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Following medical evaluation for leg swelling, President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, according to an official statement from the White House. The condition occurs when certain veins fail to pump blood effectively back to the heart, leading to blood pooling in the lower limbs. The Cleveland Clinic notes that this issue is relatively common in older adults, affecting about one in every twenty.

Dr. Chauncey Crandall, a prominent cardiologist and the director of preventive medicine at the Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic, explained how the condition works. When vein valves malfunction, he said, fluid builds up in the feet and legs. “This does not mean that you’re going to die. You’re not going to have a stroke or something like that. It’s a fairly benign condition. Often it can be managed with compression stockings or maybe even a mild diuretic,” adds Crandall.

The American Heart Association lists several symptoms associated with chronic venous disease, including varicose veins, swelling in the legs, and changes in skin appearance—like reddish, scaly patches. Patients may also experience leg pain, cramping, heaviness, fatigue, or a restless sensation in the limbs.

Crandall suggested that Trump’s busy travel schedule might be a factor in his symptoms. “I would like to point out that President Trump is a little different than other 80-year-olds. He’s almost like a bulldog. He has great endurance,” Crandall tells Newsmax’s “Newsline.”

“He is in the plane, in and out every single day, almost. He probably flies more than anyone else. And, you know… when you fly in a plane, you collect fluid in your legs. It’s because of the change of the cabin pressure. And I think this is really what’s causing the president’s problem. No one’s picked up on it,” explains Crandall, who also serves as editor of Dr. Crandall’s Heart Health Report.

To alleviate the condition, Crandall recommends a few straightforward steps. Wearing compression stockings and reducing salt intake, he says, can help minimize swelling and improve circulation.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rabbi Yaakov Tzadok z”l of the Har Nof neighborhood in Yerushalayim.

He was a man of Torah and chessed, who made Torah his foundation and his profession secondary. His life was devoted to establishing batei midrash and strengthening Torah study. He was niftar at the age of 71 after years of physical affliction that served to refine his already noble spirit.

Born in Iran in Kislev 1953, Rabbi Tzadok grew up in a deeply rooted, devout family that fiercely protected Torah observance. He would often recount how his mother and grandmother risked their lives for the mitzvah of taharah, breaking through frozen rivers in winter to immerse in the mikvah.

At age eight, he immigrated with his family to Eretz Yisroel, settling first in the Asbestonim neighborhood of Yerushalayim before moving to Romema. Through the influence of Chabad activists, he entered Chabad institutions, where many Iranian and other Sephardic immigrants also learned.

As a young man, he studied at Kiryat Noar in Bayit Vegan, where he also acquired a trade to support himself. After completing army service, he became known for his kosher pizza shop on Pisgah Street in Bayit Vegan. Even before his marriage, he embarked on a path of spiritual growth and began learning seriously at Yeshivas Or Samayach, where he developed a deep bond with Rav Uri Zohar, a friendship that would last for decades.

In 1984, when Har Nof was first established, Rabbi Tzadok was among the founding residents. He played a significant role in encouraging Rav Ovadia Yosef to settle in the neighborhood and maintained a close relationship with him throughout his life.

He was also one of the earliest founders of the Yechaveh Daas institutions, back when they were located at the corner of Shaulzon and Mishkalov Streets. There, he immersed himself in Torah learning, especially the shiurim of Rav Ovadia Yosef.

Rabbi Tzadok had deep hisbatlus and unwavering devotion to Rav Dovid Yosef, who encouraged him in his efforts to strengthen the Yechaveh Daas institutions.

For many years, he was well known in Har Nof as an honest and G-d-fearing contractor. Despite his success, he lived with humility and devoted much of his time and energy to Torah learning and quiet acts of chessed.

He was considered a driving force behind the growth of Yechaveh Daas in Har Nof and was beloved by Torah leaders from all backgrounds. A close friend of Shas leader Aryeh Deri for many years, he helped advance many of Deri’s initiatives to promote Torah and chesed.

From a young age, Rabbi Tzadok was immersed in Torah and nullified himself before talmidei chachamim, learning consistently throughout the day.

Though his outward appearance was that of a simple man—working humbly and serving Hashem with joy—Reb Yaakov was filled with Torah and wholly dedicated to it. For hours, he could be found sitting in the corner of the Yechaveh Daas beis midrash, immersed in learning.

