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United Torah Judaism is considering the extraordinary possibility of recommending Gadi Eisenkot to form Israel’s next government, a move that could represent a dramatic break with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and potentially reshape the country’s political alliances following last week’s elections.

According to a report Sunday evening by Emess, the possibility of formally endorsing Eisenkot was raised during a meeting of senior United Torah Judaism lawmakers, although no decision was reached. For now, the party is reportedly leaning toward declining to recommend any candidate when President Isaac Herzog begins consultations with the Knesset factions on Wednesday, November 4.

The discussions mark a significant development for a party that has spent years aligned with Netanyahu and the right-wing bloc. With Netanyahu unable to secure a clear parliamentary majority, United Torah Judaism is examining whether alternative political arrangements could better serve the interests of the chareidi community, particularly regarding military conscription and the status of yeshiva students.

The meeting brought together United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yaakov Asher, Agudas Yisroel chairman MK Yitzchok Goldknopf and MK Meir Porush. The three reviewed the election results and discussed the options available to their party as negotiations begin over the formation of Israel’s next government.

Among the scenarios considered was an active recommendation that Herzog assign Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, the task of forming a coalition.

However, the participants reportedly expressed concern that such a move could ultimately fail to produce a viable government and lead to another round of elections. They also discussed the possibility of a backlash among chareidi voters, many of whom identify politically with Israel’s right-wing camp and would strongly oppose an alliance with parties traditionally associated with the left.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the lawmakers agreed that each would consult his respective rabbinic leadership before any final decision is made.

The three are expected to reconvene toward the end of the week, after receiving instructions from the gedolei Torah and admorim who guide the party’s political decisions.

The discussions follow reports that Rav Dov Landau instructed Degel HaTorah representatives to explore possible negotiations with the opposition bloc, emphasizing that the party’s primary responsibility is to protect the interests of the Torah world rather than remain permanently attached to a particular political alliance.

Goldknopf also made clear Sunday that United Torah Judaism is not automatically committed to Netanyahu or any other candidate.

“We are not in anyone’s bloc; we demand a draft law without sanctions or quotas. That is the demand of the rabbonim, and we will not compromise on it. That is the condition for any negotiations with any bloc,” Goldknopf told Kikar HaShabbat, in remarks translated from Hebrew.

The possibility of cooperation with Eisenkot has generated considerable controversy because of the opposition bloc’s longstanding support for expanding military conscription among the chareidi population.

For United Torah Judaism, securing legislation that would protect yeshiva students from military service has become the central condition for participating in any future coalition.

The party’s willingness to consider other political partners reflects growing frustration over the failure to resolve the draft issue during Netanyahu’s tenure, despite years of cooperation between the prime minister and the chareidi factions.

Likud responded Sunday night with a sharply worded statement attacking Eisenkot and his political allies, accusing them of abandoning their previous commitments in their pursuit of power.

“Eisenkot and his partners are trampling on the trust of Israeli citizens. They are violating all their promises regarding cooperation with parties that support terrorism, and are working to establish a government with them,” Likud declared, in a statement translated from Hebrew.

The party went on to accuse Eisenkot’s bloc of reversing its position on chareidi military conscription after years of harsh criticism directed at the chareidi community.

“And in the height of contempt, after four years of unrestrained attacks against the chareidi public, they are abandoning the conscription of chareidim out of a lust for power. This must not be allowed to happen,” the Likud statement continued.

The response reflects mounting concern within Netanyahu’s party that United Torah Judaism could become a decisive factor in determining whether the next government is led by Netanyahu or Eisenkot.

Although the chareidi party has not committed to joining an alternative coalition, even a decision to withhold its recommendation from Netanyahu could complicate his efforts to secure the presidential mandate.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders have been conducting a series of meetings in an effort to establish a common strategy following the elections.

Eisenkot has reportedly held discussions with Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid and Avigdor Lieberman, while other opposition figures have been examining possible parliamentary arrangements involving additional factions.

The negotiations also include efforts to secure control of the Knesset speakership, a position that could provide the opposition with significant influence over legislation and parliamentary proceedings even before a new government is formed.

For the chareidi parties, however, the overriding issue remains whether a prospective prime minister can deliver an acceptable arrangement concerning the military draft.

United Torah Judaism’s leaders have indicated that their final position will be determined by the instructions of their rabbinic leadership, rather than by commitments to Netanyahu or Eisenkot.

President Herzog is scheduled to begin consultations with the newly elected Knesset factions on Wednesday, November 4, when party representatives will be asked to recommend a candidate to form the government.

With United Torah Judaism still weighing its options, the possibility of an Eisenkot endorsement has introduced a new element of uncertainty into Israel’s coalition negotiations, while Likud has made clear that it intends to fight any political realignment that could deprive Netanyahu of another term as prime minister.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Moshe Maya, the senior member of Shas’s Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, issued a furious denial Sunday night of reports claiming that he was prepared to support coalition negotiations with Gadi Eisenkot, declaring that he had not spoken to anyone about the formation of Israel’s next government since Tuesday’s elections and accusing those responsible for the reports of fabricating statements in his name.

The sharp denial comes amid growing speculation that Israel’s chareidi parties may reconsider their longstanding alliance with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu following the election results, with United Torah Judaism already signaling that it is not automatically committed to supporting him for another term.

Speaking to members of his family, Rav Maya categorically rejected reports suggesting that he had endorsed opening discussions with Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, or had expressed any position concerning a possible coalition agreement with the opposition bloc.

“Not a single person spoke to me about Gadi Eisenkot. I have not spoken to anyone about the government since the results were announced on Tuesday. They are inventing things in my name and publishing lies. I strongly object to anyone writing things in my name. This is an outright lie. There has never been anything like this, where people fabricate lies in my name,” Rav Maya declared, in remarks translated from Hebrew.

His comments were prompted by reports in certain Israeli media outlets claiming that the senior Shas rabbinic leader had expressed openness to coalition negotiations with Eisenkot.

The reports attributed to Rav Maya the statement, “There is no reason to rule out holding coalition negotiations with Eisenkot.”

That purported position attracted considerable attention because it suggested that a leading member of Shas’s rabbinic leadership was prepared to consider political cooperation with parties outside Netanyahu’s traditional right-wing and religious coalition.

Rav Maya’s response, however, left no ambiguity about his rejection of the statements attributed to him. He insisted that he had neither discussed Eisenkot nor participated in any conversations about the next government since the election results became known.

The controversy erupted as Shas and United Torah Judaism face significant decisions concerning their political future following an election in which Netanyahu failed to secure a clear 61-seat majority.

United Torah Judaism officials have already begun exploring whether cooperation with alternative political blocs could produce a more favorable arrangement regarding the status of yeshiva students and military conscription.

Rav Dov Landau reportedly instructed Degel HaTorah representatives to examine the possibility of discussions with the opposition bloc, while Agudas Yisroel chairman MK Yitzchok Goldknopf declared that his party does not belong to any particular political camp.

Shas, meanwhile, has not publicly announced a comparable change in its political alignment, and its leadership has yet to clarify whether it intends to recommend Netanyahu during the upcoming consultations with President Isaac Herzog.

The party is also dealing with the consequences of its disappointing election performance, with reports suggesting that chairman Aryeh Deri is considering changes within the party’s parliamentary leadership.

At the center of the coalition discussions is the unresolved military draft issue, which has dominated chareidi political negotiations and created considerable friction between the religious parties and Netanyahu’s government.

The inability to secure legislation protecting the status of yeshiva students has prompted some chareidi political figures to question whether their parties should continue supporting Netanyahu without obtaining firm commitments on the issue.

{Matzav.com}

The rebbi of the newlywed chosson arrested by Israeli military police during his Sheva Brachos has revealed disturbing details about the efforts to apprehend his talmid, including a late-night raid involving approximately 12 military police officers and an alleged attempt to lure the young man out of hiding with a message about a package awaiting him.

Rav Dovid Salti, who has guided the arrested chosson, Yaari (Aryeh) Lieberman, for the past six years, described the arrest as a devastating blow to the young couple and condemned the military authorities for taking the chosson into custody during what should have been one of the happiest weeks of his life.

Speaking to Avi Mimran on Kol Chai radio’s central news broadcast Sunday evening, Rav Salti called the arrest a violation of every acceptable boundary and described the emotional toll of watching a young man he had personally guided through his return to Yiddishkeit, his years in yeshiva and his preparations for marriage being taken away during his wedding celebrations.

“I have been accompanying the chosson, Aryeh, closely for six years, from the moment he began his journey of returning to religious observance, through the preparatory Torah program, his transition to Yeshivas Ohr Hachaim under Rav Reuven Elbaz, and all the way to the guidance leading up to his wedding and shidduch,” Rav Salti said.

