Feed aggregator

New U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is significantly more willing to pursue nuclear weapons than his late father, a shift that could reshape Washington’s approach as President Donald Trump weighs expanding military operations against the Islamic Republic.

According to intelligence briefings cited Friday by The New York Times, Mojtaba Khamenei appears more receptive to developing a nuclear arsenal than Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the opening phase of the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

Ali Khamenei had long maintained a religious decree, or fatwa, prohibiting the weaponization of Iran’s nuclear program. Although U.S. intelligence agencies believed Tehran sought to remain just short of producing a nuclear weapon, many analysts viewed the elder Khamenei’s religious opposition to actually building a bomb as sincere.

The Times reported that while Mojtaba Khamenei has stopped short of publicly advocating for nuclear weapons, American intelligence agencies believe he and the hardline leadership that emerged following the deaths of several senior Iranian officials are interested in developing advanced nuclear warheads.

The report notes that Iran’s current leadership has already adopted a more uncompromising posture, asserting tighter control over the Strait of Hormuz while taking a harder line in negotiations. Officials fear that if the ongoing military campaign ultimately accelerates Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, it could become one of the most significant unintended consequences of the strikes that decapitated much of the country’s leadership and the administration’s early push for regime change.

According to The Times, much of the intelligence regarding Mojtaba Khamenei’s views predates the current war. After reportedly suffering serious injuries during the initial airstrikes, the new supreme leader has dramatically limited his public appearances and communications to reduce the risk of becoming a target. Although he remains Iran’s ultimate decision-maker, analysts believe he does not yet command the unquestioned authority his father exercised during more than three decades in power.

The intelligence assessments come as President Trump considers whether to intensify U.S. military operations against Iran. The possibility that Tehran’s new leader favors nuclear weaponization could strengthen the case for expanding the campaign, The Times reported.

U.S. officials also told the newspaper that Iran has not formally resumed its nuclear weapons program, despite taking significant steps to protect critical nuclear infrastructure following American strikes on major facilities last year.

Israeli intelligence has reportedly tracked the relocation of selected uranium-enrichment centrifuges to a heavily fortified underground complex in central Iran known to U.S. intelligence agencies as “Pickaxe Mountain.” Officials believe the move could support future enrichment efforts but say its immediate purpose is to shield sensitive equipment from additional airstrikes.

The Pickaxe Mountain facility reportedly survived the latest round of attacks untouched. Built much deeper underground than Iran’s previous nuclear installations, the site is considered substantially more difficult to destroy using conventional bunker-busting munitions.

President Trump recently drew attention to the underground complex, describing it publicly as “a possible target for a nice big fat shot right in their front door.”

At the same time, the President acknowledged that current U.S. intelligence has detected no active uranium-enrichment activity at the site.

A growing internal power struggle between Iran’s civilian leadership and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is threatening to shape the future of the conflict with the West, with senior political figures reportedly pushing to preserve diplomacy while military hardliners seek continued escalation, according to regional sources.

The New York Post reported that, with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remaining out of public view, no central authority appears capable of bringing the country’s competing factions into line. As a result, the report says, Tehran’s internal battle for power may now be as important as decisions being made in Washington.

According to the sources, two competing centers of authority have emerged within the Iranian regime. Civilian officials are attempting to keep negotiations with the United States alive, while the IRGC is pressing for a more confrontational military approach.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are said to favor continued diplomacy with Washington in hopes of preventing the conflict from expanding into another full-scale regional war.

Despite those efforts, their influence has steadily diminished, according to a regional source familiar with Iran’s internal politics.

“They can sign [agreements], but they can’t stop the IRGC from acting or parliament from legislating around them,” the source told The Post.

Rather than prevailing through political debate, the IRGC has increasingly dictated events through military operations, with Iran’s parliament later moving to formalize those actions through legislation.

“The hardliners don’t need to win internal arguments,” the source said. “They create facts on the ground … and get parliament to legalize them after the fact.”

“The shift is real — now it’s becoming law, which is much harder to reverse.”

Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the distinction between Iran’s civilian diplomats and the country’s military leadership is critical to understanding Tehran’s decision-making.

“Yes, there are politicians who occasionally come out, including even Iran’s foreign minister, who talk about dialogue,” Taleblu told The Post. “But those driving the train, those with their finger on the trigger, those making some of the most important decisions continue to talk and act like escalation is what will secure their survival, not engagement.”

Taleblu acknowledged that Iran has historically pursued diplomacy and military pressure simultaneously but said recent developments indicate that the regime is placing greater emphasis on confrontation.

“There is obviously a divide in Iran,” he said. “But we have to make sure that when we look at the divide, we pay attention to who matters and what matters — and who and what matter seem to be doubling down on escalation.”

The report says the growing divide has become increasingly visible in recent weeks.

According to one regional source, the IRGC’s expanding influence was evident during the funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, where IRGC officers occupied the front rows rather than civilian leaders.

The same source also claimed that several televised addresses by Iran’s political leadership were edited before broadcast instead of airing live, raising additional questions about who now controls the country’s public messaging.

According to the report, the IRGC’s influence extends throughout nearly every major institution in Iran, including parliament, where lawmakers have taken steps that undermine diplomatic efforts.

The report said approximately 180 members of Iran’s 290-seat parliament voted to declare the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding effectively void, while simultaneously advancing legislation introduced by lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi titled the “Strategic Action for the Security and Sustainable Progress of the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf.”

Taleblu argued that Iran’s leadership appears convinced that continued military confrontation remains in its strategic interest despite suffering significant battlefield setbacks.

“They believe there are real barriers to escalation by Trump, and that there are real gains to be had by escalation,” he said. “They’re the ones who transgressed on the MOU. They’re the ones who believe every time America responds, they have the right to respond.”

The report noted that the divide became particularly apparent on Tuesday, when senior Iranian civilian officials traveled to Pakistan in an effort to preserve diplomatic channels.

“They want mediation,” a regional source told The Post, adding that the civilian leadership may eventually regain influence because the “IRGC knows that it won’t get weapons from any other market anymore.”

Ordinarily, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei would be expected to resolve such internal disputes. However, according to the report, he has not appeared publicly since the Feb. 28 bombing that killed his father and elevated him to Iran’s highest office. Since then, he has communicated only through written statements and has not delivered public speeches, appeared on television, or attended family funeral ceremonies.

