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The Israeli government’s campaign of economic measures targeting draft-eligible yeshiva students is intensifying, with Israeli Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon pressing ahead with efforts to revoke municipal property tax discounts from young chareidi couples whose husbands do not serve in the military.

In a sharply worded letter sent this week to Interior Ministry Director-General Israel Ozen, Limon rejected the ministry’s refusal to advance regulatory changes that would allow local authorities to deny arnona discounts to households headed by men classified as eligible for military service.

Limon argued that the Interior Ministry’s position conflicts with directives issued by Israel’s Supreme Court and instructed officials to continue promoting the measure without delay. The dispute stems from a ruling by Supreme Court Justice Noam Solberg requiring the ministry to determine how it would address the issue of municipal tax discounts for those subject to military draft obligations.

Last Thursday, the Interior Ministry informed officials that it did not intend to pursue the proposed sanction, citing several concerns. Among them were fears that the measure could undermine the financial stability of local governments, push vulnerable families deeper into poverty, and create legal and practical difficulties for municipalities being asked to enforce military service policy.

Limon dismissed those arguments, insisting that both the courts and government professionals have identified the loss of arnona benefits as an effective mechanism for encouraging military service.

“The arguments regarding harm to weaker populations and local authorities do not constitute sufficient justification,” Limon wrote. “We will not be able to defend this position legally.”

Addressing concerns about the financial impact on affected households, Limon acknowledged that eliminating the discounts could significantly burden many families but maintained that the measure was specifically chosen because of its effectiveness.

“Revoking an arnona discount may be economically significant for many households, and for that reason it was identified as an effective step to encourage those obligated to serve. If consequences materialize, government authorities can be expected to formulate appropriate responses.”

Limon also pointed to what he described as a procedural issue, noting that the matter had not been presented to the appropriate ministerial authority. He wrote that because Israel has been without a serving interior minister for approximately ten months, the relevant powers should have been formally transferred to the prime minister, as required by law.

The letter follows another controversial development announced a day earlier. Under new guidelines currently being prepared by government agencies, Torah institutions that enroll students classified as draft-eligible could lose eligibility for tax benefits tied to charitable donations.

Those guidelines were formulated during high-level discussions involving the Justice Ministry, the Israel Tax Authority, and the Corporations Authority ahead of a Supreme Court hearing scheduled for July.

The Israel Tax Authority is expected to publish an official notice on the matter in the coming days. The proposal would add another layer to a growing list of financial penalties that Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and her office have sought to impose on draft-eligible yeshiva students and the institutions in which they study.

Leaders in the Torah world view the latest move as part of what they describe as an escalating campaign of economic pressure aimed at chareidi families and Torah institutions.

The issue has also sparked sharp disagreements within the government. During a cabinet meeting approximately two weeks ago, several ministers reportedly criticized the attorney general’s demands. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi voiced particular opposition, declaring: “The government’s policy is that those who do not learn Torah enlist—so why are we discussing measures against those whose Torah study is their occupation?”

{Matzav.com}

A tense overnight hostage crisis at a Chase Bank in Bakersfield came to an end early Wednesday when the suspect, who claimed to be carrying explosives on his body, was fatally shot during a law enforcement operation, authorities said.

Police reported that every hostage held inside the bank was safely rescued and suffered no injuries. Although none required emergency treatment, those involved were evaluated by medical personnel at the scene. The standoff concluded shortly after 4:20 a.m.

“The hostage situation concluded following an officer-involved shooting involving Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel,” Bakersfield police said in a news release.

Authorities have continued to block off streets surrounding the bank while investigators process the scene. Police announced that additional details would be released during a press conference scheduled for Wednesday morning.

Earlier in the ordeal, negotiators succeeded in persuading the suspect to release two hostages. Law enforcement officials had maintained communication with him by telephone throughout the standoff.

As the situation unfolded, officials established a security perimeter covering the area between 18th Street and Truxtun Avenue and stretching from Chester Avenue to H Street.

When the suspect initially barricaded himself inside the bank on Tuesday, several customers and employees were still in the building. Some individuals managed to escape before the situation escalated further.

Authorities said no injuries were reported during the incident. In a statement issued around 6 p.m. Tuesday, the Bakersfield Police Department said that “an adult male subject had barricaded himself inside the building with several community members.”

Several hours later, police announced that negotiators had secured the release of another hostage.

“We remain on scene at the Chase Bank building and have negotiated the release of a second hostage,” police said. “There are currently no injuries reported. Avoid the area as this remains an active scene. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.”

As the crisis continued into the night, the FBI assumed responsibility for tactical operations. According to reports, federal agents took over “SWAT operations,” while the FBI’s Sacramento field office said it planned to “support the response” throughout the overnight hours.

Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh said she was closely following developments as law enforcement worked to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.

“The best way the public can help at this time is by avoiding the area and allowing law enforcement officers, negotiators, and other trained professionals the space and opportunity to safely carry out their duties,” she said in a statement.

The incident began Tuesday when authorities received reports of a bomb threat inside the Chase Bank, according to Good Morning America.

Police communications during the standoff indicated that officers believed the suspect might have been carrying an improvised explosive device.

“The suspect possibly has a makeshift detonator in his hand and wires coming out from under his shirt,” a police radio broadcast said.

