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Pope Leo XIV delivered one of his strongest denunciations yet of the recent conflict with Iran, declaring that war “is never blessed by God” and signaling continued opposition to arguments advanced by President Donald Trump and other Republicans defending the military campaign.

The remarks are the latest in a series of public disagreements between the first American pope and the Trump administration. Leo has repeatedly criticized armed conflicts around the world, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and, more recently, the U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran. Trump, in turn, has sharply criticized the pontiff over his positions.

Before ascending to the papacy, then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost frequently challenged the Trump administration on immigration policy, disputed Vice President JD Vance’s interpretation of the theological principle of ordo amoris, and declined Trump’s invitation to serve on his newly created “Board of Peace.”

Since the outbreak of the Iran conflict, Leo has intensified his appeals against war. In March, he urged Christian political leaders who initiate wars to examine their “conscience” and “go to confession.” He followed those remarks in April with several social media posts urging “peace” and calling on the world to “reject the logic of violence and war.”

Last week, Leo convened the College of Cardinals at the Vatican, where he devoted part of his Friday homily to the subject of war. Vatican News highlighted the message with the headline: “Pope at Consistory Opening Mass: War is never blessed by God.”

According to Vatican News, the pope urged the cardinals to seek “the gift of peace in unity” while emphasizing the moral obligation to reject warfare.

“Reflecting on the many conflicts affecting humanity, he stressed that “war is never worthy of humanity, and it is never blessed by God, because, even if we are equipped with high-tech weapons, the Creator has endowed us with intelligence and free will to resolve conflicts as human beings and not as beasts.”

“The Pope then added that “peace is a duty of justice because we are one human family, a magnifica humanitas…”

Christopher Hale, who writes about the papacy in his Letters from Leo Substack, argued that the pope’s comments could have far-reaching theological implications. Hale suggested the homily “signaled the Vatican may rewrite the just war doctrine itself,” which Republicans including Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson have cited in defense of the strikes against Iran.

Pointing to the timing of Leo’s remarks, Hale wrote that it “escaped no one.” “As Leo gathered the cardinals to plead for peace, the United States was bombing Iran for the second straight day,” while the “week-old ceasefire already lies in ruins.”

Hale further reported that Vatican officials have indicated Leo intends to “formally revisit” the Church’s longstanding “just war” doctrine.

According to Hale, Leo had already questioned that doctrine in his May encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas—the same phrase referenced during Friday’s homily—arguing that it is “now outdated” and “has all too often been used to justify any kind of war.”

“Humanity possesses far more effective and capable tools for promoting human life and resolving conflicts, such as dialogue, diplomacy and forgiveness,” wrote Leo. “The use of force, violence and weapons reflects a relational poverty that always has disastrous consequences for civilian populations.”

Hale also noted that Leo’s latest comments followed public defenses of the Iran operation by what he described as “two of the most powerful Catholics in the United States government.” He cited Vance, who argued during a Turning Point USA event that a “more than 1,000-year tradition of just war theory” justified military action against Iran, and Johnson, who similarly defended the strikes and praised Trump and Vance for their understanding of the conflict.

Rejecting those arguments, Hale wrote, “The just war tradition Vance reached for was never written as a permission slip,” contending that Leo’s teaching means the Trump administration’s reliance on just war theory “collapses, and it collapses on the Church’s own terms,” because “[a] doctrine meant to restrain that impulse [to war] cannot be turned into the instrument that excuses it.”

{Matzav.com}

Thousands of bnei Torah gathered Monday evening in Bnei Brak for a massive protest and prayer rally against the arrest of bnei yeshivah and the ongoing draft decree, as the Rishon LeTzion, Rav Yitzchok Yosef, delivered a fiery address declaring that attempts to interfere with Torah study are bringing tragedy upon the Jewish people.

The rally, attended by thousands of bnei Torah, rabbonim, and public figures, was held against the backdrop of intensified enforcement efforts targeting bnei yeshivah, particularly members of the Sephardic Torah community.

Before the event began, organizers prepared for the possibility that participants might chant against Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, following similar incidents at previous gatherings. Organizer Chanan Levy announced that clear instructions had been given to prevent such demonstrations. Nevertheless, several participants displayed signs criticizing Shas lawmakers, including one reading, “Enough of the betrayal of Maran.” The event’s moderator halted the proceedings and warned that the rally would be dispersed unless the signs were removed. Following heated verbal exchanges among attendees, the signs were taken down and the program resumed.

When Rav Yitzchok Yosef arrived, he was greeted by thunderous singing from the crowd. In his keynote address, he called for a forceful public response whenever a ben yeshivah is arrested.

“We will not remain silent. If they arrest one bochur, his entire yeshivah should go to the entrance of the prison and recite Selichos there for a full hour,” he declared.

Quoting the Gemara in Makkos, Rav Yosef said that the protection of Yerushalayim comes through the Torah learned by its scholars, not through military technology.

“They think it is because of Iron Dome. No. It is because of the Torah, because of the bochurim and avreichim who are immersed in Torah. It is because of you that we are victorious. It is because of this that the soldiers are protected.”

He then made his strongest statement of the evening, linking battlefield casualties to government policies directed against Torah learners.

“If soldiers are being killed, it is apparently because of the decrees of the authorities who are trying to restrict those who learn Torah. Instead of honoring Torah scholars with gold and silver, they impose decrees upon them, and afterward they wonder why decrees come upon the Jewish people.”

