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President Donald Trump on Friday sharply warned Iran to agree to what he called a fair nuclear deal, while condemning the regime’s recent violent suppression of anti-government demonstrations and signaling he is weighing possible military action.

Speaking publicly about last month’s crackdown, Trump highlighted the reported scale of the bloodshed and drew a distinction between Iran’s citizens and its ruling leadership. “You know, the people of Iran are a lot different than the leaders of Iran. And it’s a very, very sad situation. 32,000 people were killed over a relatively short period of time,” Trump said, in his first reference to a specific death toll tied to the unrest. “They were going to hang 800, two weeks ago, some by crane. They lift them up with a tall crane and they play them around the square.”

Trump went on to describe what he said was a direct warning delivered to Tehran over the planned executions. “They were going to hang 837 people and I gave them the word: ‘If you hang one person, even one person, that you’re going to be hit right then and there.’ I wasn’t waiting two weeks and negotiating, and they gave up the hanging. They didn’t hang 837. Supposedly they didn’t hang anybody,” he added.

NEW: Trump says the Islamic regime in Iran killed 32,000 protesters.

"I feel very badly for the people of Iran. They have lived in hell." pic.twitter.com/4YDWqnd78D

— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) February 20, 2026

Expressing sympathy for ordinary Iranians, Trump said, “I feel very badly for the people of Iran. They’ve lived in hell,” continued Trump.

Earlier in the day, Trump appeared to acknowledge that he is considering a limited military strike aimed at pressuring Iran into accepting U.S. terms for a nuclear agreement. When reporters asked whether he was contemplating such an option, following a Wall Street Journal report published Thursday, Trump briefly paused before replying, “I guess you can say I am considering it.”

Even as he made that remark, Trump signaled he would not disclose details of any potential course of action, indicating he would not publicly reveal his strategy regarding Iran as reporters were escorted from the room.

His comments coincided with new developments in the region. The USS Gerald R. Ford, which Trump directed to deploy to the Middle East last week, has now entered the Mediterranean Sea, according to maritime tracking information. Tracking data also showed that the USS Mahan, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that is part of the Ford carrier strike group, passed through the Strait of Gibraltar. The aircraft carrier itself is expected to require several more days before arriving in the Middle East, where it would be positioned for potential operations involving Iran.

A day earlier, Trump cautioned that Iran must finalize an agreement regarding its nuclear activities or face consequences, warning that “bad things” would occur if no deal is reached.

While maintaining that diplomatic talks are progressing, Trump emphasized that any accord must meet U.S. standards. “Now, we may have to take it a step further – or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal. You’re going to be finding out over the next, probably 10 days,” Trump added.

According to a report Wednesday by CBS News, senior national security officials have informed Trump that the U.S. military stands ready to carry out strikes against Iran as soon as Saturday, if directed to do so.

At the same time, individuals familiar with the high-level deliberations told CBS News that any action is unlikely to occur within the immediate weekend timeframe.

Separately, The Telegraph quoted a source within the U.S. administration as saying the probability of war in the coming weeks now stands at 90 percent. An Israeli former intelligence chief cited in the same report indicated he believes a strike could happen within days.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Moshe Nusbacher zt”l, a revered talmid chacham who devoted his life to spreading Torah and yiras Shamayim within the batei midrash while remaining remarkably unassuming. Known as a profound talmid chochom and a master of Toras hanistar, he passed away at the age of 78.

Rav Nusbacher was born on the 25th of Elul 5707 to his father, Rav Avraham Yosef Nusbacher.

In his youth, he studied at Yeshivas Or Yisrael L’tzeirim in Petach Tikvah, where he absorbed Torah from the rosh yeshiva, Rav Yosef Rozovsky.

He later continued his learning at Yeshivas Ponovezh, cleaving closely to the roshei yeshiva, Rav Shmuel Rozovsky and Rav Mordechai Shlomo Berman.

Upon reaching marriageable age, he married his wife, Rebbetzin Yonah, a daughter of the Chabad mashpia, Rav Nachum Goldschmidt.