{Matzav.com}

An Israir flight bound for Ljubljana was unable to reach its scheduled destination on Wednesday after Slovenian authorities declined to issue the landing authorization required for the aircraft, forcing the plane to divert and land in neighboring Croatia instead.

The flight, which had been scheduled to arrive in Slovenia’s capital city, was redirected to Zagreb after clearance to land in Ljubljana was denied by local officials.

Reports indicate that Slovenian authorities have recently adopted a policy of refusing landing permits to Israeli carriers, reportedly as a protest against the actions and policies of the Israeli government.

Israeli officials view the move as a breach of international aviation arrangements governing air travel among European Union nations. The incident prompted immediate involvement from both Israel’s Foreign Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority, which began working to address the situation.

Efforts by diplomatic representatives and aviation officials to obtain last-minute approval for the aircraft to proceed to Ljubljana continued throughout the day but had not produced results by Wednesday evening.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev condemned the decision, accusing Slovenia of politicizing civilian air travel and unfairly targeting Israeli passengers.

“This is an unacceptable political decision that directly harms Israeli citizens,” Regev said. “Those who seek to boycott Israel through aviation should understand that there will be consequences. Israel will not stand idly by and will use every tool at its disposal to protect its airlines and the freedom of movement of its citizens.”

The dispute comes as Slovenia undergoes a change in political leadership. The outgoing administration has been among the most outspoken critics of Israel within Europe, and the landing ban was imposed during the transition period between governments.

Israeli officials are hopeful that relations may improve soon, as the incoming government, which is expected to assume office in the coming weeks, is generally regarded as more favorable toward Israel than the current administration.

{Matzav.com}

A Republican congressman known for his strong support of Israel has introduced a resolution urging the United States to end its annual military aid package to Israel and replace it with a new arrangement under which Israel would purchase American defense equipment using its own resources. The proposal has received the backing of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana unveiled the measure on Wednesday, calling for negotiations on a new memorandum of understanding that would gradually move the U.S.-Israel defense relationship away from direct aid and toward a framework based on arms purchases funded by Israel.

The proposal seeks to replace the current 10-year agreement that provides Israel with $38 billion in military assistance through 2028. Rep. Abe Hamadeh of Arizona has joined Stutzman in supporting the initiative.

According to Stutzman, he personally presented a draft of the resolution to Netanyahu during a 45-minute meeting at the prime minister’s office in Yerushalayim on May 27. Hamadeh also attended the meeting.

“I like it,” Netanyahu replied after reading, according to Stutzman.

“This is the direction I’ve been wanting to go for a long time,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu later reinforced that position in a letter sent Monday expressing support for the effort. In the letter, he wrote that Israel remains grateful for American military assistance but believes the relationship has reached a new stage.

Israel, he wrote, “appreciates the financial component of the military aid” but that “the time has now arrived for us to move from aid recipient to partner.”

Supporters of the proposal stress that it does not call for an abrupt termination of military cooperation. Instead, it envisions replacing direct aid with a trade-based defense partnership while maintaining extensive strategic collaboration between the two countries.

Additional forms of cooperation could continue under joint defense programs, including discussions surrounding provisions in the next National Defense Authorization Act that would expand cooperation in weapons development and military technology.

During the Jerusalem meeting, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s desire for greater self-sufficiency while preserving its close alliance with the United States.

“We want to stand on our own feet,” Netanyahu told the lawmakers in Jerusalem, language the prime minister has used publicly for months.

Stutzman argued that changing the structure of the relationship would address shifting attitudes in the United States and help strengthen public support for the alliance.

“A lot of taxpayers don’t even like foreign aid altogether, but there’s a lot of questions around why are we giving Israel $3.8 billion a year under the MOU,” he said.

The congressman said the proposal would demonstrate that Israel is a capable strategic partner rather than a nation dependent on American assistance.

The goal, he added, is to signal “to the rest of the world that Israel is not just leaning on America,” and that “even though we will have a strong partnership with them going forward, it’ll look different.”

Stutzman said he has already discussed the idea with the White House, House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office, senators, and AIPAC, and reported a generally favorable reception.

He described the response as “very much an openness to the dialogue.”

Recent developments suggest that the proposal is gaining traction among some policymakers. Earlier this week, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee publicly referenced a future arrangement based on trade rather than aid.

In a post on X, Huckabee wrote that the “New MOU w/ Israel ends aid & will be based on trade,” marking the first public confirmation by an American official that such a framework is being discussed.

The debate comes as public opinion toward Israel has become more divided in the United States. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in spring 2026 found that 60 percent of American adults view Israel unfavorably, compared to 53 percent a year earlier. Among Republicans under age 50, 57 percent expressed negative views.

Hamadeh praised the proposal, saying it reflects the evolution of the U.S.-Israel alliance into a more equal partnership.

The relationship, he said, is “moving towards true collaboration as strategic partners.”

The resolution itself would not immediately change existing policy. As a nonbinding measure, it serves primarily as a statement of congressional intent and would not alter the current military aid agreement, which remains in effect through 2028.

Police have arrested two additional suspects accused of throwing stones and other objects from the roof of a Yerushalayim hotel at demonstrators affiliated with Peleg Yerushalmi during a protest earlier this week.

The arrests mark a significant development in an ongoing investigation into the incident, which drew widespread attention after footage surfaced showing objects being hurled at protesters marching on a nearby roadway.

