Matzav

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisroel Katz declared early Friday that Israel had carried out an airstrike near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus.

“This is a clear message to the Syrian regime. We will not permit Syrian troops to move south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community,” they said together in a statement released to the public.

Shortly after, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit confirmed the operation, stating, “A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck adjacent to the area of the Palace of Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa in Damascus.”

The timing of the strike came shortly after a series of fierce protests broke out in northern Israel, led by members of the Druze community outraged over reported assaults against their fellow Druze in Syria by the forces of President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The demonstrations paralyzed several major thoroughfares, including Highway 6 at the Eliakim interchange and the Kabri and Amiad junctions. Protesters lit tires on fire and created significant traffic delays. Eventually, some demonstrators marched toward Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea.

At the same time, a group of Druze reservists sent an urgent appeal to Netanyahu, titled: “Immediate IDF intervention to stop the massacre against the Druze community in Syria.”

In the letter, the reservists stated: “Hundreds of Druze fighters are ready to immediately volunteer and fight alongside our brothers to save them, even at the cost of taking responsibility for ourselves, including all the risks involved to our safety and lives.”

Prior to the strike, Defense Minister Katz had issued a stern caution to the Syrian government. “I reiterate my warning to the head of the Syrian regime, Julani – if the attacks on the Druze in Syria do not stop, we will respond with great severity.” Katz further noted that Israel remains “committed to their protection and is closely monitoring the situation.”

On a diplomatic front, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar weighed in during a gathering with international diplomats at the President’s Residence. He called on other nations to act.

“Fulfill your role in protecting the minorities in Syria, and specifically the Druze, from the regime and its terrorist gangs,” Sa’ar urged.

{Matzav.com}

In the newest installment of her podcast, Michelle Obama reflected on her childhood, saying she was raised with a deep sense of appreciation — something she believes is missing in many of today’s youth.

Discussing the topic alongside her brother Craig Robinson on their podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson, she noted, “When I think about what our parents did or didn’t do, and maybe it’s a little bit different because we’re brother-sister, because that same gender dynamic may make it a little bit hard.”

She emphasized that a major reason for their peaceful sibling relationship stemmed from respect for their parents’ sacrifices. “But I know we got along for some of the same reasons,” she said. “Our parents worked hard enough without us fighting and causing havoc. We knew our parents were working as hard as they could. We knew that they were giving us as much as they could. I guess we grew up grateful.”

Obama pointed out that their upbringing gave them a strong sense of perspective, which helped them avoid unnecessary conflict. “What we had was a lot of gratitude for the little bit that we did have,” she continued. “So it was sort of like, well, what was there left for us to be fighting about?”

Contrasting that with current times, she suggested that many kids today take things for granted. She voiced this sentiment while also speaking with comedians and brothers Damon and Marlon Wayans, saying she sees a shift not just in children but in parenting styles.

“Perhaps sometimes in this generation, where kids have, I think, too much, parents are giving kids a lot of stuff, and they’re not giving them some guidance,” she said.

She also recalled a major difference in how emotional well-being was addressed in her household. “I don’t know about you, but my parents never asked me once whether I was happy. There was never even a question,” she added.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. intelligence efforts into the roots of the COVID-19 pandemic are moving forward through a special unit known as the Directors Initiative Group, which has been tasked with digging into a number of President Donald Trump’s high-priority national security concerns, according to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

During an appearance on “The Megyn Kelly Show” on SiriusXM Wednesday, Gabbard revealed that this task force is working closely with NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Their investigation includes scrutiny of gain-of-function experiments, particularly those tied to China and other nations. She noted that findings from the inquiry may be disclosed shortly.

“In the case of the Wuhan lab, as well as many of these bio labs around the world, it was actually U.S.-funded and led to this dangerous kind of research that, in many examples, has resulted in a pandemic or some other major health crisis,” Gabbard told Kelly.

She said the probe is advancing quickly and could soon produce evidence connecting gain-of-function work with the outbreak. Kelly commented that if the link is proven, it would implicate “Anthony Fauci helped fund the pandemic.”

