Matzav

A newly uncovered internal campaign memo reveals that Joe Biden’s advisors pushed him to commit to an early debate with Donald Trump in hopes of securing a broader audience ahead of the crowded summer season.

The confidential six-page strategy paper, dated April 15, 2024—just over two months before Biden’s ill-fated debate showing—oddly features bolded and capitalized references to the 46th president throughout the text.

“By holding the first debate in the spring, YOU will be able to reach the widest audience possible, before we are deep in the summer months with the conventions, Olympics, and family vacations taking precedence,” the memo stated, according to Politico.

The strategy laid out in the document aimed to place Biden side-by-side with Trump early, hoping the contrast would benefit the sitting president.

“In addition, the earlier YOU are able to debate the better, so that the American people can see YOU standing next to Trump and showing the strength of YOUR leadership, compared to Trump’s weakness and chaos,” it added.

The internal memo is cited in the new political book 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, authored by Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf.

Just prior to the memo’s circulation, Trump’s camp issued a public challenge to Biden, urging him to step onto the debate stage ahead of the traditional fall schedule, declaring he would debate “anytime, anywhere, anyplace.”

“Your senior advisors, including Ron [Klain, former White House chief of staff] and Cedric [Richmond, then campaign co-chair], continue to believe it is important to move forward with a plan that supports your participation in debates as early as possible,” the memo also emphasized.

The document warned against waiting until late in the campaign season, arguing that by then, many voters in key swing states would have already submitted mail-in ballots or missed registration deadlines.

“YOUR Senior Advisors think strategically holding these debates in the fall, after many of the battleground states have already begun their early voting process and voter registration deadlines have passed is too late,” the memo stated, pointing to states like Wisconsin and North Carolina.

The plan outlined in the memo proposed hosting a debate prior to the Democratic National Convention in August, and a follow-up after Labor Day. The idea was to reassess the campaign’s direction after the first showdown.

Biden’s team homed in on June 26 or 27 for the first debate, aligning the date with his travel schedule and notable events such as the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

One month after the memo’s drafting, Biden officially issued a challenge to Trump to meet him onstage, a proposition the Trump campaign immediately accepted.

The candidates agreed on two debate dates: the first on June 27, the second scheduled for September 10.

That second debate never took place. Biden’s disastrous first performance triggered panic within the Democratic Party, and mounting pressure ultimately forced him to end his re-election campaign on July 21.

{Matzav.com}

The chareidi factions in the Knesset issued a strong warning Monday morning, signaling they may intensify their protest and halt support for coalition-backed legislation unless serious movement is made on the long-stalled Draft Law.

As reported by Kan Reshet Bet, the main form of pressure being considered by the chareidi lawmakers is to withhold cooperation on legislative matters, including bills introduced by the government itself.

Despite the standoff, United Torah Judaism representatives are facing a key decision Monday: whether to back the appointment of their own member, MK Yisroel Eichler, as Minister of Construction and Housing.

While insiders anticipate that UTJ members will ultimately cast their votes in favor of Eichler’s appointment so he can take up the ministerial role, the final word will come only after the party convenes internally.

Officials within both Shas and United Torah Judaism have said they expect MK Yuli Edelstein, who heads the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, to bring the Draft Law forward. They remain hopeful that there will be sufficient time to pass it before the Knesset wraps up its summer session in three weeks.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Dear Matzav Inbox,

R’ Binyomin Kubani is sitting in jail.

Yes, still. After being arrested on a baseless charge, with video footage that clears him, after public outcry and protests, after headlines and meetings and “connections being called”—a kollel yungerman, a father, who did absolutely nothing wrong, is still behind bars.

And what have our “askanim” accomplished?

Nothing.

I’m not saying they didn’t try. They may have stayed up all night. They may have devoted every second. But they were not effective.

What have our “elected officials,” the ones we proudly parade around, the ones who send us polished statements and take pictures — what have they done?

Nothing.

Let’s say it clearly: this story rips off the illusion we’ve built for ourselves and throws us face-first into the harsh, undeniable truth: We are in golus. Real, unvarnished, spine-chilling golus. The kind we read about in books and say we can’t relate to. Well, guess what? It’s here. Now. And it’s not a chapter in Jewish history. It’s the front page of today’s news.

We don’t belong here.

We are living in a country that tolerates us, not one that truly accepts us. We built communities, we followed the law, we worked hard, we sent lobbyists, we learned how to smile and play the game—but deep down, we’re still the Jew with the yarmulka, still the outsider, still the one who can be accused and arrested without a shred of evidence while everyone else “lets the process play out.”

What process?