Rebbetzin Yonah leads spiritual support and guidance for women and girls rescued from Arab villages by Yad L’Achim.

Together, Rav Moshe and his wife established a home firmly founded upon Torah and yirah. For many years, Rav Nusbacher delivered shiurim with penetrating depth and exceptional clarity.

Over the course of his life, he served as rosh kollel in Ramat Hasharon, a ram at Yeshivas Or Yosef in Chadeira, was among the founders of Yeshivas Shaarei Dovid Premishlan, and served as one of the roshei yeshiva at Yeshivas Shaar HaTalmud in Kiryat Herzog. He also headed Kollel Adabra Be’eidosecha.

He was deeply connected, heart and soul, to Rav Dovid Chai Abuchatzeira of Nahariya, who described him as one of the hidden tzaddikim of the generation whose true greatness was known to few, a towering talmid chochom in the hidden dimensions of Torah.

He merited to leave behind an outstanding mishpacha. Among his sons are Rav Yechezkel Nusbacher, author of the sefarim Adabra Be’eidosecha; Rav Nachum Nusbacher, rosh yeshiva of Shaar HaTalmud; and Rav Shalom Nusbacher.

The levayah took place at his home at 17 Rechov Harav Herzog in Bnei Brak and proceeded to Segulah Cemetery in Petach Tikvah for kevurah.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

TRUMP: Our country is the hottest country anywhere in the world right now, and it was a dead country 1.5 years ago…But now, I’m going to go in a different direction—which is even stronger than our original choice.

TRUMP: “To show you how ridiculous the opinion is, however, the Court said that… I can’t charge one dollar to any country under IEEPA… but I am allowed to cut off any and all trade or business with that same country.”

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) forcefully criticized the prospect of a renewed agreement with Iran, describing the Islamic Republic as a “cancer” and arguing that only strength can deter its nuclear ambitions.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News as tensions escalate between Washington and Tehran, Fetterman questioned how the United States could permit Iran to move closer to a nuclear weapon. “How could you allow Iran to acquire a nuclear bomb? Now, people have always said that. Well, you know, [President Donald Trump] actually did something to actually prevent Iran from doing that,” said Fetterman.

He pointed to reports about Iran’s uranium stockpile and suggested military action may be warranted. “If they have 900 pounds of near weapons-grade uranium why wouldn’t you strike that? Why wouldn’t you hold them accountable that way? And now here we are again, and now we’ve demonstrated that’s the only thing Iran ever responds to is strength and power,” he continued.

Fetterman went further, expressing doubt that diplomacy alone would succeed and suggesting additional military measures could be necessary. He said the United States would likely have to strike again “because I don’t think you can’t really trust and negotiate with them. You can’t negotiate with cancer. You have to attack it and go right at it with superior force.”

His remarks come as the United States engages in diplomatic discussions with Iran, while at the same time increasing its military footprint in the Middle East in case negotiations collapse. President Donald Trump has ordered additional forces into the region as talks proceed.

On Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported that the President is considering a limited, initial military strike intended to pressure Iran into complying with U.S. demands on a nuclear agreement.

According to the report, such a step would aim to compel Tehran to negotiate seriously without escalating into a broader war that could trigger significant retaliation.

Earlier Thursday, Trump cautioned that failure to reach a nuclear agreement would carry consequences, warning that “bad things” will happen if Iran does not come to terms.

At the same time, the President indicated that diplomatic efforts are progressing but emphasized that any accord must be substantial. “Now, we may have to take it a step further – or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal. You’re going to be finding out over the next, probably 10 days,” Trump added.

Fetterman, who has emerged as one of Israel’s most outspoken supporters within the Democratic Party, recently reiterated his backing for the Jewish state during an interview with i24NEWS.

{Matzav.com}

TRUMP: Other alternatives will now be used to replace the ones that the Court incorrectly rejected.

TRUMP: “It’s my opinion that the court has been swayed by foreign interests and a political movement that is far smaller than people would ever think.”

TRUMP: “Tariffs have been used to end 5 of the 8 wars I’ve settled. I’ve settled 8 wars, whether you like it or not. Big ones. Nuclear. Could’ve been nuclear.”