Earlier in the week, police arrested a security guard employed at the hotel who is suspected of facilitating access to the roof for those involved in the attack.

Investigators from the Moriah police station continued gathering evidence and eventually identified two additional suspects—a 20-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man, both residents of eastern Yerushalayim.

According to police, the pair are believed to be the individuals seen in video footage throwing stones and other objects at demonstrators below.

The investigation included reviewing videos circulated on social media, collecting witness testimony, and examining evidence gathered from the scene.

According to police, footage obtained during the investigation allegedly shows hotel employees throwing objects from the rooftop while the armed security guard, who had already been arrested, stood nearby without intervening or attempting to stop the incident.

The three suspects are expected to appear Wednesday before the Yerushalayim Magistrate’s Court, where police will seek an extension of their detention as the investigation continues.

Authorities said they remain committed to fully investigating the incident and pursuing legal action against all individuals found to have been involved.

Earlier this week, the Yerushalayim Magistrate’s Court granted a police request to extend the detention of the hotel security guard by three days.

Investigators believe the guard, who was employed as an armed security officer at the hotel, accompanied other workers to the roof and played a role in enabling the incident.

According to the allegations, he used his authority to unlock the secured rooftop access door, effectively allowing the other suspects to reach the roof.

Police contend that despite his responsibility to maintain order and security, the guard failed to prevent the attack, did not stop the individuals involved, and did not notify the appropriate authorities about what was taking place.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump acknowledged that tensions surfaced during a recent phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, confirming reports that he sharply criticized Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon amid concerns that the fighting is hindering efforts to reach an agreement with Iran.

In an interview released Wednesday on The New York Post’s “Pod Force One,” Trump said he was frustrated by the continued conflict but emphasized that his relationship with Netanyahu remains strong despite the disagreement.

“We’ve worked very well together. I like Bibi a lot. And I work very well with him,” Trump told The New York Post’s “Pod Force One.”

Trump’s confirmation of the heated exchange comes as his administration faces mounting pressure to bring the Iran conflict to an end. Rising energy costs, economic uncertainty, and disruptions to international trade have become growing political concerns for Republicans ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Trump declined to offer a firm timeline for when the conflict might be resolved. He also suggested that shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could continue for some time, though he expressed confidence that the situation would eventually improve.

“I don’t know. I mean, I think it could be (closed through Labor Day), but I think it’s unlikely. I think that we’ll have it. I think this will resolve itself fairly quickly,” Trump said.

The president reiterated that a central American objective remains preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and reopening the strategic waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies pass.

Trump also discussed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, saying he remains involved in efforts to negotiate an end to the war.

“They have a lot of respect for him,” Trump said in the interview with “Pod Force One.”

According to Trump, Khamenei continues to play a role in approving decisions despite reportedly suffering injuries in a previous airstrike.

“They say he’s giving approval because that’s the way it has been for a long, long time.”

While diplomatic activity continues, prospects for a lasting ceasefire remain uncertain as military operations in Lebanon show little sign of ending.

On Wednesday, an Israeli strike targeted a vehicle traveling along a major highway south of Beirut, just hours before a second round of negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese representatives was scheduled to take place in Washington.

The strike occurred in the town of Khaldeh without prior warning. Officials did not immediately confirm whether the individual targeted in the attack was killed. Israel has frequently stated that such operations are directed at Hezbollah operatives.

The attack came only days after Israel and Lebanon reached a U.S.-mediated understanding under which Israel agreed to refrain from striking Beirut’s southern suburbs while Hezbollah would halt attacks on northern Israel.

That agreement was announced shortly after Israel signaled plans for extensive operations near Beirut, which would have represented the most significant strikes in the area since a ceasefire formally took effect on April 17.

According to the State Department, negotiators made progress during Tuesday’s opening session. Lebanese officials are seeking a broader ceasefire covering all parts of the country, while Israel continues to insist that Hezbollah must be disarmed before Israeli forces end their operations and withdraw from southern Lebanon.

Shortly after the Khaldeh strike, the Israeli military reported intercepting what it described as a hostile aircraft launched from southern Lebanon. Officials did not immediately attribute the incident to Hezbollah, which has not publicly claimed responsibility for any cross-border attacks since the recent agreement was reached.

Meanwhile, Israeli military activity continued throughout southern Lebanon, particularly around the heavily damaged cities of Tyre and Nabatiyeh. Overnight strikes near Tyre reportedly killed four Syrian nationals and two Palestinians.

Israel also issued warnings to residents of Christian neighborhoods in Tyre, alleging that Hezbollah operatives were operating among the local population. Many Shiite residents had relocated to those areas in recent days after other coastal regions came under heavy bombardment.

Following the warning, the Lebanese Armed Forces deployed troops to the Christian district in an effort to demonstrate that Hezbollah maintains no military presence there and to discourage further Israeli attacks.

The current conflict began on March 2 after Hezbollah launched rockets toward northern Israel in support of Iran. Israel responded with a military campaign that eventually expanded into a ground offensive in southern Lebanon.

Over the past week, Israeli forces have advanced deeper into Lebanese territory while Hezbollah has continued to announce rocket and drone attacks against Israeli targets.

The fighting has taken a heavy toll. Lebanese authorities report that 3,468 people have been killed and approximately 1.2 million displaced since the conflict began.

