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President Donald Trump signaled skepticism toward a newly unveiled peace initiative from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the two leaders prepared to meet Sunday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Speaking to Politico, Trump made clear that he is not yet persuaded by the Ukrainian proposal. “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” Trump said. “We’ll see what he’s got.”

Despite his reservations, Trump expressed confidence that the upcoming discussions would be productive and said he is also looking to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future. “I think it’s going to go good with him,” Trump said to Politico. “I think it’s going to go good with Putin.”

Trump added that he intends to meet with Putin “as much I want.”

Zelenskyy’s latest proposal, described this week, consists of a 20-point framework that would effectively freeze the conflict along its current front lines. The plan would allow Ukraine to redeploy forces from parts of the eastern front while establishing demilitarized buffer zones, according to details provided by the Ukrainian leader.

In recent days, Zelenskyy met with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, a meeting he described as a “good conversation.”

A senior U.S. official told Axios that the talks were “positive and constructive,” adding that the administration has made more progress over the past two weeks than during the previous year of stalled diplomatic efforts.

According to Zelenskyy, his meeting with Trump will also address the future management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the question of territorial control in Donbas, the eastern region claimed by Moscow. The plan further calls for Russia to pull its forces out of a specific area in Donetsk.

Russia, however, has already pushed back strongly. On Friday, Moscow accused Zelenskyy and supportive European Union governments of attempting to derail a U.S.-mediated effort to halt the fighting, signaling opposition to the proposal ahead of the Florida talks.

The Kremlin said foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov held phone discussions with U.S. officials, while Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov sharply criticized Kyiv’s position.

“Our ability to make the final push and reach an agreement will depend on our own work and the political will of the other party, especially in a context where Kyiv and its sponsors — notably within the European Union, who are not in favor of an agreement — have stepped up efforts to torpedo it,” Ryabkov said on Russian TV.

Ryabkov said the proposal developed with Zelenskyy’s involvement “differs radically” from the points previously outlined in recent contacts between U.S. and Russian officials.

“Without an adequate resolution of the problems at the origin of this crisis, it will be quite simply impossible to reach a definitive accord,” he added.

He also insisted that any agreement must “remain within the limits” established by Trump and Putin during their August meeting in Alaska, warning that otherwise “no accord can be reached.”

{Matzav.com}

Concerns over President Donald Trump’s personal safety have resurfaced following a September incident in Washington, DC, where protesters managed to disrupt a public appearance despite the presence of the United States Secret Service, prompting accusations of serious security breakdowns and a lack of government transparency, the NY Post reports.

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, said his organization fears critical details about the incident are being withheld. “I’m just really concerned about the president’s safety,” Fitton told The Post.

Fitton pointed to Trump’s visit to Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, saying the security arrangements there placed the president in unnecessary danger. “He was almost killed twice supposedly under the protection of the Secret Service and then they walked him into a potentially dangerous ambush,” he said of the September incident at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab.

According to Judicial Watch, protesters affiliated with Code Pink were able to position themselves close to Trump after apparently learning about his movements in advance. The group has spent months seeking records that could explain how that information leaked from what should have been tightly controlled planning.

“These people were allowed to get within arm’s length of the sitting president with knives and who knows what else in the restaurant available to them,” Fitton said.

Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker also criticized the handling of the situation, describing it as “an unbelievable security lapse.” He added, “I can’t believe they would let random people sit in that close proximity to them,” and compared the scene to another era, saying, “That’s crazy. That’s like’s like the days when Abraham Lincoln would ride down Pennsylvania Avenue in his coach and buggy with no protection.”

Judicial Watch filed suit on December 18 in Washington, DC federal court, demanding access to records tied to the incident. The lawsuit seeks “all internal emails and text messages among USSS officials in the Presidential Protective Division regarding the presence of Code Pink protestors” at the restaurant, as well as “all emails sent between USSS officials and any email account ending in @codepink.org.”

Court filings allege the government missed a December 9 deadline to release the records under the Freedom of Information Act.

Trump’s dinner on September 9 included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. While none of the protesters were charged with violence, Fitton warned that anyone with foreknowledge of the president’s whereabouts could pose a serious threat.

Video from the restaurant showed members of Trump’s security team speaking into hand-held radios as the disruption unfolded, with Trump himself gesturing toward the protesters as chants erupted, including “Free DC. Free Palestine. Trump is the Hitler of our time!”

