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President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is not feeling pressure to quickly conclude the ongoing conflict with Iran, even as negotiations remain uncertain and fuel prices continue to stay high worldwide.

“For those people, fewer in number now than ever before, that are reading The Failing New York Times, or watching Fake News CNN, that think that I am ‘anxious’ to end the War (if you would even call it that!) with Iran, please be advised that I am possibly the least pressured person ever to be in this position,” he wrote on Truth Social Thursday. “I have all the time in the World, but Iran doesn’t — The clock is ticking!”

His comments signal no defined timeline for ending the standoff, which is nearing the two-month mark. Although active fighting has largely subsided following a ceasefire Trump extended indefinitely earlier in the week, there is still no clear resolution in sight.

During congressional hearings on Wednesday, administration officials avoided offering estimates for when energy prices might ease. Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers have privately indicated that reaching 60 days of conflict could become a critical point in determining their continued backing.

A key factor shaping the situation is the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. As U.S. naval forces work to locate and remove mines from the waterway, Trump earlier Thursday instructed the Navy to “shoot and kill” Iranian boats still laying explosives in the strait.

Concerns have grown that clearing the mines could take an extended period. While Trump did not provide a timeline for reopening the shipping lane, he reiterated that any vessels continuing such activity should be confronted.

“There is to be no hesitation,” he wrote in an earlier social media post. “Additionally, our mine ‘sweepers’ are clearing the Strait right now. I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled up level!”

Earlier this week, Trump extended the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, while also maintaining a blockade on Iranian shipping in the strait.

Following a joint U.S.-Israel operation against Tehran in February, Iran significantly reduced traffic through the vital corridor, driving oil prices sharply higher.

The continued blockade has further strained relations, with Tehran suspending peace discussions until restrictions on its shipping are lifted.

Speaking in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump acknowledged that Americans may continue to face higher gas prices in the short term but suggested the broader objective justifies the cost.

“You know what they get for that? Iran without a nuclear weapon,” he said.

While no new negotiations have been scheduled, Trump indicated earlier in the week that it was “possible” talks could resume as soon as this weekend.

Analysts warn that any damage to vessels from remaining mines could further disrupt global trade through the strait.

The White House has sought to minimize concerns about Iran’s maritime capabilities, even after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized two foreign vessels in the waterway on Wednesday. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the incidents did not violate the ceasefire and pointed to them as evidence of the effectiveness of U.S. military operations.

“And for the American media who is sort of blowing this out of proportion to discredit the president’s facts — that he has completely obliterated Iran’s conventional Navy — these two ships were taken by speedy gunboats,” she said. “Iran has gone from having the most lethal Navy in the Middle East to now acting like a bunch of pirates.”

Trump has also emphasized in recent days the impact of U.S. strikes on Iran’s military strength.

“Iran’s Navy is lying at the bottom of the Sea, their Air Force is demolished, their Anti Aircraft and Radar Weaponry is gone, their leaders are no longer with us, the Blockade is airtight and strong and, from there, it only gets worse — Time is not on their side!” he wrote on Thursday.

{Matzav.com}

A U.S. Army Special Forces soldier was arrested Thursday on charges that he exploited classified details about a military mission targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro to place highly profitable bets on a prediction market platform, allegedly earning more than $400,000.

According to the Justice Department, Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyke played a role in both the planning and execution of “Operation Absolute Resolve,” a January 3 raid on Maduro’s residence in Caracas. Investigators say he had access to “sensitive, nonpublic, classified information” connected to the operation.

Prosecutors allege that roughly a week before the mission, the 38-year-old placed wagers exceeding $33,000 on Polymarket, a platform where users bet on real-world outcomes, including developments involving Maduro and potential U.S. military action in Venezuela.

Authorities say the bets yielded approximately $409,000 in profits. They also claim Van Dyke attempted to conceal both his identity and the source of his gains by routing the money through foreign cryptocurrency accounts.

Van Dyke has been charged with three counts of violating the Commodity Exchange Act, one count of wire fraud, and one count of engaging in an unlawful monetary transaction.

If convicted on all counts, he could face a maximum sentence of 60 years behind bars.

The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

“Prediction markets are not a haven for using misappropriated confidential or classified information for personal gain,” said US Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement. “The defendant allegedly violated the trust placed in him by the United States Government by using classified information about a sensitive military operation to place bets on the timing and outcome of that very operation, all to turn a profit.

“That is clear insider trading and is illegal under federal law.”

{Matzav.com}

In the aftermath of the Iran war, Israel’s Defense Ministry is moving to rebuild and strengthen its weapons reserves, signing a major procurement deal to enhance readiness for future conflicts and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

As part of a broader effort to prepare for immediate combat scenarios and a more intense security decade ahead, the ministry’s procurement directorate has issued multi-year orders for advanced aerial munitions from Elbit Systems totaling more than 600 million shekels. The deals are being managed by the unit responsible for air and naval acquisitions.

The munitions will be produced at Elbit facilities across Israel, employing thousands of workers and reinforcing the country’s domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.

The agreement includes Rampage missiles, a heavy, precision-guided ballistic weapon designed for use by fighter jets. Developed by Elbit, the missile can reach speeds of up to Mach 5 and is intended to strike enemy air defense systems, including those positioned deep underground.

