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In this episode, Rabbi Reinman discusses the events of Chanukah in their broad historical context.

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Chapter Forty-three: The First Religious War

On his way back from Alexandria to Syria, Antiochus IV burned with fury and frustration. The priceless prize that was Egypt had been snatched away just when he was about to grasp it. And in such a humiliating way. He was desperate for money. A payment on the onerous indemnity the Romans had imposed on his father was coming due; default was not an option. Moreover, the Parthian upstarts were nibbling at the eastern extremities of his vast kingdom. He needed to muster and equip a large army to defeat them. The solution, he thought, was in Jerusalem. He would stop in Judea on the way back to Antioch, his capital city.

Jerusalem, at this time, was in turmoil. The office of high priest had always been hereditary, and the high priest was the most exalted of the priests, the spiritual leader of the people. That changed, however, in 175 b.c.e. when a Hellenized Jew named Jason bought the office from Antiochus by promising to deliver a high annual tribute. A terrible precedent was established. The office now went to the highest bidder, and the high priest became the de facto political governor in charge of tax collection and sending the annual tribute to Antiochus.

In 172 b.c.e., Jason sent Menelaus, another Hellenized Jew, to deliver the annual tribute to Antiochus. Instead of delivering the money, Menelaus promised to deliver an even larger sum if he would be appointed high priest. Antiochus, always in need of money, appointed Menelaus in Jason’s place. Jason fled across the Jordan River into Ammon.

In 168 b.c.e., as Antiochus was suffering humiliation in Egypt, a rumor reached Judea that he had been killed in battle. Jason saw an opportunity to recover his erstwhile office. He gathered a force of a thousand loyalists and mercenaries and entered Jerusalem. Fighting raged between the followers of the two Hellenized Jews. Blood ran in the streets. Meanwhile, the people faithful to the Torah, who despised both Jason and Menelaus, were caught in the crossfire and suffered greatly.

Antiochus arrived at a Jerusalem convulsed in civil strife. However, instead of settling the dispute, he struck Jerusalem like a thunderclap. He unleashed his soldiers on the population, killing many thousands and carrying off thousands more into slavery. He entered the Holy Temple and sacrificed a pig on the altar to Olympian Zeus, then he entered the Sanctuary and took the golden altar, candelabrum, showbread table and much treasure.

He also issued a royal decree outlawing the practice of the Jewish religion, including Sabbath and festival observance, circumcision, family purity and dietary laws. He ordered all copies of the Torah to be collected and burned, and he made it a capital offense to possess a Torah scroll or violate the decree in any way.

It is difficult to understand why he perpetrated such a violent attack on Jerusalem, especially since both combatants were Hellenized Jews; it is absurd to see it as an emotional reaction to his humiliation in Egypt. Furthermore, if his intent was to quell unrest, why attack the faithful Jews who were not involved in the fighting? On the contrary, attacking the faithful Jews physically and spiritually, even though they were not rebellious, could only radicalize them and make them his enemies …

Read full chapter and earlier chapters at www.rabbireinman.com.

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A newly released Hebrew biography of the Ribnitzer Rebbe zt”l has stirred widespread discussion in the Torah and chassidishe world, particularly following an exchange with Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch during a recent visit by the book’s editor.

The sefer, originally authored in English by Nachman Seltzer and now published in Hebrew, chronicles the life of the Ribnitzer Rebbe, who passed away some 30 years ago and was renowned for his mesirus nefesh under communist rule, as well as for the many yeshuos and mofsim attributed to him both during his lifetime and afterward.

Last week, the Hebrew edition’s editor, Shlomo Kook, visited Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch to present him with a copy of the newly released volume and receive his bracha.

At the start of their conversation, the rosh yeshiva recalled that he had personally known the Ribnitzer Rebbe during his years in the United States. As he flipped through the pages, he paused over one of the accounts describing a mofes, reacting with visible amazement and saying, “Wonders of wonders.”

During the discussion, Shlomo Kook posed a direct question about whether such abilities still exist today: “Is there a reality of a koach to perform mofsim in the hands of גדולי התורה?”