“I think if he ever does come out of hiding — or if it’s proven that he does really exist — he would be able to rally some of the Islamic Republic’s factions just by virtue of having survived against all odds,” Taleblu said.

“That being said, the fact that he didn’t come out for his father’s funeral, the fact that he hasn’t been seen in so long as the country’s new supreme leader, tells you a lot more about who is pulling the strings,” he added.

According to the report, Khamenei’s prolonged absence has only deepened uncertainty over who truly controls Iran’s strategic decisions while allowing rival factions greater freedom to pursue competing agendas.

“There is no one left to force the two sides into alignment,” one regional source said.

Taleblu concluded by cautioning Washington against interpreting conciliatory statements from Iran’s civilian leaders as evidence of a genuine strategic shift by the regime.

“It’s not a question of whether we’re speaking to the wrong people,” he said. “It’s a question of what speaking gets you.”

{Matzav.com}

Gadi Eisenkot is reportedly crafting an election strategy that would exclude both the chareidi and Arab parties from his future coalition, instead seeking to build a broad Zionist majority while using a universal draft law as a non-negotiable condition for joining the government. The plan also reportedly envisions eventually luring Likud lawmakers into the coalition after Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu leaves office.

According to a report by Channel 12 political analyst Amit Segal, Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar! party, has already mapped out his post-election strategy. If the anti-Netanyahu bloc finishes with 59 seats or fewer, he intends to pursue what he views as a disciplined path to forming a government without relying on either the chareidi or Arab factions.

Segal reported that Eisenkot’s goal is to assemble a coalition of 63 to 64 Knesset members made up exclusively of Zionist parties. The reasoning, according to the report, is that while a bare majority of 61 seats is too fragile to provide long-term stability, a coalition of approximately 64 lawmakers has a far greater chance of surviving.

A key prerequisite for moving forward would be securing a Zionist majority among the lawmakers recommending a prime minister to Israel’s president. Under that calculation, Eisenkot wants to command a majority even after excluding Arab lawmakers and members of United Torah Judaism from the tally.

Should the election produce a bloc of 59 seats or fewer, Eisenkot reportedly intends to seek the formation of a Zionist government by imposing strict entry requirements. At the top of the list is legislation mandating military service or national service for all Israelis, a demand that the report says he views as an absolute prerequisite for joining his coalition.

According to the report, Eisenkot has no intention of negotiating over that requirement. It cited an exchange with Ra’am chairman Mansour Abbas, who, when asked at a conference in southern Israel about Eisenkot’s proposal, responded that he would support such legislation “yes, but…” subject to additional conditions. Under Eisenkot’s approach, that response would be treated as an outright rejection. Any party seeking to negotiate the condition would effectively disqualify itself, meaning that neither the Arab parties nor the chareidi parties would be eligible to join the coalition unless they accepted the requirement without reservation.

The second pillar of the reported strategy would prohibit any behind-the-scenes understandings with Arab or chareidi parties involving abstentions, support, or strategic absences during key votes unless they first accepted Eisenkot’s core conditions. According to the report, Eisenkot is determined to avoid any scenario in which Arab or chareidi politicians could later claim that he or his representatives privately asked them to abstain, leave the chamber, vote in favor of the government, or otherwise assist the coalition.

Instead of relying on quiet political deals, the strategy reportedly seeks to force Arab lawmakers into a public political dilemma. If a Zionist bloc controls approximately 58 seats, Arab parties would have to explain to their own voters whether voting against an Eisenkot-led government would effectively keep Itamar Ben Gvir in the coalition and Binyomin Netanyahu in the Prime Minister’s Office.

The report says the final component of Eisenkot’s strategy focuses on the long term. Rather than forming a short-lived government simply to dissolve the Knesset, the objective would be to establish a coalition capable of remaining in power while encouraging defections from the Likud.

According to the report, although previous speculation suggested Eisenkot wanted only a temporary government that would quickly dissolve the Knesset after establishing a state commission of inquiry and removing Netanyahu from the Prime Minister’s Office to prevent him from “pulling rabbits out of a hat,” the actual plan is to build a government that endures.

The strategy is reportedly based on the belief that once Netanyahu is no longer serving as prime minister, Israel’s political landscape will change dramatically. Those behind the plan believe his departure would eventually persuade Likud lawmakers to break ranks and join the governing coalition, allowing it to expand its majority and strengthen its long-term stability.

{Matzav.com}

Tensions within Israel’s chareidi political camp escalated dramatically over the weekend as Shas chairman Aryeh Deri launched a blistering attack against Motti Babtchik, accusing him of working against the Torah world. Babtchik fired back with an equally sharp response, insisting that his efforts to bring down the government were carried out under the direction of the leadership of United Torah Judaism and its rabbinic authorities.

The extraordinary public exchange comes as friction between Shas and United Torah Judaism continues to intensify ahead of the upcoming elections, exposing growing divisions within the chareidi political bloc following the collapse of the coalition over the failure to pass a draft exemption law for yeshiva students.

According to comments revealed in the weekly Mishpacha magazine column, Deri harshly criticized Babtchik, saying, “He is worse than the opposition. He is working against the Torah world. It is forbidden to cooperate with him or even speak to him.”

Babtchik responded by rejecting Deri’s accusations outright and defending his role in the political crisis that ultimately led to the government’s downfall.

“I am sorry about Deri’s remarks,” Babtchik said. “As is well known, all of my efforts to bring down the government were carried out on behalf of the chairman of United Torah Judaism and under the instructions of our rabbinic leaders, after Netanyahu failed to fulfill his commitment to pass a draft law.”

He then turned his criticism directly toward the Shas leader, accusing Deri of refusing to leave the coalition despite the guidance of his own rabbinic leadership.

“Deri insisted on clinging to his seat, contrary to the view of his rabbanim, the members of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah,” Babtchik said. “The anger among the Sephardic public toward him is justified, and it is unfortunate that instead of correcting his own ways, he is looking for others to blame.”

Responding to Deri’s assertion that he was “worse than the left,” Babtchik argued that the accusation reflected how disconnected Deri has become from political reality.

“Deri’s statement mainly reflects how out of touch he is,” Babtchik said. “While I initiated and built the right-wing bloc that stood alongside Netanyahu through four election campaigns, he will forever be remembered for signing the Oslo Accords.”

The unusually personal exchange marks one of the sharpest public confrontations between senior figures associated with Shas and United Torah Judaism in recent years and underscores the deepening political divisions within Israel’s chareidi parties as they prepare for another national election.