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz said: “We are continuing to strengthen Israel’s independence in munitions. The IDF must have, at every moment, the tools to operate with power, speed, and without reliance on external factors. At a time when we are marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day, this carries special significance — true independence is also measured by the ability to produce and defend ourselves by our own means. We will continue to act with determination to ensure that the State of Israel relies on its own strength and is prepared for any challenge.”

Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram added: “This deal is another practical step in implementing the Defense Ministry’s strategy to expand Israel’s defense production base. In light of complex challenges and the lessons of the war, it is our duty to ensure Israel’s independence in munitions and to strengthen ‘blue-and-white’ production capabilities. We are not only equipping ourselves for the immediate term, but also laying the foundation that will allow the IDF to respond to any combat scenario while relying on independent production capabilities, advanced technology, and supply continuity.”

Elbit Systems President and CEO Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis said: “This series of contracts demonstrates Elbit Systems’ position as a technological leader in the field of aerial munitions. We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Israel’s Defense Ministry and our ongoing commitment to developing and supplying precise and reliable solutions, which are among the factors enabling the Israeli Air Force’s aerial superiority.”

{Matzav.com}

A Jewish resident said he was left fearing for his safety after being attacked and verbally abused in what he described as an antisemitic incident.

The man, who identified himself as Moshe, told BBC News that he was working at a property in Slough, England on Monday when another individual approached him and began shouting hostile remarks.

Footage recorded by Moshe shows a confrontational man threatening violence, including saying he would break his jaw, while also trying to knock the phone out of his hand.

The footage cannot be posted because of the repeated profanity it features.

Thames Valley Police confirmed that a 48-year-old man from Slough was taken into custody on suspicion of racially or religiously aggravated assault, along with public order offenses.

Moshe explained that he had been wearing a black yarmulka, the traditional head covering worn by Jewish men, during the encounter on Elliman Avenue.

“I was thinking two things,” he said. “Number one was survival. Number two, I was just berating myself: ‘What were you thinking going out like this, in England, as a visible Jew?'”

The video also captures the suspect repeatedly using profanity, questioning Moshe’s presence by asking “what are you doing round here, bro?” and referring to him as a “dirty Jew.”

Following the attack, Moshe said he no longer feels secure in certain areas of the country.

Police reported that officers responded to the scene at 16:36 BST, where a man in his 20s had been threatened.

Detective Inspector Terry Dixon said the incident is likely to “cause a great deal of concern” within Jewish communities.

He added: “Antisemitic incidents, or indeed any hate-related incident, will not be tolerated and we will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice.”

Shomrim, a volunteer group that assists Jewish communities, condemned the episode, calling it an “abhorrent, vile and unprovoked antisemitic assault.”

President Donald Trump said Thursday that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to prolong their ceasefire for an additional three weeks following discussions at the White House involving senior U.S. officials.

“The Meeting went very well!” Trump said in a Truth Social post announcing the extension of the temporary truce.

He added that the United States intends to assist Lebanon in strengthening its defenses against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group. “The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah,” Trump wrote.

Confirming the extension, Trump stated: “The Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by THREE WEEKS.”

The decision delays the expiration of the original 10-day ceasefire reached last week, allowing both sides more time to pursue diplomatic efforts.

According to Trump, the meeting in the Oval Office included “High Ranking Representatives” from Israel and Lebanon, along with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa.

{Matzav.com}

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last ruling monarch, was targeted in Berlin on Thursday when a protester threw red paint at him, according to footage and reports from the scene.

He was unharmed in the incident. Video showed Pahlavi quickly stepping away as security personnel subdued and detained the individual responsible. Shortly afterward, he acknowledged supporters with a wave before entering his vehicle.

The episode unfolded as Pahlavi was leaving a press briefing in which he voiced opposition to the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. The confrontation took place outside Germany’s federal press conference venue, The Washington Post reported.

WATCH:

The report noted that Pahlavi had not been scheduled to meet any German government officials during his trip. Speaking to reporters, he argued that the ceasefire rests on the assumption that Iran’s leadership will alter its conduct and act more pragmatically.

“I don’t see that happening,” he said. “I’m not saying that diplomacy should not be given a chance, but I think diplomacy has been given enough chance.”

He urged European nations to increase their efforts to “support the Iranian people fighting for democracy.” Pahlavi also stated that 19 political prisoners had been executed by the Iranian government in the past two weeks, with another 20 individuals reportedly facing death sentences.

“Will the free world do something, or watch the slaughter in silence?” he said.

Pahlavi, 65, is the son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the shah who was deposed during the 1979 Islamic Revolution that led to the establishment of Iran’s current clerical leadership. His father faced widespread opposition from large segments of the population, culminating in mass protests that forced him from power.

Despite decades in exile, Pahlavi has continued to present himself as a potential figure in Iran’s future political landscape. However, the extent of his backing within the country remains uncertain. He has openly supported U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran and has been among those calling on President Donald Trump to act on commitments to assist demonstrators who were killed during protests in Iran earlier this year.

