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The chairman of Israel’s State Employees Union says Tax Authority workers will not resume operations in Bnei Brak despite a meeting between the city’s mayor and the head of the Israel Tax Authority, insisting that employee safety remains unresolved.

Although Bnei Brak Mayor Chanoch Zeibert met Sunday with Israel Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovitch and the two sides later issued a joint statement, the State Employees Union made clear that the meeting has not altered its position.

Speaking with Israeli media, State Employees Union chairman Attorney Ofir Elkalei said the union’s directive barring Tax Authority employees from returning to work in Bnei Brak remains fully in effect.

“The blood of Tax Authority employees is not hefker. A highly publicized meeting with the mayor still does not guarantee the safety of Tax Authority employees,” Elkalei said. “Unfortunately, there has been no discussion whatsoever with the workers’ representatives on this issue, and another attack could happen as soon as tomorrow.”

Elkalei stressed that the union’s policy has not changed.

“Therefore, Tax Authority employees will not return to work in the city of Bnei Brak until we know how their safety will be protected while they are carrying out their duties.”

He added that neither the meeting nor the coordinated announcement issued by the municipality and the Tax Authority affects the union’s decision.

“Aharonovitch can go back to work,” Elkalei concluded, “but the employees are not returning to Bnei Brak.”

{Matzav.com}

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., blasted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday over the mayor’s suggestion that local authorities could attempt to arrest Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu during his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, dismissing the proposal as both unrealistic and outside the mayor’s authority.

Speaking on Fox News, Fetterman ridiculed Mamdani’s remarks, arguing that the mayor has neither the legal power nor the jurisdiction to carry out such an action.

“[He’s] such a tough guy to say that kind of thing. He has no way to do that,” Fetterman said, adding, “America’s not even part of that corrupt court,” referring to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu.

Fetterman went on to urge the mayor to focus on problems facing New York City rather than international affairs.

“He’s just a clown to even say that, so he won’t try that. Just sit down and focus on other… problems that they have in New York. That’s really not your purview. You and I know that. Sit down.”

The senator’s comments came after Mamdani told The New York Times that his administration is examining whether city officials possess the legal authority to detain Netanyahu during the Israeli leader’s expected appearance at the U.N. General Assembly. Mamdani called Netanyahu a “war criminal” and said he “belongs in The Hague.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office fired back Sunday with a sharply worded statement rejecting both the ICC’s authority and Mamdani’s remarks.

“The ICC is a kangaroo court that has no jurisdiction over Americans or Israelis. Its bogus arrest warrant against Prime Minister Netanyahu was issued by a disgraced former ICC Prosecutor, Karim Khan, a few days before allegations of sexual misconduct against him became public. It was a clear attempt by Khan to divert public attention and seek protection from scrutiny.”

The statement also accused Mamdani of attempting to distract from local issues by targeting Israel.

“Instead of backing Khan’s criminal behaviour, Mr. Mamdani should focus on fixing the damage his policies have caused New York. Like Karim Khan, Mamdani appears interested in diverting public attention from his follies and attacking the leader of the Jewish state and the only democracy in the Middle East.”

The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court, and therefore does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction over American citizens or allied nations such as Israel.

Fetterman, who has emerged as one of Israel’s strongest supporters among congressional Democrats, has increasingly found himself at odds with the progressive wing of his party over Middle East policy. During Sunday’s interview, he also reflected on his close friendship with the late Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, praising both his bipartisan approach and unwavering support for Israel. Graham’s sister is now being encouraged to seek the Senate seat he vacated.

“I’m proud to call Senator Graham as a friend. You know, we bonded over our love and devotion to Israel. You know, the Senator, he was working on important, important work. Yeah, he was a great American. It doesn’t mean that he was just a Republican. That doesn’t change that he’s a great American,” said Fetterman.

He continued by praising Graham’s work ethic and willingness to work across party lines.

“If anything, that poor man worked to death. He was always committed to get things done and work together. You know, he was a very bipartisan guy. Yeah, there might be some professional wrestling kind of stuff in public, but in privately, he was always the first guy to cross the bridge and to find a way forward and be very, very agreeable. You know, you can’t fill those shoes without a doubt, but I think it’s also fantastic that his sister now, it seems like she’s going to be able to carry on that legacy.”

Fetterman concluded by warning that if the Democratic Party continues embracing anti-Israel voices, he may ultimately reconsider whether he still belongs in the party.

“That would force me to kind of reevaluate should I remain as a Democrat,” he shared, later adding, “If we became the kind of party that would embrace someone like Hasan Piker, maybe my party doesn’t want like a reasonable commonsense kind of Democrat that reminds people that standing with Israel… used to be part of our core values and one of the reasons why I’ve been I’m proud to be a Democrat.”20

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene sharply criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after he honored two U.S. service members killed in Jordan during Iranian attacks, arguing that describing their deaths as a “sacrifice” was inappropriate and accusing the Trump administration of dragging America into a war on Israel’s behalf.

Hegseth posted a tribute to the fallen troops on X, writing, “Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve.”

Greene reacted angrily, rejecting Hegseth’s characterization of their deaths.

“Sacrifice?? What … are you talking about?? They did not willingly sacrifice themselves. They were killed because of the war you, Trump, and the admin, are waging on behalf of a FOREIGN COUNTRY, Israel,” Greene wrote in a response on X.

“You mean their deaths fuel your bloodlust for a senseless war,” she added.