{Matzav.com}

Families of victims murdered in the September 11 terrorist attacks are mounting a campaign to prevent New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani from attending next year’s 25th anniversary commemoration at Ground Zero, arguing that his record on Israel, Islamist extremism, and past political associations makes him unfit to participate in what they call one of the nation’s most sacred memorial events.

According to the New York Post, a Change.org petition is being circulated by relatives of 9/11 victims urging organizers to exclude the first-term mayor from the Sept. 11, 2026 ceremony. The petition describes Mamdani as an “unwelcome guest.”

The effort is being led by a coalition that includes real estate agent Charles Galante and Cheri Sparacio, whose husband, Thomas, was murdered in the World Trade Center attacks.

Petition organizers say they plan to lobby elected officials as well as the nonprofit National September 11 Memorial & Museum, which oversees the annual ceremony at Ground Zero, in hopes of preventing Mamdani from attending.

According to the petition, supporters object to Mamdani’s refusal during last year’s mayoral campaign to repudiate the slogan “globalize the intifada.” They also cite his appearance alongside Brooklyn imam Siraj Wahhaj during the campaign and his appointment of civil rights attorney Ramzi Kassem as chief counsel at City Hall.

Kassem previously represented detainees held at Guantanamo Bay.

The petition also points to Mamdani’s endorsements of Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates Aber Kawas and Darializa Avila Chevalier, along with past social media posts in which he discussed radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.

“This day is sacred to us,” Galante told the Post, adding that the ceremony “is not a platform for those connected to such views.”

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum responded by saying it does not determine attendance based on an elected official’s political views.

Museum spokeswoman Julie Wood noted that every sitting president, governor, and mayor has attended the annual ceremony since 2001 and that elected officials are seated in a designated area without delivering speeches.

That policy was adopted following earlier controversies surrounding political remarks at the memorial and is intended to preserve the ceremony as a solemn act of remembrance rather than a political event.

Monica Iken-Murphy, a founding trustee of the museum whose husband, Michael, was killed on September 11, signed the petition but told the Post that her position is not rooted in disagreement with Mamdani’s political beliefs.

Instead, she said the landmark 25th anniversary should be reserved for public officials who played direct roles in the city’s recovery after the attacks, including former mayors Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani, former Sen. Hillary Clinton, and New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, whose business was destroyed on 9/11.

Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, has participated in multiple September 11-related events since taking office in January, including a wreath-laying ceremony with King Charles III in April and a memorial visit alongside the city’s fire commissioner in May.

Queens Council Member Joann Ariola told the Post she is prepared to assist petition organizers in bringing their concerns before the City Council.

Despite the growing campaign, the petition is unlikely to alter the mayor’s attendance. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum controls the official guest list, and under its longstanding policy, every sitting mayor is invited to attend. Unless that policy changes, Mamdani is expected to be seated with other elected officials at the Sept. 11 ceremony regardless of how many signatures the petition ultimately receives.

{Matzav.com}

Questions surrounding Sen. Mitch McConnell’s health are intensifying as the longtime Kentucky Republican approaches six weeks away from the Senate following a June fall that resulted in his hospitalization, with lawmakers and political observers increasingly calling for greater transparency about his condition.

The 84-year-old senator has not cast a vote since the middle of June, and the limited information released by his office has fueled widespread speculation online while prompting both supporters and critics to urge him to provide a clearer update on his recovery.

McConnell revealed on July 12 that he fell at his home on June 14 and briefly lost consciousness. While hospitalized, he also developed a mild case of pneumonia. He said doctors determined that he had not suffered a heart attack, stroke, concussion, hemorrhage, or broken bones before transferring him to a rehabilitation facility.

At the time, McConnell acknowledged that he was not yet prepared to return to the Senate but did not offer any indication of when he expected to resume voting.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he has received no direct communication from McConnell since his hospitalization, despite sending the senator a letter requesting an update. Beshear urged McConnell to reassure the public by either making a brief appearance or releasing a short video about his condition.

“When you’ve been in a hospital for a month and you’ve missed all the votes … you owe your boss, like anybody else out there who works, an explanation of what’s been going on and when you’ll get back,” Beshear said.

Scott Jennings, a longtime McConnell adviser and former campaign aide, also argued that the senator should communicate more openly with the public during his recovery.

“Truthfully, I think a little transparency on the front end here would have saved him a whole lot of grief,” Jennings told CNN’s “The Arena with Kasie Hunt.” “But that didn’t happen and they are where they are now.”

Jennings added that he expects McConnell to provide another public update in the near future.

McConnell spokesman David Popp insisted that the senator remains actively involved in his responsibilities despite his prolonged absence from Washington.

“The Senator continues to meet with staff regarding Senate and Kentucky business, including discussions on defense appropriations, foreign policy, the farm bill, constituent services and constituent federal grant requests,” Popp said. “As the Senator continues to improve in rehab, we will be sure to keep you updated.”

When asked whether McConnell planned to return to the Senate soon or attend Tuesday’s funeral for his longtime colleague, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Popp referred reporters back to McConnell’s July 12 statement.

In that statement, McConnell reflected on the reluctance many older Americans have to discuss personal health matters publicly.

“Folks of my generation often hesitate to share the vulnerability that comes with growing older,” he said.

“Even in the public eye, I feel that same instinct — I can’t help it.”

Although McConnell stepped down last year after serving 18 years as Senate Republican leader, he chose to remain in office through the expiration of his current term in January.

His absence has narrowed Republicans’ effective Senate majority, increasing the importance of every vote as Congress enters its final stretch before lawmakers leave Washington to campaign ahead of the midterm elections.

Several Republican senators have joined Democrats in urging McConnell to provide additional details about his medical condition.

Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri said he wishes McConnell a full recovery but believes voters deserve a more complete explanation.

“At a certain point you do have an obligation to your constituents and the country to tell them what’s going on,” Hawley told Fox News, adding that he felt “totally in the dark” about McConnell’s condition.

Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin also questioned a photograph McConnell released earlier this month before later withdrawing his comments, explaining that he had repeated an unverified rumor.

“It’s not fun watching anybody age,” Johnson told reporters. “We’re all hoping Mitch recovers fully and comes back. I haven’t talked to him, so I have no knowledge.”

