.

“Extremely important post worth the read and consideration,” Greene wrote. “Corey Comperatore’s family deserves to know the truth about Matthew Crooks and what happened in Butler on July 13, 2024.”

“President Trump, of all people, should be leading the charge,” Greene added. “Why isn’t he? That’s the question.”

The message Greene amplified originated from Trisha Hope, who identified herself as “a long time Trump supporter” and a national delegate. In her post, Hope recounted attending the Republican National Convention and listening to Trump describe the shooting.

“At the convention of course there was massive concern for President Trump the consensus was it was divine intervention that saved Trump and we were all incredibly grateful,” Hope wrote. “On the night Trump spoke, he had the ear patch on and many in the crowd did also. As Trump begin to speak, he started with this: ‘So many people have asked me what happened. Tell us what happened, please. And therefore, I will tell you exactly what happened, and you’ll never hear it from me a second time, because it’s actually too painful to tell.’”

Hope said the way Trump introduced the topic struck her as unusual and raised doubts in her mind.

The lady continued to state that her “first thought was how odd for him to begin this way,” adding that it was her “first red flag.” She described this as being “completely out of character” for Trump.

She went on to question whether the president’s remarks were intended to limit further discussion about the attack.

“When people tell a lie, certainly a big one it is tough to keep all the details straight and doing so is an effort,” the lady continued in her post. “In my opinion Trump made that statement to stop any further conversation about what happened. He gave us his official story, would only do it once and that was the end of it.”

The post also raised concerns about the conduct of the Secret Service following the shooting, questioning personnel decisions and the handling of the situation.

“Following the inauguration, I found it odd that Trump wasn’t going aggressively after those who allowed this to happen. He seemed to behave like it was no big deal.

“His Secret Service detail failed him massively, allowed him to be shot, and they allowed that perfectly timed photo op to take place.

“Instead of his SS detail being terminated as they should have been, Trump made the gentleman in the white shirt the HEAD of the Secret Service on January 22, 2025. Instead of losing his job Sean Curran was given a massive promotion.

“Now, I want you to look critically at this photo. They allowed President Trump to stand up, exposing multiple potential kill shots, as the flag is gently lowered. Interesting that the other SS agents lower their heads as the perfectly time ICONIC photo is taken. Honestly, it couldn’t have been scripted better if were to have been done in a studio.”

The Butler rally shooting resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore, a former Pennsylvania fire chief, who was killed while shielding his wife and daughter from gunfire.

Following the incident, then–Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced intense scrutiny over security lapses during the event. She ultimately stepped down from her role later that month.

{Matzav.com}

Turkey’s foreign minister sharply criticized Israel over the weekend, accusing it of using security concerns as a cover for territorial expansion, in remarks that reflect worsening tensions between the two countries.

Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in the Mediterranean resort city, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan alleged that Israel is pursuing broader ambitions beyond self-defense.

“Israel is not after its own security. Israel is after more land,” Fidan charged, adding, “Security is being used by the Netanyahu government as an excuse to occupy more land.”

Addressing a panel in English, Fidan argued that Israel has misrepresented its actions on the world stage.

“It has become very clear, especially in recent years, that it is more than that,” he said.

He went on to claim that Israel’s activities—from Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and eastern Yerushalayim, to areas near Lebanon and Syria—reflect a pattern of continued expansion.

“I think this has to stop,” Fidan said.

“Israel has to know that the only way to live peacefully in the region is to let other countries enjoy their own security, territorial integrity and freedom, and not to use power against them,” he added.

Relations between Turkey and Israel had been improving prior to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, but have since deteriorated, with Turkish officials—particularly President Recep Tayyip Erdogan—repeatedly condemning Israeli actions.

In March of last year, Erdogan labeled Israel a “terror state” following Israeli strikes on Hamas-linked targets in Gaza.

Later, he described the government of Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu as a major destabilizing force in the Middle East.

In April 2024, Erdogan hosted then-Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul, months before Haniyeh was later killed in an Israeli operation.

Following that meeting, Erdogan emphasized the importance of unity among Palestinian factions, saying it was “vital” and adding, “The strongest response to Israel and the path to victory lie in unity and integrity.”

In subsequent weeks, Erdogan stated that over 1,000 Hamas members were receiving medical care in Turkish hospitals and objected to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis referring to Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Tensions escalated further last week when Istanbul prosecutors filed a sweeping indictment against 35 senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, over the Israeli navy’s interception of the “Sumud” flotilla headed to Gaza in October.