The rosh yeshiva responded immediately: “There is such a רוח הקודש. There is such a thing. The Ramban writes that there is a certain sense that it will be so.”

Shlomo Kook then asked: “In every generation there is such a thing?”

Rav Hirsch replied: “Yes, yes.”

Kook continued: “Even in this generation?”

Rav Hirsch answered: “Yes.”

Kook then asked pointedly: “Does the rosh yeshiva have it?”

At that, Rav Hirsch laughed.

Kook added: “That’s what people say.”

The rosh yeshiva, smiling, responded: “That’s what they say?”

{Matzav.com}

Elon Musk has proposed personally covering the salaries of Transportation Security Administration personnel as the ongoing government funding standoff continues to disrupt airports across the United States.

“I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country,” Musk said in an X post this morning.

His proposal comes as the partial government shutdown stretches beyond a month, with lawmakers still unable to agree on funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the agency that oversees the TSA.

As a result of the funding lapse, TSA agents have been reporting to work without pay, leading to increased absences, longer security lines, and growing concerns about maintaining adequate protection against potential threats.

Republicans have been advocating for full funding of the Department of Homeland Security, while Democrats have pushed for separate funding measures for specific agencies such as the TSA that would not include immigration-related operations.

Despite the shutdown, TSA officers are classified as essential personnel and must continue working, even though their paychecks may be delayed.

Musk’s offer appeared intended to relieve mounting pressure on the system as staffing shortages worsen and passenger congestion increases.

Airports across the country have been hit with significant delays, with some security wait times surpassing three hours due to high levels of absenteeism among TSA workers. Airports most affected include Houston’s Hobby and Bush Intercontinental, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong, and Philadelphia International.

Video recorded early Thursday morning at Philadelphia International Airport showed large crowds of travelers packed onto escalators and elevators while waiting to pass through security checkpoints.

The situation comes as a leading TSA union official cautioned Thursday that security challenges tied to the shutdown are expected to “get worse,” particularly as the agency has been operating under a hiring freeze since last year.

It is not yet clear how Musk’s proposal would be implemented or whether federal law would allow a private individual to directly pay government employees.

An 18-year-old Israeli, Yehuda Shmuel Sherman from Elon Moreh, was killed in a vehicle-ramming attack on Shabbos while carrying out a security patrol near Chomesh.

Sherman’s brother, who was with him during the incident, sustained moderate injuries but remained conscious. Another Israeli who was at the scene was unharmed.

Preliminary findings indicate that the two brothers were traveling on an ATV when a Palestinian driver sped toward them from the nearby village of Beit Ummarin and rammed into them.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan reached the location soon after the attack. Accompanied by the council’s security official and IDF forces, he spoke with the wounded brother in an effort to better understand what had taken place.

Dagan called the incident “very serious,” voicing solidarity with the bereaved family. He said that Israel is facing “a murderous and barbaric enemy” and stressed that residents remain determined to reinforce and grow communities throughout northern Samaria and other areas. The IDF stated that the attack is being examined by all appropriate authorities.

As Israel faces continued barrages of heavy Iranian missiles, an internal debate has emerged within the defense establishment over interception strategy, with questions being raised about the limited use of the advanced Arrow 3 system.

The Arrow 3 system was specifically designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere, a capability that significantly reduces the likelihood of debris reaching the ground. In most cases, intercepted fragments burn up or disintegrate, and any remaining debris falls far from Israeli territory.

Despite this advantage, many of the interceptions in the current conflict have been carried out using other systems that operate at lower altitudes. As a result, missile fragments, debris, and even cluster munitions have been falling inside Israel, at times in populated areas.

At the heart of the debate is a trade-off between cost and operational flexibility. Arrow 3 is considered extremely expensive, while lower-altitude interceptors allow for sustained use without the same concerns over cost and stockpile depletion. Defense officials acknowledge that this is an ongoing discussion that has not yet been fully resolved.

