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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a recent interview with Israeli outlet i24NEWS that Russia is providing Iran with drone technology, as tensions rise following Iranian warnings that Ukraine has become a “legitimate target” due to its support for Israel.

Addressing the threats from Tehran, Zelensky made clear that such messages do not intimidate him or his country.

“We are not afraid of such messages; we have been living with messages like this every day for the past four years,” the president said.

During the interview, Zelensky also discussed the evolution of Iranian drone capabilities, arguing that the weapons being used today are significantly different from those deployed earlier in the war.

“It is impossible to compare the ‘Shahed’ from the beginning of the war to the ‘Shahed’ of today. In 99% of cases, the ‘Shahed’ has been used against Ukrainian civilians,” he said, adding that he is “certain” Russia is supplying Iran with Shahed-type drones.

Zelensky pointed to physical evidence, saying that components recovered from a drone strike in the Middle East indicate Russian involvement in their production.

“We saw several components from one of the ‘Shahed’ drones that struck a country in the Middle East. These were Russian components, so we know the Iranians did not manufacture it,” he said.

In recent days, Iran escalated its rhetoric, warning Ukraine that it has become a legitimate military target because of assistance it has provided to Israel.

Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, wrote on X that Ukraine’s actions have placed it directly in the conflict.

“By providing support to the Israeli regime through drones, the collapsing Ukraine is effectively involved in the war. According to Article 51 of the UN Charter, this has made its entire territory a legitimate target for Iran.”

The warning followed comments earlier in the week from Zelensky, who confirmed that Ukraine had sent interceptor drones, along with teams of experts and operators, to Jordan in order to help defend U.S. bases in the country.

Separately, reports indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu has sought to arrange a conversation with Zelensky regarding potential cooperation between Israel and Ukraine in countering Iranian drone threats.

{Matzav.com}

The director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, announced his resignation Tuesday, citing opposition to the ongoing war with Iran. In a statement posted on X, Kent said he supports the values and foreign policy positions President Donald Trump advanced during his first term but could not support the current conflict. “I cannot in […]

Three individuals turned themselves in to authorities following a brutal daytime attack outside a San Jose restaurant that left two Israeli-American men injured and sparked widespread concern within the community.

Police identified the suspects as Ramon Akoyans, 18, Roma Akoyans, 20, and Bruneil Chamaki, 32. All three surrendered to the San Jose Police Department on Monday, about a week after the alleged assault took place outside Augustine, located in the Santana Row area.

The incident, which occurred in broad daylight and is being investigated as a possible hate crime, was captured on video and quickly spread online. Footage aired by KTVU shows three individuals dressed in black shirts repeatedly striking a person lying on the ground.

“The victims alleged that the suspects used antisemitic language during the altercation,” police said last week.

According to accounts shared by community leaders, the victims were attacked without warning. “While they were waiting for their table, three people came up to them out of nowhere and knocked one of the victims out cold and then three of them jumped on top of the other victim,” Jewish Silicon Valley CEO Daniel Klein told KTVU. Both of the victims are Israeli-American men, and one was reportedly knocked unconscious during the attack.

Authorities acknowledged the public reaction and emphasized their commitment to a careful investigation. “We recognize the community’s concern about this incident and appreciate the patience shown as investigators worked methodically to ensure the case was handled thoroughly and correctly,” the San Jose PD wrote on X. “Those responsible for this violent crime will be held accountable.”

The investigation is ongoing, with San Jose police continuing to coordinate with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office as the case proceeds.

{Matzav.com}

Footage shows the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike targeting basij forces in Tehran.

A ness was captured on security cameras in the beis medrash of Rabbi Nissim Naftali in Rishon Lezion, when a bookcase of Seforim suddenly collapsed. The footage shows an elderly mispallel approaching the bookcase and placing a sefer inside, when suddenly the entire bookcase collapsed toward him. At the last moment, he managed to move […]

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Joe Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned, stating: “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu, in a video statement following the elimination of Ali Larijani and the Basij commander: “We eliminated Ali Larijani and the Basij commander. We are shaking this regime in the hope of giving the Iranian people a chance to remove it. At the same time, we are helping our American friends in the […]

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday that Israel has eliminated senior Iranian figures as part of its ongoing campaign against the regime. “This morning, we eliminated Ali Larijani. Ali Larijani is the boss of the Revolutionary Guards, that group of gangsters that effectively runs Iran,” Netanyahu said, adding that the commander of the Basij was […]

The IDF announced Tuesday that Israeli forces carried out a targeted airstrike near Tehran a day earlier, killing Ali Larijani, a top Iranian national security official who had effectively assumed leadership of the regime’s operations. According to the IDF, the mission was executed by the Israeli Air Force based on detailed intelligence and specialized operational coordination.

