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President Donald Trump on Friday issued a forceful warning to Israel, making clear that the United States is directing the terms of the current 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and expects full compliance.

“Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!” the president wrote in a sharply worded Truth Social post Friday.

Trump also dismissed reports suggesting that a financial component could be part of negotiations to end the war with Iran, following claims that the U.S. was weighing the release of $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for Tehran giving up its enriched uranium stockpile.

“No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form,” he pledged.

“The deal is in no way subject to Lebanon, either, but the USA will, separately, work with Lebanon, and deal with the Hezboolah [sic] situation in an appropriate manner,” he wrote.

Trump’s remarks directed at Israel came shortly after Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu indicated that Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah is not yet complete and that additional action may still be necessary to achieve its objectives.

“One hand holds a weapon; the other is extended for peace,” Netanyahu said in a video statement explaining Israel would honor 10-day cease-fire at the behest of President Trump.

At the same time, Netanyahu signaled that further operations could be forthcoming.

“I will say honestly, we have not yet finished the job,” Netanyahu added. “There are things we plan to do regarding the remaining rocket threat and the drone threat, which I will not detail.”

He also cautioned that fully dismantling the Iran-backed group will take time and cannot be accomplished immediately.

“This will not be achieved tomorrow. It requires sustained effort, patience, and careful navigation in the diplomatic arena.”

Leaders in France and the United Kingdom on Friday responded positively to the announcement by Iran and the United States that the Strait of Hormuz has reopened, while stressing that safe and unrestricted passage through the vital oil corridor must be secured on a permanent basis following disruptions caused by the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said they will continue preparing a multinational effort aimed at restoring maritime stability. Starmer indicated the initiative would be launched “as soon as conditions allow,” adding that military officials are scheduled to convene in London next week to advance planning.

After hosting a meeting involving roughly 50 nations and international bodies, Macron declared that “we all demand the full, immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by all parties.”

While those discussions were taking place, President Donald Trump and Iran’s foreign minister separately confirmed that the waterway had been reopened to commercial traffic. Markets reacted quickly, with oil prices dropping after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X that shipping lanes would remain “completely open” during a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon.

At the same time, Trump emphasized that U.S. military pressure would not be lifted immediately, stating in a social media post that the naval blockade of Iranian vessels and ports would continue “UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE.”

Starmer welcomed the development with caution, saying the arrangement must evolve into “both lasting and a workable proposal.”

The Paris gathering reflects broader efforts by countries not directly involved in the conflict to reduce its economic fallout. The war, which began on Feb. 28 when Iran effectively closed the narrow strait through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply flows, triggered a sharp spike in energy prices and widespread economic strain.

The United States is not participating in the proposed operation, known as the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative. Macron described it as “a neutral mission, entirely separate from the belligerents to escort and secure the merchant ships transiting the Gulf.”

Starmer, dealing with domestic political pressures, arrived at the Elysee Palace for the meeting, where he was welcomed by Macron. Among those attending in person were German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Other world leaders—including those from Australia, Canada, South Korea, and Ukraine—as well as officials from China and India, joined virtually.

Starmer said that, similar to previous multinational security arrangements, Britain and France would spearhead a coalition to safeguard maritime movement once conditions permit.

“This will be strictly peaceful and defensive, as a mission to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance,” he said.

He added that more than a dozen nations have committed resources so far, though participation remains smaller than earlier coalition efforts in the region.

The U.K. has explored deploying mine-detection drones launched from the support ship RFA Lyme Bay as part of the effort.

The conflict has underscored the reduced capabilities of the Royal Navy, which has sent only one major vessel—the destroyer HMS Dragon—to the eastern Mediterranean. France, by contrast, has dispatched its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier along with additional naval assets, including a helicopter carrier and several frigates.

Meloni said Italy is prepared to assist, stating she had offered her country’s “willingness to make its naval units available,” while Merz said Germany could contribute to mine-clearing and maritime intelligence, provided it receives parliamentary approval and a ″secure legal basis″ such as a U.N. Security Council resolution.

He added that Germany, ″if possible, would also like to see the United States of America participate; we believe this would be desirable.″

That stance differs from Macron’s position that the mission should consist of countries not directly involved in the conflict.

According to Macron’s office, coalition members could take on roles including “intelligence, mine-clearing capabilities, military escorts (and) communication procedures with coastal states.”

Sidharth Kaushal, a sea power specialist at the Royal United Services Institute, said the coalition is more likely to focus on clearing mines and establishing maritime warning systems than on escorting oil tankers through the strait.

“You need huge numbers of vessels for that sort of thing, which nobody has,” he said.

Ellie Geranmayeh, an Iran expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said European nations may be better positioned to handle mine-clearing operations than the United States.

“They would be a better party to do this than the United States, because once you have U.S. military doing this and lingering on Iranian shores, it creates a potential arena for Iran and the U.S. to have miscalculations and get back into a sort of military tension,” she said.

The initiative also reflects a response to criticism from Trump, who has sharply rebuked allies for not taking part in the conflict, calling them “cowards,” saying NATO “wasn’t there when we needed them” and telling Britain: “You don’t even have a navy.”

