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A senior Iranian delegation touched down in Islamabad on Friday for anticipated negotiations with the United States, with both sides signaling that discussions hinge on key conditions and mutual trust.

According to Iranian reports, the team is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and formal talks are expected to proceed only if Washington agrees to Tehran’s stated prerequisites.

Pakistan's army chief Gen. Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a high-level Iranian delegation in Islamabad led by parliament speaker Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. pic.twitter.com/qH2oSBT1jt

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 10, 2026

Prior to the trip, Ghalibaf outlined two conditions that he said must be addressed before any dialogue can move forward. He said that “must be fulfilled before negotiations begin”: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the unfreezing of Iranian financial assets held abroad.

In a social media message, he asserted that both steps had already been settled in principle but had not yet been carried out, saying they had been “mutually agreed upon between the parties” but had “yet to be implemented”.

On the American side, Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the U.S. delegation, cautioned Iran against attempting to manipulate the process.

“If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand,” Vance told reporters before taking off for Islamabad from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

He added a warning that any lack of sincerity would be met with resistance from the U.S. team.

“if they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive”.

At the same time, American and Israeli officials have pushed back on Tehran’s assertions regarding Lebanon, making clear that any ceasefire arrangement between the United States and Iran does not extend to that front.

Heavy rocket fire in northern Israel caused significant damage in Tzfas and Dir al-Asad on Friday, with a direct strike hitting a chareidi neighborhood and another impacting a school building, while multiple people were treated for shock.

Sirens sounded in Tzfas and across other northern areas as rockets were launched, some intercepted and others landing in open areas. No physical injuries were immediately reported.

Fire and rescue teams from the Galil-Golan station were dispatched to a strike site in Tzfas, where a direct hit caused extensive damage to several vehicles in a chareidi neighborhood. Firefighters are conducting thorough searches in the area to ensure no one is trapped and are working to eliminate hazards and disconnect energy sources.

The incident commander, Lahav Amal Batash, said: “Firefighters are operating at the scene to disconnect energy sources and carry out searches for casualties among the damaged vehicles, in order to rule out anyone trapped.”

Israel Fire and Rescue Services reiterated their call for the public to follow Home Front Command instructions, avoid approaching impact sites, and remain in protected areas.

In a separate strike, a school in Dir al-Asad in the Galil was hit during the barrage from Lebanon. Magen David Adom teams were sent to the location after reports of damage to the building, shortly before additional sirens were heard in Misgav Am and Metula.

The Al-Ain School in Dir al-Asad sustained a direct hit from the rocket fire. “If there had been students and teachers there, it would have ended in a major disaster,” residents told Ynet. “We are tired of the war, civilians are paying the price. The danger continues and at any moment we can be hit again and again.”

Eight individuals suffering from shock were brought to the Galilee Medical Center from Dir al-Asad and Bi’ina following the incident. Their condition was described as light, and they are undergoing evaluation in the emergency department.

Police said they received reports of fallen munitions in the Upper Galilee region. Damage was caused at the scene, though no injuries have been confirmed at this stage. Officers from the Northern District, Border Police units, and bomb disposal experts are working to secure the area and remove any additional threats. “We call on the public to remain alert and follow instructions, not to approach rocket impact sites or areas of destruction, not to touch interception debris, and to allow police and rescue forces to carry out life-saving operations.”

{Matzav.com}

A bus carrying passengers collided with a safety barrier on Highway 2 near the Poleg Interchange, leaving 17 people injured, all reported to be in light condition.

Police said they have launched an investigation into the accident.

According to Magen David Adom, a call was received at 4:15 p.m. at its 101 emergency dispatch center in the Sharon region reporting that a bus full of passengers had crashed into a guardrail and was leaning onto its side on Highway 2 near the Poleg Interchange in the southbound direction. The initial report indicated 17 individuals were injured lightly.

MDA medics and paramedics provided treatment at the scene and transported all 17 injured passengers to hospitals for further care, with eight taken to Meir Medical Center and nine to Laniado Hospital.

MDA emergency medical technician Yechiel Yaroslavsky and paramedic Hadass Amir described the scene: “We arrived at the scene of the accident and saw a bus that had collided with a safety barrier. Its front section was crushed and it was leaning onto its side. The passengers were evacuated through the windows, were walking around the scene, and were in light condition. We conducted medical assessments and transported them to Meir and Laniado hospitals for further examination and treatment.”

United Hatzalah’s Central District also responded to the scene, providing initial medical assistance following what was described as a self-involved accident in which the bus struck a guardrail on Highway 2 near the Poleg Interchange. Initial reports from responders indicated 17 individuals were lightly injured.

Naftali David, head of the Netanya branch of United Hatzalah, said: “This was a self-involved accident in which a bus collided with the guardrail. We provided initial assistance to 17 injured individuals in light condition, after which they were transported to hospitals for continued medical care.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump has reportedly pressed Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to limit Israel’s military operations in Lebanon and shift toward diplomatic engagement, according to a report.

CNN, citing a U.S. official and another source familiar with the matter, reported that the conversation took place on April 8. During the discussion, Trump encouraged Netanyahu to reduce the intensity of Israeli strikes in Lebanon and instead pursue negotiations with the Lebanese government aimed at addressing the disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorist organization.

It is not clear whether Netanyahu agreed to the proposal or merely took note of it.

An Israeli official quoted in the report indicated that a ceasefire is not currently being considered, emphasizing that any diplomatic track would move forward “under fire.”

At the same time, Israeli military operations in Lebanon have continued, including strikes carried out on Thursday. Residents in Beirut’s southern suburbs were instructed to evacuate ahead of expected military action.

Israel’s latest strikes have drawn criticism from several European nations, with reports indicating that the operations have caused civilian injuries and casualties.

