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Shin Bet Director David Zini has reportedly ordered an immediate investigation into the leak of the launch date of Israel’s operation against Iran to Channel 12, overruling objections from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and the agency’s own legal advisers following a dramatic confrontation at last Thursday night’s Security Cabinet meeting.

According to a report by Channel 14, the unprecedented clash erupted after several cabinet ministers sharply criticized the Shin Bet’s failure to investigate the leak, despite what they said were direct instructions from Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and the defense minister to do so.

During the meeting, ministers reportedly questioned how such a serious security breach—the disclosure of the launch of Operation Rising Lion to Channel 12—had not yet become the subject of a criminal investigation.

In response, Zini reportedly revealed that the delay was not due to reluctance on the part of the Shin Bet, but because the agency’s head of investigations and its legal adviser had blocked the probe under the direct guidance of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

The revelation reportedly triggered strong outrage among ministers. Following the criticism, Zini decided to move forward with the investigation immediately, despite the attorney general’s legal opinion and opposition from the Shin Bet’s legal department and senior investigative officials.

The report also says investigators may already be closing in on the source of the leak. Security officials from both the Shin Bet and the Defense Ministry’s security division (Malam) reportedly possess intelligence and evidence gathered from multiple independent sources that could directly identify the individual responsible for the unauthorized disclosure.

The affair has intensified criticism within senior government circles, where officials are questioning why an investigation into what many describe as one of the gravest national security leaks in Israel’s history required approval from legal advisers while operational security and human lives were potentially at risk.

In response, the Shin Bet issued a statement saying: “We do not comment on discussions that take place during closed-door meetings. We will, of course, continue to follow this matter and will not rest until it has been fully investigated and the individual who leaked information that severely endangered the security of the state is identified.”

{Matzav.com}

A new investigation has uncovered widespread deterioration across federal office buildings, revealing leaking roofs, mold, rodent infestations, failing infrastructure, and billions of dollars in deferred maintenance that critics say reflects years of government inefficiency and neglect.

According to a report by The New York Times, the federal government faces an estimated $50 billion backlog in maintenance and repairs across approximately 1,475 properties owned by the General Services Administration (GSA). The report warns that, within a few years, the cost of needed repairs could surpass the total value of the federal government’s real estate holdings.

The problems became more visible after President Donald Trump directed federal employees to return to in-person work last year, sending workers back into buildings where maintenance issues had been accumulating for decades.

One of the primary causes of the growing backlog is the lengthy federal approval process for major repair projects. Current law requires congressional approval for GSA projects exceeding $3.96 million, and agency officials say the average approval takes more than 435 days. During that time, building conditions often continue to deteriorate, increasing both repair costs and safety concerns.

The investigation highlighted numerous examples of serious infrastructure failures across the country, including chronic roof leaks at an IRS facility in Atlanta, mold contamination at Veterans Affairs offices in Hilo, Hawaii, elevators at Boston’s John F. Kennedy Federal Building that have trapped occupants dozens of times, and outdated plumbing, ventilation, and electrical systems in federal facilities nationwide.

The report also found that prolonged building closures during the COVID-19 pandemic created additional maintenance challenges. Water systems left unused for extended periods raised concerns about Legionella bacteria, although the GSA said recent testing at the Food and Drug Administration headquarters found no evidence of contamination. Agency officials nevertheless acknowledged that extended vacancies introduced new risks to aging infrastructure.

Conditions at several IRS facilities have drawn particular scrutiny. Employees at one Atlanta office reported recurring mouse infestations, while another building has relied on plastic sheeting, hoses, and trash cans to catch rainwater dripping through a roof that has leaked for years.

Following complaints from employees and coverage by local media, GSA Administrator Edward Forst visited the Atlanta campus and ordered repairs to be expedited. The agency confirmed it had found evidence of mice and said emergency roof work would proceed immediately rather than waiting for the full congressional approval process.

In Austin, Texas, inspectors identified more than 100 building code violations at another IRS office, citing exposed electrical wiring, malfunctioning HVAC equipment, plumbing deficiencies, and inadequate ventilation. The GSA said many of those repairs are expected to be completed by October.

The bipartisan Public Buildings Reform Board argues that simply allocating more money for repairs will not solve the underlying problem. Instead, the board has urged the federal government to sell underutilized properties and shrink its real estate portfolio, contending that taxpayers should no longer bear the cost of maintaining outdated and inefficient buildings.

Board member Nick Rahall said the mounting maintenance backlog is creating “unhealthy and sometimes unsafe work environments” while driving up costs for taxpayers, adding to calls for sweeping reforms in the way the federal government manages its vast inventory of office buildings.

{Matzav.com}

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Sunday that he will deliver a bipartisan housing affordability bill to President Donald Trump on Monday, signaling that the legislation will move forward despite Trump’s recent refusal to sign it until Congress advances a separate voter ID proposal.

Speaking during a televised interview, the Louisiana Republican expressed confidence that the measure’s path to becoming law is now clear.

“It’s passed by both chambers. I’m sending it to him on Monday, and it will become law,” Johnson said.

The announcement comes just days after Trump unexpectedly canceled a planned White House signing ceremony for the housing bill. The president delayed action on the legislation in an effort to pressure congressional Republicans to pass the SAVE America Act, a controversial election security measure.

The proposed legislation would require voters to present photo identification in federal elections, require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, and direct states to provide their voter registration rolls to the federal government.

Although the House approved the measure in February, it has remained stalled in the Senate amid strong Democratic opposition.

Johnson met with Trump on Thursday to discuss possible strategies for advancing the voter ID legislation while also arranging a new timetable for signing the housing bill.

