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The effort to transfer control of Maimonides Medical Center to NYC Health + Hospitals has encountered yet another obstacle, dealing a fresh blow to a transaction that has already faced mounting legal and regulatory challenges.

Sources with knowledge of the process say the New York State Department of Health recently rejected Maimonides’ newest filing seeking approval of the proposed acquisition after determining that the hospital had not submitted a mandatory Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA).

The setback surfaced just as Maimonides officials were anticipating review of the transaction by the Establishment and Project Review Committee of the Public Health and Health Planning Council. When the committee’s agenda for its June 10 meeting was published, however, the proposed takeover was notably absent.

The latest development comes on the heels of a major legal ruling issued last month that significantly complicated the path forward for both Maimonides and NYC Health + Hospitals.

On May 12, Albany Supreme Court Justice Denise Hartman invalidated the Department of Health’s earlier approval of the $2.245 billion deal, finding that regulators allowed the transaction to move ahead without completing the review procedures required under state law.

That court challenge was filed by Refuah Helpline, several Borough Park kehillos, and neighborhood residents who contended that the takeover could materially affect healthcare services relied upon by Brooklyn communities.

A central issue in the current dispute is compliance with the Health Equity Impact Assessment requirement, a provision enacted by New York State in 2023. The law requires a comprehensive independent review of major healthcare transactions to evaluate their potential effects on access to medical care, healthcare disparities, and vulnerable or underserved populations.

Opponents of the transaction maintain that such scrutiny is essential given Maimonides’ role as one of Brooklyn’s most important healthcare institutions, serving hundreds of thousands of patients, including the large Orthodox Jewish population of Borough Park and neighboring communities.

The hospital treats a patient base heavily dependent on Medicare and Medicaid and is home to Brooklyn’s only full-service children’s hospital and Pediatric Trauma Center.

Attorneys representing the petitioners argue that the recent court decision leaves little room for interpretation, making clear that the acquisition cannot move forward unless a HEIA is completed and the proposal undergoes a full review by the Public Health and Health Planning Council.

The latest delay could significantly alter the timetable for the transaction. The Establishment and Project Review Committee is not scheduled to convene again until August 27, and healthcare observers note that conducting a thorough, independent health-equity assessment often requires extensive research, community participation, and detailed analysis.

The proposed acquisition also remains entangled in additional legal disputes.

A separate lawsuit brought by seven members of Maimonides’ board of trustees is still pending in Kings County Supreme Court. The suit alleges that hospital leadership failed to adequately evaluate alternative options before pursuing the transaction.

Meanwhile, the Charities Bureau of the New York Attorney General’s Office has refused to authorize the transfer of Maimonides’ nonprofit assets without judicial oversight, adding another layer of uncertainty to the process.

Hospital officials and NYC Health + Hospitals had originally projected that the transaction would be completed by April 1, 2026, a target date repeatedly cited by leaders of both organizations. More than two months after that deadline, the proposal remains mired in litigation, regulatory scrutiny, and unresolved questions.

{Matzav.com}

Tensions across the Middle East surged Sunday evening after Iran launched four missiles toward northern Israel, triggering air raid sirens throughout the region. Israeli defense systems successfully intercepted all four projectiles, preventing casualties or damage.

The missile launch came shortly after the IDF warned that retaliatory fire could be directed at Israel following the recent strike in Beirut. Following an updated assessment of the situation, military officials said they were preparing for the possibility of attacks against Israeli territory in the hours ahead.

The military said it had strengthened its defensive deployment and remains fully prepared for a variety of possible developments. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, together with senior military commanders, has been conducting ongoing assessments and closely tracking the rapidly evolving situation.

As security concerns mounted, the Home Front Command announced a major tightening of civilian restrictions nationwide. Under the revised guidelines, the entire country was placed under a stricter orange alert level, and all school activities were canceled.

Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu convened a high-level security meeting Sunday evening with Defense Minister Yisroel Katz and top defense officials. The consultation followed Israel’s strike in Beirut’s Dahieh neighborhood and a series of threats issued afterward by senior Iranian officials.