Separately, signals from Iran suggest it may reevaluate its understandings with the United States if Israeli attacks in Lebanon persist.

A federal immigration appeals panel has issued a final removal order against Mahmoud Khalil, an anti-Israel protest figure and Columbia University graduate, moving forward the Trump administration’s effort to deport him, according to his attorneys.

The Justice Department’s Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) on Thursday rejected Khalil’s request to throw out the proceedings, a decision that marks a major step in the government’s attempt to remove him from the United States.

Khalil, 31, a lawful permanent resident, has become a central figure in a wider federal effort targeting noncitizens involved in anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses connected to the Gaza conflict. His arrest was the first publicly known case tied to that broader initiative.

His legal team strongly criticized the ruling, calling it “baseless and politically motivated,” and maintaining that the government is punishing him for his speech without sufficient evidence.

“In all my decades as an immigration lawyer, I have never seen such a baseless and politically motivated decision,” Khalil’s lead attorney, Marc Van Der Hout, said in a statement issued by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “The BIA’s decision has absolutely no support in the record, violates a federal court order, and we’ll be fighting it until the end.”

Officials in the Trump administration have contended that Khalil’s protest activities were “aligned with Hamas,” a position cited by the Department of Homeland Security and other authorities, though they have not publicly outlined detailed proof connecting him to the terrorist organization.

Khalil has rejected claims of antisemitism. Authorities have also relied on a little-used foreign policy provision in immigration law, sometimes referred to as a “Rubio determination,” as well as alleged discrepancies related to his green card application.

Despite the appeals board’s decision, Khalil’s attorneys argue that he cannot be deported while a separate federal habeas case continues to be litigated.

A federal judge in New Jersey had earlier ruled that the government’s basis for holding Khalil was likely unconstitutional and ordered that he be released.

Following his arrest, Khalil spent 104 days in immigration custody, during which time he missed the birth of his first child before being freed under the New Jersey court order.

He later encountered a setback when a U.S. appeals court panel determined that the New Jersey judge exceeded his authority by ordering his release. In a 2-1 ruling, the panel said the case must proceed through immigration court channels before being reviewed in federal court.

His legal team is now asking the full appellate court to revisit that decision and has requested that one of the judges recuse himself due to his previous role in the Justice Department involving investigations of student demonstrators.

Khalil has continued to deny any wrongdoing, describing the case as an effort to silence his views.

“I am not surprised by this decision from the biased and politically motivated Board of Immigration Appeals. I have committed no crime. I have broken no law. The only thing I am guilty of is speaking out against the genocide in Palestine — and this administration has weaponized the immigration system to punish me for it,” Khalil said in a statement released by the ACLU.

“My family is here. My life is here. I reject any attempt to intimidate me out of my home based on lies and ideological attacks,” he said. “This is not justice. This is just another attempt to retaliate against me.”

Khalil, who helped organize anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia University in 2024 and is now facing deportation efforts by the Trump administration, was first taken into custody in 2025 at his university-affiliated apartment in New York City.

At the time of his arrest, Homeland Security Investigations, part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, informed him that his green card was being revoked, according to his attorney, Amy Greer. He was later transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana.

He was a leading figure in protests against Israel that shook Columbia University in 2024 and represented Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a coalition urging the school to cut financial ties with Israel, in discussions with university officials. He completed his master’s degree requirements at Columbia later that year.

Born in Syria, Khalil is the grandson of Palestinians who were displaced from their homeland, according to court filings. His wife, an American citizen, gave birth to their child while he remained in detention.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt previously defended the administration’s actions following Khalil’s March arrest, alleging that he distributed pro-Hamas propaganda materials on campus.

“This administration is not going to tolerate individuals having the privilege of studying in our country and then siding with pro-terrorist organizations that have killed Americans,” Leavitt told reporters at a White House press briefing at the time, noting that on her desk were the “pro-Hamas propaganda fliers with the logo of Hamas” on them that Khalil allegedly was distributing.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy for siding with terrorists, period,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States is preparing for the possibility of renewed military action against Iran, as high-stakes negotiations get underway in Pakistan following a temporary ceasefire.

In remarks to The New York Post, Trump indicated that U.S. naval forces are being equipped with advanced weaponry in case diplomatic efforts collapse. The comments came shortly after Vice President JD Vance departed aboard Air Force Two for Islamabad, where he is set to join special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in an attempt to broker a lasting agreement after the two-week pause in fighting announced earlier in the week.

“We’re going to find out in about 24 hours. We’re going to know soon,” Trump told The Post in a phone interview when asked if he thought the talks would be successful.

He underscored that the U.S. is preparing for all outcomes. “We have a reset going. We’re loading up the ships with the best ammunition, the best weapons ever made – even better than what we did previously and we blew them apart,” he said.

Trump reiterated the point, emphasizing the scale of the military preparations underway. “But we’re loading up the ships. We’re loading up the ships with the best weapons ever made, even at a higher level than we used to do a complete decimation.

“And if we don’t have a deal, we will be using them, and we will be using them very effectively,” he stated.

Iran is expected to send Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to the talks in Islamabad, along with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Araghchi had previously maintained, even before the recent conflict, that Iran holds an unassailable right to continue enriching uranium.

Trump expressed skepticism about Iran’s intentions. “You’re dealing against people that we don’t know whether or not they tell the truth,” Trump told The Post.

He continued, questioning the consistency of Tehran’s messaging. “To our face, they’re getting rid of all nuclear weapons, everything’s gone. And then they go out to the press and say, ‘No, we’d like to enrich.’ So we’ll find out.”

Later, Trump posted additional comments on his Truth Social platform, criticizing Iran’s messaging strategy. “The Iranians are better at handling the Fake News Media, and ‘Public Relations,’ than they are at fighting!”

In a follow-up post, he added, “The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!”