The charges carry the possibility of severe penalties, including life sentences and additional cumulative prison terms totaling thousands of years.

Israel responded forcefully, with Defense Minister Yisroel Katz condemning the move and directing harsh criticism at Erdogan.

“Turkish President Erdogan, who did not respond to missile fire from Iran into Turkish territory and was revealed as a paper tiger, is fleeing to the realms of antisemitism and declaring field trials in Turkey against Israel’s political and military leadership,” Katz said.

He added, “What an absurdity. The Muslim Brotherhood man, who massacred Kurds, is accusing Israel of genocide for defending itself against his Hamas partners.”

“Israel will continue to defend itself with strength and determination – and he had better sit quietly and shut up.”

{Matzav.com}

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s handling of religious issues, saying the president lacks understanding of faith and describing recent remarks about Pope Leo as inappropriate.

Appearing Sunday on ABC’s “This Week,” Christie also took aim at Vice President JD Vance, suggesting his alignment with Trump on religious matters could carry political consequences.

Christie said, “This vice president, who is, you know, now a Catholic convert, early on in your Catholicism, taking on the pope probably isn’t the greatest thing in the world. But, you know, JD Vance is following, as he always does the lead of Donald Trump. He cannot get out from Donald Trump’s back. He cannot ever do anything that isn’t completely 110 percent supportive of what Trump says. But here’s the problem, he’s leading himself to a real, real political problem for himself. Donald Trump knows about as much about the Catholic Church as my phone does.”

He continued his criticism of the president’s familiarity with religion more broadly.

He continued, “This is a guy who knows nothing about religion, has no religious basis at all. Ramesh and I were speaking in the green room about the time when they asked him about which one he preferred, the New Testament or the Old Testament. He goes, well, I like them both. I like them both. You know, this is a guy who’s a fake. He’s a phony. And JD I have a little advice for you this morning, don’t be following a phony on issues of religion and taking on Pope Leo. The other complication here, Jon, is, this is the first American pope. So, American Catholics not only follow him as Catholics, but they have a great pride of ownership in this pope. And so it’s personal on top of being theological.”

Christie said the situation could have lasting political ramifications, particularly among Catholic voters.

He added, “And so, I think this is a real problem politically for them. Catholics are not going to forget that this president, and my party’s leadership, has taken on Pope Leo in a really, really gross way.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country’s longstanding economic partnership with the United States has turned into a liability, pointing to sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump that have strained cross-border trade.

In a video address released Sunday, Carney argued that Washington’s recent trade policies mark a significant shift.

The United States has “fundamentally changed its approach to trade, raising its tariffs to levels last seen during the Great Depression.”

He said the evolving relationship has altered Canada’s economic position in a fundamental way.

This has meant that “many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become our weaknesses — weaknesses that we must correct.”

Carney’s remarks come as tensions escalate between the two countries following the imposition of tariffs that have disrupted decades of cooperation. Among the measures is a broad 10% tariff applied to goods not covered under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade pact, known as CUSMA.

Additional duties have targeted key industries, including a 50% tariff on Canadian goods primarily composed of steel, aluminum, or copper, along with a 25% levy on products largely made from those materials. Certain categories of heavy machinery exported from Canada now face tariffs of 15% when entering the U.S.

Canadian officials say the economic consequences have been severe, affecting multiple sectors and creating widespread uncertainty.

Ottawa says the effect of these measures has been profound, “displacing workers, disrupting supply chains, forcing companies to rethink where they source their materials and products, and causing uncertainty that is curbing investment.”

While Canada still benefits from relatively favorable terms compared to other U.S. trading partners, Carney acknowledged that the reliance on American markets can no longer be taken for granted.

“we cannot rely on our most important trade relationship as we once did. We must build our strength at home,” Carney said.

He added that key industries are feeling the pressure from the tariffs.

“Workers in our industries most affected by U.S. tariffs in autos and steel and lumber are under threat,” he said. “Businesses are holding back investments restrained by the pall of uncertainty that’s hanging over all of us.”

Amid the ongoing trade conflict and President Trump’s repeated suggestion that Canada could become the “51st state,” Carney’s government moved earlier this year to strengthen ties with China. In January, Canada and China reached an agreement to ease certain tariffs on each other’s goods.

Under the deal, China reduced duties on Canadian agricultural exports, while Canada cut tariffs on tens of thousands of Chinese-made electric vehicles.

President Trump criticized the agreement and warned of potential retaliation.