The Georgia Republican has become increasingly vocal in her criticism of the Trump administration since leaving Congress.

The conflict with Iran has been one of her primary points of disagreement. Greene has repeatedly argued that President Trump campaigned on a promise to avoid new foreign wars. According to The Associated Press, 17 American service members have been killed during the conflict.

Greene has joined other conservative figures, including Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly, in asserting that the administration entered the war with Iran to benefit Israel, an allegation President Trump has rejected.

In another post on X, Greene wrote, “This war was started for Israel and is now all about the Strait of Hormuz and control of oil. And there seems to be no end in sight, with the bombing now including power facilities and desalination plants in Iran and Kuwait. Countless innocent people’s lives will be at risk without power and especially water.”

Vice President JD Vance said he believes some members of the Israeli government oppose the memorandum of understanding reached with Iran that was intended to establish a temporary ceasefire.

“There are some people within their system, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt, who are manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely,” Vance said during an appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast.

“Not toward any objective, but just indefinitely,” he added.

Despite her concerns about outside influences, Greene urged President Trump to bring the conflict to an end, calling the war “evil.”

“This is evil. Most Americans hate our government dragging us into foreign wars and are disgusted we are in another senseless pointless war. Most Americans want our government to be focused on solving problems at home and helping Americans,” Greene added.

“I cannot believe this is where we are after all the America First promises were made in 2024.”

{Matzav.com}

Thousands of Gerer chassidim are expected to gather tonight outside the gates of Military Prison 10 for a massive atzeres tefillah and protest following the arrest of a bochur from Yeshivas Sefas Emes. The demonstration will be led by the Gerer Rebbe, while organizers have issued repeated appeals for participants to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid any confrontation.

The rally is being held in response to the imprisonment of Yisroel Reuven Fine, a bochur from Yeshivas Sefas Emes, who was incarcerated after appearing at the military draft office on three consecutive occasions in an effort to regularize his status.

The gathering is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. with Maariv. The tefillah will be led by longtime Gerer askan Motty Babchik, who is currently observing the year of aveilus following the passing of his father, Rav Ben Zion Babchik zt”l. Following Maariv, the rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Chiddushei HaRim, Rav Meir Flakser, will deliver divrei hisorerus to the assembled crowd.

Ahead of the rally, Reb Itche Meir Tauman, the administrator of the Gerer bais medrash, sent a recorded message to thousands of chassidim, urging them to participate.

“With the help of Siyata DiShmaya, the tzibbur of those who fear the word of Hashem are called to an atzeres tefillah and outcry tomorrow, Monday, Parshas Va’eschanan, at 9:30 p.m. near Prison 10, to protest the humiliation of the Torah and the desecration of Kavod Shomayim,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining order throughout the event.

“It is חובה to obey the instructions of the marshals and under no circumstances to resort to violence. The adults should keep watch over the younger participants. We have promised that we will not enter the courtyards of private homes or damage city property. After the rally, everyone should disperse quietly. Please bring Tehillim and water.”

The organizing committee likewise called on the public to attend, saying the gathering represents “the cry of an entire community” over the imprisonment of bnei yeshiva whose only desire is to devote themselves to Torah learning.

According to organizers, “The rally expresses the outcry of an entire tzibbur over the reality that in Eretz Yisroel, bnei yeshiva whose sole desire is to sit and learn Torah are being imprisoned. We call upon the entire public to participate in this atzeres tefillah and outcry.”

The arrest that prompted the demonstration stems from an unusual series of events involving the young bochur. According to sources within Ger, his original draft appointment was scheduled for last Monday. He reported as instructed but mistakenly went to the draft office in Yerushalayim rather than the office in Haifa where he had been assigned.

Officials in Yerushalayim directed him to Haifa, but by the time he arrived, the office had closed for the day. He was instructed to return the following day.

He returned to the Haifa draft office on Tuesday, but according to those close to him, his processing was not completed and he was once again sent home with instructions to return on Wednesday.

When he appeared for the third consecutive day, military officials informed him that because two days had passed since his original reporting date, he had already been classified as a draft evader. He was immediately arrested and sentenced to 20 days in military prison.

At the same time, Ger is preparing to broaden its campaign against the arrests of bnei yeshiva. During an unusual meeting Sunday between the Gerer Rebbe and Eidah HaChareidis askan Shimon Shisha, the two discussed additional steps that could be taken and the possibility of expanding the protests to other locations.

During that meeting, the Rebbe reportedly instructed that a forceful message be conveyed to military officials.

“We are going to war without gloves.”

According to information obtained by Matzav.com, one of the primary targets being considered for future demonstrations is the Meitav induction unit and military draft offices throughout the country. For now, however, organizers have decided to focus on tonight’s atzeres tefillah outside Prison 10.

Tonight’s gathering will be the second major Ger protest outside Military Prison 10 in approximately one month. The previous rally, also led by the Gerer Rebbe, drew thousands of chassidim, who recited Minchah, said chapters of Tehillim, and cried out over the continued imprisonment of bnei yeshiva.

The demonstration follows last week’s massive protest organized by Sanzer chassidim outside the same military prison after two members of the kehilla were arrested. That rally was likewise led by the Sanzer Rebbe and attended by thousands of chassidim who gathered for tefillah and protest. Following that demonstration, one of the detainees, avreich Avrohom Tzvi Shemerler, was released, while the second detainee remains incarcerated.

{Matzav.com}