The Israeli Air Force has emphasized that interception decisions are made in real time, based on the nature of each incoming threat. However, in many cases, the default has been to rely on lower-tier interception systems.

The consequences are already being felt on the ground. Earlier today, a piece of cluster munition fell in a kindergarten yard in Rishon Lezion. No injuries were reported, but the incident underscored the very real danger posed by falling debris. Discussions within the defense establishment are continuing.

Following the missile attacks in Arad and Dimona, Israel’s Education Ministry announced that all classroom instruction will be suspended, with schools across the country shifting entirely to remote learning.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch said that on Sunday and Monday, no in-person classes will take place anywhere in the country, and all instruction will be conducted online.

The ministry said the decision was made in response to the recent strikes and after consultations with the head of the Home Front Command. Kisch ordered that all previously approved exceptions be canceled, and no physical attendance will be allowed under any circumstances — including in special education programs.

Officials stressed that the directive applies to all schools without exception. Every prior allowance for in-person learning has been revoked, and the policy covers the entire education system nationwide.

The ministry added that a new assessment will take place ahead of Tuesday, after which additional updates and guidance will be provided.

{Matzav.com}

As previously reported, a ballistic missile that landed in a densely populated Gur chassidishe neighborhood in Arad caused widespread fear and confusion, as emergency crews rushed to the scene and officials worked to account for residents in the area.

The missile struck between residential buildings on Shimon Street, near the city’s shopping center, leaving behind significant destruction and uncertainty regarding missing individuals in the immediate aftermath.

The buildings that were hit are largely home to families affiliated with the Gur kehilla. B’chasdei Hashem, medical officials reported that, as of now, there have been no fatalities from the Iranian missile strike.

Following the incident, Knesset member Yitzchok Goldknopf, a representative of the chassidus, together with his chief of staff Moti Babchik, went in to brief the Gerrer Rebbe on the details of the incident.

The Rebbe instructed them: “It is an obligation on everyone to follow the guidelines. We must increase our tefillos for the recovery of the injured.”

As they made their way toward Arad after meeting with the Rebbe, the two officials were in contact with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, as well as senior officials including the directors general of the Health and Interior ministries and MDA Director General Eli Bin.

Moshe Kovas, head of the ZAKA unit in Arad, said that at this point there are no confirmed fatalities. He noted that a three-year-old child had initially been reported missing but is believed to be safe and with family. He added that there is currently no need for additional emergency teams to arrive, though search efforts are still ongoing at the scene.

In response to the attacks in both Dimona and Arad, the Ministry of Education announced sweeping changes to the school schedule. Following consultations with the head of the Home Front Command, Education Minister Yoav Kisch said that on Sunday and Monday all previous exemptions are canceled, and in-person limudim will not take place anywhere in the country, including special education programs.

Instead, all instruction will be conducted remotely nationwide. Officials emphasized that all prior allowances for physical attendance — including for special education — are now suspended. A reassessment is planned ahead of Tuesday, after which further updates will be issued.

Two heavy Iranian ballistic missiles struck southern Israel within hours tonight after failing to be intercepted, hitting residential areas in Dimona and Arad and leaving large numbers of casualties, Israeli officials said.

The IDF has launched an investigation into what it described as a failure to intercept the incoming missiles, including one carrying a 450-kilogram warhead that directly hit a neighborhood in Arad.

The Israeli Air Force and Home Front Command are examining the circumstances surrounding the impacts. At this stage, officials say there are no clear answers, and some details remain restricted due to military censorship. The military stressed: “The defense is not hermetic.”

According to the IDF, interceptor systems failed twice within a short span of time to stop heavy ballistic missiles launched from Iran, resulting in direct hits in both Dimona and Arad. Both incidents are now under active investigation.

Initial assessments suggest that the missiles involved were not new types, but rather models that have previously been launched and successfully intercepted. This contradicts claims circulating in Iranian media that a new type of missile had been used. Military officials reiterated that Israel’s air defense systems are not foolproof and urged the public to continue strictly following Home Front Command instructions.