“China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric and general way of life,” the U.S. president asserted.

Despite that criticism, Carney defended efforts to diversify Canada’s trade relationships, emphasizing the need for broader economic independence.

“We will attract new investment so we can build more for ourselves, striking new partnerships abroad so we can sell into new markets.

“It’s about taking back control of our security, our borders and our future.”

{Matzav.com}

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[Video below.] U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz on Sunday pushed back against criticism of President Donald Trump’s warning that the United States could target key Iranian infrastructure if Tehran rejects a proposed peace agreement.

Earlier in the day, Trump said that if Iran refuses to accept what he described as a “very fair and reasonable” deal, the U.S. military “is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single bridge” in the country.

Appearing on ABC’s “This Week,” Waltz was asked by host Jonathan Karl whether such actions could be considered war crimes. In response, he said they “would be an escalatory ladder.”

Waltz also drew a historical comparison to World War II, noting that U.S. and allied forces “bombed and took down bridges, other infrastructure, power plants” in Germany that “could be used for civilian [purposes] but also are used to manufacture drones and missiles.”

Under Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, deliberately targeting civilians or civilian structures not involved in military activity is classified as a war crime. However, the United States is not a member of the ICC, and Trump imposed sanctions on the court last year after it issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“The ICC has no jurisdiction over the United States or Israel, as neither country is party to the Rome Statute or a member of the ICC,” Trump wrote in his executive order at the time. “Neither country has ever recognized the ICC’s jurisdiction, and both nations are thriving democracies with militaries that strictly adhere to the laws of war.”

Waltz also accused Iran’s leadership and affiliated militant groups of embedding military operations within civilian settings, including “deliberately hiding military infrastructure in hospitals, schools, neighborhoods and other civilian assets.” He argued that this undermines claims against potential U.S. actions, stating that they have “no ground to stand on, number one.”

He continued by outlining additional points, saying, “Number two, they have a long history of commingling,” and “Number three, it’s perfectly acceptable in the rules of land warfare. Number four, the Iranian regime is launching drones and missiles directly into civilian homes, hotels and resorts across the Gulf.”

“So, this is just a ridiculous argument we’ve heard in the media and from the Iranians and frankly, from some lawmakers here at home,” Waltz concluded, referring to Democratic lawmakers who have criticized Trump’s threats toward Iran.

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{Matzav.com}

A new national survey indicates that most registered voters believe President Donald Trump bears significant responsibility for the recent increase in gasoline prices.

According to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday, 51 percent of respondents said they blame Trump “a lot” for the surge in fuel costs, while another 14 percent said they blame him “some.” In contrast, 11 percent said they blame him “not much,” and 23 percent indicated they do not blame him at all.

Fuel prices across the country currently average $4.04 per gallon, based on data from AAA. At the same point last year, the average stood at $3.17 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The rise in prices has been largely attributed to disruptions in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global passageway that handles roughly 20 percent of the world’s daily oil supply. Iran closed the route following the outbreak of U.S.-Israeli military operations, contributing to supply constraints.

In response, the United States has implemented a naval blockade aimed at preventing Iran from controlling which vessels are allowed to pass through the strait.

Despite the current spike, Trump said on Wednesday that he expects prices to fall “tremendously” in the coming months and expressed confidence that oil costs will not remain elevated by the time of the midterm elections.

However, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday that gasoline prices may not dip below $3 per gallon until sometime next year.

The poll revealed sharp political divisions over who is to blame for the rising costs.

Among Democrats, 91 percent said they blame Trump “a lot,” 6 percent said “some,” and 1 percent said “not much.”

Independent voters were also more likely to fault the president, with 53 percent saying they blame Trump “a lot,” 20 percent saying “some,” and 10 percent saying “not much,” while 15 percent said they do not blame him at all.

Republicans showed a markedly different view. Just 9 percent said they blame Trump “a lot,” 13 percent said “some,” and 23 percent said “not much.” A majority, 53 percent, said they do not hold him responsible at all.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are set to continue, with negotiations between the United States and Iran scheduled to begin this week in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Global leaders have been urging both sides to de-escalate tensions and work toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz to restore stability in energy markets.

The survey also measured public opinion on military involvement, finding that 40 percent of registered voters support U.S. military action against Iran, while 53 percent oppose it. Seven percent said they were unsure or declined to respond.

The Quinnipiac poll surveyed 1,028 registered voters nationwide between April 9 and April 13 and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

{Matzav.com}