TRUMP: The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and I’m ashamed of certain members of the court absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country… Democrats on the court are thrilled, but they will automatically vote no… they’re against anything that makes America, strong, healthy, and Great […]

Naftali Bennett announced Friday afternoon that, if tasked with assembling Israel’s next government, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir would not be part of his coalition — marking a clear shift from his earlier position.

In a pointed statement, Bennett took aim at Ben Gvir’s performance and conduct in office. “I want to be clear: Itamar Ben-Gvir has no place in my government. Not because of ‘boycott rhetoric,’ but because he is a failed minister who acts with bullying and racism against the values of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.”

Earlier in the week, speaking at a conference in Efrat, Bennett had called for the establishment of a broad national unity government following the upcoming elections. He cited the 1984 unity arrangement as a model — the government that featured a rotation agreement between Yitzhak Shamir and Shimon Peres.

Audio published by the Kipa website captured Bennett addressing questions from attendees and clarifying that he was not formally boycotting either Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir or Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich.

Discussing Ben Gvir in those remarks, Bennett said: “I’m not boycotting him, but he’s simply a terribly, terribly unserious person. I know it’s not talked about, but clownish behavior is not a substitute for seriousness.”

Bennett struck a different tone when referring to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, acknowledging his confrontational style while emphasizing his ability to function effectively. “Smotrich today is very combative, but he knows how to work. One of the reasons I’m involved with Religious Zionism is so that there will be enormous pressure on them after the elections to end the boycott against us. What happened? Why can’t you sit with us? There is a boycott today.”

{Matzav.com}

The Supreme Court on Friday curtailed a major portion of President Trump’s tariff program, a move that could lower projected costs for American families next year but likely derails his proposal to distribute $2,000 “tariff dividend” checks.

Before the ruling, households were expected to face significantly higher expenses due to elevated import taxes. The Yale Budget Lab had estimated that, with an average tariff rate of 16.9% in place, the typical U.S. household would pay an extra $1,300 to $1,700 in 2026.

In a 6-3 decision, however, the justices concluded that Trump went beyond his executive authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to implement a series of steep tariffs tied to trade imbalances and fentanyl trafficking.

While certain other tariffs remain intact, eliminating those imposed under IEEPA is expected to meaningfully reduce the financial hit to consumers. John Ricco, associated director of policy analysis at the Budget Lab, told CNBC that the ruling could lower the projected additional burden in 2026 to roughly $600 to $800 — about half of earlier estimates.

Not all analysts agreed on the precise savings.

“I’m actually shocked that the number wasn’t a little higher on the financial burden to the average American household than $1,000,” Erik Rosica, sales supervisor at OEC Group New York, a global freight forwarding company, told The NY Post.

“I do agree that the impact of reversing them would hopefully halve it – but again, that’s only if people lower their prices,” Rosica told The Post.

Rosica questioned whether companies would, in fact, pass those savings on to consumers. He suggested that while businesses might reduce prices on lower-cost goods, they may be inclined to keep higher price levels in place where possible.

The Court’s decision also casts doubt on Trump’s plan to issue “tariff rebate” payments ahead of the midterm elections.

According to Rosica, the ruling effectively eliminates the revenue stream that would have funded the checks, though he added that “nothing’s off the table.”

The Satmar Rebbe of Kiryas Yoel, Harav Aharon Teitelbaum, embarked on a meaningful trip this week to Romania and the United Kingdom, traveling first to Siget in honor of the yahrtzeit of his illustrious ancestor, the Kedushas Yom Tov zy”a, and then continuing on to Manchester to provide chizuk to the local Satmar kehilla. The […]

A sharp public and political backlash has followed an interim ruling by Israel’s High Court of Justice regarding prayer arrangements at the Kosel. The court determined that a previous cabinet decision regulating the southern prayer area remains in force and instructed state authorities to move quickly to advance the necessary permits and construction work to establish the site as a permanent mixed-gender prayer plaza.