McConnell is far from the first senator to miss an extended period because of health issues. Sen. John Fetterman was absent for two months in 2023 while receiving treatment for depression. Sen. Dianne Feinstein missed nearly three months that same year while recovering from shingles. Sen. John McCain did not return to cast another Senate vote during the final eight months of his life in 2018, while former Sen. Mark Kirk spent nearly a year away from the Senate after suffering a stroke in 2012.

Lester Munson, who served as Kirk’s chief of staff, noted that senators often continue overseeing legislative work and constituent services even when illness prevents them from being physically present in Washington.

“I think people kind of just assume — not really correctly — that if the senator’s in the hospital or something like that, that they can’t do their job,” Munson said. “That’s not entirely true. There’s obviously some things they can’t do … but a lot of other things continue to be carried on.”

Munson added that McConnell’s national profile has subjected him to far greater public scrutiny than Kirk experienced during his recovery.

“As far as I’m concerned, this guy has given so much to the Senate over time and therefore so much to America, God bless him,” Munson said. “He’s got all the latitude in the world to deal with this problem.”

{Matzav.com}

Most Americans believe they are facing the highest cost of living they have ever experienced, with soaring prices—particularly at the gas pump—continuing to shape public opinion about the nation’s economy, according to a newly released Politico poll.

The nationwide survey of 2,061 registered voters found that 57% said today’s cost of living is the worst they have ever seen. Another 26% said conditions are difficult but that they have lived through worse economic periods. Only 8% described the current cost of living as “not bad.”

The poll also found that rising gasoline prices are having a significant impact on how many Americans intend to vote in November.

Among voters who said gas prices are influencing their election decisions, 46% said the higher prices have strengthened their support for the party they already intended to back. Another 31% said the issue is making them more inclined to vote for the opposing party, while roughly 15% remain undecided.

When asked who deserves the greatest responsibility for the state of the U.S. economy, respondents offered mixed views, although President Donald Trump received the largest share of the blame.

Nearly one-third of those surveyed—32%—said Trump bears full responsibility. Seventeen percent placed full responsibility on Joe Biden, while another 14% said both presidents share equal blame.

An additional 11% said Trump is primarily responsible but that Biden also deserves some blame. Another 10% said Biden bears most of the responsibility, with Trump sharing part of it.

Asked what they believe has driven gasoline prices higher since Trump returned to office, the most common answer was the war with Iran, cited by 63% of respondents.

Other frequently mentioned factors included Trump’s tariffs on imported goods, selected by 40% of respondents, and Trump’s handling of the economy, cited by 38%.

Meanwhile, 23% blamed ongoing supply chain disruptions, 21% pointed to insufficient domestic oil production, 19% cited sanctions imposed on Russia and other oil-producing countries, and 15% blamed production cuts by OPEC and other major oil exporters.

The survey also highlighted a sharp partisan divide over the causes of higher fuel prices.

Voters who supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election were considerably more likely to attribute rising gas prices to tariffs and the Trump administration’s economic policies. By contrast, Trump supporters were more likely to identify international developments, particularly the conflict with Iran, as the primary driver of higher prices.

The poll was conducted between July 12 and July 15 among 2,061 registered voters and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.16 percentage points.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee blasted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani following the antisemitic stabbing attack on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, declaring that it is Mamdani—not Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu—who should face arrest for what he described as incitement that fuels violence against Jews.

Speaking with Newsmax, Huckabee accused the mayor of encouraging dangerous rhetoric through his repeated calls to arrest Netanyahu, arguing that such statements are “exactly inciting people” in the aftermath of the double stabbing that police are investigating as a hate crime.

Earlier in the week, Mamdani reiterated his promise to honor the International Criminal Court’s November 2024 arrest warrant against Netanyahu over the Gaza war. At the same time, he acknowledged that New York City has no “independent legal authority” to carry out such an arrest and urged the federal government to take action instead.

President Donald Trump has made clear that Netanyahu will not be arrested while visiting the United States.

Just two days after Mamdani admitted he lacked the authority to arrest the Israeli prime minister, authorities say 51-year-old Raul Morales stabbed two men on Manhattan’s Upper West Side—one Jewish and one Asian—while allegedly shouting “Allahu Akbar” during both attacks.

On Friday, Morales was formally charged with hate crimes and attempted murder.

Appearing on Saturday Report, Huckabee argued that there was a direct connection between the mayor’s inflammatory rhetoric and the violence that followed.

“It’s incredibly reckless for the mayor of New York, first of all, to pretend that he can do anything about arresting an elected prime minister from a foreign country who, first of all, has diplomatic immunity when he comes,” Huckabee said.

He also defended Netanyahu, saying the Israeli leader has “not committed the war crime” and stressing that Mamdani has no legal authority to detain a foreign head of government.

“This guy didn’t have the power to go after someone who didn’t pay his subway fare to say he’s going to go after international elected officials.”

Huckabee reserved his harshest criticism for what he characterized as the mayor’s inflammatory language.

“If anybody gets arrested it ought to be the mayor for incitement. That’s a serious issue, and he is frankly just whipping up the attitude, and it’s a disgusting thing to watch.”

Critics also faulted Mamdani for delaying his public response to Thursday’s attack. Hours after the stabbing, the mayor first posted about a housing tax proposal while New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and other officials had already condemned the assault.

When Mamdani eventually issued a statement, he described the attacks as “hateful and despicable” but did not refer to them as antisemitic, an omission that drew sharp criticism.

By Friday morning, UJA-Federation of New York CEO Eric Goldstein echoed concerns similar to those raised later by Huckabee, urging the mayor to change course.

“Mayor Mamdani, stop fanning the flames of hatred and division.

“The consequences are not abstract. They are playing out on our streets,” Goldstein said.

Asked again about Mamdani’s repeated threats to arrest a sitting foreign leader, Huckabee dismissed the idea outright.

“He doesn’t have the power,” the ambassador said, calling the mayor’s arrest threats “nonsense” and emphasizing that Netanyahu is protected by diplomatic immunity.

Netanyahu is expected to travel to New York in September to attend the United Nations General Assembly. Whether Mamdani moderates his rhetoric before that visit—and how the federal government responds to the ICC warrant, which Trump has already sanctioned the court over—is expected to remain a major point of attention in the weeks leading up to the trip.

{Matzav.com}

A federal appeals court has refused to reinstate key portions of President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at tightening mail-in voting rules, dealing a significant setback to the administration just months before this year’s midterm elections and potentially setting the stage for a Supreme Court battle.