A video clears him. Common sense clears him. Human decency clears him. And yet, he sits.

Because we’re in golus.

And our “askanim”? Our “power brokers”? Let’s be honest. It’s a nice title. It looks good on WhatsApp statuses. But when it came time to actually wield influence, they folded like paper. All the connections, all the dinners, all the handshakes…they amount to nothing when a Jew is thrown into a cage and we can’t get him out.

We’re not as powerful as we thought we were. In fact, we’re powerless.

And our elected officials? They like us when we fill their campaign coffers. They love us when we deliver votes in key districts. But when the mob turns on a Jew, when the winds shift, they vanish. Powerless.

The joke’s on us.

We convinced ourselves that we were comfortable in golus. We learned to love it here. We mistook tolerance for permanence. We thought we could live like everyone else. But moments like these rip off the mask and remind us that we’re still in the hands of a system that was never built to protect us.

We’re not home.

And if this isn’t a wake-up call, I don’t know what is. A yungerman sits in a jail cell, stripped of his dignity, his freedom, his basic rights. And we? We’re left grasping for answers, scrambling for someone—anyone—to step up and do what’s right.

But there’s no one to rely on. Ein lanu al mi lehisha’ein ela al Avinu shebashamayim. And maybe that’s the point. Maybe Hashem is showing us, again, that it’s time to open our eyes. Time to remember where we are. Time to realize we’ve been lulled into a false sense of security.

This isn’t just about R’ Binyomin Kubani.

This is about a nation that forgot it was in golus.

Let us be shaken. Let us be furious. Let us cry out—not just for him, but for ourselves. Because until we remember where we truly are, we won’t begin to daven for where we need to be.

A Yid in Golus

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{Matzav.com}

Zohran Mamdani, the Muslim socialist candidate in New York City’s mayoral race, has drawn renewed scrutiny after disturbing past comments made by his father resurfaced—statements linking Abraham Lincoln to Adolf Hitler and equating Allied actions in World War II to those of the Nazis. The controversy has intensified amid Mamdani’s own history of promoting far-left positions.

At a 2022 panel event hosted by the Asia Society, Mamdani’s father, Mahmood Mamdani—a professor at Columbia University—made the startling assertion that the United States pioneered global settler-colonialism and that Abraham Lincoln’s Civil War policies provided the Nazis with a model for genocide.

“With the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln generalized the solution of reservations, they herded American Indians into separate territories,” said Mamdani. “For the Nazis, this was the inspiration – Hitler realized two things: one, that genocide is doable. It is possible to do genocide, that’s what Hitler realized. Second thing Hitler realized, is that you don’t have to have a common citizenship.”

Professor Mamdani, who holds the Herbert Lehman chair in government at Columbia, went on to claim that Germany’s infamous Nuremberg Laws—widely recognized as a cornerstone of Nazi racial policy—were inspired by American legal precedents.

He also argued that there is no meaningful distinction between nationalism and colonialism and claimed that the postwar efforts by Allied forces mirrored Nazi ideals.

“The Nazi political project was shared by the Allies, and that political project was to turn Germany into a ‘pure’ nation. A ‘pure’ nation rid of its minorities,” Mamdani declared.

“When the Allies defeated the Nazis and went into Eastern Europe, they began to create ‘pure’ nations. To ethnically cleanse Eastern Europe of Germans – move them back into Germany. One crime doesn’t wipe out another.”

As Mamdani’s political profile grows following a surprising performance in New York’s Democratic mayoral primary, his own controversial statements—alongside those of his father—are being scrutinized more closely.

One video from a 2021 Young Democratic Socialists of America event captured Mamdani telling attendees that they should never compromise on revolutionary objectives, stating explicitly the need to “seiz[e] the means of production.”

Another video, produced by The Gravel Institute, features Mamdani advocating for a complete overhaul of the housing market. In his view, residential real estate should no longer be private property but a collective good. “If we want to end the housing crisis, the solution has to be moving toward the full de-commodification of housing,” Mamdani said in the video, calling for a system with shared amenities like co-op kitchens and communal laundromats.

Critics argue that the views expressed by his father reflect the ideological environment in which Mamdani was raised, potentially shaping his approach to governance. A New York Times profile described Mamdani’s upbringing as one enriched by political discourse, thanks in part to his father’s academic influence and his mother’s work as an Oscar-nominated filmmaker.

In another interview promoting his book Good Muslim, Bad Muslim: America, the Cold War, and the Roots of Terror, Professor Mamdani minimized the distinction between suicide bombers and traditional military personnel. He claimed that “suicide bomber” is a misleading term and equated such attackers to “soldier[s] whose objective is to kill.”

