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Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit, Deputy President Noam Sohlberg, and Justice David Mintz held a hearing on Tuesday on several left-wing petitions seeking to revoke the appointment of Dovid Zini as head of the Shin Bet. Deputy President Sohlberg slammed the petition filed by Eliad Shraga on behalf of his left-wing “Movement for Quality Government” against […]

An internal IDF investigation showing that the army entered October 7, 2023, completely unprepared for a prolonged war, with ammunition depots nearly empty and artillery shells below the “red line,” was hidden from the public. Army Radio revealed on Tuesday morning. The internal report was not even presented to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir […]

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The IDF has expressed strong opposition to the U.S. sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, cautioning that the move will weaken Israel’s military edge in the region. According to an Air Force position paper presented to political leaders on Sunday and obtained by Ynet, Israel’s air superiority in Middle Eastern skies relies on […]

The Orthodox Union has announced a sweeping policy change concerning the kashrus of beer, significantly tightening standards for what will be permitted at OU-supervised establishments and events, Matzav.com has learned.

The OU Kashrus Division stated that beginning January 1, 2026, only beers with reliable kosher certification will be allowed at OU-certified venues and functions.

Historically, unflavored beers were widely assumed to be kosher because of their simple ingredient list—water, hops, barley, and yeast. However, the OU explained that “the rise of craft brewing and new production methods has led to a proliferation of flavored beers, diverse additives, and shared equipment that can compromise the kosher status of even seemingly straightforward brews.”

After extensive research and discussions with other leading kashrus agencies, including the Star-K and OK, the OU determined that a more rigorous approach is needed to “ensure our strict kosher standards will consistently be met.”

A letter regarding this matter from the OU notes that while many national brands already maintain kosher oversight and will remain acceptable, all craft beers will now be required to carry a kosher symbol or a letter indicating valid hashgachah.

The OU has a partial list of nearly 1,000 certified breweries and emphasized that it will continue working with proprietors to make the transition as smooth as possible.

The organization urges caterers and event planners to contact OU mashgichim in advance “to review the beer (and all alcohol) selections to ensure they will be compliant with this updated policy.”

The OU adds that this decision is a joint effort with the OK and Star-K, along with several local supervision agencies, “to uphold the highest standards of kashrus in the ever-changing landscape of food and beverage production.”

{Matzav.com}

In a characteristically provocative speech before the Knesset Finance Committee on Monday, MK Avigdor Lieberman lashed out at chareidi lawmakers over what he described as excessive funding to yeshivos and kollelim, while mockingly urging them to “learn more Torah.”

“The Finance Committee this week is busy with only one thing—handing out money wholesale to yeshivos and kollelim,” Lieberman said. “If the chareidi politicians learned Torah the way they study the state budget, the Beis Hamikdash would already be rebuilt tomorrow.”

Lieberman’s remarks, which he himself described as “messianic,” came just hours after he renewed his call to revoke the voting rights of chareidi men who study Torah but do not serve in the army. “We’ve seen gangs of bullies attacking MKs,” he said, referring to recent incidents of violence against chareidi lawmakers. “I heard today that both Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Asher were assigned personal security. These are criminals. If they learned Torah as well as they know how to riot, the Third Beis Hamikdash would already stand.”

The Yisrael Beiteinu leader went on to outline his proposed legislation targeting yeshiva students who do not enlist. “We will put all the draft dodgers in prison and then strip them of their right to vote,” Lieberman declared. “At the same time, we will build enough prisons to hold them all.”

He further announced his intention to introduce a bill denying voting rights to all inmates. “Draft evaders will go to jail and will not be allowed to vote,” he said. “What is democratic in the United States and in thirteen of the twenty-seven European Union countries will be democratic in Israel as well.”

Lieberman’s comments drew strong criticism across the political spectrum, with opposition figures accusing him of inciting hatred against the chareidi community. Nonetheless, the secular lawmaker—who has long positioned himself as a fierce critic of chareidi influence in government—appeared unrepentant.

{Matzav.com}

A federal judge overseeing the criminal case against U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver told Trump administration attorneys Monday to turn over authorities’ text messages from her chaotic visit to an immigration detention center in New Jersey that led to charges accusing her of assaulting officers. U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper’s direction came nearly a month after […]

The Knesset on Monday evening passed a landmark law restoring the authority of the batei din to adjudicate child support cases within the framework of divorce proceedings. The move comes months after a controversial Supreme Court ruling stripped the rabbinical courts of this jurisdiction, a decision that drew sharp criticism from rabbinic leaders and religious lawmakers.