In a 2-1 ruling issued today, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the Justice Department’s request to temporarily lift a June court order that blocked several provisions of Trump’s March executive order while the administration continues its appeal.

The Justice Department had previously indicated that, if unsuccessful before the appeals court, it could seek emergency intervention from the U.S. Supreme Court.

Administration attorneys argued that the lawsuit challenging the executive order was filed too early because federal agencies had not yet completed the process of adopting the policies necessary to carry out the president’s directives. The appeals court disagreed, concluding that the states challenging the order already faced imminent election deadlines and had begun preparing for the anticipated changes.

“As the district court reasoned, the (executive order) lays out a clear set of rapidly approaching deadlines by which states must coordinate with federal officials and comply with new voting procedures,” the majority wrote. “The Plaintiff States have no practical choice but to respond to the (order) now.”

Trump signed Executive Order 14399 in March as part of his broader election integrity initiative.

Among its provisions, the order instructs the Department of Homeland Security to create lists of verified U.S. citizens eligible to vote and provide that information to the states. It also directs the U.S. Postal Service to develop new standards governing mail-in ballots and orders the Justice Department to prioritize investigations into state and local election officials who issue federal ballots to individuals determined to be ineligible to vote.

The legal challenge was filed by 23 states and the District of Columbia, led by California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington. The plaintiffs argue that the Constitution gives states primary authority over the administration of federal elections and contend that the president exceeded his constitutional powers by directing federal agencies to impose new election procedures.

In June, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani sided with the states, ruling that several portions of the executive order were likely beyond the president’s legal authority. She barred federal agencies from enforcing those provisions in the plaintiff states through the Nov. 3 federal elections.

Today’s decision does not resolve the merits of the case but leaves the lower court’s injunction in effect while the administration’s appeal moves forward.

{Matzav.com}

Growing concerns over America’s dwindling stockpile of precision-guided munitions reportedly played a key role in discussions at the White House as President Donald Trump weighed expanding military operations against Iran, with the United States ultimately pausing its nightly bombing campaign after nearly two weeks of sustained strikes.

According to a U.S. official who spoke with CNN, Vice President JD Vance and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine both warned Trump during a Friday White House meeting about the strain the conflict has placed on U.S. weapons inventories.

On Friday night, the United States halted its air campaign against Iran for the first time in nearly two weeks. A Defense Department source told CNN that military operations are currently “on a hold.”

It remains unclear whether concerns over depleted munitions stockpiles were the primary reason for the operational pause or whether the suspension of strikes will continue.

“President Trump has always been consistent in saying he prefers a diplomatic solution, but he continues to retain all options if Iran continues terrorist activities in the (Strait) of Hormuz or against allies,” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a statement.

“Combined with successful sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy and 13 straight days of strikes against military targets in response to their repeated aggression, it would be wise for Iran to work towards a negotiated deal. Otherwise, they know what will happen.”

CNN reported that it also sought comment from Vance’s office.

The developments come as key U.S. weapons reserves remain significantly depleted, with officials acknowledging that additional military operations against Iran would place even greater demands on already strained stockpiles.

After meeting Friday with Cabinet officials and senior advisers, Trump told reporters that negotiations with Iran remain active. At the same time, he made clear that further military action remains on the table, saying the United States could continue its bombing campaign or “make it a heavier dose.” He added that Iran appeared to be becoming “more serious” in ongoing negotiations.

As of Friday afternoon, administration officials were still debating what any escalation of the conflict would entail, according to a source familiar with the discussions. The source said Gulf nations have encouraged Washington to exercise restraint, while acknowledging that the United States possesses military capabilities unmatched by its regional allies should it choose to intensify the campaign.

Even after publicly discussing the possibility of launching a major offensive against Iran, Trump privately instructed his negotiating team to “keep talking,” according to a source familiar with the matter. The directive reflected the president’s effort to balance continued diplomacy with limited military pressure while avoiding the deployment of American ground forces.

According to multiple sources, many within Trump’s inner circle and senior Pentagon leadership remained skeptical that further military escalation alone would achieve the president’s strategic objectives.

CNN previously reported that before the war began, Gen. Caine and other senior military leaders had already cautioned Trump that an extended conflict could significantly deplete America’s weapons stockpiles.

“America’s military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President’s choosing,” Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement to CNN.

“We have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the U.S. military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests.”

A woman accused of helping orchestrate a $32 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme has been returned to the United States after being captured in Jamaica, ending what the FBI described as a lengthy international manhunt.

FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital that 41-year-old Elaine Angene Escoe had been hiding in Jamaica under the false identity of “Harley Newman” while evading prosecution in connection with the alleged multimillion-dollar pandemic relief fraud.

Escoe arrived in South Florida on Thursday after Jamaican authorities arrested her following a federal search. Prosecutors allege she played a key role in fraudulently securing more than $32 million in taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief money before fleeing the United States after failing to appear in federal court.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Escoe was indicted in 2025 on charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and multiple counts of money laundering.

Federal prosecutors said an arrest warrant was issued after Escoe failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing in May 2025. Investigators allege she escaped to Jamaica, where authorities ultimately tracked her down after the FBI received a tip regarding her whereabouts.

“This Most Wanted Fraudster allegedly obtained tens of millions in COVID-19 relief, stealing critical resources from legitimate businesses during a national crisis,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News Digital.

“She fled the country believing she could escape justice but ultimately could not,” he continued. “Those who exploit taxpayer-funded programs will be held accountable by this Department of Justice, no matter how long it takes or where they attempt to hide.”

Patel described the arrest as another major success in the FBI’s effort to track down international fraud suspects, noting that Escoe is the fourth alleged “Most Wanted Fraudster” apprehended in the past five weeks.

“The historic success of the ‘Most Wanted Fraudster’ list continues as the FBI, and our partners just captured our fourth Most Wanted Fraudster in 5 weeks, and yet another high value target returned to the U.S. by this FBI,” Patel said. “Elaine Angene Escoe, on the run since May 2025, was captured in Jamaica while living under a fake identity of ‘Harley Newman’ — and returned to the United States today to face justice.”

Patel said Escoe is accused of participating in a conspiracy involving wire fraud and money laundering that fraudulently obtained more than $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds.

