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Lapid Blasts Emerging Iran Deal, Calls It ‘Netanyahu’s Total Failure’

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Opposition leader Yair Lapid launched a scathing attack tonight against Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, arguing that the emerging agreement between the United States and Iran represents a major strategic setback for Israel and fails to achieve the objectives that justified the recent conflict.

In a statement posted on social media, Lapid claimed the developing agreement leaves Iran’s core military capabilities intact and poses a long-term threat to Israel’s security.

“The emerging agreement achieves none of Israel’s war objectives,” Lapid wrote. “The regime survives, the missile program remains, and Iran can rebuild its nuclear program.”

Lapid went on to accuse Netanyahu of undermining Israel’s independence and failing to translate military gains into lasting diplomatic achievements.

“This is Netanyahu’s total failure, and along the way he is turning us into a protectorate that receives instructions regarding its national security,” Lapid said.

The opposition leader also dismissed what he described as anticipated efforts by the government to portray the agreement as a success.

“No press conference, no media spin, and no AI video will hide the failure.”

Lapid’s comments came amid growing debate in Israel over reports that the United States and Iran are nearing a framework agreement that could pave the way for broader negotiations.

Senior Israeli officials reportedly expressed similar concerns Saturday evening, with some security figures warning that the proposed arrangement heavily favors Tehran.

According to those officials, “the Iranians got everything they wanted,” and they argued that the deal could jeopardize key Israeli security interests.

The criticism followed President Donald Trump’s announcement that a framework agreement with Iran is expected to be signed Sunday.

International reports indicated that Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the ceremony would take place in Islamabad and be conducted electronically, though Iranian officials later disputed aspects of those reports.

Lapid concluded by arguing that a future Israeli government may be forced to address what he views as the shortcomings of the current administration’s approach to Iran.

“The next government will have a historic task: to repair the damage caused by Netanyahu’s inability to turn military achievements into strategic successes.”

{Matzav.com}

Tragedy in Binyamin: Eight-Day-Old Infant Dies After Losing Consciousness at Simcha Hall

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A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on Friday when an eight-day-old infant lost consciousness at a simcha hall in the Binyamin region shortly after his bris and later passed away despite extensive efforts by emergency responders and hospital staff to save his life.

The infant was evacuated from a hall in one of the communities of the Binyamin Regional Council area after being found without a pulse. Magen David Adom personnel who arrived at the scene immediately began advanced resuscitation efforts and continued lifesaving measures while transporting the baby to the hospital.

Upon arrival at Hadassah Mount Scopus Medical Center in Yerushalayim, emergency department teams continued intensive resuscitation attempts. Despite their efforts, doctors were ultimately forced to pronounce the infant dead.

The incident has shocked the local community, as the baby was only eight days old and had reportedly been in critical condition by the time he arrived at the hospital.

Following the tragedy, a report was forwarded to Israel Police, which has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Authorities said they are conducting a comprehensive review to determine what led to the infant’s sudden medical collapse. No additional details were immediately released.

{Matzav.com}

Nightmare at the Kinneret: Jackals Attack Campers, Leaving 11 Injured

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What began as a relaxing family vacation at the Kinneret turned into a frightening ordeal after a series of jackal attacks left 11 people injured, including a 12-year-old girl who was attacked while sleeping in her tent.

The incident occurred at Duga Beach, where Alice, 12, was camping with her family. According to reports, a jackal entered the tent during the night and attacked her while she slept.

Speaking to Ynet, Alice recounted that her family had spent the day enjoying the lake and vacationing together. During the night, she was awakened when an animal entered the tent. Because it was dark, she initially believed it was the family’s dog and began petting it, only to discover moments later that it was a jackal.

Alice’s grandmother, Mira Ganin of Rishon LeZion, who was sleeping in the tent with her, said she awoke to the girl’s screams. After turning on a light, family members realized that Alice had suffered injuries to her face and immediately sought medical assistance. She was later transported to a hospital for treatment.

Family members said that while they were waiting for help to arrive, other campers emerged from nearby tents reporting that they too had been attacked or injured by jackals roaming through the campsite.

The injured victims were taken to the Galilee Medical Center in Tiveriah for evaluation and treatment.

According to her grandmother, Alice received medical care and will now be required to undergo a course of anti-rabies treatment through the Health Ministry. The family said the young girl is also coping with concerns about facial injuries and possible scarring just weeks before her upcoming bas mitzvah celebration.

