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In a major boost for travelers ahead of the busy summer season, the Israel Airports Authority announced Wednesday that Terminal 1 at Ben Gurion Airport will soon reopen, a move expected to ease congestion and significantly improve passenger flow.

The decision comes as international airlines continue resuming service to Israel and passenger traffic steadily increases following months of reduced operations during Operation Roaring Lion.

According to the Airports Authority, the reopening will take place in stages. Domestic flights will resume operating from Terminal 1 on June 28, 2026, while international flights will return to the terminal beginning July 1, 2026.

Airport officials said the move is intended to accommodate the growing demand expected during the summer travel season and provide a more efficient and comfortable experience for travelers.

In recent months, Terminal 1 operated on a limited basis, with many flights redirected to Terminal 3 as the airport adjusted to wartime conditions and reduced aviation activity.

The reopening marks another step toward a full return to normal operations at Israel’s main international gateway.

During Operation Roaring Lion, outbound flights from Israel were operated exclusively by Israeli carriers, including El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa, as many foreign airlines suspended service.

In recent weeks, however, international air traffic has rebounded significantly. Several foreign carriers have resumed flights to Israel, including U.S.-based Delta Air Lines and Latvia’s airBaltic, signaling renewed confidence in the Israeli market.

The Airports Authority is urging passengers to verify in advance which terminal their flight will depart from in order to avoid confusion and ensure timely arrival at the airport. Travelers are encouraged to check directly with their airlines and monitor official airport updates.

Airport officials noted that flight locations have changed frequently in recent months. For example, domestic flights to Eilat were temporarily transferred from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 last October while upgrade work was carried out at the smaller terminal.

The reopening of Terminal 1 coincides with a series of major expansion and modernization projects underway at Ben Gurion Airport.

The Airports Authority is investing hundreds of millions of shekels in upgrades to Terminal 3, including the addition of approximately 7,000 square meters of new space, improvements to passport control and security screening areas, and an expansion of the airport’s duty-free shopping complex.

Officials say the projects are designed to prepare Ben Gurion Airport for continued growth in passenger traffic over the coming years while enhancing service quality and the overall travel experience.

{Matzav.com}

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is throwing his support behind President Donald Trump’s agreement with Iran, calling it a significant diplomatic breakthrough that avoids both appeasement and another costly American military intervention in the Middle East.

Writing on his website, Gingrich argued that Trump successfully brought together a broad coalition of international partners while applying economic and military leverage that forced Tehran into a far weaker negotiating position than it previously held. He also brushed aside criticism from opponents across the political spectrum, saying many detractors rushed to condemn the agreement without first examining its contents.

“Negotiating with Iran, monitoring its commitments and occasionally having to pressure the dictatorship militarily or economically is simply reality. (Remember Ronald Reagan’s advice to ‘Trust but verify’ and Connie Mack’s ‘You get what you inspect, not what you expect.’) There will be no end to the requirement to police, monitor, and occasionally penalize the religious dictatorship,” Gingrich wrote. “The leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will try to push for as much influence and flexibility as they can get away with. It’s simply their nature.”

Gingrich went on to defend the agreement itself, arguing that many of its critics have failed to propose a workable alternative.

“A lot of people on the right and left have already criticized the upcoming agreement — even when they have never seen it,” Gingrich wrote. “It is hard to understand what they thought the alternative should be.”

According to Gingrich, Trump charted a middle course between what he characterized as the Obama-Biden strategy toward Iran and the prospect of a major ground war, while simultaneously preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“President Trump steered a course between the Barack Obama-Joe Biden appeasement model and strategy which would have required a huge ground invasion,” Gingrich wrote. “He used our technological strengths in airpower and intelligence capabilities to bludgeon the religious dictatorship into positions far distant from where they were under Obama and Biden.”

The former speaker also credited Trump with building international support for a more stable regional order, saying numerous countries have aligned with Washington’s efforts to counter Iranian aggression and reduce tensions in the Middle East.

“President Trump has been managing a broad coalition which is committed to a more stable Middle East and is prepared to work together despite Iranian attacks,” Gingrich wrote.

Since Gingrich published his remarks, reports have indicated that Trump formally signed an agreement with Iran intended to end the conflict and create a pathway toward a broader peace arrangement. Under the framework, Iran pledged not to pursue nuclear weapons, while the United States agreed to seek sanctions relief and support economic development initiatives during the next phase of negotiations.

