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The White House has secured an additional $351.6 million for security-related upgrades, raising fresh questions about whether any of the money could ultimately support President Trump’s controversial ballroom project, which is being planned on the former site of the East Wing.

The funding was authorized Friday by the Office of Management and Budget. According to federal records, $340.8 million was directed to a “Procurement, Construction, and Improvements” account, while another $10.75 million was allocated to an “Operations and Support” account maintained by the Secret Service.

The newly released funds originate from the One Big Beautiful Bill, approved through the budget reconciliation process last July. That legislation provided the Secret Service with $1.7 billion earmarked for staffing, training facilities, technology upgrades, operational programs, retention incentives, and recruitment bonuses.

Whether the latest $351.6 million allocation will be used in any way for the White House ballroom initiative remains uncertain. The project is currently the subject of ongoing legal challenges.

Responding to questions from Fox News Digital, White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the East Wing redevelopment effort is closely linked to presidential protection requirements.

“The East Wing Modernization Project is inextricably tied to the security of the President, the White House grounds and the certain security infrastructure assets”

Ingle noted that security agencies have been involved in planning the facility from the outset.

“The press release announcing the construction of the ballroom highlighted coordination with the White House Military Office and the United States Secret Service regarding design features and planning,” he said. “President Trump and generous American patriots are funding the ballroom to the tune of approximately $400 million, which will be a secure and appropriate venue for Presidents for generations to come.”

He also pointed to recent security concerns as evidence that the project is necessary.

“The events over the weekend and the foiled attack on the historic UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House proves exactly why the East Wing Modernization Project is severely needed for large scale events, which include drone proof structures and drone ports among other critical security enhancements,” Ingle added.

The Secret Service did not immediately respond to requests seeking clarification about the funding.

Trump has described the planned development as far more than a ceremonial event space. According to the president, the ballroom will sit atop an extensive six-story underground complex housing a military hospital, research facilities, conference areas, and advanced systems designed to defend against drone and missile threats.

In remarks delivered in late May, Trump estimated the project’s price tag at roughly $400 million and reiterated that private donors—not taxpayers—would finance the construction.

That claim has been challenged by a report published Tuesday by The Washington Post, which cited a contractor’s estimate placing the total cost at approximately $600 million. According to the report, taxpayers could end up covering more than half of the final bill.

For years, Trump has argued that a White House ballroom would significantly improve security for major presidential events. His argument gained renewed attention after federal authorities announced Sunday that they had disrupted an alleged plan to launch explosive-equipped drones at buildings near the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House.

Construction plans required the demolition of the East Wing in October 2025, a move that sparked legal action from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The organization contended that the administration sidestepped required review procedures and lacked congressional approval for the project.

The legal battle intensified in March when U.S. District Judge Richard Leon concluded that the administration likely exceeded its authority and ordered all above-ground construction activity suspended.

That setback proved temporary. On April 17, a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court put Leon’s ruling on hold, allowing work to continue while the appeal process moves forward.

Security concerns resurfaced only days later when a gunman opened fire at Secret Service personnel stationed at a security checkpoint outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton.

Following the arrest of the suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, Trump and his supporters renewed calls for construction of the ballroom, arguing that a secure White House venue would reduce vulnerabilities associated with off-site events.

Another violent incident occurred on May 23, when a shooting took place outside the White House, prompting Trump to again make the case for the project.

“This event is one month removed from the White House Correspondent’s Dinner shooting, and goes to show how important it is, for all future Presidents, to get, what will be, the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C. The National Security of our Country demands it!” he wrote on Truth Social on May 24.

{Matzav.com}

A prominent activist assisting bnei yeshiva facing draft-related issues is warning bochurim and avreichim not to rely on private attorneys who promise to secure military exemptions for large fees, claiming that some bochurim ultimately end up arrested despite paying thousands of shekels for legal assistance.

Rabbi Ezra Ben Shimon, one of the leaders of the Chayei Olam organization, issued the warning during an interview on Kol Chai Radio’s “Central Edition” program hosted by Avi Mimran.

According to Rabbi Ben Shimon, some attorneys offer what appear to be quick solutions to students seeking to resolve their military status, but the results can be devastating.

“There are lawyers who tell a bochur: Bring me 5,000 or 7,000 shekels and I’ll arrange an exemption for you. In practice, they lead him to report, and then he gets arrested. The bochurim not only paid a deposit, but also found themselves in prison.”

He claimed that a significant number of those currently detained followed legal advice that ultimately resulted in their arrest.

Rabbi Ben Shimon urged students not to take any action without first consulting rabbanim and qualified advisers familiar with the issue.

“Don’t be tempted by promises,” he said. “There are attempts and tactics that simply do not work, and in the end the one who pays the price is the bochur.”

Beyond legal matters, Rabbi Ben Shimon described the support his organization provides to families of detainees, including legal assistance, emotional support, and practical help with daily needs.

As an example, he pointed to the case of an avreich from Ofakim who was recently arrested. He said Chayei Olam volunteers assisted the man’s blind mother, his wife, and his children, helped provide groceries and food, and filed an appeal against the 14-day jail sentence that had been imposed.

“The emotional and physical support for the families falls upon us,” he said. “You cannot leave a wife and children alone. Sometimes you even need to arrange a babysitter so the wife can visit her husband in prison.”

Rabbi Ben Shimon said many families, particularly within the Sephardic community, are increasingly anxious about the situation. He noted that concerns are especially pronounced in peripheral areas and mixed neighborhoods, where families fear the possibility of unexpected encounters with law enforcement.

To address those concerns, he said the organization operates a 24-hour assistance hotline that helps connect parents and students with rabbanim, advisers, and other professionals.

He also revealed that Yeshivas Be’er HaTalmud is considering organizing a major gathering of tefillah and chizuk outside Prison 10, with hundreds of students expected to participate.

“The bochurim need to know that there are people standing behind them and looking out for them,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

Behind the scenes of Israel’s ongoing draft crisis, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has presented Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu with a legislative proposal aimed at stopping the arrests of bnei yeshiva classified as draft evaders, as the government seeks to defuse growing tensions and repeated protests across the country.

According to a report aired Tuesday evening on i24NEWS, Smotrich recently approached Netanyahu with a new framework designed specifically to address the issue of arrests, which have become a flashpoint in the escalating dispute over the military status of Torah students.

The initiative comes after months of arrests involving bochurim who did not report to draft offices in accordance with the directives of leading Torah authorities and were subsequently designated as draft evaders. Those arrests have sparked major demonstrations and clashes in multiple locations throughout Israel.