According to Netanyahu’s office, at least 27 Israeli soldiers and one defense contractor have been killed during operations in or near southern Lebanon. Two Israeli civilians have also lost their lives in attacks in northern Israel.

Among the latest casualties was an Israeli soldier whose death was announced Monday night. The military said seven additional soldiers were wounded in the same incident, including three who sustained serious injuries.

Israeli military officials have also cited Hezbollah’s growing use of fiber-optic-guided drones, which are difficult to detect and have posed a significant challenge to Israeli forces operating in the region.

{Matzav.com}

George Santos, the disgraced former New York congressman whose political career unraveled amid fraud convictions and expulsion from Congress, is now facing questions over his activity on online prediction markets, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The scrutiny reportedly centers on betting activity tied to a market offered by Kalshi that asked whether Santos would attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address earlier this year.

According to one source, Kalshi detected unusual trading patterns involving the market and launched an internal review. The platform allegedly concluded that the account responsible for the activity belonged to Santos.

The market attracted millions of dollars in wagers from users betting on whether various public figures would appear at the president’s address. Those listed reportedly included Santos, Barron Trump, hockey star Jack Hughes, and MAGA-aligned journalist Nick Shirley, whose reporting on a Minnesota fraud case drew widespread attention online.

Before the speech, Santos publicly indicated that he planned to attend. However, he ultimately did not appear at the event.

The source said Kalshi determined the account belonged to Santos, froze the account, and referred the matter to the Justice Department and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

A second source said the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the federal agency responsible for overseeing prediction markets, has opened an investigation into the matter.

CNN contacted Santos for comment. Kalshi declined to comment on the allegations.

The federal inquiry was first reported by NPR. In comments to NPR, Santos said he was unaware of any investigation involving insider trading allegations. NPR further reported that the Justice Department is also examining the matter. CNN subsequently sought comment from the department.

The latest controversy comes after Santos’ highly publicized criminal case. He had been serving a seven-year prison sentence after being convicted on aggravated identity theft and wire fraud charges tied to his 2022 congressional campaign. President Trump commuted his sentence last year, resulting in Santos spending fewer than three months behind bars.

The case also shines a spotlight on the rapid growth of prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket, which allow users to wager on a wide range of future events, from sporting contests and elections to entertainment outcomes.

These platforms operate under federal oversight and are regulated as commodity futures markets. However, critics argue that the industry’s explosive expansion has outpaced the regulatory framework governing it, prompting growing concern among lawmakers and state officials who believe additional safeguards may be needed.

{Matzav.com}

Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified overnight after American forces reportedly struck a Revolutionary Guards communications tower on Iran’s Qeshm Island, prompting Tehran to launch missiles and drones toward Kuwait and Bahrain in what it described as a retaliatory operation.

According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, explosions were reported overnight on Qeshm Island. Shortly afterward, Kuwait’s military announced that its air-defense systems had been activated to intercept incoming missiles and hostile drones.

A short time later, air-raid sirens sounded in Bahrain amid what authorities believe was a missile attack launched from Iranian territory.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the missile and drone barrage directed toward Kuwait, saying the operation targeted American military installations in response to the earlier U.S. strike on Qeshm Island.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces successfully intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones. According to the military, the strikes on Qeshm Island were conducted as acts of self-defense following Iranian attempts to carry out attacks elsewhere in the Middle East.

Iranian officials said the United States targeted a Revolutionary Guards communications tower located in the southern part of Qeshm Island.

“The American enemy attacked a communications tower belonging to the Revolutionary Guards in southern Qeshm Island using air-launched missiles,” the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement.

Iranian officials also claimed that their retaliatory operation struck American military facilities in the Gulf region.

“They struck an air force base and the headquarters of the Fifth Fleet in one of the countries in the region,” the Revolutionary Guards asserted.

The group further warned that additional attacks could follow if the confrontation continues.

“Any aggression will be met with a different and harsher response, and this has indeed been carried out.”

The exchange comes amid mounting friction between Washington and Tehran as President Donald Trump continues efforts to secure a new agreement with Iran while also facing domestic pressure related to energy prices and regional stability.

At the same time, reports have pointed to growing disagreements between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over policy toward Iran and the conflict in Lebanon, adding another layer of complexity to the regional crisis.

The latest Iranian attacks come at a particularly delicate moment, with the U.S. administration reportedly seeking to advance an interim arrangement with Tehran.

According to recent reports, Iranian officials are reviewing a new draft proposal submitted by the United States. However, Tehran is said to be maintaining a tough negotiating stance even as diplomatic efforts continue alongside the escalating military confrontation.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday establishing a new voluntary review framework that encourages artificial intelligence companies to submit advanced AI models for government evaluation before making them available to the public.

The measure calls on developers to provide their AI systems for federal review 30 days prior to launch, a shorter timeframe than what administration officials had initially considered.

According to Politico, the order represents a revised version of a proposal circulated last month that would have asked companies to participate in the review process 90 days before releasing new models. The president approved the updated policy after meeting with senior officials to discuss growing concerns surrounding AI safety and cybersecurity risks.

The executive order emphasizes both the strategic benefits and potential security challenges posed by increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence technologies.