“[This is] the thing that he denied over and over and over to [Kentucky Republican] Sen. Rand Paul’s questioning,” said Gabbard. “And under oath. So is it any wonder that he sought a preemptive pardon for anything, during a certain period of time, by President [Joe] Biden before he left office?”

Gabbard emphasized that this investigation isn’t merely retrospective. It’s about current global threats, as dangerous gain-of-function studies continue to be conducted in labs across multiple countries.

She also recalled being criticized when she raised concerns about American-funded biological laboratories in Ukraine at the start of the conflict with Russia.

“Who knows what kinds of pathogens are in these labs, and if released, could create another COVID-like pandemic,” she said. “For that, I was called a Russian asset … we have to end this gain-of-function research and provide the evidence that shows exactly why and how it’s in our best interest — the American people’s best interest — to bring about an end to it.”

When asked about her future in public service, Gabbard, who once sought the Democratic presidential nomination, said she remains open to roles that serve the nation.

“If we had talked a year ago, the thought would not have crossed my mind that I would be here and that we would be having this conversation,” said Gabbard. “My decisions in my life have always been made around how can I best be of service to God? How can I best be of service to our country? And that is what has led me here. I’m grateful for this opportunity, and I will continue to chase those opportunities where I can make the most positive impact and be of service.”

{Matzav.com}

Demonstrators associated with the organization “Free Jerusalem” staged a provocative protest outside the Knesset on Thursday, lining the area near the iconic menorah with lifeless-looking effigies splattered in red to mimic blood. The action was meant to signal their opposition to Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, the group said in a post on X.

“Independence celebrated on the blood of tens of thousands of people in is not independence,” the group stated.

The protest installation was accompanied by provocative placards bearing inflammatory messages, including “Celebrating 77 years of Jewish supremacy and ethnic cleansing” and “Isolate Israel! Stop the genocide.”

“Free Jerusalem” has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, denouncing what it describes as collective punishment of Palestinians. The group has condemned policies such as demolishing homes of terrorists and restricting humanitarian assistance to the Strip.

Members of the group have frequently drawn police attention, with several arrests on charges of incitement. Before the atrocities of October 7, they held regular protests in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, demanding an end to what they call the Israeli occupation and advocating to cut funding for the national police force.

Following the outbreak of the war, the group initially staged a silent protest backing a prisoner exchange deal. They later shifted their messaging to emphasize the need to “release the hostages.”

The organization has consistently rejected any military resolution to the conflict, maintaining, “Only a political vision can bring peace, equality, and justice to everyone between the river and the sea.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is making history by taking on an unprecedented dual role at the highest levels of American foreign policy. He will be the first individual since Henry Kissinger to simultaneously serve as both secretary of State and national security adviser.

While several notable figures, such as Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, have filled both positions at different points in their careers, none have held both posts at once—until now.

President Trump revealed on Thursday that Rubio would step in as national security adviser on a temporary basis. This announcement followed the dismissal of Mike Waltz from the position and his subsequent nomination by Trump to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

The only other person to hold both titles at the same time was Kissinger, who passed away last December at the age of 100. He occupied both roles concurrently from September 1973 to November 1975 during the Nixon and Ford administrations.

Kissinger originally became national security adviser in 1969 under President Nixon and was later appointed secretary of State in 1973, remaining in that position until 1977.

Waltz’s exit from his national security post marks the most prominent reshuffling yet in Trump’s current administration.

Shortly after reports emerged about Waltz’s removal, President Trump confirmed that Waltz would instead be nominated for the U.N. ambassador role. That position has been vacant since Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination was withdrawn amid concerns about maintaining the GOP’s narrow House majority.

Rubio’s responsibilities continue to expand with this latest appointment.

Beyond his duties as secretary of State, he is also serving as the acting head of USAID and as the interim archivist overseeing the National Archives and Records Administration.

{Matzav.com}

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana didn’t hold back in a Fox News interview, launching a scathing verbal attack against Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Kennedy took aim at her style and substance, using colorful language to express his disdain.