Larijani had long been regarded as one of the most experienced and influential figures within Iran’s leadership and maintained a close working relationship with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei over many years.

After Khamenei’s elimination, Larijani emerged as the central authority within the regime, taking charge of its military and strategic efforts against Israel and other countries in the region.

In his capacity, Larijani was responsible for overseeing Iran’s national security apparatus, including coordinating its global activities and maintaining ties with allied elements within the broader regional network.

During the latest wave of unrest inside Iran, Larijani played a leading role in enforcing the regime’s crackdown, directing harsh suppression efforts and personally supervising a deadly campaign against demonstrators.

The IDF stated that his killing is part of a broader campaign that has already resulted in the deaths of numerous high-ranking Iranian officials during Operation Roaring Lion, dealing another significant setback to Tehran’s ability to plan and execute hostile actions against Israel.

He was also deeply involved in shaping Iran’s national security direction, including direct participation in key strategic matters such as the country’s nuclear program.

Following widespread reports of his death, a message appeared on Larijani’s official Telegram account claiming that a statement would soon be released. Shortly afterward, the account posted a handwritten note prepared for a naval funeral, but made no mention of the assassination reports and offered no confirmation that he remains alive.

{Matzav.com}

After a missile fragment struck Rechov Yerushalayim in Bnei Brak, thousands of residents rushed to the scene, creating a massive crowd that quickly became the most striking aspect of the incident. Beyond the physical damage, the overwhelming number of onlookers—far greater than usual—drew widespread attention.

Photos from the area showed clear destruction, but in a city known for its distinct character, it was the surge of curious residents that stood out most. While such gatherings are not uncommon in Bnei Brak, many said this time the scale appeared to break previous records.

To understand the phenomenon, local personalities described reactions that ranged from humor to discomfort. Some noted that the behavior reflects a deeply rooted cultural pattern within the city.

Despite the jokes, observers stressed that Bnei Brak is a city that consistently provokes strong reactions. Its intensity, constant movement, and unpredictability shape how residents respond to unfolding events.

On the ground, however, emergency responders described a far more difficult reality. The sheer volume of people created major obstacles for rescue and medical teams attempting to operate effectively.

Efi Feldman, head of the United Hatzalah branch in Bnei Brak, said the situation quickly became unmanageable as crowds poured into the area.

“When there are no schools or structured frameworks, the situation spirals out of control. Everyone who is outside ends up heading in the same direction. As time passed, the streets became so crowded that we had to use barriers to create controlled zones for medical and emotional care.”

He explained that although the number of injured was relatively small, the emotional toll was severe, particularly for families who lost their homes in an instant.

“Thank God there were only a small number of injuries, but entire families lost their homes in a single moment and had to pack up their lives into bags. When thousands of people are standing around watching you at your most vulnerable moment—it is extremely difficult.”

Feldman urged the public to act with greater responsibility in the future, emphasizing both safety and basic human dignity.

“Beyond the fact that staying in a protected area saves lives, I ask people to think about mutual respect. When someone sees a family being evacuated to a hospital or taken from their destroyed home to temporary housing and just stands there watching—it is a lack of respect. Everyone needs to ask themselves what matters more: their curiosity or ‘love your fellow as yourself.’”

Others pointed to a deeper cultural explanation for the phenomenon. Chilik Rosenberg, who leads guided tours of Bnei Brak for secular visitors, said the answer lies in the community’s intense appreciation for life.

“People in Bnei Brak truly love life. Not everyone in the world experiences life with that kind of intensity. Every event excites them, and they immediately come to experience it fully.”

He added that visitors are often surprised by the city’s nonstop energy, even late at night.

“Secular visitors are surprised to discover that Bnei Brak is the real city that never stops. At midnight, the city is still full and alive. Today, unlike in the past, Tel Aviv is no longer a nonstop city—it’s quiet at night.”

Rosenberg concluded that being a Bnei Brak resident reflects a lifestyle rooted in Torah, vitality, and a deep sense of belonging.