“Advanced AI capabilities make our Nation stronger, but also introduce new national security considerations that require coordinated action across executive departments and agencies (agencies), and components. As these capabilities evolve, my Administration will continue to work closely with industry to ensure that the best and most secure technology is deployed rapidly to confront any and all threats to our country. We will continue to lead an America First cybersecurity effort that enhances both our national security and our global AI dominance.

“It is the policy of the United States to promote AI innovation and security by working collaboratively with the private sector to modernize government and private sector information systems and harden them against external threats; to protect American ingenuity and intellectual property from exploitation and theft by adversaries; and to cultivate America’s advanced AI-enabled capabilities.”

The administration had originally planned to move forward with the more expansive 90-day review requirement on May 21. However, that proposal was withdrawn just hours before it was scheduled to be signed.

Throughout Trump’s presidency, the administration has generally favored reducing regulatory obstacles for AI developers in an effort to maintain America’s competitive edge in the rapidly evolving technology sector. At the same time, officials have expressed growing concern about the security implications of increasingly powerful AI systems.

Those concerns have been heightened by reports that Anthropic’s Mythos AI model may possess capabilities that could threaten even highly sensitive computer networks, fueling calls for stronger safeguards while still allowing continued innovation.

{Matzav.com}

Although the 2026 tax season has ended, a number of Americans are still waiting for their federal tax refunds. For many of those taxpayers, however, their money could arrive in the coming weeks.

Federal officials projected that average refunds for the 2025 tax year would exceed $3,400, representing an increase of roughly 11 percent compared to the previous year. While that marked a notable rise, it fell short of claims by some administration officials that refunds would increase by as much as $1,000.

The timing of a refund depends largely on when a taxpayer submitted a return and whether it was filed electronically or on paper.

According to the IRS, most taxpayers who submit returns electronically receive refunds within approximately 21 days. Those who mail paper returns often face longer processing times, and any errors, corrections, or amended filings can further extend the wait.

As a result, taxpayers who filed by the standard April 15 deadline generally should have received their refunds already.

There are exceptions, however, and some groups of taxpayers remain in the processing pipeline.

Among those most likely to receive refunds in June are filers who submitted returns in May, either because they obtained filing extensions or because the IRS granted additional time in areas affected by natural disasters.

The IRS routinely extends tax deadlines for communities impacted by severe weather and other emergencies. For example, residents affected by storms, flooding, and the “remnants of Typhoon Halong” in parts of Alaska last October were given until May 1, 2026, to file returns and make certain payments that had originally been due before October 8, 2025.

Additional May 1 extensions applied to taxpayers affected by storms and flooding in Montana, as well as those impacted by “severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides” in parts of Washington state. Similar relief deadlines continue to affect certain taxpayers in Mississippi, Hawaii, and Georgia.

Another category of taxpayers who may finally see refunds arrive this month includes those whose payments were delayed because they failed to provide required banking information.

Earlier this year, Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee disclosed that thousands of taxpayers had received notices informing them that their refunds were being held up. In some cases, the delays lasted “more than 2 months” because the IRS lacked the necessary banking details needed to issue payments electronically.

The IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service previously cautioned taxpayers that refunds could be placed on hold if direct-deposit information was missing. Those refunds generally remain frozen until taxpayers either provide the required information or choose to receive a paper check instead.

Many affected individuals have already received IRS notices directing them to update or verify their banking information through the agency’s website. Others may simply be issued paper refund checks after a waiting period of approximately six weeks.

Lawmakers have warned that taxpayers relying on mailed checks could face significantly longer delays.

In a letter earlier this year, Reps. Danny K. Davis of Illinois and Terri A. Sewell of Alabama noted that taxpayers receiving paper checks “could face more than a 10-week delay (over 2 1/2 months).”

For taxpayers who filed closer to the April deadline and later encountered processing issues, those extended timelines could mean that their long-awaited refunds may not arrive until sometime this month.

Your tax return will still be processed, even if you did not include banking information, the IRS said. You can find more details, including how to receive assistance by phone, here.

You can track your refund’s status with the IRS’s Where’s My Refund? Tool. If you filed electronically, your refund status is available within 24 hours. If you filed a paper return, it takes four weeks for your status to appear.

{Matzav.com}

The Social Security Administration announced Tuesday that it plans to finish phasing out paper benefit checks during 2026, advancing a government-wide effort to shift federal payments entirely to electronic methods.

Officials are urging beneficiaries who still receive checks through the mail to switch immediately to either direct deposit or a government-backed prepaid debit card to prevent any interruption in future payments.

The initiative is part of a broader federal modernization effort launched through Executive Order 14247, titled “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account,” which President Donald Trump signed on March 25, 2025.

Under the order, the Treasury Department was instructed to end the use of paper checks for nearly all federal payments by September 30, 2025. The directive applies to programs including Social Security benefits, Veterans Affairs payments, and federal tax refunds issued by the IRS.

Administration officials have argued that eliminating paper checks will reduce fraud, lower administrative expenses, and decrease problems associated with lost or undeliverable mail.

Although the September 2025 deadline formally ended routine issuance of federal paper checks, Social Security has continued serving a small group of recipients who have not yet transitioned to electronic payment methods while encouraging them to make the change.

According to agency data released last year, fewer than one percent of the approximately 70 million people receiving Social Security benefits were still being paid by paper check.