President Donald Trump on Monday called on gasoline retailers across the country to slash prices without delay, arguing that the recent decline in crude oil prices should already be translating into lower costs for American drivers.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said fuel prices remain unjustifiably high even as crude oil has fallen to roughly $68 per barrel.

“Gasoline Retailers must get their Prices down, IMMEDIATELY!” Trump wrote. “They’re too high considering that Oil is now at $68 a Barrel, and heading south.”

The president urged gas stations to reduce prices for consumers and cautioned retailers against what he characterized as unlawful price gouging.

“DROP YOUR PRICE FOR OUR GREAT AMERICAN PEOPLE!” Trump wrote. He also warned there would be “no gauging [sic], which is totally illegal.”

Trump added another warning to retailers, writing, “If Retailers don’t do this, big problems lie ahead!”

He said gasoline should be selling for approximately $2.50 per gallon and singled out California over its fuel tax policies.

“California should stop charging such heavy Taxes on their Gasoline,” Trump wrote. “Soon the Tax will be higher than the Product itself, and the United States will not stand for it, nor will the People of California, who are being abused by these ridiculous Taxes, and by their own Government.”

Trump’s remarks came less than a week after he directed the Justice Department to examine whether gasoline retailers have engaged in price gouging, contending that prices at the pump have failed to fall as rapidly as crude oil prices following the recent retreat in energy markets.

Energy analysts note that retail gasoline prices often take longer to decline because stations and refiners are frequently selling fuel purchased when crude oil prices were higher. Refining expenses, transportation costs, seasonal fuel requirements, and state taxes also play significant roles in determining the price consumers ultimately pay.

Economists commonly refer to this pricing pattern as “rockets and feathers,” meaning gasoline prices typically surge quickly when crude oil rises but drift downward more slowly after oil prices decline.

Trump has consistently argued that reducing energy costs is one of the most effective ways to curb inflation and lower everyday expenses for American families. He concluded Monday’s message by again pressing retailers to lower prices promptly.

“The Retailers must quickly react to this statement, and do what they know is right,” Trump wrote.

{Matzav.com}

Israel is dispatching a joint emergency delegation to Venezuela to assist in the aftermath of last week’s catastrophic earthquakes, following instructions from Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. The mission was approved after an assessment conducted by the National Security Council.

The delegation will consist of personnel from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Home Front Command. Ambassador Yoed Magen, who was raised in Venezuela, will head the Foreign Ministry contingent, while Brigadier General Elad Edri, Chief of Staff of the Home Front Command, will lead the military component of the mission.

Among those traveling are Home Front Command engineering specialists and Foreign Ministry officials. Additional experts from the Home Front Command and Israel’s National Emergency Management Authority are expected to join the operation at a later stage.

Israeli personnel will coordinate closely with Venezuelan authorities, providing assistance based on the evolving needs and conditions on the ground.

The humanitarian mission comes as Venezuela continues to grapple with the massive destruction caused by the earthquakes. More than 1,700 people have been confirmed dead, while National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said Monday that at least 22,619 people have been affected by the disaster. Of those, 5,034 were injured, and 189 of the 855 damaged buildings collapsed entirely.

{Matzav.com}

A bitter dispute erupted within Israel’s coalition Monday after legislation to prohibit Red Cross visits to imprisoned Nukhba terrorists was voted down in the Knesset. Shas accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir of violating coalition agreements by forcing the bill to a vote before it had enough support, while Ben Gvir blasted Shas for helping doom the measure.

Following the bill’s defeat, Shas insisted it strongly backed the legislation but argued that Ben Gvir ignored an agreed-upon strategy that would have given it a better chance of passing.

“Shas fully supports the bill to block Red Cross visits to Nukhba terrorists. We suggested to Minister Ben Gvir that the bill be brought forward on Wednesday so that we could vote in favor immediately following the passage of the Basic Law: Torah Study, as agreed upon with the Coalition Chairman. Regrettably, Ben Gvir insisted on bringing it to the floor today. It appears that pulling a political stunt is more important to him than actually passing this vital legislation,” Shas said in a statement.

Ben Gvir forcefully rejected the accusations, maintaining that Monday was the only realistic opportunity to bring the legislation before the Knesset and blaming Shas for delaying the measure the previous week.

“The bill to prevent Red Cross visits to imprisoned terrorists is coming to a vote today after Shas requested to delay it last week. Contrary to Shas’s claims, the bill cannot be brought to a vote on Wednesday due to opposition from the minority bloc – meaning it would subsequently become irrelevant.”

The minister then launched a scathing attack on Shas, accusing the party of undermining Israel’s security interests and reviving political cooperation with Arab lawmakers.

“Regrettably, Shas is choosing to compromise Israel’s security and allow an antisemitic organization to visit Nukhba terrorists, spreading a ‘Sde Teiman-style’ blood libel against our heroic prison guards and the State of Israel. It seems the Deri-Tibi deal is back in full force. A complete disgrace,” Ben Gvir stated.

{Matzav.com}

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is facing intense backlash after a video showing her chanting “Free Palestine” during the city’s Pride Parade on Sunday spread across social media, prompting critics to accuse her of further alienating Toronto’s Jewish community amid a surge in antisemitic incidents.

The footage was widely circulated online, including by Canadian attorney and author Warren Kinsella, who has frequently spoken out against antisemitism.