Kaushal said European governments are likely seeking “to demonstrate the ability to provide security in a way that’s distinct from, if not completely separate from, the U.S. and which also demonstrates a capacity for independent action.”

“How many states actually have spare capacity to offer to this is a pretty open question.”

Trump signaled skepticism toward European involvement, referencing NATO rather than the proposed coalition.

“Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help. I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL,” he posted on social media.

“They were useless when needed, a Paper Tiger!”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed a report suggesting that the United States may release up to $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for Iran handing over its enriched uranium, as negotiations between the two countries continue amid a fragile ceasefire.

The diplomatic efforts follow weeks of hostilities that rattled global energy markets and led to a U.S. military blockade targeting Iranian ports and key shipping lanes connected to the Strait of Hormuz.

Officials involved in the discussions said there has been “steady progress” in recent days, but acknowledged that significant disagreements remain—particularly regarding how extensive and how long restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activity should be.

Trump said Thursday that another round of talks is expected to take place over the weekend, potentially in Islamabad, with representatives from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey working behind the scenes to help bring the sides to an agreement.

According to one U.S. official who spoke to Axios on Friday, “one of many discussions” has involved a potential arrangement in which the U.S. would unfreeze billions of dollars for Iran to use on humanitarian needs such as food and medicine, in exchange for Tehran giving up its stockpile of enriched uranium.

Trump, however, later rejected that idea outright in a Truth Social post, writing that “The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear ‘Dust,’ created by our great B2 Bombers” and insisting that “no money will change hands in any way, shape, or form” under any agreement with Iran.

Central to the negotiations is Iran’s nuclear program, which U.S. officials estimate includes approximately 2,000 kilograms of enriched uranium, including around 450 kilograms refined to 60% purity.

One option being discussed would see a portion of that material transferred to another country, while the remainder would be diluted under international monitoring.

The talks are also said to include a draft, three-page memorandum of understanding outlining a proposed “voluntary” halt to Iran’s enrichment activities, with the United States seeking a 20-year suspension and Iran reportedly proposing a five-year limit.

“Iran has moved. But not far enough. What it takes to make them move forward, we will see,” one U.S. official said.

Another official added: “Iran clearly wants the $20 billion — and a lot more. They clearly want to sell oil at free-market rates without sanctions. They want to participate in the global financial system. But they also want to have this nuclear weapons program. They want to fund terrorists like Hamas. And they don’t want to give that up enough to get the things we’re offering.”

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump said Iran had agreed to issue “a very, very powerful statement … that they will not have nuclear weapons” and to turn over “the nuclear dust” to the United States. He added, “We are very close to making a deal. If no deal, fire resumes.”

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly described the negotiations as “productive,” while pushing back on outside reporting, saying: “Anonymous sources who claim to know about sensitive diplomatic discussions have no idea what they are talking about.”

The Sanzer Rebbe delivered an impassioned address at a tish marking the yahrtzeit of the founder of the dynasty, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, focusing on the extraordinary miracles witnessed during the recent war with Iran and the obligation to recognize and thank Hashem for them.

“We must reflect—we are going through a turbulent time. Everyone sees that these are not normal days. We always thought things weren’t normal, but a situation like what we are experiencing now has never happened. This is a clear reality,” the Rebbe began.

“According to the natural order, there is no explanation for what has taken place. One can only thank the Creator of the world for the tremendous signs and wonders when one reflects on them. There are no words sufficient to describe the miracles. We must give thanks day and night and rejoice in the Creator of the world for the Heavenly protection and defense,” the Rebbe continued.

“Nothing here follows the natural order. There is no natural explanation. When a person reflects even a little, every soul is an entire world, and we see the forces of evil that prepared their weapons and tools of destruction—there is no way to be saved from this through nature, only through the kindness of Hashem, Who poured out His wrath on wood and stones. There is no logical explanation for what is happening. One can clearly see the Divine providence present every single day.”

At this point, the Rebbe addressed what he described as a spiritual failing in how events are being interpreted. “But there is something else. Instead of all Jews going out into the streets and crying out, ‘Hashem is G-d, there is none besides Him,’ people say: there was a good interception, the ‘Arrow’ system intercepted. Trump is helping us. This too is part of the concealment of Hashem’s presence—to find explanations that shift our focus away from where the true supervision comes from.”

“Indeed, the time has not yet come when it will be seen openly, ‘Hashem will fight for you and you will remain silent.’ Therefore, there is still a dividing curtain that conceals, so that it should not be seen. And there are many who err and do not believe. But we—believers, the children of believers—are upright Jews who know that there is nothing besides the Holy One, blessed be He, Who does everything in the world. Everything is from Him—the great things and the small.”

The Rebbe concluded with a call for strengthening emunah and preparedness for the Geulah. “Therefore, we must thank Hashem. We are seeing revelations the likes of which we have never seen. One can tangibly perceive that the Creator protects His people, watches over His children. This is the time to strengthen ourselves more in faith and trust. We need siyata d’Shmaya, so that we will not be ashamed when Moshiach arrives—he can come at any moment.”