Negotiators are expected to focus on several core issues, including Washington’s demand that Iran relinquish roughly 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium believed to be stored deep underground, as well as ensuring continued access through the Strait of Hormuz for global shipping. Trump has made clear that reopening the waterway is a central condition for any long-term ceasefire.

Additional topics likely to be addressed include Iran’s backing of regional proxy groups, the future of its ballistic missile program, and Tehran’s push for relief from U.S. economic sanctions.

{Matzav.com}

Israel has moved to exclude Spain from participating in a key coordination hub tied to President Donald Trump’s regional initiative, citing what it describes as persistent hostility from Madrid toward Israeli policy and interests.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar made the decision on Friday in consultation with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, determining that Spain will no longer be allowed to take part in the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) located in Kiryat Gat, a body established within President Trump’s peace framework.

In a statement explaining the move, the Foreign Ministry said the step was taken due to “the anti-Israel obsession of Prime Minister Sánchez’s government and its serious harm to Israeli (and also American) interests, including during the war against Iran.”

Sa’ar elaborated on the government’s position, stating: “The Sánchez government’s anti-Israel bias is so egregious that it has lost all capability to serve as a constructive actor in implementing President Trump’s peace plan and in the CMCC operating under that plan.”

Spanish officials have already been formally informed of the decision.

Washington was also notified ahead of time about Israel’s intention to remove Spain from the coordination mechanism.

Later in the day, Netanyahu addressed the issue directly, saying: “Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who attack us. Spain has defamed our heroes, the soldiers of the IDF, the soldiers of the most moral army in the world.”

He continued by announcing concrete action: “Therefore, I have instructed today to remove Spain’s representatives from the coordination center in Kiryat Gat, after Spain has chosen repeatedly to stand against Israel. Those who attack the State of Israel instead of terrorist regimes will not be our partners regarding the future of the region.”

Netanyahu added a sharp warning: “I am not willing to tolerate this hypocrisy and hostility. I do not intend to allow any country to wage a diplomatic war against us without paying an immediate price.”

The backdrop to the decision is a growing confrontation between Israel and Spain in recent weeks, as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has taken a leading role among European leaders criticizing Israel’s actions and the joint U.S.-Israel military campaign targeting Iran. Sánchez has repeatedly labeled the campaign unlawful and cautioned that it could further inflame tensions across the Middle East, urging a diplomatic route rather than continued military operations.

Madrid has backed up its rhetoric with policy steps, declining to permit U.S. forces to utilize Spanish bases for operations connected to strikes on Iran and scaling back cooperation tied to the conflict. According to reports, Spain has also limited the use of its airspace for aircraft involved in such missions.

At the same time, Sánchez has voiced strong opposition to Israel’s broader military activity, including operations in Lebanon, warning that they could result in destruction on a scale similar to Gaza. Spanish officials, however, have pushed back against Israeli claims that their stance aligns them with Iran, maintaining that their position is rooted in opposition to escalation and a commitment to international law.

A tragic incident unfolded Friday at Tzanz Beach in Netanya when two brothers were caught in the water, leaving one in critical condition and the other unaccounted for as rescue teams continue searching.

ZAKA’s diving unit was called in to aid efforts to locate the missing teen, as emergency crews intensified their operations along the shoreline and surrounding waters.

Paramedics from Magen David Adom treated the brother who had been pulled from the sea after he was found unresponsive. He was transported to Laniado Hospital in Netanya while undergoing ongoing life-saving measures.

Senior MDA medic Yosef Friedman described the scene, explaining that emergency personnel reached the beach using a specialized off-road ambulance and discovered the victim lying on the sand after being removed from the water, unconscious and without vital signs. “We began advanced resuscitation efforts and continued CPR during evacuation to the hospital,” he said.

Authorities are still working to determine exactly what led to the brothers being swept into danger, even as search teams remain focused on finding the missing sibling.

The incident follows another recent drowning tragedy, in which a 48-year-old father lost his life in the Jordan River after trying to save his 9-year-old son, who had been carried off by powerful currents. Rescue personnel later declared the father deceased, while the child was taken to Ziv Hospital in Tzefas in light condition.

The Artemis II mission was set to conclude Friday with a dramatic splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, bringing to a close humanity’s first crewed journey to the moon in more than half a century.

Inside Mission Control, tension steadily increased as the spacecraft carrying four astronauts drew closer to Earth. Engineers and flight teams focused intently on the capsule’s heat shield, a critical component designed to endure extreme temperatures during reentry. During a previous uncrewed test in 2022, the shield returned heavily scarred, raising heightened attention for this mission.

Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen approached Earth traveling at roughly Mach 32, a speed not experienced since the Apollo era. Their Orion capsule, named Integrity, was designed to operate autonomously, with the crew prepared to intervene only in the event of an emergency.

As the spacecraft entered its final phase, mission leaders braced for the most nerve-wracking moments of the descent, including a communications blackout lasting several minutes before parachutes were expected to deploy. Lead flight director Jeff Radigan acknowledged the anxiety surrounding that period, saying he expected some of that “irrational fear that is human nature.” Recovery teams, including the USS John P. Murtha and supporting aircraft, stood ready to retrieve the astronauts upon landing.

The return marked the first collaboration between NASA and the U.S. military for a lunar crew recovery since Apollo 17 in 1972. The capsule was expected to reenter at speeds exceeding 23,000 miles per hour before slowing dramatically to a controlled splashdown.

Since launching from Florida on April 1, the crew had successfully completed a series of milestones, demonstrating key capabilities for NASA’s renewed lunar program aimed at eventually establishing a sustained presence on the moon.

Although Artemis II did not land on the lunar surface or enter orbit, it surpassed previous records, traveling farther from Earth than any human mission before it. At its peak, the crew reached a distance of 252,756 miles. During one of the mission’s most emotional moments, the astronauts requested permission to name two lunar craters in honor of their spacecraft and Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll.