The emergency discussions took place amid growing fears of a wider regional confrontation. Simultaneously, the U.S. military released footage highlighting its expanded presence throughout the Middle East and emphasized that American forces in the region remain “alert and ready.”

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Israeli security officials indicated that they currently assess the chances of an immediate large-scale Iranian attack as relatively low.

“We are prepared for every scenario, which is why the discussion with the Prime Minister was held,” the official said. “We do not know whether Iran will act on its threats. Our assessment is that it will not, but if it does, it will face a powerful response.”

Later, following another military assessment, the Home Front Command announced that its existing defensive directives would remain in place until Monday at 8:00 p.m. Officials stressed that no additional instructions had been issued to the public at this stage, while promising immediate updates should the situation change.

Israeli decision-makers believe Tehran may ultimately choose to confine its response to threats and public statements, despite repeated warnings from Iranian leaders that Israel would face consequences for the Beirut operation.

Iranian officials continued to escalate their rhetoric throughout the day. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, posted a warning on social media promising “a painful response” to the attack in Dahieh and added: “Watch the skies of the occupied territories tonight.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also issued a sharply worded statement, accusing Israel of aggression and asserting that the United States had facilitated the strike. In a social media post, he declared that American and Israeli facilities throughout the region had become “legitimate targets” and warned that Iranian forces “are ready and vigilant.”

{Matzav.com}

One hundred days after former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated in his office in Tehran, the Islamic Republic has yet to bury the man who ruled the country for more than three decades.

The delay has become one of the most unusual and politically sensitive aspects of Iran’s post-war transition. While senior military commanders and government officials who were killed in the same strike have already been laid to rest, repeated promises of a massive state funeral for Khamenei have yet to materialize.

Officials in Tehran have spoken of plans for a multi-day funeral procession later this month. According to those plans, ceremonies would be held in several cities before Khamenei is ultimately buried in the holy city of Mashhad.

The lengthy delay stands in contrast to Shiite religious tradition, which generally favors prompt burial except under extraordinary circumstances, such as uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of death. Several Shiite clerics have argued that unnecessary delays should be avoided if they risk showing disrespect to the deceased.

The television network Iran International reported that the absence of a funeral has fueled speculation regarding the condition of Khamenei’s remains following the attack in which he was killed. Iranian media reports concerning other officials who died in the same strike described bodies that were recovered only weeks later and identified through DNA testing after suffering extensive damage.

Iranian authorities have released no information regarding the condition or location of Khamenei’s remains. The unanswered questions surrounding his burial have merged with another mystery: the continuing disappearance of his designated successor.

Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed leadership following his father’s death, has not appeared publicly since the assassination. Officials insist that he survived the attack and suffered only minor injuries, but reports and rumors of more serious wounds have continued to circulate.

If Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and actively governing, he would rank among Israel’s highest-priority targets. Any major public appearance could pose significant security risks.

That reality complicates what would ordinarily be a defining moment for a new leader. The funeral of a supreme leader is not merely a religious ceremony; it is also a powerful display of political continuity. The successor’s absence from such an event would be difficult to explain, while his attendance could expose him to risks that authorities may be unwilling to accept.

For now, 100 days after Khamenei’s death, Iran has officially selected a successor but has yet to present him publicly. It has promised a historic farewell to its longtime leader but has not delivered one. And it continues to grapple with questions that neither official statements nor public ceremonies have been able to answer.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] A tense interview between President Donald Trump and NBC News moderator Kristen Welker came to an abrupt end after a heated exchange over Trump’s continued assertions that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. The confrontation escalated during the final minutes of the discussion, with Trump ultimately ending the interview and criticizing the network’s coverage.

The interview, which aired Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” grew increasingly contentious when Welker challenged Trump over his repeated claims that the 2020 election had been manipulated and questioned his assertions about election practices in California.

As Welker pressed for evidence supporting those allegations, Trump turned his criticism toward NBC itself.

“You’re a one-sided crooked network,” Trump fumed during the interview, which aired Sunday. “Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough. Thank you, darling. Have a good time.”