“Our holy sages said that when one sees injustice and evil in the world, each person must try to strengthen himself in Torah and Yiddishkeit, to reinforce the boundaries of holiness. We see that this is a war for Hashem against Amalek, from generation to generation. This is what stands against Israel. And this is the greatest war—to delay the Geulah, the attempt to harm the sanctity of Israel.”

“Therefore, each person should declare: I am preparing myself, I am correcting myself, I am establishing a fixed time for Torah study, I am accepting upon myself safeguards and boundaries. I want more holiness, I want righteous children, sons and daughters who are modest in holiness and purity. I want to prepare myself so that when Moshiach comes, I will be able to show my share in bringing the redemption—that this merit should protect us,” the Rebbe concluded.

Rep. John Rose, a Republican from Tennessee, sharply criticized Sen. Bernie Sanders’ stance on the Iran conflict, saying the Vermont senator’s rhetoric “border on being antisemitic” during a Friday appearance on Newsmax.

Speaking on “Wake Up America Early” with host Alex Kraemer, Rose took issue with Sanders’ opposition to U.S. backing of Israel and military steps related to Iran, arguing that Sanders is presenting a misleading picture of the situation.

“As I listen to Sen. Sanders’ comments, I think they border on being antisemitic,” Rose said. “This is not about Israel, and Israel is not somehow driving the ship.
“The president has taken us down this road of action toward Iran to stop them from getting nuclear weapons and the capacity to deliver them to our country.”

Earlier in the week, Sanders contended that Americans “do not want us to continue spending billions” in support of what he described as the “illegal, horrific, and expansionist war policies” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rose rejected that framing, insisting the issue at hand is centered on defending the United States and its allies rather than aligning with any particular foreign government.

“This is about protecting America … and protecting the rest of the world,” Rose said, adding that previous administrations had failed to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

He went on to praise President Donald Trump for what he described as decisive leadership in confronting Tehran, contrasting it with what he called years of ineffective policy under both parties.

According to Rose, Trump made multiple efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement with Iran before resorting to more forceful measures.

“He tried desperately to negotiate … but they refused to negotiate in good faith,” Rose said.

The exchange comes as lawmakers in Washington remain split over the extent of U.S. involvement in the growing confrontation with Iran.

Earlier this week, the House narrowly defeated a war powers resolution that sought to curb the president’s authority, falling short by a single vote and highlighting divisions within Congress.

Rose also weighed in on broader disputes in Washington, including the ongoing government shutdown and disagreements over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

He accused Senate Democrats of blocking funding initiatives and advancing policies that, in his view, endanger the public.

“Democrats in the Senate, led by, you know, Leader [Chuck] Schumer, are determined to defund the police,” Rose said, arguing they are placing “the safety and security of Americans behind protecting criminal illegal aliens.”

The Tennessee congressman additionally pointed to what he described as a wider lack of accountability on Capitol Hill, referencing former California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell amid reports of alleged misconduct.

“It’s good to see him being held accountable,” Rose said, suggesting Democrats had previously shielded Swalwell for political reasons.

As tensions over Iran continue to rise alongside deepening domestic political divisions, Rose’s comments reflect the increasingly sharp partisan disagreements shaping both U.S. foreign policy and internal debates in Washington.

A dramatic development has emerged in Yerushalayim after authorities revealed that a woman who had been missing since 2008 has been found dead. Following a court order lifting a publication ban, the victim was identified as Ruth Abramov, 74, whose body was discovered last week in a storage facility near Gan Sacher in a central area of the city.

Abramov had been missing for many years, and despite extensive efforts by Israeli police to locate her since her disappearance, she remained unaccounted for until now. The circumstances surrounding her death have not yet been determined.

As part of the investigation, a man in his 70s was taken into custody on suspicion of involvement in the case. However, after several days of questioning, he was released. His attorney, Gabi Tronishvili of the Public Defender’s Office, stated that his client cooperated fully with investigators and denied any connection to the death.

According to his lawyer: “Today, after eight days in custody, an elderly and innocent man who maintained his version throughout was released. From the very first moment, he made it clear that he was the one who called emergency services immediately upon finding the deceased, and that he did not cause her death.”

Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident in an effort to solve the long-standing mystery.

tive or medical equipment, such as sunglasses and similar items.

The proposal builds on a series of actions Hochul has pursued to reduce cooperation between New York officials and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as tensions continue to rise over federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Earlier this year, in January, Hochul put forward legislation designed to block local police departments and correctional facilities from assisting federal authorities with civil immigration enforcement, arguing that such involvement pulls resources away from addressing local crime and damages public trust.

That earlier push came amid heightened national attention on immigration enforcement practices, including a widely reported incident in Minneapolis in which federal agents killed two U.S. citizens, fueling further debate over deportation policies and law enforcement conduct.

Hochul’s latest move comes as she works with New York’s Democratic-controlled Legislature on a broader package of immigration-related proposals, where lawmakers remain divided over the extent to which the state should limit cooperation with federal authorities.

The governor, who is running for reelection in November 2026, has increasingly promoted policies aimed at protecting undocumented immigrants, who number in the hundreds of thousands across New York.