Speaking after the law’s passage in its second and third readings, Rishon LeTzion Rav Dovid Yosef expressed gratitude and relief, describing the development as a victory for halacha and for the traditional legal order. “In the Supreme Court, there is a judge named Yael Willner—remember that name,” he said. “That judge decided that the batei din have no authority to deal with child support, which accounts for 70 percent of all cases. For 80 years, the courts handled these issues without a problem, and suddenly, what was legal became illegal.”

Rav Yosef recounted how repeated petitions to the High Court had paralyzed the batei din after that decision. “Every case we received, they told us: ‘You have no authority.’ I turned to Justice Yitzhak Amit and asked him to allow a rehearing on this critical issue—it’s not even written in the law! But he rejected my request outright. The only solution left was to make a new law,” Rav Yosef said.

He added that the process had caused him great distress. “I won’t weary you with how much pain and effort this took,” he said. “Just minutes ago, Rav Elbaz sent the Knesset members from here to vote in the final readings, and baruch Hashem, with Heaven’s help, we are restoring the crown to its former glory.”

Law Reinstates Rabbinical Jurisdiction

The newly approved legislation reaffirms the provision originally enacted in 1953, explicitly granting rabbinical courts the authority to rule on “child support claims of the couple’s children” that are linked to divorce proceedings. This restores the status quo that existed before the Supreme Court’s February ruling, issued by Justices Yael Willner and Ruth Ronen against the dissenting opinion of Justice Noam Sohlberg, which had removed that authority and created confusion in the family law system.

Under the new law, the reinstated powers will be applied as a temporary measure for two years. During that period, a special committee appointed by Rav Dovid Yosef, who also serves as President of the Rabbinical High Court, will formulate recommendations for how to calculate and distribute child support responsibilities between parents, ensuring uniformity across both rabbinical and civil courts.

“The Supreme Court’s decision caused serious confusion and disrupted the proper order of family law in Israel,” Rav Yosef said. “Restoring the rabbinical courts’ authority will bring back the needed stability. The expert committee I appointed will, be’ezras Hashem, produce a halachic framework that is fair, balanced, and respectful of both parents’ responsibilities. Our goal is to clarify the criteria, ensure consistency in rulings, and prevent unnecessary disputes between spouses during their most difficult moments. The welfare of the children of Israel remains foremost in our minds.”

Lawmakers Hail the Vote

MK Simcha Rothman, chairman of the Knesset’s Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee, who sponsored the bill, called the passage of the law a “historic correction.”

“I’m pleased to announce that the bill from my committee, amending the Rabbinical Courts Jurisdiction Law on marriage and divorce, was approved today,” Rothman said. “This law restores the authority of the batei din as intended and returns the legal status to what it was before the High Court ruling. It clarifies the law, allows the rabbinical courts to handle child support cases linked to divorce, and prevents double litigation.”

Rothman added, “The High Court’s decision created needless chaos and undermined the courts’ legal authority. I’m proud that the Knesset and the committee acted quickly and responsibly to restore order and certainty until a permanent arrangement is established, be’ezras Hashem, through future legislation.”

{Matzav.com}

The special investigative team handling the explosive Force 100 (Sde Teiman) case made significant progress on Monday, marking a key development in their ongoing inquiry.

According to Yisroel Hayom, investigators successfully retrieved data from the mobile phone of former Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, which had been submerged in water after being lost earlier this month. The phone was reportedly pulled from the sea roughly ten days ago, about five days after it had allegedly gone missing on the beach.

Authorities are now combing through the recovered data in search of possible links or collaborators connected to the leak of the Force 100 video. Officials emphasized that the process is being carried out strictly under judicial supervision, in compliance with a court-issued order, and utilizing pre-approved search terms to ensure lawful access.

The latest development comes amid uncertainty regarding Tomer-Yerushalmi’s legal status. Her house arrest, which was supposed to expire on Sunday, has not yet been formally extended. Last week, she was rushed to the hospital after reportedly ingesting an excessive quantity of sleeping pills.