Welker attempted to persuade the president to continue the conversation, reminding him that she had traveled to Wisconsin to conduct the interview. Trump, however, signaled that he had no interest in continuing.

“I sat in the rain with you for an hour,” he grumbled.

“On and off in the rain, and I’ve given you enough time. You ought to straighten out your press,” he added. “A country can never be great with a dishonest press.”

After broadcasting the exchange, Welker disclosed that she later spoke with Trump and that he agreed to participate in another interview at a future date, though no timetable has been announced.

According to Welker, both she and the president acknowledged that challenging weather conditions had complicated portions of the interview, which was conducted outdoors and included periods of rainfall.

The interview’s tone shifted sharply during its closing minutes when Welker questioned Trump about a proposed $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund that had been designed to compensate individuals who claimed they had been harmed by politically motivated federal investigations and prosecutions.

The issue gained renewed attention after Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informed lawmakers last week that the Justice Department had abandoned plans for the controversial fund. Nevertheless, some observers have expressed concern that the proposal could resurface in the future.

Trump voiced support for the concept and indicated that he would like to see it move forward.

Welker then asked whether individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot should be eligible for compensation under such a program.

“Now, I don’t know what’s going to happen with the weaponization fund. I love the idea,” Trump said. “People like stupid [former President Joe] Biden, he’s not smart enough to know what’s going on, but people that surrounded him … what they did to the lives of people, they destroyed people. They sent people to jail who did nothing wrong.”

Welker challenged those remarks, responding that “there’s no evidence of what you’re saying” before attempting to redirect the conversation to questions concerning Blanche and the Justice Department.

Instead, Trump returned to the subject of the 2020 election and reiterated his longstanding allegations regarding the outcome.

“The election was rigged. It was a dirty election,” Trump snapped about the election, which he lost to Biden before winning in 2024 against Democrat Kamala Harris.

Welker noted that Trump has not publicly produced evidence supporting those claims and continued pressing him on the issue. The exchange became increasingly strained, culminating in Trump’s decision to end the interview before its scheduled conclusion.

Despite the contentious ending, NBC indicated that discussions between Welker and the president remained cordial afterward, and both sides have expressed interest in conducting a follow-up interview in the future.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

The IDF has cleared for publication the identity of the reserve soldier killed in Sunday’s deadly shooting attack in the Sharon region. The victim was identified as Master Sergeant (Res.) Chaim Klomity Hy”d, 55, of Tzur Natan, who served as a regional defense fighter in Battalion 8881 of the Ephraim Brigade.

According to the IDF, Klomity was killed during the terror attack near Tzur Natan. Another reserve soldier was seriously wounded in the same incident and was evacuated to a hospital for treatment. His family has been notified.

The attack began at approximately 10:36 a.m., when police received reports of gunfire at a gas station and fast-food restaurant near the entrance to Kochav Yair. Following the initial reports, Central District Commander Amir Cohen declared the incident a terrorist attack and dispatched large numbers of police officers, Border Police personnel, and additional security forces to the area.

Preliminary findings indicate that the terrorist, an Israeli citizen in his 20s from Tayibe, left the city in his vehicle shortly after 10:30 a.m. and embarked on a shooting spree across several locations.

Authorities said the gunman first opened fire at civilians at a gas station in the Tzur Yigal area, wounding two people. He then drove to Tzur Yitzchak, where he fired at a security post at the entrance to the community, injuring another civilian.

The attacker later arrived in Tzur Natan, where he carried out another shooting at a security position, wounding a security guard and a nearby woman. He then continued his rampage, firing at a reserve soldier traveling in his vehicle and fatally wounding him. That victim was later identified as Klomity.

The terrorist subsequently reached the entrance to Sal’it, where he again opened fire toward a security post. The community’s security chief engaged the gunman, returned fire, and exchanged shots with him, forcing the attacker to flee the area.

At the same time, police officers, Border Police units, IDF troops, and civilian emergency response teams established roadblocks and launched extensive search operations. A police helicopter assisted in the manhunt from the air.