Perhaps most provocatively, the elder Mamdani has reportedly described the State of Israel as “the logical conclusion of Nazism,” according to academic material cited by the Washington Free Beacon.

{Matzav.com}

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has raised alarms about what he describes as a potential apocalyptic scenario: a joint military offensive launched by China and Russia that could ignite World War III. Rutte outlined a chilling vision in which Chinese leader Xi Jinping targets Taiwan while Russian President Vladimir Putin simultaneously initiates an attack on NATO territory in Europe—an escalation that, according to Rutte, could bring the world to the brink of annihilation.

Rutte warned that China might move on Taiwan, but not without coordinating with the Kremlin. He suggested that Putin could exploit the chaos by striking vulnerable NATO members, especially the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—former Soviet republics that have long feared renewed aggression from Moscow.

He emphasized that Putin is currently engaged in efforts to undermine European stability, all while carefully observing how the West and its partners react to his provocations.

Speaking with The New York Times, Rutte explained the dire need for NATO countries to drastically ramp up their military spending and preparedness to prevent what he characterized as an ultimate showdown between good and evil. “Let’s not be naïve about this,” he cautioned, adding: “If Xi Jinping would attack Taiwan, he would first make sure that he makes a call to his very junior partner in all of this, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, residing in Moscow, and telling him, ‘Hey, I’m going to do this, and I need you to to keep them busy in Europe by attacking NATO territory. That is most likely the way this will progress, and to deter them, we need to do two things.”

Rutte, who previously served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, stated that the West must immediately bolster its defense posture by meeting two critical goals: “One is that NATO, collectively, being so strong that the Russians will never do this.

“And second, working together with the Indo-Pacific – something President [Donald] Trump is very much promoting, because we have this close interconnectedness, working together on defence industry, innovation between NATO and the Indo-Pacific.”

He also stressed that Russia is accelerating its military build-up and warned that democratic nations must act swiftly to keep pace with Putin’s growing arsenal. “We have an enormous geopolitical challenge on our hands,” he admitted.

Dmitry Medvedev, a senior figure in Putin’s security circle and Russia’s former president, derided Rutte’s prediction in a post on X, writing: “Rutte has clearly gorged on too many of the magic mushrooms beloved by the Dutch.”

Rutte’s grim outlook comes as Russia continues to intensify its military assault on Ukraine. Just days ago, Putin reportedly told President Trump in a phone call that he had no intention of ending the war or relinquishing any seized territory.

“We had a call. It was a pretty long call and we talked about a lot of things, including Iran and we also talked about, you know, the war with Ukraine,” Trump said to reporters while speaking from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, according to UPI.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

Handwritten and autographed letter by the Ksav Sofer, Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer, Av Beis Din and Rosh Yeshiva of Pressburg, the eldest son and successor of the illustrious Chasam Sofer.

A shocking incident rocked the Zvhill Yeshiva in Yerushalayim’s Beis Yisroel neighborhood this week, as dozens of yeshiva bochurim who had been expelled stormed the building in protest, vandalizing the premises and causing damage estimated at over 100,000 shekel.

The dramatic episode unfolded after the sudden and unexpected closure of the yeshiva, leaving nearly 70 talmidim without any alternative learning framework.

The expulsion came after sweeping changes initiated by a newly appointed member of the yeshiva’s hanhalah, who had sought to transform Zvhill into a top-tier Chassidishe yeshiva. As part of that plan, the staff was replaced and a new direction was taken. Then, the talmidim were told that the yeshiva would shut down by the end of the zeman, and that no assistance would be provided in helping them find new yeshivos. “Everyone should fend for themselves,” they were told.

In a symbolic and provocative act of protest, the expelled bochurim staged what they described as a “funeral” for the yeshiva. Inside the beis medrash, they constructed a bier from benches, placed a “body” draped in a tallis on top, and labeled it with a sign reading, “Zvhill Yeshiva HY”D.” One of the bochurim, dressed in mourning garb, delivered a mock hesped.

Desperate appeals were made by distraught parents and shocked bochurim, who pointed out that yeshiva registration had long closed in most places for the upcoming zeman, and that they had been left with no place to go. The education official who orchestrated the closure reportedly reiterated that he would not assist any bochur in securing a new yeshiva.

In the weeks prior, rumors spread that the yeshiva would reopen under a new name—Yeshivas Beis Mordechai—and become a klal chassidishe yeshiva, no longer carrying the Zvhill name. Reports also surfaced of arrangements being made with other chassidic groups like Nadvorna and Skulen in Yerushalayim, as well as Yeshivas Meor Einayim of Rachmastrivka, to send their talmidim to this new institution. The revamped yeshiva would reportedly accept only select talmidim and be under the exclusive direction of the same educational figure.