He added that since June, the FBI has brought more than 30 high-value fugitives back to the United States. According to Patel, the four alleged fraud suspects captured over the past five weeks are collectively accused of nearly $1.8 billion in fraud after spending more than 3,500 days on the run across three continents.

“Under this administration, fraud is no longer tolerated, and those who steal from American taxpayers have nowhere to hide,” Patel said.

Authorities said the operation to return Escoe to the United States involved coordinated efforts by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, Jamaican law enforcement, and the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office.

President Donald Trump spoke at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner, held in the Presidential Ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC. The annual gala was rescheduled after the original event was interrupted when an armed man, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, attempted to breach a Secret Service checkpoint.

WATCH:

Joe Biden has withdrawn his lawsuit seeking to prevent the release of audio recordings and transcripts of interviews he gave to his memoir ghostwriter before becoming president, clearing the way for the material to be turned over to a Republican-led congressional committee.

The decision came just days after a divided federal appeals court ruled against Biden’s effort to keep the recordings private. Rather than ask the Supreme Court to intervene or seek a rehearing before the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Biden’s attorneys filed a notice on Friday voluntarily dismissing the case.

Earlier this week, a three-judge panel voted 2-1 that there is a “substantial” public interest in making the recordings public. Although the court delayed implementation of its ruling until Aug. 3 to give Biden additional time to pursue further appeals, he instead chose to end the legal challenge.

In a dissenting opinion, Circuit Judge Florence Pan argued that Biden had demonstrated a “substantial privacy interest” in keeping the recordings confidential.

The interviews were conducted by memoir ghostwriter Mark Zwonitzer, who collaborated with Biden on the books Promises to Keep (2007) and Promise Me, Dad (2017). Zwonitzer interviewed Biden at his home during 2016 and 2017. Biden’s legal team has maintained that the discussions were deeply personal, candid, and never intended for public release.

Special Counsel Robert Hur obtained the recordings during his investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents dating back to his years as a U.S. senator and later as vice president in the Obama administration. Although Hur declined to bring criminal charges, Republicans in Congress later sought access to the interview recordings.

Biden filed suit in an effort to block the Trump Justice Department from releasing the recordings to Congress and the Heritage Foundation. The Justice Department had previously argued that the material was protected from disclosure under federal public records laws.

The appeal followed a June ruling by U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich, who concluded that the public’s interest in the recordings outweighed Biden’s claimed privacy interests, allowing their release to move forward.

Security officials are investigating after a drone came down near the home of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, prompting an immediate response by the IDF.

Ben Gvir’s office confirmed that the minister was notified by security authorities that a drone had landed near his residence. Officials are currently examining the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine exactly what occurred.

The drone was recovered by the IDF, and authorities said the incident did not result in any injuries.

“The minister and his family are safe,” the statement said.

Officials have not yet released additional information, and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

{Matzav.com}

Iran has reportedly exploited illegal migrant-smuggling routes across the English Channel to infiltrate suspected intelligence operatives into the United Kingdom, according to a new report citing Iranian officials, people smugglers, and British security sources.

The Telegraph reported that British authorities intercepted several individuals allegedly connected to Iran’s intelligence apparatus while they were attempting to enter the country aboard small migrant boats. The newspaper said officials have increasingly relied on drones and artificial intelligence-powered surveillance towers to monitor Channel crossings and identify potential security threats.

According to the report, Iranian officials claimed that some of the migrant-smuggling networks are operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), particularly Unit 700, the logistics division of the IRGC’s Quds Force.

One Iranian official told The Telegraph: “Of course, don’t forget that our armed forces have influence and run the [smuggling] routes in some cases if they want.

“At the moment we have people right there in London, revolutionary people who care about the world and the lives of children – they wait for us to tell them what to do. We have not done that yet, but we can easily make London unsafe for you if we want to.

“These smuggling routes are more important and useful than the missiles for us – we do not need a missile to target London, it’s easier than that.”

The report also stated that British intelligence officials believe a larger number of individuals linked to the IRGC likely enter the UK legally via commercial flights from Europe rather than through Channel crossings. Officials reportedly view the recruitment and activation of members of Britain’s Iranian diaspora, as well as the use of proxy operatives already inside the country, as a greater long-term security threat than migrants arriving by boat.

The report comes shortly after Iran threatened to target RAF Fairford following Britain’s decision to renew permission for the United States to use the air base in support of military operations against Iran.

MI5 Director General Ken McCallum revealed in October that British intelligence had uncovered more than 20 potentially deadly Iran-backed plots during the previous year, warning that Tehran has increasingly turned to criminal proxies to conduct operations on British soil.

Conservative lawmaker and shadow Home Office minister Alicia Kearns urged the government to respond more aggressively to what she described as Iran’s growing presence inside Britain.

“The Government needs to face facts: the IRGC is exploiting the small boats crisis to put its operatives on British streets.

“We need an urgent taskforce to root out Iranian agents among those arriving and who’ve arrived on our shores, designation of the Ministry of Intelligence and Security under hostile state legislation, and emergency powers to shut down IRGC cut-outs like the Islamic Centre of England.

“Tehran is openly threatening Britain and we have a Prime Minister silent on our national security – our people deserve answers, action and leadership.”

Dr. Kristian Gustafson, deputy head of Brunel University’s Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies and a former Sandhurst lecturer, told The Telegraph that Iran would more likely rely on recruiting people already living in Britain than risk sending its own intelligence officers into the country through illegal migration routes.

A spokesman for Britain’s Home Office said the government conducts rigorous security screening of migrants arriving by small boat and detains anyone found to pose a national security risk. He added that authorities have strengthened the powers of police and intelligence agencies to disrupt IRGC-linked activities and make it easier to prosecute individuals working on the organization’s behalf.

Although the United States refrained from launching attacks against Iran overnight for the first time in nearly two weeks, Israel remains on maximum alert as defense officials prepare for the possibility that a major American military operation could still be imminent.

For the first time in 13 consecutive nights, no U.S. strikes were reported against Iranian targets. Even so, Israeli security officials continue to operate under the assumption that Washington may soon move forward with a large-scale assault that was reportedly postponed over the weekend.

According to Israeli defense assessments, preparations remain underway for a significant American operation. Officials believe President Donald Trump could ultimately determine that military action is unavoidable, prompting the Israeli Air Force to maintain an elevated level of readiness in anticipation of a possible escalation.