The full closure of the separate beach in Kiryat Sanz in Netanya has led to growing tension between city officials and members of the chareidi community, following a cliff collapse that damaged the stairway leading down to the beach and the recent tragedy in which the Spiegel brothers z”l lost their lives. While the municipality presents the move as a necessary safety step, critics argue it does not truly address the ongoing danger.

According to senior chareidi sources, the closure is not being effectively enforced. “The beach may be closed officially, but in reality people are still going in,” one said. “On Fridays, hundreds come there, without a lifeguard, without supervision, and it’s a recipe for the next tragedy. They need to open access from another direction, from Blue Bay, and do it in a safe way.”

The criticism extends beyond enforcement to the slow pace of repairs. Community representatives say that despite the time that has passed since the collapse, meaningful rehabilitation work has yet to begin. “The clock is ticking. It’s unclear what they are waiting for,” they said. “If there is danger, it must be handled quickly. The current situation is the worst of all.”

City officials insist the beach was closed out of responsibility for public safety. However, no clear timetable has been released for when work will begin or when the beach may reopen, increasing frustration and uncertainty among regular visitors.

Netanya Mayor Avi Salama said in response: “The public that needs a separate beach must receive a solution already for the coming summer season. From my perspective, this is not just a matter of a promise but of responsibility. There are diverse communities in the city with different needs, and it is our obligation to allow everyone to enjoy the beach in a respectful, organized, and safe manner. I have instructed the professional teams to prepare accordingly so that the solution will be both quick and appropriate for the long term.”

He added: “At the same time, it is important to say honestly that there is a need and dependence here on approvals and budgets from the Interior Ministry. We are working in cooperation with the Director General of the Interior Ministry, Israel Uzan, and with the support of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, in order to advance the issue under the leadership of the Shas faction, Deputy Mayor Rabbi Oren Gabai and council member Rabbi Dov Shtamer. The more productive the cooperation, the faster we will bring a solution. This week we held a professional working meeting with all relevant parties, with the goal of advancing solutions already for the coming summer — both strengthening the cliff and arranging the stairs and access to the beach. During the meeting, several immediate solutions were raised that would allow a safe and convenient reopening of the beach to the public already this summer, alongside examining broader long-term plans that will ensure stability, safety, and proper development of the site for the coming years.

In addition, several creative and interesting proposals were raised during the meeting for activities and special additions to the beach ahead of the bein hazmanim period in the month of Av. We will continue to act, with Hashem’s help, with determination and responsibility, to bring real solutions for the benefit of the public. It should be remembered that the beach is currently closed and there is a danger of the cliff collapsing; we will update as soon as we have a solution.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Price Committee has approved an automatic increase in regulated dairy prices, with costs set to rise by approximately 1.05 percent beginning May 1, 2026. As part of the update, a standard carton of milk will now cost 7.35 shekels, while egg prices will remain unchanged.

The joint committee, operating under the Agriculture and Finance Ministries, said the adjustment follows a built-in pricing formula established by law, which periodically updates prices based on production costs. As reported by N12, eggs were excluded from this round of increases.

According to the committee’s calculations, much of the change is due to a retroactive component of approximately 1.28 percent. The consumer price index rose by about 2 percent, while wage costs increased by roughly 0.9 percent. These upward pressures were partially offset by a decline of about 0.6 percent in the cost of raw milk, along with a decrease in the current component compared to the previous adjustment.

Prices for regulated dairy products are updated automatically based on economic indicators, without requiring political approval or ministerial sign-off. Each year on April 1, the need for adjustments is reviewed, and any new pricing takes effect the following month. The system is designed to balance consumer affordability with the production costs faced by dairies and manufacturers.

The updated consumer prices, effective May 1, are as follows:

Fresh milk, 3% fat (1-liter carton): 7.35 shekels
Fresh milk, 1% fat (1-liter carton): 6.92 shekels

White cheese, 5% fat (250g container): 5.87 shekels

Fresh milk, 3% fat (1-liter bag): 6.41 shekels

Sweet cream, 38% fat (250 ml): 7.64 shekels

Sour cream, 15% fat (200 ml): 2.84 shekels

Emek cheese, 28% fat (100g): 5.285 shekels

Eshel, 4.5% fat (200 ml): 1.99 shekels

Gil, 3% fat (200 ml): 1.78 shekels

Business owners in the Shikun Dalet neighborhood and the municipal market in Tiveriah are reporting a widespread fraud scheme after a recent surge of high-quality counterfeit 200-shekel bills circulated through the area. According to multiple accounts, groups of young individuals purchased large quantities of food, clothing, and footwear using fake cash that was convincing enough to pass even electronic verification machines. In many cases, unsuspecting merchants accepted the bills and even returned legitimate change, only to later discover the deception.

As reported by Mako, the scheme only came to light when store owners attempted to deposit their daily earnings at the bank. One local shopkeeper described the moment he realized what had happened: “At the end of the day, I went to deposit the money at the bank. The next day I got a message that at least 15 of the 200-shekel bills were fake. And the same thing happened to other shop owners and market vendors.”

Another merchant, who operates a clothing and footwear business, said he suffered significant losses after falling victim to the scam. “They looked like trustworthy young guys, not the type who come to rip you off or pull a scam,” he recalled. “They made purchases worth several thousand shekels and said a close friend of theirs was getting married. The next day I deposited the bills in an envelope at the bank and was told they were fake. That’s a loss of 5,000 shekels. After the war we took a serious economic hit, and probably our eagerness to sell merchandise we were stuck with — along with the damage we suffered from being closed during the war — caused us not to check the bills.”