He was known to be among the first to arrive at shuls and batei midrash, standing at his post like a humble servant before his Master.

Rabbi Tzadok cherished mitzvos, performing them with reverence and joy, always wearing a warm smile. He recited berachos with intensity and gratitude for being counted among those who sit in the beis midrash.

He radiated peace and kindness, greeting every person with warmth and dignity. He carried himself with humility, yet inspired all who came near him.

He gave everything for his children’s education, ensuring they studied in the finest Torah institutions. He merited marrying off his sons and daughters to esteemed bnei Torah families.

About a year and a half ago, he was diagnosed with a severe illness. Despite its advanced stage, he defied expectations and held on with determination. Even during grueling treatments, he continued to attend shiurim and tefillos at Yechaveh Daas.

Those close to him testify that he accepted his suffering with love, never complaining or doubting Hashem’s love. He valued every moment of life and expressed gratitude for each breath.

He would often remind visitors: “Hashem doesn’t give a person a test they cannot withstand.” His emunah burned within him like fire, illuminating everyone around him.

In his final month, following a sharp decline, he was hospitalized in the oncology ward at Hadassah Ein Kerem. Surrounded by family and loved ones, he spent his final days in spiritual readiness.

He was buried in the Sanhedria cemetery in Yerushalayim following brief but emotional hespedim delivered by Rav David Yosef, Rav Avner Efjin (Rosh Yeshivas Beis HaLevi), Rav Yosef Eliyahu (Rosh Beis Midrash Heichal Yaakov), Rav Erez Elcharar (Rosh Kollel Yechaveh Daas and Rav of Hod HaSharon), and his eldest son, Rav Reuven Tzadok.

He leaves behind a family of distinguished avreichim, talmidei chachamim, and marbitzei Torah.

Yehi zichro boruch. 

{Matzav.com Israel}

Amid the ongoing political crisis and fierce disputes surrounding the draft law, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu is preparing for a potential reshuffle of ministerial portfolios within the coalition, in hopes of paving the way for United Torah Judaism and Shas to rejoin the government.

According to Likud insiders, if UTJ returns to the coalition, the distribution of ministries among its representatives will be reconsidered.

Meanwhile, Shas leader Aryeh Deri has issued a clear demand: the two key ministries for his party—the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Religious Services—must remain under the control of Minister Yariv Levin, Deri’s closest ally within Likud.

In parallel, Minister Shlomo Karchi, a loyal Netanyahu ally, is the leading candidate to take over the Health Ministry—a prominent portfolio now vacant following recent government changes.

Another ministry under discussion is the Yerushalayim and Tradition Ministry (formerly the Ministry for Yerushalayim and Heritage), which may be handed over to either Religious Zionism or Otzma Yehudit, depending on ongoing negotiations surrounding control of the Knesset Finance Committee—still a major bargaining chip among coalition partners.

In addition, it has been decided that the Ministry of Labor and Welfare will be transferred to Minister Chaim Katz.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In light of growing concerns over renewed atrocities targeting the Druze community in Syria, Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Ber, met Sunday with Sheikh Qassem Bader, one of the most prominent figures in the Druze community and president of the World Council for Peace.

The meeting, which took place at the Chief Rabbi’s office, was initiated by World Council for Peace member Amichai Levi. During the encounter, Sheikh Bader expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Rabbi for his recent call to Israel and the international community to take action to protect the Druze population in Syria.

Sheikh Bader shared the deep mourning, anguish, and fear felt by members of his community following the recent wave of violence in Syria, and their acute anxiety over the possibility of more atrocities being committed against them.

Rav Ber voiced his sorrow and solidarity with the Druze during this painful time, reiterating the immense moral obligation that rests upon Israel and the global community to stand by the persecuted Druze and work to prevent further horrors.

{Matzav.com Israel}

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has developed a strategy aimed at expanding the military’s operations against Hamas, according to a report by Channel 12. Individuals familiar with the details of the plan referred to it as “the plan for taking over Gaza.”

This new approach is positioned as an alternative to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial “humanitarian city” initiative in Rafah, which Zamir reportedly opposes. According to the report, Zamir’s proposal would be implemented if negotiations over the hostages fall apart or if a truce ends without an agreement to conclude the war after the 60-day ceasefire period.