Speaking to reporters at the White House early Monday, Trump emphasized that no final decision has yet been reached. “They are talking to us right now. They want to make a deal. I don’t think they’re ready for that. I don’t think it’s time yet, but I’m willing to listen,” he said.

Trump also reaffirmed that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a top priority. “They can’t have nuclear weapons. We don’t want to see Washington, or any of our cities, or Israel, and, frankly, the entire Middle East-destroyed with nuclear weapons. If they have such weapons, they will use them,” he said.

Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command announced no military operations against Iran overnight, marking the first such pause in approximately 13 nights. Earlier reports indicated that an American naval vessel intercepted an oil tanker attempting to breach the blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. The encounter reportedly occurred in waters off the coast of Oman.

According to a report citing U.S. officials, American intelligence agencies believe Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is even more supportive of pursuing nuclear weapons than his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed early in the war in an Israeli strike carried out with U.S. intelligence assistance, had publicly maintained religious opposition to the development of nuclear weapons.

The report comes after Iran reportedly rejected a ceasefire proposal delivered by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani on behalf of the Trump administration. Iranian and Iraqi officials told The New York Times that the diplomatic initiative came as Trump warned Tehran that the United States was prepared to expand attacks against Iran’s vital infrastructure.

Israel, meanwhile, continues to prepare for additional Iranian retaliation and the possibility of a wider conflict. Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu convened a meeting of the limited security cabinet on Sunday to assess the latest developments, although no changes have been made to the Home Front Command’s civilian safety directives.

As speculation grows over a possible meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, the IDF remains on heightened alert, operating under the assessment that an American strike against Iran could be launched at any moment. Overnight, the U.S. State Department also updated its travel advisory, urging American citizens to avoid traveling to Israel while regional tensions remain exceptionally high.

{Matzav.com}

A massive fire tore through the Rabbeinu Hagadol complex in Hadiach, Ukraine, on Friday night, causing catastrophic destruction at the tziyun of the Ba’al Hatanya, Rav Shneur Zalman of Liadi, author of the Tanya. The devastating blaze destroyed the complex’s historic shul and caused damages estimated in the millions of dollars.

The fire erupted at the Rabbeinu Hagadol complex, located adjacent to the kever of the Ba’al Hatanya. The site, which draws thousands of mispallelim and visitors from around the world each year, was quickly engulfed as flames raced through the main structure.

According to preliminary reports, the blaze broke out shortly before midnight. The complex’s shul was completely destroyed, while the kitchen and hachnasas orchim facilities sustained severe damage. Nearly the entire main building was consumed by the fire, leaving behind destruction estimated to total millions of dollars.

B’chasdei Hashem, no injuries were reported.

Investigators have not yet determined what sparked the fire. One possibility under examination is that an electrical malfunction ignited the blaze, although officials are continuing to investigate all potential causes.

The tziyun in Hadiach is regarded as Ukraine’s second-largest destination for Jewish pilgrimage, welcoming thousands of visitors each year who come to daven at the resting place of the Ba’al Hatanya.

In a significant departure from his longstanding annual practice, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, will remain in Eretz Yisroel this summer rather than traveling overseas for a period of rest. Beginning on Tu B’Av, the Rebbe will start receiving chassidim in preparation for Rosh Hashanah, with appointments scheduled through Rosh Chodesh Elul.

The Rebbe’s office announced that kabbolas kahal will commence this week on Tu B’Av and continue until Rosh Chodesh Elul. A separate announcement regarding reception hours during the month of Elul itself is expected to be released at a later date.

In most years, the Rebbe spends this period abroad for rest and recuperation. Since he will remain in Eretz Yisroel this year, it was decided to move kabbolas kahal forward, giving thousands of chassidim additional opportunities to enter for a private audience and submit kvitlach before the Yomim Nora’im.

Since assuming the leadership of the Vizhnitzer chassidus, the Rebbe has traditionally traveled each year to the resort town of Chaldodna in the United Kingdom for a period of rest, and on occasion to Davos, Switzerland. In recent years, however, because of his medical condition, the Rebbe has spent those periods between treatments in the Israeli community of Ora, near Yerushalayim.

Officials in the chassidus said the earlier start to kabbolas kahal is intended to better accommodate the expected influx of chassidim seeking to receive the Rebbe’s brachah before Rosh Hashanah 5787 by spreading appointments over a longer period.

At the same time, tefillos continue for the Rebbe’s complete recovery. His name for tefillah is Rav Yisroel ben Leah Esther, b’soch she’ar cholei Yisroel.

The Muslim, socialist, anti-Israel mayor of the Big Apple is standing firm.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is refusing to apologize for his repeated anti-Israel rhetoric despite growing demands from Jewish leaders following the brutal stabbing of a man wearing a kippah on Manhattan’s Upper West Side by an attacker who allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar.”

The jihad-supporter dismissed calls for an apology on Friday, even as criticism intensified in the wake of Thursday’s attack, in which a Jewish man observing the fast of Tisha B’Av was stabbed on the Upper West Side by an assailant who witnesses said yelled “Allahu Akbar” during the assault.

Authorities announced Friday that the suspect, 51-year-old Raul Morales, has been charged with attempted murder as a hate crime, attempted murder, assault as a hate crime, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon, according to the NYPD.

The mayor has faced sustained criticism over his outspoken anti-Israel positions. Earlier this week, he released a video acknowledging that he has no legal authority to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a future visit to New York City, despite repeatedly making that promise while campaigning. Even so, Mamdani continued to describe Netanyahu as a “war criminal.”

Speaking Friday during an interview on NY1, Mamdani defended his previous remarks, insisting they are “critiques of a political leader, not of people of a specific faith or a religion or a background.”

He also maintained that his responsibility extends equally to all New Yorkers, regardless of their political views or beliefs, stating, “My responsibility as the mayor of this city is to keep every New Yorker safe, no matter where they come from, what they believe in or frankly, even if they agree with my politics.”

Israeli officials argued that the violent attack reflected the dangerous consequences of the mayor’s inflammatory anti-Israel messaging.

Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli accused Mamdani of helping create the atmosphere that led to the stabbing in Manhattan.

“A straight line connects Mamdani’s vile jihadi video to the terror attack that just struck the city,” Chikli wrote on social media, referring to Mamdani’s video about Netanyahu.

“When an attacker yells ‘Allahu Akbar’ while stabbing innocent people, you know Mamdani’s message landed,” Chikli added.