“This is a bochur who is connected to me on a daily basis, on Shabbos and Yom Tov. To see him taken into custody in the middle of his Sheva Brachos is crossing every red line and is an enormous source of pain.”

The arrest has ignited outrage across segments of Israel’s Torah community, with rabbonim, askanim and yeshiva students mobilizing in protest over the military’s treatment of a newly married ben Torah.

Rav Salti revealed that the arrest was the culmination of a series of attempts to locate and detain Aryeh in the weeks leading up to his wedding.

“Already two and a half weeks ago, late at night, approximately 12 military police officers entered the family’s home,” Rav Salti recounted.

“At that time, the family was already in a state of anxiety because of the grandfather’s serious medical condition, and the arrival of the forces caused tremendous panic.”

According to Rav Salti, news of the military police operation quickly spread through the neighborhood, prompting an immediate public response.

“That night, a spontaneous protest involving hundreds of people formed in the neighborhood, and the arrest was prevented,” he said.

But the failed operation did not bring an end to the military’s efforts to apprehend the chosson. Instead, Rav Salti said, Aryeh found himself unable to return home in the days before his wedding, fearing that military police would again attempt to arrest him.

“From that incident until his wedding, Aryeh could not return home and was forced to live in exile, learning in yeshiva while constantly afraid,” Rav Salti explained.

The rebbi also alleged that military authorities attempted to employ deceptive tactics to draw Aryeh out of his place of refuge.

“Later, they even tried to lure him outside through a trick involving a notification about a package waiting for him,” he said.

Despite those earlier attempts, Aryeh proceeded with his wedding, only to be arrested during the subsequent days of Sheva Brachos.

The circumstances of the arrest have provoked particular anger because of the disruption to the newlyweds’ first days of marriage.

According to earlier reports, the chosson was detained in the presence of his kallah, who was left deeply shaken by the incident. Her mother subsequently described the young woman’s distress, saying that she had been unable to stop crying.

The military authorities have reportedly sentenced the chosson to 20 days in military detention over his failure to report for military service.

{Matzav.com}

Shas MK Yinon Azulai unleashed a blistering attack on the Israeli military Sunday over the arrest of a newlywed yeshiva bochur during his Sheva Brachos, accusing military authorities of deliberately humiliating the young couple and questioning whether the arrest was motivated by political considerations rather than legitimate military needs.

Speaking to Avi Mimran on Kol Chai radio’s central news broadcast, Azulai demanded to know why military police could not have waited several days before arresting the chosson, who was detained in front of his new wife as the couple traveled to a Sheva Brachos celebration.

“Here you have a chosson, in the middle of his Sheva Brachos. They wait for him as he gets off the bus, they pounce on him, and he was still holding his belongings,” Azulai said.

“If you’re following him, then follow him for another two days, another three days. What are you trying to prove? Are you trying to show off your ego?”

The arrest, which resulted in a 20-day military detention sentence, has generated widespread anger in the chareidi community and prompted efforts by Shas and United Torah Judaism lawmakers to secure the chosson’s immediate release.

The young man, a baal teshuvah who became a dedicated yeshiva student after returning to religious observance, was apprehended by military police shortly after stepping off a bus with his kallah. The couple had been traveling to a Sheva Brachos scheduled for that evening.

Azulai said the military’s decision to arrest the young man at that particular moment demonstrated an extraordinary lack of judgment and sensitivity.

“Where is your judgment? What do you want? To be part of the political game?” he demanded.

“Do you want to create even more division and discord?”

The Shas lawmaker stressed that the chosson was a genuine ben Torah whose commitment to learning was beyond question.

“This is a real bochur, sitting and learning, not stories,” Azulai said, rejecting any suggestion that the young man’s yeshiva status was merely a pretext for avoiding military service.

Azulai revealed that chareidi lawmakers were circulating a petition among their Knesset colleagues addressed to Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, demanding that the newlywed be released immediately.

He said the effort was being pursued through multiple channels, including direct contacts with the family and discussions with relevant officials.

“We are making efforts behind the scenes, publicly, wherever possible, and we are also in contact with the family,” Azulai explained.

“It is inconceivable that a chosson, during his Sheva Brachos, should simply be taken away like this.”

The lawmaker indicated that the campaign to secure the chosson’s freedom could also involve President Isaac Herzog.

He said an appeal to the president had been considered, although he argued that Herzog should recognize the seriousness of the situation without waiting for a formal request.

“I hope that when the president hears about something like this, he himself should get up and take action,” Azulai said.

The arrest was reportedly preceded by earlier attempts to apprehend the young man, including an operation at his family’s home that was thwarted after large numbers of neighborhood residents gathered in protest.

According to accounts from individuals close to the chosson, the earlier efforts forced him to remain away from home in the weeks leading up to his wedding, fearing that military police would arrest him before the marriage could take place.

The latest arrest occurred during the Sheva Brachos celebrations, when military police intercepted the couple as they traveled together.

The circumstances have intensified public anger, particularly following reports that the kallah was left deeply distressed by the incident.

Plans have since been announced for a mass gathering outside the military prison, including a public Sheva Brachos celebration intended to demonstrate solidarity with the newlyweds and protest the detention.

Asked whether he would personally attend the planned gathering, Azulai said he would follow the instructions of the gedolei Yisroel.

“Once the gedolei Yisroel decide on this, who are we to decide otherwise?” he responded.

Azulai also directed sharp criticism at the military’s handling of the case, accusing officials of contributing to an already bitter divide between the chareidi community and the state over the issue of military conscription.

The arrest comes as Israel’s political parties begin negotiations following last week’s elections, with the military draft issue remaining one of the most contentious questions facing the next government.

Chareidi representatives have repeatedly demanded legislation protecting the status of yeshiva students, while legal and military authorities have continued efforts to enforce existing conscription requirements.

Azulai suggested that the timing and manner of the arrest raised serious questions about whether the military authorities were acting with appropriate discretion.

In the closing portion of the interview, he was asked whether the arrest represented an early post-election test by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara for the chareidi political parties.

“She is still in election campaign mode,” Azulai replied.

He then delivered an especially harsh condemnation of the attorney general.

“Ultimately, the people reject her and are sickened by her. The people do not want her,” he declared.

{Matzav.com}

It is with sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein zt”l, a distinguished talmid of Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin, a mechaber of seforim, and a longtime resident of Boro Park.

Reb Aharon was a son of Rabbi and Mrs. Mordechai Lichtenstein.

He was privileged to learn at Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin in Brooklyn, where he studied under the rosh yeshiva, Rav Yitzchok Hutner zt”l, whose profound approach to Torah learning and avodas Hashem influenced him greatly.

Throughout his life, Reb Aharon maintained a deep attachment to Torah learning, devoting himself to the study of Torah and the writing of seforim. Among his works was Sheva Mitzvos Bnei Noach. He also authored peirushim on Chamishah Chumshei Torah and seforim of Tanach.

For many years, Reb Aharon lived in Boro Park, where he davened at the Agudas Yisroel shul on 16th Avenue. He was a familiar and beloved presence among those who knew him, remembered not only for his learning and his seforim, but for the warmth and sincerity with which he treated others.

Those who encountered Reb Aharon recall an unusually sweet and gentle individual, someone who invariably had a kind word for another person and whose pleasant disposition made people feel comfortable and appreciated. His kindness was expressed in the simple, everyday interactions that reveal a person’s true character. He greeted others warmly, spoke with sensitivity, and treated people with genuine respect.

Reb Aharon never merited establishing a home of his own through marriage. Nevertheless, he lived a life of connection to Torah, family, and the people around him, leaving behind the seforim he authored and the memories of the kindness he extended to others.

Rav Aharon was a first cousin of Rav Aharon Lichtenstein zt”l, the rosh yeshiva of Yeshivat Har Etzion in Gush Etzion.

He is survived by his sister, Mrs. Rivka Wunder, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends and acquaintances who will remember his gentle nature, his devotion to Torah, and the kindness that characterized his dealings with others. His sister is sitting shivah at 13 Rechov Pnei Meiros in Yerushalayim.

The levayah was held today at the Congregation Sons of Israel Holocaust Memorial Chapel in Lakewood, NJ, with kevurah to follow in the Eretz Hachaim Bais Olam in Beit Shemesh in Eretz Yisroel.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

In the aftermath of Israel’s contentious elections, Rav Don Segal delivered a powerful message to yeshiva bochurim in Yerushalayim, telling them that a person can transform his entire life in a single moment and revealing what he hopes to answer when questioned in the Heavenly Court about the guidance he offered young talmidim.

The renowned mashgiach delivered his remarks during a special visit to Yeshivas Binas HaTorah in the Ramot neighborhood of Yerushalayim, where bochurim had undertaken a renewed commitment to intensive Torah learning following the distractions and tensions of the election period.