The restaurant incident came after two assassination attempts against Trump during the 2024 campaign — one in July in Butler, Pennsylvania, and another in September at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. A subsequent House task force concluded that inexperienced personnel involved in his protection “did not clearly understand the delineation of their responsibilities.” Judicial Watch is also seeking Secret Service records related to those episodes.

Reports at the time said the protesters at Joe’s had more than an hour to make reservations and managed to secure seats directly next to Trump before confronting him, after which they left money on the table and were escorted out.

Security concerns were further heightened by a separate episode at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, where the Secret Service failed to detect a guest who brought a Glock handgun onto the property while the president was present. The weapon was reportedly carried in a bag as agents conducted manual searches.

Responding to that incident, a Secret Service spokesperson said, “The US Secret Service takes the safety and security of our sites very seriously and there are redundant security layers built into every one,” adding that the armed individual was never close to Trump.

The agency also said that all diners at the restaurant were screened before Trump arrived, but it declined to comment on the pending lawsuit.

{Matzav.com}

A Russian court has handed down a lengthy prison sentence to a onetime Foreign Ministry staffer who previously served at a Russian diplomatic mission in the United States, convicting him of passing sensitive material to American intelligence services.

Russia’s Federal Security Service said the Moscow City Court found Arseniy Konovalov guilty of high treason and ordered him to serve 12 years in a high-security penal colony. In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a fine of 100,000 rubles, or about $1,200.

According to the FSB, Konovalov was detained in March 2024 on suspicion of supplying classified information to US intelligence in exchange for payment while stationed at Russia’s Consulate General in Houston between 2014 and 2017.

Russian authorities did not specify the nature of the information Konovalov allegedly passed on or provide details about when the contacts with US officials occurred. Unconfirmed reports in Russian media claimed that he had been recruited by the CIA.

On Friday, state media aired video released by the FSB showing Konovalov’s arrest last year, along with footage of him appearing in court. Until then, Russian law enforcement had not publicly acknowledged his detention or disclosed the accusations against him.

The case was adjudicated by the Moscow City Court, which the FSB said formally concluded the proceedings with the treason conviction and sentence.

{Matzav.com}

A bloc of 21 predominantly Muslim nations, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, issued a coordinated statement condemning Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, warning that the move could destabilize a sensitive region and undermine international norms.

In their declaration, the countries cautioned against what they described as dangerous consequences for regional and global stability, saying the step carries “the serious repercussions of such unprecedented measure[s] on peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and its serious effects on international peace and security as a whole, which also reflects Israel’s full and blatant disregard for international law.”

The statement further argued that the move sets a troubling international precedent, asserting that “the recognition of parts of states constitutes a serious precedent and threatens international peace and security, and violates the cardinal principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

Beyond the Somaliland issue, the countries also rejected any proposals to remove Palestinians from Gaza, pushing back against ideas that have circulated regarding population relocation following the war.

In recent discussions, Somaliland has been mentioned as a possible destination for Gazans who might emigrate from the conflict-ravaged Strip, a notion firmly opposed in the joint declaration.

The statement was backed by countries including Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, and the Palestinian Authority.

Notably absent from the list of signatories were the three countries that normalized relations with Israel in 2020 — the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco — as well as Lebanon and Syria.

{Matzav.com}

Police say six suspects have been arrested in the Bedouin community of Tarabin following a violent incident in the Jewish community of Givat Bar in the Negev. Three of the suspects are accused of setting vehicles on fire. During the attack, masked individuals allegedly cut through the perimeter fence at Givat Bar, entered the community, […]

Google published its annual breakdown of the most searched topics in the United States for 2025, offering a snapshot of a year dominated by political upheaval, shocking events, technological innovation, and viral cultural moments. Topping the list overall was conservative activist Charlie Kirk, whose name generated unprecedented search traffic.

The surge in interest followed Kirk’s death, which propelled the founder of Turning Point USA past searches related to sweeping legislation, international crises, and major entertainment releases, making him the most searched individual of the year.

Kirk was assassinated on September 10 during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the killing, and prosecutors announced plans to pursue the death penalty after filing a capital murder charge.