Her broader agenda includes expanding the list of so-called sensitive locations where civil immigration enforcement cannot take place without a judicial warrant, as well as establishing new legal avenues for residents to bring lawsuits against federal officials over alleged constitutional violations.

The effort reflects a wider pattern among Democratic governors seeking to counter stricter federal immigration enforcement policies, which were a central component of Trump’s 2024 campaign.

At the same time, Hochul’s approach has sparked debate within her own party, particularly over whether local law enforcement should ever share information with federal immigration authorities.

“There’s no public safety justification for local and state law enforcement sharing immigration information with ICE,” said Democratic state Sen. Julia Salazar.

Hochul defended the proposal, saying it would create a baseline level of protection while still allowing municipalities to adopt more aggressive measures if they choose.

“Any municipality can go as far as they want in terms of protecting New York residents from ICE,” she said. “We’re establishing basically a floor.”

Iran announced Friday that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil shipments, has been fully reopened to commercial traffic after months of disruption tied to the ongoing conflict with the United States.

“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Arahgchi wrote Friday in a post on social platform X.

President Trump welcomed the development, though he made clear that U.S. naval restrictions in the region would continue despite Tehran’s announcement.

“IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

In a follow-up message, Trump emphasized that American enforcement measures would remain in place until broader negotiations with Iran are finalized.

“THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS AND FULL PASSAGE, BUT THE NAVAL BLOCKADE WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IT PERTAINS TO IRAN, ONLY, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE. THIS PROCESS SHOULD GO VERY QUICKLY IN THAT MOST OF THE POINTS ARE ALREADY NEGOTIATED,” he wrote.

The announcement comes as a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon begins to stabilize the region, raising hopes that it could pave the way for a wider agreement involving Iran.

Markets responded positively to the news, with major U.S. indexes including the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq moving higher.

Oil prices, which had surged during the period of restricted passage, showed signs of easing. On Friday, Brent crude—the global benchmark—fell to $89 per barrel, while U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate declined to $81.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration has moved to withdraw $74 million in federal highway funding from New York, citing the state’s refusal to comply with directives to remove certain immigrant truck drivers with expired work authorization from the roads.

According to a report by The NY Post, the U.S. Department of Transportation sent a sharply worded letter Thursday to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Department of Motor Vehicles warning that failure to address the issue could result in an additional $147 million in highway grants being withheld.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the funding cut reflects a broader commitment to enforcing safety standards and holding state leaders accountable.

“I promised the American people I would hold any state leader accountable for failing to keep them safe from unvetted, unqualified foreign drivers. I’m delivering on that promise today by refusing to fund Governor Hochul’s dangerous, anti-American policies,” US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy told The NY Post in a statement.

“My message to New York’s far left leadership is clear: families must be prioritized on American roads.”

Federal officials contend that the New York DMV has not followed earlier instructions to review thousands of commercial driver’s licenses and revoke those issued to non-residents whose work permits have expired.

The letter states that the agency “refuses” to comply with those requirements, despite repeated warnings from Washington.

A prior review conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that out of roughly 32,000 commercial licenses issued in New York to non-residents, about half had expiration dates extending well beyond the validity of the drivers’ work authorization.

“New York’s continued refusal to fix these failures undermines that mission, and we will not allow federal dollars to support a system that falls short of the law,” FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs said.

The federal action comes against the backdrop of several serious crashes involving migrant truck drivers, including a fatal incident in Florida last year that claimed three lives.

According to federal officials, New York DMV staff acknowledged that commercial licenses are often granted for up to eight years by default, even when a driver’s work authorization is valid for a much shorter period.

In response to federal pressure, the state halted the issuance of new commercial licenses to non-resident drivers in February, following stricter guidance from the Trump administration.

However, New York has taken the position that it is not legally obligated to retroactively review previously issued licenses under the updated federal standards, a stance outlined in the letter.

“FMCSA is deeply disappointed by DMV’s refusal to take the necessary corrective actions set forth in the Preliminary Determination,” the letter states. “The withholding of Federal funds is the direct and necessary consequence of New York’s own actions and its demonstrated disregard for Federal safety standards.”

State officials have pushed back strongly, arguing that the federal government’s claims are unfounded and politically motivated.

“These charges are a baseless attempt to attack blue states, because as everyone knows New York simply follows federally-issued rules when issuing commercial drivers licenses, something that even the Trump Administration has acknowledged,” Hochul spokesperson Sean Butler told The Post noting the FMCSA hadn’t taken issues with the state’s CDL program during Trump’s first administration.

“This continues a year long pattern of Secretary Duffy threatening to withhold money that keeps our roads, subways, and other infrastructure safe for New Yorkers. We will fight back, and once again we will win,” Hochul’s flak continued.

Federal officials noted in the letter that the DMV did provide documentation showing that five of six previously flagged drivers had valid proof of lawful residence, indicating at least some level of compliance in specific cases.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is open to visiting Pakistan if a potential agreement between the United States and Iran is completed in Islamabad, pointing to Pakistan’s growing role in facilitating talks between the two sides.