Authorities and sources familiar with the issue say the operation appears to be part of a larger, organized counterfeit network. Criminal groups reportedly conducted preliminary “test” purchases to gauge whether merchants would detect the fake bills. Once they realized checks were minimal or ineffective, they escalated to purchases totaling tens of thousands of shekels.

Investigators estimate that around ten underground counterfeit printing operations are currently active in northern Eretz Yisroel and areas under Palestinian Authority control, many located in Arab-sector communities. Much of the counterfeit currency is distributed through Telegram channels, which also offer forged biometric IDs, driver’s licenses, and passports. Profits from these operations can reach as much as five million shekels in a strong month. Bills that are not sold directly are reportedly circulated by members of criminal organizations and their relatives, who use them to purchase everyday goods and produce in local markets.

A criminal figure from northern Eretz Yisroel described how easily the scam works, especially in busy marketplaces. “The easiest place to use fake bills is in markets. Most vendors don’t have special machines and they just take the bills and put them in their pocket without checking. It’s very easy to fool them. The bills then get passed on to suppliers, and if no one catches it, they go through many hands. Only at the bank is the forgery discovered, but by then it’s too late for the business owners.” In some cases where the counterfeit was identified immediately, the suspects simply switched to 100-shekel notes and claimed they were unaware the earlier bills were fake.

Israeli military prosecutors filed charges on Thursday against two IDF personnel serving as Air Force technicians, accusing them of carrying out espionage activities on behalf of Iran.

The two suspects were taken into custody last month in a coordinated operation involving the Shin Bet, the Military Police, and the Israel Police, after investigators concluded there was sufficient evidence to support the allegations.

According to the charges, the soldiers maintained communication over a period of several months with Iranian intelligence operatives. During that time, they allegedly carried out various assignments at the direction of their handlers in exchange for payment. The indictment states that one of the soldiers transferred sensitive materials from his Air Force training, including information related to fighter jet systems, along with video recordings of locations within a military base.

During questioning, the suspects said their connection with Iranian agents ended after they declined to perform missions involving weapons. However, investigators claim that even after contact was severed by the handler, the two continued reaching out in an effort to receive additional payments.

One of the accused faces serious charges, including assisting the enemy in wartime, passing intelligence to hostile elements, and facilitating contact with a foreign agent, among other offenses. The second soldier has been charged with maintaining contact with a foreign agent, transferring information to the enemy, and additional related violations.

In the aftermath of joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that wiped out large portions of Iran’s senior leadership at the outset of the war, a single figure has quietly consolidated control behind the scenes, reshaping the country’s direction. The NY Post reports that according to analysts, Maj. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, a top commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has rallied a close group of allies to oversee both Tehran’s military operations and its negotiating efforts.

Soon after Vahidi, now 67, assumed de facto control alongside his inner circle, Iran adopted a more uncompromising posture. Officials declined to participate in peace discussions with the United States this week, while attacks intensified against vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

Vahidi, who has long been under heavy Western sanctions and has been tied to terror incidents in Argentina, is seen as representing the regime’s most hardline camp. That faction has effectively pushed aside more moderate figures in Tehran, including those formally tasked with negotiating with Washington.

Even if American officials were to reach an agreement with Iran’s representatives, questions remain about whether such a deal would carry any weight as long as Vahidi and his associates retain actual control.

Earlier in his career, Vahidi led Iran’s elite Quds Force during the 1990s, expanding Tehran’s regional reach before handing leadership to Qasem Soleimani.

Both Vahidi and Soleimani are widely credited with building the infrastructure that enabled Iran’s proxy network to flourish across the region, including the Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Unlike his two immediate predecessors at the IRGC, Vahidi also built a career within Iran’s political establishment, serving in high-ranking posts such as defense minister and interior minister under separate governments.

The veteran commander was named deputy head of the IRGC last December by then–Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

After Khamenei and IRGC chief Mohammad Pakpour were killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, Vahidi moved into the top leadership position within the powerful paramilitary organization.

Following Khamenei’s death, Vahidi backed the appointment of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as successor, despite reports that the elder ayatollah had not intended for him to inherit the role.

With Mojtaba reportedly wounded in the same February strikes and absent from public view, analysts argue that the new supreme leader serves largely as a figurehead, according to Khosro Isfahani of the Washington-based National Union for Democracy in Iran.

“If Mojtaba is alive, and that is a big if, he is just a sock puppet. He is the first AI-generated supreme leader in human history,” Isfahani told The Post, referencing the fake photos the regime had posted of Mojtaba following his appointment.

“He has zero political capital, zero public support, and zero sway over the decision-making. The regime has and will continue attributing statements to him,” Isfahani added.

Vahidi’s grip over Iran’s negotiating team became apparent when he brought in Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a longtime IRGC figure, to join the delegation earlier this month.

According to the Institute for the Study of War, Zolghadr’s role was to ensure that negotiators adhered strictly to IRGC directives.

That influence was reportedly demonstrated when Zolghadr filed a complaint against Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi after the diplomat was said to have signaled a willingness to make concessions during early rounds of talks.