The mission also provided rare and stunning views of the moon’s far side, along with a total solar eclipse visible from space. Reflecting on the experience, Glover said the eclipse “just blew all of us away.”

Images captured during the mission captivated audiences worldwide, including a view of Earth setting behind the lunar horizon, echoing the iconic Earthrise image from Apollo 8. The crew’s reflections and discoveries reignited global fascination with space exploration.

“It just makes you want to continue to go back,” Radigan said on the eve of splashdown. “It’s the first of many trips and we just need to continue on because there’s so much” more to learn about the moon.

The mission drew attention and praise from global leaders and public figures, including President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Britain’s King Charles III, and prominent actors such as Ryan Gosling, Scarlett Johansson, and William Shatner.

Despite its successes, the nearly 10-day journey encountered several technical challenges. Issues arose with the spacecraft’s water and propulsion systems, and a malfunctioning toilet forced the crew to rely on backup methods for much of the flight.

The astronauts downplayed the difficulties, emphasizing the importance of pushing forward despite setbacks. “We can’t explore deeper unless we are doing a few things that are inconvenient,” Koch said, “unless we’re making a few sacrifices, unless we’re taking a few risks, and those things are all worth it.”

Hansen echoed that sentiment, noting, “You do a lot of testing on the ground, but your final test is when you get this hardware to space and it’s a doozy.”

Looking ahead, NASA’s Artemis program will continue to build on this mission. Artemis III is expected to involve docking exercises in Earth orbit, while Artemis IV aims to land astronauts near the moon’s south pole by 2028.

For Wiseman and his crew, the mission carried a deeper purpose beyond its technical achievements. “But we really hoped in our soul is that we could for just for a moment have the world pause and remember that this is a beautiful planet and a very special place in our universe, and we should all cherish what we have been gifted,” he said.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Chanoch Friedman zt”l, a distinguished talmid chochom and marbitz Torah who served as Rosh Kollel and Av Beis Din of Beis Yechiel in Har Nof.

Rav Friedman zt”l devoted his life to harbotzas haTorah and psak halacha, guiding talmidim with clarity, depth, and unwavering dedication to the truth of Torah. In his role at Beis Yechiel, he helped shape a generation of bnei Torah, instilling in them a love for learning and a commitment to living lives guided by halacha. As Av Beis Din, he was sought after for his wisdom and fairness, adjudicating matters with sensitivity and precision.

Rav Friedman grew up in Chicago, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Yosef Friedman, and later learned at Bais Medrash Govoah in Lakewood under Rav Aharon Kotler.

Those who knew him describe a figure of quiet greatness, whose anavah matched his scholarship. He carried himself with dignity and warmth, offering guidance and encouragement to all who turned to him. His influence extended far beyond the walls of the kollel, reaching mishpachos and communities both in Eretz Yisroel and abroad.

Rav Friedman was the brother of Rav Avraham Friedman, Rosh HaYeshiva Emeritus of Hebrew Theological College, as well as Mrs. Debbie Greenspan.

The levaya will take place today, Erev Shabbos, Friday, April 10, at 2:00 p.m. at Congregation Adas Yeshurun, located at 3050 West Touhy Avenue in Chicago, and on Sunday in Lakewood. From there, arrangements will be made for kevurah in Eretz Yisroel.

Yehi zichro boruch.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris indicated Friday that she is considering another run for the White House in 2028, telling attendees at a major civil rights gathering that the idea is very much on her mind.

Speaking at the 2026 National Action Network Convention, Harris responded to a question from Rev. Al Sharpton about her future political plans by saying, “Listen, I might, I might. I’m thinking about it. I’m thinking about it.” Harris previously served as the Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential race.

Her remarks come as speculation intensifies regarding her next steps following the release of her campaign memoir in late 2025 and a nationwide tour promoting the book.

Harris is also expected to participate in a series of Democratic Party events across four Southern states later this month, according to prior reports.

Although she told CBS host Stephen Colbert in August 2025 that she did not “want to go back in the system,” Harris later suggested she had not closed the door on future ambitions, telling the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg: “I am not done.”

At Friday’s event, Harris was met with enthusiastic support from the audience, with chants of “run again” breaking out and briefly interrupting her speech.

“I am thinking about (running again) but let me also say this. I served for four years being a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States,” Harris said. “I spent countless hours in my West Wing office, footsteps away from the Oval Office. I spent countless hours in the Oval Office, in the Situation Room. I know what the job is. And I know what it requires.”

As she weighs a potential third presidential bid, Harris outlined what she described as urgent national priorities, noting dissatisfaction among many Americans.

“I’ve been traveling the country the last year, I’ve been spent a lot of time in the south and many other places. And the one thing I’m really clear about also, is the status quo is not working, and hasn’t been working for a lot of people for a long time,” the former nominee said.

Vice President JD Vance departed Friday for high-stakes negotiations with Iran, cautioning Tehran against attempting to manipulate the United States as efforts intensify to bring the ongoing war to a close.

President Donald Trump has assigned Vance—who has often expressed reservations about the conflict—to spearhead the diplomatic push aimed at ending the six-week war and avoiding the realization of Trump’s stark warning about destroying Iran’s “whole civilization.”

Known for his skepticism toward prolonged foreign military involvement, Vance is now leading mediated discussions in Islamabad, Pakistan, as part of a renewed diplomatic effort.

As he boarded Air Force Two en route to Pakistan, Vance struck a cautiously optimistic tone, telling reporters, “We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s gonna be positive. We’ll of course see.”

Referencing Trump’s position, he added, “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand.” At the same time, he issued a warning: “If they’re gonna try and play us, then they’re gonna find that the negotiating team is not that receptive.”

Vance said the president had provided “pretty clear guidelines” for the talks, though he declined to offer specifics and did not take further questions from reporters traveling with him.