The yeshiva, headed by Rav Yisroel Ezra, with Rav Yoson Eber serving as mashgiach, had recently witnessed a significant awakening among its talmidim, who resolved to return to their learning with greater dedication and distance themselves from the commotion surrounding the political developments.

Rav Segal, who had traveled to the neighborhood to participate as sandek at a bris, learned of the bochurim’s special commitment and decided to make a personal visit to the yeshiva to encourage them.

During his address, the mashgiach spoke about the extraordinary spiritual potential of a ben Torah and the importance of guarding one’s eyes and thoughts, particularly during periods when political events and public controversies can easily distract a person from his learning and personal growth.

He praised the bochurim for their determination to put the tumultuous election period behind them and immerse themselves once again in Torah, emphasizing the tremendous value of their decision to strengthen their commitment to learning.

One of the most memorable moments of the visit came when Rav Segal spoke about the message he would want to be remembered for and what he would say if asked in the Heavenly Court to summarize the guidance he had given yeshiva bochurim.

“When I ascend to the Heavenly Court and they ask me what I told the bochurim ‘while standing on one foot,’ I will answer them: I told the bochurim that it is possible to change while standing on one foot! I have known quite a few bochurim who changed their entire lives in a single moment, simply because of one good word,” Rav Segal declared, in remarks translated from Hebrew.

The mashgiach’s message emphasized that genuine personal transformation does not necessarily require a lengthy process before meaningful change can begin. A single encouraging word, a moment of inspiration or a sincere decision to improve can sometimes become the turning point in a person’s life.

His remarks carried particular significance for the talmidim, who had already demonstrated their desire to make a fresh beginning following the election period. Rav Segal encouraged them to build upon that commitment and recognize the tremendous opportunities available to someone who approaches his learning with renewed determination.

The visit was especially meaningful because it had not been part of a previously arranged program. Rav Segal had come to Ramot for the bris and chose to enter the yeshiva after hearing about the bochurim’s efforts to strengthen their Torah learning.

At the conclusion of the gathering, the roshei yeshiva expressed their deep appreciation to Rav Segal for taking the time to visit and deliver words of chizuk.

They said the visit had made a profound impression on the bochurim and expressed hope that the mashgiach’s message about the possibility of immediate and lasting change would continue to inspire them in their learning and avodas Hashem.

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

הגר”ד סגל בישיבת בינת התורה (צילום: דוד ארזני )

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Maran Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, rosh yeshiva of Slabodka, personally spoke with the newlywed kallah whose husband was arrested by Israeli military police during their week of Sheva Brachos, offering words of encouragement and reassurance as efforts continue to secure the young chosson’s release.

Rav Hirsch, who is currently in London on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah, contacted the kallah following the arrest of her husband, Yaari Lieberman, a talmid of Yeshivas Ohr Hachaim headed by Rav Reuven Elbaz.

During the conversation, Rav Hirsch acknowledged the tremendous difficulty of the young couple’s circumstances and sought to strengthen the kallah as she faces the prospect of spending the remainder of her Sheva Brachos without her husband.

“This is a very difficult situation. Hakadosh Baruch Hu gives people challenges. From this difficult challenge, you will have blessing, success, and a happy life together with your chosson,” Rav Hirsch told her in Hebrew.

The conversation came shortly after a military court sentenced Lieberman to 20 days in military prison following his arrest Sunday morning.

Lieberman was detained by military police while walking alongside his new wife after the couple had gotten off a bus on their way to a Sheva Brachos celebration.

According to eyewitness accounts, the officers who carried out the arrest were dressed in civilian clothing and did not display visible identification. The kallah, reportedly unaware that the men taking her husband away were military police officers, initially feared that he was being abducted.

Lieberman was subsequently transferred to Military Prison 10 at Beit Lid, where he was ordered to serve a 20-day sentence for failing to comply with military draft requirements.

The circumstances of the arrest, particularly its timing during the couple’s first week of marriage, have generated widespread outrage in the chareidi community and prompted demonstrations in Yerushalayim and Beit Shemesh.

Chareidi political representatives have also intervened, calling on Defense Minister Yisrael Katz to secure Lieberman’s release and allow him to return to his wife.

Despite the military court’s ruling, organizations assisting the family are continuing their efforts to have the sentence overturned or shortened, with the immediate goal of enabling the young couple to celebrate at least part of their remaining Sheva Brachos together.

{Matzav.com}

United Torah Judaism is signaling a potentially dramatic shift in Israel’s political landscape, refusing to commit to supporting Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in the formation of the next government and leaving open the possibility of negotiating with Gadi Eisenkot and other leaders of the opposition bloc.

With consultations at President Isaac Herzog’s residence scheduled for Wednesday, the Ashkenazi chareidi party is considering whether to recommend Netanyahu, support another candidate or decline to endorse anyone for prime minister. The discussions come after the recent elections left Netanyahu without a 61-seat Knesset majority, raising questions about the future of his longstanding political alliance with the chareidi parties.

Agudas Yisroel chairman MK Yitzchok Goldknopf made clear in comments to Kikar HaShabbat that United Torah Judaism does not consider itself obligated to either of Israel’s competing political blocs.

“We are not in anyone’s bloc; we demand a draft law without sanctions or quotas. That is the demand of the rabbonim, and we will not compromise on it. That is the condition for any negotiations with any bloc,” Goldknopf said, in remarks translated from Hebrew.

His statement reflects a growing willingness within United Torah Judaism to reconsider its political alliances in pursuit of legislation protecting the status of yeshiva students.

The possibility of negotiations with the opposition follows instructions reportedly issued Friday by Rav Dov Landau, who directed Degel HaTorah representatives to explore discussions with the bloc seeking to replace Netanyahu.

According to Kikar HaShabbat political commentator Yishai Cohen, Rav Landau instructed the party’s lawmakers to make every possible effort to secure an arrangement addressing the status of yeshiva bochurim and avreichim.

The rosh yeshiva reportedly emphasized that United Torah Judaism does not belong to any particular political camp but rather represents the interests of the Torah world.

The development has prompted intense speculation about whether the chareidi party could help Eisenkot assemble an alternative coalition, or at least withhold the support Netanyahu would need to form another government.

Avi Grinzeig, a spokesman for Rav Landau’s household, told Channel 12 that no final decision had been reached and cautioned against interpreting the reports as evidence of an agreement with another political bloc.

“I don’t want to address one report or another, because right now there is simply nothing. I can say only one thing: Whatever the rabbonim decide, when it becomes relevant, is what will happen,” he said, in remarks translated from Hebrew.

Senior United Torah Judaism officials met Sunday evening in Bnei Brak to discuss their next steps ahead of Wednesday’s presidential consultations.

Degel HaTorah chairman MK Yaakov Asher met with Agudas Yisroel representatives MK Yitzchok Goldknopf and MK Meir Porush in an effort to formulate a common position for the party.

Among the possibilities reportedly under consideration is refusing to recommend any candidate for prime minister, a move that would allow United Torah Judaism to avoid committing itself to Netanyahu while negotiations continue.

Porush, however, appeared to express skepticism about the prospect of joining forces with Eisenkot. As he entered the meeting, he remarked, “Gadi Eisenkot will not call us,” according to the report.

The central issue driving the discussions remains the military draft law, which has become a major source of tension between the chareidi parties and Netanyahu’s government.

United Torah Judaism is seeking legislation that would protect yeshiva students from military conscription while avoiding sanctions and recruitment quotas that its rabbinic leadership considers unacceptable.

Party officials recognize that Eisenkot and his political allies may be unwilling to support the legislation United Torah Judaism has demanded. Nevertheless, discussions are reportedly underway about whether an alternative arrangement, potentially involving more stringent provisions, could provide a workable solution.

Budgetary commitments and funding for Torah institutions are also expected to feature prominently in any negotiations with a prospective coalition.

Some United Torah Judaism officials have become increasingly critical of their longstanding relationship with Netanyahu, arguing that the alliance has failed to deliver the legislative protections the party considers essential.

One party source told Channel 12 that Netanyahu’s inability to secure a parliamentary majority has created an opportunity for United Torah Judaism to reassess its position.

“We won’t get anything from Netanyahu. Our alliance with him has run its course. Our interest is to return to being a decisive force in the Knesset,” the source said, in remarks translated from Hebrew.

At the same time, party officials are not united around the idea of joining an alternative government. Some are concerned that a national unity coalition could leave United Torah Judaism outside the government altogether.

One party official, responding to that possibility, said, “That is not why we were elected.”

Meanwhile, leaders of the opposition bloc have intensified private discussions as they explore possible combinations for forming the next government and securing control of key parliamentary positions.

Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, reportedly held an undisclosed meeting Saturday night with Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman. Neither party issued a public announcement about the meeting, and details of their discussion have not been released.

Lieberman subsequently met Sunday with Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid.

The meetings follow a series of consultations among opposition leaders since the elections. Eisenkot has held discussions with Naftali Bennett and Lapid, while Lapid has met with Democrats chairman Yair Golan. Golan has also spoken with Ra’am chairman Mansour Abbas.

Beyond negotiations over the premiership, opposition parties are examining how to secure control of the Knesset speakership, a position that could provide substantial influence over the legislative agenda even before a new government is established.

Working alongside the chairman of the Knesset’s Arrangements Committee, a speaker backed by the opposition could help determine which legislative proposals advance and how quickly parliamentary business proceeds.

Among the initiatives being discussed are legislation establishing a commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks and a proposal limiting the tenure of Israeli prime ministers.

Lieberman’s name was reportedly raised as a possible candidate for Knesset speaker, but he rejected the suggestion.

Another potential candidate is Yisrael Beiteinu MK Oded Forer, although Arab parties have indicated that they would not support his appointment, complicating efforts to assemble the necessary parliamentary majority.

The political maneuvering is unfolding as Shas, which suffered significant losses in the elections, has yet to publicly clarify its position regarding support for Netanyahu or participation in an alternative coalition.

United Torah Judaism’s ultimate decision will depend on the instructions of its rabbinic leadership and the commitments it can obtain from prospective coalition partners.

For now, the party’s refusal to pledge its support to Netanyahu has introduced a significant new element into coalition negotiations, with Wednesday’s consultations at the President’s Residence approaching and neither political bloc assured of the support needed to form Israel’s next government.

{Matzav.com}

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[Photos below.] Maran Rav Dov Landau, rosh yeshiva of Slabodka, delivered an impassioned appeal Sunday evening to thousands of Yidden gathered in London’s Golders Green neighborhood, calling upon Jews throughout the world to come to the aid of Torah learning in Eretz Yisroel and emphasizing the personal responsibility of every parent to raise children with a deep appreciation for Torah.

Speaking in Yiddish at a large reception held for Keren Olam Torah, Rav Landau urged those assembled to recognize that the preservation of Torah is not merely the responsibility of roshei yeshiva, rabbonim or communal leaders, but an obligation shared by every Jew, regardless of his circumstances.

“Save the Torah of Eretz Yisroel!” the rosh yeshiva declared at the beginning of his address, setting the tone for a message centered on the enduring importance of Torah and the responsibility to ensure its transmission to future generations.

“You must know that the Torah is eternal,” Rav Landau continued, in remarks translated from the Hebrew report of his Yiddish address. “Every individual has the privilege and the obligation to be connected to Torah — through learning Torah, honoring Torah, and living according to Torah.”

The appearance drew a large crowd of local residents who came to hear his words of chizuk at a time when the Torah community in Eretz Yisroel is facing serious financial and political challenges.

In his address, Rav Landau stressed that the relationship between a Jew and the Torah must extend beyond the beis medrash and become the defining principle of everyday life.

He emphasized that Torah must occupy a position of genuine importance in a person’s home, influencing not only his own conduct but also the values and aspirations of his children.

Turning to the responsibility of parents, the rosh yeshiva spoke about the obligation to raise children who are devoted to Torah, yiras Shomayim and good middos.

He explained that children absorb their parents’ priorities and develop their own understanding of what matters most by observing what their fathers genuinely respect and cherish.

When children see that Torah occupies the highest place in their father’s estimation, Rav Landau explained, that appreciation becomes deeply ingrained in their hearts and can remain with them throughout their lives.

His remarks highlighted the importance of creating a home in which Torah learning is not simply encouraged as an activity, but is regarded as the greatest source of honor and accomplishment.

The message carried particular significance for the London audience, whose community has long maintained close ties with the yeshivos and kollelim of Eretz Yisroel.

Rav Landau’s appeal comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to secure financial assistance for Torah institutions in Eretz Yisroel, many of which have faced increasing difficulties amid reductions in government support and the continuing controversy surrounding the military draft of yeshiva students.

The rosh yeshiva’s central message, however, extended beyond the immediate challenges facing the institutions. He emphasized that every Jew can play a role in strengthening the future of Torah, whether through personal learning, supporting those who learn, honoring talmidei chachomim or instilling a love of Torah in the next generation.

Concluding his address, Rav Landau offered a heartfelt tefillah for the continuity of Torah among Klal Yisroel.

“May it be His will that the Torah never depart from our mouths, or from the mouths of our children and our children’s children, forever, and may we merit the complete redemption speedily in our days, amen,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

A major disagreement has emerged within the leadership of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency over an investigation into suspected foreign interference in the country’s elections, with agency director David Zini reportedly seeking to expand the inquiry despite opposition from three senior officials who believe the evidence uncovered so far does not justify more aggressive investigative measures.

According to a report by Kan News, the dispute surfaced during an internal meeting convened by Zini to discuss the ongoing investigation. The Shin Bet chief advocated broadening the inquiry and employing additional investigative capabilities available to the domestic intelligence agency, but several senior members of his leadership team challenged the proposal.

Among those opposing the expansion was the head of a Shin Bet division directly involved in investigating the suspected interference. Two other senior officials joined him in expressing reservations about deploying more intrusive investigative methods at the current stage of the case.

The three officials reportedly argued that the suspicions established thus far were insufficient to warrant the additional measures sought by Zini. Their objections created an unusual division between the agency’s director and senior personnel responsible for evaluating and investigating the allegations.

The disagreement also involves significant legal considerations. According to the report, one senior Shin Bet official who discussed the matter with law enforcement authorities raised questions about whether the proposed investigative measures could receive the necessary legal authorization.

The official reportedly expressed doubt that approval would be granted, given the nature and extent of the evidence currently available to investigators.

Certain investigative capabilities employed by the Shin Bet require special legal authorization because of their potential implications for privacy and civil liberties. The reported dispute therefore concerns not only the direction of the investigation but also whether the available intelligence meets the legal threshold for deploying additional security tools.

Zini’s position, as described in the report, reflects his desire to pursue the suspicions more extensively and determine whether foreign actors attempted to influence the electoral process. The three dissenting officials, however, reportedly maintain that the investigation should remain proportionate to the evidence gathered.

The identities of the three officials were not disclosed, nor did the report specify which additional investigative methods Zini wanted to authorize.

Responding to the report, the Shin Bet defended the agency’s internal decision-making process while declining to discuss the substance of confidential deliberations.

“Shin Bet and its director conduct professional discussions within the organization, allowing a broad range of different and diverse opinions to be presented during meetings. At the same time, we clarify that we do not comment on statements made in closed discussions,” the agency said in a statement translated from Hebrew.

The controversy comes as Israeli authorities continue examining allegations of foreign involvement in the elections, including questions about the origin of funds allegedly connected to the suspected activity, the identities of individuals involved and whether any criminal offenses were committed.

Investigators have not publicly established the full scope of the suspected interference, and the existence of an investigation does not itself establish that foreign actors successfully influenced voters or altered election results.

Meanwhile, Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, chairman of the Central Elections Committee, addressed the allegations and emphasized that even if suspicions of foreign interference are ultimately substantiated, that finding alone would not automatically justify changing the election results.

His remarks drew a distinction between investigating possible unlawful activity surrounding an election and determining whether there is a legal basis for altering its outcome.

{Matzav.com}

A massive Sheva Brachos celebration and protest is being organized for Monday afternoon outside the gates of Israel’s Military Prison 10, where a newly married yeshiva bochur is being held after military police arrested him in front of his kallah during their week of wedding celebrations.

The unusual demonstration, expected to feature music, dancing and a festive meal, is being arranged in response to the arrest of Yaari Lieberman, who was taken into custody on Sunday while traveling with his new wife to a Sheva Brachos celebration in their honor. Lieberman has reportedly been sentenced to 20 days in military prison for failing to comply with military draft requirements.

Organizers announced plans to hold the public celebration outside Prison 10 at Beit Lid, turning what would ordinarily be a private family simcha into a demonstration against the arrest and imprisonment of bnei yeshivos. The event is expected to draw participants protesting the military’s treatment of Torah learners. An exact starting time has not yet been announced.

The controversy erupted Sunday when military police officers wearing civilian clothing reportedly approached Lieberman as he and his wife stepped off a bus on their way to a Sheva Brachos. According to accounts circulated by chareidi organizations, the officers were not wearing identification badges and took Lieberman into custody without initially explaining their identities to his wife.

The kallah, reportedly unaware that the men were military police officers, feared that her husband had been abducted and contacted police for assistance. Reports also alleged that military authorities had located Lieberman by tracking his cellphone, although that detail has not been independently confirmed. The IDF confirmed the arrest and identified Lieberman as a military draft evader.