Legislative and political developments also drove significant online attention. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act ranked second nationwide, becoming a focal point of debate after receiving backing from President Donald Trump. Searches tied to a government shutdown followed closely, reflecting widespread concern as federal operations were disrupted.

Technology and entertainment figured prominently as well. Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters placed fourth on the list, while Labubu, a collectible toy that went viral online, claimed the fifth spot. Apple’s iPhone 17 launch ranked sixth, underscoring sustained public interest in major consumer tech releases.

Emerging technologies and global events filled out the remainder of the top 10. DeepSeek, a rising artificial intelligence platform, ranked seventh. Zohran Mamdani, elected mayor of New York City, placed eighth, followed by the FIFA Club World Cup at No. 9. Searches related to tariffs rounded out the top tier amid renewed debate over trade policy and economic direction.

Beyond the top rankings, Google noted strong search interest throughout the year in topics such as the No Kings protest, the election of a new pope, and renewed attention to the Jeffrey Epstein files, highlighting a year shaped by controversy, cultural flashpoints, and political change.

{Matzav.com}

Italy’s Mount Etna entered a new eruptive phase on December 26, Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) confirmed. Lava fountains rose more than 1,000 feet into the air, with rock fragments thrown several kilometers above the volcano’s summit, the institute said. Authorities have issued a yellow alert, and officials are monitoring any possible […]

Kyiv was the primary target of overnight Russian air attacks, facing an almost 10-hour bombardment that lasted well into the morning At least two people died and 500,000 families were without power at one point.

TRUMP: Tariffs are creating GREAT WEALTH, and unprecedented national security for the USA. trade deficit has been cut by 60% totally unheard of. 4.3 GDP, and going way up. No inflation!!! we are respected as a country again.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in an interview published on Shabbos that Iran is locked in what he described as a comprehensive confrontation with the United States, Israel, and Europe, portraying the struggle as more severe than past conflicts.

“In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel and Europe. They want to bring our country to its knees,” Pezeshkian said in remarks to Iranian state media.

Reflecting on past history, Pezeshkian argued that the current situation is even more complex than the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, saying that the nature of today’s confrontation is far less defined.

“During the war with Iraq, the situation was clear: they fired missiles, and we knew exactly where we were responding. But now, we are being surrounded from every angle,” he said.

Despite that assessment, the Iranian president insisted that Iran emerged militarily stronger following the June conflict with Israel, maintaining that the country’s armed forces are now better prepared for any future confrontation.

“Our beloved military forces are doing their jobs with strength and now, in terms of equipment and manpower, despite all the problems we have, they are stronger than when they attacked. So if they want to attack, they will naturally face a more decisive response,” he said.

Pezeshkian further claimed that the fighting did not weaken Iran internally, asserting instead that national cohesion improved and that government services continued to function throughout the war.

He urged the Iranian public to maintain unity and refrain from internal disputes, warning that Iran’s enemies are actively seeking to exploit domestic divisions.

The 12-day war between Israel and Iran erupted in June after a surprise Israeli strike on strategic Iranian targets. Israel said its campaign against senior military figures, nuclear scientists, uranium enrichment facilities, and the ballistic missile program was aimed at preventing the Islamic Republic from carrying out its stated goal of destroying the Jewish state.

Iranian reports said that Pezeshkian himself narrowly escaped death during the fighting and sustained a leg injury in an Israeli strike.

Turning to domestic challenges, Pezeshkian acknowledged that Iran is under intense economic pressure stemming from sanctions, declining oil revenues, and the effects of war, while emphasizing that safeguarding citizens’ livelihoods remains his government’s top priority.

He said his administration has drafted a 20-point economic plan designed to stabilize the prices of basic goods and provide support for lower-income families, including expanded use of vouchers.

Pezeshkian also stressed the need for sharp reductions in government spending, the adoption of an austere budget, and major efficiency improvements. He highlighted curbing waste in water, electricity, and fuel usage, noting that he personally uses a desk lamp rather than lighting an entire room to save electricity.

According to The New York Times, Pezeshkian has described existing government spending habits as “what crazy people do.”

In separate remarks delivered in speeches and in discussions with university students, Pezeshkian expressed frustration over his limited ability to repair Iran’s struggling economy.

“If someone can do something, by all means go for it,” he told students, according to The New York Times. “I can’t do anything; don’t curse me.”