Emergency responders from Magen David Adom were dispatched to her residence in Ramat Hasharon, where they found her semiconscious but not in life-threatening condition, according to reports.

Before the incident, the Tel Aviv Magistrates Court had ruled that Tomer-Yerushalmi remain under ten days of house arrest and refrain from communicating with anyone linked to the investigation for a total of 55 days.

Investigators are now hoping the retrieved phone data could provide crucial evidence in tracing how the sensitive Force 100 video was leaked and who might have been involved in its distribution.

{Matzav.com}

The U.N. Security Council on Monday adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution outlining the future of Gaza, marking the most far-reaching international intervention in the territory since the Hamas massacre of Oct. 7, 2023. The resolution passed 13-0, with Russia and China abstaining but choosing not to veto—a decision that allowed Washington’s plan to move forward unchallenged. […]

The acting chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency left his job Monday after just six months, according to the Department of Homeland Security, the latest disruption in a year of mass staff departures, program cuts and policy upheaval at the agency charged with managing federal disaster response. David Richardson is leaving the post after […]

Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams has extended an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to attend the upcoming inauguration of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on January 1, 2026, calling it an opportunity to demonstrate unity and support for New York’s Jewish community.

During his visit to Israel, Adams described the invitation as a gesture meant to “send a strong message to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel.” He expressed hope that Netanyahu’s presence at the ceremony would reinforce ties between New York and the State of Israel at a time of growing tension.

Adams, who referred to his trip as a farewell visit, voiced concern about the direction the city might take under Mamdani’s leadership, particularly in relation to Israel and Jewish residents. “I think many of us are disappointed by the election results,” he said. “But we must not allow that energy to damage the atmosphere for Jewish New Yorkers or the relationship between Israel and the city.”

He emphasized that even after leaving office, he intends to continue advocating for Jewish New Yorkers and combating antisemitism. “I will no longer be mayor, but I am not going anywhere,” Adams said. “I intend to continue the work I have done for many years surrounding issues of hate in general and antisemitism in particular.”

The invitation comes against the backdrop of heightened friction between Adams and the mayor-elect. Mamdani has publicly stated that if Netanyahu were to visit New York while he is mayor, he would order his arrest under the International Criminal Court warrant issued against the Israeli leader for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Netanyahu dismissed the threat as “silly,” saying he is not concerned about visiting New York.

Adams, however, warned that such rhetoric risks deepening divisions and alienating parts of the city’s population. “Does a mayor create an environment where one group is treated differently from others?” he asked. “That is not New York.”

By inviting Netanyahu to the inauguration, Adams seeks to reaffirm the city’s historic ties with Israel and reassure the Jewish community that its concerns remain central. “I believe the prime minister should visit the city,” he said. “He needs to make clear to the entire community that he will continue visiting the city as often as possible.”

Adams also reminded the public that New York’s mayor operates within a broader governmental framework. “Mayor, not emperor,” he quipped. “He will have to navigate the role of mayor while coordinating with other layers of government.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump on Monday celebrated the United Nations Security Council’s approval of a resolution supporting his sweeping 20-point plan for Gaza, calling it one of the most significant diplomatic milestones in UN history.

“Congratulations to the World on the incredible Vote of the United Nations Security Council, just moments ago, acknowledging and endorsing the BOARD OF PEACE, which will be chaired by me, and include the most powerful and respected Leaders throughout the World,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, moments after the vote.

He praised the international backing his plan received, noting, “This will go down as one of the biggest approvals in the History of the United Nations, will lead to further Peace all over the World, and is a moment of true Historic proportion! Thank you to the United Nations, and all of the Countries on the U.N. Security Council, China, Russia, France, The United Kingdom, Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, South Korea, Pakistan, Panama, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia. Also thank you to those Countries that weren’t on this Committee, but strongly backed the effort, including Qatar, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkiye, and Jordan.”

Trump added that “The members of the Board, and many more exciting announcements, will be made in the coming weeks,” hinting at forthcoming details about the new international body he intends to lead.

The resolution passed with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained. The measure formally authorizes the creation of an international stabilization force for Gaza, mandates the disarmament of Hamas, and outlines what it calls a “pathway to the establishment of a Palestinian state.”

That final clause sparked controversy in Israel, where several senior ministers denounced any language hinting at Palestinian statehood. Despite their objections, the text of the resolution went to a vote unchanged.