In a blog post published Tuesday, the agency cited Treasury Department statistics showing that producing and mailing a paper check costs an average of $3.07, approximately twenty times the cost of sending an electronic payment. The agency also noted that paper checks are sixteen times more likely to be lost, stolen, altered, or returned than digital transactions.

Federal officials have estimated that maintaining the infrastructure required to support paper payments cost taxpayers more than $657 million during fiscal year 2024.

Recipients who wish to enroll in direct deposit can do so through their online my Social Security account or by providing their banking information directly to the agency.

Individuals without traditional bank accounts can instead receive benefits through the Treasury Department’s Direct Express program by calling 1-800-967-6857 or visiting GoDirect.gov.

The government said exemptions remain available for certain beneficiaries who face significant barriers to electronic banking. Those living in remote locations, lacking banking access, or experiencing documented hardships may seek a waiver through the U.S. Treasury by calling 1-877-874-6347.

As of Tuesday, Social Security had not announced the exact date when the final paper benefit check will be issued, stating only that it expects all remaining beneficiaries to complete the transition sometime during 2026.

The move mirrors similar efforts across the federal government. In recent months, agencies including the Labor Department, Justice Department, and Internal Revenue Service have issued their own guidance outlining how they will comply with the Treasury’s mandate to eliminate paper payments.

{Matzav.com}

A potentially deadly arson attack was narrowly averted early Tuesday when a suspect allegedly set a fire inside a residential building housing young Jewish families in London’s Golders Green neighborhood before fleeing the scene.

According to a statement issued by Shomrim, residents were jolted awake in the early morning hours by the sound of a fire alarm echoing throughout the apartment complex.

Witnesses reported that an individual intentionally ignited a fire in a shared stairwell within the building. After being spotted and challenged by residents, the suspect reportedly ran from the area before authorities arrived.

A quick-thinking resident acted immediately upon discovering the flames and succeeded in putting out the fire before it could spread through the building. Despite the danger, no injuries were reported.

Shomrim volunteers arrived promptly and began assisting with the response. During their investigation, they recovered items believed to have been left behind by the suspect, evidence that may prove valuable to law enforcement. Volunteers are also working alongside police as officers review surveillance footage from nearby security cameras and CCTV systems.

Investigators have not yet determined a motive, and authorities continue to piece together exactly what occurred. The incident, however, comes during a period of growing concern within Britain’s Jewish community following a series of attacks and security incidents targeting Jewish institutions and individuals.

Police and Shomrim are asking members of the public who may have witnessed suspicious activity or who possess dashcam or surveillance footage from the area to contact investigators as soon as possible.

The attempted arson follows another disturbing incident in Golders Green less than a month ago, when two Orthodox Jewish men were stabbed.

That attack led British authorities to elevate the country’s terrorism threat level from “substantial” to “severe,” marking the first such increase in more than four years.

In a separate incident just weeks earlier, a Jewish resident was reportedly assaulted in Golders Green after being heard speaking Hebrew.

The neighborhood was also shaken in late March when four emergency vehicles belonging to Hatzolah were deliberately set ablaze. Authorities have arrested nine suspects in connection with that case as the investigation continues.

{Matzav.com}

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As the Knesset moves forward with legislation to dissolve itself and trigger new elections, United Torah Judaism is demanding that the process be accelerated, citing the government’s failure to resolve the status of yeshiva students and what it describes as an ongoing campaign against the Torah world.

Speaking during a heated Knesset plenary session on Tuesday, UTJ faction chairman MK Uri Maklev delivered a sharp rebuke of the coalition, arguing that the government had failed to fulfill one of its most fundamental commitments to the chareidi parties.

Maklev said the Knesset was heading toward dissolution because the coalition “did not meet its goals and did not fulfill its commitment to regulate the status of Torah learners in Eretz Yisroel.”

The UTJ lawmaker painted a bleak picture of the current situation facing yeshiva students, accusing authorities of targeting bnei Torah through arrests, public attacks, and economic pressure.

“During this government’s watch, Torah learners have been subjected to incitement, vilification, arrests, persecution, and inhumane economic strangulation,” Maklev said. He added that a significant portion of what he described as the campaign against the Torah community was being carried out by members of the coalition itself.

Maklev argued that the government’s actions represented a betrayal of what UTJ viewed as a foundational understanding of the coalition agreement and its obligations to the Torah world.

According to Maklev, coalition partners have turned their backs on what was understood to be a basic principle underpinning the government. He emphasized the role of Torah learners as a spiritual shield for the Jewish people, particularly at a time when Israel faces threats from multiple enemies.

The UTJ chairman also condemned the arrests of yeshiva students and called on government ministers to halt what he described as the persecution of those engaged in Torah study.

“On your watch, cruel and detached arrests are being carried out against Torah learners,” he declared.

Maklev further criticized coalition lawmakers who declined to support the daycare subsidy bill earlier this week, arguing that the measure was intended to assist families whose livelihoods have been affected by the ongoing dispute over the draft law.

He expressed particular concern for mothers seeking childcare assistance, saying they were being denied support solely because their husbands devote themselves to Torah study.

“There is an entire faction in the coalition that has turned its back on a mother and her young children who simply wants to support her family and obtain proper arrangements for her children. Even that is being denied because the father of those children studies Torah in Eretz Yisroel,” Maklev said.