“Why should I solve [the economic problems]?” he reportedly said to provincial governors and local officials. “You shouldn’t think that the president can make miracles happen.”

Those comments drew criticism from Iranian politicians and media outlets.

Asked about the controversy, Pezeshkian said on Shabbos: “Of course, I have said many times that I cannot do it, but that we can. The country’s problems are not something I can solve alone… but we will overcome these problems.”

{Matzav.com}

New fare gates are now preventing riders from paying once and entering with a second person. Those who try to double up will find the gate slamming shut and the sound of a loud horn.

An Austrian tourist has been rescued after falling six meters down a cliff on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

FBI Director Kash Patel says the J. Edgar Hoover headquarters in D.C. will be “shut down permanently,” with employees moving to the Ronald Reagan Building instead of a new Maryland campus. Maryland officials have sued the Trump administration, alleging $555 million in funding meant for the Maryland project was wrongly diverted after Congress had already […]

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu was preparing to leave for the United States on Sunday morning, ahead of a high-level meeting with President Donald Trump that is expected to take place in Florida at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.

According to Israeli officials, Netanyahu plans to use the meeting to brief Trump on new intelligence indicating that Iran has made significant progress in restoring its ballistic missile program. He is also expected to ask for a “green light” to act militarily should Israel determine that such action is necessary.

The prime minister is also expected to make clear that Israel will not agree to advance to Phase B of the Gaza Strip framework as long as Hamas remains armed and until the body of the final Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili, is returned to Israel for burial. Israel has insisted that any further steps depend on the full disarmament of Hamas.

Beyond the planned meeting with Trump on Monday, Netanyahu’s visit is set to include additional discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as engagements with members of the Jewish community in Miami.

Recent intelligence assessments cited by NBC News reported last week that Israeli officials believe Iran has resumed production capabilities damaged in earlier strikes and is simultaneously rebuilding its air defense systems. Those developments, officials said, are currently viewed as more urgent threats than Iran’s nuclear program.

A separate report last month by Channel 13 News stated that Iran has replenished much of its missile arsenal and is approaching the number of missiles it possessed prior to Operation Rising Lion.

According to that report, roughly six months after the 12-day war last June, Iran has intensified production of surface-to-surface missiles and is expected within months to hold approximately 2,000 missiles capable of striking Israel.

{Matzav.com}

At least 15 people were killed and 19 others injured after a bus plunged into a ravine along the Inter-American Highway in Guatemala.

A group of 21 Arab, Islamic, and African countries, organizations, and entities issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty.

Downtown Hargeisa lit up with the Israeli flag as residents of Somaliland’s capital celebrated Jerusalem’s move to recognize their sovereignty.

Israeli officials were assessing an unusual online message over the weekend after the Iranian hacker collective known as Handala released a cryptic post that appeared to reference Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s upcoming travel plans to the United States, including a planned meeting with President Donald Trump in Florida.

The message, posted today on X, contained an oblique warning aimed directly at Netanyahu and included vivid imagery suggesting surveillance, secrecy, and concealed information traveling alongside him. “As ‘Flight BB Gate’ rises above the clouds, encrypted currents stir quietly among the watchers and the watched,” the group wrote. “Layers of protection tighten as the journey unfolds, but sometimes, secrets take flight too – leaving trails only the most attentive can see. On this day, those who guard the skies may find that the unexpected travels with them, and not every hidden truth remains grounded. And Bibi, it seems you’re carrying some rather interesting souvenirs with you this time.”

The post concluded with a brief but ominous line: “Tik Tok…Tik Tok.”

The warning surfaced amid preparations for a high-level meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, which follows a phone call between the two leaders earlier this month. After that conversation, the Prime Minister’s Office said Trump had invited Netanyahu to meet with him at the White House.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting is slated for December 29, though the White House has not yet issued a formal announcement confirming the date or location.

NBC News reported that the meeting is expected to take place at Mar a Lago, where Netanyahu is reportedly planning to present Trump with various options for potential new strikes against Iran.

{Matzav.com}

A Moscow court sentenced former Foreign Ministry official Arseniy Konovalov to 12 years in a high-security prison for treason, finding he had leaked classified information to U.S. intelligence; he was detained in March 2024.

U.S. cities are on heightened alert for potential terrorist attacks during New Year’s Eve celebrations, while seven countries have canceled or their events altogether citing safety and security concerns.