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Huckabee: Carlson’s Claims of Harassment in Israel ‘Ridiculous’

Matzav -

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Thursday forcefully rejected Tucker Carlson’s claim that he and his staff were detained and harassed by Israeli airport authorities following an interview, calling the allegations unfounded and contradicted by surveillance footage.

Appearing on Newsmax’s “American Agenda,” Huckabee said new evidence undermines Carlson’s account. “Something has surfaced that totally blows this out of the water,” Huckabee said.

“Tucker Carlson is seen on surveillance video in the lounge, and he’s hugging and taking photos with the very airport employees that supposedly detained him and harassed him,” the ambassador added.

Carlson told The Daily Mail that after conducting an interview with Huckabee, airport personnel approached his team. “men who identified themselves as airport security took our passports, hauled our executive producer into a side room, and then demanded to know what we spoke to Ambassador Huckabee about,” Carlson said.

“It was bizarre,” Carlson said. “We’re now out of the country.”

Huckabee described Carlson’s version of events as exaggerated and inaccurate, saying the episode had been mischaracterized. Calling the claims “really unfortunate,” he then used sarcasm to challenge the portrayal.

“I’ll tell you, they roughed him up with all kinds of special snacks. They took his picture, they hugged him,” Huckabee said.

“For this ridiculously untrue story about how he was detained, he was not,” the ambassador added.

Israeli officials have also denied that Carlson was mistreated. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett went further, sharply criticizing the conservative commentator and dismissing his narrative.

“The guy who’s been spouting lies about Israel for the past two years, landed today at Ben Gurion airport, took a quick picture in the logistics zone, tweeted it to pretend he’s actually IN Israel (so he can later claim that he’s a serious reporter who toured Israel), didn’t even step foot in country, then made up a story that he’s being supposedly harassed by our security (didn’t happen), whined about it, got back into the private jet and flew off,” Bennett wrote on X.

“Next time he talks about Israel as if he’s some expert, just remember this guy is a phony!” he added.

Huckabee emphasized that standard airport screening procedures apply to all travelers entering or leaving Israel, including himself.

“They looked at his passport. They looked at everybody’s passport,” he said.

“They asked him the standard questions they ask everyone coming in or out of the country.”

The ambassador noted that he too is subject to routine checks. Huckabee said he must present his diplomatic visa each time he travels and that authorities “ask me the same questions.”

The controversy comes as Carlson and Huckabee represent two distinct strands within the broader Christian MAGA movement, reflecting wider disagreements within Republican circles over Israel policy, according to The Jewish News.

Carlson, a prominent conservative media figure, has increasingly voiced criticism of Israel on his platform, influencing a growing segment of younger right-leaning activists and political hopefuls.

Huckabee, in contrast, is a well-known evangelical Christian Zionist who has long supported Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank.

The interview itself followed public tension between the two men. Huckabee had sought a sit-down after Carlson accused him on his podcast of failing to challenge what Carlson described as Israeli demonization of Christians.

Carlson eventually agreed to the interview and posted a photograph Wednesday showing his arrival ahead of the discussion.

Ilhan Omar Says Democrats Don’t Just Want to Abolish ICE, They Plan to Dismantle DHS

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Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) said during a town hall that discussions within the Democratic Party now extend beyond eliminating U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to potentially breaking up the entire Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Addressing constituents, Omar said that the political climate has shifted since she first entered Congress, making such proposals more mainstream within her party.

“What I will say is that there is an easier conversation happening today than six, seven years ago when I got to Congress, about what we need to do with ICE, which is to abolish it,” Omar told her audience during the townhall meeting.

She went on to indicate that broader structural changes are also being debated.

“There is a lot of conversation about what the dismantlement of the Department of Homeland Security should look like,” she added.

Omar’s remarks come amid heightened tensions over federal immigration enforcement actions in recent weeks. She and other Democratic officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have been outspoken in criticizing ICE operations.

ICE was established in 2003, and enforcement raids have long been part of its mandate. However, critics of the Trump administration have portrayed recent operations as part of a broader crackdown, arguing that resistance to such enforcement is necessary.

According to Breitbart News, Minnesota, led by Democrats, has seen far-left demonstrators confront federal immigration officers. The outlet reported that some elected officials, including Walz and Omar, have used strong rhetoric in response to ICE actions.