“As I’ve said before, she’s entitled to her opinions. You know, my personal opinion is that God gave her a billy goat brain and a mockingbird mouth, you know,” Kennedy remarked during his appearance on Fox.

The senator broadened his criticism to the Democratic Party in general, accusing them of lacking a substantive policy agenda. He suggested that their political platform revolves entirely around their opposition to one person. “Look, I believe in the power of ideas, and my Democratic colleagues have no ideas. All they have is hatred for one man, even when he’s right, and that is President Trump,” Kennedy said.

He went on to say, “And I don’t think that’s healthy for them. I don’t think that’s healthy for America.”

Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez has been traveling extensively, holding events aimed at rallying opposition to Trump-era proposals, especially those involving deep budget cuts.

Her office did not issue a response when asked to comment on Kennedy’s statements.

Ocasio-Cortez has been increasingly viewed as a possible contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. That speculation grew stronger after she released a professionally produced video showcasing her tour alongside Senator Bernie Sanders, prompting comparisons to a campaign launch.

Despite the buzz, she hasn’t officially declared any plans to run, and has sidestepped inquiries about her political future.

“Listen, it’s a video. And frankly, I think what people should be most concerned about is the fact that Republicans are trying to cut Medicaid right now and people’s health care is in danger,” Ocasio-Cortez told Fox News Digital when asked directly about a presidential campaign.

She emphasized her immediate priorities, saying, “That’s really what my central focus is.”

Earlier this year, a March survey ranked Ocasio-Cortez as the Democratic figure most closely aligned with the party’s “core values,” fueling talk about her rising influence and possible future aspirations in national politics.

{Matzav.com}

The Kremlin has responded to the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal.

According to a New York Post report, the Kremlin unloaded on the U.S. and Ukraine on Thursday after the two countries finalized a deal for Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.

A deal that gives the U.S. a vested interest in the war’s outcome.

“Trump has finally pressured the Kiev regime to pay for US aid with mineral resources,” Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said on Telegram. “Now, the country that is about to disappear will have to use its national wealth to pay for military supplies.”

From The New York Post:

The State Department has already notified Congress of its intent to sell $50 million or more in military equipment to Ukraine in what would be the first deal of its kind under the Trump administration, according to reports.

Unlike military aid packages under the Biden administration, Ukraine would pay the United States for these weapons — benefiting both Kyiv’s defense and the US defense industry without the use of American taxpayer dollars.

The sale was reported hours after the US-Ukraine mineral deal was inked Wednesday night.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke about the deal on Hannity Wednesday night.

“It’s a great deal,” Bessent told Hannity. “This is President Trump’s deal that he’s done. He’s done trade deals, tax deals, and now we have this Ukraine-American economic partnership deal, and it’s win-win. It shows that there is no daylight between Ukraine and the U.S. as President Trump presses to end this horrible war. He wants both sides to come to the table now by showing that the U.S. has an economic interest in Ukraine as a signal to the Russian leadership.”

Bessent continued: “It’s also a signal to the American people that we have a chance to participate and be compensated for some of the funding and the weapons and be partners with the success of the Ukrainian people and bring American know-how to the rebuilding of Ukraine.”

{Matzav.com}

King Charles III of the United Kingdom reached out to Israeli President Isaac Herzog with a personal letter marking Israel’s 77th year of independence, extending his good wishes and expressing concern for those still held captive in Gaza.

The message opened warmly: “My wife and I wanted to send Your Excellency and the people of The State of Israel our congratulations on the auspicious occasion of your seventy-seventh Independence Day.”

In his letter, Charles acknowledged the ongoing agony felt by families awaiting the return of hostages. “We are all too aware of the immense pain and suffering still being endured by those who remain hostage in Gaza,” he wrote. “Our special thoughts and prayers remain with them and their families, as well as with all those whose lives have been so dreadfully devastated by this conflict.”