The reported plan outlines a significant expansion of territory under IDF control within Gaza. The military would gradually advance, capturing additional ground daily to demonstrate to Hamas the consequences of its continued resistance.

A separate article published in Yisroel Hayom emphasizes that while the IDF would encircle the majority of Gaza under the plan, it would not entail full territorial control of the entire enclave.

The newspaper also revealed that Netanyahu has blocked Zamir from formally presenting the plan to the security cabinet. Additionally, he prevented a smaller group of ministers, who had already received a briefing from the IDF chief, from holding any discussions on the proposal.

{Matzav.com Israel}

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Israeli officials have announced a move to assume oversight of Meoras Hamachpeilah in Chevron as part of an effort to carry out long-awaited construction at the revered and sensitive site.

According to the Civil Administration—under the auspices of the Defense Ministry’s office for coordination with the Palestinians—the government has authorized a plan to build a protective canopy in one of the outdoor sections of Meoras Hamachpeilah. The purpose of the project is to offer relief and shade to mispallelim who gather there, often under intense sun and heat.

The Civil Administration explained that the administrative steps needed to begin the work are already in “advanced stages” and emphasized that the improvements are intended to benefit “all population groups who pray at the site.”

Meoras Hamachpeilah is also regarded by Muslims as a sacred site, with a significant portion of the structure functioning as the Ibrahimi Mosque. The site operates under a time-sharing and spatial division arrangement for both Jewish and Muslim worship, and even minor changes have historically triggered backlash and criticism.

Israeli authorities have accused the Islamic Waqf and the Palestinian municipality of Chevron—who have until now played a role in administering the site—of refusing to cooperate in much-needed renovation and safety efforts.

Because of this lack of collaboration, a decision was made to shift management responsibility from the Chevron municipal body to the Civil Administration, Israeli officials confirmed.

In recent days, representatives affiliated with the moetzet datit of Kiryat Arba, the nearby Jewish community, stated that the council would be supervising the new construction at Meoras Hamachpeilah.

However, the Civil Administration rejected that assertion, clarifying that the site will remain under its jurisdiction during the construction process.

Officials added that once the building work is complete, authority over the site would be returned to the Chevron Municipal Council.

Despite this statement, Amitai Cohen, an official from the Jewish administrative body of Meoras Hamachpeilah, insisted that the religious council is currently overseeing daily operations at the makom kadosh.

He said he was not aware of any plan to reinstate management to the Palestinian municipal authorities in Chevron.

A similar situation unfolded in 2020, when the Defense Ministry gave the green light to install an elevator to improve access for individuals with disabilities. That initiative, also coordinated by the Civil Administration, was completed and inaugurated in June 2023.

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz’s office declined to comment on the conflicting reports about who is actually managing the site at present.

“The idea is to make order at the Tomb of the Patriarchs for everyone who prays there,” said Cohen.

“We need to develop it and take it forward as a holy site, it’s something healthy that there will be an organization with authority and responsibility to deal with the issues there.”

Still, the Palestinian Authority and the United Arab Emirates harshly condemned the move to shift administrative control.

Ramallah declared the development “an unprecedented step in the occupation’s measures to impose its sovereignty over the mosque, Judaize it, and completely alter its identity and features.”

Likewise, the UAE’s foreign ministry voiced “strong condemnation” over the decision, calling it “a grave violation of the historical and legal status quo at the Ibrahimi Mosque.”

The ministry also called for “an immediate halt to all unilateral and provocative actions that risk destabilizing the occupied Palestinian territories and undermining international efforts toward de-escalation.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

The Trump administration is expressing growing unease over Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s recent military maneuvers in Syria, with multiple officials harshly criticizing the Israeli leader’s conduct. According to comments cited Sunday, the prime minister has been referred to as “a madman” and “a child who just won’t behave” by White House sources.

“Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time,” one administration official reportedly told Axios, adding, “This could undermine what Trump is trying to do.”

The tension began escalating Tuesday when Israeli forces launched strikes against Syrian troops advancing into the city of Sweida. The offensive followed accusations that the regime had committed massacres in the Druze-dominated area. The next day, Israel escalated further by targeting significant sites in Damascus.