The decision was issued by Justices Yitzchak Amit, Deputy President Noam Sohlberg, and Justice Daphne Barak-Erez. It centers on removing bureaucratic obstacles that have delayed implementation of the approved framework. According to the ruling, if renewed authorization from the Israel Antiquities Authority is required, it must be granted within 14 days, after which applications for building permits are to be submitted.

The court also ruled that if no planning decision is reached within 45 days, the delay will be considered a rejection, triggering an appeals process within an additional 14 days. The state and the Yerushalayim Municipality were ordered to update the court within 90 days on the progress made.

At present, the southern section of the Kosel includes the Ezras Yisrael platform, a temporary structure made of wood and metal that does not directly adjoin the ancient stones. The petitions before the court sought to implement a previously approved plan to convert the area into a permanent stone-paved plaza, upgrade access routes and infrastructure, and expand the space closer to the Wall itself.

The proposed plaza is expected to span approximately 900 square meters, about 70 percent of the size of the men’s section. It would allow mixed-gender prayer without a separation barrier and would be managed by representatives of the Reform and Conservative movements, with annual government funding.

Following the ruling, calls intensified to advance the so-called Kosel Law, introduced by MK Avi Maoz, which aims to anchor in legislation the authority over management of Jewish holy sites and define the limits of judicial intervention in such matters.

The Chief Rabbis of Israel, Rav Dovid Yosef and Rav Kalman Ber, strongly criticized the court’s decision. In a joint statement, they said the ruling represented an inappropriate intervention at the holiest site for the Jewish people and warned that it could lead to division at a place that symbolizes unity.

Shas party chairman Aryeh Deri also condemned the ruling and announced that his party would move to promote immediate legislation. He declared that the court has no authority to alter the nature of prayer at the Kosel and insisted that management of the site must remain solely under the Chief Rabbinate. He pledged that no Reform prayer plaza would be established at the Kosel and said Shas would urgently advance legislation to safeguard the site’s sanctity in line with longstanding tradition.

MK Meir Porush accused the judiciary of attempting to undermine the Jewish character of the state and called for reforms to the legal system. He argued that if the system is not corrected, references to Israel as a Jewish state should be removed from the Declaration of Independence.

Deputy Minister Yisrael Eichler described the ruling as predictable and charged that the court consistently acts against religious tradition. He asserted that the majority of the Jewish public supports maintaining the current status quo at the Kosel and expressed confidence that the site’s sanctity would be preserved.

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich also denounced the decision, saying the court had once again exceeded its authority and harmed the sanctity of the Kosel. He stated that there is one people, one Kosel, and one form of prayer as practiced for generations according to Jewish law and the rulings of the Chief Rabbinate, and vowed to move quickly to pass legislation protecting the site.

Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Minister, and Minister for Religious Services Yariv Levin said the ruling crossed a red line and called it illegitimate. He argued that it contradicts the foundational values of the State of Israel and urged the government and Knesset to act without delay. He expressed support for legislation stipulating that management of the Kosel be entrusted exclusively to the Chief Rabbinate or an authority it approves.

Knesset Constitution Committee chairman MK Simcha Rothman described the ruling as further evidence of what he called the judiciary’s loss of direction. He predicted that the decision would ultimately be overturned and cited previous High Court rulings that were later reversed through legislation, saying this one would be changed even more quickly.

Amid the public outcry, the judiciary issued a clarification defending the ruling. In a statement, it explained that the decision enforces the government’s position in accordance with a directive from the Prime Minister issued in June 2017. The statement added that the government’s position in the hearing was that a building permit for the southern plaza should be advanced and that this stance was supported by an affidavit from the Cabinet Secretary.

According to the legislative proposal being advanced by Shas, the Kosel would be managed strictly in accordance with religious law and established custom. The bill outlines prohibitions against Shabbos and Yom Tov desecration, ceremonies not in line with local practice, mixed-gender prayer, inappropriate dress, and various religious activities in the women’s section that diverge from tradition. Violations could carry penalties of up to six months in prison or a fine of 10,000 shekels.