His trip comes at a moment when the fragile ceasefire appears increasingly unstable, with deep disagreements between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance over key terms. Domestically, Vance also faces growing political and economic pressure to help bring the conflict to an end.

Joining him in the negotiations are Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner, both of whom participated in earlier rounds of indirect discussions with Iranian representatives before the war began on February 28. Those talks focused on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs as well as its backing of regional proxy forces.

The White House has offered few details about how the upcoming negotiations will be structured, including whether they will involve direct engagement or continue through intermediaries, and has not outlined clear expectations.

Still, Vance’s presence marks a rare instance of senior U.S. officials engaging directly at a high level with Iranian counterparts, something largely absent since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The last comparable contact occurred in 2013, when President Barack Obama spoke by phone with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani regarding Tehran’s nuclear program.

Tensions over the ceasefire emerged almost immediately after it was announced Tuesday evening, with conflicting interpretations of its scope.

Iran has maintained that halting Israeli military activity in Lebanon was part of the agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump both stated that Lebanon was not included, and Israeli operations there have continued.

At the same time, Washington has insisted that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran had shut down in response to intensified Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Trump voiced frustration Thursday over Iran’s handling of shipping traffic, saying the country was “doing a very poor job” and posting online, “That is not the agreement we have!”

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said that Vance, Witkoff, Kushner, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio “have always been collaborating on these discussions,” adding that Trump remains hopeful a lasting agreement can be reached during the two-week ceasefire.

“President Trump has a proven track record of achieving good deals on behalf of the United States and the American people, and he will only accept one that puts America first,” Kelly said.

The negotiations represent a significant test for Vance, who until recently played a quieter role within the administration as other senior figures took more visible advisory positions.

However, his responsibilities have expanded rapidly—from tackling domestic issues like government fraud to now taking a leading role in resolving a complex international conflict.

Despite his military service in Iraq as a Marine and his time in the Senate representing Ohio, Vance has relatively limited diplomatic experience.

Addressing speculation earlier in the week that Iran had requested his involvement, Vance dismissed the idea, saying, “I don’t know that. I would be surprised if that was true. But, you know, I wanted to be involved because I thought I could make a difference.”

Analysts say his selection could be strategic. Jonathan Schanzer, a former Treasury official and current executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that Vance’s skepticism toward foreign interventions might appeal to Iranian negotiators.

“I think they probably prefer him knowing that his perspective on foreign intervention is one of skepticism,” Schanzer said of the Iranians. “I do think that he’s going to need some help. I don’t think he’s ever been engaged in negotiations with this kind of weight, this kind of seriousness. This is as serious as it gets.”

The White House has rejected suggestions that Iran specifically sought Vance’s participation, framing such claims as potentially harmful to the negotiation process.

While officials have confirmed that Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner will attend, Kelly said personnel from the National Security Council, State Department, and Pentagon will also “play a supportive role.”

Earlier rounds of talks drew criticism from Democrats and nuclear policy experts, who questioned whether Kushner and Witkoff possessed sufficient technical expertise. The administration has not clarified whether nuclear specialists were involved.

Experts note that vice presidents have occasionally been tasked with significant diplomatic missions, but rarely in circumstances involving active wartime negotiations.

Joel Goldstein, a law professor at Saint Louis University who studies the vice presidency, said, “I don’t recall a situation where a vice president has been sent to negotiate a ceasefire or peace in connection with a war the United States was involved with.”

Vance, along with Rubio, is widely viewed as a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, though neither has publicly committed to a run.

According to a source familiar with internal discussions, Vance’s team is focused on the immediate diplomatic mission rather than any future political considerations.

Still, his visible role in the negotiations could carry long-term implications. As Goldstein noted, “The fact that he’s involved in the negotiations in a very visible way, that means that, if things go south, that people will be pointing fingers at him.”

At the same time, he added, “If things go well, then it will be something that he could point to.”

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri delivered a sharp critique of Israel’s legal system and political opposition during a radio interview, addressing the ongoing draft crisis and expressing anguish over the arrests of yeshiva students, while insisting that the Olam HaTorah continues to grow despite mounting pressure.

In remarks during the “Central Edition” program on Kol Chai, Deri focused heavily on what he described as a campaign against the Torah world. He pointed to the arrests of bnei yeshiva and financial threats to institutions, but emphasized that these challenges have not weakened the strength of Torah learning. “Olam HaTorah does not live off their kindness,” he said. “They can shut off the funding, they can threaten arrests — Olam HaTorah flourishes. The more they oppress it, the more it grows and expands.”

At the same time, Deri made clear his deep frustration with the current legal and political climate, particularly over images of yeshiva students being detained. “It is a terrible pain to see a picture of a ben Torah, one of the finest of our sons, being arrested because he learned Torah, and for no other reason,” he said. “This is a terrible accusation against Am Yisrael at a time when we need the greatest miracles.” Addressing the proposed draft law, Deri said the coalition is prepared to advance legislation in the summer session, but stressed that the final decision rests with Gedolei Yisrael. “It now depends only on the guidance and decision of Gedolei Yisrael.”

Deri also launched a direct attack on the attorney general and the Supreme Court, criticizing what he described as their conduct and priorities. He pointed specifically to a recent decision to convene on Shabbos. “When you see a court that convenes on Shabbat over what they claim is their own pikuach nefesh, in order to permit a protest against the Home Front Command — who do you rely on? Who do you trust?” He added, “The attorney general will not protect us,” and argued that the legal system is driven by clear political considerations.

When asked about Shas’s continued alliance with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Deri dismissed the idea of alternative political partnerships. “There are not two sides here,” he said. “Do you see yourself partnering with Yair Golan and everything he represents? Can you sit with Bennett when his first step would be to cancel laws for the sake of Judaism?” He said that Israel’s traditional community understands what is at stake. “Anyone who kisses a Sefer Torah with simple faith understands what talmidei chachamim are. They know that all the incitement in the media is political.”