Here's Olivia Chow, who claims to be the mayor of every person in Toronto, saying "free Palestine."

Jews are a minority in Toronto. They feel unwanted and unsafe.

Chow is one of the reasons why. #topoli pic.twitter.com/jnuBFGEvEQ

— Warren Kinsella (@kinsellawarren) June 29, 2026

“Here’s Olivia Chow, who claims to be the mayor of every person in Toronto, saying ‘free Palestine,'” wrote Kinsella.

“Jews are a minority in Toronto. They feel unwanted and unsafe. Chow is one of the reasons why,” he added.

Canadian journalist Dahlia Kurtz also shared the video, criticizing the mayor’s remarks during the event.

“Mayor Olivia Chow screams ‘Free Palestine’ at Toronto Pride parade.”

“You know, the same two words terrorists have screamed before murdering and butchering their victims,” added Kurtz.

The latest controversy adds to previous criticism of Chow’s handling of issues involving the Jewish community and Israel. Last year, she declined to attend a Jewish community memorial marking the first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 massacre. Chow later attributed her absence to what she described as a “miscommunication,” saying her office never received the invitation by email.

She also drew criticism when she chose not to participate in a City Hall ceremony commemorating Israel’s Independence Day, during which the Israeli flag was to be raised. At the time, Chow argued that attending the event would be “divisive” because of the ongoing war in Gaza.

The controversy comes as Toronto and its surrounding communities continue to experience a sharp increase in antisemitic attacks following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel, with incidents escalating even further in recent months.

In early March, two synagogues in the Toronto area were targeted in separate shootings within hours of one another. Police have since arrested multiple suspects in connection with those attacks.

That same month, Temple Emanu-El in North York was struck by gunfire while congregants were celebrating Purim. No one was injured, although the synagogue sustained damage.

In late April, a man allegedly attempted to force his way into an Orthodox shul in Thornhill, just north of Toronto, assaulting one individual before escaping.

The following day, a rock was thrown through the window of a Toronto Judaica store, marking the third attack on the same business.

{Matzav.com}

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As the arrests of yeshiva bochurim continue to fuel political tensions in Israel, Shas MK Yoav Ben Tzur says he is proud to visit detained bnei Torah in Military Prison 10, insisting they are not fugitives or draft evaders but talmidei yeshiva who have been jailed for their commitment to Torah study.

In an interview with Kikar HaShabbat, Ben Tzur discussed the proposed law to halt the arrests of yeshiva students, the stalled draft law, the proposed Basic Law recognizing Torah study, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s commitments, the decision by the chareidi parties to freeze coalition legislation until Torah-related legislation is advanced, the recent demonstrations and police conduct, and the political landscape following the upcoming elections.

Ben Tzur focused heavily on legislation being promoted by Shas chairman Aryeh Deri that would suspend the arrests of yeshiva students, expressing confidence that Netanyahu intends to move the measure forward.

“I believe Netanyahu,” Ben Tzur said. “I’ll explain why. Anyone with common sense understands that these arrests do not advance military recruitment—they simply throw entire systems into chaos.”

He rejected claims that Netanyahu lacked the political support to pass the draft law, arguing instead that the legislation was ready for a Knesset vote before senior gedolei Torah instructed that it should not be advanced at this time.

“I want to remind everyone,” he said. “Netanyahu never said he lacked a majority for the draft law. It was ready for a vote, but at the last moment the gedolei Torah decided that this was not the right time to pass it. We accept their guidance. In my assessment, had it depended solely on Netanyahu, the draft law would have passed. When Netanyahu truly commits himself to something, he commits.”

Ben Tzur argued that the proposed anti-arrest legislation enjoys broader political support because many lawmakers recognize that the arrests accomplish little.

“Regarding the arrests law, it is easier,” he explained. “People understand that these arrests serve no purpose. They simply create chaos. Even members of the opposition recognize that this is not the right course at this time, so I hope there will be a willingness to pass the law.”

He emphasized, however, that the legislation would only halt the arrests and would not eliminate the sanctions currently imposed on yeshiva students. Addressing those sanctions, he said, would remain a goal for the next Knesset term.

Ben Tzur also expressed confidence that the legislation would survive a challenge before Israel’s High Court of Justice.

“I believe the High Court also understands that the chaos on the roads and the protests resulting from these arrests serve no useful purpose,” he said. “I do not believe the Court will intervene in this law, especially not on the eve of elections.”

Turning to the proposed Basic Law recognizing Torah study, Ben Tzur described it as primarily declarative rather than a mechanism for bypassing the principle of equality.

“The purpose of the law is for the State of Israel to recognize Torah study as a national value,” he said. “That alone is an important step forward. On the basis of that law, we will be able in the future to advance the draft law.”

According to Ben Tzur, the immediate goal is to stop the arrests through Deri’s proposed legislation.

The Shas lawmaker also spoke emotionally about visits he and other chareidi members of the Knesset have made to Military Prison 10, where they meet yeshiva students who have been detained.

“We do not view them as ‘deserters’ or ‘draft dodgers,’” he said. “We view them as talmidei yeshiva who should have been sitting and learning and who were arrested for the ‘crime’ of learning Torah.”

“Anyone who calls them deserters is wrong. These are yeshiva students who were arrested because they chose Torah study. We appreciate these bochurim, and we want to encourage them. These prison visits provide that encouragement.”

Ben Tzur recalled a conversation with one of the detainees.