This method—closing a yeshiva, reopening it under new terms, and enforcing stricter takanos—is not unusual in the chassidishe yeshiva world.

But events came to a head this past week, when the remaining talmidim were abruptly informed in the middle of the day that the yeshiva was being closed immediately and that they had to pack their belongings and leave. Some left quietly. Others erupted in anger.

What followed was a riot. Enraged students vandalized the building, destroying property and creating chaos. Security guards, some visibly armed, were called in to subdue the crowd. The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical altercation.

Amid the pandemonium, the Rebbe of Zvhill, who had left the building just an hour earlier, returned. Witnesses say he walked into the beis medrash, shouted “Get out of here, you chutzpahdike boys!” and watched with visible anguish as the rioting talmidim fled in disarray.

Despite their anger, the expelled talmidim insist they will not switch allegiances to the rival Zvhill yeshiva run by the Rebbe’s uncle. “We remain loyal to our roots,” one said. “We won’t go to the other Zvhill yeshiva. We are separating between the chassidus and the yeshiva.”

Originally, the hanhalah had planned to offer the expelled bochurim a temporary placement in the Zvhill beis medrash in Beitar Illit until Av. However, following the outburst and destruction caused during the protest, that plan was rescinded.

Some talmidim tried to continue learning on their own in the beis medrash, without the presence of the yeshiva staff. But they were interrupted when the yeshiva’s building manager shut off the lights and air conditioning. Acting on what he described as a direct order from the Rebbe, he barred all of them from entering any Zvhill batei medrash in Israel.

The talmid concluded with pain in his voice: “Dozens of us are now out on the street. Even worse, some boys have started talking about enlisting in the army as a form of revenge against the hanhalah that tossed them aside without taking responsibility.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., tells ‘The Big Weekend Show’ how dangerous she believes Democratic NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani would be for the city.

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A proposed agreement by Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter is sparking controversy and concern across Israel, as it could lead to an unprecedented rise in the prices of basic food items like bread and fruit. At the heart of the issue is a plan requiring Israel to shift from importing cheaper European wheat to significantly more expensive American wheat, a move critics warn will burden consumers and disproportionately hurt low-income families.

The backdrop to this controversy is ongoing tariff negotiations between Israel and the United States. President Donald Trump has demanded that Israel eliminate import duties on American fruits and vegetables. In exchange, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Israeli products if his request is denied. Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Finance Ministry have reportedly signaled agreement, a shift that could have led to lower prices for staples like tomatoes, apples, almonds, and peaches through increased U.S. imports.

However, Agriculture Minister Dichter has taken a markedly different approach, engaging in separate negotiations with U.S. officials. Under Dichter’s plan, Israel would maintain tariffs on sensitive agricultural goods and, in return, commit to sourcing 30% of its wheat imports from the United States.

This plan could hit Israeli consumers with a double financial blow.

Currently, Israel imports mostly European wheat, which is more affordable. Switching to U.S. wheat, as Dichter proposes, would drive up the cost of all bread products—including those under price controls. While the Finance Ministry opposes the proposal on grounds that it will inflate wheat prices, the Agriculture Ministry estimates the increase at a mere 10%.

Beyond bread, the refusal to eliminate tariffs on fruits and vegetables means that prices for these items would remain high—or possibly rise further if the U.S. retaliates with tariffs on Israeli exports.

Critics also point to what they call the “myth of food security.” Despite rhetoric suggesting Israel must protect local wheat production for national resilience, the reality is that more than 90% of Israel’s wheat has always been imported. Locally grown wheat is expensive and inconsistent in quality, making it unsuitable for large-scale bread production.

Still, flour mills in Israel are legally required to purchase one kilogram of Israeli wheat for every ten kilograms of imported wheat, even when there is no practical need for it. This regulation raises bread prices and disproportionately affects the country’s most vulnerable citizens.

Dichter’s new proposal would go a step further by mandating that imported wheat come specifically from the U.S., eliminating the cheaper European option altogether. The result, critics argue, would be an even steeper increase in wheat prices—under the guise of promoting “food security,” which they claim is simply a cover for shielding certain domestic producers from free-market competition.

The final decision now rests with Prime Minister Netanyahu, who must make a ruling by July 9, when negotiations with the U.S. are set to conclude. Will he accept Trump’s original proposal, which would lower food prices, or will he side with Dichter on a deal that may leave Israelis paying more for their fruits and bread?