He concluded with a heartfelt expression of optimism: it is his “profound hope that they are able to return home to their loved ones and that there is peace in the region.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu made waves on Thursday when he emphasized that achieving “victory” over Hamas remains the paramount aim of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, even above securing the release of hostages still held captive. The remark drew immediate and fierce backlash from the families of those abducted.

This development comes as relatives of the hostages have recently accused Netanyahu of derailing potential negotiations for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. They also claim he is keeping them in the dark regarding the fate of the remaining 59 hostages believed to be in Gaza.

Speaking during the annual Bible Quiz in Yerushalayim, held in honor of Independence Day, Netanyahu stated, “We have many goals, many goals in this war. We want to bring all our hostages home. We’ve so far brought back 147 alive, and 196 total.”

“There are another up to 24 alive, 59 total, and we want to return the living and the dead,” Netanyahu continued, a statement that came despite conflicting figures shared by his wife earlier this week, who suggested that the number of living hostages may be even lower.

Calling the hostages’ return “a very important goal,” Netanyahu nonetheless clarified, “The war has a supreme goal, and the supreme goal is victory over our enemies, and this we will achieve.”

Until now, Netanyahu had presented Israel’s objectives in the war as a triad: defeating Hamas, securing the return of all captives, and preventing Gaza from posing future threats. He had refrained from establishing a hierarchy among these goals, repeatedly stating that military operations would persist until Israel achieved “absolute victory.”

His latest statement triggered a sharp reaction from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which said Netanyahu appeared to be aligning with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Smotrich stirred controversy last week when he said, “the hostages are not the most important thing” in determining war policy.

“The majority of the Israeli public… wants the return of all the hostages before anything else,” the Forum said in response, declaring the release of captives “the supreme goal that should be guiding Israel’s government.”

Tying their message to Independence Day, the Forum added, “There is no full independence for the state or for the people of Israel without the return of our brothers and sisters.”

Separately, President Isaac Herzog delivered remarks at a formal Independence Day event held at his official residence in Yerushalayim, where he voiced his personal anguish. “We cannot celebrate independence with a whole heart when our brothers and sisters are not with us. Israel as a nation longs for them, for their freedom.”

The Forum has repeatedly condemned Netanyahu’s refusal to end the military campaign in Gaza as part of a deal that could free the captives. A recent proposal from Hamas was turned down by Israel. Meanwhile, Smotrich and fellow cabinet member Itamar Ben Gvir have warned that they would bring down the government if it agrees to halt operations in Gaza.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Polling data from John Zogby Strategies offers an early snapshot of the 2028 presidential race, with Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump Jr. emerging as the current front-runners in their respective political parties.

During an appearance on Newsmax’s “Greg Kelly Reports,” pollster John Zogby discussed the newly released findings, shedding light on early voter sentiment heading into the next presidential cycle.

“Well, I did it, I guess, to quote a former president because I could,” Zogby remarked when asked about the motivation for conducting such an early survey. “But I did it because we have done that early on in nonpresidential years, looking ahead to the future. Usually, these are based on name recognition, you know, obviously, but in this instance, I think it told a story.”

According to the poll, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders leads among Democrats. Though he will be 86 years old in 2028 and is not expected to run, Zogby said Sanders represents a symbolic figure for progressives, sharing that space with New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

“That’s the left wing of the party. And the left wing of the party is in the ascendancy right now,” Zogby explained. “Who holds up the more establishment side of the party? That’s [former Transportation Secretary] Pete Buttigieg together with [Sen.] Cory Booker [D-N.J.] and [California Gov.] Gavin Newsom. What I’m impressed about is that there’s five people there in double digits, meaning this is wide open.”

Donald Trump Jr. leads among Republicans in the poll, and Zogby drew a historical parallel to a similar moment in political history.

“What’s really interesting is that Donald Trump Jr. is parallel to what we saw at this point in time in 1997,” he said. “George W. Bush, who was still relatively new governor of Texas, came in first in a field of Republicans that included, you know, some heavyweights.”