“One of the bochurim told me it was his second arrest,” he said. “During his first imprisonment he completed Maseches Gittin. These are young men who continue learning diligently even while in prison. We must appreciate them. I am proud to visit someone who was arrested for the ‘crime’ of learning Torah. He deserves the highest respect.”

Ben Tzur also sharply criticized police conduct during recent protests in the chareidi community, describing scenes that he said were deeply disturbing.

“What happened was simply horrific,” he said. “It reminded us of very dark periods in the past. This is how Jews were treated in other countries. If this had happened to Jews in Europe or the United States, we would all have cried out. But when it happens here? It is inconceivable. I cannot understand such cruelty—kicking a bochur in the head while he is lying on the ground, tearing people’s clothing.”

Addressing police officers directly, he added, “My brothers in the police force, I do not understand where this evil comes from. Where does this cruelty come from? Some of you come from our own community. How do you reach such a level of hatred toward bnei Torah? I am deeply astonished, and I hope those responsible will be held accountable.”

Looking ahead to the political landscape after the elections, Ben Tzur predicted that Netanyahu would ultimately secure enough seats to form a governing coalition.

“In my assessment, Netanyahu will ultimately obtain the number of mandates he needs to establish a government,” he said. “If he seeks to form a national unity government, we have supported such governments in the past. Shas has done so before, and if it enables us to work together and restore stability, that is something we can discuss.”

{Matzav.com}

A Knesset committee discussion on the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study erupted into a fiery political confrontation Monday as Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni lashed out at Israel’s legal establishment, clashed with opposition lawmakers, and unexpectedly took aim at Shas during the contentious proceedings.

The explosive exchange came against the backdrop of the ongoing dispute over the military draft of yeshiva students, chareidi legislation, and the crisis surrounding government funding for daycare centers serving chareidi families.

Opening his remarks, Gafni said the chareidi public had been unfairly targeted throughout the current Knesset term.

“What has happened to the chareidi community during this term is simply unbelievable,” he said.

He pointed to the daycare funding crisis, arguing that government policies were harming young families and the broader economy.

“The daycare issue affects children, babies, and mothers who go out to work,” Gafni said. “When you undermine that system, you prevent women from working and damage the economy.”

Gafni then turned his criticism toward the Attorney General’s Office, accusing it of consistently opposing the interests of the chareidi community.

“I could go through issue after issue,” he said. “There is not a single aspect of our lives in which the Attorney General is with us. She is against us. Period. Our lives are in the garbage as far as this is concerned.”

His remarks immediately sparked an uproar in the committee room.

MK Naor Shiri of Yesh Atid fired back, accusing Gafni of being detached from reality.

“Your lives are in the garbage?” Shiri responded. “You’re disconnected. The lives that are in the garbage are those of the reservists and the bereaved families. What you’re saying is absurd.”

Lawmakers repeatedly shouted over one another as the session briefly descended into chaos.

The confrontation reflected the widening divide over legislation concerning yeshiva students and Torah study, with the chareidi parties continuing to insist that their legislative priorities be advanced before they support other coalition initiatives.

Later in the debate, Shiri accused the chareidi education system of ethnic discrimination in admissions to seminaries, prompting Gafni to reject the allegation.

“My granddaughter studies in Bnei Brak,” Gafni said. “Sixty percent of the girls there are from Sephardic backgrounds. I’ve never even made such calculations.”

However, Gafni then unexpectedly directed criticism toward his own coalition partners in Shas.

Referring to schools established for Sephardic families, he remarked, “I don’t really understand. They opened schools for Sephardic communities that follow Sephardic customs—so why don’t they themselves send their children there? But that’s not something I ask.”

The comment was widely interpreted as a pointed jab at Shas supporters and leadership, suggesting that those advocating separate educational institutions often choose not to enroll their own children in them.

The confrontation came amid mounting pressure from the chareidi parties over stalled legislation and an escalating daycare funding crisis. Hundreds of daycare workers face possible layoffs, and dozens of daycare centers in Modi’in Illit and Beitar Illit have warned they may be unable to open for the upcoming school year without an immediate government solution.

The political tensions have also intensified following a recent meeting between Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, Gafni, and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, during which the chareidi leaders reportedly demanded swift advancement of both the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study and legislation aimed at ending the arrests of yeshiva students. Monday’s committee debate underscored the growing strains not only between the chareidi parties and Israel’s legal establishment, but also within the governing coalition itself.

A heated Knesset committee debate over the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study erupted Monday as MK Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism launched a scathing attack on Deputy Attorney General Avital Sompolinsky, accusing the government’s legal establishment of hypocrisy and applying a double standard to legislation supported by the chareidi parties.

“This document is not a legal opinion—it is a document of hypocrisy,” Asher declared. “You’re spitting on us and telling us it’s rain.”

Speaking during a discussion on the proposed Basic Law, which seeks to formally recognize the status of Torah study, Asher sharply criticized the legal opinion submitted by Sompolinsky, arguing that it contained internal contradictions and unfairly dismissed the legislation.

He focused on what he described as inconsistencies in the opinion’s criticism of the bill’s wording.

“The introduction discusses the legislative process, Basic Laws, a constitution, and points to numerous flaws of ambiguity,” Asher said. “It claims it is unclear what the law means and to what it applies.”

Asher argued that such criticism ignored how previous Basic Laws were enacted, particularly those advanced during the judicial era associated with former Supreme Court President Aharon Barak.