“The feeling is that every day there is something new. What …. ?” said a second senior U.S. official, reacting to an Israeli tank strike that mistakenly hit Gaza’s only Catholic church, leaving three dead.

Although President Trump did not issue a public statement about the incident in Gaza, he reportedly had a heated phone conversation with Netanyahu and instructed him to publicly express remorse. Netanyahu complied shortly after.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed to the press that Trump’s response to the church shelling “was not a positive reaction.”

Doubts about Netanyahu’s judgment appear to be intensifying within the administration. A third official remarked, “Netanyahu is sometimes like a child who just won’t behave.”

While it’s unclear whether these sentiments reflect Trump’s own views, this wouldn’t mark the first occasion when the president has expressed irritation with actions taken by the Israeli government.

Last month, Trump publicly exploded in anger after learning that Israel had planned a large-scale bombing campaign in retaliation for a single Iranian missile launch, just after a ceasefire ended a twelve-day conflict.

Axios reported that U.S. special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack had requested Israel on Tuesday to cease its strikes to allow for diplomatic progress. Israel initially agreed, but the following day it resumed heavy bombardment, striking military targets including locations near the Syrian presidential palace.

Israel defended its operations, saying they were in solidarity with the Druze population—a group with strong ties to Israel and a record of loyal military service.

The White House also fielded complaints from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, along with concerns from Barrack and fellow U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.

“The bombing in Syria caught the president and the White House by surprise,” another official shared. “The president doesn’t like turning on the television and seeing bombs dropped in a country he is seeking peace in and made a monumental announcement to help rebuild.”

“Bibi’s political agenda is driving his senses. It will turn out to be a big mistake for him long-term,” one source added.

According to a senior Israeli figure speaking to Axios, President Trump had previously encouraged Netanyahu to retain strategic territory in Syria and had not voiced opposition to Israeli activity in the region.

“The US wants to keep the new Syrian government stable and doesn’t understand why we attack in Syria because of attacks on the Druze community there,” the Israeli official explained. “We tried to explain to them that this is our commitment to the Druze community in Israel.”

The conflict erupted last week when Druze militias began fighting against Sunni Bedouin factions, later joined by government troops. As clashes intensified, reports from Sweida detailed horrifying abuses, including the murder of civilians, looting, and humiliating treatment of Druze clerics. Meanwhile, videos surfaced showing Druze fighters attacking captured regime soldiers and displaying their bodies.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, reported that more than 1,000 individuals have died in the past week. The dead included 336 Druze fighters, 298 Druze civilians, 342 regime personnel, and 21 Sunni Bedouins.

After several failed attempts, a new ceasefire declared Saturday appeared to be holding. No hostilities were reported Sunday morning in the outskirts of Sweida, where AFP correspondents noted quiet. Government forces were seen positioned at several locations in the region, and a humanitarian aid convoy was on its way to the city, which remains predominantly Druze.

{Matzav.com}

After nearly two years of legal wrangling, a request filed under Israel’s Freedom of Information Law by the “Hatzlacha” organization has finally resulted in the release of a long-awaited report. For the first time, a detailed inventory of high-value gifts given to Israeli officials during their public service has been made public.

According to a report by Channel 12, the extensive list outlines gifts received by government figures during official functions and foreign trips spanning from 2017 through 2025.

Among the most notable items are pricey cigars given to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a decorative statue presented to former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, and a luxury Rolex watch that was gifted to Dr. Eyal Hulata, who previously served as National Security Advisor.

Rather than being retained by the individuals to whom they were given, these and numerous other items were transferred to the custody of the General Caretaker, the Justice Ministry department responsible for overseeing public assets.

The Prime Minister’s Office, which released the list earlier this week, included a breakdown of each item, identifying who presented the gift, the recipient, a description of the item, and its current storage location.

Gifts received by Netanyahu included cigars, personalized chocolates shaped like him and his wife, a diamond-studded gold ring, and a leather briefcase.

Naftali Bennett, who held the prime ministership before Yair Lapid, is recorded as having accepted 193 gifts during his time in office. These included gold-plated cutlery from the King of Bahrain and a commemorative glass sculpture he was given during a visit to the Special Missions Array. These items are currently held in the official storage facility at the Prime Minister’s Office. Lapid, who followed Bennett in the role, appears on the list in 23 separate entries.