Last month, Walz, who lost the 2024 presidential election to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, warned that he might deploy the Minnesota National Guard in response to federal law enforcement activity. He also issued a broader warning to residents in other parts of the country.

“To Americans who are watching this, if you’re in Portland or you’re in L.A., or you’re in Chicago, or you’re wherever, they’re coming next,” the governor said, before urging people across the U.S. to “stand with us against this.”

WATCH:

 

Trump Administration Expands Immigration Enforcement to Refugees

Yeshiva World News -

The Trump administration has issued a sweeping new order that could lead to the arrest of tens of thousands of refugees who are lawfully in the United States but do not yet have permanent residency, overturning years of legal and immigration safeguards. A memo filed by the Department of Homeland Security ahead of a Thursday federal court […]

19-Year-Old From Beitar Illit Arrested On Suspicion Of Flipping Police Vehicle During Bnei Brak Riots

Yeshiva World News -

Police detectives from the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan station arrested a 19-year-old resident of Beitar Illit on suspicion of involvement in overturning a police vehicle during the violent disturbances that took place in Bnei Brak earlier this week. According to police, an extensive investigation was launched immediately after the unrest, focusing on identifying individuals seen in […]

Trump: Obama Made ‘Big Mistake’ Revealing Alien Info

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President Donald Trump on Thursday alleged that Barack Obama improperly disclosed classified material while speaking about extraterrestrial life, asserting that the former president committed a serious error by referencing restricted information.

The comments came during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, when a White House correspondent asked Trump about remarks Obama made over the weekend concerning aliens and whether Trump himself had seen any proof of non-human life visiting Earth.

“Well, he gave classified information. He’s not supposed to be doing that,” Trump said.

Pressed to clarify what he meant, the President repeated the accusation.

“I don’t know if they’re real or not,” he said. “I can tell you he gave classified information. He’s not supposed to be doing that. He made a big mistake. He took it out of classified information.”

Trump indicated that he typically avoids discussing the subject.

“I never talk about it. A lot of people do,” the president said, adding, “I may get him out of trouble by declassifying.”

The exchange stemmed from a Saturday appearance by Obama on the “No Lie” podcast, where he was asked in a rapid-fire segment about the existence of aliens.

“They’re real, but I haven’t seen them,” Obama said, before adding they are not being held at Area 51. “There’s no underground facility, unless there’s this enormous conspiracy, and they hid it from the president of the United States,” he added.

After his comments gained widespread attention, Obama sought to clarify his position in a post on Instagram.

“I was trying to stick with the spirit of the speed round, but since it’s gotten attention let me clarify. Statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there,” Obama wrote on Instagram.

“But the distances between solar systems are so great that the chances we’ve been visited by aliens is low, and I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!” he added.

Israel’s Health Ministry Issues Warning After Measles Patient Travels On Bus Between Chareidi Cities

Yeshiva World News -

Israel’s Health Ministry issued a public alert Thursday night after confirming that a measles patient traveled on public transportation on Motzei Shabbos from Beitar Illit to Emanuel, raising concerns of possible exposure among passengers. According to the ministry, the patient was on Bus Line 391, which departed Beitar Illit at 9:30 p.m. Officials stressed the […]

Trump Secures $7B for Gaza Reconstruction, Troops Pledge Support

Matzav -

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that nine countries have committed $7 billion toward rebuilding Gaza and that five nations have agreed to send troops as part of a new international stabilization force, marking a major step in his administration’s postwar plan for the Palestinian territory.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, Trump said Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania will contribute troops to the Gaza stabilization mission. Egypt and Jordan, he added, have agreed to assist by training police forces for the effort.

The initial deployment of forces is expected to focus on Rafah, a key population hub in southern Gaza, where U.S. officials intend to concentrate early reconstruction initiatives.

Trump identified Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait as the countries providing financial pledges for the relief package.

“Every dollar spent is an investment in stability and the hope of new and harmonious (region),” Trump said as he thanked participating nations. He added, “The Board of Peace is showing how a better future can be built right here in this room.”

Although the $7 billion in commitments represents a substantial sum, it falls well short of the roughly $70 billion experts estimate will be required to fully rebuild Gaza after two years of devastating conflict.