Many Trump allies have advocated incorporating the SAVE America Act into a budget reconciliation package, which could be approved in the Senate with a simple Republican majority of 51 votes. They have also urged Senate leaders to override the parliamentarian if the voting measure is again ruled ineligible for reconciliation, as occurred earlier this year.

Democrats have sharply criticized the proposal, arguing that the voter ID requirements would make it more difficult for thousands of Americans—particularly those living in heavily Democratic areas—to cast ballots.

Because the housing affordability bill has already cleared both the House and Senate, it can still become law regardless of whether Trump signs it. Under the Constitution, the president has 10 days after receiving the legislation to either sign or veto it. If he takes neither action within that period, the bill automatically becomes law without his signature.

Johnson also said he has spoken with Senate Majority Leader John Thune about moving the voter ID legislation through the upper chamber.

“He’s got a big challenge on his hands, of course, and I’ve encouraged him to do everything possible within his power to move it. I believe he will,” Johnson said. “We’ll send them over a provision that fits.”

{Matzav.com}

Planned negotiations between the United States and Iran, which were scheduled to resume in Switzerland this weekend, have been canceled as military clashes between the two countries continue to escalate, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the latest round of talks was called off because of the ongoing hostilities, casting uncertainty over efforts to advance negotiations beyond the preliminary agreement reached earlier this month.

The development came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Iran holds exclusive authority over maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz under the preliminary agreement reached with President Donald Trump. He warned that attempts to bypass Iran’s authority could trigger additional confrontations similar to those seen in recent days.

Araghchi’s remarks directly contradict the U.S. position that the agreement does not grant Iran control over the vital international waterway and that commercial vessels should not require Iranian permission to transit the strait.

His comments followed several days of military exchanges between Iran and the United States. The latest fighting began after Iranian forces attacked a vessel attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while navigating near the coast of Oman. Tehran, which has sought to redirect maritime traffic to a separate route closer to its own coastline, had warned ships against using the alternative shipping lane.

The renewed violence has unnerved shipping companies and raised fresh doubts about the reopening of one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. The disruption threatens one of the principal achievements of President Trump’s preliminary agreement with Iran, which envisioned moving negotiations into a second phase focused on more contentious issues, including Tehran’s nuclear program.

The negotiations had been expected to resume in Switzerland later this week but have now been postponed indefinitely because of the fighting, according to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal.

“Managing and fully restoring maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s responsibility,” Araghchi said. “No other country or entity has responsibility or authority in this matter.”

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz warned that Washington would respond forcefully to any additional attacks on commercial shipping.

“If the Iranian regime thinks for a moment that President Trump will sit idly by, stand idly by, while Iran continues to attack international shipping without response or our bases without response, they are greatly mistaken,” Waltz said on Fox News. “And they have seen that loud and clear over the last several nights.”

In recent days, Iran attacked two commercial vessels—a container ship and an oil tanker transporting Qatari crude. The United States responded with strikes against Iranian communications facilities, drone sites, and missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz. Iran subsequently expanded the conflict by launching attacks against Kuwait and Bahrain.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Reb Meyer Greisman z”l, a beloved machzik Torah and baal tzedakah, who was niftar following a serious illness. He was 75. He leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary generosity, quiet chesed, and unwavering dedication to the Torah world.

In recent months, countless tefillos were recited on his behalf as family, friends, and members of the broader community fervently hoped for his recovery. Despite those heartfelt tefillos, Reb Meyer was called to his eternal reward, leaving a profound void in the lives of all who knew him.

Reb Meyer originally lived in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and, in recent years, resettled in Jackson, NJ.

For many years, Reb Meyer was recognized as one of the community’s outstanding supporters of Torah. He gave generously—and often quietly—to an extraordinary range of mosdos, yeshivos, kollelim, organizations, and individuals in need. Whether the cause involved Torah learning, chinuch, chesed, or helping a family through difficult times, Reb Meyer was among those who could always be counted upon to respond with remarkable generosity.

Those who knew him speak not only of his philanthropy, but of the warmth with which it was offered. He possessed a heart of gold, always looking for ways to help another person, often without seeking recognition or acknowledgment. His kindness extended far beyond financial assistance; he offered encouragement, friendship, and genuine concern for the well-being of others. His life was a reflection of selfless giving and sincere compassion.

He leaves behind a distinguished family who continue to walk in his path of Torah, chesed, and tzedakah. They carry forward the values that defined his life and stand as a living testament to the enduring legacy he built.

He is survived by his wife; his children, Duvie Greisman, Moshe Greisman, Chaya Bienstock, Ariella Zicherman, Peri Parnes, and Shirah Sochaczewski; and many grandchildren.

The levayah will take place today at 4:30 p.m. at the Congregation Sons of Israel Holocaust Memorial Chapel, located at 613 Ramsey Avenue in Lakewood, New Jersey. The aron will then be flown to Eretz Yisroel for kevurah there.

Watch the levayah live HERE.

Passcode: 363069

Yehi zichro baruch.

President Joe Biden returned to the political spotlight Saturday night, delivering a speech attacking President Trump at a Democratic Party gathering in Maryland before appearing uncertain about how to leave the stage at the conclusion of his remarks.

Appearing at the Maryland Democratic Party’s Fight Back & Win summit outside Baltimore, Biden defended his presidency while launching a series of attacks against Trump. The event marked another public appearance for the 83-year-old after Democrats ended his 2024 reelection campaign following his widely criticized debate performance against Trump.