Speaking to reporters, Trump praised Pakistan’s involvement and signaled that he would consider making the trip if negotiations reach a successful conclusion.

“I would go to Pakistan,” Trump told reporters when asked whether he would visit the nation to seal an agreement. “Pakistan has been great. They’ve been so good.”

“If a deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go,” he added.

Pakistan has taken on an increasingly central role as a go-between in efforts to bring Washington and Tehran toward a new agreement, even as negotiations have faced repeated obstacles.

At the same time, pressure remains high. The United States continues to maintain a blockade on Iranian ports, while a temporary ceasefire between the two countries is set to run out next week, adding urgency to diplomatic efforts.

Talks held in Islamabad last weekend did not result in a breakthrough, but discussions have not collapsed, and all sides are still participating.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday that it remains actively engaged in facilitating communication between the U.S. and Iran, with preparations underway for another round of talks, although no timeline has been set.

“Who will come, how big the delegation will be, who will stay, and who will go is for the parties to decide,” Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said, according to Al Jazeera.

“As a mediator, it’s important for us to keep the talks confidential,” he continued. “We had the details and information of the talks entrusted to us by the negotiating parties.”

Earlier Thursday, Trump also revealed that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire following discussions in Washington, a development that could help ease wider tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

Since the beginning of the U.S.-Israel confrontation with Iran, Israel has carried out multiple strikes in Lebanon aimed at the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group.

Iran and Pakistan have maintained that Lebanon was originally included in the broader ceasefire framework, while officials in Washington and Israel have rejected that interpretation.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Thursday night that the ongoing conflict with Iran could soon conclude, expressing confidence in both military operations and diplomatic developments.

Speaking at an event in Las Vegas, Trump indicated that the situation is moving in a favorable direction and suggested that the fighting may wrap up in the near future.

“We’re doing very well, and I will say the war in Iran is going along swimmingly, we can do whatever we want, and it should be ending pretty soon,” Trump said at the event.

He praised the performance of U.S. forces, emphasizing what he described as unmatched military strength.

“It was perfect. It’s perfect. It was the power we have,” the President added. “We had the most powerful military anywhere in the world.”

Trump:

The war in Iran is going along swimmingly. We can do whatever we want.

It’s perfect. It should be ending pretty soon. pic.twitter.com/Qrvct4SChl

— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 17, 2026

Trump also explained that military action, while not his preference, was necessary to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities.

He stated that while he did not want to strike Iran, “we had to because we can’t let them have a nuclear weapon. Can’t let them have a nuclear weapon.”

Earlier in the day, Trump told reporters that Iran appears close to accepting key U.S. conditions, pointing to progress in ongoing efforts to reach an agreement.

He highlighted the effectiveness of the naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a major factor in pressuring Iran.

Trump touted the naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz as “amazing” and said it “is holding up very strong, and I think we’re making a lot of progress.”

The president added that he does not see a need to prolong the current ceasefire arrangement, suggesting that Iran is now more willing to compromise than in the past.

The president said he did not believe the ceasefire needed to be extended, adding: “Iran wants to make a deal and we’re dealing very nicely with them. They’re willing to do things today that they weren’t willing to do two months ago.”

He further indicated that another round of discussions between the two sides is likely to take place soon, possibly over the weekend.

American and Iranian officials previously held talks in Pakistan last weekend, though those discussions ended without a finalized agreement.

Vice President JD Vance, who headed the U.S. delegation in those talks, acknowledged lingering tensions but expressed optimism about the path forward.

Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation to the talks, said on Tuesday that while there is “a lot of mistrust” between the US and Iran, he is optimistic about the prospects of a deal.

According to a report by CNN, Vance is expected to once again lead U.S. negotiators if another in-person meeting with Iranian officials is scheduled.

{Matzav.com}

A dramatic announcement made by the Satmar Rebbe, Rav Aharon Teitelbaum, during a tish marking the yahrtzeit of his father, the Beirach Moshe zt”l, is being seen as a potential turning point in the New York housing crisis, with plans for thousands of affordable housing units, not only for Satmar chassidim, but for the broader chassidishe public.

Speaking during the tish in Kiryas Yoel, the Rebbe revealed that he has been working with multiple developers to create a large-scale housing project in Monticello, New York, at significantly reduced prices—well below current market rates.

“I sat with several developers,” the Rebbe said, “to see how it would be possible to establish affordable housing for the broader public. While in Kiryas Yoel, due to the high demand, they managed to bring prices down and today it stands at $300 per square foot—which is $3,000 per square meter—in the new project the price will be one-third lower, standing at $200 per square foot, which is $2,000 per square meter.”

He went on to describe the scope of the project and the readiness of the location to support a growing kehilla.

“The developers are preparing to build thousands of housing units in the near future in the city of Monticello in New York. In Monticello there is already a large community throughout the year. There are several shuls operating year-round, there is a Talmud Torah, a girls’ school, several grocery stores and supermarkets that are open, heichlei Torah are active, and all the other needs that a Yid requires in a chareidi city.”

The Rebbe emphasized that the initiative is not limited to Satmar, but is intended for the wider tzibbur, particularly those struggling with the high cost of living in Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Williamsburg and Boro Park.