In Arad, 42 people were reported injured. According to Magen David Adom, six are in serious condition, 12 in moderate condition, and 25 sustained light injuries. The missile struck an area where many Gur chassidim reside. The blast caused extensive damage, and a fire broke out in one of the buildings before being brought under control.

In Dimona, 59 people were wounded and transported to Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva. Among them, a 12-year-old boy is listed in serious condition, and a man in his 20s is in moderate condition. Hospital officials said the remaining victims suffered light to moderate injuries or were treated for shock.

Intelligence officials in the United States and Israel are struggling to determine the condition and whereabouts of Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since the February 28 strike that killed his father, according to a report.

Khamenei resurfaced only through a written statement released Friday for Nowruz, offering no video or audio appearance, further deepening uncertainty surrounding his status.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asserted that Mojtaba may have been seriously injured in the same strike, saying he was “wounded and likely disfigured.”

His continued absence has led some observers to mockingly refer to him as “the cardboard ayatollah.”

Israeli officials say there is still no confirmation that he is actively leading the regime. “We have no evidence that [Mojtaba] is really the one giving orders,” a senior Israeli official told Axios.

A U.S. official echoed the uncertainty, questioning the unusual situation. “It’s beyond weird. We don’t think the Iranians would have gone through all this trouble to choose a dead guy as the supreme leader, but at the same time, we have no proof that he is taking the helm,” the official said.

President Donald Trump said Friday that there is effectively no leadership left in Iran to engage with diplomatically, as military operations continue to target key figures in the regime.

In his written message, Mojtaba Khamenei claimed that Iran has already dealt a serious blow to its adversaries, writing that Iranians have “dealt him (the enemy) a dizzying blow so that he now starts uttering contradictory words and nonsense.

“At the moment, due to the particular unity that has been created between you our compatriots — despite all the differences in religious, intellectual, cultural and political origins — the enemy has been defeated.”

He further argued that expectations by the United States and Israel that the Iranian government would collapse quickly were misguided, calling it a “gross miscalculation.”

According to Khamenei, the campaign against Iran was launched under “the delusion that if the pinnacle of the regime and certain influential military figures were to attain martyrdom, it would instill fear and despair in our dear people … and through this means, the dream of dominating Iran and subsequently dismembering it would be realized”, he said.

Instead, he maintained that “a fracture has emerged in the enemy,” he added.

U.S. officials say the lack of any visual appearance is troubling and out of the ordinary. One official described it as a “big red flag.

“We would have expected to see Mojtaba too in some form. He didn’t take advantage of the opportunity and tradition,” the person added.

Some analysts, however, caution against jumping to conclusions. Raz Zimmt, who heads the Iran Program at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, said there is no clear evidence that Khamenei is unable to function.

“Under the current exceptional circumstances, one should not expect him to appear in public, and it is possible that his injury does not even allow him to release a recorded video in order not to expose to the public the severity of his condition,” Zimmt said.

Political analyst Dick Morris delivered sharp criticism of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Democratic leadership during an appearance today on Newsmax TV’s “The Count,” arguing that recent fiscal and immigration decisions point to deeper problems in governance.

His remarks followed a report showing that New York City spent roughly $81,000 per individual on homeless services last year, a figure that has sparked concern as residents face rising costs and ongoing budget strain.

“She’s not using money, currency. She’s using votes,” Morris said of Hochul.

Morris contended that spending decisions are being shaped more by political strategy than by responsible budgeting.

He said the governor’s policies are designed to maintain support by expanding programs, even if they do not align with taxpayer preferences.

“Her goal here is to try to get enough people to cough up enough money so that she can continue to spend it on programs that they don’t want,” he said.

Expanding his critique beyond New York, Morris tied the issue to broader Democratic policies on immigration and national security.

He argued there is an inconsistency between confronting global threats and limiting enforcement measures at home.

“We’re reaching a historic moment here with the Democratic Party standing up and saying, in the middle of a war on terror against the chief terrorist country in the world, we’re closing down Homeland Security,” Morris said.

He also criticized policies related to illegal immigration, suggesting they are influenced by political calculations during an election season.