The President also revealed that the United States would contribute $10 billion to the Board of Peace, though he did not detail how those funds would be allocated.

Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who is heading the newly established International Stabilization Force, outlined the scope of the proposed security presence. He said the plan envisions 12,000 police officers and 20,000 troops operating in Gaza.

“With these first steps, we help bring the security that Gaza needs for a future of prosperity and enduring peace,” Jeffers said.

The Board of Peace was originally conceived as part of Trump’s 20-point framework aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Following the October ceasefire, the President broadened the body’s mandate to include wider international conflict-resolution initiatives.

Some observers have questioned whether the expanded mission of the Board could encroach on responsibilities traditionally handled by the United Nations.

Responding to those concerns, Trump argued that the new body would ultimately strengthen the U.N. rather than weaken it.

“Someday I won’t be here. The United Nations will be,” Trump said. “I think it is going to be much stronger, and the Board of Peace is going to almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly.”

While most countries dispatched senior representatives to the event, several heads of state attended in person, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Hungarian President Viktor Orbán.

More than 40 nations, along with the European Union, confirmed participation in Thursday’s session. Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom were among more than a dozen countries that did not formally join the Board but took part as observers.

“Almost everybody’s accepted, and the ones that haven’t, will be,” Trump predicted. “And some are playing a little cute — it doesn’t work. You can’t play cute with me.”

The meeting came one day after the U.N. Security Council convened a high-level session to discuss the Gaza ceasefire agreement and Israel’s moves to expand its presence in the West Bank. That session, originally scheduled for Thursday, was moved up after Trump set the Board’s meeting for the same day, complicating travel arrangements for diplomats seeking to attend both gatherings.

Earlier in the week, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said that “at the international level it should above all be the U.N. that manages these crisis situations.” The Trump administration responded Wednesday, rejecting concerns raised by the Vatican.

A central focus of the Board’s deliberations was the formation of an armed multinational force tasked with maintaining order in Gaza and ensuring the disarmament of Hamas, a key Israeli demand and a central element of the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas has offered little indication that it is prepared to relinquish its weapons. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously because they were not authorized to comment publicly, said the administration is “under no illusions on the challenges regarding demilitarization” but has drawn some encouragement from reports by mediators.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the scale of the task ahead in remarks to the assembly.

“We have a long ways to go,” Rubio said. “There’s a lot of work that remains that will require the contribution of every nation state represented here today.”

Iran Tells UN: We Will Respond Decisively To Any US Aggression

Matzav -

Iran has formally petitioned the United Nations, accusing the United States of issuing unlawful threats of force, as President Donald Trump considers potential military action if nuclear negotiations fail.

In an urgent letter sent Thursday to the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, the Islamic Republic condemned what it described as the “persistent threat of the use of force” by Washington. The message was submitted by Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, and focused on recent public remarks by President Trump regarding possible strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Iravani said he wished to draw “urgent attention” to “the continued threats by officials of the United States to resort to the use of force, including the recent public statement by the President of the United States concerning the use of the Diego Garcia base in connection with a potential military attack against the Islamic Republic of Iran.” He argued that such statements “constitute a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law and risk plunging the region into a new cycle of crisis and instability.”

The complaint referenced a February 18, 2026, social media post in which Trump allegedly made an “explicit public threat.” According to the letter, the President wrote, “… Should Iran decide not to make a deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack ….”

Iravani cautioned that the rhetoric, coupled with what he described as the “persistent movement and build-up of military equipment and assets by the United States,” points to a “real risk of military aggression.” He warned that any such move “would be catastrophic for the region and would constitute a grave threat to international peace and security.”

Despite longstanding tensions over its nuclear activities, Iran maintained in the letter that it “remains fully committed to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to diplomatic solutions.” The ambassador said Tehran has taken part in negotiations “with a view to clearly conveying its concerns and demanding the full and verifiable lifting of the unlawful and inhumane unilateral coercive measures (UCMs) imposed against the Iranian nation.”

The communication further stated that Iran is seeking a “mutually acceptable, results-oriented solution fully consistent with the recognized inalienable rights of all States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).” Iravani added that “should the United States likewise approach these talks with seriousness and sincerity and demonstrate genuine respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the peremptory norms of international law, the achievement of a durable and balanced solution would be entirely possible.”