“Zolghadr sent a complaint to senior IRGC leaders, almost certainly including Vahidi, that Araghchi had surpassed his mandate during the negotiations by expressing flexibility regarding Iran’s support for the Axis of Resistance,” the ISW said of the initial peace talks.

“Zolghadr’s anger caused senior leaders in Tehran, including former IRGC Intelligence Organization Chief and long-time member of Mojtaba’s inner circle, Hossein Taeb, to call the negotiating delegation back to Tehran,” the think tank added.

Iran’s negotiating team has not returned to Pakistan to resume discussions with the United States, a sign that Vahidi and Zolghadr’s influence remains dominant.

With talks still stalled, Isfahani described Iran’s approach as a calculated strategy in which different officials play contrasting roles, with Vahidi taking a hardline stance while others project moderation.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is said to be leading the delegation alongside Araghchi, may appear more pragmatic, but Isfahani argued that his background aligns closely with Vahidi’s.

“A comparative study of the two key players in the arena, Vahidi and Ghalibaf, shows that they grew through the ranks of the IRGC together and have historically advocated for identical policies and strategies,” he pointed out.

Vahidi has also been linked to major terror attacks abroad, including the 1994 bombing of the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people.

Interpol issued a red notice for Vahidi, calling on global law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest him, effectively labeling him a wanted international fugitive.

Argentine investigators have also connected him to the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires.

In addition to those allegations, Vahidi has faced U.S. sanctions over his involvement in Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Further sanctions were imposed in 2022 in response to the regime’s violent crackdown on protests following the death of Mahsa Amini.

The European Union likewise sanctioned Vahidi that year over the use of live ammunition against demonstrators during the protests, which human rights groups say resulted in nearly 500 deaths.

{Matzav.com}

Former Israeli chief rabbi Rav Shlomo Moshe Amar issued a sharp warning regarding the growing phenomenon of individuals presenting themselves as mekubalim and tzaddikim, gaining influence among unsuspecting members of the public despite lacking authenticity.

“We often refrain from condemnation, because today there is no truth – if I speak about someone, he presents himself as a persecuted saint. But when it reaches a situation in which G-d’s Name is desecrated, we respond forcefully,” Rav Amar explained.

Rav Amar cautioned that many are easily misled by external appearances and superficial impressions, stressing that not everything presented to the public reflects genuine greatness. “We must be careful, because people are not careful. There are all kinds of appearances – one comes across as knowledgeable, another as humble and lowly, one who hasn’t read two lines of Gemara. And even if he has read and remembers, is that what makes a great man? People are mistaken and mislead others, and they do not want to learn the truth.”

He concluded with a strong directive, urging complete distance from such figures and comparing their influence to something spiritually dangerous. “One is called ‘holy’ and another ‘kabbalist’; we must distance ourselves from all of them, not look at them and not come within four cubits, like idolatry – the further away you move, the better,” he concluded.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that growing internal disputes within Iran have left the country without clear direction at the top, while asserting that the United States now maintains full control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

“Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The infighting is between the ‘hardliners,’ who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the ‘moderates,’ who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), is CRAZY!”

Trump went on to state that the U.S. has effectively taken command of one of the most important global maritime routes.

“We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz. No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy. It is ‘Sealed up Tight,’ until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!!” he wrote.

The remarks come as uncertainty continues to surround Iran’s leadership following the elevation of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to supreme leader, as reported by The Times of Israel.

He has yet to appear publicly since assuming the position, with reports suggesting he sustained serious injuries in the strike that killed his father.

Against this backdrop, authority in Tehran is believed to be largely in the hands of hardline figures within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, even as other senior officials appear to be pursuing a different course.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, both involved in ongoing talks with the United States, are seen as more inclined toward reaching an agreement.

According to the White House, these internal fractures have made it more difficult for Iran to respond to proposals for a lasting ceasefire, a factor that played into Trump’s decision to extend a temporary truce that had been set to expire earlier in the week.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s defense leadership convened Thursday evening for a high-level security review at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, as Defense Minister Yisroel Katz met with top military and intelligence officials to assess the situation regarding Iran.

Among those participating in the meeting were IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram, Military Intelligence chief Shlomi Binder, Operations Directorate head Itzik Cohen, Planning Directorate head Hedi Zilberman, Home Front Command chief Shai Klepper, and several other senior officers and defense figures.

Following the assessment, Katz delivered a stark message about Israel’s readiness. “Israel is prepared to renew the war against Iran. The IDF is ready in both defense and offense, and the targets have been marked.”

“We are waiting for a green light from the United States – first and foremost to complete the elimination of the Khamenei dynasty – the architect of the extermination plan against Israel – and the successors of the successors of the Iranian terror regime’s leadership, and in addition to return Iran to the Dark Ages by blowing up its central energy and electricity facilities and crushing its national economic infrastructure,” Katz said. “The terror regime in Iran specializes primarily in the internal repression of the population through the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij, and in energy blackmail through threats to raise global oil prices.”

“It is lying on the ropes, its leaders are hiding in tunnels and struggling to communicate and make decisions, its skies are completely exposed, and all of its national infrastructure and strategic facilities are vulnerable to attack – yet it declares that it is winning,” he stated. “Because, just like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, it does not care about the heavy price paid by the population – only about personal survival, which itself is not guaranteed.”