During the speech, Biden accused Trump of engaging in the “deliberate distraction – destruction of NATO” and mocked plans for a new White House ballroom, dismissing it as a “vanity project.”

After wrapping up his remarks with a familiar message about America’s resilience, Biden hesitated onstage as he searched for the correct exit.

He looked toward the side of the stage for direction, gestured in two separate directions while trying to determine where to go, and ultimately left by walking off with his back facing the audience.

The Maryland appearance, held at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, came only days after Biden attended the opening of the Barack Obama presidential library in Chicago.

That event also ended awkwardly for the former president. As the program concluded, Biden appeared uncertain about where to go and called out, “Where’s my granddaughter?” while approaching the podium. At various points during the event, he was escorted by former first lady Jill Biden.

Reading from a teleprompter throughout Saturday night’s address, Biden occasionally squinted at the screen and coughed several times during the opening portion of his speech. He repeatedly criticized the president, who defeated him in the 2024 election after Biden had won the White House in 2020.

“Have you noticed that Americans are saying the economy under the Biden administration is a hell of a lot better than under Trump?” he told party faithful in the deep blue state.

Continuing his criticism, Biden said, “It’s not just his vanity projects – tearing down the East Wing of the White House making room for his ballroom. Putting his name on the Kennedy Center. Building an arch in his own honor. Even hiring his own pool guy to fix the reflecting pool. Woah – what a loser,” drawing applause from the audience.

He also said it was “simply stunning to me” that Trump made “billions of dollars” after returning to the White House, adding that “he has no shame.”

The latest incident added to a series of well-publicized moments in which Biden appeared to struggle with stage directions during his presidency, including a widely discussed G7 photo opportunity in Italy in 2024.

Although he addressed national issues and criticized Trump, Biden did not mention the ongoing ideological divisions within the Democratic Party following victories by democratic socialist candidates in three New York primary elections.

Biden is currently undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer.

Meanwhile, former first lady Jill Biden has increased her public appearances while promoting her new book, in which she disclosed that she initially feared Biden might be “having a stroke” during his difficult 2024 presidential debate performance.

Hunter Biden has also become increasingly active online, using social media to promote his artwork while responding to critics of his father. In one recent post, he challenged Donald Trump Jr. to a cage match and criticized the UFC event that was held on the South Lawn of the White House.

{Matzav.com}

The full text of a proposed law aimed at suspending the arrests of bnei yeshiva for avoiding the army has been revealed, outlining a dramatic compromise that would temporarily halt criminal proceedings against thousands of bnei yeshivah while imposing unprecedented oversight and enforcement measures on yeshivos.

Under the proposed legislation, thousands of bnei yeshivah whose legal status expired following the lapse of the previous draft law would receive retroactive legal relief. At the same time, the bill would establish an extensive monitoring system designed to ensure compliance within the yeshivah world.

The proposal calls for a temporary 90-day emergency measure during which no arrests or criminal investigations would be carried out against eligible military-age individuals who failed to report for induction, provided they take steps to regularize their status within the time frame established by the law.

A key feature of the plan is the creation of a special three-member military committee that would review individual applications. The panel would be headed by an officer holding the rank of major general, appointed by the Military Advocate General, and would also include the deputy head of the IDF Personnel Directorate. Eligible applicants would be required to submit their requests within 30 days of the law taking effect.

To qualify for protection under the law, a bochur would have to submit an application accompanied by a sworn affidavit from his rosh yeshivah, confirming that he had been learning consistently beginning on July 1, 2023, or from the date his military obligation took effect. While the committee reviews the application, no indictments for draft evasion or failure to report could be filed, ongoing criminal proceedings would be suspended, and enforcement of existing court rulings would be frozen.

If the committee determines that the applicant met the required learning standards, all criminal proceedings against him would be formally dismissed. The proposal is intended to resolve the legal uncertainty surrounding thousands of bnei yeshivah whose exemptions expired but who maintain that they continued learning uninterrupted.

The relief offered by the bill is coupled with significantly stricter eligibility requirements. To qualify as a recognized talmid yeshivah, an individual would be required to maintain a schedule of at least 45 hours of weekly Torah study in a yeshivah, or 40 hours per week in a kollel. The proposal also bars participants from engaging in any employment or outside occupation while claiming that status.

Both the talmid and the rosh yeshivah would be required to sign legally binding affidavits under Israel’s Evidence Ordinance. In addition, every rosh yeshivah would be obligated to notify the IDF by the 14th of each month regarding any student who no longer meets the eligibility requirements. The provision would place ongoing responsibility on yeshivah administrations not only to certify enrollment initially, but also to monitor attendance and compliance continuously.

Perhaps the most far-reaching provision in the draft legislation concerns oversight of the yeshivos themselves. Authorized inspectors would be required to conduct physical attendance audits at every recognized yeshivah at least once every three months, while the defense minister would be obligated to submit quarterly reports detailing the inspection results to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

According to the proposal, if inspectors determine that at least 20 percent of a yeshivah’s students are repeatedly absent, the institution would first receive a formal warning. If the problem persists, the yeshivah would be removed from the Defense Ministry’s list of recognized institutions. Such a move could automatically revoke the draft deferments of all its students, forcing them either to transfer to another approved yeshivah or become subject to military service.

The legislation also requires Israel’s Education Ministry to provide the IDF with information on graduates of chareidi educational institutions, enabling the military to more accurately measure annual enlistment targets instead of relying solely on reports submitted by the yeshivos.

Deliberations on the draft law are expected to begin Tuesday and continue over the following two weeks as lawmakers seek to advance the measure toward final approval in the Knesset. The proposal already faces legal opposition, with critics arguing that the temporary freeze on arrests could face significant challenges before Israel’s High Court of Justice.