Whatever the outcome, the decision will have a direct impact on the cost of living for every household in Israel.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Hamas’s internal security division, known as the “deterrence” unit, revealed that it carried out a wave of operations last week that culminated in the execution of 12 individuals. These individuals were accused of working with Israel and participating in various criminal acts.

In an official announcement, Hamas alleged that those executed were involved in providing intelligence to Israel, looting property, and committing violent robberies.

The organization reported that three of the men had been sentenced to death after being convicted of “serious security offenses that endangered the security and stability of society.”

According to the statement, the individuals were associated with the “Abu Marsib crime gang,” an outfit said to be active in Gaza’s central region.

“Our message is clear: there is no room for chaos in the Gaza Strip,” the group declared. “Punishment will continue on the ground as long as necessary. The campaign will persist until the last of the agents and criminals is eliminated.”

Although this security unit has operated for years, incidents involving Hamas’s aggressive purges of suspected collaborators have become more common since the start of the war in October 2023.

Despite the legal requirement that execution orders in Gaza be approved by Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas—who resides in Ramallah and placed a ban on executions years ago—Hamas has routinely ignored that process.

The organization no longer acknowledges Abbas’s authority and has previously insisted that capital punishment in Gaza can proceed without his endorsement.

Many of those put to death by Hamas have been accused of spying for Israel. In September 2022, Hamas executed two Palestinian Arabs found guilty of helping Israel by passing on information that led to the deaths of two individuals.

In May 2023, a military court in Gaza handed down death sentences to several Palestinian Arabs who were convicted of transmitting intelligence to Israel, with the punishments to be carried out by hanging or firing squad.

Later, in December of the same year, Hamas announced the arrest of several Palestinians who were allegedly working with Israel to gather intelligence in Gaza following the group’s October 7 massacre.

{Matzav.com}

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​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

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President Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday with a fiery message aimed squarely at Elon Musk, once seen as a powerful political ally. In the post, Trump expressed frustration over Musk’s recent behavior and his decision to form a new political movement in protest of the president’s latest legislative victory.

“I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely ‘off the rails,’ essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks,” Trump wrote Sunday afternoon.

The president continued his critique, referencing Musk’s new political group and blasting the broader idea of launching alternative parties in the U.S. political landscape.

“He even wants to start a Third Political Party, despite the fact that they have never succeeded in the United States – The System seems not designed for them,” he added. “The one thing Third Parties are good for is the creation of Complete and Total DISRUPTION & CHAOS, and we have enough of that with the Radical Left Democrats, who have lost their confidence and their minds!”

Before issuing his online statement, Trump fielded a question from the press regarding Musk’s newly announced “America Party” during a stop near Air Force One.

“I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party,” Trump said in response to a reporter’s question, adding later: “So he can have fun with it, but I think it’s ridiculous.”

The latest back-and-forth further illustrates the deteriorating relationship between the two influential figures. Musk had just announced his party yesterday, citing his strong opposition to a legislative package pushed by Trump and recently signed into law.

“By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!,” Musk wrote on X. “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”

Whether Musk will move forward with establishing the party remains unclear. But his announcement reignited tensions between the billionaire and the president, tensions that had only recently calmed after earlier disputes surrounding the same piece of legislation.

Trump has consistently claimed that Musk’s disapproval stems from the bill’s removal of subsidies for electric vehicles — a policy shift that directly impacts Musk’s businesses. He reiterated that point in his Truth Social post.

“It is a Great Bill but, unfortunately for Elon, it eliminates the ridiculous Electric Vehicle (EV) Mandate, which would have forced everyone to buy an Electric Car in a short period of time,” Trump wrote. “I have been strongly opposed to that from the very beginning.”

While the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act included tax credits for electric vehicle purchases, Trump’s newly signed legislation did away with those incentives — a change that has drawn significant attention from both political and industry leaders.

“I have campaigned on this for two years and, quite honestly, when Elon gave me his total and unquestioned Endorsement, I asked him whether or not he knew that I was going to terminate the EV Mandate – It was in every speech I made, and in every conversation I had,” Trump wrote on Sunday. “He said he had no problems with that – I was very surprised!”

In addition to founding the “America Party,” Musk has declared he will pour financial resources into campaigns aimed at unseating Republican lawmakers who supported the legislation. He also pledged to support Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who broke ranks with Trump by voting against the bill.

The tension between the two men has grown noticeably in recent months. Despite Musk’s vocal support for Trump during the last election cycle, disagreements over policy have repeatedly brought their relationship to the brink. After a temporary truce last month, their feud has reignited once more.