Zogby reflected on the 1997 polling results, noting that many voters at the time mistakenly thought George W. Bush was actually his father, President George H.W. Bush, and supported him out of a belief that the elder Bush had been unfairly treated in the 1992 election. He suggested that a similar phenomenon could be contributing to the numbers favoring Trump Jr.

When pressed on whether Trump Jr.’s polling success was simply a product of name familiarity, Zogby acknowledged that factor but said it doesn’t tell the whole story.

“Of course,” he said. “But behind the numbers, he does better than [Vice President JD] Vance. He gets 35% support among self-identified Republicans. Whereas those independents who said that they would vote in the Republican primary in their state favor Vance 2-to-1.”

{Matzav.com}

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, who was in Los Angeles for the past two and a half months following a complex surgery, departed last night on a private jet bound for Switzerland, where he will be staying for a period of rest and recuperation.

The Rebbe took off from Los Angeles at 10:45 p.m. local time on Wednesday night, en route to Davos, where he is expected to remain for ten days.

Barring any changes, the Rebbe is scheduled to return to Eretz Yisroel at the start of the week of Lag BaOmer.

Upon his return, a major welcome event is planned, featuring a grand kabbalas panim by all the talmidim of Vizhnitz’s talmudei Torah schools across the country.

In Eretz Yisroel, preparations are already underway for a high-profile conference of the Vizhnitz institutions, set to take place in Rosh Pina. The exclusive gathering will bring together prominent philanthropists and dignitaries from around the world, with the participation of the Rebbe himself.

Additionally, the main Lag BaOmer event in Bnei Brak, including the traditional bonfire lighting, is scheduled to take place under the leadership of the Rebbe. However, the exact location of the event is still under discussion, as organizers expect a massive turnout from across the country, especially as it will be the Rebbe’s first major public appearance since his surgery.

In advance of the Rebbe’s arrival in Switzerland, a group of six outstanding yeshiva students—described as the “lions” of the Vizhnitzer yeshivos—were selected to accompany him and maintain their full Torah study schedule during the stay in Davos. The talmidim were carefully chosen by the administrations of the yeshivos in Kiryat Vizhnitz, Brachfeld, and Elad. Among them is Tzvi Elimelech Askal, son of Rabbi Ephraim Askal, a prominent chassid, who recently completed the entire Shas. He merited the Rebbe’s participation at the siyum celebration held at Yeshivas Yeshuos Moshe-Vizhnitz in Brachfeld.

All are asked to continue davening for Rav Yisroel ben Leah Esther for his swift return to full strength.

{Matzav.com Israel}

A group of 23 U.S. lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, headed by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Don Bacon of Nebraska, sent a letter to Wikipedia CEO Maryana Iskander demanding answers about how the site plans to uphold its editorial standards, crack down on bias among its editors, and stop antisemitic and pro-terror material from appearing in its articles.

The members of Congress highlighted Wikipedia’s far-reaching impact, despite being a freely editable, user-driven platform. With millions relying on its entries for information—and its content serving as a source for search engines and artificial intelligence tools—they underscored the site’s unique power to shape public perception.

The letter comes on the heels of findings by the Anti-Defamation League, which revealed significant levels of antisemitic and anti-Israel slant across Wikipedia pages in various languages. Of particular concern were articles involving Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which appeared to reflect an orchestrated attempt to insert pro-Hamas propaganda.

“Evidence points to a startling lack of enforcement of Wikipedia’s most basic rules and editorial safeguards. Given the immense influence that Wikipedia articles have over our online and real-life global conversations, far more editorial responsibility and transparency are needed, immediately,” said Wasserman Schultz. “My hope is that our bipartisan questions and concerns can curb a suspected coordinated campaign to manipulate Wikipedia content that drives antisemitic content and biases.”

“Antisemitism and anti-Israel views have increased on Wikipedia due to their lack of enforcing their own rules and standards, and they need to take steps immediately to fix the problem,” said Bacon. “Wikipedia has such a broad reach, and people take what is posted there as 100 percent truth, when it always isn’t. I’m glad to join Rep. Wasserman Schultz on this bipartisan letter, in the hopes we can get Wikipedia to fix this.”