“This time the attack will be different and deadly, and will add devastating blows in the most painful places – on top of the enormous blows the Iranian terror regime has already suffered – blows that will shake and collapse its foundations,” the Defense Minister concluded.

The Trump administration on Thursday announced that it was loosening restrictions on marijuana to boost medical research, days after President Donald Trump appeared to express frustration with the pace of easing federal restrictions on illegal drugs.

The Justice Department said that it was immediately reclassifying marijuana products that had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as lower-risk drugs and establishing a new registration process for state medical marijuana licenses. Acting attorney general Todd Blanche also said that the administration would hold a new hearing to “fully” reschedule marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act.

“These actions will enable more targeted, rigorous research into marijuana’s safety and efficacy, expanding patients’ access to treatments and empowering doctors to make better-informed healthcare decisions,” Blanche wrote on social media.

Marijuana has long had the same Schedule I classification as heroin, but administration officials have sought to reclassify the drug as Schedule III, similar to some common prescription painkillers. Medical marijuana is now reclassified as Schedule III under the Justice Department’s order, which does not decriminalize marijuana for recreational use.

Some health care advocates have spent years pressing for more access to marijuana as a potential treatment, warning that restrictions on the drug made it too hard to conduct research. The administration’s moves also bring national policy closer to legitimizing state laws that have authorized medical marijuana businesses, after years of stalemates over whether states should be in compliance with federal law.

“It’s a long-overdue correction that finally treats cannabis as medicine,” Howard Kessler, a longtime Trump supporter and founder of the Commonwealth Project, a pro-medical-cannabis group, said in a statement. “It’s a clear win for patients and responsible healthcare innovation.”

Other groups panned the administration’s announcement, with some citing last weekend’s move by Trump to ease access to psychedelics, too.

“With this move, we are now confronted with the most pro-drug administration in our history,” Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, which opposes legalization, said in a statement. “Policy is now being dictated by marijuana CEOs, psychedelics investors, and podcasters in active addiction – it is a travesty and injustice to the American people of unprecedented proportions.”

Trump administration officials had deliberated on the best path to loosen restrictions on the drug. White House officials said Wednesday that the administration was working to “expeditiously” implement Trump’s December executive order to increase medical marijuana research.

Trump in December ordered federal agencies to quickly ease restrictions on marijuana and make CBD more available, framing the moves as efforts to improve medical research. He also stressed that he was not decriminalizing marijuana on a federal level, as many states have for recreational or medical use.

“Unless a drug is recommended by a doctor for medical reasons, just don’t do it,” the president said last year. “At the same time, the facts compel the federal government to recognize that marijuana can be legitimate in terms of medical applications when carefully administered.”

But until Thursday, there had been little public action to reschedule the drug since Trump’s order, frustrating advocates who have spent years urging the federal government to relax restrictions.

Trump over the weekend expressed his own frustrations as he prepared to sign an order loosening federal restrictions on psychedelics.

“Will you get the rescheduling done, please?” Trump said this past weekend in the Oval Office, appearing to direct his comments toward White House policy officials. “Joe, they’re slow-walking me on rescheduling,” the president added, addressing podcaster Joe Rogan, a proponent of rescheduling marijuana and psychedelics. It was not clear which drug the president was referring to.

President Joe Biden’s Justice Department in 2024 formally recommended that marijuana be reclassified as Schedule III, but the move stalled amid legal disputes and a pending Drug Enforcement Administration hearing.

Drug policy experts said that federal agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services were required to undertake reviews related to public health and safety, even if the pace of that work agitated Trump.

“His frustration with government processes, particularly those that protect public health, is evident,” said Regina LaBelle, director of the Addiction and Public Policy Initiative at the Georgetown University Law Center and a former drug policy official in the Obama and Biden White Houses. “The executive order doesn’t negate the need for the analysis that HHS and DEA are obligated to follow.”

Most Americans support relaxing restriction on marijuana. An Economist/YouGov poll conducted this month found that 53 percent of adults supported legalizing the drug, including 35 percent of Republicans.

Some critics of the Trump administration’s plans noted that support for legalization has softened as the drug has become more available, with much of the shift coming from Republicans. An April 2022 YouGov poll found that 60 percent of adults supported legalizing marijuana, including 46 percent of Republicans.

“I think that people are seeing the effects of marijuana in their community as it’s become more ubiquitous,” Sabet said. He cited data on the effects of the drug, including studies that have linked youth use of marijuana and later schizophrenia, as well as quality-of-life concerns, such as the smell of the drug that has become familiar in major cities.

Advocates for legalization of marijuana have argued that federal restrictions are outdated and unnecessary.

“I feel like it should be like alcohol,” Rogan said on his podcast in December. “I think you should be of a certain age to be able to use it.”

(c) 2026, The Washington Post · Dan Diamond 

Widespread anger and alarm gripped Jewish communities after disturbing footage surfaced in recent days from Osh, where a hotel displayed a blatantly antisemitic message at its entrance. Management at Hotel Villa had posted a sign declaring that “Jews and animals” were not permitted inside.