{Matzav.com}

Prosecutors in Yerushalayim have filed indictments against three city residents accused of throwing rocks from the roof of a hotel at chareidi demonstrators below. One of the defendants, an armed security guard employed at the hotel, is accused of facilitating the attack by allowing the others access to the rooftop.

According to the indictment, the investigation was launched by Yerushalayim’s Moriah Police Station after authorities received reports and video footage of an incident that took place on June 1, 2026. During the incident, rocks were allegedly thrown from the roof of a hotel at chareidi protesters gathered on the nearby roadway.

Police investigators collected witness testimony and additional evidence, including video footage that allegedly shows the suspects throwing rocks at the demonstrators as well as at passing vehicles. The indictment further alleges that one of the defendants was seen smashing a large rock on the rooftop to create smaller stones that could be thrown more easily.

Prosecutors also allege that the hotel’s armed security guard unlocked the door leading to the rooftop, enabling the other two defendants to gain access. According to the indictment, he remained nearby while the rocks were being thrown, failed to intervene to stop the attack, and did not report the incident to authorities, despite his responsibilities as a security guard.

Following the completion of the investigation and the gathering of what police described as sufficient evidence, the Yerushalayim District Prosecution Unit filed formal indictments against all three defendants in court.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu is expected to personally attend a crucial meeting of Likud’s Constitution Committee on Sunday in an effort to win support for his proposed overhaul of the party’s Knesset candidate list. But senior party officials believe he is likely to face a majority opposed to his plan.

According to reports, the meeting is shaping up to be one of the most contentious internal Likud battles ahead of Israel’s 26th Knesset elections. Netanyahu decided to attend after realizing that negotiations over the structure of the party’s electoral slate had reached an impasse.

At the heart of the dispute is Netanyahu’s demand to reserve 10 personally selected slots within the first 30 places on the Likud list while pushing district representatives down to positions after No. 40. Opposing the proposal are senior Likud figures Chaim Katz and David Bitan, who insist Netanyahu receive no more than six reserved slots and want district representatives to remain guaranteed places within the top 30.

The internal battle has also spilled into a public campaign aimed at party activists. Messages circulated among Likud members declared: “Netanyahu is saving Likud! Yes to Netanyahu’s reserved slots, no to the corrupt membership drive.” Another message urged supporters: “Don’t let Bitan and Chaim Katz confuse you. We all know there is a hostile takeover attempt against Likud.”

Netanyahu has reportedly warned that if no compromise is reached, he will personally appear before the committee to try to persuade members to back his proposal. Even so, senior figures within the party remain skeptical that his direct involvement will change the outcome. One Likud official said, “It won’t help Netanyahu,” adding, “In any case, there will be a majority against him. It’s better for him to reach agreements.”

In an effort to reduce opposition, Netanyahu has reportedly offered to eliminate separate reserved positions for women and young candidates, instead including those groups within the reserved slots he is seeking for himself.

The party has yet to decide when its primary elections will be held, with August 4 and August 11 currently under consideration.

At the same time, Netanyahu is continuing to shape his preferred candidate list for the next election. Among his key objectives is broadening Likud’s appeal to younger voters and Israel’s Ethiopian community. Potential candidates reportedly being considered include Yoseph Haddad, Netta-Li Shem Tov, and several young IDF combat veterans who distinguished themselves during the recent wars.

Sources close to the prime minister say his hands-on involvement reflects his desire to assemble a balanced slate that preserves Likud’s traditional base while also attracting moderate right-wing voters. Before he can focus on expanding the party’s support at the ballot box, however, Netanyahu must first convince members of his own party to back his plan.

Two members of Venezuela’s Jewish community have been killed and several others remain missing following two powerful earthquakes that devastated northern Venezuela, according to local Jewish leaders. Hundreds of Jewish residents have also been displaced after their homes were destroyed or suffered severe damage.

Less than two hours after the earthquakes struck northern Venezuela—including the capital city of Caracas—leaving thousands dead and thousands more missing, Jewish families whose homes had become uninhabitable began making their way to Hebraica, the Jewish community center in Caracas. More than 400 people sought shelter there on the first night, sleeping in parked cars and on beach chairs set up around the center’s soccer field.

“Based on all the years of hardships we’ve experienced—massive power outages and other problems—the community already knows where it can go if something happens,” Roberto Mishkin, a leader of the country’s largest Ashkenazi Jewish community, told the Forward. He added that aftershocks continue to shake the region. “A lot of people don’t want to go back because they live on high floors. They are afraid.”

Community leaders confirmed that two members of the Jewish community were killed in the disaster, while several others remain unaccounted for. Hundreds more have been left homeless after their residences were either destroyed or badly damaged.

“People are worried, very worried, very desperate, and many people don’t know whether they can return to their homes,” said Elias Farah, the former president of Venezuela’s Sephardic Jewish community and a past leader of the Venezuelan Zionist Federation.

Mishkin said Venezuela’s Jewish community had already been enduring significant hardship for years before the earthquakes struck. He noted that more than 300 Jewish families had been relying on food and medical assistance provided by local Jewish organizations, including the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).

According to the Forward, community leaders are now working to restore a sense of normalcy amid the devastation. On Friday, organizers purchased mattresses so displaced families would no longer have to sleep in their vehicles or on beach chairs. They are also hoping to establish a communal kitchen to provide meals for those who cannot afford food.

“Right now everyone here is safe,” Mishkin said. “We’re feeding several families, and we’re trying to manage, but this is a very poor community.”