Some within the GOP are concerned about the fallout. With next year’s elections looming and the party’s House majority at risk, Musk’s third-party movement and threats to target fellow Republicans could pose a serious distraction.

“One of the most destructive behaviors that we’ve had in cycles where we’ve been unsuccessful in Senate races … are those in which we have expended massive resources in intraparty warfare,” one Republican consultant told The Hill, commenting on Musk’s emerging role in the primary landscape.

{Matzav.com}

Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., joins ‘Sunday Mornings Futures’ to give the latest on the investigation into former President Joe Biden’s health and autopen use as well as his subpoena of former Jill Biden aide Anthony Bernal.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday that negotiations for a potential agreement with Hamas were progressing and expressed optimism that a deal could be finalized within days, leading to the release of additional hostages.

Trump also noted that he intends to raise the topic of a long-term agreement concerning Iran during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. “We’re working on a lot of things with Israel. One of the things is probably a permanent deal with Iran. In other words, they have to give up all of the things that you know so well,” said Trump. He reiterated his view that the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure amounted to “a complete and total obliteration.”

When asked specifically about the possibility of reaching an arrangement with Hamas, the President responded with confidence. “I think we’re close to a deal on Gaza. We could have it this week. I think there’s a good chance we have a deal with Hamas during the coming week, pertaining to quite a few of the hostages.”

Trump emphasized that a significant number of hostages could be released under this upcoming deal. “You know, we’ve gotten a lot of the hostages out, but pertaining to the remaining hostages, quite a few of them will be coming out. We think we’ll have that done this week,” he reiterated.

Earlier on Sunday, before departing for Washington, Netanyahu shared his appreciation for the American leader’s ongoing support. “I will thank President Trump for his strong support of Israel. There has never been such a friend in the White House. This support led to a tremendous victory over our rival, Iran,” he said.

Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s unwavering stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions and highlighted the broader strategic opportunity in the region. “The commitment is to stand guard and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. There is an opportunity to broaden the circle of peace. There is an opportunity and an ability to bring a great future for the people of Israel and the Middle East,” he added.

Turning to the conflict in Gaza, the Prime Minister emphasized that Israel’s mission remains unchanged. “There are great achievements and missions that must be accomplished. We freed hostages. There are 20 living hostages and 30 deceased ones left. I am determined to return them all, and for Gaza not to be a threat to Israel.”

He continued by underscoring the importance of eliminating the terrorist threat. “We will not allow the encouragement of hostage taking and murder – that means the elimination of Hamas’s military capabilities. I am committed to all the objectives, and we will achieve them with our soldiers and the correct and bold decisions that we’ve made,” stated the Prime Minister.

Hamas, for its part, announced Friday night that it had responded affirmatively to the latest ceasefire and hostage release proposal, while requesting several “minor amendments.”

However, last night, Netanyahu’s office made clear that the requested revisions were not acceptable to Israel. “The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel.”

The Prime Minister’s office added that Netanyahu had made a decision based on a fresh assessment of the evolving situation. “In light of an assessment of the situation, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has directed that the invitation to proximity talks be accepted and that the contacts for the return of our hostages — on the basis of the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed to — be continued,” the statement added.

According to the statement, Israel’s negotiating team is scheduled to depart for Qatar on Sunday to continue the indirect negotiations.

{Matzav.com}

The Palestinian Authority has issued harsh condemnation of a group of sheikhs who have been quietly working with Israeli officials on a proposal aimed at forging peace and cooperation between Arabs and Israel.

The initiative, which has been kept out of the public eye until now, reportedly includes plans to create a “Hebron Emirate”—an autonomous Arab entity that would live peacefully beside Israel, formally recognize it as the Jewish state, and join the Abraham Accords. The proposal also includes a firm stance against terrorism from both Fatah and Hamas.

Yossi Dagan, the governor of Samaria, disclosed in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that this effort has been underway for over a decade. Dagan said he first met Sheikh Jabari and his father 13 years ago, describing the elder Jabari as a courageous figure and praising the current sheikh for following in his father’s footsteps.

“It is necessary to correct 32 years of terror and corruption of the Palestinian Authority since the Oslo Accords, of those terrorists who were brought here from Tunisia to be murderous and corrupt dictators over Arabs of Judea and Samaria, harming — more than Jews — first of all their own people. These sheikhs are brave and strong leaders, and they are a real answer for the well-being of their residents and an alternative to the path of terror of the Palestinian Authority,” Dagan declared.