{Matzav.com}

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is celebrating the recent U.S.-Iran agreement as a major triumph for Tehran, claiming that Iran used threats and ultimatums to force President Donald Trump to accept its demands and pressure Israel to halt military operations in Beirut’s Dahieh district.

In a rare interview with Iranian state television overnight, Ghalibaf offered an unusually detailed account of the negotiations, portraying the agreement as evidence that Tehran successfully dictated terms to Washington.

“Lebanon is part of the resistance front, so it is natural that when a ceasefire is established, it must apply to all fronts—especially Lebanon,” Ghalibaf said. He added that Iran entered the talks with clear demands, including an end to fighting across all theaters and the lifting of sanctions.

According to Ghalibaf, Tehran relied on direct threats to compel the United States to comply.

“When Israel attacked Dahieh, we threatened the United States and issued an ultimatum: Our demands must be accepted, otherwise we will respond,” he said. “Trump was forced to publish a tweet and tell Netanyahu that he had to stop the fire and not attack Dahieh.”

He further claimed that when Dahieh was targeted again, Iran launched what he called Operation “Nesr” to demonstrate its resolve.

“That is when the enemy understood that when we speak about negotiations, our sword is also ready at the same time,” he said.

Ghalibaf also recounted what he described as a pivotal moment in the negotiations that occurred while Iran was engaged in talks with international mediators this past Sunday.

“Then the Dahieh incident occurred. In the middle of the negotiations, I immediately tweeted that we would certainly respond to the attack in Dahieh,” he said. “After that, the atmosphere of the negotiations changed completely.”

The Iranian official said Tehran made it clear that retaliation was non-negotiable.

“They said: Do not respond. But we said: We will certainly respond, and if you respond, we will expand the scope of our response. This is exactly the culture of negotiation as struggle,” he explained.

Celebrating the outcome of the talks, Ghalibaf argued that Iran achieved far more through diplomacy than it could have through military action.

“Everything we wanted to achieve through military action, we achieved many times over through negotiations,” he claimed. “I am a fighter, not a diplomat, but I manage diplomacy with the spirit of a fighter.”

Turning to the agreement itself, Ghalibaf described the deal as “a certificate of America’s failure.” He noted that under the original understandings, the lifting of the blockade was expected to occur within 30 days, but Trump announced it would be removed immediately.

“And in practice, that is exactly what happened,” Ghalibaf said.

He concluded by warning that Iran remains prepared to abandon the agreement and escalate tensions if Washington fails to uphold its commitments.

“If the enemy does not understand the language of logic, we will deal with it in the language of force—the finger is on the trigger,” Ghalibaf warned. “If the United States does not fulfill its obligation, Iran will not fulfill its obligation either.”

{Matzav.com}

A rare reunion of American political leaders is expected to take place this week as Presidents Biden, Clinton, and Bush are reportedly planning to attend the opening celebration of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

According to a report published Wednesday by the Chicago Sun-Times, all three presidents are expected to join President Barack Obama for the landmark event. The newspaper cited a source familiar with the plans for the ceremony.

The gathering is also expected to include several former first ladies. The report said Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Jill Biden will be among those attending the festivities.

The Obama Presidential Center is scheduled to officially open on Thursday. Organizers have planned a major celebration featuring performances by a number of acclaimed entertainers and artists.

Valerie Jarrett, chief executive of the Obama Foundation, said the opening ceremony is being designed as a unique and uplifting experience that goes beyond a traditional ribbon-cutting event.

“will be unlike any other — filled with music, performances, and hope.”

Jarrett said the program is intended to celebrate the center’s mission while encouraging people to believe they can make a difference in their own communities.

“The Grand Opening Ceremony will reflect a spirit of inspiration and joy, with a big boost from the performers who are sharing their talent with us. We hope to inspire people everywhere to believe in their power to bring change home.”

A growing number of prominent Republicans are openly rebelling against President Donald Trump’s newly unveiled memorandum of understanding with Iran, with critics warning that the agreement hands Tehran sweeping concessions while demanding little in return.

Among the most vocal opponents is Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who on Wednesday blasted the framework and suggested that the president is being poorly advised on the negotiations.

“History teaches that giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is not a good idea. I think the president is receiving some very poor advice on this deal,” Cruz told The Hill.