According to the report by Amiel Yerachi, Smotrich believes the most effective approach is a narrowly tailored legal solution that directly addresses the arrest issue itself. Supporters of the proposal argue that the current situation has generated significant political and social unrest and that a direct remedy is preferable to indirect efforts focused on economic benefits or sanctions.

The proposal reportedly mirrors frameworks that have been discussed publicly in recent days and is part of a broader effort to find a workable solution before the political crisis deepens further.

The move follows reports that Netanyahu has held a series of urgent consultations on the matter. According to i24NEWS, the prime minister instructed Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs to immediately begin coordinating with relevant government officials to advance the process.

At the same time, the issue remains legally complicated. Any proposal affecting the status of bnei yeshiva and draft evaders is expected to face intense scrutiny from the Attorney General’s Office and other legal authorities, making the path forward far from simple.

The framework currently under consideration would reportedly take the form of expedited emergency legislation enacted as a temporary measure. Coalition leaders hope to fast-track the proposal through the legislative process before the anticipated dissolution of the Knesset next month.

Supporters of the initiative argue that passing the temporary measure before new elections are called could immediately halt the ongoing arrests of bochurim who refuse to report for military service and prevent further confrontations on the streets.

Meanwhile, a separate controversy involving the Daycare Law continues to generate friction within the coalition. The legislation has encountered growing resistance from within the government, with Welfare Minister Ofir Sofer reportedly threatening to resign if the measure advances. As a result, the bill has, for now, been removed from the legislative agenda.

{Matzav.com}

The closely guarded agreement between the United States and Iran was made public Wednesday, shedding new light on the terms that ended weeks of speculation about what concessions were included in the accord and whether Tehran received significant economic benefits.

The disclosure came three days after the agreement was formally signed electronically, when a senior U.S. official publicly outlined the contents of the 14-point memorandum of understanding during a conference call with reporters.

According to the official, the agreement commits the United States to immediately end its blockade measures against Iran and suspend sanctions affecting Iranian oil exports while negotiations toward a permanent arrangement continue.

Additional economic rewards for Iran, including the full lifting of broader sanctions, are not scheduled to take effect immediately. Instead, those benefits are being held in reserve and would only be implemented after the parties finalize a comprehensive agreement.

The release of the long-awaited document brings clarity to days of conflicting reports, political spin, and intense debate over the contents of the deal, particularly amid concerns from critics that Iran may have secured overly favorable terms in exchange for its commitments.

1. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and their allies in the current war, by signing this MOU, declare the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and undertake from now on not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other, and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon. The final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and other provisions of this paragraph.
2. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran undertake to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs.
3. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran commit to negotiating and achieving the final deal in maximum 60 days expendable with mutual consent.
4. Immediately upon the signing of this MOU, the United States of America will begin the removal of its naval blockade and any disturbances or impediments against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days. During this period, the traffic of vessels will be in proportion to the numbers of pre-war traffic being restored by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America further undertakes to remove its forces from the proximity of the Islamic Republic of Iran within 30 days after the final deal.
5. 5. Upon the signing of this MOU, Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman, and vice versa, the traffic of commercial vessels will immediately start, and considering the need for removing the technical and military obstacles and demining by the Islamic Republic of Iran will be instated within 30 days. The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialog with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz in discussion with other Persian Gulf or [Gulf] states in line with the applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz.
6. United States of America undertakes with regional partners to develop a definitive, mutually agreed plan with at least USD $300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The mechanism for the implementation of this plan will be finalized as part of a final deal within 60 days. All required licenses, waivers, and permissions needed for the relevant financial transactions will be granted by the United States of America.
7. The United States of America undertakes to terminate all types of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the United Nations Security Council resolutions, i.e. a Board of Governors resolutions, and all unilateral US sanctions, primary and secondary, in an agreed upon schedule as part of the final deal. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America acknowledge the critical importance of the sanctions termination issue above mentioned and expressed their intentions to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them to paragraph eight. Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons. United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran have agreed to resolve the disposition of stockpile enriched material pursuant to a mechanism that will be mutually agreed upon in accordance with the schedule mentioned in paragraph seven, with the minimum methodology to be down blending on site under the supervision of the IAEA.
8. The two parties also agreed to discuss the issue of enrichment and other mutually agreed matters related to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear needs, based on a satisfactory framework being agreed upon in the final deal. The final deal will confirm the provisions of this paragraph. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledge the critical importance of the nuclear issues above mentioned and express their intention to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them.
9. Pending the final deal, the United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran agree to maintain the status quo. The Islamic Republic of Iran will maintain the current status quo of its nuclear program and the United States of America will not impose any new sanctions and will not deploy additional forces in the region.
10. The United States of America undertakes that immediately upon the signing of MOU until the termination of sanctions, US Department of Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and derivatives, and all associated services, including banking transactions, insurances, transportation, etc.
11. The United States of America undertakes to make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Upon the implementation of this MOU, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will mutually agree on the procedures related to the release of these funds during the negotiations. Such funds, whether retained in the original account or transferred, shall be made fully usable for payment to any ultimate beneficiary designed by the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America undertakes to issue all necessary licenses and authorizations accordingly.
12. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran agree that an executive mechanism will be established to monitor the successful implementation of this MOU and the future compliance of the final deal.
13. After signing this MOU, and subject to the beginning of the implementation of paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11 of the MOU, and the continuing implementation of these measures, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will start negotiations regarding the final deal exclusively on the other paragraphs.
14. The final deal will be endorsed by a binding UNSC resolution.

{Matzav.com}

[Photos below.] Thousands of Gerer chassidim gathered Wednesday outside Military Prison No. 10 at Beit Lid for a mass protest against the arrest of yeshivah bochurim and, in particular, the detention of Gerer chassid Yechiel Kotainer, who was taken into custody at a military induction office.

Kotainer had reportedly arrived at the enlistment office to arrange a medical exemption when he was arrested and transferred to Prison No. 10. Despite the fact that his family recently suffered the tragic loss of a son, Rafael Ari a”h, who was killed in a serious accident just a few weeks ago, appeals on his behalf were unsuccessful, and he was incarcerated.

The demonstration was organized on short notice and was led by the Gerrer Rebbe, who made a special trip from Yerushalayim to attend the gathering at the prison gates.

Thousands of participants assembled outside the facility as the protest began with Minchah. The davening was led by Motty Babchik, who is currently observing the year of aveilus following the passing of his father. Following the davening, Tehillim were recited by MK Yitzchak Goldknopf, and words of chizuk and protest were delivered by the prominent Gerer leader, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Denderowitz.