The arrest was particularly controversial because Lieberman had been the subject of an earlier attempted detention in Modi’in approximately a month ago. At that time, military police arrived at his residence, prompting hundreds of chareidi protesters to converge on the area. Following confrontations and negotiations, the officers withdrew without taking him into custody.

Sunday’s arrest, coming just days after Lieberman’s wedding, immediately triggered an outcry across the chareidi community, with rabbonim, activists and elected officials demanding his release.

The Badatz of the Eidah HaChareidis convened Sunday evening and decided to launch a broader public campaign against the arrest. Demonstrations began in Yerushalayim, with protesters gathering near the Satmar bais medrash on Rechov Yoel before proceeding into the streets.

Hundreds of demonstrators subsequently gathered in Yerushalayim, where protesters blocked sections of the light rail route and clashed with police. Israeli police deployed water cannons and stun grenades to disperse demonstrators after declaring the gathering unlawful. Additional protests were reported in Beit Shemesh.

The arrest has also generated significant political pressure on Defense Minister Yisrael Katz.

United Torah Judaism lawmaker Yaakov Asher contacted Katz to demand Lieberman’s immediate release, condemning the decision to arrest a newlywed during his wedding celebrations.

“This is not a totalitarian state, nor is it a police state. Arresting a groom in the midst of his wedding celebrations is an act of insensitivity that knows no bounds,” Asher declared.

Shas faction chairman MK Yinon Azulai has meanwhile begun circulating a petition among Knesset members calling for Lieberman’s immediate release. The initiative has reportedly attracted signatures from lawmakers outside the chareidi parties, including coalition chairman Ofir Katz, Minister Shlomo Karhi and several other coalition legislators.

Agudas Yisroel chairman MK Yitzchok Goldknopf and MK Meir Porush have also demanded that authorities return Lieberman to his family, with Goldknopf directing criticism at Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu over the government’s failure to resolve the military draft crisis through legislation.

Monday’s planned gathering outside Prison 10 is expected to become a focal point of the growing protests. By staging a Sheva Brachos celebration directly outside the military facility, organizers intend to draw attention to the fact that Lieberman is spending what should be the happiest days of his newly married life behind bars.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu took an unusual break from politics to face off against young Israeli YouTuber Roei Cohen in a ping-pong match, turning a lighthearted sporting encounter into an unexpected conversation about Iran, President Donald Trump and the challenges facing Israel.

The encounter, featured in a video released on October 31, began when Cohen received a surprise invitation from one of Netanyahu’s aides to play table tennis with the prime minister. There was just one complication: Cohen had only an hour to prepare.

Cohen quickly began making arrangements, including securing a ping-pong table and arranging for its delivery to the meeting location. He documented the preparations as part of a video for his YouTube channel, which has approximately 225,000 subscribers.

Upon arriving at the compound, Cohen underwent security screening involving Israel’s Shin Bet security service and Unit 730, the unit responsible for protecting senior Israeli officials.

Netanyahu eventually entered the room, where the two prepared for their match. The prime minister acknowledged that he does not play table tennis regularly, indicating that he picks up a paddle only about once every five years.

Following a brief warm-up, the two began a short contest played to three points, with an on-screen scoreboard tracking their progress.

Cohen, apparently surprised by Netanyahu’s abilities, jokingly questioned others in the room about why they had told him the prime minister was such a good player.

But the encounter soon moved beyond table tennis.

As the two exchanged shots, Cohen began asking Netanyahu questions about Israel’s security situation, including whether the Jewish state continues to face an existential threat.

Netanyahu responded that Iran remains a fundamental danger to Israel and that eliminating the Iranian threat is essential to the country’s long-term security.

The prime minister also discussed Israel’s cooperation with President Trump, emphasizing the importance of confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The conversation then shifted to Netanyahu’s personal routine, with Cohen asking how much sleep the prime minister requires while managing the demands of his position.

Netanyahu said he needs approximately seven hours of sleep each night, rejecting the notion that he can function properly on only four hours.

At the conclusion of the encounter, Netanyahu signed Cohen’s ping-pong paddle and posed for a photograph with the young content creator. The prime minister also complimented Cohen on his playing ability.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump says he is prepared to use his veto power to block Democratic legislation if Republicans lose control of Congress in Tuesday’s midterm elections, predicting that Democrats would eventually have no choice but to negotiate with him after repeatedly failing to advance their agenda.

In an interview with the New York Post’s Miranda Devine for her “Pod Force One” podcast, which is scheduled for release Monday, Trump explained how he intends to continue governing even if Democrats gain majorities in both the House and Senate.

“I guess I’ll become Mr. Veto,” Trump said.

“I’m not going to let them ruin it,” the president added.

Trump suggested that while a Democratic takeover could initially produce legislative gridlock, he believes the resulting stalemate would eventually force Democratic leaders to seek compromises with the White House.

“And then at some point, we’ll probably make deals. That’s what’s happened. I mean, this wouldn’t be the first time.”

The president described how he expects such a confrontation to unfold, predicting that Democrats would repeatedly send legislation to his desk, only to see their proposals rejected.

“They’ll be sending stuff up. You veto it.

“And eventually, after a month or two of getting all vetoed, they’re just wasting [time], they come over, and you make a deal. I think that probably would happen, but hopefully we don’t have to worry about that.”

Trump has used his veto authority relatively infrequently. According to the Post, he has rejected just two bills during his second administration, compared with 10 during his first term.

Under the Constitution, Congress must secure a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override a presidential veto. That requirement would give Trump considerable leverage against a Democratic Congress, particularly if the party wins only narrow majorities.

The president’s remarks come as Republicans face an increasingly difficult electoral landscape. Political forecasters generally favor Democrats to reclaim the House, while the battle for the Senate remains competitive.

Republicans are defending nine Senate seats considered competitive, compared with three Democratic-held seats facing serious challenges. The Cook Political Report has classified contests in Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio and Texas as toss-ups, raising concerns about Republican vulnerabilities even in traditionally conservative states.

Historical precedent also presents a challenge for the GOP. Since 1938, the president’s party has lost House seats in all but two midterm elections. With Republicans holding only a slim majority in the chamber, Democrats would need relatively modest gains to take control.

Trump has previously dealt with a divided Congress. During the final two years of his first administration, Democrats controlled the House while Republicans maintained their Senate majority, making it difficult for Democratic lawmakers to advance legislation opposed by the president.

If Democrats regain either chamber this week, they are expected to launch extensive investigations into Trump, his administration and political allies. Democratic lawmakers have indicated that congressional oversight would become a major priority if they return to power.

Despite those possibilities, Trump expressed confidence that Republicans could hold on to Congress, warning voters about what he characterized as the consequences of Democratic leadership.

“They want to get rid of your Second Amendment, have transgender for everyone,” he said of the Democrats.

“Look, if we didn’t win — I think we’re going to do great — but if we didn’t win, I’d veto everything. I’ll be vetoing, vetoing.”

The president also agreed with a recent warning from Elon Musk, who suggested that a Democratic sweep could leave the United States “maybe forever destroyed.”

Trump claimed that Democrats could attempt to reshape the nation’s political system by admitting Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico as states, expanding the Supreme Court and abolishing the Senate filibuster, potentially strengthening their ability to enact legislation without Republican support.

The filibuster has been a recurring source of frustration for Trump, who has repeatedly urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the procedural rule requiring 60 votes to advance most legislation. He has argued that Democrats would likely abolish the filibuster themselves once they regain control of the Senate.

During the interview, Trump also addressed the prospect of Democrats portraying him as a lame-duck president during the final two years of his administration, acknowledging that he would welcome another opportunity to seek the presidency if the Constitution permitted it.

“I’d love to run again if I had the chance, but the language is very exacting,” Trump said, referring to the 22nd Amendment, which prohibits an individual from being elected president more than twice.

“They had a poll the other day where I’d beat everybody by so much, I’d love to run, but it’s fine. You know, we have more than two years left. That’s a long time. You can do a lot in that period of time, and you’ve seen the job we’ve done.”

{Matzav.com}

Violent protests erupted Sunday evening in Yerushalayim and Beit Shemesh following the arrest of a newly married yeshiva bochur by Israeli military police during his week of Sheva Brachos celebrations, with demonstrators blocking major roads, disrupting light rail service and clashing with police officers.

The unrest followed the arrest of Yaari Lieberman, a talmid at Yeshivas Ohr Hachaim headed by Rav Reuven Elbaz, who was taken into custody Sunday morning while traveling with his new wife to a Sheva Brachos celebration. Lieberman was subsequently transferred to Military Prison 10 and sentenced to 20 days of military detention for failing to comply with military draft requirements.