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says he played a decisive role in shaping Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, arguing that his insistence on continuing the offensive prevented an early end to the war and ultimately helped secure the return of all the hostages.

Speaking in an interview on Nadav Perry’s All In podcast, the Religious Zionism Party chairman claimed that, without his intervention, the fighting would have been halted before Israeli forces reached Rafah.

“I think that if not for me, the war in Gaza would have been stopped even before Rafah. In fact, if not for me-contrary to the way some people try to portray me as someone who is cold-hearted and doesn’t care about the hostages-I think that thanks to me, all the hostages are here,” Smotrich said.

He went on to describe a critical moment following the January 2025 hostage agreement, arguing that Israel was on the verge of accepting another limited deal that would have prolonged negotiations with Hamas.

“After the previous deal, in January 2025, we were left with 20 hostages and the bodies of others, and another deal was beginning to take shape under which only eight would return. If, at that moment, I hadn’t drawn a red line and told Netanyahu, ‘Absolutely not. Once our soldiers have entered Gaza to maneuver, there will be no pause just to improve our negotiating position,’ we would still be negotiating with Hamas today over one hostage after another.”

Smotrich also asserted that he has substantial influence over the government’s wartime decision-making, attributing that influence to his preparation, strategic clarity, and willingness to focus on military objectives rather than political considerations.

“According to Smotrich, “I have a very significant influence on the war. That stems from being absolutely clear about where I want this war to end. I read all the intelligence material, study it thoroughly, and come to the discussions fully prepared. I am also capable of being pragmatic and not playing politics during the war-unlike others.”

{Matzav.com}

A media outlet affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has declared that the country has “no choice” but to acquire a nuclear weapon, escalating concerns about the future of the recently signed peace agreement between Tehran and Washington.

The article, published Sunday by the Iranian state-linked Fars news agency under the headline “No choice but to build the atomic bomb,” argues that Iran can only negotiate effectively with its adversaries if it possesses nuclear deterrence.

“To achieve the peace and calm that Iran needs, it must absolutely reach nuclear deterrence to ensure that the rest of the issues can be resolved through negotiation,” thunders the piece, before drawing a comparison between Iran’s current standoff with the United States and China’s relationship with Washington during the 1970s.

“America threatened China with nuclear attack twice — similar to Trump’s recent nuclear threats against Iran — but when did Kissinger secretly meet with the Chinese and then negotiate? It was when China built the atomic bomb,” the article continues.

The commentary further argues that nuclear weapons would provide strategic balance rather than encourage war. “Nuclear deterrence means that you can reach a balance of power against America and Israel, who possess atomic bombs — not so that war does not happen, but so that the scope of conflict remains controllable,” it goes on.

The article stands in sharp contrast to the commitments Iran made under the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the United States earlier this month. As part of the agreement, Tehran pledged not to pursue a nuclear weapon and agreed to restore access for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors after international oversight had been suspended last year.

The United States has also demanded that Iran halt all uranium enrichment activities for the next 20 years.

The renewed rhetoric comes as the head of the IAEA continues pressing Tehran to allow inspectors unrestricted access to its nuclear facilities so the agency can verify compliance with the agreement.

“The government of Iran has affirmed quite clearly that [developing nuclear weapons] is not their intention, but of course, intentions are not enough,” IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi told reporters on Friday.

“In order to have certainty, we need to have a very strong system of verification as soon as practicable,” he added.

Although Iran agreed to permit IAEA inspectors to return in September, it has yet to authorize inspections of the nuclear facilities targeted by President Trump during the 2025 U.S. airstrikes.

Questions also remain about the whereabouts of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, which has not yet been fully accounted for.

Iranian officials have echoed the broader message that the country must preserve its military capabilities, offering additional support for the themes advanced by the state-linked publication.

“Iran’s military capabilities ensure the Iranian people’s inherent right to legitimate self-defence in the face of aggression and crimes, while at the same time guaranteeing peace and stability in the region,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said in a statement on X on Friday, later attacking the country’s Gulf neighbors.

Baghaei also accused Gulf states of “engaging in aggression against their Muslim neighbor,” and “remaining silent regarding the Israeli nuclear arsenal,” in his statement.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rebbetzin Rochel Lieff a”h, who passed away at the age of 104.

Born in the historic Batei Machsah neighborhood of Yerushalayim in 1922, Rebbetzin Lieff was raised in an illustrious Yerushalmi family steeped in Torah and yiras Shamayim.

Her father was Rav Yaakov Leib Bergman, who was a son-in-law of Rav Yitzchok Shlomo Blau, a distinguished member of the renowned Blau family of Yerushalayim.

She later married Rav Yaakov Dovid Lieff zt”l, the longtime rov of Talmud Torah Tiferes Yisroel/The Avenue O Jewish Center in Brooklyn. Together, they built a home that became a beacon of Torah, producing children who continue to have a profound impact on the Torah world. Rav Yaakov Dovid was niftar 28 years ago.

Among her distinguished children are Rav Moshe Tuvia Lieff, rov of Agudath Israel Bais Binyomin on Avenue L in Flatbush, and Rav Eliezer Simcha Lieff, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Gedolah of South Monsey. She was predeceased by her son, Nochum Shlomo Lieff, who passed away at a young age.

Although she enjoyed a successful career as a mathematics professor at Brooklyn College, Rebbetzin Lieff never allowed her professional accomplishments to overshadow the central mission of her life. She remained steadfastly devoted to her family’s growth in Torah, providing constant encouragement and support to her husband in his rabbanus and to her sons as they pursued lives of Torah learning and leadership. Those who knew her saw a woman who skillfully balanced intellectual achievement with deep dedication to her role as the foundation of a home built upon Torah.