The group of sheikhs involved in the plan seeks to establish a new industrial zone that would connect their communities with the Israeli economy. They’ve pledged to guarantee personally that no members of their tribes would take part in terrorist activity. The goal is to implement a governance structure inspired by the business-friendly model of the United Arab Emirates, offering a peaceful and productive alternative to what they describe as the terror-fueled governance of the Palestinian Authority.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The initial phase of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a possible ceasefire and the release of hostages concluded late Sunday night in Qatar without any concrete results, according to a Reuters report citing two Palestinian Arab insiders familiar with the talks.

According to these sources, Israel’s representatives lacked the necessary authority to commit to any binding deal with Hamas. “After the first session of indirect negotiations in Doha, the Israeli delegation is not sufficiently authorized and is not authorized to reach an agreement with Hamas, as it has no real powers”, the sources told Reuters.

The discussions followed an announcement by Hamas on Friday evening in which the group said it had responded favorably to the latest ceasefire framework. However, it also noted that it had proposed what it referred to as “minor amendments” to the terms.

Shortly after, on Saturday night, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear that these proposed adjustments would not be accepted. “The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel,” the statement said.

Nevertheless, Israel still chose to dispatch a delegation to Doha on Sunday to participate in the mediation efforts.

The negotiations also coincided with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s departure for Washington, where he is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump on Monday.

Before boarding his flight, Netanyahu addressed the press, reiterating that Israel would remain steadfast in its war aims. “There are great achievements and missions that must be accomplished. We freed hostages. There are 20 living hostages and 30 deceased ones left. I am determined to return them all, and for Gaza not to be a threat to Israel.”

He continued, emphasizing Israel’s uncompromising stance against Hamas. “We will not allow the encouragement of hostage taking and murder – that means the elimination of Hamas’s military capabilities. I am committed to all the objectives, and we will achieve them with our soldiers and the correct and bold decisions that we’ve made,” stated the Prime Minister.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Explosions shook the Hodeidah region in Yemen late Sunday evening, not long after the IDF issued a warning that the Israeli Air Force had launched strikes aimed at Houthi rebel targets in the area.

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz confirmed the military operation, stating, “As part of Operation ‘Black Flag,’ the IDF has now powerfully struck terrorist targets of the Houthi terror regime in the ports of Hodeidah, Al-Salif, and Ras Issa, the Ras Katib power station, and the ship Galaxy Leader which was hijacked by the Houthis about two years ago and is currently being used for terrorist activities in the Red Sea.”

Katz further warned of severe consequences for those who seek to harm Israel, saying, “As I warned: The fate of Yemen is the same as that of Tehran. Anyone who tries to harm Israel will be harmed, and anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have their hand cut off. The Houthis will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions.”

In a statement released shortly after the strikes, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit provided more details about the mission: “IAF fighter jets, guided by intelligence from the IDF Intelligence Directorate and the Israeli Navy, struck and destroyed terror infrastructure belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime. Among the targets were the ports of Al Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Salif.”

“These ports are used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer weapons from the Iranian regime, which are employed to carry out terrorist operations against the State of Israel and its allies,” the statement explained.

The IDF clarified the reason for the strike, noting it was a direct reaction to repeated attacks: “The strike was carried out in response to the repeated attacks by the Houthi terrorist regime against the State of Israel, its civilians, and civilian infrastructure, including the launching of UAVs and surface-to-surface missiles toward Israeli territory.”

According to the IDF, the Houthi rebels have been exploiting the sea for terrorist operations. “The Houthi terrorist regime exploits the maritime domain to project force and conduct terrorist activity against passing vessels and global maritime commerce. The targets struck demonstrate the regime’s systematic use of civilian infrastructure for terrorist purposes,” the statement read.

The military also singled out one particularly notable target: “Among the terror targets struck at the port of Ras Isa was the Galaxy Leader, a commercial vessel seized by the Houthi terrorist regime in November 2023. Houthi forces installed a radar system on the ship and have been using it to track vessels in the international maritime arena to facilitate further terrorist activities.”

The strikes also included a facility used by the Houthis to power their military efforts. “Additionally, the Ras Kanatib power plant, which served as a significant electricity supply facility for the Houthi regime’s military operations, was struck. This is another example of how the Houthi regime uses civilian infrastructure.”

Highlighting the broader threat, the IDF underscored Iran’s backing of the Houthis. “The Houthi terrorist regime serves as a central proxy of the Iranian regime and receives funding and weaponry for its operations. It is a partner in Iran’s global terrorist activity. The IDF is determined to continue operating decisively against any threat to the citizens of the State of Israel, wherever required,” the statement concluded.