In his remarks, Rabbi Denderowitz declared that the gathering was rooted in the belief that all of Klal Yisrael stood together at Har Sinai, including those who today oppose Torah study.

“We believe that all of Klal Yisrael was present at Matan Torah,” he said. “Even those who are now fighting against us over Torah, their ancestors also stood at Har Sinai, and they too heard the words, ‘Woe to those who insult the Torah.’ We did not come here with violence. We came with tefillos, to ask HaKadosh Baruch Hu that these people also return in teshuvah and stop bringing disgrace upon the Torah.”

Rabbi Denderowitz sharply criticized law enforcement authorities, arguing that their priorities are misplaced.

“There is so much theft and so much destruction in this country,” he said. “The police do not go to such lengths to stop the thieves. But what do they devote all their efforts to? The small sheep. The police found time to concern themselves with those who learn Torah—the small sheep. They say that we are evading a duty imposed upon us. Our bochurim and avreichim are devoted and bound to Torah. We are the ones evading?”

He continued by rejecting accusations that yeshivah students are shirking responsibility.

“We are not evading the first obligation placed upon us,” he said. “Yet all around us are masses of people who have evaded the obligations of Toras Yisrael, of Shabbos observance, and of mitzvos—and they call us draft dodgers. They are the ones evading avodas Hashem.”

Drawing a comparison to the persecution of religious Jews under Communist regimes, Rabbi Denderowitz recounted a story about a rabbi imprisoned during the Soviet era.

“In Communist countries under Lenin and Stalin, people who sat and learned Torah were sent to prison,” he said. “Once, one of the rabbanim was arrested and told, ‘We want a list of everyone working on your behalf to teach Torah.’ The rav replied, ‘I will not give you a list.’ The commander told him, ‘We have dealt with many wise men like you and they all surrendered. Now we will see about you,’ and he pulled out a rifle.

“The rav answered him, ‘Do you know who is afraid of your rifle? Someone who has only one world. We have two worlds—this world and the Next World. We are not afraid of your rifle.’ We strengthen those who have been imprisoned, and we stand beside them.”

Prior to the protest, Ger’s leadership issued instructions to participants urging them not to clash with police officers, to remain patient and orderly, and to avoid entering private property during the demonstration.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the United States and Iran have reached a sweeping agreement aimed at ending the conflict that erupted on February 28, 2026, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and ensuring that Tehran never acquires nuclear weapons. Speaking at the G7 Summit in Evian, Trump hailed the accord as a major diplomatic and economic victory.

“On Sunday, we reached an agreement with Iran that achieves everything we set out to accomplish,” Trump began, “ending the current conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and preventing Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon.”

Trump pointed to the financial markets as evidence of confidence in the agreement, saying investors reacted positively while energy prices declined following the announcement.

“If we didn’t do this deal, we could have dropped bombs for another three weeks, two weeks, four weeks, two years. You would never have the Hormuz Strait open. You would never have success. Your market, instead of going up at levels that no one has ever seen before, would go down at levels that nobody ever saw before,” he said.

The president argued that the agreement was the result of years of pressure and strategic decisions rather than a rushed diplomatic effort.

“This wasn’t a three-month deal. This was years in the making. And you know why? Because I was the one who killed General Soleimani. If I didn’t kill General Soleimani, we probably wouldn’t be talking about this deal right now, because he was a mad genius. They never were able to replace him.”

Trump said discussions with world leaders over the last several days reinforced international support for the accord.

“The past two days have provided a chance to discuss the details of this historic agreement with many of our closest friends and allies, including the G7 nations and many presidents and prime ministers,” he said. “They are thrilled that we made a deal. There’s not one nation that came to us and said, ‘Please, sir, keep dropping bombs on them.’ Stupid people say that.”

Discussing Iran’s postwar leadership, Trump said the officials who emerged after the conflict are more pragmatic than those who previously led the country. He described recent developments as a type of “regime change” and predicted that Iran’s conduct would shift significantly after the heavy losses it sustained.

Trump emphasized that avoiding a severe global economic shock was one of his chief objectives throughout the conflict.

“The one thing I didn’t want to see is economic catastrophe,” he said. “If you kept this going, this could have happened. But all I know is that every time we talked about the possibility of peace, the stock market shot up like a rocket ship.”

Reflecting on the economic consequences of prolonged instability, Trump remarked that “the one President I did not want to be was the late, great Herbert Hoover,” referencing the president associated with the onset of the Great Depression after the 1929 stock market collapse.

Trump also disclosed that Israel had received a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding reached with Iran.

Turning to earlier U.S. policy, Trump sharply criticized the Obama-era nuclear agreement, arguing that it failed to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions and instead enabled them. He also praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as a “very good man” and “an amazing prime minister.”

The president acknowledged occasional disagreements with Netanyahu, particularly concerning Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

“We had a little dispute over Lebanon,” Trump said of his relationship with Netanyahu. “I said, ‘You can do a little softer touch, Bibib. You don’t have to knock down a building every time somebody walks into it that’s from Hezbollah.’ It’s been an amazing partnership. But he will say, we’re the big partner and they’re the very small partner, and that’s true.”

At the same time, Trump suggested Israel could be more aggressive in confronting Hezbollah.

“They could do a much better job on Hezbollah,” Trump said of Israel.

Highlighting what he sees as a key difference between the new agreement and the JCPOA, Trump stressed that the current arrangement includes a strict deadline and the possibility of renewed military action.

“It’s a Memorandum of Understanding. If it doesn’t get done in 60 days, that’s alright – we go back to bombing. I don’t want to do that because it’s so good, but we might have to because we’re never going to let them have a nuclear weapon. But they’ve agreed not to, and you’ll see that very clearly in the agreement.”

The president said immediate negotiations would begin regarding the removal of Iran’s enriched uranium reserves.

“Technical discussions on the removal of all stockpiles of enriched materials will begin immediately.” He added, “And unlike Barack Hussein Obama, who sent Iran pallets of cash, any relief they receive under this deal, they’ll have to get based on merit-and it won’t be from us.”

Trump argued that previous administrations failed to halt Iran’s nuclear progress and claimed that his approach succeeded where others fell short.

“Every administration, for decades, has sought to get Iran to relinquish its nuclear ambitions, but the threat only got bigger… What I’m doing-and what I did-should’ve been done years ago… but it wasn’t,” Trump said. “No President in history has ever been tougher on Iran than I have – and they know that. If they don’t honor the agreement… we’ll probably go back to bombing them until they honor it.”

Concluding his remarks, Trump said the agreement goes further than prior nuclear arrangements by addressing both the development and acquisition of nuclear weapons.