Political officials estimate that the dispute surrounding the Kosel is likely to intensify in the coming days, as efforts to fast-track legislation collide with the High Court’s ruling, which has triggered widespread public controversy.

{Matzav.com}

The Florida Senate has passed a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport as “Donald J. Trump International Airport” in a 25–11 vote. The measure now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.

Earlier today, the IDF struck a Hamas command center in the Ain al-Hilweh area of southern Lebanon, saying the site was used to plan attacks and conduct training intended to target IDF troops. The military said the infrastructure was located within a civilian-populated area.

Catskills Hatzoloh and other emergency personnel responded to an MVA earlier on Route 17 Westbound near Exit 116, where one individual was reported trapped inside a vehicle. The victim was eventually extricated by first responders and transported by Catskills Hatzoloh to Westchester Medical Center in stable condition.

The USS Gerald R. Ford sailed into the Mediterranean Sea on Friday morning, fueling mounting speculation that the United States could be preparing for possible military action against Iran.

Maritime tracking data showed the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier transiting the Strait of Gibraltar earlier in the day. Despite its entry into the Mediterranean, the warship remains several days away from reaching a position from which it could conduct operations targeting the Islamic Republic.

The Ford is expected to link up with the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, reinforcing the American naval presence in the region. The movement comes after President Trump indicated Thursday that he may decide within the next 10 days whether to authorize a strike on Iran.

{Matzav.com}

On Motzaei Shabbos Mishpatim, the Beren dining room of Beis Medrash Govoha was transformed into an elegant setting befitting a beautiful simcha — the annual Talmudo B’Yado Melave Malka. At the center of the room stood seforim shranks displaying the newly printed kuntreisim, the very reason for the celebration.

The evening honored the accomplishments of the talmidim who were mesayem the rigorous three-year program with the publication of their kuntreisim. The mesaymim were joined by their families — wives, parents, in-laws, and grandparents — to mark this milestone. The crowd of over 400 participants also included the Roshei Yeshiva of BMG, Roshei Chaburah, editors, and other chashuve guests who came to share in the simcha.

Rabbi Yitzchok Wagner, Director of Talmudo B’Yado, opened the evening by explaining the nature of the simcha. He related that several years ago, a yungerman in BMG who had been married for some time and had not yet been zoche to children went to Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l seeking a bracha. Knowing that Rav Chaim would often advise such individuals to write a sefer, this yungerman, who had completed Talmudo B’Yado, arrived with his published Talmudo B’Yado kuntres in hand.

When Rav Chaim suggested that he write, the yungerman quietly placed his kuntres on the shtender. Rav Chaim warmly bentched him, but as he turned to leave and reached to retrieve his work, Rav Chaim stopped him firmly: “This stays with me.” In that moment, Rav Chaim affirmed the profound value of written Chiddushei Torah — not only from renowned talmidei chachamim, but from every sincere ben Torah. Talmudo B’Yado seeks to instill that same appreciation, teaching participants to recognize that their Torah, carefully developed and committed to writing, truly matters. How great, then, was the simcha this evening with the publication of 63 new kuntreisim, representing the amal and yegiah baTorah of these chashuve yungerleit.

Rabbi Wagner then introduced the Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Malkiel Kotler, who has guided Talmudo B’Yado since its founding 18 years ago. The Rosh Yeshiva spoke about the immense benefits of writing in developing one’s learning and truly making it part of oneself. He shared about a certain Talmid Chacham who, in his later years, struggled with his former ability to learn. Yet when presented with Torah he had written decades earlier, he was able to recognize it and learn it anew. What he had written had become part of him — something his mind could still access. This, the Rosh Yeshiva explained, is what every talmid who works to write his chiddushei Torah can achieve.