“And from here, in the large beis medrash in Kiryas Yoel, I turn to the broader public. Recently, Jews from Brooklyn came to me—not Satmar chassidim—and told me that they are suffocating under the burden of purchasing a home in Brooklyn, whether in Williamsburg or Boro Park or other neighborhoods. Not to mention the high taxes and property costs that are paid for an apartment in Brooklyn.”

He then delivered a clear message that a solution is on the way, along with a strong warning to potential buyers.

“Therefore, I sat with the developers and I announce to you from here that there is an affordable solution that will be ready very soon for the entire public, not only for Satmar chassidim. But I want to ask everyone: Please, there are enough apartments for everyone—please do not pay more than the agreed price, which is $200 per square foot, so as not to drive up the cost of the apartments.”

The Rebbe added further details about the scale of construction and stressed that maintaining affordability depends on the public.

“I sat with several developers, each one building several hundred apartments, and together there will be thousands of apartments on the market in the very near future. The developers are prepared to sell the apartments at the lower price.”

He warned buyers not to be pressured by brokers or artificial urgency.

“Do not fall into the trap of brokers who will tell you that you must close on the apartment right now, and that only the apartment they show you is the best one. Do not pay more than $200 per square foot and do not give support to those who inflate prices.”

This development follows earlier success in lowering housing costs within Kiryas Yoel itself, where prices currently stand at approximately $300 per square foot within the town, and around $250 per square foot in the surrounding expanded areas.

Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, Rosh Yeshivas Rashbi, delivered a sharp and forceful response to recent Supreme Court proceedings, declaring that the Torah world will not be intimidated following inflammatory remarks made during hearings on the issue of drafting yeshiva bochurim.

The comments were made when a group of bnei yeshiva visited his home, during which the rosh yeshiva spoke strongly about the troubling statements that surfaced in court discussions in recent days.

The controversy erupted after, during one of the Supreme Court hearings, an attorney representing the petitioners was inadvertently heard on an open microphone saying: “We will dismantle the Torah world.”

On Thursday afternoon, while delivering divrei chizuk to the visiting bochurim, Rav Bergman directly addressed those remarks.

“There is a group sitting in Yerushalayim in the court, where they are saying that they will destroy the Torah world — that is their exact language. They should know, and everyone should know, that nothing will help them. ‘No weapon formed against you shall succeed.’ The Torah world will continue on and on, and nothing they do will help them.”

“We will stand strong and not be afraid of them. And you should strengthen yourselves in Torah and in yiras Shamayim, and Hakadosh Boruch Hu will save us from them and from anyone who seeks to destroy the Torah world.”

A respected mechanech and prominent member of the Chabad community in Nachalas Har Chabad-Kiryat Malachi, Rav Menachem Chavakuk Blau z”l, passed away at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness.

The levayah was held tonight at his home at 7 Kakal Street in Kiryat Malachi before continuing to the cemetery in Kiryat Malachi.

Rav Blau was born on the 24th of Tammuz 5709 to his father, Rav Yaakov Zalman Blau, z”l, and his mother, Tzila, a”h.

In his youth, he learned in Yeshivas Slabodka in Bnei Brak, where he was highly regarded by the roshei yeshiva. During his years there, he became drawn to Chabad, eventually embracing its teachings as his derech in life. He later continued his learning in Yeshivas Toras Emes of Chabad in Yerushalayim.

As a young man, he would travel to the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s court in Brooklyn, spending Tishrei and other opportunities in the Rebbe’s presence. He was known for his remarkable mastery of Chabad niggunim, which he would sing with depth and emotion.

Upon reaching marriageable age, he married his wife, the daughter of Rav Chaim Wolf Rosenhaft, z”l.

Rav Blau was a beloved and devoted educator who dedicated his life to chinuch. For decades, he served as a mechanech in the Talmud Torah in Nachalas Har Chabad, where he shaped generations of talmidim with Torah values and refined middos. Members of the community recall that his dedication extended far beyond formal responsibilities, as he gave of himself completely to his students. Even after retiring, he continued his holy work, teaching struggling children with patience, devotion, and love, never accepting payment and viewing each child as a עולם מלא.

Holding a doctorate in special education, he devoted particular attention to children requiring individualized support, investing tireless effort into their growth and success, even when others had given up hope.

In recent years, he battled a serious illness. Even during this difficult period, as long as he had the strength, he made every effort to attend shul regularly.

He leaves behind a distinguished family—children, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—continuing in the path of Torah. Among his brothers are Rav Koppel Blau, a respected member of the Chazon Ish kollel, and Rav Yitzchok Blau, a prominent chossid of Nadvorna.

Yehi zichro boruch.

The Internal Revenue Service is sending more money back: The average tax refund for the almost 100 million households who had already filed their returns as of April 3 was $3,462, more than 10 percent above last year’s average of $3,116 for similarly early filers.

The bigger refund checks reflect the major tax cut passed by Congress in July, which reduced many households’ tax bills. Because the law went into effect midyear, it also meant that many companies ended up withholding too much from workers’ paychecks, based on previous formulations.