Concluding his remarks, Maklev insisted that the coalition move quickly to complete the legislative process dissolving the Knesset and setting new elections.

“The Land of Israel is acquired through suffering, and so too is the Torah of Israel,” he said. He added that the government’s obligation now is to bring the dissolution bill to its second and third readings immediately, warning, “We will not let this drag on for very long.”

Maklev ended with a message of confidence that the Torah world would ultimately prevail in the ideological struggle now unfolding.

“In a battle of values, ideology, obligations, and a heritage passed from generation to generation, against evil, wickedness, and cruelty, it is the side of values and ideology that will prevail,” he said.

The Knesset approved the dissolution bill in a preliminary vote Monday night by a margin of 106-0. Under the proposal, elections for the 26th Knesset would be held sometime between September 8, 2026, and October 20, 2026. Knesset officials currently expect the election to take place during the month of Cheshvan rather than in Elul or during the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah, as Shas and UTJ had initially preferred.

A political dispute is brewing in Alaska after Sen. Dan Sullivan’s reelection campaign accused Democrats and one of his rivals of backing a second candidate with the exact same first and last name in an effort to confuse voters ahead of next year’s election.

The allegations were made Tuesday by Sullivan campaign spokesman Nate Adams, who claimed that Democratic operatives and former congresswoman Mary Peltola were behind the entry of another Dan Sullivan into the Senate race.

“Mary Peltola and D.C. Democrats know they can’t win this race on the issues, so they’ve resorted to dirty, dishonest tactics — recruiting a sham candidate with the sole purpose of deceiving voters and manipulating Alaska’s election system,” Nate Adams, the senator’s campaign spokesman, said in a statement Tuesday.

Peltola, who represented Alaska in the U.S. House from 2023 until 2025, is widely viewed as the leading Democrat seeking the Senate seat currently held by Sullivan, who is running for a third term.

Adams argued that the presence of another candidate with the same name could undermine the integrity of the election and create confusion among voters.

“This blatant attempt to confuse and disenfranchise Alaskans undermines confidence in our elections, and if allowed to stand, will deny voters the honest choice they deserve,” Adams added.

The campaign also signaled that it may pursue legal or other remedies in response to the situation.

He also warned, “We are reviewing all of our options and aren’t ruling anything out.”

The newly announced challenger entered the race last week. The second Dan Sullivan has described himself as a cancer survivor and elementary school teacher and has criticized the incumbent’s record in office.

According to the challenger, the senator sharing his name “has failed to put Alaska first.”

State election records indicate that the challenger is also registered as a Republican. Observers have noted similarities between the branding of the two campaigns, with both using logos featuring stars and a color scheme built around navy blue, white, and yellow.

The unusual situation has created confusion because there is also a third well-known Alaska political figure named Dan Sullivan — the mayor of Anchorage. The most obvious distinction between the two Senate candidates is their middle initials: the incumbent is Dan S. Sullivan, while the challenger is Dan J. Sullivan.

Alaska’s election system allows all candidates to compete in a single primary, with the top four finishers advancing to the general election regardless of party affiliation. Voters are scheduled to cast ballots in the primary on August 18.

Peltola’s campaign swiftly rejected any suggestion that it played a role in recruiting or encouraging the second Sullivan to run.

A spokesperson for Peltola’s campaign, Harry Child, denied that the campaign is involved “with either Sullivan campaign.”

Neither the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee nor the campaign of Dan J. Sullivan immediately provided responses to requests for comment regarding the allegations.

Newly disclosed comments attributed to Shas chairman Aryeh Deri have shed light on deep frustrations within the chareidi political camp, with Deri reportedly blaming Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for the latest coalition crisis and expressing concerns about the future political direction of United Torah Judaism.

According to a report aired Tuesday on Channel 13 News, Deri privately faulted Netanyahu for mishandling the highly sensitive draft-law issue and for contributing to the growing rift between the government and leading rabbinic figures.

The reported remarks reveal unusually blunt criticism from Deri, who allegedly argued that Netanyahu’s own statements were responsible for escalating tensions and triggering the strongly worded letter from Rav Dov Landau issued against the right-wing bloc.

“The prime minister is responsible for the incident with Rav Landau and for the harsh letter against the bloc. He made a mistake with all the talk that he does not have a majority for the draft law.”

Deri also reportedly voiced concern that United Torah Judaism could ultimately join a coalition opposed to Netanyahu if such an opportunity emerges after the next election.

“They will enter a left-wing government if one is formed after the elections.”

At the same time, Deri emphasized that Shas would not participate in such a move under any circumstances.

“We will never enter a left-wing government. We already know what the left is and what they will do here.”

The Shas leader reportedly went even further, identifying individuals whom he believes are encouraging United Torah Judaism to move away from Netanyahu and the right-wing camp.

According to the report, Deri specifically targeted Motty Babchik, a senior and influential figure within Agudas Yisroel, accusing him of working behind the scenes to bring about a left-wing coalition.

“He is doing everything to establish a left-wing government.”

The reported comments underscore the growing tensions within Israel’s chareidi parties as disputes over the draft law and the future of the coalition continue to intensify. With the prospect of elections drawing closer, the remarks offer a rare glimpse into the disagreements and political calculations taking place behind closed doors among some of the most powerful figures in the right-wing bloc.