In Yerushalayim, hundreds of demonstrators gathered along Chaim Bar-Lev Road, where protesters blocked the light rail tracks and surrounding roadways, bringing traffic and public transportation to a standstill.

According to Israeli police, the demonstration escalated into a public disturbance as protesters obstructed traffic and confronted officers attempting to reopen the roads. A police commander declared the gathering unlawful, after which demonstrators reportedly began throwing objects at security personnel.

Officers from the Lev Habira police station, assisted by Border Police forces, moved to disperse the crowds and restore traffic. Video footage circulating online showed confrontations between protesters and police, with officers attempting to clear demonstrators from the light rail tracks and nearby streets.

Similar demonstrations took place in Beit Shemesh, where protesters gathered to condemn the arrest and demand Lieberman’s immediate release.

The protests were sparked by the circumstances surrounding Lieberman’s detention, which has generated widespread anger throughout the chareidi community.

According to eyewitness accounts, military police officers dressed in civilian clothing approached Lieberman and his wife as they stepped off a bus Sunday morning on their way to a Sheva Brachos celebration.

The officers reportedly were not wearing visible identification badges, leaving the young bride unaware that the men taking her husband away were members of the military police. Fearing that her husband had been abducted, she reportedly contacted police for assistance.

Lieberman’s arrest came less than a month after military authorities made an earlier attempt to detain him at his parents’ home in Modi’in. During that incident, hundreds of protesters rushed to the location after learning that military police had arrived, preventing officers from completing the arrest.

This time, however, Lieberman was taken into custody and transported to Military Prison 10 at Beit Lid, where he was sentenced to 20 days of detention.

The decision to imprison a chosson during the first week of his marriage has drawn sharp condemnation from chareidi political leaders, who have demanded that Defense Minister Yisrael Katz intervene and order his release.

United Torah Judaism MK Yaakov Asher contacted Katz directly, protesting the circumstances of the arrest and insisting that Lieberman be permitted to return to his wife and family.

Agudas Yisroel chairman MK Yitzchok Goldknopf also denounced the detention, placing responsibility on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and criticizing the government’s handling of the ongoing military draft crisis.

Meanwhile, Shas faction chairman MK Yinon Azulai began circulating a petition among Knesset members urging the defense minister to intervene and secure Lieberman’s release.

The petition has reportedly attracted support from lawmakers belonging to Likud and other right-wing coalition parties, reflecting concern over the arrest beyond the chareidi factions.

The controversy has also prompted the Eidah HaChareidis to prepare a broader public campaign against the detention of yeshiva students.

{Matzav.com}

Former IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi acknowledged Sunday that the October 7 Hamas massacre was preventable, conceded that Israeli airstrikes inadvertently killed hostages held in Gaza, and forcefully dismissed allegations that members of Israel’s security establishment had knowingly helped Hamas carry out the attack.

Speaking at a Shurat HaDin conference in New York, Halevi delivered an extensive assessment of the intelligence and military failures that preceded the massacre, describing how Israel misjudged Hamas’s intentions, underestimated the threat from Gaza, and failed to protect civilians when thousands of terrorists launched their assault.

Halevi addressed the issues at the third annual Rage Against the Hate conference, held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Manhattan. The gathering, organized by the Shurat HaDin legal organization, brought together security specialists, legal experts, academics, and representatives of organizations combating antisemitism.

One of Halevi’s strongest statements concerned allegations that the October 7 attack was made possible by deliberate betrayal within Israel’s military or intelligence services. He categorically rejected that accusation.

“There was absolutely no betrayal. The political echelon and the country’s leadership need to state this clearly and unequivocally.”

“I can explain exactly how October 7th unfolded, down to the smallest detail. I know these individuals, and I cannot believe that any of my colleagues-after decades of service during which they risked their own lives-would suddenly decide to assist Hamas.”

Halevi argued that any conspiracy involving Israeli security personnel would have required the participation of numerous individuals. He maintained that no evidence supporting such allegations had surfaced during the three years since the massacre.

Turning to the question of accountability, Halevi called for a comprehensive examination of the events leading up to October 7, saying Israel must confront the mistakes that allowed Hamas to launch its devastating attack.

“As part of the process of learning and healing, Israel must complete its investigation and ask difficult questions-just as we have done within the IDF. This is of great importance. October 7th was a failure that could have been prevented.”

He described the painful consequences of the military’s failure to reach Israeli civilians as terrorists invaded communities near the Gaza border.

“We must look failure in the eye in order to be able to fix things. I look at a photograph of Shiri Bibas and see the fear in her eyes. We were not there in time to help and save her. That is the failure.”

Halevi also discussed the intelligence assessments that shaped Israel’s approach to Gaza before the attack. According to the former military chief, the IDF, Shin Bet, and political leadership operated under the mistaken belief that Hamas was not seeking a major confrontation with Israel.

Instead, Israeli officials believed the terrorist organization was primarily interested in maintaining its control over Gaza while gradually extending its influence into Yehuda and Shomron.

Hamas, Halevi explained, deliberately encouraged that assessment while secretly preparing for a massive cross-border assault.

He acknowledged that Israel’s broader security strategy had also contributed to the failure, with military planners concentrating more heavily on threats from Iran and Hezbollah than on Hamas.

“We should have gone to war in Gaza, but our order of priorities was: first Iran, then Hezbollah, and only then Hamas-because we did not know that Hamas intended to carry out an operation of this scale.”

Describing the opening moments of the massacre, Halevi said Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had planned an operation designed to achieve complete surprise through simultaneous attacks along the Gaza border.

Israeli military positions and civilian communities came under assault shortly after 6:29 a.m., overwhelming defenses that were unprepared for an attack of such magnitude.

Halevi said Sinwar had also calculated that Israel would be reluctant to launch a full-scale ground invasion of Gaza because of the operational difficulties involved. Israel’s previous reliance on limited military operations had helped reinforce that assumption.

As Israeli forces struggled to contain the attack, military leaders were also concerned that Hezbollah might open another front along the northern border.

Halevi recalled the message conveyed to the Lebanese terrorist organization later that morning.

“We were caught by surprise in Gaza, but we are watching you closely. Should you make even the slightest move, a devastating blow will fall upon Lebanon.”

The former chief of staff also revealed tensions between military commanders and Israel’s political leadership over the decision to send ground forces into Gaza.

“It took us a long time to convince the political echelon to conduct a ground maneuver in Gaza. We needed to break the pattern of small, limited rounds of conflict that relied solely on airstrikes.”

Addressing the hostage crisis, Halevi defended the military campaign as a crucial factor in securing the release of captives, rejecting arguments that the fighting had not contributed to their return.

“I know some people think otherwise, but without strong military pressure inside Gaza, we would not have been able to bring the hostages back. I can prove this.”

At the same time, he made a painful admission concerning hostages who were killed during Israeli military operations.

“Unfortunately, we made mistakes. Our own bombs killed hostages. Of course, this was not intentional; we did not know they were there.”

Halevi said the military subsequently improved its procedures for identifying where hostages were being held, seeking to reduce the danger of inadvertently harming captives during operations against Hamas.

The conference was chaired by Shurat HaDin president Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, who called for stronger international cooperation among legal professionals, diplomatic officials, researchers, and technology specialists in confronting antisemitism and campaigns against Israel.

“Our response must be an unprecedented collaboration among legal experts, diplomats, researchers, and technology professionals. It is time to shift from defense to offense, and to exact a heavy price from anyone who seeks to undermine our right to live securely in our own land.”

Halevi’s remarks come amid continuing demands from survivors and bereaved families for an independent state commission of inquiry into the October 7 failures. The issue has remained a major source of political controversy, with families demanding a comprehensive accounting of decisions made by both military commanders and government officials before and during the massacre.

Recent reporting has also renewed scrutiny of communications between Israel’s political and military leadership on the morning of the attack. According to reports published in September, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Halevi did not speak directly until approximately 9:45 a.m., more than three hours after the Hamas assault began. The Prime Minister’s Office subsequently released a timeline of Netanyahu’s communications that morning.

{Matzav.com}

Multiple people were killed Sunday when a private jet crashed into a mobile home park in Palm Beach County, Florida, triggering a massive fireball and leaving a trail of destruction across the residential community, according to initial reports.

Emergency crews responding to the crash confirmed that several people had died, although authorities had not yet established whether the victims were passengers aboard the aircraft, residents on the ground, or both. Preliminary, unconfirmed reports suggested that as many as nine people may have been aboard the charter flight.

The aircraft, believed to be a Learjet 60, had reportedly departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas before encountering trouble over South Florida.

According to preliminary flight-tracking information, the jet was traveling at approximately 8,000 feet when it suddenly made a sharp right turn, rapidly lost altitude and plunged toward the ground.