He cited Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty and Basic Law: Freedom of Occupation, saying those laws also contained intentionally broad language.

“At that time, these laws were passed without detailed definitions,” he said. “On the contrary, many of the provisions were deliberately left vague in order to achieve broad agreement.”

According to Asher, those landmark Basic Laws passed the Knesset by relatively narrow margins toward the end of a legislative session.

“That was the method then,” he said. “Pass them while leaving them intentionally ambiguous because they dealt with values.”

He then challenged what he viewed as an inconsistency within Sompolinsky’s own legal analysis.

“You write that the difficulty with this Basic Law stems from the gap between its language and its stated purpose,” Asher said. “Then you say there is great ambiguity and it is unclear what it means. Isn’t that the opposite?”

The sharpest exchange came when Asher objected to language in the legal opinion describing Torah and Torah study as part of the Jewish people’s “heritage” and “collective memory.”

Reading from the opinion, he quoted its reference to “Torah and Torah study as part of the heritage of the Jewish people,” along with its reliance on Israel’s Declaration of Independence and the vision of the biblical prophets.

“I will say one thing,” Asher responded. “We did not inherit this land because of collective memory or because of the vision of the prophets. We inherited this land because of explicit verses in the Torah, in which the Holy One, Blessed be He, promised this land to Avraham Avinu.”

He continued by rejecting other historical justifications for Israel’s existence.

“We did not inherit this land solely because of the War of Independence or the IDF, nor because of those who remained in Europe and did not come here. Thanks to them we inherited the land? Enough with this nonsense.”

The remarks prompted immediate protests from other members of the committee.

Asher later clarified what he called the central principle behind the legislation.

“Our right to this land is not based on collective memory or on folklore that we need to preserve,” he said. “Our right comes from the Torah and from Torah study every single day. That is what sustains us here. That is what sustained the Jewish people throughout Europe and during all the persecutions.”

The committee session was repeatedly interrupted by shouting and exchanges among lawmakers, forcing Asher to ask several times to finish his remarks.

“I ask that I not be interrupted,” he said at one point before adding moments later, “May I continue speaking? Thank you very much.”

Committee Chairman Yaakov Asher also reminded participants that numerous organizations were still waiting to present their views before the meeting concluded.

The debate over the proposed Basic Law comes amid the ongoing national dispute over the military draft of yeshiva students. Chareidi lawmakers are seeking to anchor the value and status of Torah study in a Basic Law, while tensions between the chareidi parties and Israel’s legal establishment continue to intensify over issues including yeshiva funding and the treatment of bnei Torah.

{Matzav.com}

A dramatic video that spread rapidly across social media over the weekend appears to show Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello in a heated confrontation with a member of an American search-and-rescue team after Cabello allegedly prevented the group from assisting victims of last week’s catastrophic earthquakes.

Cabello, who is wanted by U.S. authorities on multiple narcotics-related terrorism charges, remains one of the most influential figures in Venezuela’s socialist government and oversees much of the regime’s internal security and enforcement apparatus.

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American search and rescue teams continue to work day and night alongside our partners in Venezuela to save lives, reunite families, and bring hope and support where it’s needed most. pic.twitter.com/sV5AbI8hBs

— Department of State (@StateDept) June 28, 2026

Presidenta (E) Delcy Rodríguez lideró encuentro con brigadas de rescatistas internacionales pic.twitter.com/Z97ND2LXVr

— Miraflores Al Momento (@AlMomento_M) June 28, 2026

In his role as interior minister, Cabello has been deeply involved in the government’s response to the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last Wednesday. The disaster has claimed the lives of at least 1,400 people, while thousands more remain injured or unaccounted for.

The hardest-hit region was the northern state of La Guaira, where most of the nearly 800 buildings that suffered partial or total collapse were located.

According to La Estrella de Panama, footage widely shared online shows Cabello engaged in an argument with a man identified as a member of the U.S. rescue delegation. During the exchange, the American is heard pleading, “There is somebody right over there that we’re trying to help,” while Cabello continues to dispute the situation.

A second video published by the Miami-based outlet El Venezolano TV appears to capture the same incident from another perspective. Near the conclusion of the recording, the American official remarks, “I’m not happy with this situation.”

Venezuelan journalist and Breitbart News contributor Emmanuel Rincón said unnamed sources told him the confrontation lasted several minutes and that Cabello allegedly “even hitting a vehicle” during the dispute.

As of press time, the Venezuelan government has not issued any public statement addressing the viral videos or the reported confrontation.

The incident comes as the government, now headed by “acting President” Delcy Rodríguez, faces mounting criticism over its handling of the earthquake disaster. Critics argue that years of corruption and economic mismanagement have left Venezuela incapable of responding effectively to a catastrophe of this magnitude, forcing residents to conduct rescue efforts with limited equipment and resources.

Even the left-leaning New York Times reported Sunday that Rodríguez has faced accusations of politicizing the disaster response and attempting to use the tragedy for political advantage. Reports published last week alleged that government officials have obstructed civilian-led humanitarian efforts, insisting that only local socialist authorities and members of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) are “authorized” to accept and distribute relief supplies.

State-controlled media have portrayed Rodríguez as leading the country’s emergency response. At the same time, however, the United States, along with several other countries—including El Salvador and Mexico—has dispatched rescue teams and humanitarian assistance to search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings, particularly in La Guaira.