Cruz’s criticism intensified after the administration released the full text of the interim agreement. The document outlines a path toward removing restrictions on Iranian oil exports and includes plans for Iran to gain access to a $300 billion reconstruction fund intended to support rebuilding efforts following the war.

The Texas senator is not alone in his opposition. Other Republicans have also sharply condemned the agreement, arguing that it rewards Tehran despite years of hostility and aggression.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) joined the criticism on Wednesday, denouncing the proposal and calling it the “worst foreign policy blunder in decades.”

In a social media post attacking the framework, Cassidy wrote, “Reagan is rolling over in his grave. Iran’s nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works and will undoubtedly leverage it in the future. Now, Iran gets to build brand-new infrastructure under this deal.”

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley also voiced strong objections, arguing that the agreement effectively finances the reconstruction of facilities and infrastructure damaged during the conflict.

“Hitting Iran’s nuclear and missile sites was the right move. This regime chants death to America, murders our troops, and attempts to assassinate Americans on US soil. They believe they have an obligation to destroy us,” Haley wrote in a post on social media.

“Now, we plan to unlock billions of dollars and lift sanctions, with the promise of even more money. They will use that money the way they always do- to further their nuclear ambitions and on terrorist proxies against us. It’s a huge mistake to pay to rebuild the threat we just destroyed,” she added.

The criticism began even before the complete text of the agreement became public. On Tuesday, former Vice President Mike Pence sharply questioned the wisdom of the arrangement.

Speaking with CNN, Pence argued that the memorandum of understanding “smells of appeasement” and said it offers extensive benefits to the Iranian regime without requiring significant concessions in exchange.

As details of the agreement continue to emerge, the administration is facing increasing pressure from within its own party, with critics warning that the deal could strengthen one of America’s longtime adversaries while weakening U.S. leverage in the region.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who had previously voiced concerns about the Trump administration’s agreement with Iran, announced Wednesday that he now supports the memorandum of understanding, citing a lengthy conversation with President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.

Graham said his position changed after what he described as an extensive and constructive discussion regarding the goals and potential benefits of the agreement.

“After this discussion, it is my opinion that signing the MOU will be beneficial to the United States, in as much as the Strait of Hormuz will begin to open, and the hostilities with Iran will stop,” Graham, who had previously expressed skepticism about the agreement, wrote on social media.

While acknowledging that major questions remain regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and future negotiations, Graham argued that pursuing diplomacy carries little risk.

“Whether or not the United States can reach an acceptable, verifiable deal with Iran regarding its nuclear program and other issues is yet to be determined, but I see little downside to trying,” he continued.

The South Carolina senator also emphasized the broader economic and geopolitical benefits that could result from easing tensions in the region.

“The economic stability that comes from opening up the Strait and the cessation of hostilities could create a pathway to peace well beyond the Iranian conflict.”

Graham said that a larger objective remains expanding regional normalization efforts between Israel and its Arab neighbors, particularly Saudi Arabia.

“The expansion of the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel is President Trump’s and my ultimate goal. I think that is best achieved by creating economic stability for the United States, the region and the world, as well as the cessation of hostilities. The signing of the MOU is an essential step to make that happen and thus it is worthwhile,” concluded Graham.

His endorsement came as the United States and Iran formally put the agreement into effect. According to Axios, both governments electronically signed the memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, making it officially operational.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed that the signing process was underway and nearing completion.

“Right now, as I’m speaking with you, the text of the Islamabad memorandum has probably reached the presidents of Iran and the United States for signature.”

Baghaei said both sides agreed to execute the accord electronically and suggested that doing so would strengthen compliance with the agreement.

“It has been agreed that the Iran-US memorandum will be signed digitally. Once the memorandum reaches the presidents of both countries for signature, any violation of it will carry a higher cost.”

He also revealed that earlier plans for a formal signing ceremony in Europe had been scrapped because of the decision to finalize the document electronically.

According to Baghaei, negotiators had considered holding an in-person ceremony in either Geneva or Brussels, but the digital signing process eliminated the need for a public event in Switzerland.

{Matzav.com}

A unique and educational Torah event will take place this evening, Thursday, June 18, when the Agudath Israel of America Torah Projects Commission presents a special shiur featuring Rav Amitai Ben-David, acclaimed author of Sichas Chulin and a renowned expert in the practical and halachic aspects of shechitah.