“Earlier this year, research from the ADL Center for Technology and Society raised immense concerns regarding antisemitism, anti-Israel bias, and abuse of Wikipedia by coordinated actors,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO & National Director. “The majority of Wikipedia users assume the material on the platform is reliable. The reality is millions are being exposed to dangerous misinformation on contentious topics. I deeply appreciate Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Bacon for leading this crucial bipartisan effort, demanding answers from Wikipedia on how they are enforcing their own rules and pushing for greater transparency and accountability.”

{Matzav.com}

Shortly after resigning from his National Security Advisor role, Mike Waltz was nominated to be UN ambassador by President Donald Trump.

“I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations,” Trump posted to Truth Social Thursday.

“From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

From Fox News:

The announcement comes after news broke on Thursday morning that Waltz was no longer serving as the administration’s national security advisor.

A handful of names had been floated for the role after [Elise] Stefanik withdrew her nomination in March, including former U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman, former deputy special envoy to monitor and combat anti-semitism at the State Department under the first Trump administration, Ellie Cohanim and special presidential envoy Richard Grenell. Grenell said he was a “hard no” on serving in the U.N. ambassador role ahead of Trump’s announcement.

Trump announced Stefanik as his original choice for the role back in November 2024, just days after his successful election against former Vice President Kamala Harris. The New York congresswoman, however, pulled her nomination last month as concerns mounted in Trump’s orbit that the GOP’s slim majority in the House would grow smaller in her absence.

Waltz responded to the nomination for the new role on X, saying “I’m deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation.”

At a White House gathering held in honor of the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, President Donald Trump spoke about the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, indicating that fewer than two dozen remain alive.

While addressing those in attendance, Trump turned his attention to the parents of Edan Alexander, a dual American-Israeli citizen who is currently being held hostage. “I can not imagine your pain, but we’re all alongside you, we stand by you, and we’re going to do everything possible in the very short period of time. As you know, things are heating up. I’ve gotten a lot of hostages out. But they (Hamas) want to do it as slowly as possible because they use them as pawns.”

He reassured them of the government’s efforts, saying, “We’re working very hard to save your son. We’ve got news coming out both good and bad, but we’re working very hard.”

Trump recounted that he had personally met with relatives of the hostages, as well as with individuals who had already been freed.

He described one meeting in which a freed hostage was wearing a shirt with the number 59 to represent the total still held at the time. “I asked if they’re all living, they said, ‘No, 24 are living.’ I said ‘24?’ So 24 of the 59 are living, and they knew because they had just gotten out, and the others are all dead.”

Reflecting on conversations with families whose loved ones had already been confirmed dead, Trump remarked, “and as much as you want your beautiful boy out, they want their beautiful boys out so badly. Almost as much as if he were alive. It was amazing to see the level of love for the children.”

He concluded with a grim update on the current reality. “Think of that, out of 59, you had 24 that were living, and now I understand that it’s not even that number.”

{Matzav.com}

Governor Kathy Hochul revealed Thursday that the finalized state budget includes a massive boost in funding for New York’s subway network, with a central focus on bolstering rider security.

Hochul emphasized that the state will fully back the MTA’s entire $68.4 billion capital plan for 2025-2029, calling it the largest infrastructure commitment to public transit in New York’s history.

In addition to infrastructure funding, the state is allocating more than $120 million to expand the presence of uniformed law enforcement personnel, including both state police and members of the National Guard.

“The alternative is unfathomable—not to have a fully functioning, funded, efficient system to carry 6 million people a day,” Hochul said.

The sweeping capital plan features a host of projects, such as the long-discussed Interborough Express connecting Brooklyn and Queens via light rail, as well as significant repairs, upgrades, and enhanced enforcement to curb fare evasion.

The announcement came during a press conference at Grand Central station, where Hochul appeared alongside MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber to present the transportation components of the fiscal year 2026 budget.