{Matzav.com}

More than three years after the current coalition came to power, the Knesset on Tuesday evening approved in a preliminary reading legislation that would reverse the controversial kashrus reform enacted under former Religious Services Minister Matan Kahana.

The bill passed its first reading by a vote of 49-34 and now heads to the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee for further deliberations. Despite clearing its first hurdle, it remains unclear whether supporters will be able to complete the legislative process before the Knesset dissolves and Israel heads to elections.

The proposal has become a source of frustration among some figures in the chareidi parties, who questioned why the legislation was not advanced earlier during the coalition’s tenure.

“We failed not only in passing the draft law and regulating the status of yeshiva students; we failed on many religion-and-state laws that were critical to us,” senior sources in the chareidi factions said in recent days. “What is the explanation for the fact that this law was not brought to a vote three years ago, two years ago, or even one year ago? Why wait until the last minute, when there may not be enough time to complete the legislation? It is a failure.”

The bill seeks to dismantle key components of Kahana’s reform, which opened the kashrus market to private certification bodies. Under the new proposal, authority to issue kashrus certificates would once again be concentrated in the hands of the Chief Rabbinate Council, authorized local rabbanim, and the Military Rabbinate, where applicable.

In addition to restoring the previous framework, the legislation would establish updated regulations governing kashrus standards, the operation of agencies involved in kashrus supervision, and oversight of the certification system.

During the Knesset debate, Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni emphasized the need for professionalism and public confidence in kashrus supervision.

“On the issue of kashrus, there must be professionalism,” Gafni said. “This matter needs to be corrected in an orderly manner. There are things that need fixing. We are asking for a professional discussion so that when a product carries a kashrus certification, the kashrus should be genuine.”

The explanatory notes accompanying the bill argue that Kahana’s reform effectively privatized the kashrus system by allowing private certification organizations to provide supervision and issue certificates based on standards established, in part, by rabbanim who are not public employees.

According to the bill’s sponsors, the Chief Rabbinate Council and the chief rabbis who led it strongly opposed the reform because they believed the unique nature of kashrus supervision requires it to remain a public service rather than a private enterprise.

The explanatory notes state that maintaining public control over kashrus helps preserve transparency, objectivity, and accountability. Supporters of the repeal argue that removing certification from direct public oversight could expose the system to significant economic pressures from the food industry, potentially creating conflicts of interest and allowing outside considerations to influence kashrus standards and enforcement.

Whether the legislation ultimately becomes law may depend on the political calendar, with supporters racing against the possibility of early elections before the bill can complete its remaining readings in the Knesset.

President Donald Trump has agreed to appear at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner later this summer, embracing the decision to move forward with the event after an assassination attempt disrupted the original gathering earlier this year.

Announcing his participation, Trump praised organizers for refusing to allow violence to dictate public life or alter longstanding traditions. He described the decision to proceed with the annual dinner as a demonstration of resilience in the wake of the attack.

“This announcement is a very good thing in that we cannot allow Lunatics to change our way of life, or even its scheduling,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The president said he accepted the invitation after being approached by White House Correspondents’ Association President Weijia Jiang and hinted that his remarks at the event could once again attract attention.

“I was asked to be there, and speak, by Weijia Jiang, President of The White House Correspondents’ Association, and have accepted,” he continued. “I don’t know whether or not I will give the same rather nasty statements, at least as it concerns certain people, but we will soon find out.”

Trump also highlighted the venue selected for the rescheduled event, noting its connection to his own business history.

“In any event,” the president added, “it will be a ‘HOT’ ticket! Interestingly, the location will be The Waldorf Astoria, on Pennsylvania Avenue, a Building and Ballroom that I built.”

The dinner is now set for July 24 and will take place in the Presidential Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C. The property originally operated as a Trump-branded hotel before changing ownership in 2022. Event organizers have indicated that those who purchased tickets for the original dinner will not be required to pay again.

Because the ballroom accommodates approximately 1,300 guests, attendance will be significantly smaller than the original event planned for the Washington Hilton, where organizers expected roughly 2,500 attendees.

The annual dinner had originally been scheduled for April 25. Those plans were derailed after authorities say Cole Tomas Allen stormed a security checkpoint carrying a rifle and opened fire, striking a Secret Service agent who was protected by a bulletproof vest.

Investigators allege that Allen later confessed in a manifesto that his goal was to assassinate Trump and kill as many Cabinet officials as possible. He remains in custody awaiting trial.

In a message sent to members of the White House Correspondents’ Association, Jiang said the organization was determined not to allow the attack to define the event or overshadow its purpose.

“The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has served as a celebration of a free press and the vital role of journalism in our democracy for over a century,” Jiang wrote, according to the New York Post.

She said the shooting reinforced the organization’s commitment to defending constitutional freedoms and protecting the role of a free press.

“When gunfire interrupted this year’s event, it further clarified the WHCA’s mission to advocate for the freedoms that are protected in the First Amendment,” she said. “We will not allow an act of violence to have the last word, especially during a year when we are reflecting on the 250th anniversary of America and everything we stand for.”

Jiang noted that this year’s dinner will be scaled down compared to previous years and will feature additional security precautions.

The rescheduled event will be “a more intimate gathering” and will feature “significantly enhanced safety measures and new access procedures.”

In addition to the traditional dinner and presidential remarks, the evening is expected to include scholarship presentations and awards recognizing excellence in journalism.