“Iran agreed that they will neither produce nor procure nukes,” he said, contrasting that formulation with previous formulations that only included language on the building of nuclear weapons but would technically allow Iran to purchase nuclear weapons from third parties.

{Matzav.com}

A rare albino water buffalo in Bangladesh has been spared from ritual slaughter and relocated to the national zoo after capturing worldwide attention for a distinctive blond tuft of hair that many people said resembled President Donald Trump’s signature hairstyle.

The unusual animal, which weighs nearly 1,540 pounds, had already been sold ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday and was destined for sacrifice. But after images and videos of the buffalo spread across social media, public fascination grew rapidly, ultimately prompting government intervention.

In Bangladesh, where livestock markets play a major role in holiday preparations, the buffalo became an unlikely celebrity. Nicknamed “Donald Trump” because of its striking blond forelock, the animal quickly transformed from a market-bound farm animal into a national curiosity.

During the days leading up to the holiday, crowds flocked to the farm where the buffalo was being kept. Social media users were captivated by its unusual appearance—a light-colored body, golden hair, and remarkably calm temperament. Before long, the animal had become a viral sensation.

The buffalo’s owner, Ziauddin Merida, said the nickname originated with his younger brother, who noticed what he believed was a humorous resemblance between the buffalo’s hair and Trump’s well-known hairstyle.

According to Merida, the buffalo is notable not only for its appearance but also for its gentle nature. He said the animal requires significant attention, including regular feeding, close care, and frequent bathing.

As public interest intensified, Bangladeshi authorities decided to step in. According to reports from Sky News and Reuters, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered that the buffalo not be sacrificed, directed that the purchaser be reimbursed, and arranged for the animal to be transferred to the National Zoo in Dhaka.

A government official said the decision was made because of security concerns and the extraordinary level of public attention surrounding the case, ensuring that the now-famous buffalo will remain alive as one of the country’s most unusual animal attractions.

MK Meir Porush, chairman of the Shlomei Emunim faction, delivered a fiery warning to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Tuesday, threatening an escalation of protests if authorities continue pursuing the arrest of bnei yeshiva over military draft issues.

Speaking at a gathering of Shlomei Emunim representatives in Beitar Illit, Porush told dozens of local officials from across the country that the chareidi community must prepare for an intensified public campaign against what he described as the persecution of Torah learners.

During his remarks, Porush issued his sharpest warning yet, declaring: “If she does not stop persecuting Torah learners, there will be no choice but to use Ehud Barak’s words and drive her out with sticks and stones.”

The meeting, hosted by Beitar Illit Mayor Meir Rubinstein, focused on organizing broader protest efforts in response to the arrests of bochurim and avreichim. Porush said he had specifically convened the gathering to discuss preparations for demonstrations that would, in his words, “shake the foundations.”

Porush pointed to recent efforts led by Rubinstein and other chareidi municipal leaders to suspend cooperation with police authorities, describing the move as a powerful example of what coordinated action can achieve.

“We recently saw the power of united action,” Porush said. “It echoed from one end of the country to the other, and we saw how quickly it caused senior police officials to stop and reconsider their conduct.”

Despite those developments, Porush made clear that he remains deeply dissatisfied with the current situation.

“Can I tell you that I’m satisfied? Calm? Far, far from it. This disgrace of arresting people for learning Torah is a stain and an accusation against us all,” he said.

Porush told attendees that the community must be prepared for what he described as a difficult and prolonged struggle.

“This is a battle over our existence as a nation of Torah,” he said, adding that the community may ultimately need to sever cooperation with additional government agencies and consider economic measures capable of exerting significant pressure.

Referring to past comments by former Prime Minister Ehud Barak about removing Benjamin Netanyahu “with sticks and stones,” Porush said he viewed those remarks as setting a precedent.

“I want to thank Barak for his honesty,” Porush said. “People always say that what is permitted for them is forbidden for us, but no longer. Once a war was declared against the Torah world, everything that is permitted for them is permitted for us, and if necessary, even more than that.”

Porush acknowledged that he would not have spoken in such terms a year ago, but argued that circumstances have changed dramatically.

“A year ago I would not have dared say such things,” he said. “But today there is no alternative: If the attorney general does not stop persecuting Torah learners, there will be no choice but to use Ehud Barak’s words and drive her out with sticks and stones.”

At the same time, Porush stopped short of calling for immediate action, emphasizing that he was speaking about preparation rather than implementation.

“So I’m not yet telling you to prepare sticks and stones,” he said. “But I brought you here to discuss the fact that we must be ready. We must be prepared to lead protest actions that will shake the foundations.”

Porush also revealed that economic pressure is among the options being discussed and presented to senior Torah leaders.

He pointed to the anti-government protests surrounding judicial reform, arguing that their effectiveness stemmed from a combination of public demonstrations and economic leverage.

“We saw during the judicial reform how the Kaplanists brought the government to its knees through two central tools: the protests in the streets, including at Ben Gurion Airport, and the economy,” he said.

Highlighting the size of Israel’s chareidi population, Porush cited official statistics estimating that nearly 1.45 million chareidim lived in Israel in 2025.

“I repeat that this is a dramatic figure,” he said. “The chareidi public today numbers nearly one and a half million people. That is 14.3 percent of the entire population.”

He then issued another warning directed at officials in the Justice and Finance Ministries.

“I strongly advise our pursuers in the Justice Ministry and the Finance Ministry not to test the economic price of one and a half million people deciding that they have reached their breaking point and are prepared to do whatever is necessary to stop this campaign of persecution against Torah learners,” Porush said.

Toward the end of his speech, Porush compared what he sees as threats from secular activists to Israel’s external security challenges.

“I am chareidi, you are chareidi representatives, and we are concerned about Arab terrorism,” he said. “But we are no less concerned about the Kaplanists led by Ehud Barak and those like him.”

He concluded with a particularly sharp comparison.

“The truth is that they want to beat us with sticks and stones and dismantle the Torah world in Eretz Yisroel,” Porush said. “Chazal teach that causing someone to sin is worse than killing him. The Arabs want to kill our bodies; the Kaplanists and the legal establishment want to kill our souls.”

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact but, Chazal explained, the deed of Zevulun/the Sponsor is considered even greater than that of Yissachar, because without the support of Zevulun, Yissachar would not have had the wherewithal to study Torah undisturbed.”

It is well-known that when it comes to learning Torah, people who sponsor the learning, often do so, not just as a donation. By financially supporting specific Torah scholars, they enter into a binding, written, signed and sealed learning partnership pact whereby the Sponsor (the Zevulun) is deemed by Halacha as if he personally studied the Torah completed by the Scholar (the Yissachar). (See below.) 