The aircraft struck a tree and brought down electrical wires before crashing into the mobile home community. At least one residence was completely destroyed by the impact, which left a large crater and ignited a powerful fire.

Video footage circulating online showed an enormous fireball rising from the crash site, followed by thick columns of black smoke. Images from the scene showed burned wreckage, twisted metal and extensive damage to the surrounding area.

One resident who witnessed the crash described the terrifying sound of the aircraft descending toward the neighborhood, comparing it to “a missile falling from the sky.”

The crash prompted a major emergency response as firefighters and rescue personnel rushed to the scene to extinguish the flames, search the wreckage and determine whether anyone had been trapped inside the affected homes.

The extent of the destruction raised immediate concerns about casualties among residents of the mobile home park, although officials had not released a confirmed breakdown of those killed aboard the plane and those on the ground.

Authorities were also working to establish the aircraft’s exact passenger count. Initial reports indicating that nine people may have been traveling on the jet remained unverified.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known. The reported sudden turn and rapid descent are expected to be among the circumstances examined by aviation investigators, although no official determination has been announced.

The Learjet 60 is a twin-engine business jet commonly used for private and charter flights. The aircraft type is designed for high-speed travel over substantial distances and typically accommodates a small group of passengers.

As of Sunday evening, officials had not publicly identified the victims or provided a final casualty count. 

Federal authorities have since confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft were killed. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the fatalities and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. There was no immediate confirmation of additional casualties on the ground.


Multiple people were killed Sunday when a private jet crashed into a mobile home park in Palm Beach County, Florida, triggering a massive fireball and leaving a trail of destruction across the residential community, according to initial reports.

Emergency crews responding to the crash confirmed that several people had died, although authorities had not yet established whether the victims were passengers aboard the aircraft, residents on the ground, or both. Preliminary, unconfirmed reports suggested that as many as nine people may have been aboard the charter flight.

The aircraft, believed to be a Learjet 60, had reportedly departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas before encountering trouble over South Florida.

According to preliminary flight-tracking information, the jet was traveling at approximately 8,000 feet when it suddenly made a sharp right turn, rapidly lost altitude and plunged toward the ground.

The aircraft struck a tree and brought down electrical wires before crashing into the mobile home community. At least one residence was completely destroyed by the impact, which left a large crater and ignited a powerful fire.

Video footage circulating online showed an enormous fireball rising from the crash site, followed by thick columns of black smoke. Images from the scene showed burned wreckage, twisted metal and extensive damage to the surrounding area.

One resident who witnessed the crash described the terrifying sound of the aircraft descending toward the neighborhood, comparing it to “a missile falling from the sky.”

The crash prompted a major emergency response as firefighters and rescue personnel rushed to the scene to extinguish the flames, search the wreckage and determine whether anyone had been trapped inside the affected homes.

The extent of the destruction raised immediate concerns about casualties among residents of the mobile home park, although officials had not released a confirmed breakdown of those killed aboard the plane and those on the ground.

Authorities were also working to establish the aircraft’s exact passenger count. Initial reports indicating that nine people may have been traveling on the jet remained unverified.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known. The reported sudden turn and rapid descent are expected to be among the circumstances examined by aviation investigators, although no official determination has been announced.

The Learjet 60 is a twin-engine business jet commonly used for private and charter flights. The aircraft type is designed for high-speed travel over substantial distances and typically accommodates a small group of passengers.

As of Sunday evening, officials had not publicly identified the victims or provided a final casualty count.

Federal authorities have since confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft were killed. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the fatalities and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. There was no immediate confirmation of additional casualties on the ground.

The Federal Aviation Administration identified the aircraft as a Learjet 60 traveling from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. The crash occurred at approximately 12:50 p.m. near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North in the Greenacres area of Palm Beach County.

Newly reported air traffic control recordings revealed the pilot’s desperate attempts to regain control of the aircraft during its final moments. The pilot reported that the jet was traveling too fast and descending at approximately 20,000 feet per minute before delivering the chilling message, “We’re out of time.”

Flight-tracking information indicated that the aircraft lost approximately 27,000 feet of altitude in just one minute before disappearing from radar.

The crash occurred roughly four miles from Palm Beach International Airport and less than six miles from President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Trump had departed the area aboard Air Force One approximately an hour before the accident.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office closed Military Trail in both directions between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North as emergency personnel secured the wreckage and investigators began examining the scene.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the disaster, with the NTSB leading the inquiry into what caused the aircraft’s sudden and catastrophic descent.

The Federal Aviation Administration identified the aircraft as a Learjet 60 traveling from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. The crash occurred at approximately 12:50 p.m. near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North in the Greenacres area of Palm Beach County.

Newly reported air traffic control recordings revealed the pilot’s desperate attempts to regain control of the aircraft during its final moments. The pilot reported that the jet was traveling too fast and descending at approximately 20,000 feet per minute before delivering the chilling message, “We’re out of time.”

Flight-tracking information indicated that the aircraft lost approximately 27,000 feet of altitude in just one minute before disappearing from radar.

The crash occurred roughly four miles from Palm Beach International Airport and less than six miles from President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Trump had departed the area aboard Air Force One approximately an hour before the accident.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office closed Military Trail in both directions between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North as emergency personnel secured the wreckage and investigators began examining the scene.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the disaster, with the NTSB leading the inquiry into what caused the aircraft’s sudden and catastrophic descent.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir issued a sharp warning Sunday to the chareidi parties against joining a left-wing coalition following Israel’s Knesset elections, accusing left-wing politicians of suddenly offering concessions on the yeshiva draft issue in an effort to secure enough support to establish a government.

The Otzma Yehudit chairman, whose party won seven Knesset seats, also acknowledged that he had anticipated a stronger showing at the polls. Nevertheless, he celebrated the party’s performance, thanked its supporters, and pledged to continue fighting for its political agenda whether it ultimately joins the next coalition or sits in the opposition.

In a lengthy statement following the October 27 election, Ben Gvir first addressed the continuing scrutiny of the election results, expressing concern about possible interference in the investigation.

“The elections held last week are still being examined and investigated, in the hope that we will get to the truth and that the judicial system will not sabotage the investigation,” he wrote.

He then expressed appreciation to those who supported Otzma Yehudit throughout the campaign.

“A huge thank you for the trust, the tremendous support, and the enormous love you showered upon me, which I felt everywhere I went during this election campaign. You moved me. I love you. Very much!”

While conceding that he had expected additional mandates, Ben Gvir pointed to the 326,634 votes received by his party, emphasizing that it had competed independently rather than running on a joint slate with another faction.

“It’s true, I expected more seats (in the previous elections, the number of votes we received was enough for nine seats). But in any case, 326,634 citizens cast their ballots for Otzma Yehudit.

“The first time we ran in an election completely on our own, without ‘crutches’ from other parties, you gave us an enormous vote of confidence.”

He further argued that Otzma Yehudit had emerged from the election in a stronger position than other parties in the right-wing camp.

“We rose to seven seats in the Knesset (compared with six in the outgoing Knesset), while all the other right-wing parties lost strength (except United Torah Judaism, which maintained its representation), and you made Otzma Yehudit the second-largest party in the right-wing bloc in terms of votes,” he wrote.

Ben Gvir insisted that the election results would not bring an end to his party’s efforts to advance its policies, particularly on security, the judiciary, and the character of the state.

“These elections are over, but the battle is not. The struggle for the Jewish state, for Israel’s security, against the supporters of terrorism among us, and against the judicial gang that has hijacked democracy is not over.

“And we are determined, steadfast, and ready for this battle. They will not defeat us.”

Turning directly to the chareidi leadership, Ben Gvir cautioned against accepting overtures from parties that had campaigned on requiring yeshiva bochurim to serve in the military. He alleged that those same politicians were now prepared to offer exemptions in exchange for chareidi support in forming a coalition.

“And to my haredi brothers, I appeal to you personally: We are all already hearing the soothing words coming from the left-wing camp, promising to exempt you from military service just so that you will help them form a government,” he wrote.

Ben Gvir accused the left-wing parties of abandoning their campaign positions for political convenience.

“It is unbelievable how these hypocrites built their entire campaign on hatred toward you, and now, in an instant, they are explaining to everyone that you actually aren’t needed in the army at all.”

The Otzma Yehudit leader also invoked the well-known account in Chazal of the fox attempting to persuade fish to leave the water, warning chareidi representatives against trusting political assurances from parties he described as fundamentally hostile to their interests.

“You have absolutely nothing in common with the left. They hate you, despise your faith, scorn your rabbis, and will do everything to dismantle you and the faith-based bloc and uproot Judaism from the state,” he claimed.