Hochul highlighted recent progress, pointing to an 11% reduction in subway-related crime and fare-skipping compared to last year, and promised further investments to build on that momentum.

She outlined a number of transit safety upgrades, including enhanced LED lighting, new protective platform barriers at 100 subway stations, and modern fare gates at over 150 locations—measures designed to deter what she called “shameless fare evaders.”

Beyond policing and physical upgrades, the budget also dedicates funding to services targeting homelessness and mental illness within the subway system, with expanded support for Safe Options Support (SOS) outreach teams.

{Matzav.com}

Thousands of Yidden from across the globe gathered in Kerestir, Hungary, to participate in the central hilulah seudah marking the 100th yahrtzeit of the tzaddik Rav Yeshayale ben Rav Moshe of Kerestir zt”l. The 100th yahrtzeit is today.

The seudah took place in the massive tent known as “Reb Yeshaya’le’s House,” which has become a spiritual focal point for those seeking yeshuos and inspiration from the legacy of the revered tzaddik.

This year’s hilulah shattered all previous attendance records, with a flood of participants coming from Eretz Yisroel, Europe, and the United States to daven, connect, and commemorate the life and impact of Rav Yeshayale.

The hilulah was emceed by Rav Yisroel Stern of London. The guest speaker was the noted mashpia Rav Yitzchok Moshe Erlanger. Throughout the night, stories of miracles, kindness, and the towering spiritual stature of Rav Yeshayale were shared

PHOTOS:

An Israeli engineering unit that had been conducting operations in the Morag Corridor—situated between Rafah and Khan Yunis—re-entered Israeli territory without realizing that one of their own had been left behind in Gaza. The mishap resulted in a soldier being stranded alone in enemy territory for close to an hour.

The soldier, a member of the elite Yahalom unit, eventually made contact with troops from the Golani Brigade who were stationed nearby. Fearing he might be mistaken for a threat, the soldier called out “IDF” repeatedly to alert them of his identity and avoid being fired upon.

The IDF Spokesperson confirmed the sequence of events in a statement: “On Tuesday, an IDF force operating in the southern Gaza Strip, near the border with Israel, left the Gaza Strip after the end of operational activity. Upon their return to Israel, an IDF soldier was left alone in Gaza for about 40 minutes.

The statement added: “The soldier arrived at an area where other IDF forces were staying and joined them. This is a serious incident that is under investigation and from which lessons will be drawn.”

{Matzav.com}

Sergeant Shimon Tubol, a member of the chareidi Chashmona’im Brigade, tragically lost his life in a car crash Wednesday night while he was on leave from military duty.

The incident took place under civilian circumstances along Route 457, in the vicinity of Ma’ale Mikhmas in the Binyamin region.

Tubol’s death marks the first loss for the Chashmona’im Brigade, a newly formed unit established roughly half a year ago to bring haredi soldiers into front-line combat roles.

He had previously served in the Netzach Yehuda battalion, which also caters to haredi servicemen, before moving on to take part in the Chashmona’im Brigade as a combat soldier.

Paying tribute to him, his friend Yedidya Boskovich said: “Shimon was a special person – with a huge heart, a smile that always lit his surroundings, and a good soul that everyone loved. He served the country with love and dedication.”

The accident left four others injured, all of whom were taken to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital. Two individuals in their twenties were reported to be in moderate condition, while the other two suffered minor injuries, including bruises.

Shilo Carmon, a medic with Magen David Adom, recounted: “We arrived at a difficult scene and the vehicles were severely damaged. A 30-year-old man was lying unconscious at the scene, and after medical examinations, we pronounced him dead.”

Carmon also noted: “Another injured man who was at the scene was trapped in his car and needed to be rescued. Afterwards, all injured persons were evacuated to hospital in mild or medium condition.”

{Matzav.com}

Mike Waltz is expected to step down from his position as national security adviser in the near future, a White House insider told Newsmax on Thursday.