As noted in the report, the vast majority of these gifts were either transferred to the General Caretaker or placed on display within the Prime Minister’s Office.

{Matzav.com Israel}

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Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio voiced his enthusiastic support for President Donald Trump’s recent call to restore traditional team names, particularly Cleveland’s baseball franchise. Moreno, a Republican, backed the push to bring back the “Indians” name, declaring, “Cleveland wants this.”

Taking to X, Moreno posted his endorsement alongside a screenshot of Trump’s Truth Social post, writing, “Cleveland wants this, let’s go!” Trump had urged professional sports franchises that had previously changed their names due to political pressure to now reverse those decisions, stating that the country had returned to an era of “common sense.”

In his Sunday statement on Truth Social, President Trump wrote, “The Washington ‘Whatever’s’ should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team.”

He followed that with a call for Cleveland’s team to do the same, writing, “There is a big clamoring for this,” and adding, “Likewise, the Cleveland Indians, one of the six original teams, with a storied past.”

President Trump went on to say, “Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen. Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them.”

He concluded his post with a rallying cry to team owners: “Times are different now than they were three or four years ago. We are a Country of passion and common sense. OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!”

As previously reported by Breitbart News, the name change from Indians to Guardians was finalized in 2021, when team owner Paul Dolan responded to social justice demands during the peak of so-called “woke” influence by retiring the team’s century-old name.

The original “Indians” name, which had been used for 106 years, was widely believed to honor Louis Sockalexis, a Native American outfielder who played for the Cleveland Spiders in the late 19th century and is considered the first Native American to compete in professional baseball.

{Matzav.com}

A potentially catastrophic collision was averted Saturday night thanks to the quick reflexes of a commercial airline pilot who took sudden evasive action to avoid a close encounter with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber in North Dakota airspace.

The incident involved an Embraer E175, operated by SkyWest Airlines and flying on behalf of Delta Connection. The flight had departed from Minneapolis-Saint Paul and was on its way to Minot International Airport when it came dangerously close to a B-52 Stratofortress associated with Minot Air Force Base.

As the two aircraft neared each other mid-flight, the pilot of the E175 performed a sharp and urgent maneuver to steer away from the approaching bomber. According to a report by Aviation A2Z, passengers and crew seated on the right side of the regional jet were able to spot the massive B-52 outside their windows.

Despite the sudden course changes, passengers described the mood inside the cabin as oddly subdued.

“I felt like I was gaslighting myself, like maybe I was being crazy, because no one else was reacting,” passenger Monica Green told KFYR TV.

Green recalled that the sharp bank of the aircraft was followed by a cryptic message over the intercom.

“We took a really hard turn, and that’s when the pilot got on the intercom and said, ‘sorry everybody, I’ll explain everything when we land safely,’” she said.

Her impression was that the tone of the announcement hinted at just how close the call had been.

“The way he said it, it almost sounded like he was insinuating that landing safely might not be an option for a moment. We all just kind of looked at each other and stayed quiet.”

She commended the pilot for taking the time to fully inform the passengers once the situation had been resolved.

“He was very casual, if you can be casual about something like that, but you could tell he was stressed. He was almost shaking, trying to find the right words, but he was nice and detailed. It felt good that they weren’t just going to brush it off,” Green said.

Later, the pilot explained over the PA system that air traffic control had instructed him to adjust the plane’s heading due to a lack of sufficient spacing from an aircraft ahead of them during the descent.

The bomber involved in the incident, a B-52, had not been previously identified to the pilot, who said this was particularly surprising given that Minot Air Force Base is equipped with radar that should have prevented such a situation. According to the report, the pilot assessed the safest option was to maneuver the jet behind the military plane.

Passengers expressed their gratitude once the plane was safely on the ground, acknowledging the pilot’s professionalism and transparency throughout the ordeal.

Minot Air Force Base, located near the airport, is home to the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing, both of which are responsible for operating and maintaining a large fleet of aircraft and military assets, including 26 B-52s.

The commercial aircraft involved was a Delta Connection regional flight, operated by SkyWest Airlines.

“SkyWest flight 3788, operating as Delta Connection from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Minot, North Dakota on July 18, landed safely in Minot after being cleared for approach by the tower but performed a go-around when another aircraft became visible in their flight path. We are investigating the incident,” SkyWest said in a statement to The NY Post Sunday.