Alice’s aunt described hearing a loud scream coming from the tent before family members noticed jackals running between the campsites.

She said what had begun as a joyful family getaway quickly turned into a terrifying scene, ending with multiple injuries and emergency trips to the hospital.

Authorities have not yet indicated what caused the unusual series of attacks, though the incident has raised concerns among visitors and officials regarding the presence of wild animals near popular camping areas around the Kinneret.

{Matzav.com}

Tefillos Intensify for Mekubal Rav Rachamim Attia Following Medical Emergency

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The Torah world is davening for the recovery of Rav Rachamim Attia, one of the senior figures of the renowned Yeshivas HaMekubalim Nahar Shalom in Yerushalayim, who was rushed to Shaare Zedek Medical Center on Friday following a medical emergency that required resuscitation efforts.

Rav Attia, who is 94 years old, was hospitalized in serious condition and remains sedated and on a ventilator. Family members and close associates say he is in need of abundant rachamei Shamayim.

On Friday, his son-in-law, the former Rishon LeTzion, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, nosi of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, arrived at the hospital to visit him. Rav Yosef recited chapters of Tehillim at his bedside and joined family members in davening for his recovery.

During Shabbos, there was a slight stabilization in Rav Attia’s condition, providing a measure of encouragement to those following developments. Nevertheless, his condition continues to be classified as serious.

Rav Attia is widely respected as a prominent mekubal and talmid chochom, and news of his hospitalization prompted an outpouring of tefillos from talmidim, admirers, and members of the broader Torah community.

All are asked to daven for Rav Rachamim ben Jemila.

{Matzav.com}

Surveillance Footage Captures Organized Gang Robbing Silver Store in Bnei Brak on Shabbos

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Residents and business owners in Bnei Brak are expressing growing concern after another brazen burglary struck the city over Shabbos, this time targeting a branch of the upscale silverware retailer Hatzorfim in the heart of the city.

The break-in occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Shabbos near Warsaw Garden, where the well-known store is located. According to initial reports, the incident took place at approximately 4:30 a.m.

Authorities believe the burglary was carried out by an organized gang that arrived by vehicle and came equipped with specialized tools. Unlike previous incidents that reportedly involved a lone burglar operating on a scooter, this break-in appeared to be a coordinated operation involving multiple suspects.

Investigators suspect the perpetrators were members of a Bedouin criminal gang. The suspects allegedly forced their way through the front entrance and began emptying the store’s display window, stealing valuable silver items that were on exhibit.

The burglars were unable to complete the theft, however, after a police patrol vehicle happened to pass through the area during a routine patrol. The suspects fled the scene before officers could apprehend them.

Police have opened an investigation into the incident and are reviewing evidence, including security camera footage that captured the break-in.

The latest burglary has intensified concerns among local residents and merchants, who say the city has experienced a troubling increase in break-ins in recent months, including several incidents occurring during Shabbos.

The security footage, which has circulated widely, has fueled criticism of what many residents describe as inadequate security measures and ineffective enforcement.

Many residents questioned the effectiveness of the municipal security tax collected by the city, arguing that repeated burglaries continue to occur despite those expenditures.

“Security tax in Bnei Brak? The Bedouins are laughing at it,” residents complained. “The burglars arrive in the heart of the city on Friday night, smash into stores, and escape without interference. It’s time to put an end to this and restore safety to our streets.”

Police have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the burglary. The investigation remains ongoing.

{Matzav.com}

Olmert Warns Iran Deal Misses the Main Threat: ‘The Nuclear Issue Is Not Part of This Agreement’

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Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert voiced concern today over reports surrounding a developing U.S.-Iran agreement, arguing that the emerging framework appears to leave out the very issue that sparked recent military operations: Iran’s nuclear program.

During an appearance on Newsmax’s “Saturday Report,” Olmert said many Israelis are troubled by indications that the initial understanding between Washington and Tehran does not include concrete provisions addressing Iran’s nuclear activities.

“Yesterday, there are quite a few people here which are disappointed,” Olmert said. “The fact that this understanding, which you call it a peace agreement — I’m not certain that this is a peace agreement, but whatever it is — does not include any control over the nuclear program of Iran.”

According to Olmert, the information currently available suggests that the nuclear issue has been postponed rather than resolved, though he acknowledged that the full details of the arrangement have not yet been made public.