Throughout more than a century of life, Rebbetzin Lieff witnessed—and helped shape—the remarkable growth of the postwar Torah world. From her roots in Yerushalayim to the flourishing kehillos of Brooklyn and Monsey, she stood at the center of a family whose impact has been profound.

The levayah will take place today at 12 noon at Yeshiva Gedolah of South Monsey, located at 260 Saddle River Road in Airmont, NY. Following the levayah, the aron will be flown to Eretz Yisroel for kevurah there.

Yehi zichrah baruch.

{Matzav.com}

In a landmark decision, Israel’s cabinet unanimously approved a resolution formally recognizing the Armenian Genocide, marking a significant shift in Israeli policy and setting the stage for a final vote in the Knesset.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who introduced the proposal, announced the cabinet’s decision immediately after the vote, saying, “Just a short while ago, the Government of Israel approved the resolution I brought before it to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide.”

The measure will now be brought before the Knesset plenum, where lawmakers will cast the final parliamentary vote.

Sa’ar said the decision reflects Israel’s moral responsibility as the Jewish state to acknowledge one of history’s greatest atrocities. “This horrific genocide, which took place more than a century ago and whose historical facts are no longer seriously disputed, claimed the lives of 1.5 million people and destroyed an ancient cultural and historical heritage,” he said. “As Jews, and especially as the nation-state of the Jewish people, I believe it is our moral duty to make this decision.”

The cabinet resolution also denounces any effort to deny, minimize, or distort the historical record of the genocide. With the vote, Israel joins 32 United Nations member states—including the United States, Canada, Russia, and Germany—that have officially recognized the Armenian Genocide. The European Parliament and the Holy See have likewise extended formal recognition.

For decades, Turkey has rejected characterizing the mass killings, deportations, and imprisonment of Armenians during the final years of the Ottoman Empire as genocide, despite extensive historical evidence. Critics have accused Ankara of maintaining an “institutionalized campaign of denial and minimization” that includes the “manipulative rewriting of history books.”

The move, however, is expected to carry diplomatic consequences. Israel’s recognition of the genocide could complicate its close relationship with Azerbaijan, an important strategic ally that has received Israeli military support during its conflicts with Armenia. The decision is also widely expected to provoke a sharp response from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

George Soros and his son, Alex Soros, have already funneled more than $102 million into the 2026 midterm elections, making the billionaire family one of the Democratic Party’s most powerful financial forces as it continues its move toward the progressive left.

With more than four months remaining before Election Day, George Soros is on pace to surpass the personal record he set during the previous midterm elections, when he contributed $128 million and ranked as the largest individual political donor in the country.

“Money talks, and Soros money says the most insidious, unconstitutional, costly tax hikes in American history are on the table,” said Douglas Kellogg, state projects director for Americans for Tax Reform.

Kellogg also described Soros as a “wannabe Bond villain,” blaming him for what he called the Democratic Party’s radical transformation.

Federal Election Commission filings show that only $793,800 of the family’s political giving this cycle was donated directly under George Soros’ own name.

Instead, the overwhelming majority of the money—roughly $102 million—flowed through Democracy PAC, the super PAC George Soros established in 2020 that now serves as the family’s principal political fundraising vehicle, making it more difficult to determine exactly which candidates benefit from the spending.

Campaign records indicate that approximately $52 million was transferred from George Soros through his private company, Geosor, while another $50 million came from the Fund for Policy Reform, a nonprofit whose tax documents identify Alex Soros as its director.

Those figures also exclude the activities of the family’s Open Society Foundation and its lobbying affiliate, the Open Society Action Fund. Critics have accused those organizations of financing efforts to loosen drug laws, expand immigration policies, and reduce policing. Because the Action Fund operates as a nonprofit advocacy organization, it is not required to publicly disclose its political expenditures.

During previous election cycles, the Open Society Action Fund supported organizations aligned with progressive lawmakers including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Ilhan Omar. Financial disclosures for its 2025 activities, however, have not yet been released.

The family’s political operation underwent a significant leadership change before the 2024 presidential race, when George Soros formally handed control of Democracy PAC and much of his political network to his son Alex, whom he has described as being even more politically engaged.

“He wants to be more political than his dad, this is the first midterm cycle where he is in control,” Parker Thayer, investigative researcher at Capital Research Center, told The Post.

“George is not in control, he hasn’t been in control in some time.”

Although Alex Soros now oversees the family’s political operation, both father and son have largely supported the same slate of Democratic candidates. Alex also contributed an additional $140,525 from his personal funds during this election cycle.

Both George and Alex Soros each donated the maximum allowable amount of $7,000 to Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, bringing their combined support to $14,000. Platner has faced allegations of misconduct involving women while also criticizing wealthy Americans despite his own privileged background and financial backing from billionaire donors.

Alex Soros also gave the maximum legal contribution of $7,000 to Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has faced criticism over allegations that she knew about widespread fraud involving members of the Somali community in her Minneapolis district. Omar has denied wrongdoing. He also donated the maximum $7,000 to Rep. Ro Khanna of California, the Silicon Valley congressman who is reportedly considering a presidential campaign in 2028.

The Soros family also directed maximum contributions to two additional Democrats viewed as possible White House contenders. Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff of Georgia each received a combined total of $14,000 from George and Alex Soros.

Campaign finance records show that the Soros family has already deposited 52% more into Democracy PAC than it did during the 2024 election cycle, when it contributed approximately $67 million.