Ben Gvir argued that even if a left-wing government initially offered concessions on the draft issue, it would ultimately strengthen the judiciary, potentially exposing the chareidi community to future legal challenges and restrictions.

“The moment you help them, the first thing they will do is strengthen the judicial system – the very system that will persecute you for many years to come, even after the left and its Arab partners lose their majority in the Knesset. Don’t make this historic mistake!”

The warning comes as the parties elected to the new Knesset prepare for consultations with President Isaac Herzog, who is expected to begin meeting faction representatives Wednesday before deciding which MK should receive the mandate to form a government. United Torah Judaism has reportedly been considering whether to recommend a candidate or refrain from endorsing anyone at this stage.

Ben Gvir also defended his record as national security minister, pointing to changes in prison policies, action against illegal construction, expanded civilian firearms licensing, and the establishment of local emergency response units.

He expressed hope that his party would be able to continue implementing those policies as part of the next government, while emphasizing that its political activities would continue regardless of the coalition outcome.

“I very much hope that in the coming term we will once again work from within the government and accomplish more and more good things.

“But in any case, whether in the coalition or in the opposition, we will continue working for you!”

{Matzav.com}

Iran currently possesses an estimated 1,700 ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel, along with an enormous inventory of approximately 80,000 drones, according to Israeli security assessments released Sunday, as the United States continues reinforcing its military forces across the Middle East amid concerns over renewed regional hostilities.

The figures, based on information from Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), offer a picture of the considerable military capabilities Tehran retains despite previous confrontations with Israel and ongoing international efforts to curb the Iranian threat.

According to the assessments, Iran’s missile inventory includes roughly 1,700 ballistic weapons with sufficient range to strike Israeli territory, in addition to thousands of shorter-range and medium-range missiles intended for use against regional targets.

Iran is also believed to possess approximately 80,000 unmanned aerial vehicles, a figure that includes drones designed for military operations. The assessment did not specify how many of those aircraft are attack drones or how many are immediately available for deployment.

The scale of Iran’s arsenal highlights the continuing challenge facing Israel’s multilayered air defense network, which must contend with the possibility of coordinated attacks involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and explosive-laden drones.

Although ballistic missiles can reach Israeli targets within minutes, drones generally travel much more slowly and can be launched in large numbers to complicate interception efforts. Iranian military planners have previously employed combinations of different weapons in attempts to overwhelm defensive systems.

The updated estimates come as Washington increases its military presence in the region, including additional naval vessels, aerial refueling aircraft, and air defense equipment.

According to the report, two American aircraft carriers are expected to operate in the Middle East, with one already making its way toward the region.

The American naval deployment is also reported to include 14 warships, 13 of them destroyers. Such vessels can provide air and missile defense capabilities and support other military operations, depending on their equipment and assigned missions.

Additional American military aircraft and defensive systems are continuing to arrive as U.S. commanders strengthen their ability to respond to possible Iranian aggression and protect American personnel and regional allies.

Nevertheless, the American buildup has not yet reached the level of previous deployments.

The assessment indicates that no F-22 Raptor stealth fighters or American bomber aircraft are currently stationed in the region. The number of F-15 fighter jets is also reportedly below the level deployed during Operation Roaring Lion.

Those differences are significant because the aircraft serve different roles in a potential military confrontation. F-22 fighters are designed for air superiority and can operate in heavily contested airspace, while strategic bombers provide long-range strike capabilities. F-15 aircraft can perform a range of combat missions, including air defense and attacks against ground targets.

The absence of certain aircraft from regional bases does not necessarily mean that the United States would be unable to employ them in a conflict. American forces can operate from more distant locations, although doing so may require additional aerial refueling and logistical support.

The deployment of additional refueling aircraft is particularly important for sustaining extended air operations over the Middle East, allowing combat aircraft to remain airborne longer and operate at greater distances from their bases.

For Israel, the latest Iranian arsenal estimates point to the continued importance of maintaining sufficient interceptor inventories and close military coordination with the United States.

Israel’s air defense systems, including Arrow, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome, are designed to counter different categories of aerial threats. Ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel generally require higher-tier interception systems, while other defenses are used against shorter-range rockets and certain aircraft or drones.

The reported figures remain estimates rather than a publicly verified accounting of Iran’s operational weapons. They also do not establish how many missiles are ready for immediate launch or how many drones could be employed simultaneously.

The latest American reinforcements come as Israeli defense planners continue monitoring Iran’s missile forces and regional military activities, with the reported U.S. buildup providing additional defensive capabilities even as gaps remain compared with earlier operations.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli President Isaac Herzog will begin meeting with representatives of the newly elected Knesset factions on Wednesday as the process of determining who will receive the mandate to form Israel’s next government gets underway, with uncertainty surrounding the recommendations of several parties and the possibility that United Torah Judaism will decline to endorse any candidate.

The President’s Office announced Sunday that formal invitations had been sent to the political factions that secured seats in last week’s Knesset election. The consultations will help Herzog determine which lawmaker has the strongest prospect of assembling a governing coalition capable of securing the confidence of the Knesset.

Eyal Shviki, director general of the President’s Office, sent the invitations to party representatives, formally launching the next stage of the political process following the October 27 election.

In his communication to the factions, Shviki conveyed Herzog’s expectation that party representatives approach the discussions with flexibility and a genuine willingness to reach a workable political arrangement. The president is seeking to avoid another election and the additional political uncertainty that would accompany it.

Herzog has also directed that the consultations be broadcast live, allowing Israelis to follow the recommendations and explanations presented by each faction.

The discussions come as the political parties maneuver to determine who will be given the first opportunity to establish a coalition, with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot emerging as the principal figures around whom the recommendations are expected to center.

The right-wing parties are expected to recommend Netanyahu, while the Yashar party and the Democrats are expected to endorse Eisenkot.

The positions of Yisrael Beytenu and the Together party, however, remain uncertain, potentially complicating the calculations over which candidate will receive the greatest number of recommendations.

Another significant question concerns United Torah Judaism, whose representatives are weighing whether to withhold their recommendation altogether.

On Sunday evening, UTJ MKs Yaakov Asher, Yitzhak Goldknopf, and Meir Porush were discussing the party’s position ahead of the presidential consultations.

Should UTJ decide not to recommend a candidate, the move would represent a departure from the expected endorsements by other parties and could affect the political picture presented to Herzog as he evaluates the competing claims to the premiership.

A decision to abstain from recommending Netanyahu would not necessarily mean that UTJ has ruled out joining a government led by him. The recommendation process and subsequent coalition negotiations are separate stages, and parties may ultimately support arrangements different from those suggested during the initial consultations.

The possibility of a UTJ abstention comes against the backdrop of a difficult election for the chareidi parties, which failed to match their previous electoral performance.

The reduced strength of the chareidi factions has added another complication to coalition-building efforts, particularly as the parties weigh their negotiating positions and the implications of joining a government that may face contentious questions involving yeshiva funding, the military draft, and the relationship between religious institutions and the state.

The consultation process is prescribed by Israel’s Basic Law: The Government. Following an election, the president meets with representatives of the factions elected to the Knesset and considers their recommendations before selecting a member of Knesset to attempt to form a government.

Although the number of recommendations received by a candidate is an important consideration, the president is not automatically required to select the lawmaker who receives the most endorsements. The central question is which candidate appears most capable of putting together a coalition.

Under Israeli law, the lawmaker who receives the mandate generally has 28 days to assemble a government and may request an extension of up to 14 additional days from the president.

If that effort fails, the president may assign the task to another member of Knesset. Additional procedures apply if successive attempts to establish a government are unsuccessful.

Because a governing coalition ordinarily requires the backing of at least 61 members of the 120-seat Knesset, the recommendations presented to Herzog will provide an early indication of the alliances that may shape the next government.

They will not, however, guarantee that the recommended candidate can secure the parliamentary majority needed to take office.

The uncertainty surrounding the positions of Yisrael Beytenu, Together, and United Torah Judaism means that the final picture may not become clear until the parties formally present their positions to the president.

In the meantime, political negotiations are expected to continue as the competing camps seek to secure endorsements and identify possible coalition partners.

The coming consultations will also offer an indication of whether parties that campaigned against one another are prepared to consider compromises to avoid another election.

For Netanyahu, the challenge will be to demonstrate that the right-wing bloc can attract enough additional support to form a government. For Eisenkot, the task will be to establish that the parties prepared to recommend him can translate those endorsements into a viable parliamentary coalition.

The decisions of parties that have not yet declared their intentions could therefore prove particularly important.

Herzog’s meetings on Wednesday will mark the first formal step toward resolving those questions, but the ultimate composition of Israel’s next government will depend on the coalition agreements reached in the days and weeks that follow.

{Matzav.com}