Tehran called on the Security Council to “ensure that the United States immediately ceases its unlawful threats of the use of force” and to prevent steps that might “escalate tensions or lead to a military confrontation.” The letter stressed that “the Security Council and the Secretary-General must act without delay, before it is too late.”

While stating that Iran “neither seeks tension nor war,” the ambassador concluded with a warning that the country would respond if attacked.

“However, in the event that it is subjected to military aggression, Iran will respond decisively and proportionately in the exercise of its inherent right of self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. In such circumstances, all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets in the context of Iran’s defensive response. The United States would bear full and direct responsibility for any unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences,” he wrote.

The diplomatic exchange comes as Washington and Tehran continue talks over Iran’s nuclear program, even as Trump keeps military options on the table should negotiations collapse.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the President is considering a limited initial strike aimed at pressuring Iran to agree to his terms for a nuclear deal. Such an operation, according to the report, would be intended to compel compliance without escalating into a full-scale assault that could trigger major retaliation.

Earlier in the day, Trump cautioned that Iran must finalize an agreement over its nuclear program or “bad things” would follow. He said discussions were progressing positively but insisted Tehran must agree to a “meaningful” deal.

“Now, we may have to take it a step further – or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal. You’re going to be finding out over the next, probably 10 days,” Trump added.

CBS News reported Wednesday that senior national security officials have informed Trump that U.S. forces are ready to carry out potential strikes against Iran as soon as Saturday. However, individuals familiar with the discussions told CBS that any action is more likely to occur after the weekend rather than immediately.

Meanwhile, a U.S. administration source quoted by The Telegraph said there is now a 90 percent likelihood of war in the coming weeks. An Israeli former intelligence chief cited in the same report said he believes a strike could take place within days.

MAILBAG: The Seminary System: A Broken Process Leaving Girls Behind

Yeshiva World News -

As a mother of a talented young girl, I’m compelled to speak out about the seminary application process that’s causing immense stress and heartache for countless families. The current system prioritizes academics and wealth over individual potential, leaving many deserving girls without a spot. The pressure is palpable: secure a place in a prestigious seminary […]

Northeast US Braces for Possible Nor’easter as Forecast Uncertainty Persists

Yeshiva World News -

Major cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, including Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston, are preparing for a potential powerful nor’easter this weekend that could bring heavy snow and disruptive conditions to millions across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Forecasters caution, however, that significant uncertainty remains about the storm’s track and intensity. “While some snow appears […]

Bennett Blasts Tucker Carlson Over Brief Israel Visit, Calls Him “a Phony”

Matzav -

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett sharply criticized conservative commentator Tucker Carlson after Carlson’s short trip to Israel, accusing him of spreading falsehoods and branding him “a chicken [garbage]” who has been “spouting lies about Israel.”

In a post on X, Bennett charged that Carlson had misrepresented both his visit and his interactions in the country, claiming the media figure was attempting to create a misleading narrative about what transpired.

Bennett wrote that Carlson, “who’s been spouting lies about Israel for the past two years…took a quick picture” at Ben Gurion Airport’s logistics zone after landing, then posted the image on X and promptly departed the country, so that the personality could “later claim that he’s a serious reporter who toured Israel.”

He went on to assert that Carlson “didn’t even step foot in the country” yet “made up a story that he’s being supposedly harassed by our security.”

Bennett added that Carlson “whined” about his experience before flying out of Israel on his private aircraft.

“Next time he talks about Israel as if he’s some expert, just remember this guy is a phony!” Bennett concluded.

Carlson had reportedly come to Israel to meet with U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, with plans to discuss the status of Christians in Israel and across the broader Middle East.

The discussion between Carlson and Huckabee took place inside the Ben Gurion Airport complex, and Carlson did not travel beyond airport grounds. He left the country at approximately 3 p.m., concluding a stay that lasted only several hours.

The rapid arrival and departure came after a public exchange between the two former Fox News personalities. Earlier in February, Carlson released an episode filmed at the Jordan River baptism site titled “Christian Persecution.” Carlson has on multiple occasions claimed that Israel discriminates against its Christian community and has argued that American Christians are, through U.S. assistance, unknowingly supporting such treatment.