“The fact that it is not part of the present agreement, it’s just a general understanding as far as I understand,” he said. “Maybe we don’t know all of the details. We have to see when it’s signed.”

His remarks come as policymakers and analysts continue examining whether ongoing diplomatic efforts with Tehran will ultimately place meaningful restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Olmert said the framework being discussed appears to envision a separate negotiating track focused on Iran’s nuclear activities after the broader agreement takes effect.

“To the degree that we know, it seems that the nuclear issue will be negotiated afterward within the time framework of 60 days,” he said.

He argued that such an arrangement fails to address the central justification for the military campaign that preceded the negotiations.

“I think that the main reason for the military action in the first place is not part of this agreement,” he said.

Olmert also noted that Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities appear to have been omitted from the current framework.

“Of course, the missile program is also not part of it,” Olmert said.

The former prime minister suggested that many within Israel’s leadership likely share these concerns and are dissatisfied with the reported terms of the agreement.

“I think that at least here in the government, I don’t think for myself, I think the government is unhappy,” Olmert said.

At the same time, Olmert speculated that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu may avoid publicly criticizing the deal because of his close working relationship with President Donald Trump.

“I’m not certain that the government will say it out loud, because the prime minister has very sensitive relations with the president,” Olmert said.

{Matzav.com}

Iran Says Deal Is Close but Not Done as Pakistan Predicts Breakthrough Within 24 Hours

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Iran indicated today that negotiations with the United States are advancing toward a potential agreement, but cautioned that several major issues remain unresolved, despite Pakistani officials expressing confidence that a deal could be completed within a day.

Earlier in the day, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that American and Iranian negotiators had reached agreement on the final wording of a peace accord and suggested that a digital signing ceremony could take place within the next 24 hours.

Pakistan has served as a key intermediary throughout the negotiations, helping facilitate communication between Washington and Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, however, offered a more measured assessment, warning that uncertainty remains and that predictions about the timing of a final agreement may be premature.

“We must be cautious about making any comment about the signing date due to the hesitation of the other side,” Baghaei said, according to Iranian state media.

While he acknowledged that an “Islamabad memorandum” could potentially be signed in the near future, Baghaei stressed that no such signing would occur on Sunday.

“The exact time of signing the memorandum will not be tomorrow,” he said.

Baghaei also stated that Iran’s negotiating delegation has no plans to travel to Geneva or any other foreign location in the coming days, according to reports carried by state media.

The spokesman outlined several issues that Tehran views as essential components of any final arrangement.

Among them, he said, is the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad, which he described as a fundamental element of the negotiations. He also indicated that future policies regarding the Strait of Hormuz remain under discussion as part of the broader agreement.

According to comments reported by Fars News Agency, Baghaei said Iran intends to continue overseeing navigation through the strategically important waterway “in line with protecting national security and the common good of the world community.”

He further stated that Iran plans to impose fees for services provided in the strait, although he did not elaborate on how such charges would be structured or implemented.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime passages, serving as a major route for global energy exports and oil shipments.

Baghaei also reiterated Tehran’s opposition to the continued presence of foreign military forces in the region, saying such deployments “must end,” according to Fars.

His remarks came as both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia publicly expressed optimism about the progress of the talks.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held discussions regarding the negotiations and welcomed what they described as movement toward a final agreement between Washington and Tehran.

The latest comments from all sides suggest that negotiators may be nearing a framework agreement, but significant disagreements involving implementation, the release of frozen Iranian funds, regional security issues, and the future management of the Strait of Hormuz continue to stand in the way of a final breakthrough.

{Matzav.com}

Fetterman: All Our Allies Haven’t Demanded Iran Turn Over ‘Nuclear Dust’

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Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) argued Friday that America’s allies should play a more active role in confronting Iran, contending that countries benefiting from Middle Eastern stability have a direct stake in preventing Tehran from maintaining nuclear capabilities.

Appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press NOW,” Fetterman questioned why more U.S. partners have not publicly demanded that Iran surrender what he referred to as its remaining nuclear material.

“Where [are] the rest of our allies saying, collectively, we can demand Iran to turn over that nuclear dust right now? And now these kinds of countries that say, well, that’s not our war, it’s like, well, does your nation consume oil? Well, then that makes it your war now, too. And if you care about peace in the Middle East, yeah, well, then that makes it your war now, too.”