“It means living at the center of things, in a stronghold of identity. It gives children a sense of rootedness and connection.”

{Matzav.com}

At least 366 TSA officers have reportedly resigned over the past month as the dispute over DHS funding continues. The departures come as roughly 50,000 personnel remain on duty without pay amid the ongoing partial government shutdown.

In recent days, troops from the 36th Division began limited, targeted ground operations to strengthen the forward defense zone in southern Lebanon. Operating alongside the 91st Division, forces are working to remove threats and establish an additional security layer for northern Israel. Prior to the operations, the IDF carried out artillery and airstrikes on Hezbollah […]

Following the latest barrage from Iran, shrapnel from an intercepted missile impacted a home in Rishon Lezion. No injuries have been reported.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar: Larijani was under U.S. sanctions with a $10 million prize on his head. We did it for free, anyhow.

Following Israel’s confirmation that Ali Larijani and the Basij commander were killed, Defense Minister Israel Katz said they have “joined Khamenei and other members of the axis of evil in the depths of hell,” adding that he and Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the IDF to continue pursuing the leadership of Iran’s terror regime.

Over the past year, even before the current war with Iran, there were many concrete intelligence warnings about potential attacks on Israeli ambassadors and diplomats, especially in countries with large Muslim immigrant populations. These warnings have soared in recent weeks, forcing a dramatic shift in the daily lives of Israeli ambassadors and diplomats, with some […]

A key Knesset committee on Monday approved moving forward with legislation that would strengthen the authority of the Chief Rabbinate over the Kosel area, advancing the proposal to the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee in preparation for its first reading in the Knesset plenum.

The committee that will now handle the bill is headed by MK Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionism party, who has often worked closely with the chareidi parties on matters relating to religion and state.

The legislation, introduced by MK Avi Maoz of the Noam party, had already passed its initial stage last month. It seeks to address a recent High Court ruling that directed the government to proceed with plans to upgrade the separate area near the Kosel designated for non-Orthodox prayer.

Those plans trace back to an arrangement from roughly a decade ago, during the tenure of then-Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, which proposed the creation of a formalized space for pluralistic prayer at the site. That arrangement has remained largely stalled.

Under the current proposal, final authority over all sections of the Kosel, including the adjacent plaza used by non-Orthodox groups, would be placed in the hands of the two chief rabbis of Israel. The bill would also define any conduct at the site that runs contrary to their directives as a “desecration” of a holy place.

As written, the legislation stipulates that such a violation could carry a penalty of up to seven years in prison.

MK Maoz welcomed the bill’s progress, stating that it brings closer the goal of limiting the involvement of the High Court in matters relating to the Kosel. He said the move would return oversight of the site “to its natural and proper place, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, and will safeguard the sanctity of the remnant of our Holy Temple.”

The advancement of the bill, of course, prompted sharp criticism from leaders of Reform and other non-Orthodox movements, who argued that the legislation marginalizes large segments of world Jewry.

The radical, trouble-making group Women of the Wall, which advocates for expanded prayer rights at the site, also voiced strong opposition. “You have to rub your eyes in disbelief,” the organization said in a statement.

The bill had previously passed its preliminary reading in the Knesset by a vote of 56–47.

{Matzav.com}

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has flatly rejected overtures to de-escalate the growing conflict with the United States, signaling that Tehran is preparing for a prolonged and potentially more dangerous phase of confrontation. According to a senior Iranian official who spoke on condition of anonymity, multiple proposals aimed at reducing tensions — including ceasefire […]

North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un issued a stark warning over the weekend, declaring that the United States and South Korea would soon grasp the “destructive power of tactical nuclear weapon” [sic] following a major rocket test, according to state-run media.

Official outlets in Pyongyang released images from the launch, showing Kim observing the exercise alongside his young daughter, Ju-ae, who is believed to be around 12 years old. In recent months, Kim has repeatedly brought her to high-profile events, including a recent visit to a weapons facility. Intelligence officials in South Korea have assessed that she is being positioned as a future leader of the regime, where the ruling family is treated with near-religious reverence.

While the photographs highlighted the presence of Kim’s daughter, the written report from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) focused instead on the weaponry involved and the purpose of the test.

“The drill involved twelve 600mm-calibre ultra-precision multiple rocket launchers and two artillery companies,” KCNA explained, noting that the launch occurred on Saturday. Another government-controlled publication, Rodong Sinmun, reported that the rockets struck a target island in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) with what it described as “100 percent” accuracy. Kim indicated that the system is capable of delivering nuclear warheads.