At approximately 11:03 a.m., officers from the Tayibe police station located the suspect and began pursuing him. The chase ended in an open area near the quarries between Tzur Natan and Tayibe, where the terrorist was neutralized and killed.

The shooting spree left one Israeli dead and several others wounded with varying degrees of injuries.

As part of the ongoing investigation, several members of the terrorist’s family have been arrested and questioned. Investigators from the Sharon Major Crimes Unit, together with officers from the Tira police station, also arrested an additional suspect believed to have assisted the attacker. Authorities said he is expected to be brought before a court for a remand hearing following the completion of initial questioning.

{Matzav.com}

In a dramatic development just days after the tumultuous protest outside the home of Supreme Court Deputy President Justice Noam Solberg in Alon Shvut, a prominent rav affiliated with the Peleg Yerushalmi has issued an unprecedented public letter calling on the community’s rabbanim not to accord the judge any honors in shul.

Rav Tuvia Halevi Shlesinger, one of the senior rabbanim associated with the Peleg Yerushalmi, sent a sharply worded letter last Thursday to the rabbanim of Alon Shvut. In the letter, he describes Justice Solberg as a “mored b’malchus Shamayim” and rules that he should not receive any kibbudim in shul, including being called up for an aliyah to the Torah.

The letter comes amid escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing arrests of yeshiva bochurim and the fierce opposition within the Peleg Yerushalmi to judicial decisions viewed as facilitating increased enforcement against bnei Torah.

The unusual appeal follows the widely publicized incident outside Justice Solberg’s home, where dozens of chareidi protesters gathered in demonstration. According to reports, windows were broken, property was damaged, and planters near the entrance to the residence were smashed. The situation became serious enough that the Gush Etzion emergency response team was mobilized to protect the home.

While leaders of the Peleg Yerushalmi have denied any involvement in the disturbances, individuals closely involved in the struggle against the arrests of yeshiva bochurim say the letter highlights that the campaign is far from over.

According to sources involved in the effort, “Very dramatic days lie ahead, and the campaign will only intensify if the authorities do not leave the bochurim of Israel alone.”

Following the incident, Israel’s Judicial Authority issued a forceful condemnation of the protest.

The judiciary stated that it “views with great severity the violent demonstration near the home of the Deputy President of the Supreme Court.” The statement further described the episode as “a grave and unacceptable event that crosses the boundaries of legitimate protest, in an attempt to undermine the sense of security of judicial officeholders and their family members.”

The Judicial Authority further stated that it would continue working together with law enforcement and security officials to safeguard members of the judiciary.

“Attempts to exert pressure on, intimidate, or deter judges will not affect the fulfillment of their duties,” the statement said.

{Matzav.com}

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri visited a group of yeshiva bochurim being held in Prison 10 on Sunday, offering encouragement and expressing solidarity with those detained amid the ongoing dispute over the status of full-time Torah learners. During the visit, Deri strongly criticized what he described as the criminalization of Torah study and pledged continued political efforts on behalf of the detainees.

Speaking during the visit, Deri said, “From here we cry out: Stop treating Torah learners like criminals! Yeshiva bochurim are the pride of the Jewish people and the guardians of our nation’s spiritual heritage. Shas will continue to defend the status of Torah learners with all its strength, and this week we will work to advance the Basic Law: Torah Study, which will enshrine the supreme value of Torah in the State of Israel.”

The visit, which had been scheduled in advance, took place Sunday morning at Prison 10. Accompanying Deri were MK Michael Malchieli and Shas Director-General MK Chaim Biton. The delegation was escorted by prison commander Lt. Col. Shay Ben Baruch, the prison rabbi, and members of the facility’s professional staff.

During the tour, Deri met with approximately ten chareidi detainees, listened to their concerns, and heard firsthand accounts of their experiences behind bars. He distributed copies of Emunah Ubitachon bearing a personal inscription from Rav Dovid Abuchatzeira and promised to send additional religious study materials that the prisoners said they were lacking.

Deri sought to bolster their spirits and assured them that the entire Shas movement stands firmly behind them. He emphasized that the party is actively working to secure their release and resolve their legal status as quickly as possible.