The UN endorsement follows weeks of diplomatic maneuvering surrounding Trump’s Gaza plan, which both Israel and Hamas had previously agreed to begin implementing in stages. The resolution now provides the international legitimacy needed to move forward with the plan’s security and governance framework.

Meanwhile, in Yerushalayim, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu reiterated his government’s steadfast position. “Our opposition to a Palestinian state on any part of this territory has not changed in the slightest,” he said on Sunday, underscoring Israel’s refusal to accept a two-state solution west of the Jordan River.

{Matzav.com}

Tucker Carlson is escalating his confrontation with federal law enforcement — and this time he’s pointing the finger not at Biden, but at Donald Trump’s own security apparatus. In a new video, Carlson alleges that the FBI under Trump-appointed leadership is suppressing key details about the attempted assassination of the then-former president in Butler, Pennsylvania. […]

A former Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to cut the engines of a passenger flight in 2023 while riding off-duty in the cockpit will serve no additional prison time, a federal judge ruled Monday. U.S. District Court Judge Amy Baggio sentenced Joseph Emerson to time served and supervised release for three years at a hearing […]

Amazon has entered a new lane in e-commerce—automotive retail—by partnering with Ford Motor Company to let customers browse and buy vehicles directly through its platform. Starting today, shoppers can explore the inventories of participating Ford dealers and purchase certified pre-owned cars without ever stepping foot in a traditional showroom.

The pilot program is launching in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Dallas, giving buyers access to certified used vehicles that have undergone comprehensive inspections and come with special warranties. While purchases can be completed online, customers will still pick up their vehicles from the dealership itself.

Ford said that between 160 and 180 dealers have expressed interest in joining the initiative, with about 20 already in the process of offering cars through Amazon. The move follows similar steps by Hyundai, which became the first automaker to sell new models on Amazon in late 2023. “Ford is the second car company to offer its models on the platform,” a spokesperson for Amazon Autos confirmed.

Traditional car manufacturers have been searching for ways to simplify the buying process and appeal to consumers who would rather click than negotiate in person. Tesla, which sells its vehicles directly online, bypasses the dealership system entirely—a structure that Ford and General Motors cannot replicate due to state franchise laws.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has acknowledged the advantages of Tesla’s direct-sales model, noting that it “affords it a significant cost advantage.” Under his leadership, Ford has been steadily expanding its online retail presence, particularly for electric vehicles.

{Matzav.com}

A 60 Minutes investigation aired Sunday alleges that President Donald Trump’s pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao followed a series of financial interactions that directly benefited the Trump family’s crypto ventures — a sequence one former Justice Department official called “unprecedented.” Correspondent Scott Pelley opened the segment by reporting that Zhao’s company “supported a Trump […]

A strongly worded letter from former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Rav Yitzchak Yosef denounced the recent assault on MK Yoav Ben-Tzur and condemned the escalating campaign of incitement against Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri. The attack on Ben-Tzur occurred outside the Yazdim shul in Yerushalayim following his weekly shiur, when a group of extremists confronted and assaulted him amid growing tensions over the proposed Giyus Law.

Rav Yosef also addressed those who have attempted to misrepresent his view on the general Giyus matter.

In his letter, Rav Yosef expressed outrage over both the physical attack and the broader smear campaign targeting Shas representatives. “The instigators who spread slander and falsehood against public representatives are the same individuals who have sown division within the chareidi community for decades and who persecuted my father, Maran zt”l, during his lifetime,” he wrote. “It is clear that their intentions are not for the sake of Heaven, and one must distance themselves from them and their harmful ways.”

Rav Yosef’s remarks come amid intensified protests against Shas lawmakers and gedolim and rabbonim involved in the ongoing deliberations over the Giyus Law, legislation that seeks to formalize the status of bnei yeshiva and protect the framework of full-time Torah study while complying with court directives.

In defense of the process, Rav Yosef voiced full confidence in the rabbinic committee overseeing the matter, emphasizing that the responsibility for drafting the law rests with those appointed by the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah. “We have already expressed our position on regulating the status of bnei yeshiva,” he wrote. “Everything has been entrusted to the special committee appointed by the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, which is carrying out its task faithfully and ensuring that the integrity of the Torah world is safeguarded.”

{Matzav.com}