Deri concluded by reaffirming his belief that Torah learning is the foundation of protection for the Jewish people, even in times of war. “Can we, the small ones, stand alone against all these challenges? When the President of the United States stands with you, is it not because of our Torah?” He ended with a note of certainty despite ongoing threats and sanctions. “The Torah will not be forgotten from Am Yisrael. No one can take it away from us.”

A heavy cloud of mourning has descended upon the city of Ashdod following the petirah of Rav Avrohom Altman zt”l, the rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Ateres Tzvi, who was niftar at the age of 94.

In recent days, his condition had weakened, though over Pesach he was still able to daven in his bais medrash as usual. On Thursday, he suddenly collapsed at his home in Ashdod, and despite resuscitation efforts by emergency responders, he was niftar.

The levayah was held at Ateres Tzvi on Rechov HaAdmor MiGur in Ashdod’s District Zayin, and proceeded to Har Hamenuchos in Yerushalayim, where he wa slaid to rest.

Rav Altman zt”l was born in Argentina on the 9th of Shevat 5692 to his father, Reb Chaim Altman zt”l, and his mother, Mrs. Sheindel a”h.

During his youth in Argentina, he learned under Rav Tzvi Zeidel Semiaticky zt”l of Yeshivas Toras Emes in London, who would travel to Argentina as part of his efforts to strengthen Torah learning worldwide.

After going to Eretz Yisroel in the 1970s, he settled in Ashdod, where he established a mesivta for young talmidim. Over time, he founded Yeshivas Ateres Tzvi, initially for bochurim of Sephardic background, and later expanded it to include hundreds of avreichim in a flourishing kollel. The yeshiva was first located in District Aleph before later relocating to District Zayin.

He established the yeshiva in memory of his revered rebbe, Rav Semiaticky zt”l, naming it Ateres Tzvi in his honor.

Today, hundreds of avreichim are shteiging in the yeshiva, and the rosh yeshiva dedicated himself tirelessly to sustaining the kollel, traveling across the globe to secure its support, to which he devoted himself completely.

Over the decades, the yeshiva produced many talmidim who went on to become rabbonim and leaders of kehillos in both Eretz Yisroel and abroad. Even after transitioning into a kollel, the framework retained the structure and spirit of a traditional yeshiva, with the rosh yeshiva continuing to deliver shiurim and shmuessen.

In addition to being a marbitz Torah, Rav Altman was counted among the prominent rabbonim of Ashdod. From time to time, he would publish words of chizuk and hisorerus on matters requiring attention, often joined by other rabbonim of the city.

He is survived by a distinguished family, led by his son, Rav Eliyahu Meir Altman, rosh kollel of Ateres Tzvi in Ashdod.

Tehei nishmaso tzrurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

Amid ongoing heavy fighting in Lebanon, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told commanders in southern Lebanon that Israeli forces remain fully engaged in combat against Hezbollah, emphasizing that despite a ceasefire with Iran, operations on the northern front are continuing at full intensity.

Speaking during a visit near Bint Jbeil, Zamir made clear that the situation on the ground has not changed in terms of active combat. The IDF remains at war in this sector and continues its operations. “The IDF is in a state of war, we are not in a ceasefire, we are continuing to fight here in this sector, this is our main combat front.” He added that while there is a ceasefire with Iran, that could change at any time. “In Iran we are in a ceasefire, and we can also there at any moment return to fighting, and in a very powerful way.”

Zamir said that Israeli forces are continuing to build on their gains in Lebanon, stressing the strategic importance of the current area of operations. He highlighted the significance of the location and the scale of IDF capabilities being deployed. “The place where you are is very important, this is in Lebanon, this is facing Hezbollah. Here we are operating, we are employing many means, many of our capabilities. The achievements of this war so far are historic.”

He also linked the damage inflicted on Iran to Hezbollah’s current weakened position, explaining that Tehran’s setbacks have directly impacted the terror group. He noted that Iran has emerged significantly weakened from the conflict. “Iran before this war is not the same Iran, it is much weaker.” He added that this has left Hezbollah increasingly isolated. “The blow that Iran has taken is a blow that affects Hezbollah, because Hezbollah understands that it is now isolated. It is isolated within Lebanon, it is isolated from its strategic rear, from those who fund it, who supply it with weapons, and therefore this is a very significant achievement.”

Referring to recent Israeli strikes, Zamir said that major blows had been delivered across key Hezbollah strongholds, leaving the organization reeling. “Yesterday we delivered a general staff-level operational blow in Beirut, in the Bekaa, and I tell you, the organization is in deep shock.” He added that Hezbollah operatives have fled from their traditional strongholds. “They left the Dahieh, went to other places, to northern Beirut and to various other neighborhoods, and from there they managed the battle.”

Zamir further described the pressure being applied on Hezbollah forces both along the front lines and deep inside Lebanon. He said Israeli forces are systematically dismantling threats to Israeli communities. “Hezbollah encounters our fighter jets, both at the front and in depth. It encounters our ground forces, we are removing the direct threat from our communities. This is a very significant event, this is a very important achievement.”

He concluded by highlighting the broad deployment of IDF forces across multiple fronts and their mission to protect Israeli communities. He said IDF forces are actively positioned to block enemy threats. “We are in all places, as we are in Gaza, as we are in Syria, also here in Lebanon. We are positioned forward, and we are separating through our forces, our armored vehicles, our soldiers, between the enemy and the communities. This is our role, this is the mission.”