Before the strikes, IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee had issued a warning urging people to vacate the targeted areas. “An urgent warning to those present in the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa, and Al-Salif, and to those in the Hodeidah-Ras Al-Khatib power station, which are under the control of the Houthi terror regime.”

He stressed the importance of taking immediate action to avoid harm: “In the near future, the IDF will carry out strikes in these areas due to military activities taking place there. For your safety, we call on all those present in the designated areas, as well as vessels anchored nearby, to evacuate immediately. Remaining in these areas puts you in danger,” Adraee emphasized.

Earlier Sunday morning, at approximately 2:50 a.m., the IDF announced that a missile had been launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory, prompting air defense systems to engage and attempt an interception.

Just moments after that report, warning sirens were heard in the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea region.

The military confirmed that the incoming missile had been successfully intercepted. Magen David Adom reported that there were no injuries or damages related to the incident.

Again on Tuesday evening, another missile launch from Yemen was detected by Israeli defense forces. Air defense systems acted quickly and neutralized the threat. As a precautionary measure, Israeli airspace was temporarily shut down to flights.

Magen David Adom once more reported no casualties as a result of the incident.

Later, a statement was released by the Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, claiming responsibility for the attack and revealing their targets. “We launched a ballistic missile of the ‘Palestine 2’ type toward Ben Gurion Airport and three additional drones toward sensitive Israeli targets in the areas of Jaffa, Ashkelon, and Eilat,” claimed Saree.

{Matzav.com Israel}

As Guatemalan authorities continue the dismantling of the radical Lev Tahor cult, it has emerged that ten families—comprising approximately 20 children under the age of 18—have already arrived in Israel. While the children are currently under partial care, primarily with one of their biological parents, Israeli officials acknowledge that a full and coordinated response is still lacking.

The Israeli Health Ministry noted that the returning families harbor deep mistrust toward government institutions, which is complicating efforts to provide comprehensive care.

On Sunday, the Knesset’s Aliyah, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs Committee convened its 22nd follow-up meeting, including both open and closed sessions, to discuss Israel’s efforts to extract children from the Lev Tahor cult in Guatemala.

In recent months, Israel has been working with Guatemalan authorities to dismantle the cult. Many of its members have since fled to the United States and Canada, but, as it turns out, a significant number have also made their way to Israel.

Dr. Tamar Rozmarin Ze’ev of the Prime Minister’s Office explained, “We are operating on two fronts…efforts to bring back the minors, and support for those already in Israel and their families. A formal agreement has been signed between the Foreign Ministry and the Jewish Agency to return the children from the cult to Israel. The Welfare Ministry is responsible for overseeing the absorption of the survivors. We are monitoring the services being provided across various government offices, and working to create a full support framework together with all relevant ministries. These services are defined under the legal classification of ‘cult survivors.’”

Ilan Avitan, head of the Welfare Ministry’s unit for children harmed by the Lev Tahor cult, said, “We’ve made significant progress. We’ve assembled a task force that includes representatives from every relevant government agency. Every issue we address requires thorough preparation. At this point, we’ve made contact with all the families currently in Israel. There is one family that has been less cooperative, but they are in contact with their local municipality. We’re drilling down into each family’s specific needs to identify the most suitable framework for every survivor who arrives in the country. All children who have returned are currently with one of their biological parents. As mentioned, ten families, including around 20 children under the age of 18, are already in the country, and all are living with a biological parent.”

Dr. Yuval Reva from the Health Ministry added, “There’s a clear distrust of the system among these families. We’ve created a support structure around them, and we’re working closely with the health funds to share relevant information about the children. Four hospitals are on standby for acute admissions if needed. In the meantime, the children are receiving supportive medical services like dental care. However, the families are still refusing to allow the children to undergo mental health treatment.”

Orit Cohen Amir, representing the families, voiced a pressing concern: “Until now, the Israeli government has not issued any formal document for the families still in Guatemala. We need to actively communicate to the children and families in Guatemala the support they’ll receive once they arrive in Israel. There are competing efforts by various groups to bring them to other countries. There must be a clear and pre-defined system to ensure their rights are upheld, so they don’t end up elsewhere.”

Committee Chairman MK Gilad Kariv concluded the meeting by noting, “It feels like the work with these families is very fragmented at the moment. In terms of an overall strategy, each family needs one point person who is responsible for helping them navigate the bureaucracy and access their rights across government ministries. The next wave of children arriving in Israel will present even greater challenges, as they may not have biological parents in the picture. I’m pleased to see that families are receiving an absorption package from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, but unfortunately, I don’t see sufficient financial support from the rest of the government.”

{Matzav.com Israel}