Outside the prison, Deri met with Rabbi Meir Levy, the father of detainee Yosef Levy. For several days, Rabbi Levy has reportedly been learning Torah continuously outside the prison as a protest and a show of solidarity with his son and the other incarcerated yeshiva bochurim.

Deri embraced Rabbi Levy and offered words of support for his efforts. He also met with attorney Itai Cohen, a law partner of attorney Shlomo Chadad, to discuss the legal proceedings currently taking place in military court concerning Yosef Levy’s case and to review possible legal strategies moving forward.

United Torah Judaism chairman MK Rabbi Yitzchok Goldknopf also visited Prison 10 and later issued a statement describing his impressions from the visit.

“I toured Prison 10 again today together with my chief of staff, Moti Babchik, in order to visit the yeshiva bochurim being held there. Meeting the detainees, including those who have been classified as deserters or draft evaders, is deeply troubling. We did not return to the Land of Israel after two thousand years of exile so that our brothers and sons would be arrested because they are studying Torah. This reality must change.”

{Matzav.com}

A Yerushalayim court on Sunday extended the detention of 52 suspects arrested in connection with last week’s violent disturbance outside the home of Deputy Supreme Court President Justice Noam Solberg, ruling that the alleged actions reflected a significant level of seriousness and danger. At the same time, police arrested an additional suspect in the case, prompting protests that led to major traffic disruptions in the Yerushalayim area.

The Yerushalayim Magistrate’s Court ordered that the 52 suspects remain in custody for four more days, until June 10, as investigators continue examining the events surrounding the riot and the damage caused at Justice Solberg’s residence.

Two additional suspects were released to full house arrest through June 11 under restrictive conditions that include a prohibition on contacting other individuals involved in the case, as well as financial guarantees.

During the hearing, which was conducted by video conference, several of the detainees appeared relaxed and smiling, with some applauding. An Israeli flag was visible on the wall behind them, while several suspects covered the Star of David on the flag with their hats.

A police representative told the court that two detainees attempted to escape while being transported by bus near Hebron on their way to a police station. He also noted that many of the suspects initially refused to identify themselves during questioning. According to the officer, “Only on Friday did a significant number of detainees who had refused to identify themselves finally agree to do so,” and he urged the court to consider that conduct when deciding whether to extend their detention.

Police further argued that the large number of suspects had significantly complicated the investigation, explaining that every investigative action had to be repeated for each individual involved. As a result, authorities maintained that the time already spent in custody had not been sufficient to complete the necessary investigative work or gather additional evidence.

Attorney Roi Politi, who represents some of the suspects, requested that his clients be released to house arrest. He argued that the bus in which the detainees were held after their arrest effectively functioned as a “detention center on wheels.” He also contended that only a minority of the suspects had actually entered the property and that the remaining investigative steps could be carried out without continued detention.

In its decision, the court stated that the suspects were part of “a large group that gathered together with the purpose of reaching the home of the deputy president.” The judge also referenced the reported escape attempts and noted that investigators had thus far been unable to carry out many of the required investigative actions due to the succession of court hearings and the suspects’ observance of Shabbos. The ruling added that “the prior organization, the joint arrival at the scene, and the actions taken there demonstrate the severity and dangerousness” of the alleged conduct.

Meanwhile, police continued their investigation and made another arrest in the case. Detectives from the Judea and Samaria District’s major crimes unit detained a man in his twenties from Beit Shemesh after attempting to question him while he was driving near Beitar Illit.

According to police, the suspect refused to comply with detectives’ instructions and barricaded himself inside his vehicle. Officers eventually forced their way into the car, arrested him, and brought him in for questioning.

The arrest sparked protests that shut down the Tunnels Highway for more than an hour. Demonstrators reportedly blocked the route connecting Jerusalem and Gush Etzion, causing significant traffic disruptions.

Police later reported that the disturbances included road blockages, the obstruction of buses, the placement of rocks and barriers on roadways, and the setting of fires in traffic lanes. Police and Border Police forces were deployed to the area and worked to disperse the demonstrators and restore the flow of traffic.