On Saturday evening, Rodríguez reportedly called international search-and-rescue teams away from their operations to attend an official government ceremony.

Venezuelan media reported that Rodríguez acknowledged during the event that rescue personnel were being temporarily pulled from lifesaving work, telling them, “We wanted to briefly step you away from your tasks, which we know are vital, to thank you on behalf of the Venezuelan people. We are in the critical hours for saving lives.”

The ceremony quickly drew criticism from many Venezuelans, who questioned the decision to interrupt rescue operations during the crucial window when survivors are most likely to be found alive.

The region now known as La Guaira was formerly called Vargas until Venezuela’s socialist government renamed it as part of what it described as a decolonization effort, replacing the name that honored José María Vargas, the nation’s first civilian president.

{Matzav.com}

New Jersey lawmakers have restored a $2 million state security grant for Beth Medrash Govoha after the funding was removed from Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget earlier this year, marking a significant victory for the Lakewood Yeshivah.

The final budget package also includes $1 million in municipal aid for Lakewood Township.

The restoration comes after months of concern following the governor’s initial budget proposal, which eliminated the long-standing security allocation for BMG while also reducing funding for the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The proposed cuts drew widespread criticism from community leaders, particularly amid the continuing rise in antisemitic threats targeting Jewish institutions.

The $2 million appropriation will continue supporting security and anti-terrorism measures at Beth Medrash Govoha, one of the world’s largest yeshivos. The funding is administered through New Jersey’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program and is intended to help finance permanent and temporary security personnel, along with other protective measures designed to safeguard institutions considered at heightened risk of terrorist attacks or other acts of violence.

In addition to the BMG funding, lawmakers approved a separate $1 million allocation for Lakewood Township in the final state budget.

The security grant has been included in New Jersey budgets for several years and had previously received bipartisan support. Earlier this year, State Sen. Robert Singer spearheaded efforts to restore the funding, arguing that the security needs of Beth Medrash Govoha have only grown more urgent in light of increasing threats against Jewish schools and institutions.

The restored funding was included as lawmakers finalized New Jersey’s record-setting state budget ahead of the June 30 deadline to avoid a government shutdown.

The Israeli coalition suffered a significant legislative setback Monday after the Knesset rejected a bill that would have barred representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross from visiting imprisoned Hamas Nukhba terrorists and restricted the transfer of information to them.

The bill was defeated in its first reading by a vote of 41 to 36 after the chareidi parties boycotted the vote as part of their ongoing protest over the coalition’s failure to advance legislation they have demanded, including measures related to yeshiva students.

Ahead of the vote, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz appealed to opposition lawmakers not to oppose the legislation, calling it “an extremely important law for Israel’s security.”

“If this law does not pass,” Katz warned, “the Nukhba terrorists will receive assistance.”

Shas officials said they had intended to support the bill but requested that the vote be postponed until Wednesday. They accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir of insisting that the legislation be brought to the floor immediately despite the coalition dispute.

Ben Gvir rejected the criticism, arguing that delaying the vote would have rendered the legislation ineffective. He, in turn, accused Shas of “harming Israel’s security” by refusing to participate.

The bill’s defeat also sparked heated confrontations on the Knesset floor. During one exchange, tensions between MK Ayman Odeh and Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz escalated to the brink of a physical altercation before others intervened.

Under Knesset rules, the bill’s defeat means it cannot be brought back for another vote for six months, dealing a blow to the coalition’s legislative agenda while highlighting the growing rift between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s government and its chareidi coalition partners.

{Matzav.com}

The legal advisers to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee issued a sharply worded opinion Monday opposing proposed legislation that would suspend the arrests of individuals obligated to report for military service, arguing that the bill exceeds its stated purpose and effectively grants immunity to those who refuse to comply with the draft law.

In their legal opinion, committee advisers concluded that the bill, in its current form, “goes beyond its original purpose.”

According to the opinion, the proposal’s stated objective is to recognize the importance of Torah study, but its practical effect would be far broader.

“The only component anchored in the purpose clause is the importance of Torah study, which serves as the basis and justification for regulating the status of yeshiva students,” the opinion states. “This is an ‘amnesty clause’ that seeks to regulate the status of candidates for military service who are currently classified as deserters or draft evaders.”

The legal advisers further argued that the legislation would create a precedent encouraging future draft-age individuals to ignore the law.

“Moreover,” the opinion continues, “the proposed arrangement grants legitimacy to future military service candidates who choose not to comply with the provisions of the Security Service Law, including Sections 3 and 5, and who fail to act in accordance with the law. It thereby provides them with advance immunity and protection from criminal proceedings.”

The opinion concludes that the legislation is not merely intended to temporarily suspend arrests but instead attempts to bypass the need for comprehensive legislation addressing the legal status of yeshiva students.

“Accordingly,” the legal advisers wrote, “the bill does not seek simply to temporarily freeze arrests. Rather, it attempts to create an alternative mechanism designed to eliminate the need for comprehensive legislative arrangements governing the status of yeshiva students.”

The legal opinion comes as chareidi parties continue pressing the coalition to advance legislation that would halt the arrests of yeshiva students while broader negotiations over military service exemptions and the status of Torah study remain unresolved.