The program will begin at 8:45 p.m. at Bais Medrash Lutzk (Simcha Hall), located at 520 New Egypt Road in Lakewood, New Jersey, and is expected to attract Daf Yomi participants, bnei Torah, rabbanim, and members of the broader community seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating and practical areas of halachah.

What makes this event especially noteworthy is that the shiur will feature a live shechitah and treifos demonstration, offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness firsthand many of the concepts discussed in Maseches Chulin and related areas of Torah study. Through practical examples and real-life illustrations, participants will gain a clearer appreciation of the intricate halachos governing kosher slaughter and the examination of animals.

Organizers explain that the program is designed not only for Daf Yomi learners studying or reviewing the sugyos of Chulin, but also for anyone interested in understanding the halachic foundations behind the kosher food that appears on Jewish tables every day.

Rav Amitai Ben-David has earned widespread recognition for his ability to present complex halachic subjects in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner. His sefer, Sichas Chulin, has become a highly regarded resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of shechitah and treifos.

The shiur, as mentioned, will take place this evening at Bais Medrash Lutzk (Simcha Hall), 520 New Egypt Road in Lakewood, beginning at 8:45 p.m.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Nir Ben Artzi delivered a sharp critique of recent chareidi demonstrations that have involved blocking major roads, arguing that such tactics are inappropriate and undermine the honor of Torah and Judaism.

Addressing the protests, Rav Ben Artzi, a mekubal, head of the Tlamim community in southern Israel, and the head of the Tair Neri organization, said that chareidim should not engage in demonstrations that disrupt traffic and inconvenience the public.

“It is forbidden for chareidim to hold protests like these and block roads. This is not honoring Hashem,” he said.

According to Rav Ben Artzi, road closures and disruptions harm innocent people and run contrary to the values of derech eretz and consideration for others.

“There is a proper way to act,” he said. “Stopping traffic and holding people up is already hatred and wrongdoing. It is not derech eretz. It is not honorable. It is not kavod Hashem.”

He pointed to the hardships caused by lengthy traffic disruptions, noting that motorists may be delayed for hours while trying to get to work, care for family members, or attend to urgent personal needs.

“You cannot hold demonstrations, close roads, and leave people waiting on the highway for 10 hours,” he said. “A woman may need a restroom. There are pregnancies. There is work. There are children waiting at home. There is livelihood. What are you doing?”

Rav Ben Artzi further argued that many participants are simply following instructions without fully understanding the consequences of their actions.

“Ninety percent of the protesters are demonstrating only because they were told to demonstrate,” he claimed. “That is forbidden. It is a very serious sin. Derech eretz kadmah laTorah, and ‘Ve’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha’—that is the entire Torah.”

Instead of street protests, he urged opponents of government policies to channel their efforts into prayer.

“Want to hold a demonstration? Don’t close roads. Go to the desert. Go and daven,” he said.

Rav Ben Artzi emphasized that the true strength of the Jewish people lies not in physical confrontation but in prayer, Torah study, and the recitation of Tehillim.

“The power of the Jewish people is in the mouth—prayer, Torah, and Tehillim,” he said. “That is an infinite power.”

He suggested organizing massive tefillah gatherings at locations throughout Israel, including the Negev and the Galilee, where tens or even hundreds of thousands of chareidim could beseech Hashem for help.

“‘Ribbono Shel Olam, save us, help us.’ That is worth 100 billion demonstrations,” he said. “It would shake Heaven and earth.”

Rav Ben Artzi also expressed frustration with what he described as a reliance on physical activism rather than spiritual means, saying that unity and prayer are the proper response to challenges facing the community.

“The power of Am Yisroel is prayer, not physical force,” he said. “Unity and peace.”

In addition, he claimed that many leading rabbanim and admorim are not receiving accurate information about events unfolding in Israel, asserting that aides and advisors often present them with distorted accounts.

“All your admorim are being lied to,” he said. “The people around them tell them stories that are not true, and they believe them.”

Rav Ben Artzi concluded by encouraging the public to listen directly to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and members of the right-wing government rather than relying on intermediaries.

“Believe only the right-wing government and Binyamin Netanyahu,” he said. “Listen to him directly. He will tell you the truth.”