{Matzav.com}

Amid growing tensions over the draft of yeshivah students and the widening divide between segments of the chareidi and Religious Zionist communities, Rav Aviad Gadot said the overwhelming majority of the Religious Zionist public does not identify with the harsh rhetoric often directed at Torah learners.

Speaking on the Kol Chai program Tzav Ma’atzar, hosted by Bnei Brak Deputy Mayor Gudi Silman, Rav Gadot—who heads the Torat HaLechima and Chotam organizations—discussed the future of the Torah world, relations between the chareidi and Religious Zionist sectors, and the broader struggle over the Jewish identity of the State of Israel.

At the outset of the conversation, Rav Gadot referred to a story highlighted in an earlier broadcast involving the wife of an avreich who has been detained in a military prison. He said the suffering described by the family reflects far more than an isolated personal hardship.

According to Rav Gadot, the issue represents “the pain of the entire Jewish people” and underscores a deeper crisis concerning the relationship between the state and its Jewish character.

Silman noted that some voices within the Religious Zionist community have become increasingly critical of the chareidi public and those dedicated to Torah study. He asked whether those sentiments represent a broad trend within the sector or merely the views of certain groups.

In response, Rav Gadot argued that the phenomenon should not be viewed as representative of the Religious Zionist community as a whole. Instead, he described it as part of a broader ideological process involving the formation of what he called the “faith-based camp,” a movement seeking to redefine and strengthen the Jewish identity of the state.

He said that while tensions sometimes exist between different factions within Religious Zionism, those disagreements do not reflect the views of the entire community.

Expanding his remarks to Israeli society at large, Rav Gadot maintained that there is a growing desire among many Israelis to reconnect with Judaism and Torah values. At the same time, he argued that the country’s educational system and other public institutions have drifted away from their Jewish foundations.

He also voiced criticism of both the judicial system and elements of the security establishment, claiming that flawed underlying assumptions within those institutions have had a broader impact on Israeli society.

Addressing the draft controversy, Rav Gadot said he believes a sustained public campaign surrounding chareidi military service has significantly influenced public discourse, including discussions within the Religious Zionist community itself.

Nevertheless, he stressed that most Religious Zionist Israelis do not embrace the more extreme anti-chareidi rhetoric that has emerged in certain circles.

“Most of the public is not a partner to the extreme voices,” he said.

The discussion also touched on the military service of Religious Zionist soldiers. Rav Gadot argued that tensions have developed in recent years between senior military commanders and leaders of the hesder yeshivah world, creating additional friction within the broader religious community.

As the interview concluded, Rav Gadot called for greater unity among Israel’s various religious sectors, emphasizing that preserving the Torah world and safeguarding the Jewish identity of the state should be viewed as a shared national mission rather than a political dispute.

A revealing interview by the Israeli Yated Ne’eman with MK Moshe Gafni, combined with a week of political drama in Yerushalayim, exposed the growing fractures within Israel’s governing coalition, the escalating battle over the draft law, and the increasingly volatile atmosphere surrounding the country’s legal and political institutions. From threats of early elections to a dramatic State Comptroller vote and growing tensions between the government and the Attorney General, the past week offered a glimpse into a political system that appears to be moving steadily toward a new electoral showdown. Matzav.com presented portions of the interview, which was conducted in Hebrew.

Speaking shortly after the State Comptroller election, Gafni left little doubt that the relationship between the chareidi parties and their traditional coalition partners has fundamentally changed. During the interview, a Likud staffer approached him to coordinate a vote against an opposition bill. Gafni’s response was telling.

“We’re in the opposition,” he said.

When reminded that he had just voted for Michael Ravilo, the coalition-backed candidate for State Comptroller, Gafni dismissed the suggestion that the vote reflected continued loyalty to the coalition.

“There’s no connection. We’re not part of the coalition bloc and we vote on every issue individually.”

The exchange perfectly captured the current reality facing Degel HaTorah and much of the chareidi political leadership. The automatic alliance with the broader right-wing bloc is no longer being taken for granted.

Gafni confirmed that he supported Ravilo’s candidacy and explained the decision in simple terms.