As of April 3, the most recent data published by the IRS, the number of returns filed was below the number at the same point last year: a little under 100 million, compared to more than 101 million. But the IRS sent out much more money than at the same point last year: more than $241 billion in refunds, a 14 percent increase compared to $211 billion last year.

The portion of people who get a refund, rather than owing money at tax time, seems to be going up: just over 70 percent of people whose returns were processed by April 3 this year, compared to 67 percent of similar filers last year and 62 percent of all filers last year. (People who owe money, understandably, tend to wait longer to file their taxes, so the early returns show more refunds.)

The Republican law increased the standard deduction and included many new tax cuts for specific groups. The child tax deduction increased, from a maximum of $2,000 to $2,200 per child. New tax breaks for the years 2025 through 2028 let people deduct their tip income, overtime pay and certain car loan interest paid.

Alia Shawa, 35, benefited from the new tip and car-loan deductions, as a server at a New York City restaurant who bought a new car in July. She earned about $40,000 in tips and was able to skip paying taxes on $25,000 of it.

In 2024, Shawa’s husband, a chef, earned more money than he thought he would, so they owed a painful $12,000 tax bill. “It totally broke us,” she said.

In 2025, they withheld much more during the year, plus they benefited from the new deductions, adding up to a whopping $26,000 refund. “I finally get something back. … For how much we work, we weren’t getting help.”

Shawa, an immigrant from Spain, enthusiastically supported the new deduction, saying it would help both service workers and the low-margin restaurant industry. “They’re not able to pay us a livable wage. … If we were only taxed on our wage, not tips, that makes so much more sense for the cost of living here in New York.”

The car-loan deduction that Shawa claimed is available only for certain American-made cars that were bought new in 2025; so far, just over a million households have claimed it, according to Politico, well below the Trump administration’s predictions.

The overtime deduction, on the other hand, has proven far more popular than anticipated, with more than 23 million households claiming it as of early April. Some experts worried that people who misunderstand the new rules are improperly claiming the deduction, which only applies to specific workers, and only to part of their pay (the “and-a-half” part of “time-and-a-half,” not their full pay for those hours).

The popularity of the overtime deduction has a lot to do with the overall average rise in refund amounts, said Kasey Pittman, managing director of tax policy at the tax firm Cherry Bekaert. “It’s sometimes very hard to parse that information” about what overtime pay should be tax deductible, she said. “Those provisions are driving a lot of the increase in tax refunds.”

The Republican law also gave qualifying senior citizens a new $6,000 deduction, which can cut their overall tax bill by as much as $1,320, according to analysis by the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Karen Richardson, 68, has had a predictable tax return since she retired from her job administering government benefits four years ago. She lives on a fixed income and usually owes some money at tax time, so she was surprised to get a $1,000 refund this year due to the senior deduction.

“The Big Beautiful Bill worked for me,” she said. “I didn’t think it applied to more than the richer people. … I really didn’t think it applied to me.”

The Bipartisan Policy Center found that the potential tax savings for households from any single provision in the Republican law varies widely. The most that any household can save from the increased standard deduction is $555, for the highest earners; the vast majority save much less than that. The tax deductions for tips and overtime can be worth up to $6,000 for a married couple.

The biggest potential savings comes from the bill’s higher threshold for deducting state and local tax (SALT) amounts from federal income – a married couple earning up to $500,000 per year can now deduct $40,000 in SALT, instead of $10,000, which would save them close to $10,000 on their taxes.

That newly generous SALT deduction benefits wealthier people much more than lower-income households – most low- and middle-income households don’t have more than $10,000 in state and local tax bills to deduct.

Before this year, the average total refund amount hadn’t changed much in recent years: $3,167 in 2025, $3,138 in 2024, $3,167 in 2023, $3,252 in 2022.

Going forward, taxpayers shouldn’t expect the bigger refunds to be the new normal.

Employers are supposed to withhold about the right amount of money from paychecks to pay a worker’s taxes. This coming tax year, withholding formulas will reflect the new law. Workers will get to keep more money throughout the year, and their refunds next tax season will be smaller.

In some sense, it’s truly better for workers to get their money up-front, Pittman noted: “Refunds just mean you’ve given the government an interest-free loan.”

But many people feel good getting a bigger check on Tax Day. “That was a strategic decision,” Pittman said. “[Republicans] did not adjust the withholding tables for this year, because it was likely to result in a boon at refund time, which is strategically not too far from midterm elections.”

Republicans in Congress have been touting the bigger average refund checks, casting the money as an answer to the rising cost of living driven by inflation.

People who file on the deadline should expect to receive a refund, if they are owed one, in about three weeks, the IRS said.

(c) 2026, The Washington Post · Julie Z. Weil 

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President Donald Trump sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over a newly unveiled tax proposal targeting high-value second homes, calling the plan harmful to the city’s future and escalating tensions between the two leaders.

The comments came in response to a proposal announced Thursday by Mamdani and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul that would impose a tax on secondary residences in the city valued at more than $5 million, with the goal of generating significant new revenue.

Trump weighed in on the plan in a post on Truth Social, warning that the policy would accelerate the city’s decline.