Thus, those who support the Talmidei Chachomim at Shas Yiden via a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact merit a portion in every daf of the entire Talmud Bavli and associated texts that they study, and complete the entire cycle in the space of ONE year. Some of the Sponsors opt to continue sponsoring repeat cycles of Shas which accrue to them.

Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden, emphasized: The most mehudar Yissachar-Zevulun pact to support in our times is that offered by Shas Yiden – it comprises the entire Shas, Rashi and Tosfos – all in just one year!

Rav Chaim explained why this pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar. Chazal say that the highest level of learning is when one understands what he is learning b’iyun u’ve’amkus. However, even higher than that is when one remembers b’al peh all what he has learned. I have farhered the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim many times and can attest ZEI KENNEN SHAS (they know Shas)!

YES! YOU CAN MAKE

The Yissachar-Zevulun Pact in Halacha

The Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh De’ah Chapter 246 regarding the efficacy of the Yissachar-Zevulun Sponsorship Pact for the Zevulun (the Sponsor) states clearly:  It is deemed as if he (the one sponsoring the learning) himself learned all the Torah studied under the pact. 

All the learning under the Shas Yiden Yissachar-Zevulun Pact is yours בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in both This World and the World to Come)! Concerning this, the Netziv of Volozhin comments that in Olam Habah, the Zevulun sponsor will sit together with the Gedolei Torah of the past and merit to participate in their discussions and pilpulim on all the Torah learned.

Achieve Almost 7 million Mitzvos in One Year

The Vilna Gaon in Shnos Eliyahu Pe’ah 41 states that one should hold precious every word of Torah that he learns because each word is considered a mitzvah of its own. 

Thus, since in Talmud Bavli, Rashi and Tosfos there are 6,608,891 words, that translates into almost 7 million mitzvos accruing through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden. 

Official Shtar from Shas Yiden

Each Yissachar-Zevulun pact is confirmed by an official contract (shtar) from Shas Yiden specifying the learning of the entire Shas, and is witnessed by talmidei chachomim.

All who wish to enter into a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact for the entire Shas during ONE year should contact Shas Yiden to make arrangements: 718-702-1528.

The opportunity to complete the entire Shas has been a cherished way to honor family members and others as a prized achievement. It has also proven to be a source of comfort for mourners to obtain such a zechus for their dear ones during the year of mourning – a siyum of the entire Shas can be completed on the yahrzeit!

Yissachar-Zevulun Pact –

The legendary visionary and “Father of Yeshivos”, Reb Chaim of Volozhin, was the founder of the famous yeshiva in the town of Volozhin and the beloved talmid of the Vilna Gaon. 

Reb Chaim had an ongoing Yissachar-Zevulun pact with a local shoemaker – a man who was not learned but who dearly valued Torah learning. They had a ‘deal’ whereby the shoemaker would pay the monthly financial support needed for Reb Chaim and his family. For this financial support, the shoemaker would have an equal share in all Reb Chaim’s daily Torah study – both in the mitzvah of Torah study בעוה”ז and that the knowledge of the Torah learned would continue to be his בעוה”ב (in the World to Come).

One day the shoemaker passed away suddenly. During the shiva period, Reb Chaim was facing a perplexing halachic question and researched high and low for a solution. That night the shoemaker appeared to him in a dream and gave him the full solution that he sought. Reb Chaim was amazed and commented, “Azoi gich, Azoi Gich – So quickly, so quickly has he acquired the zchus and knowledge of the Torah that I have studied!”

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden:

“In just ONE year, through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden, you can be zoche to the entire Shas forever – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in olam hazeh and olam habah).

“Moreover, whoever supports Shas Yiden is zocheh to fulfill both Yissachar-Zevulun and support of aniyei (the poor of) Eretz Yisroel in the fullest sense of the word.

“Those who support Shas Yiden will be saved from chevlei (the travails of) Moshiach – spiritually and materially, and will be zoche to have ehrlicher bonim u’vanos yir’eishomayim ”

Maran Hagaon Harav Dov Lando, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Slabodka:

“Who compares to the Shas Yiden? Incredible talmidei chachomim geonim who raised the bar in limud Hashas b’iyun u’v’amkus. Blessed are those who enter a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with them.”

Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Meilech Biederman, shlit”a:

 “Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden – best possible deal, and in just 1 year! 100% partnership! 100% Shas x 5 times! 100% Shisha Sidrei Mishna – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב”

Sanzer Rebbe, shlit”a:

“A first in 2000 years of Jewish history! Until Shas Yiden, never a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim metzuyonim v’geonim know the entire Shas by heart”

Harav Yaakov Hillel, shlit”a:

“Therefore, the great mitzvah to support the efforts [of the Talmidei Chachomim] with generous donations in order that they should continue diligently with their studies to enhance the greatness of the Torah and its glory. 

ShasYiden.com

A major legislative effort aimed at ending the arrests of bnei yeshiva is expected to move forward as early as next week after senior Shas representatives met with Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs to finalize a framework for the proposal.

Former minister Ariel Atias and MK Yinon Azoulay held discussions with Fuchs in recent days in an effort to advance legislation that would stop criminal proceedings against Torah students. According to reports, the meeting concluded with an agreement to begin advancing the measure through the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee next week.

Under the emerging plan, committee chairman MK Boaz Bismuth is expected to convene the committee to begin deliberations on the legislation.

Senior coalition officials say Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has assured supporters of the proposal that it will have sufficient backing within the coalition and can be approved in the coming days. At the same time, some lawmakers remain skeptical, noting that Netanyahu previously pledged support for the so-called Daycare Law before ultimately freezing that legislation.

As previously reported, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri has been leading an intensive effort in recent weeks to stop the arrests of bnei Torah by separating portions of the draft law and advancing temporary transitional provisions through emergency legislation.

Deri’s proposal calls for splitting off part of the draft legislation currently under discussion in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and passing a one-year temporary measure containing the law’s transitional provisions.

Under the framework being advanced by Shas, existing economic sanctions would remain in place, but the criminal enforcement measures that have led to arrests would be suspended.

The proposal would effectively freeze criminal proceedings against Torah students who have found themselves classified as lawbreakers due to the absence of legislation governing their status. Supporters of the plan argue that the current situation was created because there is no active law regulating the issue and because political realities make it unlikely that a comprehensive draft law of any kind can be passed before the next election and the formation of a new government.

Deri is seeking to accomplish this through a procedural split of the existing draft bill, allowing the temporary measure to move directly toward second and third readings rather than requiring an entirely new and lengthy legislative process.