Morris said the overall messaging sends a problematic signal both to taxpayers and to those considering entering the country.

“We’re telling people, stay away, come home, and we’ll tax you and put up with it and smile,” he said.

He went on to argue that these decisions reflect broader dysfunction within the party.

“This Democratic Party has lost its collective mind. Just absolutely lost it,” he said.

“And if you ever wanted a display of the Democrats’ inability to govern, this is it.”

Hochul’s office did not issue a direct response to Morris’ remarks, though state officials have previously defended spending on homelessness, saying it is necessary to address growing demand for shelter and to meet legal requirements to provide housing.

John Bolton, who previously served as national security adviser, said Friday that the United States made the correct decision in launching strikes against Iran, arguing that Washington should not wait for an immediate nuclear threat before taking action.

Speaking during an appearance on “Bianca Across the Nation” on Newsmax, Bolton said the administration acted at the appropriate moment rather than allowing Iran’s capabilities to advance further.

“I think it was the right time to go in,” he said. “I don’t think the nuclear threat was imminent, but I don’t think the United States is required to risk the imminent destruction of our people before we take preventative action to remove the threat.”

Bolton emphasized that, more broadly, the United States should not tolerate living under the long-term danger posed by a nuclear-capable Iran.

“We don’t have to live under the threat,” he said. “That’s just simply unacceptable.”

He argued that current conditions inside Iran make this a particularly opportune moment to apply pressure, describing the regime as weaker and more unpopular than it has been in decades.

“I do think that the moment was right,” he said. “I think the regime in Tehran is as unpopular, as weak, as it’s been at any point since it took power in 1979.”

Bolton pointed to growing dissatisfaction within the country, saying economic hardship and public frustration have spread widely across Iranian society.

“There’s dissatisfaction all across the country,” he said. “The economy is in the tank.”

He noted that much of this unrest is especially pronounced among younger Iranians, who make up a large share of the population and are increasingly aware of opportunities beyond their current circumstances.

“The young people who constitute under 30, or two-thirds of the population, know they could have a different life,” he said. “They can see it across the Gulf and on the internet when the regime lets it operate.”

Bolton added that opposition to the regime is also strong among women and various ethnic groups, highlighting additional internal pressure points.

“Women have been opposed to the regime ever since at least the murder of Mahsa Amini,” he said. “Ethnic groups like the Kurds, the Azeris, the Baluchis, Arabs are dissatisfied.”

Taken together, he said, these internal challenges have left the regime vulnerable, especially as external pressure continues to mount.

“This regime is very weak, and it can be pulled apart at the top,” he said. “And that’s what, in effect, what we and Israel are doing right now.”

At the same time, Bolton stressed that internal opposition will ultimately play a decisive role, calling for greater American support to those inside Iran seeking change.

“We should be aiding them, giving them communications, assistance, money, weapons if they wanted,” he said. “I think this is a time where we’ve staked a lot on this. We need to win.”

He also pointed to Iran’s threats against neighboring Gulf countries as further evidence of the regime’s danger.

“If they needed any convincing or further proof of how risky, how dangerous the regime of the ayatollahs is, this is it,” he said, adding that the regime “must be removed.”

The Trump administration has taken the unusual step of briefly relaxing sanctions on Iranian oil that is already en route on tankers, marking the first time such restrictions have been loosened since they were imposed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained that the measure is limited strictly to shipments that have already been loaded and are currently at sea, and does not apply to any new oil production. The move is intended to help bring down surging energy prices linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Officials estimate that the decision could allow approximately 140 million barrels of oil to enter global markets, at a time when disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and continued fighting in the region have driven prices sharply upward.

“This is a narrowly tailored, temporary step,” Bessent said, emphasizing that the broader sanctions framework remains fully intact as part of the administration’s maximum pressure strategy.

Sanctions targeting Iran’s oil industry have long been a central pillar of U.S. policy, designed to restrict revenue flowing to the regime following the 1979 revolution and the hostage crisis that followed. In recent years, those restrictions have been tightened further in an effort to push Iranian exports down to near zero.