A noticeable buzz passed through the crowd as the next speaker was introduced: the new Mashgiach of BMG, HaRav Reuven Hechster. The Mashgiach discussed how the Chofetz Chaim mentions many times that one must find a practical way to fulfill the chiyuv of Tzipisa L’Yeshua — bringing the Geulah closer. He quoted Rav Shlomo Kluger, who writes in the hakdamah to his sefer Tuv Taam V’Daas that every measure of Torah that is written and published brings the Geulah nearer. Just as the Gemara teaches that Moshiach will come only after a certain number of neshamos enter the world, so too there is a measure of Torah that must be publicized to pave the way for his arrival. Through the efforts of Talmudo B’Yado and the talmidim who are learning to write and publish their Torah, there is a tangible kiyum of the inyan of bringing Moshiach closer.

The final speaker was a Rosh Chaburah in BMG and for Talmudo B’Yado, R’ Ohad Ben-Moshe. Rabbi Ben-Moshe developed the idea that a yungerman who toils in a sugya is creating his own world within that Torah, as Chazal teach that it becomes his Torah. The completion of that process occurs when the yungerman commits his Torah to writing; at that point, he achieves a complete kinyan in the material. Of course, this is only possible with the encouragement and support of the yungerman’s wife and family, who often sacrifice precious time to enable him to invest the necessary effort to reach these lofty levels. Thus, the evening was truly a celebration for all involved, as these new kuntreisim — tangible expressions of hard work — were published.

The night concluded with spirited dancing befitting a true siyum and simcha shel mitzvah. Participants expressed how deeply moved they were by the special atmosphere and energy that filled the room. As one attendee put it, “this is a simcha at which everyone present is a baal simcha!” Rabbi Wagner closed by wishing all participants continued growth, going meichayil el chayil, and noted that the Amudei Ohr Publication Center, also operated by Talmudo B’Yado, stands ready to assist them in continuing to write and publish their chiddushei Torah.

Now entering its 19th year, Talmudo B’Yado has seen over 2,500 talmidim already mesayem the program. Enrollment takes place twice annually, at the beginning of the summer and winter zmanim. For more information, contact Rabbi Wagner at 732-367-1060 ext. 4266.

{Matzav.com}

Senior Israeli defense officials have informed their American counterparts that Iran is dramatically accelerating its missile production, raising concerns that the Islamic Republic could amass 5,000 ballistic missiles by the end of 2027. According to updated assessments, Iran is currently producing roughly 100 missiles per month — a pace that may continue to increase.

The warning comes as the United States remains engaged in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. However, Israeli officials are emphasizing what they describe as a more immediate and tangible threat: Tehran’s rapidly expanding ballistic arsenal. Military correspondent Yossi Yehoshua reported in Ynet that during recent high-level security discussions, Israeli defense leaders presented updated intelligence outlining the scale and speed of Iran’s missile buildup.

Iran’s strategy, according to the assessment, is based on overwhelming volume. While Israel fields advanced air defense systems such as the Arrow, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome, Iranian planners are believed to be banking on the fact that even the most sophisticated systems have limits. Sustained, large-scale barrages are intended to saturate Israel’s defensive shield and inflict significant damage on civilian areas and strategic sites.

Israeli intelligence and air force officials reportedly view these figures not as theoretical projections but as operational planning realities. Sources indicate that the situation could have been even more severe. Without a series of covert disruption and deterrence efforts carried out under Operation “Am KeLavi,” Iran’s stockpile might have reached as many as 8,000 missiles by the end of the decade. Those efforts are said to have slowed the expansion, though not halted it entirely.

Israeli officials are careful not to appear as though they are pushing Washington toward a broader conflict, but they have intensified engagement with the Pentagon in an effort to refocus attention on the missile threat. The Israeli message, according to sources familiar with the discussions, is that the danger is not limited to Israel. Iranian ballistic missiles also pose a direct threat to American bases in the Middle East, regional allies, and overall U.S. freedom of action in the region.

Within Israel’s defense establishment, the central question is whether the acceleration of Iran’s missile production can be curbed before the projected numbers become a strategic reality. For Israeli planners, the concern is no longer abstract. The threat consists of advanced missiles equipped with explosives and guidance systems, and the effort to counter it has become a race against time aimed at preventing a lasting shift in the regional balance of power.

{Matzav.com}

Reporter: Mr. President, are you considering a limited military strike to pressure Iran into a deal? Trump: I guess I can say I am considering it.