{Matzav.com}

Mosab Hassan Yousef, the former Hamas insider known as the “Green Prince,” launched a sharp public attack on President Donald Trump, accusing him of undermining Israel’s military efforts and then criticizing the Jewish state for the results.

“You cannot sabotage a campaign and then blame Israel for the outcome,” Yousef wrote in response to Trump’s recent criticism of Israel’s operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Yousef is the son of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef and spent roughly a decade working covertly for Israel’s Shin Bet security service. After leaving that role, he converted to Christianity, relocated to the United States, and authored the book Son of Hamas. His nickname, “Green Prince,” reflects both his roots in Hamas’s leadership circles and the movement’s symbolic color. Over the years, he has become one of Hamas’s fiercest critics and a prominent voice on issues involving Gaza and Israel.

In his remarks, Yousef argued that whenever Israel gained significant military momentum—whether in Gaza, Lebanon, or against Iran—Trump stepped in and halted operations at critical moments.

According to Yousef, those interventions prevented Israel from turning battlefield successes into lasting strategic victories.

He singled out Israel’s pager operation against Hezbollah for praise, describing it as “a masterpiece of modern warfare.” He also argued that Israel’s campaign against Iran left the regime reeling after the elimination of senior figures and severe damage to its infrastructure, but claimed the effort was halted before sustained pressure could produce a decisive outcome.

Yousef further asserted that Trump had been advised that defeating Iran would require at least a year of continuous pressure. Instead, he said, the president sought quicker results, altered the original strategy, and transformed what could have become a strategic victory into a strategic setback.

“Now, after signing a humiliating deal that buried the nuclear threat instead of eliminating it, you blame Israel for taking too long and for the way it fought,” Yousef wrote.

He also rejected criticism regarding civilian casualties in Lebanon, arguing that responsibility rests with Hezbollah because the terror group operates from within civilian population centers and uses noncombatants as human shields.

Yousef’s comments came in response to statements Trump made during the G7 summit, where he said Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah had dragged on too long and resulted in excessive loss of life. The president criticized strikes on residential buildings and said Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu should exercise greater restraint in Lebanon.

{Matzav.com}

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett declared that Israel intends to help the Iranian people bring down the Islamic Republic, outlining what he described as a detailed strategy to support future anti-regime uprisings and warning Tehran’s rulers that their days in power are numbered.

In an interview with Babak Itzchaki of the opposition outlet Iran International, Bennett addressed growing concerns among regime opponents that a developing agreement between the United States and Iran could strengthen Tehran’s leadership and prolong its grip on power.

“We will do everything we can to ultimately bring down this terrible regime,” Bennett said. “And I want to say to the Iranian people, to the wonderful Iranian nation: Do not lose hope.”

“The terrible, disconnected, corrupt, and evil regime will fall. You will be free,” he added.

Bennett, who has positioned himself as a leading challenger to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, argued that the international community must be prepared to assist the Iranian people when they next rise up against the regime.

“What we are going to do is make sure that the next time the Iranian people rise up, we will provide them with the tools to win, communications and other tools,” he said. “This rotten regime will fall at some point.”

“Our role is to accelerate that,” Bennett added.

His comments come as many Iranians opposed to the regime have expressed alarm over the expected signing of a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran later this week. Critics fear that the agreement could preserve the current regime and provide relief to a government they accuse of brutally suppressing its own citizens.

The prospect of a deal has heightened concerns among opposition figures that ordinary Iranians have borne the greatest sacrifices while the country’s hardline rulers survived and may now receive political and economic breathing room through diplomacy.

Seeking to address those fears, Bennett said he has developed what he called a comprehensive strategy designed to bring about the collapse of the Islamic Republic.

“I have formulated a complex and detailed plan whose goal is ultimately to bring down this ayatollah regime,” he said.

According to Bennett, the effort would rely on a broad range of methods beyond military action alone. He cited economic pressure, diplomatic initiatives, covert and overt operations, and efforts aimed at empowering the Iranian public.

Bennett also cautioned against embracing the emerging U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding unless it ultimately leads to the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, as well as its regional proxy network.

“This is an interim agreement. It is far from over,” he said.

“We must make sure that the final agreement is a good agreement,” Bennett added. “That it completely dismantles the Iranian nuclear program, the ballistic missile program, and the regional terror program.”

“That will be the ultimate test,” he said. “We cannot ease the sanctions and all the pressure on this terrible regime until that is achieved.”

Drawing a historical comparison, Bennett likened the Islamic Republic to the Soviet Union in its final years, arguing that authoritarian governments can unravel much more quickly than observers expect.

“This regime will fall,” he said. “It is a corrupt, disconnected, and incapable regime, very similar to the Soviet regime of the 1980s.”

“If you had asked me in 1985 whether the regime would fall, who knew? But only four years later, it collapsed,” Bennett added. “My message to the Iranian people is: Hold your heads high. Be proud. Be strong. We care about you.”

He concluded with a direct warning to Iran’s leadership.

“I would say to those leaders, to those ayatollahs: Your time is running out. We are pursuing you. We know exactly who you are. And you will not remain in power for long,” Bennett said. “It may take a little time,” he added. “But your time is up.”

Amid the latest wave of arrests targeting bnei yeshiva under Israel’s military draft policies, a sharply worded and highly unusual public letter from leading Torah authorities was published Wednesday morning on the front page of Hamodia, which devoted its entire cover to the growing campaign against the arrests and to protests scheduled for later in the day outside Prison 10.

The newspaper describes the detained bochurim and avreichim as being held under conditions of emotional distress and persecution that evoke dark chapters of Jewish history.

The letter was drafted at the personal request of the Gerrer Rebbe and carries the signatures of rabbonim from across the Torah world. Among those signing are Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman; Rav Yitzchak Yosef, nosi of Shas’s Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah; the Modzitzer Rebbe; and other leading gedolei Torah.

The full text of the letter reads:

“To our brethren, the Bnei Yisroel, may Hashem grant them life.

“With the intensification of the persecution of the world of Torah and Judaism by the state authorities, who seek, Heaven forbid, to uproot Yavneh and its sages and its batei medrash from among the Jewish people, and who refrain from no means in their efforts to harm those who study Torah and preserve it in purity, including through attacks on their livelihoods, their children, and every aspect of their lives.

“And recently they have gone even further, launching a campaign against the cherished students of our holy Torah, uprooting them from their places of learning and casting them into detention centers solely because of their desire to engage in Torah study and to maintain holiness without foreign influences. The honor of the Torah has been trampled, as ‘This is the statute of the Torah—this is a decree of the Torah,’ while new decrees are enacted to restrict those who learn Torah, and the dwellers of the tents of Torah are made vulnerable. The Name of Heaven is desecrated in a terrible manner when one Jew imprisons another Jew for this ‘offense,’ something not found even among the nations in any country where our Jewish brethren reside.