“He is observant, so it was natural for us to vote for him.”

Asked whether Netanyahu had personally lobbied him before the vote, Gafni denied that any such discussion had taken place.

The conversation quickly turned to the issue dominating chareidi public life: the draft crisis and the growing number of yeshivah students facing possible arrest.

Gafni defended his recent directive instructing chareidi municipal representatives to suspend cooperation with police authorities. He rejected suggestions that the move had been impulsive or emotional.

“This didn’t come to me off the cuff,” he said. “Our representatives have close and productive relationships with police district commanders and local commanders on community matters and issues unique to the chareidi public. The moment the police say that part of their job is to arrest and imprison Torah learners, we will not cooperate with them.”

He stressed that many of the cooperative efforts between local officials and police are performed voluntarily and argued that continuing such relationships under current circumstances would be impossible.

Asked whether the directive had produced tangible results, Gafni suggested that it had.

“First of all, I did what needed to be done. It was a necessity. They attacked me in the Knesset, but I stood my ground. Regarding your question, there has definitely been an impact from the letter I wrote, but I’m not getting into that right now. When everything is finalized, I’ll discuss it publicly.”

According to Gafni, dissatisfaction with the policy extends beyond the chareidi community itself. He claimed that many senior police officials privately oppose the current approach because it damages years of trust-building between law enforcement and religious communities.

Looking ahead, Gafni issued a stark warning about the consequences of continued pressure on the chareidi public.

“They are creating a chareidi uprising,” he said. “That is ultimately what will happen. If you continue restricting the public in every area of life, it becomes a dictatorship, and it will lead to a chareidi uprising. We pay taxes and live here. If we are not allowed to live under all these decrees in every sphere of life, there will be an uprising. That is where this is leading.”

The possibility of early elections also featured prominently in the interview. Gafni made clear that his party sees little value in a Knesset that cannot pass legislation protecting Torah learners.

“As far as we are concerned, elections should happen as soon as possible. If the Knesset does not pass the draft law, then from our perspective it is not worth much. That is why we support early elections, as we were instructed to do.”

Although Netanyahu continues trying to advance draft legislation, Gafni indicated that the chareidi parties have effectively stepped back from those efforts.

“He is trying, and I know he is trying. But we are no longer involved, based on the instructions we received. We are not asking him for anything anymore.”

Perhaps the most revealing moment came when Gafni was asked how committed his party remains to the traditional right-wing bloc.

“Quite literally,” he replied. “The bloc, from our perspective, is a bloc of those who uphold Torah and mitzvos and the value of Torah study. Whoever wants can join us. We are not joining anyone anymore.”

The veteran lawmaker also addressed criticism that the chareidi parties made a strategic error at the beginning of the government by prioritizing judicial reform rather than securing draft legislation first.

“There were different circumstances then,” he said. “No one believed or anticipated what would happen with the judicial reform. Perhaps there should have been accompanying measures like an override clause. But that no longer matters. Something like that will not happen again.”

Gafni also expressed concern about what he described as organized efforts to suppress chareidi voter turnout. According to him, outside activists are investing significant resources into campaigns aimed at convincing religious voters that their representatives have failed.

“The number of seats held by Degel HaTorah and by the chareidi parties generally will be critically important,” he said. “Their goal is to harm everything connected to the chareidi public and, of course, to win the elections. They are investing enormous amounts of money and operating through internal channels as well.”

He claimed that some individuals inside the community have been recruited to assist those efforts.

“You can see fingerprints in the posters and videos being distributed. There are internal people who took money and sold themselves. I hope the public will not fall for this campaign.”

Asked whether he fears losing seats, Gafni replied simply, “I very much hope the public will not be persuaded.”

Reflecting on his long political career, Gafni described the current period as the most difficult he has ever witnessed.

“This is the hardest period by far. The public became accustomed, rightly so, to a certain standard of living, and now almost every area is being harmed. Institutions, budgets, daycare centers, education, municipal tax benefits—everything is being affected. There are additional matters we are dealing with that we are not even discussing publicly.”