According to administration officials, the current move is meant to calm volatile global markets without offering Iran any sustained economic benefit.

Critics, however, contend that even a limited waiver could still provide Tehran with additional funds during a time of heightened tensions, despite assurances from officials that the effect will be minimal since the oil was already in transit.

President Donald Trump said on Erev Shabbos that the United States is nearing the fulfillment of its military aims in its campaign against Iran, indicating that operations could soon begin to wind down after a broad offensive targeting the regime’s military strength and strategic assets.

“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, where he laid out what he described as five central goals of the operation.

According to Trump, those goals include “completely degrading Iranian Missile Capability, Launchers, and everything else pertaining to them,” along with “destroying Iran’s Defense Industrial Base” and “eliminating their Navy and Air Force, including Anti Aircraft Weaponry.”

He said the campaign is also focused on “never allowing Iran to get even close to Nuclear Capability,” while ensuring the United States can act “quickly and powerfully” if such a threat emerges.

Trump further stressed the importance of safeguarding key allies in the region “at the highest level,” specifically naming Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and other partners.

On the issue of global energy routes, Trump wrote that “the Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not,” adding that while American assistance would be available if requested, “it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated.”

“Importantly, it will be an easy Military Operation for them,” Trump added.

The conflict has intensified in recent weeks, with the United States expanding its strikes on Iranian military positions and facilities tied to its nuclear program, signaling a broader and more sustained campaign against Tehran’s infrastructure.

What began as targeted operations has since developed into a wider regional confrontation, with the U.S. reinforcing its presence through additional troop deployments, naval assets, and air power.

Iran, for its part, has responded with missile and drone attacks across multiple fronts, targeting American forces, allied nations, and key commercial shipping routes.

Energy infrastructure across the Gulf region has come under threat or direct attack, raising concerns about supply disruptions and fueling anxiety in global energy markets.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply — has faced repeated threats, leading some vessels to reroute and causing insurance costs for shipments to climb.

These developments have led to sharp swings in oil prices, with markets reacting to the possibility of a prolonged disruption to global supply.

The scope of the conflict has also expanded beyond strictly military targets, with warnings from Iranian officials and affiliated outlets suggesting that additional sites, including civilian and tourism-related locations, could be at risk.

At the same time, Trump has worked to rally support from allied nations. The United Kingdom has reportedly cooperated with U.S. operations, including providing access to bases and logistical resources used in strikes against Iran.

That involvement has drawn warnings from Tehran that facilities connected to American operations could themselves become targets.

Still, not all allies have embraced a broader role in the campaign. Some NATO members have pushed back against expanding the mission, particularly when it comes to securing the Strait of Hormuz.

Countries such as Germany and Italy have signaled reluctance to participate, emphasizing that the conflict does not fall under NATO’s mandate and resisting calls to commit forces to patrol the vital shipping corridor.

President Donald Trump said Friday that he has no interest in pursuing a ceasefire with Iran at this stage, arguing that the current military campaign is achieving decisive results.

Speaking to reporters, Trump made clear that he believes halting operations now would be premature. “I don’t want to do a ceasefire. You know you don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side,” he said.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2035083049180782939

He pointed to the intensity of recent U.S. strikes, describing the damage inflicted on Iranian targets in stark terms. “We’ve been hitting them awfully hard. I don’t know if you can possibly get hit harder. These are thugs, and animals, and horrible people… but I’m not surprised, they executed 3 young people for protesting,” added Trump.

When asked whether Israel would align with his timeline for ending the conflict, Trump expressed confidence that both countries remain closely coordinated. “I think so, yes…the relationship is a very good one. We want more or less similar things. You know what we want? We want victory.”

Trump also asserted that, from a military perspective, Iran’s capabilities have been effectively neutralized. “I think we’ve won. We’ve knocked out their navy, their air force, we’ve knocked out their anti-aircraft, we’ve knocked out everything. We’re roaming free. From a military standpoint, all they’re doing is clogging up the Strait [of Hormuz]. But from a military standpoint, they’re finished.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to Iran’s leadership marking the Nowruz holiday, reaffirming that Moscow continues to stand with Tehran as a dependable ally during a period of heightened regional tensions.