Closing his remarks, Zamir praised the troops and commanders on the ground, commending both their spirit and capabilities. “I think this mission is a very clear mission. A lot of appreciation to the people, simply the best people in the world, with tremendous spirit, and afterwards come also the best capabilities in the world. I think I do not remember in the history of the IDF combined task forces, infantry, armor and engineering with such strong capabilities. So much appreciation, take care of yourselves and meet the missions. Good luck.”

{Matzav.com}

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday sharply criticized President Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, holding them responsible for rising and unstable energy costs impacting households across the United Kingdom, and said he has grown increasingly frustrated with how global conflicts are driving oil prices.

“I’m fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down on energy businesses bills go up and down on energy because of the actions of Putin or Trump across the world,” Starmer told ITV News on Thursday.

Starmer has repeatedly taken aim at Trump in recent weeks, arguing that the ongoing war with Iran has contributed to global instability and driven up costs for ordinary families, even as critics point out that his own government has taken limited direct action to ease the burden.

During the interview, Starmer reiterated that Britain would not be drawn into the conflict, stressing that UK military infrastructure would not be used for broader offensive operations, particularly those targeting civilians.

“From the get-go, we’ve been monitoring this situation. So I’m pretty clear in my own mind about what we’ve agreed and what the use of the bases are,” he said. “I’ve been saying we are not going to be dragged into this war because I say there must be a lawful basis.”

“That matters if you’re going to commit our service personnel to risk their lives,” he added.

His comments come as King Charles III prepares for an upcoming state visit to the United States later this month, a trip that Trump has welcomed but that is viewed in Britain as placing the monarch in a delicate position amid the growing tensions between the two leaders.

Starmer, who is currently traveling in the Middle East, had already angered Trump earlier this year when he rejected a US request to use a British military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for operations related to the conflict with Iran.

Aside from calling for “de-escalation” and encouraging diplomatic engagement, critics say Starmer has not taken significant steps to reduce tensions, instead focusing on coordination with allies and strengthening long-term economic and security resilience.

His administration has prioritized closer cooperation with European partners and efforts to protect key shipping routes, rather than direct military involvement.

Starmer was not alone among British officials in expressing frustration. Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper also criticized Iran’s proposal to impose fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Countries cannot simply hijack those kinds of international transit routes and unilaterally apply tolls,” she told the BBC. “They cannot do that as part of the laws of the sea and the United Nations arrangements.”

Trump has voiced support for the idea and has even suggested that the United States could take a share of the revenue generated from such tolls.

Before the conflict with Iran escalated, ships were able to pass through the strategically vital strait — a key route for oil and goods moving between the Middle East and Europe — without charge.

Iran has since proposed a fee of $1 per barrel of oil transported through the waterway, a move that could significantly increase costs given that large tankers often carry more than a million barrels per shipment.

Britain is currently leading a coalition of roughly 40 countries working on both military and diplomatic strategies to secure and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though progress has so far been limited.

Cooper emphasized the broader importance of maintaining open maritime routes, telling the BBC that the freedom of navigation is a “principle that applies right across the globe, and it’s crucial for the cost of living back here at home. It’s crucial for the global economy.”

Prosecutors in Yerushalayim have filed an indictment against a 21-year-old resident, Moshe Lechovitz, accusing him of maintaining contact with an Iranian intelligence operative and carrying out assignments on his behalf in exchange for payment. Authorities are also seeking to keep him in custody until the end of legal proceedings.

According to the charges, Lechovitz initially connected with an individual identifying himself as “Michael” while searching for work. What began as what appeared to be a routine conversation developed into an ongoing relationship, during which “Michael” engaged him in discussions about personal matters, religion, and Israel, even expressing an affinity for observant Jews. At one point, he requested a copy of Lechovitz’s identification, which was provided.

Investigators say that “Michael” later instructed Lechovitz to set up a digital wallet using the Trust app to facilitate payments. He was then assigned various photography tasks and directed to install a mobile application that allowed him to record video even when the screen was turned off, effectively turning his phone into what prosecutors described as an “operational device.”

One of the first assignments involved filming the Liberty Bell Park area in Yerushalayim. According to the indictment, Lechovitz went to the location, recorded footage of the grounds, and sent the video to his handler via Telegram. In return, he received approximately $618 in digital currency on May 4, 2025.

He was later asked to carry out a similar assignment in Ra’anana. Despite not holding a valid driver’s license, he reportedly drove to the area, filmed a designated route using the same device, and transmitted the footage to the foreign agent through Telegram. For that task, prosecutors say he was paid about $909. He was also instructed to purchase a can of paint while documenting the action, and that footage was likewise sent.

At a certain stage, prosecutors allege that Lechovitz realized the individual he was working with was affiliated with Iran. Nevertheless, he continued maintaining contact and completing assignments that could assist in gathering intelligence. The activity is said to have continued during Operation “Am KeLavi” in late June 2025. During that time, he was asked what additional locations he could document and suggested on his own the area known as Pardes Morasha near the Morasha Junction. He reportedly borrowed a vehicle, again drove without a license, filmed the site, and sent the material to the Iranian contact.

In total, the indictment states that Lechovitz received approximately $3,276 in digital payments. The relationship reportedly took a turn when the handler told him that, in his view, all Jews should die except for the ultra-Orthodox. Following that exchange, Lechovitz is said to have cut off communication, stopped responding, and handed over the phone he had been using after replacing the SIM card and deleting its contents.

However, the connection did not entirely end. On September 28, 2025, the same individual reportedly reached out again, asking Lechovitz to help locate someone who had allegedly taken $1,000 from him for a motorcycle purchase and then disappeared. Lechovitz responded that he could not assist.