Study: Tariffs Paid by Mid-Sized US Businesses Tripled Over Past Year

Yeshiva World News -

Tariffs paid by midsize U.S. businesses tripled over the course of past year, new research tied to one of America’s leading banks showed on Thursday — more evidence that President Donald Trump ‘s push to charge higher taxes on imports is causing economic disruption. The additional taxes have meant that companies that employ a combined […]

INCREDIBLE: “I Would Hug Him”: Grieving Father of Fallen Paratrooper Delivers Message of Strength to Sniper Involved in Son’s Death

Matzav -

Hundreds gathered Thursday at the military cemetery in Moshav HaYogev to bid farewell to Staff Sgt. Ofri Yaffe z”l, a 21-year-old fighter in the Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit who was killed Wednesday in southern Gaza by IDF friendly fire.

The funeral was held in the community where Yaffe was born and raised, drawing large crowds of family members, friends, fellow soldiers, and residents who came to pay their final respects.

During the ceremony, his father, Yiftach, delivered emotional remarks, describing his son as a young man who “always gave of himself to everyone.” He also addressed the members of the reconnaissance unit directly, making clear that he harbored no anger or blame toward them.

The father expressed criticism toward the country’s leadership, saying his anger was directed at those who send “the best of its sons on missions without purpose.”

Yaffe’s mother delivered a tearful eulogy. “I still can’t grasp that you’re not with us. For me, this is a dark dream and any moment you’ll come and laugh at me,” she said, according to Maariv. She spoke about her son’s personality and warmth, saying, “You were everything for everyone, everyone clung to you like a magnet.”

Earlier in the day, Yaffe’s father was interviewed on Kan Reshet Bet, where he spoke with remarkable resolve about the soldier who fired the shot. He said he would give the sniper “a very big hug” if he came to the funeral.

“We want to save his soul,” the father said. “That he should feel that we have no anger toward him, not even the smallest. These are our very best children, they are all our children.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli High Court Orders Government to Advance Kosel’s Women of the Wall Plaza Upgrades

Yeshiva World News -

Israel’s High Court of Justice has instructed the government and the Jerusalem Municipality to move forward with the long-delayed bureaucratic process required to restore and upgrade the Kosel’s egalitarian prayer plaza, escalating pressure on authorities after years of inaction. In its ruling, the court ordered the state and the municipality to submit an update within […]

Belgium’s Only Jewish Lawmaker Accused of Dual Loyalty For Trying To Protect Bris Milah

Yeshiva World News -

Belgium’s only Jewish member of parliament, Michael Freilich, has been thrust into the center of a growing diplomatic and domestic controversy following a public dispute over bris milah. The controversy erupted Monday after a public exchange between U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot on social media. In a […]

IDF Chief of Staff Warns Iran: “Immediate and Heavy Price” for Any Attack on Israel

Matzav -

Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, issued a pointed warning to the country’s enemies today, declaring that Israel’s military remains on high alert amid mounting tensions and the possibility that a U.S. strike on Iran could trigger retaliatory fire toward Israel.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for new officers at the IDF’s Bahad 1 training base, Zamir made clear that Israel is fully prepared for rapid developments. “Anyone who seeks to test our determination will encounter power that will exact an immediate and heavy price,” he said.

His remarks come as the region braces for potential escalation tied to ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. Israeli defense officials have indicated that any American military action against Tehran would likely increase the risk of attacks on Israeli territory.

Zamir said that more than two years after the failures of October 7, the military has undergone significant change. He emphasized that the IDF is defending the country, striking with force, and removing threats across multiple fronts. The multi-arena campaign, he said, is being led by IDF commanders at the head of their forces. “Our eyes are open in every direction, and our finger is more ready than ever on the trigger in the face of any change in the operational reality. Anyone who seeks to test our determination will encounter power that will exact an immediate and heavy price,” he added.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Zamir highlighted the diverse makeup of Israeli society reflected on the parade grounds — soldiers from cities and kibbutzim, secular and religious, alongside members of the chareidi community, representing a range of views and beliefs. He described the IDF as a bridge uniting the nation above internal divisions in pursuit of a shared mission. Internal strife at the expense of the military, he warned, would lead to disaster.