“He said that the drill would expose the forces hostile to the DPRK, the enemies within the 420-km [about 260 miles] striking range, to uneasiness,” KCNA paraphrased Kim as saying, “making a signaling wave stronger than the aimed, and give them a deep understanding of the destructive power of tactical nuclear weapon.”

Kim characterized the weapon used in the test as both highly lethal and technologically advanced, calling it among the most sophisticated systems of its kind globally. He also signaled that similar exercises would continue on a regular basis.

“As I have already stated, our powerful attacking capability is, in effect, for defending ourselves,” Kim was quoted as saying. “It is because the most powerful attacking capability precisely means a reliable defense capability. It is, in the true sense of the word, a means of deterring war.”

He further warned that American and South Korean military facilities located within the system’s range would be unable to withstand such strikes. Analysts in South Korea echoed those concerns, pointing to the potential threat posed by the weapon system.

“It openly signals that major U.S. military air bases in South Korea, including those in Pyeongtaek, Osan, and Gunsan, fall within the strike range,” researcher Hong Min told the newspaper. “It also showcases North Korea’s ability to conduct ‘tactical nuclear saturation’ strikes to counter the combined air power of South Korea and the United States.”

Observers believe the latest demonstration is partially tied to broader global tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, which began on February 28 when President Donald Trump announced Operation Epic Fury. That campaign has resulted in the deaths of numerous senior Iranian figures, including “supreme leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and has significantly weakened Iran’s military posture. Although North Koreans are barred from accessing independent news sources, state media has covered developments in Iran, a longtime ally of Pyongyang, and recently issued a statement recognizing Mojtaba Khamenei as the new “supreme leader.”

“Regarding the recent official announcement that the Iranian Assembly of Experts has elected a new leader of the Islamic Revolution, we respect the right and choice of the Iranian people to elect their Supreme Leader,” the Foreign Ministry said.

Though Kim did not explicitly reference Iran during the rocket launch, he stressed the importance of convincing adversaries that any attack on North Korea would carry an unacceptable cost.

At the same time, there are indications of possible diplomatic movement. President Donald Trump reportedly reached out to South Korean officials last week, expressing interest in renewing dialogue with Kim. The two leaders previously met multiple times, including historic encounters that marked the first visit by a sitting American president to North Korea. After the conclusion of Trump’s term, Kim even sent a message of support following an assassination attempt against Trump in 2024.

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who met with Trump at the White House on Friday, said the topic of North Korea featured prominently in their discussions.

“I maintain a good relationship with Kim Jong-un. I am curious whether the chairman wants to engage in dialogue with the U.S. or with me,” Kim Min-seok said that Trump told him during the meeting, which reportedly included in-depth discussions on North Korea.

The prime minister said he encouraged continued engagement, emphasizing the value of maintaining open lines of communication.

“I maintain a good relationship with Kim Jong-un. I am curious whether the chairman wants to engage in dialogue with the U.S. or with me,” Kim Min-seok said that Trump told him during the meeting, which reportedly included in-depth discussions on North Korea.

He added that South Korea’s leadership views Trump as uniquely positioned to advance peace efforts on the peninsula.

“the only leader and peacemaker who can resolve the Korean Peninsula issue is President Trump.”

Trump’s interest in diplomacy comes as he weighs a potential visit to China in the coming weeks. Reports have suggested a possible trip to Beijing between March 31 and April 2, though Chinese officials have not confirmed any such plans. On Sunday, Trump indicated that the visit could be postponed, citing frustration over China’s lack of action in addressing Iran’s threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later downplayed those concerns, saying any change in schedule would not be tied to geopolitical demands.

“if the meetings are delayed, it wouldn’t be delayed because the president demanded that China police the Strait of Hormuz.”

“If the meeting, for some reason, is rescheduled, it would be rescheduled because of logistics,” he added.

China’s Foreign Ministry did not directly respond to Trump’s remarks during its regular briefing on Monday. However, officials addressed questions about whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio—who is under Chinese sanctions—would be permitted to join the trip.

“The sanctions target Mr. Rubio’s words and deeds when he served as a U.S. senator concerning China,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, indicating that Beijing would not prevent Rubio from entering the country.

{Matzav.com}