Lechovitz faces charges including contact with a foreign agent, passing information to an enemy, and additional related offenses. The case is part of a growing pattern uncovered in recent months in which Iranian operatives have attempted to recruit Israeli civilians online through personal outreach, encrypted messaging platforms, and payments in digital currencies.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Transportation Ministry announced that the country’s skies reopened completely and that standard operations at Ben Gurion Airport resumed beginning Thursday after a ceasefire was reached between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

According to the ministry, coordination has been underway with the Israel Airports Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority to bring the country’s main international gateway back to full capacity. Duty-free stores and all terminal services are also reopening as part of the return to normal activity.

Officials said that international airlines and aviation regulators have been formally notified that Ben Gurion Airport is returning to routine operations. Since the outbreak of the conflict with Iran on February 28, most foreign carriers had halted flights to Israel.

Even so, the Israel Airports Authority cautioned that the return of foreign airlines will take place in stages, since each airline must receive clearance from its own regulatory bodies before resuming service.

Additional airports are also preparing to reopen. Herzliya Airport is set to resume operations Thursday morning, while Ramon Airport near Eilat in the south is expected to restart flights on Sunday.

The Transportation Ministry added that a decision regarding the reopening of Haifa Airport will be made later in the week, depending on security assessments, particularly given Israel’s position that the ceasefire with Iran does not extend to Lebanon.

Since the start of the war, Israel’s airspace has been largely closed to international traffic. In early March, limited flight activity resumed at Ben Gurion Airport through Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa, mainly to bring Israelis home and assist those seeking to leave the country.

Israir and Arkia said Wednesday that they are preparing to gradually expand operations at Ben Gurion Airport in the wake of the ceasefire.

Both airlines plan to increase flight frequency and passenger capacity on outbound routes, subject to guidelines issued by the Transportation Ministry and aviation authorities.

Arkia said it will begin operating flights to Athens, Larnaca, Rome, Vienna, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Bangkok, New York, and Budapest, prioritizing passengers whose travel plans were disrupted by the war. The airline said it expects to fully restore operations by May 3.

Israir said it is preparing to resume flights to destinations including Athens, Larnaca, Budapest, Tbilisi, Batumi, Rome, Berlin, and Rhodes.

El Al announced a significant expansion of its activity, saying it is preparing to return to near-full operations. Beginning next week, from April 12 through April 18, the airline plans to operate at full capacity to approximately 30 destinations.

Those destinations include Athens, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, Berlin, Budapest, Batumi, Tbilisi, Rome, Frankfurt, Munich, Larnaca, Lisbon, Madrid, Moscow, Milan, Bucharest, Prague, Vienna, Warsaw, Zurich, and London in Europe; Bangkok, Phuket, and Tokyo in the Far East; and New York, Los Angeles, and Miami in North America.

“Due to operational complexity and the reorganization of flight schedules, the return to routine operations cannot happen all at once,” El Al said. “As a result, some flights may still be subject to changes or cancellations in the coming period.”

The airline said passengers whose flights were canceled during the war will be automatically reassigned to the new flights, with details available on its website. After those travelers are accommodated, any remaining seats will be opened to the general public. El Al added that it expects to continue expanding its operations throughout the month until it reaches a full flight schedule.

Reports in Israeli media indicate that Ben Gurion Airport has been preparing for a sharp increase in passenger traffic as travel resumes.

Foreign airlines are still awaiting final approvals before returning to Israel, and many are expected to take a cautious approach, monitoring whether the current two-week ceasefire develops into a more permanent arrangement.

Meanwhile, Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air announced that it is extending its suspension of flights to and from Israel through April 27.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance cautioned Iran that it would be unwise to risk the fragile ceasefire with Washington over disagreements tied to Israeli operations in Lebanon, signaling rising tensions over the scope of the truce.

While Pakistan, which helped broker the agreement, indicated that Lebanon was included in the two-week ceasefire, Vance said the United States never accepted that Israel would halt its actions there.

“If Iran wants to let this negotiation fall apart – in a conflict where they were getting hammered – over Lebanon, which has nothing to do with them and which the United States never once said was part of the ceasefire, that’s ultimately their choice,” Vance said as he left Hungary.

“We think that would be dumb, but that’s their choice.”

Earlier that day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi circulated a statement from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing the ceasefire and drew attention to the portion referencing Lebanon.

“The Iran-US Ceasefire terms are clear and explicit: the US must choose – ceasefire or continued war via Israel. It cannot have both,” Araghchi wrote.

Despite that, President Donald Trump and officials in his administration have maintained that Lebanon was never part of the agreement.

Vance characterized the disagreement as stemming from confusion rather than deliberate deception.

“There’s a lot of bad faith negotiation and a lot of bad faith propaganda going on,” he said. “I think this comes from a legitimate misunderstanding. I think the Iranians thought that the ceasefire included Lebanon, and it just didn’t.”

It remains unclear how such a gap in understanding emerged during sensitive negotiations. U.S. officials have not clarified why Pakistan’s announcement appeared to include Lebanon within the ceasefire framework.

Israel has previously been accused of breaching ceasefire arrangements, including a truce reached with Lebanon in November 2024. Since that time, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have reportedly continued almost daily for more than a year.

On Wednesday, Israel carried out one of its most extensive rounds of airstrikes, launching dozens of attacks that reportedly left at least 254 people dead and more than 1,100 injured.

Even so, Vance indicated that Israel has signaled a willingness to exercise some restraint.

He said the Israelis have committed “to check themselves a little bit in Lebanon, because they want to make sure” that the US-Iran negotiations are successful.

Fighting in Lebanon escalated sharply in early March after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in response to prior Israeli strikes and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Hezbollah has since faced growing criticism within Lebanon, with opponents accusing the group of pulling the country into conflict as part of its alignment with Iran.

At the same time, Iranian officials have made clear they intend to continue backing Hezbollah.

On Wednesday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that hostilities could resume if Israel does not halt its actions in Lebanon.

“If the aggressions against dear Lebanon are not stopped immediately, we will do our duty and give a regretful response to the evil aggressors in the region,” it said.