The Pennsylvania Democrat suggested that the implications of Iran’s nuclear program extend far beyond the immediate region, affecting global energy markets and broader international security interests.

Fetterman also emphasized that his support for efforts targeting Iran’s nuclear program should not be viewed as an endorsement of war itself, but rather as a commitment to preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

He added that he is “not a pro vote on war. It is a pro-no nuclear Iran, that’s what my vote for this [is].”

The remarks come amid ongoing international debate over how to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and what role the United States and its allies should play in enforcing any future agreement designed to limit Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.

{Matzav.com}

Canada Pledges Another $100 Million for Palestinians, Criticizes Israeli Policies

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Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced Friday that Ottawa will provide an additional $100 million in humanitarian assistance to organizations operating in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza, citing what she described as worsening conditions in the region.

The new funding will be distributed through the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, and various non-governmental organizations involved in providing aid to Palestinian civilians.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Anand said the decision was driven by the escalating humanitarian situation in Gaza as well as what she characterized as a decline in conditions in Judea and Samaria. She also pointed to what she described as expanding Israeli settlement activity and increased violence by extremist settlers.

With the latest commitment, Canada’s total assistance to the Palestinians now exceeds $500 million. The funds are intended to support emergency medical services, food distribution, clean water access, sanitation programs, shelter, and other humanitarian needs.

Anand urged Israel to permit humanitarian aid to move freely into affected areas and called on the Israeli government to ensure full compliance with international humanitarian law in both Judea and Samaria and the Gaza Strip.

The foreign minister also reaffirmed Canada’s backing of a two-state solution as the preferred framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In addition, Anand referenced Canada’s recent decision to impose sanctions on individuals and groups accused of involvement in what Ottawa described as violence carried out by extremist settlers. At the same time, she reiterated Canada’s call for Hamas to be disarmed and urged all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to international law.

{Matzav.com}

Trump Announces Iran Agreement Signing, Declares New Deal ‘A Wall to No Nuclear Weapon’

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President Donald Trump announced today that the United States and Iran are set to sign a memorandum of understanding on Sunday through a digital ceremony, marking what he described as a dramatically different approach from the Obama-era nuclear agreement.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump sharply criticized the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), arguing that it paved the way for Tehran to obtain nuclear weapons rather than prevent them.

“Barack Hussein Obama’s Deal with Iran, the JCPOA, was an easy, beautiful, smooth road to a Nuclear Weapon, which Iran would have had six years ago, and would have used long before now. My Agreement with Iran is the exact opposite, A WALL TO NO NUCLEAR WEAPON! In fact, they no longer want a Nuclear Weapon, nor will they have one, either through purchase, development, or any other form of procurement.”

Trump also revealed that the agreement is expected to be formally executed on Sunday and said one of its immediate consequences will be the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

“The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL.”

The president further contrasted the developing agreement with previous U.S. policy toward Iran, emphasizing that the arrangement does not involve direct cash payments or financial transfers.

“Our relationship with Iran is a much different and better one than previous Administrations have had. Unlike Obama’s Hundreds of Billions of Dollars in payments to them, including 1.7 Billion Dollars in green, cold cash, no money will exchange hands,” he added.

Trump also addressed the future of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, asserting that any remaining enriched material would ultimately be removed and destroyed.

“At the appropriate time, when all is calm, we will go in and get the Nuclear Dust, buried deep under the powerful sunken granite mountains, thanks to our beautiful B-2 Bombers and their brilliant pilots, and downblend and destroy it, whether in Iran, or the United States. We look forward to working with Iran, and the entire Middle East, long into the future. Hopefully, this process will all work out quickly, easily, and smoothly. If it doesn’t, we have the ultimate alternative, hopefully never to be used again! Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!”

Senior administration officials indicated that sanctions relief under the agreement will be tied directly to Iranian compliance. According to officials, the extent to which Tehran freezes its nuclear activities, shuts down reactors, and dilutes enriched uranium stockpiles will determine how much economic pressure is lifted and how many frozen assets are released.

At the same time, significant differences appear to remain between the American and Iranian descriptions of the proposed arrangement.

Iranian officials have maintained that the country’s nuclear program will not be addressed in the memorandum of understanding itself and will instead be discussed during subsequent rounds of negotiations. Tehran has also continued to insist, at least publicly, on its position that vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz should be subject to transit tariffs, a demand that has not been publicly withdrawn.

{Matzav.com}

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