George Soros, whom President Trump highlighted in September when directing the FBI to intensify efforts against what he called “left-wing terrorism,” has long been a central financial backer of progressive causes both in the United States and internationally.

Critics say Soros contributed more than $15 million to organizations that supported pro-Hamas campus demonstrations, financed groups that equipped anti-ICE protesters outside Delaney Hall with military-style equipment, and spent more than $7 million advocating for criminal justice legislation that opponents argue could allow dangerous offenders—including the notorious “Son of Sam”—to seek release.

“The Soros family is angrier than ever at American politics,” said Thayer. “They would prefer to remake America into something entirely different.”

The Open Society network has rejected accusations linking it to terrorism, maintaining that its purpose is to strengthen democratic institutions around the world.

George Soros matched his son’s maximum contribution to Graham Platner, and the pair also each donated $7,000 to Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, who last month acknowledged traveling to Cuba with oil despite the longstanding U.S. embargo.

“There are two guarantees in life — death and George Soros writing a blank check for Democrats,” lambasted Republican National Committee Spokeswoman Delanie Bomar.

“They don’t have the cash or resources that Republicans have, which is why they are turning to antisemitic dark money from a billionaire.”

An analysis by The Washington Post found that George Soros currently ranks as the largest individual donor of the 2026 midterm election cycle, outpacing dozens of other major political contributors.

Born to a Jewish family in Budapest, Soros survived the Nazi occupation of Hungary before relocating to the United Kingdom. He later founded a hedge fund and earned worldwide recognition after making approximately $1 billion betting against the British pound during the 1992 financial crisis known as “Black Wednesday.”

Hungary enacted its controversial “Stop Soros” legislation in 2018, prompting the Open Society Foundation to relocate its European headquarters to another country.

Alex Soros, a graduate of New York University, married longtime Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin in a high-profile Hamptons ceremony last summer. The guest list included Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, as well as Bill and Hillary Clinton.

{Matzav.com}

An IDF officer was killed early Sunday during combat operations in southern Lebanon after a Hezbollah terrorist lying in wait inside a building opened fire at close range. The attacker escaped, prompting an ongoing manhunt and Israeli airstrikes against terrorist targets in the area.

The fallen soldier was identified as Capt. David Hazutt, 21, of Ashkelon, who served as a platoon commander in Battalion 12 of the Golani Brigade.

Another soldier was lightly wounded in the same attack. He was evacuated to a hospital for treatment, and his family was informed of his condition.

According to the IDF’s preliminary findings, the incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. when troops from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit entered a structure in the village of Deir Siriane, located within Israel’s security zone in southern Lebanon, roughly five kilometers from the border opposite the Ramim Ridge. The force had entered the building to conduct operational searches.

Investigators believe a terrorist concealed in the building’s stairwell waited for the soldiers to approach before opening fire from close range. Capt. Hazutt was killed in the attack, while another soldier sustained light injuries.

The gunman managed to flee immediately after the shooting. In response, the Israeli Air Force struck Hezbollah infrastructure in Deir Siriane, while ground forces launched an extensive search for the fleeing terrorist.

Security officials said the pursuit remains ongoing, with IDF troops continuing operations throughout the area.

Capt. Hazutt’s death follows another painful week for the IDF. Seven soldiers killed in separate incidents in Lebanon were laid to rest in recent days. Among them were Lt. Col. Dor Ben Shimon, commander of Battalion 52, who was killed when his tank exploded along with three members of his unit: Staff Sgt. Naveh Havshush, Staff Sgt. Liav Kabavia, and Staff Sgt. Yoav Klein. Sgt. Maj. (res.) Alexander Filin, 29, was killed by an explosive device in the village of a-Taybeh. Sgt. Maj. Nir Ben Ari, 21, was killed in a Hezbollah rocket and explosive drone attack, while Sgt. Maj. (res.) Basel Sweid, 32, lost his life when a military fuel truck overturned.

The latest casualty brings the number of IDF soldiers killed since fighting resumed in northern Israel approximately three months ago during Operation Rising Lion to 38, including 24 who have fallen since a ceasefire was declared. Since the war began, 963 Israeli soldiers have been killed, including 473 in combat in the Gaza Strip and 85 during operations in southern Lebanon.

{Matzav.com}

By Rabbi Zalman Mendelsohn

MONSEY, N.Y. — Throughout the days of shiva for Rabbi Shmuly Altein, the doors of the family home seemed never to close.

From morning until late at night, a steady stream of visitors arrived to offer condolences, share memories, and pay tribute to a man whose impact reached far beyond the boundaries of any single community. Friends, colleagues, students, supporters, and admirers traveled from near and far, filling the home with stories, tears, laughter, and heartfelt reflections on a life that inspired so many.

The atmosphere was, naturally, one of profound sadness. The loss was palpable. Yet amid the mourning, there were also moments of joy as visitors recounted Rabbi Altein’s warmth, humor, determination, and unwavering dedication to others. Again and again, conversations turned from grief to gratitude as people reflected on the privilege of having known him.

A man named Mark reflected on when Reb Shmuly was very sick he offered him his sports car for a drive around town and Rabbi Altein gladly accepted the offer. Shorly after they started driving, Reb Shmuly out the petal to the metal and took off with the biggest smile on his face.

What became clear over the course of the week was that the gathering itself told the story of Rabbi Altein’s life.

Friends from the Chabad community sat alongside Modern Orthodox colleagues who had driven in from the Five Towns. Frum friends from Monsey shared memories with secular friends who had flown in from Winnipeg. Jews of every background and affiliation came to pay their respects. Non-Jewish friends, neighbors, and acquaintances joined them as well. The remarkable diversity of those who passed through the home was a testament to Rabbi Altein’s unique ability to connect with every person he encountered.