The update was first shared by veteran journalist Mark Halperin, who said that Waltz, along with his deputy Alex Wong and several others at the National Security Council, are slated to be removed due to widespread dissatisfaction with how the NSC is being managed. According to Halperin, discontent has been voiced from officials across multiple departments, including the White House, State Department, and Treasury.

Halperin revealed the information during an episode of his podcast, “The Morning Meeting,” which he co-hosts with Sean Spicer, a former White House press secretary, and Dan Turrentine, on the platform 2WAY.tv.

Since Halperin’s disclosure, the story has been picked up by several major outlets, including CBS News and Politico, both of which reported that Waltz is likely on his way out. CNN also noted that Waltz had already been told earlier this week that his time in the role was over.

According to Politico, Steve Witkoff, who currently serves as a special envoy for the White House, is the frontrunner to take over the national security adviser position. The outlet also reported that the administration has been quietly looking for Waltz’s replacement for several weeks.

Despite recent controversy surrounding a group text incident involving the Signal messaging app, Halperin made clear that this episode had no bearing on the decision. In fact, he suggested that the situation may have actually delayed Waltz’s departure. The March 11 mishap occurred when Waltz accidentally included Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, in a Signal group chat where high-ranking officials were planning a military strike on the Houthis in Yemen.

Halperin emphasized that frustrations with Waltz’s leadership existed well before the Signal incident. He stated that disorganization and ineffective management at the NSC were the real issues behind the push for change.

“There’s lots of levels of unhappiness and it’s less about Signalgate than it is about… a general belief that it’s not being run efficiently, in an organized way. It may happen as early as today; it may not happen ever, because it’s [President] Donald Trump. But the plan for it is to happen soon, maybe this weekend,” Halperin said.

When contacted by Newsmax, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to confirm the report, stating, “We are not going to respond to reporting from anonymous sources.”

{Matzav.com}

The White House has debuted a new digital platform, White House Wire, aimed at amplifying news coverage favorable to President Donald Trump. The launch has triggered backlash from The Drudge Report, with its founder, Matt Drudge, accusing the administration of imitating his long-established news aggregation model.

“It takes an entire West Wing to compete with Drudge,” wrote Drudge in a pointed headline on his site. The top of the page featured the bold statement: “Trump Launching His Own Drudge Report Using Taxpayer Dollars!”

Both headlines linked to articles from Axios and Mediaite. Drudge added a sarcastic jab in the Axios piece, claiming he is “considering a $1 trillion lawsuit” against the White House over the site.

The administration introduced the new initiative via social media Wednesday night, sharing a message on X that read, “The White House has its own wire now,” and inviting users to “read what we’re reading.”

According to Axios, the launch of White House Wire is part of a larger strategy to counteract perceived bias in mainstream press outlets, while at the same time giving increased visibility to publications seen as supportive of the Trump agenda.

The move comes as the administration has reportedly reduced press privileges for the Associated Press, citing its continued use of the term “Gulf of Mexico” instead of “Gulf of America,” which is the term preferred by the White House.

White House Wire resembles The Drudge Report in design, displaying headlines in columns that direct visitors to articles portraying Trump and his administration in a favorable light. This week’s focus centered largely on Trump’s first 100 days in office, including his televised conversation with ABC News.

It also features embedded social media content, such as a post from the Rapid Response 47 account on X, which includes the attention-grabbing line: “President Trump Celebrates MASSIVE Investments In America.”

Many of the links direct users to official White House communications rather than independent news sites, reinforcing the platform’s emphasis on messaging controlled by the administration itself.

Additional headlines featured on Thursday spotlighted members of Trump’s cabinet, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Though The Drudge Report gained national prominence in the 1990s with its breaking coverage of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and was long considered a conservative news source, it has taken a more critical stance toward Trump in recent years.

A White House official told Axios that the new website was created to give Americans a clear and convenient place to find content that aligns with the president’s message and priorities.

“It’s a place for supporters of the president’s agenda to get the real news all in one place in a shareable and readable format,” the official told Axios. “The website will be a one-stop shop for news and is part of the Trump administration’s effort to provide transparency and institute policies that put America first.”

{Matzav.com}