The notice, presented in Kyrgyz, Russian, and English, featured images of a Star of David and a dog each struck through with a red line. The imagery echoed the degrading symbols used during the Holocaust, recalling the systematic dehumanization carried out by Nazi Germany.

Yoav Bistritsky, Israel’s ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, moved quickly in response, coordinating with local authorities to have the sign taken down and to initiate proceedings against those responsible.

“I welcome the swift action by the authorities to remove the antisemitic sign and launch a criminal investigation against those responsible,” the ambassador said, emphasizing that hatred of this kind has no place in modern society.

Amid mounting public outrage and diplomatic pressure, the offensive sign was taken down within a day of its discovery.

{Matzav.com}

The widely circulated video showing two yeshiva bochurim being mocked has now led to actual legal action, with a formal warning letter sent to a Channel 12 journalist demanding an apology and threatening a lawsuit if the matter is not addressed.

The Emes L’Yaakov Yisroel organization, through attorney Natan Rosenblatt, sent a sharply worded letter to Channel 12 reporter Inbar Tuizer following the publication of footage in which two young yeshiva bochurim appear at her door and are subjected to ridicule and invasive questioning.

The incident, which drew strong public criticism, began when the bochurim arrived to request charity assistance for a hachnasas kallah. According to the organization, what began as a routine act of tzedakah turned into a humiliating episode filmed and shared publicly. The group is now demanding a public apology and warning of legal consequences over what it describes as harm to the minors.

The letter claims Tuizer used her media platform to turn a charitable act into a subject of mockery and harassment. The attorneys strongly object to what they say was an attempt to portray the bochurim as draft dodgers, arguing that while Tuizer benefits from public resources funded by taxpayers, the chareidi community fills societal gaps through systems of mutual aid and chesed.

Rosenblatt also included personal criticism of Tuizer’s military service, writing: “Before you dare to use terms such as ‘sharing the burden,’ it would be appropriate for you to engage in some personal reflection. Your military service, like that of your political patron Yair Lapid, consisted of writing for a military publication for 32 months. This amounts to paid draft evasion in every sense.”

The letter contrasts Tuizer’s behavior with what it describes as the inclusive approach of chareidi charitable organizations, emphasizing that such groups assist anyone in need regardless of religious background. “See the profound difference: can you imagine two secular individuals coming to a charitable organization (most of which are chareidi) asking for help, and being turned away because they do not observe Shabbos? Never! Chareidi charitable organizations – Yad Sarah, Ezra L’Marpeh, hospital meal services – assist every Jew regardless of sector or level of observance. They would never do what you and your colleagues are doing: persecuting and rejecting those who think differently from you. While the students acted out of love for a fellow Jew, you acted out of baseless hatred,” the letter states.

The attorneys further argue that the incident constitutes public humiliation—halbanas panim—of two minors in pursuit of online attention. The letter accuses Tuizer of targeting a law-abiding chareidi public while remaining silent in the face of more aggressive groups. It adds, “History has shown that cultures of lost identity such as the one you represent are ‘a passing cloud destined to disappear,’ in contrast to Torah scholars who have endured for 3,000 years.”

The letter concludes with a firm demand that Tuizer issue a public apology and correct what the organization calls a serious injustice, including the publication of the minors’ images without blurring. It calls on her to retract her use of the term “draft evasion” in reference to Torah students and to immediately stop any actions that infringe on their privacy. The warning ends with a clear threat: “If you do not act immediately to correct the injustice, we will take all legal measures available, including claims for damages and legal proceedings, without any further warning.”

{Matzav.com}

President Trump announced Thursday that he has directed the U.S. Navy to use lethal force against any Iranian vessels attempting to deploy naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a sharper military stance even as a fragile cease-fire remains in place.

“I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat — small boats though they may be — that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “There is to be no hesitation.”

“Additionally, our mine ‘sweepers’ are clearing the Strait right now,” he added. “I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled-up level!”

The announcement followed confirmation earlier in the day from the War Department that U.S. forces had seized a tanker in the Indian Ocean carrying Iranian oil in violation of sanctions, marking the second such interception in recent days.

These developments place additional strain on a cease-fire that has already been extended multiple times in an effort to stop weeks of hostilities between the United States and Iran, including military strikes and disruptions to key shipping routes.

Trump most recently renewed the truce on Tuesday, stating that it would remain in effect while Iran prepares a “unified” proposal ahead of a planned second round of negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Despite the extension, tensions have remained high.

Vessels linked to Iran and its proxy forces have repeatedly posed threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil transport, using naval mines and fast attack boats to harass and damage passing tankers.

Separately, a report on Thursday indicated that British military divers are preparing to carry out mine-clearing operations in the strait as part of a possible multinational initiative. According to the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense, Royal Navy personnel trained in explosive ordnance disposal are ready to deploy alongside advanced unmanned mine-detection systems.

European nations, including the United Kingdom, have been discussing a broader coalition effort for weeks aimed at securing the waterway and ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels, though those plans have yet to be fully implemented.

In the meantime, the United States has intensified its maritime enforcement operations, targeting vessels suspected of helping Iran evade sanctions as part of a wider effort to cut off financial support for its military activities.