{Matzav.com}

A man living in the United States illegally, who had been released under the Biden administration’s border policies, is accused of shooting an off-duty Border Patrol agent in the face during an attempted mugging in New York City. Despite being hit twice, the agent returned fire, injuring the suspect as he escaped on a moped.

Video footage shared by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) captures two individuals riding a moped into a park situated along the Hudson River. One of them dismounts and approaches the off-duty agent, who is seated on a rock by the water. As he nears, he appears to draw a firearm and opens fire on the agent.

In response, the agent scrambles for cover and fires back. The shootout continues for roughly 25 seconds, during which the agent lifts himself up twice to return fire while staying in motion to avoid getting hit again. Eventually, the suspect gets back to his feet and climbs onto the moped, appearing wounded as he attempts to escape. The moped takes off with both men.

According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the man accused in the shooting has been identified as Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a citizen of the Dominican Republic. Noem stated that he illegally re-entered the U.S. in April 2023 and was taken into custody by Border Patrol near San Luis, Arizona.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s report on land border encounters shows that Mora Nunez was among nearly 212,000 illegal immigrants who crossed into the U.S. from the southern border that same month. Because detention centers were overfilled, the Biden administration’s catch-and-release directives led to Mora Nunez being released into the country’s interior.

Secretary Noem further noted that Mora Nunez had an active kidnapping warrant out of Massachusetts. She added that he had been linked to multiple criminal incidents in the United States during the short period he had been living here.

Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary, revealed that Mora Nunez had received a final deportation order back in 2003. That meant his re-entry in 2023 was considered a felony offense. She stated that his past charges included felony-level second- and third-degree assaults. Despite this record, he was released due to policies in place under Biden.

President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, praising the wounded agent’s bravery. He wrote that the Border Patrol agent “bravely fought off his attacker, despite his wounds, demonstrating enormous Skill and Courage.” He referred to Mora Nunez as a “Monster freed into the Country under Joe Biden.”

According to a report by the New York Post, the agent was struck by two bullets—one in the face and another in the arm. After undergoing surgery, DHS officials say he is currently in stable condition.

The New York Post further reported: “At the time of his arrest for the shooting, he was wanted on kidnapping and weapons charges out of Massachusetts, sources said. He also had at least four arrests in New York City — where he was let go without bail each time, according to the sources. Morawas was nabbed twice just days apart August 2024 for allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman and threatening to kill another migrant with a machete. Then he was arrested for violating an order of protection in November 2024, and had another bench warrant out for his arrest issued in January, sources said.”

Following the exchange of gunfire, Mora Nunez reportedly walked into a hospital in the Bronx, having sustained three gunshot wounds. He is now in police custody while the NYPD continues its investigation. The individual who was operating the moped remains on the run.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has decided that the head of the United Nations’ humanitarian coordination office in Israel, Jonathan Whittall, will not have his residency permit renewed.

Sa’ar explained that this move was prompted by what he described as Whittall’s “biased and hostile conduct against Israel, which distorted reality, presented false reports, slandered Israel, and even violated the UN’s own rules regarding neutrality.”

“Whoever spreads lies about Israel – Israel will not work with him,” Sa’ar declared.

OCHA spokesperson Eri Kaneko previously noted that Israel had started issuing shorter-term visas to UN personnel and had refused entry permits for several agencies attempting to enter Gaza.

Kaneko stated, “It was indicated to us that our current Head of Office, Jonathan Whittall, won’t have his visa extended by Israeli authorities beyond August. This came immediately after remarks he made at a press briefing about starving people being killed while trying to reach food.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Tensions within the chareidi political world came to a boil on Sunday night, as senior members of United Torah Judaism sharply criticized Shas leader MK Aryeh Deri for what they described as a breach of trust and questionable political maneuvering, following Shas’s decision to remain in the government.

Speaking to Channel 12, insiders from UTJ voiced their dismay, accusing Deri of misleading both the UTJ leadership and leading gedolei Torah. They noted that while UTJ loyally followed daas Torah and immediately stepped down from all government positions, Shas kept its ministers in place and allowed its committee chairmen to remain in power.