He also confirmed plans to advance Basic Law: Torah Study, legislation that has sat dormant for years.

“I initiated it. The faction signed it. It remained frozen because people argued it could interfere with the draft law. Now that the draft law is not moving and arrests have begun, I asked whether it should be brought forward. Shas also requested it. The Gedolei Torah instructed me to advance it, and it will be brought next week.”

According to Gafni, the legislation is intended to serve as a counterbalance to legal doctrines centered on equality.

“The law is meant to be a counterweight to the principle of equality as a value in its own right. The Attorney General will probably try to strike it down as well, but we are making every effort.”

Toward the end of the interview, Gafni voiced his strongest criticism yet of the coalition partners who signed agreements with the chareidi parties but failed to deliver.

“They signed coalition agreements. They received everything they wanted. When the time came to fulfill their commitments, not only did they fail to do so, but they cooperated with the Attorney General and the media in ways that made a solution more difficult.”

His conclusion was blunt.

“I am very disappointed in this partnership and in their silence. They are responsible for the fact that there is no law. They should not come afterward with complaints.”

The interview came amid growing criticism of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who has become a central figure in many of the government’s political battles. Critics argue that she has repeatedly obstructed government initiatives, including appointments, judicial reforms, and matters related to the draft law.

Those tensions intensified further after the government suffered another setback in its effort to remove her. Meanwhile, supporters of the Attorney General insist she is simply carrying out her legal responsibilities and protecting the rule of law.

Another major political story this week was the dramatic election of Michael Ravilo as State Comptroller.

Initially, former Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron appeared positioned for victory. In the first round of voting, Elron received 60 votes compared to 57 for Ravilo. The opposition needed only one additional vote to secure an outright victory.

But Netanyahu refused to concede defeat.

After personally intervening and lobbying wavering lawmakers, he managed to reverse the outcome. In the second round, Ravilo prevailed by a vote of 61 to 57.

The victory was viewed by Netanyahu’s supporters as proof that reports of the coalition’s collapse may be exaggerated. Critics, however, argued that the election exposed deeper problems involving political pressure and the secrecy of parliamentary voting.

The result also highlighted a broader shift inside Netanyahu’s leadership style.

For years, critics accused him of appointing individuals who later turned against him. Recent appointments suggest he is now determined to place trusted allies in key positions.

Supporters argue that figures such as David Zini, Roman Gofman, Doron Cohen, Shmuel Ben Ezra, and now Ravilo possess the necessary qualifications and experience for their respective roles. Opponents contend that personal loyalty has become a central consideration.

Either way, Netanyahu appears increasingly committed to shaping the country’s institutions with appointments that reflect his worldview.

The political spotlight also remains fixed on the opposition, where Gadi Eisenkot continues to emerge as a potential challenger to Netanyahu.

Polls suggest Eisenkot has steadily gained ground and may eventually surpass Naftali Bennett among voters seeking an alternative to the current government.

His supporters portray him as thoughtful, responsible, and statesmanlike. Yet questions remain about whether those qualities alone are enough to defeat one of Israel’s most formidable political campaigners.

Unlike Netanyahu, whose political career has been defined by relentless campaigning and constant engagement, Eisenkot projects a quieter image. Admirers see maturity and seriousness. Skeptics see a lack of urgency.

That debate is likely to intensify as election season approaches.

Meanwhile, speculation about opposition mergers continues to dominate political discussions. Bennett and Yair Lapid have repeatedly called for broader alliances, while Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman have been more cautious.

Political history offers mixed lessons. While mergers can strengthen parties near the electoral threshold, larger unions sometimes blur ideological identities and drive voters elsewhere.

For that reason, some analysts believe separate campaigns followed by post-election coalition-building may ultimately prove more effective than grand pre-election alliances.

Whatever path emerges, one reality is becoming increasingly clear: Israel’s political system is moving rapidly toward a decisive moment.

The coalition is under strain. The draft crisis continues to deepen. Legal battles are escalating. Political alliances are shifting.

And with elections up ahead, every major player is already positioning for the fight ahead.

{Matzav.com}