“Sadly, Mayor Mamdani is DESTROYING New York! It has no chance! The United States of America should not contribute to its failure,” Trump wrote on the social platform.

“It will only get WORSE. The TAX, TAX, TAX Policies are SO WRONG,” he continued. “People are fleeing. They must change their ways, AND FAST. History has proven, THIS ‘STUFF’ JUST DOESN’T WORK.”

The proposed measure, introduced jointly by Mamdani and Hochul, would apply to high-end second homes across New York City and is projected by its backers to bring in approximately $500 million.

State officials framed the plan as a fairness measure aimed at wealthier property owners who maintain largely unoccupied residences in the city.

“If you can afford a $5 million second home that sits empty most of the year, you can afford to contribute like every other New Yorker,” Hochul said in a statement.

Mamdani, speaking to reporters on Thursday, said the tax is part of a broader effort to address the city’s mounting fiscal challenges, including a projected $5.4 billion budget gap in the upcoming fiscal year.

“We’re talking about the levels of wealth that are storing themselves here in New York City all at the time at which our city is facing a generational fiscal crisis, so I think that this is something worthy of celebration as part of the work that we are doing with the governor,” the mayor told reporters.

Relations between Trump and Mamdani have been marked by sharp rhetoric in the past, with Mamdani referring to Trump as a “despot” during his mayoral campaign and Trump describing the mayor, a democratic socialist, as a “communist.”

Despite those clashes, the two have also held cordial discussions at the White House, including meetings in November and February, where both sides described the conversations as constructive, particularly on issues related to affordability.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rabbi Yitzchok Mitnick zt”l of Brooklyn, NY, a distinguished talmid of Rav Yitzchak Hutner and a trailblazing mechanech whose impact on generations of talmidim continues to resonate. He was 89 years old.

Rabbi Mitnick was formed in the illustrious halls of Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin, where he became closely attached to his revered rebbi, Rav Hutner. Under Rav Hutner’s guidance, he developed into a deeply thoughtful and principled ben Torah, absorbing not only the depth of Torah learning but also the broader vision of what it means to educate and inspire.

At the specific request of Rav Hutner, Rabbi Mitnick went on to found Mesivta Gur Aryeh, a bold and visionary undertaking at the time. With clarity of purpose and unwavering dedication, he built the yeshiva into a makom Torah that nurtured countless bochurim, instilling within them a lifelong connection to Torah, growth, and yiras Shamayim. His approach combined warmth and understanding with high expectations, allowing each talmid to feel seen while being challenged to reach his full potential.

As a mechanech, Rabbi Mitnick was widely regarded as a pioneer. He possessed a rare ability to connect to talmidim on their level while gently guiding them upward. His hanhagah was marked by patience, insight, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every individual. Many of his talmidim went on to become bnei Torah, marbitzei Torah, and devoted members of the Torah community, carrying with them the values and lessons they absorbed from their beloved rebbi.

He is survived by his sons: Rav Elimelech Mitnick, rosh chaburah at Bais Medrash Govoah in Lakewood; Rav Yaakov Mitnick, rebbi at The Cheder in Brooklyn; Rav Simcha Mitnick, rebbi at Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin; and Rav Mordechai Mitnick, along with many grandchildren who continue in his path.

The levayah was held today at JFK International Airport, and the kevurah will take place on  Erev Shabbos on Har Hamenuchos in Yerushalayim.

The family will be sitting shivah at 1212 Avenue L in Brooklyn, NY.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Spirit Airlines may be nearing a complete shutdown, with a new report indicating the carrier could move toward liquidation within days as it struggles to emerge from bankruptcy amid sharply rising fuel expenses.

According to Bloomberg, the ultra-low-cost airline is at risk of ceasing operations as soon as this week, with escalating fuel prices tied to the ongoing conflict involving Iran placing additional pressure on the already struggling company.

Spirit, widely recognized for its bright yellow aircraft and budget-friendly, no-frills model, is the largest ultra-low-cost carrier in the United States. The airline operates flights from several hubs, including Terminal A at LaGuardia Airport, a smaller but historically significant facility.

The Florida-based airline is currently navigating its second bankruptcy process. Just last month, Spirit outlined plans to reorganize its business, including upgrading its fleet, introducing more premium fare options, and concentrating service on key markets such as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, LaGuardia, and Newark.

Aviation analyst Zach Griff, who writes the From the Tray Table newsletter, warned that the airline’s potential collapse could have far-reaching consequences across the industry, particularly when it comes to pricing.

“Fuel costs could be the dagger to Spirit, right? I would be incredibly sad to see the loss of Spirit, and not even because I like to fly Spirit and, you know, it has- they’ve rebranded. It’s much better. But Spirit’s existence keeps every other airline in check,” Griff said.

Industry observers note that when an airline liquidates, flights typically stop immediately, leaving passengers stranded and uncertain about how to recover their money.

Griff said travelers may still have options if that scenario unfolds, particularly through financial institutions.

“The credit card companies will end up being the ones who foot the bill or kind of help you out with getting that refund if Spirit were to liquidate, you know, through chargebacks and things like that,” Griff said.

{Matzav.com}