“We therefore declare the position of our holy Torah according to halachah: There is great reason to fear that Heavenly judgment may rest upon anyone who has a hand or involvement in these persecutions and in the arrests of avreichim and bochurim engaged in Torah study, lest he inherit Gehinnom and lose his share in the World to Come. The Rambam has already ruled (Hilchos Talmud Torah, Chapter 1, Halachah 11): ‘Whoever degrades the sages has no share in the World to Come and is included among those of whom it is said, “For he has despised the word of Hashem.”’ And Chazal warned (Shabbos 119b): ‘Rav Yehudah said in the name of Rav: Whoever degrades Torah scholars has no cure for his affliction… What is the meaning of the verse “Touch not My anointed ones”? These are the schoolchildren. “And do My prophets no harm”—these are the Torah scholars.’

“We are confident in the power of Torah and place our trust in the Giver of the Torah, that the Divine promise will be fulfilled for us: ‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of Hashem, and their righteousness is from Me, says Hashem’ (Yeshayah 54:17).”

The letter is one of the strongest public condemnations issued by senior Torah leaders since the current draft crisis escalated and comes as demonstrations continue over the arrests of bnei Torah across Israel.

{Matzav.com}

The rabbanim and leadership of Yeshivas Ponevezh have issued a stirring letter urging talmidim to intensify their Torah learning on behalf of Ponevezh masmid Rav Chaim Berman, who remains in extremely critical condition at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer.

Rav Berman, regarded as one of the central pillars of the yeshiva for decades, is currently hospitalized while sedated and on a ventilator. In response to his condition, the yeshiva’s roshei yeshiva and rabbanim are calling on students to undertake a special commitment in his merit: adding at least fifteen minutes of learning to each seder.

The letter describes Rav Berman as a singular figure in the Torah world, praising a level of diligence and consistency that the authors say has been unmatched for generations. The rabbanim urge every bochur to strengthen his commitment to Torah study as a source of merit for Rav Berman’s complete recovery.

The letter bears the signatures of Rav Chaim Peretz Berman, Rav Dovid Levy, and yeshiva nosi Rav Eliezer Kahaneman.

Rav Chaim’s condition is reported to be extremely serious. He remains hospitalized at Tel Hashomer, where he is receiving intensive medical care.

The letter states in part:

“Since our master, the true gaon, the righteous foundation of the world, the holy figure Rav Chaim Berman, shlit”a, became ill recently, a great glory has been removed from the house of our lives. He is a living Sefer Torah, an eternal light in our holy yeshiva for more than seventy years, from his youth until this very day.

“And with Hashem’s help, there are medical avenues that can assist in extending his years and enabling him to continue learning Torah and serving Hashem. Our responsibility is to aid him through prayer and the accumulation of merits.

“And since the greatest influence visible to every member of the yeshiva is his extraordinary diligence and exceptional devotion to maintaining the sedarim without interruption, day and night, every learning session and every fixed shiur, and he is unique in this generation in this regard for seventy years, without equal, and perhaps even among previous generations, and now the yeshiva lacks the tremendous merit of having such a righteous person in our midst, whose presence strengthened us constantly, it is incumbent upon each of us to increase our efforts in this area. This will be a tremendous merit for him, that we strengthen ourselves in his avodah so that the continual service not cease, and that the yeshiva continue to be a place of Torah labor and faithful observance of its schedules.

“We ask every member of the yeshiva to accept upon himself to strengthen his observance of time and diligence. Each person should undertake, at the very least, to begin learning fifteen minutes earlier each day during one of the sedarim than he has done until now. In addition, every individual should consider other ways in which he can grow stronger.

“And through this may the verse be fulfilled: ‘He has redeemed my soul in peace, for many were with me.’”

All are asked to daven for Rav Chaim ben Reisha Reizel.

{Matzav.com}

Yanky Deri, the son of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, is expected to be appointed associate chairman of Keren Kayemet L’Yisroel (KKL-JNF), according to a report by Channel 12 News on Tuesday.

As part of the position, Deri is expected to receive an office, a vehicle, and support staff, and will oversee matters related to KKL land holdings.

The appointment is drawing attention in part because a similar role was previously held by Momo Deri, the brother of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri.

Officials in Deri’s office stressed that the position is unpaid and that the appointment is intended to be temporary until a permanent candidate is selected.

In a statement, the office of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri said: “This is an unpaid position. The role was originally intended for former MK Moshe Arbel, but due to a conflict of interest he informed us that he would be unable to accept it. The position remained vacant for many months, and it was therefore decided to appoint Yanky Deri on a temporary basis. Yanky Deri has served for years as a member of the board of the World Zionist Organization, and he will fill the role until a permanent representative is appointed.”

{Matzav.com}

A unique and educational Torah event will take place TODAY, Wednesday, June 17, when the Agudath Israel of America Torah Projects Commission presents a special shiur featuring Rav Amitai Ben David, acclaimed author of Sichas Chulin and a renowned expert in the practical and halachic aspects of shechitah.

The program will begin at 12:00 noon at the TA Kollel of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, in the Mesivta Dining Room, located at 4445 Old Court Road in Pikesville, Maryland, and is expected to attract Daf Yomi participants, bnei Torah, rabbanim, and members of the broader community seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating and practical areas of halachah.

What makes this event especially noteworthy is that the shiur will feature a live shechitah and treifos demonstration, offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness firsthand many of the concepts discussed in Maseches Chulin and related areas of Torah study. Through practical examples and real-life illustrations, participants will gain a clearer appreciation of the intricate halachos governing kosher slaughter and the examination of animals.

Organizers explain that the program is designed not only for Daf Yomi learners studying or reviewing the sugyos of Chulin, but also for anyone interested in understanding the halachic foundations behind the kosher food that appears on Jewish tables every day.

Rav Amitai Ben David has earned widespread recognition for his ability to present complex halachic subjects in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner. His sefer, Sichas Chulin, has become a highly regarded resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of shechitah and treifos.