In many ways, the crowds reflected the very qualities that defined him. Rabbi Altein possessed a rare gift for meeting people where they were. Whether speaking with a scholar, a business leader, a young student, or someone taking their first steps into Yiddishkeit, he approached each person with the same humility, compassion, sincerity, and respect. People felt seen in his presence. They felt valued. They felt inspired to become better versions of themselves.

Throughout the week, visitors spoke about the countless projects Rabbi Altein championed and the extraordinary energy he devoted to helping others. Stories emerged of quiet acts of kindness performed without recognition, of lives transformed through his encouragement, and of the communities he lived in – Winnipeg and Monsey – strengthened through his leadership. Many recalled his unwavering commitment to Jewish education, outreach, and communal growth. Others spoke about the personal guidance and friendship he offered during pivotal moments in their lives.

The conversations often evolved into spirited Torah discussions, reflections on faith, and recollections of lessons Rabbi Altein had shared over the years. Groups would gather, exchange memories and revisit teachings that had shaped their relationships with him. In this way, even amid mourning, Rabbi Altein’s voice and influence continued to animate the room.

Family members and visitors alike remarked on the constant flow of people. Hour after hour, the home remained filled. One group would leave and another would arrive. The stories never seemed to end because the lives Rabbi Altein touched were so numerous. Each visitor carried a unique memory, yet together those memories formed a consistent portrait of a man whose life was dedicated to serving others.

Many noted that Rabbi Altein exemplified the teachings and example of the Rebbe on who’s Yahrtzeit, Gimmel Tammuz, Reb Shmuly passed away. He led not through status or authority, but through personal example. He listened before speaking. He encouraged rather than judged. He inspired action through genuine care for every individual he encountered.

As the days of shiva came to a close, one impression remained unmistakable.

The remarkable gathering of people from every background, community, and walk of life was more than a response to a tragic loss. It was a living reflection of Rabbi Shmuly Altein himself.

The thousands of conversations, shared memories, tears, embraces, and words of Torah revealed the legacy of a man who spent his life building bridges between people, strengthening communities, and bringing light wherever he went. The crowds that filled his home during shiva were, in many ways, his final lesson: that kindness transcends differences, that genuine leadership unites rather than divides, and that a life devoted to others leaves an imprint that endures long after one is gone.

Iranian officials are reportedly considering an unusual airborne funeral procession for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as preparations continue for what is expected to be one of the largest public mourning events in the country’s history.

Khamenei, 86, was killed at his residence on Feb. 28 during “Operation Epic Fury,” the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. The conflict continued for four months before Washington and Tehran agreed to an uneasy ceasefire two weeks ago.

According to The New York Times, Iranian authorities expect approximately 20 million mourners to participate in the six-day series of funeral ceremonies honoring the longtime supreme leader.

The newspaper reported that the official ceremonies are scheduled to begin on July 4 with a 24-hour memorial service in Tehran.

The funeral procession is expected to conclude on July 9 in Khamenei’s hometown of Mashhad, where he will be laid to rest, according to Iran International.

While few details have been released about the proposed airborne procession, the idea reportedly emerged after security officials raised concerns about crowd control and safety. The funeral had originally been planned for March but was repeatedly postponed because of the ongoing war between Iran and the United States.

Iran International reported: “Authorities are considering holding slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral procession airborne to reduce crowding and improve security, the governor of Razavi Khorasan province said on Saturday. Gholamhossein Mozaffari said the proposal, put forward by the provincial security council, was likely to be implemented because it would ease crowd management and provide safer conditions. Officials have announced that Khamenei is due to be buried in the northeastern city of Mashhad on July 9.”

In addition to ceremonies in Tehran and Mashhad, the funeral procession is also expected to pass through the holy city of Qom, according to Al Jazeera.

Khamenei is slated to be buried at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who reportedly succeeded him as supreme leader but has remained largely out of public view since assuming power, is expected to oversee the final ceremonies.

{Matzav.com}

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President Donald Trump responded last night to former President Barack Obama’s recent claim that he occupies “a suite” in Trump’s mind by posting side-by-side photos comparing the two men during their younger years.

The social media exchange came after Trump shared several posts on Truth Social, including an AI-generated image depicting himself holding the Earth while carrying an American flag over his shoulder. He also posted a photo from the recent UFC event held outside the White House before turning his attention to Obama.

Among the posts was a pair of vintage photographs—one showing Trump during his years at the New York Military Academy and another showing Obama in his college days holding a cigarette.

Trump captioned the images simply: “D. Trump, 20” and “B.H. Obama, 18.”

Critics quickly questioned the accuracy of the age listed for Trump’s photograph. His niece, Mary Trump, who has frequently criticized him publicly, noted that Trump attended the New York Military Academy as a teenager and graduated in 1964 at age 17.

Trump’s post followed comments Obama made earlier in the week during an appearance on the All the Smoke podcast, where he joked that Trump’s repeated criticism of him reflects an ongoing fixation.

“The obsession,” Obama told the podcast this week. “I obviously have a room in his head. A suite in his head.”

Obama added that he approached the presidency differently.

“First of all, when I was president, the last thing I had time to do was worry about what somebody said or my predecessor did. They’re gone. I’ve got work to do,” he added.

Trump has frequently criticized Obama during campaign rallies and public appearances. More recently, he has also used AI-generated images to mock the former president, including posts depicting Obama’s presidential center as a giant dumpster.

{Matzav.com}