Chikli further asserted that Mamdani “would never dare post a video like that against any other state leader,” arguing that the mayor’s message was “a pure manifesto of Jew hatred, thinly coated” as criticism aimed solely at Israel.

He went on to accuse the mayor of “dragging the city into decay and bloodshed,” warning that New York’s Jewish community would be the first to bear the consequences.

“The Jews will be the first to pay the price, as always,” Chikli wrote. “But make no mistake, New Yorkers: it will not end with the Jews.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also condemned the attack, declaring, “I am appalled by the horrific antisemitic stabbing attack in New York. Appalled but sadly not surprised. This violence did not happen in a vacuum. Months of incitement against the Jewish state from Mamdani have helped create a climate in which Jews are targeted.”

He continued, “Words have consequences. Mamdani must end the incitement, confront antisemitism with resolve, and act now to protect the city’s Jewish community. Enough is enough.”

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, likewise placed responsibility on the mayor’s rhetoric, saying, “Zohran Mamdani, your incitement is putting Jewish lives in danger in New York, home to the largest Jewish community outside Israel. You have spent months fueling hatred, demonizing Israel and legitimizing hostility toward Jews. Now take responsibility for the consequences.”

Danon concluded with a warning, writing, “Every time you pour more fuel on this fire, you make violence more likely. Stop the incitement. Before more people get hurt.”

A credible threat from Iranian proxy forces against President Trump and Air Force One prompted a last-minute change of aircraft during this month’s NATO summit in Turkey, according to multiple officials familiar with the matter. The incident has also renewed questions about the security capabilities of the Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar, which Trump had begun using for official travel.

Trump arrived in Ankara aboard the Qatari-donated jet, a newer aircraft that lacks many of the sophisticated defensive systems installed on the traditional Air Force One fleet. According to officials, intelligence indicating a credible threat emerged while the president was attending the summit.

After U.S. authorities detected the danger, the Secret Service recommended that Trump abandon the newer aircraft and instead depart Turkey aboard the older Air Force One. The president later publicly confirmed that he would be leaving on the older plane.

The newly disclosed details help explain the White House’s rapid decision to replace the aircraft before Trump’s departure. They also highlight ongoing concerns about the defensive capabilities of the donated jet, which Trump had pushed to place into service as quickly as possible.

Officials emphasized that the intelligence did not indicate the newer aircraft itself was being specifically targeted. Rather, the threat was directed at Trump regardless of which plane he was traveling aboard.

People familiar with the matter spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the classified information publicly.

The White House declined to comment directly on the report. However, a senior administration official pointed to Trump’s own public comments regarding Iranian assassination plots and expressed confidence in the security precautions taken to protect the president and his delegation. The official also spoke anonymously.

According to those briefed on the matter, knowledge of the specific intelligence was tightly restricted within the administration. Many officials were told only that the aircraft change was a precaution stemming from broader concerns involving Iran, and congressional leaders reportedly were not informed about the precise nature of the threat.

Trump initially explained the aircraft swap by saying it would allow American service members stationed in Britain to tour the newer plane, while rejecting suggestions that the decision was motivated by security concerns. The New York Times later reported that the Secret Service had advised him to switch aircraft.

After The New York Times published a report this month detailing significant federal concerns over the donated aircraft’s security features, the government opened a leak investigation seeking grand jury testimony from several Times reporters, along with phone records belonging to them and certain relatives. The Justice Department withdrew those subpoenas on Thursday.

Trump appeared to acknowledge on Sunday that the donated jet still lacks some of the defensive technology installed on the older Air Force One aircraft. When asked about the absence of antimissile systems, he responded that the aircraft would soon be “maxed out.” Although the approximately 14-year-old plane underwent an extensive retrofit to serve as Air Force One, officials have acknowledged the process was completed on an accelerated timetable.

Around the time of the aircraft switch, reports surfaced that Israel had shared intelligence with Washington concerning Iranian efforts to assassinate Trump. Some U.S. officials questioned the reliability of that intelligence, believing it may have been intended to encourage a stronger American military response against Iran.

According to several people familiar with the matter, however, the threat that prompted the Air Force One change in Turkey was unrelated to the intelligence attributed to Israel.

While Trump was attending the summit in Ankara, approximately 1,000 miles from Tehran, the United States resumed military strikes against Iran. During the conference, Trump openly discussed Iran’s repeated attempts to assassinate him when asked why he had abandoned the Qatari aircraft.

“They want to take out the U.S. leader — me,” he said. “I’m on every list. I saw this morning, I’m on every single one of their lists. And so far, I guess I’ve been a little bit lucky, but that maybe doesn’t last very long.”

Iran-linked groups have sought to target Trump for years, dating back to his first term after the U.S. military killed senior Iranian General Qassim Suleimani.

Trump has long criticized the aging Air Force One fleet, arguing that the aircraft no longer project the image he believes the United States should present overseas. Military officials have separately warned that the existing presidential aircraft have remained in service far beyond their originally intended lifespan.

Last year, Qatar announced it would donate a Boeing 747-8 for Trump’s use. Trump has also said he intends to include the aircraft in his presidential library after leaving office.

Administration officials have described the donated jet as a temporary “bridge” aircraft until Boeing completes delivery of the long-delayed next-generation Air Force One planes ordered by the U.S. Air Force.

Since Trump’s return from Turkey, White House officials have said the donated aircraft will be removed from service for approximately one month later this fall to undergo additional upgrades.

“The new Air Force One is perfectly safe for the president’s travels, but will receive additional upgrades and enhancements in the fall which will take approximately one month to complete,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. “During that time, the president will fly on the old Air Force One.”

Officials have not explained what improvements can realistically be completed during such a short period.

Speaking at a Secret Service briefing on Wednesday ahead of the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner—which had originally been postponed after a gunman breached a security checkpoint in April—agency leaders warned that the threat environment facing protected officials has reached unprecedented levels.

“The numbers at this agency, and certainly I’ve never seen in my 24-year career, they’re off the charts,” Secret Service Director Sean Curran told reporters. “I think the environment has become very volatile and that’s just across the board. I think not just to our protectees, but local officials. The threat picture and environment is as large as I’ve ever seen it.”

Before becoming Secret Service director, Curran led Trump’s protective detail between the president’s two terms. He was also among the agents shielding Trump during the July 2024 assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

{Matzav.com}