Diplomatic efforts remain uncertain, with negotiations aimed at reducing tensions encountering setbacks, as Iranian officials have at times declined to engage even as U.S. representatives continue to press for renewed talks.

Trump’s latest directive underscores a more aggressive approach at sea, one that could either push Iran toward negotiations or further strain the already delicate cease-fire.

Speaking to The New York Post on Wednesday, the president said that “it’s possible” new developments regarding talks with Iran could emerge as soon as Friday.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump has privately told associates that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing for a position in his administration, including the possibility of serving as attorney general, according to multiple sources familiar with the conversations, Axios reports.

Sources said DeSantis has also shown interest in other high-level roles, including secretary of defense and even a future nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court, based on discussions relayed by several individuals briefed on the matter.

With his second term as governor set to end in January, DeSantis has been exploring his next move, one source said, noting that Trump appears open to assisting the former rival who has since rebuilt ties with him.

The topic of DeSantis’ future reportedly came up during a recent lunch between the two at Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami.

“Ron was begging me to be AG,” Trump told one confidant, who relayed the remark to Axios.

Another source described the exchange more cautiously, saying, “There was a conversation at that lunch. I don’t think AG is real. But he’s gonna be looking for work and Trump likes him.”

Talks between Trump and DeSantis have intensified in recent weeks following changes within the administration, including the removal of Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary and Pam Bondi as attorney general.

In the interim, Todd Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney and held the No. 2 position at the Justice Department under Bondi, has taken over as acting attorney general.

One adviser said Trump is looking for Blanche to pursue charges against several political opponents as part of a case referred to as the “Grand Conspiracy,” which is being handled by the Justice Department’s Southern District of Florida.

“Todd has about 90 days to show what he can do,” that adviser said.

The White House declined to comment on the reports. A spokesperson for DeSantis, Alex Lanfranconi, responded by emphasizing the governor’s relationship with Trump, saying he “enjoys a great relationship with President Trump.”

“Some in the media prefer to focus on fake rumors rather than the many accomplishments of Florida’s partnership with the Trump administration,” he added.

“The governor looks forward to continuing to work with President Trump on enforcing immigration laws, restoring the Everglades, and helping to reform college athletics.”

According to sources, DeSantis first raised the idea of a future appointment with Trump last year after the election.

At that time, Trump was considering naming DeSantis as defense secretary but ultimately selected Pete Hegseth, who had been a commentator on Fox News.

Even so, sources indicated that DeSantis could still be a strong candidate for the role if it becomes vacant, though Hegseth currently remains in good standing with the president.

“DeSantis is 100% not interested in the AG job, but he would be interested in two things: War secretary or Supreme Court, which would be his dream job,” said another source familiar with the discussions.

That same source added that DeSantis has a close relationship with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, saying the two “almost have a father-son relationship and would be a hell of a legacy for Trump.”

DeSantis previously ran against Trump in the 2024 Republican primary, in a contest that was marked by sharp exchanges, even as many figures in Trump’s orbit remain skeptical of the Florida governor.

“Bygones are bygones,” said one Trump adviser. “But that doesn’t mean people forget.”

Another adviser was more blunt, saying, “There’s a big reason the president wouldn’t pick Ron to be his attorney general: There’s a way-too-high chance he would try to f*ck the president over.”

“Trump needs someone at Justice he absolutely trusts. But the Defense Department or Supreme Court or something else? Sure.”

A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that California cannot enforce a law requiring federal immigration agents to reveal their identities while on duty, preventing the measure from taking effect.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals determined that a key provision of California’s No Vigilantes Act—mandating visible identification for federal officers, including those with Immigration and Customs Enforcement—conflicts with the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause. The legislation had cleared both houses of the state legislature and was signed into law by Gavin Newsom in September 2025.

In its opinion, the court stated, “We conclude that § 10 of the No Vigilantes Act attempts to directly regulate the United States in its performance of governmental functions,” The court’s opinion, authored by Trump-appointed Judge Mark Bennett, read in part. “The Supremacy Clause forbids the State from enforcing such legislation.”

The disputed section of the law required officers to display identification indicating their agency affiliation along with either their name or badge number. It excluded undercover personnel and those operating under specific conditions, and classified noncompliance as a misdemeanor.

Expanding on its reasoning, the court added, “Section 10 of the No Vigilantes Act attempts to directly regulate the federal government in its performance of law enforcement operations. It expressly applies to federal officers,” the ruling continued. “It seeks to control their conduct in performing law enforcement operations.”

Reacting to the decision, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli praised the outcome, writing on X, “Huge legal victory this morning in the Ninth Circuit, where the court permanently enjoined California’s unconstitutional mask law targeting federal agents.”

California has been a focal point of efforts to restrict ICE enforcement activity, as well as large-scale protests, including demonstrations that swept Los Angeles last summer. In October 2025, the Department of Justice announced the arrest of ten individuals accused of assaulting law enforcement during a chaotic anti-ICE protest at a marijuana farm in the state.

At the federal level, Democratic lawmakers have also sought broader reforms. In July 2025, legislation was introduced to require federal agents nationwide to operate without masks, led by Sens. Cory Booker and Alex Padilla. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security remains shut down amid ongoing disputes in the Senate over proposed changes to ICE operations, including mandates for body cameras and restrictions on face coverings.