Powerful and emotional scenes unfolded in the rehabilitation room of the renowned mekubal, Rav Chizkiyahu Dov HaKohein Kook of Tiveria, as his uncle, Rav Avrohom Yitzchok HaKohein Kook, rosh yeshivah of Yeshivas Meor HaTalmud in Rechovot, paid a deeply moving bikur cholim visit.

Upon entering the room, the rosh yeshivah recited Birkas Kohanim for Rav Dov’s recovery. He then joined those present in singing several ancient, stirring melodies that have been passed down through the distinguished Kook family for generations.

After leaving the room, Rav Avrohom Yitzchok appeared visibly emotional and immediately turned to those attending Rav Dov’s bedside with an urgent request. He pleaded that they never stop learning Torah aloud in his presence.

“Even while I was speaking words of Torah with him, I immediately saw a noticeable change in his facial expression and in his overall medical condition,” the rosh yeshivah said with great emotion.

Rav Kook recounted a story about the Klausenberger Rebbe zt”l. During the Rebbe’s final days, when he was extremely weak, Mishnayos were read aloud to him. At one point, the reader assumed the Rebbe was no longer listening because of his frail condition and briefly stopped reading. The Rebbe immediately struck his hand to signal that the reading should continue.

“The entire occupation and life of Rav Dov is nothing but words of Torah,” the rosh yeshivah explained. “Therefore, if possible, continue reading before him more and more words of Torah and Torah insights.”

During the visit, Rav Kook also met with Rav Moshe Chaim Schneider, one of Rav Dov’s closest talmidim, rosh kollel of Kollel Kalisk in Tiveria, and editor of the widely distributed Torah publication Sifsei Kohein, which disseminates Rav Dov’s Torah teachings to bnei yeshivah.

The rosh yeshivah warmly praised the Torah insights published in the weekly publication and noted that his attendants make sure to bring him each issue so that he can enjoy studying its contents. At Rav Kook’s request, Rav Schneider shared a vort on the week’s parshah that he had heard directly from Rav Dov approximately two years ago.

The teaching centered on the pasuk, “Vayikach Pinchos es haromach b’yado” (“Pinchos took the spear in his hand”). Rav Dov explained that the word romach alludes to ramach—the 248 positive mitzvos. Before Pinchos carried out his act of zealotry, which required decisive action, he first examined himself to ensure that his motives were entirely pure and free of any personal interest, in accordance with the teaching of Chazal, “Tol korah mibein einecha.” Thus, “Vayikach Pinchos es haromach b’yado” teaches that he first took hold of his own ramach mitzvos aseh, ensuring that all 248 of his limbs and all of his deeds were completely pure and solely l’shem Shamayim. Only then did he proceed with his act of kana’us.

The rosh yeshivah expressed great delight with the Torah insight and responded emotionally.

“Through the merit of this wonderful Torah insight that we have just recalled, may there speedily be a complete recovery to the 248 limbs and 365 sinews of our master, Chizkiyahu Dov HaKohein ben Shoshanah, so that he may return to his former strength and continue revealing Torah insights, strengthening Torah, and bringing delight to Klal Yisroel.”

Rav Schneider then reminded the rosh yeshivah of a well-known story involving the Rogatchover Gaon. When the Rogatchover received a letter asking him to support the newly established Agudas Yisroel movement founded by the Chofetz Chaim and the Gerrer Rebbe, he responded with a lengthy teshuvah filled with references that seemed completely unrelated to the subject. One of the gedolei hador later explained that the Rogatchover, upon hearing the word “Agudah,” assumed the inquiry concerned the Torah concept of “agudas eizov” and therefore cited only sources dealing with those halachos. The Gerrer Rebbe, who was a close friend of the Rogatchover, greatly appreciated the explanation and remarked that for such a tzaddik, nothing existed outside the world of Torah.

Rav Avrohom Yitzchok Kook said that the same description perfectly fits Rav Dov Kook, whose mind is occupied by nothing other than Torah and chiddushei Torah.

Before departing, the rosh yeshivah issued a heartfelt appeal to his talmidim and to all of Klal Yisroel, urging that prayers not diminish despite reports of improvement.

“I repeat and say: Do not let up for even one moment. As long as the Rav has not fully recovered and cannot walk and speak like every other person, we must not relax. On the contrary, we must continue tearing open the gates of Heaven day and night with prayer and arouse Divine mercy so that he returns to his former strength, toiling in Torah and serving once again as the pillar of prayer that he has always been.”

Before leaving the rehabilitation center, Rav Kook expressed heartfelt gratitude to the devoted medical staff as well as to the security personnel stationed at the entrance, who have carefully restricted access to immediate family members and Rav Dov’s closest talmidim, thereby helping preserve his strength during his recovery.

The rosh yeshivah then returned to his home at Yeshivas Meor HaTalmud in Rechovot, once again calling upon the public to intensify their tefillos and rachamei Shamayim on behalf of Rav Chizkiyahu Dov HaKohein ben Shoshanah for a complete refuah.

{Matzav.com}

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Monday that Tehran is prepared to uphold its Memorandum of Understanding with the United States, provided Washington follows through on its own obligations, signaling that diplomatic efforts remain alive even after recent military clashes in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Understanding is a two-way matter. If the American side abides by the memorandum, we will also fulfill our commitments,” Pezeshkian wrote in a post on social media.

He went on to say that Iran would answer what he called “unreasonable rhetoric and baseless threats” by relying on “rationality and human dignity in decision-making, and firm and fearless action when necessary.”