Zamir also referenced the launch of the IDF’s new five-year strategic plan, known as “Hosen,” which aims to strengthen cohesion among all branches of the military and across regular, career, and reserve personnel. He stressed that the country needs every segment of its population and cannot afford to forgo any part of the nation.

Turning directly to the cadets, Zamir urged them to look at the landscape of Mitzpe Ramon, their families, and the commanders who shaped them, and to move forward to lead their soldiers. He invoked biblical imagery, recalling how King David sought divine guidance before pursuing the Amalekites who had burned Ziklag and taken captives. The answer he received, Zamir noted, became an enduring battle cry: pursue, overtake, and rescue.

He concluded by calling on the officers to be leaders of action rather than words, to uphold strong values and professionalism, and to be worthy of the trust placed in them by the people of Israel. Expressing full confidence in their ability to lead in future battlefields, he ended with a declaration of faith, perseverance, and determination, closing with the words: “The people of Israel live.”

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, who also spoke at the ceremony, delivered a similarly forceful message. He said the Middle East stands at a crossroads, with extremist forces reorganizing to challenge Israel once again. Netanyahu stressed that Israel is working closely with its major ally, the United States, and that he had made clear to President Donald Trump the principles that, in Israel’s view, must guide any negotiations with Iran. Israel, he said, is prepared for every scenario, warning that if the ayatollahs make the mistake of attacking, they will face a response beyond what they can imagine.

A Look At The US Military Assets Now Deployed In The Middle East

Yeshiva World News -

The Pentagon is sending the largest force of American warships and aircraft to the Middle East in decades, including two aircraft carrier strike groups, as President Donald Trump warns of possible military action against Iran if talks over its nuclear program fall apart. “It’s proven to be, over the years, not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran, […]

Netanyahu Sends Personal Condolence Letter to Motti Babchik Following Father’s Passing

Matzav -

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu sent a personal letter of condolence this week to Motti Babchik, senior aide to MK Yitzchak Goldknopf, following the passing of Babchik’s father, Rabbi Ben Zion Babchik, who died earlier this week.

Babchik is considered one of the influential figures within the Gur chassidus and is widely viewed in coalition and Likud circles as a leading force behind opposition to Netanyahu within the chareidi factions. Many believe he has played a central role, under the guidance of the Gerrer Rebbe, in pushing a hardline stance against the government over the failure to pass a draft law for three years, with some in the political system accusing him of working to bring down the coalition and force new elections.

In his letter, Netanyahu opened with words of sympathy: “I grieve with you, and with all your relatives, over the passing of the head of your family — your father, the man of many deeds, Rabbi Ben Zion Babchik, of blessed memory.”

He continued, reflecting on the pain of losing a parent: “Parting from a beloved and devoted parent is always a difficult moment. His arms embraced us. His concerns were devoted to us. He walked beside us along the paths of life, his heart swelling at the sight of our growth.”

“At this time, when you are wrapped in sorrow over the departure of your father from you, I extend to you my fullest condolences,” the prime minister wrote.

Netanyahu went on to praise the elder Babchik’s standing in the Gur community. “Alongside being a family man, Rabbi Babchik earned a name for himself as a Torah scholar faithful to the path of Gur chassidus. As one of the pillars of the Gur community in Kiryat Gat, your father devoted himself to his studies, published Torah insights, issued halachic rulings, engaged in acts of kindness, and gave generously to others.

“His ear was attuned to the needs of the community. The warmth of his personality and the light of his countenance left their mark on wide circles. I am certain that these important values of your late father will remain with you for years and generations. May you find comfort in this, as well as in the continued preservation of family unity. May the Omnipresent comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and may you know no further sorrow.”

At the bottom of the letter, Netanyahu added a handwritten note: “From the depths of my heart.”

{Matzav.com}

LIAR: Footage Directly Contradicts Tickef Carlson’s Claims of Being Held by Israeli Security

Yeshiva World News -

Newly released footage on Thursday appears to contradict claims by commentator Tucker Carlson that he was detained by Israeli security upon arriving in Israel for a scheduled interview. While Carlson publicly described his arrival as “bizarre,” alleging that airport authorities confiscated passports and aggressively questioned his team about a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, […]

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