Despite the statement of support, questions remain about how far Russia is willing to go. Some sources within Iran have suggested that Moscow has offered limited practical assistance during what many describe as the country’s most serious crisis since the 1979 revolution.

The Kremlin said Putin conveyed his greetings to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian in honor of the Iranian New Year.

“Vladimir Putin wished the Iranian people to overcome the harsh trials with dignity and stressed that in this difficult time Moscow remains a loyal friend and reliable partner of Tehran,” the Kremlin said. Russia says the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran have thrust the entire Middle East into the abyss and triggered a major global energy crisis, while of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a “cynical” murder.

At the same time, reports have circulated about a possible proposal from Moscow to Washington. According to those reports, Russia suggested it would halt intelligence-sharing with Iran if the United States agreed to stop providing intelligence to Ukraine. The proposal was reportedly rejected, and the Kremlin has denied the claim, calling it false.

Russia’s position has also been influenced by broader geopolitical shifts. The fall of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro cost Moscow an ally, though rising oil prices tied to the current conflict have provided economic benefits for Russia, particularly given its ties to Iran.

Even with their close relationship, the agreement between Russia and Iran does not include a mutual defense commitment. Moscow has also repeatedly stated that it opposes Iran developing nuclear weapons, warning that such a move could trigger a wider nuclear arms race across the Middle East.

President Donald Trump warned that he may soon send Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to assist at U.S. airports, saying he has already instructed ICE to prepare as a prolonged government shutdown continues to strain airport security nationwide.

Earlier in the day, Trump floated the possibility of assigning ICE personnel to airports if Democrats do not approve new security-related measures. By the evening, he sharpened his tone, indicating he is ready to act without delay.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump criticized Democrats while defending security personnel and federal agencies. “The Radical Left Democrats have hurt so many people,” Trump wrote, taking aim at what he described as their management of the Department of Homeland Security and “our fantastic TSA Officers.”

He continued by warning that if lawmakers fail to act, ICE will step in. “If the Democrats do not allow for Just and Proper Security at our Airports … ICE will do the job far better than ever done before!” he added, noting that he could deploy agents “on Monday” and that he has already told them to “GET READY.”

Trump concluded the message emphatically: “NO MORE WAITING, NO MORE GAMES!”

The remarks come as the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security stretches into its fifth week, leaving approximately 50,000 TSA officers working without pay and creating significant staffing shortages at airports across the country.

The funding lapse has already led to hundreds of TSA employees resigning, while absenteeism has increased sharply, raising alarms about potential vulnerabilities in airport security and the risk of widespread disruptions.

Passengers are experiencing extended wait times at major airports, with delays lasting hours. Some smaller airports could face temporary closures if staffing levels continue to decline.

Although TSA agents are classified as essential workers and must remain on duty, many are going without pay, forcing some to take on additional work or depend on outside help to cover basic expenses.

The standoff in Washington centers on funding for the Department of Homeland Security, with Democrats seeking adjustments to immigration enforcement policies and Republicans pushing for tighter border controls.

Trump also used the post to highlight his administration’s border policies, stating that Republicans “closed it all down” and achieved the “Strongest Border in American History.”

The president has increasingly indicated a willingness to broaden ICE’s responsibilities beyond its traditional scope as the shutdown drags on and pressure mounts to stabilize airport operations.

Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who led the high-profile investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election but did not establish a criminal conspiracy involving the Trump campaign, has died at the age of 81, according to a statement from his family.

“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away last night. His family asks that their privacy be respected,” Mueller’s family said.

President Donald Trump reacted swiftly to the news, posting on Truth Social: “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

No official cause of death was immediately released, though Mueller had been battling Parkinson’s disease in recent years.

Mueller was born on August 7, 1944, in New York City, to Alice Truesdale and Robert Swan Mueller Jr., a DuPont executive and World War II Navy veteran. He was raised near Philadelphia and went on to graduate from Princeton University in 1966 with a degree in politics, later earning a master’s in international relations from New York University.