Pezeshkian’s comments underscored Tehran’s willingness to continue pursuing diplomacy with the United States despite the exchange of military strikes in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.

The latest hostilities erupted after the United States launched two strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, responding to what it said were Iranian violations of the ceasefire agreement.

On Saturday night, President Donald Trump cautioned that Washington could be compelled to “militarily complete the job” if Iran persisted in breaching the ceasefire.

Despite the tensions, a Trump administration official said Sunday that the United States and Iran “will stand down for now” following the weekend’s exchange of fire near the Strait of Hormuz.

A separate U.S. official also confirmed that American and Iranian representatives are scheduled to meet Tuesday in Doha, Qatar, in an effort to continue negotiations.

Speaking Monday about the upcoming talks, Trump downplayed expectations, suggesting the outcome remains uncertain.

“The meeting in Doha is going to be perhaps important, perhaps not,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, adding, “We’re going to find out.”

Trump also expressed confidence in the military situation while emphasizing that the administration’s primary objective remains preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

“We are winning militarily. It’s almost won militarily, I would say,” stated Trump. And it’s really very simple. It’s the denuclearization of Iran. We don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon, and they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon. And they’ve agreed to that, in all fairness.”

{Matzav.com}

Hundreds of bochurim and avreichim of Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim gathered Monday evening for a special emergency assembly following the recent arrest of one of the yeshiva’s talmidim.

The gathering was held under the direction of the rosh yeshiva, Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel , after consultations with senior gedolei Yisroel regarding the ongoing situation facing bnei yeshiva.

The meeting took place in the Beis Yeshaya Bais Medrash and was led by Rav Shimon Shisha, who addressed the participants about the challenges currently confronting yeshiva students amid the ongoing military draft crisis.

Earlier in the day, the yeshiva notified its talmidim through its internal hotline that an emergency assembly would be held with the participation of the roshei yeshiva.

The gathering came after the cancellation of a large atzeres tefillah that had been scheduled to take place in Yerushalayim. That event was called off following the swift release of the Mir talmid who had been held in Military Prison 10.

According to reports, the decision to organize the now-canceled atzeres tefillah had been made after Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel consulted with Rav Dov Landau and Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch in response to the continued detention of the talmid. Following his release, the rally was canceled, and the yeshiva instead convened Monday night’s emergency gathering to address the situation and provide guidance to its bochurim and avreichim.

Thousands of bnei Torah gathered Monday night in Bnei Brak for a massive protest rally against the arrest and imprisonment of yeshivah bochurim in Israeli military prisons. The event was led by the former Rishon LeTzion, Harav Yitzchok Yosef, and attended by leading gedolei Torah, roshei yeshivah, and community leaders.

The demonstration took place at the intersection of Eshel Avraham and Harav Rabinov Streets, where participants assembled to voice opposition to the ongoing arrests of Torah students.

In his address, Rav Yitzchok Yosef called for greater public action whenever a bochur is arrested.

“If they arrest a bochur from a yeshivah, all the yeshivah bochurim should go demonstrate outside Military Prison 10 for an hour,” he declared.

He also claimed that Sephardic bochurim are disproportionately affected by the arrests.

“95 percent of those arrested are Sephardim. We are a racist country,” the Rishon LeTzion said.

Harav Shabsai Levi, rav of the Ramat Aharon neighborhood and head of the Halichos Moshe institutions, urged participants to protest in a manner consistent with Torah values.

“We must cry and raise a great and bitter outcry, but we must not block roads or do things that are not in the spirit of the Torah,” he said.

At one point during the rally, organizers instructed participants to remove signs carrying anti-state slogans, emphasizing that the gathering was intended to remain focused on the plight of imprisoned Torah students rather than politics.

“Please lower the signs! There is no politics here,” organizers announced over the loudspeakers.

Earlier in the day, senior members of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah—including Harav Moshe Maya, Harav Shlomo Machpud, and the Raavad, Harav Nissim Ben Shimon—issued a public call urging broad participation in the rally.

In their proclamation, issued under the heading “Lech Kenos Es Kol HaYehudim,” the gedolim wrote that the gathering was being held in response to what they described as the severe spiritual crisis facing the Torah world.

“Because of the difficult situation prevailing in our land, and because of the decrees of spiritual destruction threatening the precious bochurim and avreichim, and as our Sages said, ‘One who causes another to sin is worse than one who kills him.'”

The proclamation also condemned the incarceration of Torah students, describing it as a desecration of holiness.

“And because of the disgrace of the holy ones who are imprisoned—precious bochurim and ameilei Torah—in filthy prisons filled with the contamination of worldly desires, at the hands of harsh and cruel authorities, solely because they are learning Torah here in the Holy Land. Woe to the ears that hear such things; woe to the eyes that witness them; woe unto us that this has befallen our generation. Every Jew whose heart is filled with fear of Hashem has an obligation to protest, lest he, chas v’shalom, be held accountable for the sins of the generation.”

The kol korei concluded with a call for every ben Torah and every G-d-fearing Jew to attend the demonstration.

“We hereby call upon all bnei Torah, avreichim and bnei hayeshivos, and every Jew whose heart is filled with fear of Hashem, to come and participate in the massive rally in the streets of the holy city of Bnei Brak, at the intersection of Eshel Avraham and Harav Rabinov Streets, on Monday, the 14th of Tammuz, at 9:30 p.m. It is a sacred obligation for every individual to participate. Let no one be absent.”