The shiur, as mentioned, will take place today at the TA Kollel of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, Mesivta Dining Room, 4445 Old Court Road in Pikesville, Maryland, beginning at 12:00 noon.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration is exploring ways to encourage commercial oil tankers to return to the Strait of Hormuz following a tentative understanding with Iran, amid concerns that insurance obstacles could undermine efforts to restore one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

According to a report published Tuesday, administration officials are examining a range of options to reassure shipping companies and insurers as negotiations continue over a broader agreement aimed at ending hostilities between the United States and Iran.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian representatives reportedly reached a memorandum of understanding intended to serve as a framework for a possible end to the conflict. A leaked version of the document contains 14 provisions, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade of Iran, and at least $300 billion in funding earmarked “for the rehabilitation and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Despite those developments, officials recognize that reopening the waterway may prove difficult if shipping companies remain unwilling to send vessels through an area long viewed as a major security risk. At present, insurers are reportedly refusing to cover losses that might occur in the strait.

According to the report, discussions inside the administration have focused heavily on finding ways to persuade insurance providers to resume offering coverage for ships traveling through a narrow corridor where Iran has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to target commercial vessels.

“The discussions so far have centered on ways to convince insurance companies to offer coverage to travel through a narrow waterway in which Iran has successfully attacked vessels,” Politico reported of the internal discussions being pushed by Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

One source familiar with the matter said Trump and Wiles are pressing officials to quickly develop a solution.

“The President and Susie are giving them explicit orders to figure something out,” said one person familiar with the discussions who was granted anonymity to describe private discussions. “With limited exceptions, every transit [through Hormuz] is violating insurance plans. So what can be done to accelerate the insurers to start insuring again?”

Among the ideas reportedly being examined is a program that would allow commercial ships to purchase expedited passage under the protection of the U.S. Navy.

“There is some talk of some expedited escorted passage by paying the U.S. — like putting a VIP pass on your ship,” one person familiar with the discussions told Politico. “The concept is that there could be a fee for expedited clearance, maybe with military escort.”

However, not everyone believes the proposal is intended to become permanent policy. One former administration official suggested the discussion is primarily a strategic move as Trump participates in the G7 summit in France.

According to that former official, the proposal is “all about creating the space for France, Britain, others to move into the Gulf, take responsibility for maritime safety, security, and create an additional deterrence to the Iranians for trying to go back on the deal, use Hormuz as this long-term extortion racket.”

{Matzav.com}

Former Vice President Mike Pence sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s emerging agreement with Iran on Tuesday, arguing that the proposed arrangement raises serious concerns and resembles a policy of appeasement toward a longtime adversary.

Appearing on CNN’s “The Source,” Pence said he supported Trump’s past decisions to take military action against Iran’s leadership but expressed deep skepticism about any agreement that would ease pressure on the regime.

Pence said, “Iran has been at war with the United States, and our cherished ally Israel, for 47 years. And I strongly supported, the president’s decision for the first time in modern history to take the fight directly to the mullahs in Tehran last year. And then again, this year. And I do believe the president has earned some latitude in negotiating an end to hostilities. But I have very real concerns. I look like apparently an awful lot of people on this, I just don’t trust the Iranians. I’ve been quite close to those issues from my time in the White House, many briefings in the Situation Room, as well as my years on the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House. So I’ve been the Iranians, particularly with regard to their nuclear ambition, have essentially a legacy of lies.”

While acknowledging that Trump has earned the right to pursue diplomatic efforts after confronting Iran militarily, Pence cautioned that Tehran’s long record of deception should make any agreement subject to intense scrutiny.

He added, “At least what we’re hearing echo out of this, this potential memorandum of understanding, it smacks of appeasement. I mean, it sounds a bit like what I write about in my book that, the progressive left has long embraced, appeasement against our adversaries like Iran. But there are voices on the populist right that would have us pull back from our role as leader in the free world. I don’t think this is the time to pull back. I don’t think this is a moment for appeasement. And I think, I would urge the president to stand firm on the fundamental elements that Iran has to dismantle and abandon its nuclear program, dismantle its ballistic missile program, renounce the support of terrorist organizations, and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Pence argued that the United States should maintain a hard-line approach toward Iran and insisted that any final agreement must require the regime to permanently end its nuclear ambitions, eliminate its ballistic missile capabilities, stop supporting terrorist groups, and guarantee free passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

{Matzav.com}

The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee moved forward Tuesday with legislation that would withhold certain funds destined for the Palestinian Authority and redirect them toward compensating victims of terrorism, including families affected by the October 7 massacre.

The proposal, which cleared the committee for a first reading, was advanced under the leadership of committee chairman MK Boaz Bismuth and sponsored by MK Moshe Passal. Under the bill, Israel would annually freeze an amount equal to the funds the Palestinian Authority transferred to Gaza during the previous year. The withheld money would then be allocated to compensate victims of terrorism originating from the Gaza Strip.

The hearing opened with testimony from bereaved families whose relatives were murdered in the October 7 attacks. Family members urged lawmakers to approve the measure. Following the public portion of the session, committee members held a closed-door discussion in which representatives of relevant government agencies and ministries presented their assessments.

Ben Zoherman, whose father was killed at the Sha’ar HaNegev Junction during the October 7 assault, described the uncertainty his family continues to face. “I don’t know where the terrorist who murdered my father is today. We know that some of the terrorists operating at that junction returned to Gaza that same day. I don’t know if justice will ever be served, and I don’t know who can be held accountable.”

Zoherman also said that some victims’ families fall outside existing support programs, leaving them feeling abandoned and without sufficient assistance. Galit Shopen, whose brother Ziv Shopen was murdered in Kibbutz Be’eri, voiced support for the legislation, saying, “No amount of money will fill the void Ziv left behind, nor can it restore what we lost. But if there are funds originating from entities that for years encouraged, supported, or rewarded terror-related activities, I believe it is right and just that these funds be channeled to compensate the families of terror victims and aid those harmed by acts of terror.”

Moshe Saville of the OneFamily organization told committee members that his group assists thousands of victims of terrorism and war and believes the legislation addresses a real and pressing need among bereaved families.

“Nothing will bring back those we lost. No amount of money in the world can erase the pain or blur the loss. But it can grant the families a modicum of peace, a bit of stability, and some breathing room amid the harsh reality they live in,” said Saville.

During the deliberations, a representative of the Justice Ministry raised several legal concerns regarding the application of the bill to victims of the October 7 attacks. She explained that existing law already allows the Palestinian Authority to be sued for damages when it can be demonstrated that it transferred funds to an individual who carried out a terrorist attack. According to her, court precedents have established that even a single payment to a terrorist may be sufficient to create the legal connection required for liability.

The ministry representative added that significant legal and factual questions remain regarding the Palestinian Authority’s direct connection to the October 7 massacre and whether any of the attackers had previously received payments from the PA. Based on information currently available, she said, many of the terrorists involved in the attack likely did not receive such payments, making it difficult to establish the legal link necessary to connect the frozen funds to those who participated in the massacre.

{Matzav.com}

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