Following the death of a close Princeton friend in Vietnam, Mueller enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in combat. His military service earned him both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. After returning home, he attended the University of Virginia School of Law, receiving his law degree in 1973.

He built a long career as a federal prosecutor and legal professional before being selected by President George W. Bush to lead the FBI just days before the September 11 attacks. Mueller remained at the helm of the bureau until 2013.

In 2017, then-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed Mueller as special counsel to investigate whether Russia had interfered in the 2016 presidential race in a way that benefited Trump.

That investigation culminated in a 448-page Department of Justice document formally titled “Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election,” widely known as the Mueller report.

Mueller assembled a team of experienced prosecutors, whom Trump frequently criticized, referring to them as “killers” and “thugs.”

Over the course of the investigation, the team questioned numerous figures connected to Trump’s campaign and administration, including Paul Manafort, Steve Bannon, Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Jared Kushner.

Rather than sit for an in-person interview, Trump ultimately provided written responses to questions submitted by Mueller’s team following negotiations between both sides.

The investigation led to 37 indictments and seven guilty pleas. However, its inability to establish collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia prompted Trump to declare that he had been “totally exonerated.”

Trump repeatedly denounced the probe, calling it an “illegal takedown” and describing it as a “witch hunt” aimed at undermining his presidency.

“There’s no obstruction, there’s no collusion, there’s no nothing,” he said.

The report itself stated that it “identified numerous links between the Russian government and the Trump campaign.”

“While this report does not conclude that the president committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him,” it said on the issue of alleged obstruction of justice.

Mueller ultimately declined to make a definitive determination on obstruction, citing longstanding Department of Justice policy that a sitting president cannot be charged with a crime.

“If we had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime, we would have said so,” Mueller said in a televised statement announcing the report.

His long-standing reputation as a formidable prosecutor appeared to take a hit during his 2019 testimony before Congress, where he faced questions from both the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees.

During the hours-long hearing, Mueller often gave short answers, asked lawmakers to repeat questions, and declined to go beyond the findings outlined in his report, even as members of Congress sharply criticized his work.

Trump responded at the time by calling it a “great day for the Republican Party,” while the White House described the appearance as an “epic embarrassment for the Democrats.”

Former Attorney General Bill Barr later wrote in his memoir about a meeting with Mueller, describing his physical condition. He said Mueller’s hands were “trembling” and recalled his reaction: “Wow,” he told Rosenstein. “Bob has lost a step.”

Mueller’s Parkinson’s diagnosis became public in 2025 after Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, sought to have him testify as part of an investigation into the government’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.

His family disclosed the diagnosis in August 2025, after which the committee withdrew its request for his testimony.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump tonight delivered a sharp warning to Iran, demanding that it fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face severe U.S. military retaliation.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump made clear that failure to comply would trigger immediate action. “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Trump wrote.

Roughly an hour before that message, Trump pushed back forcefully against claims that U.S. operations had fallen short, asserting that American forces had already dealt a decisive blow to Iran. “the United States has blown Iran off of the map”, he wrote, dismissing critics who argued otherwise.

He continued by insisting that the campaign had exceeded expectations in both pace and impact. “Yes I have, and weeks ahead of schedule! Their leadership is gone, their navy and air force are dead, they have absolutely no defense, and they want to make a deal. I don’t! We are weeks ahead of schedule,” he wrote, adding, “Just like their incompetent Election coverage of me, The Failing New York Times always gets it wrong!”

The latest escalation follows comments Trump made on Friday indicating that U.S. forces are nearing their intended military objectives in the confrontation with what he called the “terrorist regime of Iran,” suggesting that operations could soon begin to wind down.

At the same time, Trump signaled that he is not interested in pausing the fighting at this stage. Speaking to reporters, he rejected the idea of a ceasefire, arguing that the current battlefield dynamics do not justify halting the campaign.

“I don’t want to do a ceasefire. You know you don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side,” he said.