“Deri speaks of justice, yet his actions are hypocritical. He led the call to leave the government, and now he’s mocking the very principles he claimed to uphold,” said one UTJ source.

They further alleged that Deri ignored the guidance of Shas’s own Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah. “This is the same Deri who vetoed MK Meir Porush’s appointment as Housing Minister — allegedly in the name of the draft law struggle, but in reality, out of political revenge,” the source claimed. “With Deri, it’s all about political interests.”

Shas fired back strongly, issuing a firm response dismissing the accusations as slanderous and deeply disrespectful to the gedolim.

“These so-called ‘sources’ are showing deep disrespect toward our greatest Torah leaders,” the party said in a statement. “It’s absurd to suggest that United Torah Judaism’s decision to leave the government stemmed from political pressure rather than direct rabbinic instruction.”

The statement emphasized that Shas’s actions were fully coordinated with Degel HaTorah and carried out under the explicit guidance of senior gedolei Yisroel. As for the delay in ministerial resignations, the party insisted it was purely technical, simply to allow for the completion of important responsibilities.

“The partnership and coordination between the parties continues, just as it has throughout this shared struggle,” the statement concluded.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israeli authorities believe that Hamas is likely to accept the latest plan for repositioning IDF troops in the Gaza Strip as part of a framework for a hostage release agreement.

A source with direct knowledge of the negotiations told Kan News on Sunday that “we can reach the long-awaited breakthrough for a deal within a few days.”

The updated deployment outlines provided by Israel to Hamas reportedly offer a higher level of flexibility than before. Among the adjustments proposed are modifications to the Morag Corridor route and alterations to how Israeli forces are stationed inside Gaza.

A senior IDF figure expressed optimism, saying: “I hope that this week we’ll have a deal. The IDF recommends to the political echelon to reach a deal, there is a great desire on both sides.”

The official noted that the military suggests maintaining a presence along the outer perimeter in positions that provide oversight and security for the towns and kibbutzim bordering Gaza.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a fiery interview with Yishai Cohen in the Kikar HaShabbat studio, United Torah Judaism leader MK Yitzchak Goldknopf has broken a year-long silence to publicly slam Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, accuse the government of betraying yeshiva students, and warn of chaos if the IDF dares to arrest Torah learners.

Goldknopf, who until now had refused all media appearances—even after resigning from the government—finally opened up about what he says are broken promises, failed negotiations, and deep disappointment. He revealed that Netanyahu had personally pledged that the judicial reform would lead to legal protections for bnei yeshiva. “But we got zero,” Goldknopf declared. “Just empty words, promises that disappeared into thin air.”

Reflecting on the formation of the coalition, Goldknopf said he had approached the Gerer Rebbe to report on the government’s draft law commitment. The Rebbe’s response: “What guarantee do you have?” Goldknopf recounted that Netanyahu offered him a ministerial role in the Prime Minister’s Office in lieu of any binding guarantee. “Every time I raised the issue, Netanyahu got upset,” he said. “But I never let up. I brought it into every meeting.”

He described storming into a closed-door budget discussion when he was excluded. “I told them, ‘No draft law—no budget!’ But all we got were floating phrases and vaporous promises.”

Goldknopf revealed that Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs gave him a letter stating that a draft law would be presented by October 15, 2023. “Since then, nothing’s happened. Every day they tell me, ‘It’s coming, it’s coming.’ But we had to threaten unpleasant consequences. That’s why we left the government. We’re getting nothing—no education budgets, no welfare funding. I submitted a report: it was all zero.”

He reiterated that United Torah Judaism will not accept any draft law that includes quotas or sanctions. “We signed an agreement. It doesn’t say a word about penalties, quotas, or punishments. Why should Torah learners be beaten down? Let them learn. Bring back yeshiva budgets. Bring back daycare subsidies. They’ve hit everything except the elderly—but give them time, they’ll start evicting grandfathers whose grandsons don’t enlist.”

Goldknopf expressed full support for his aide Moti Babchik, who was recently dismissed from the Housing Ministry. “What’s the question? Every day, every moment, I stand with him. If firing him is meant to hit us hard—go ahead. Let them.”

Looking to the future, he said, “I believe the next government will also be right-wing, headed by Netanyahu or someone else. But we—and the other chareidi parties—will not join any government without a proper draft law. No quotas, no goals. That will be the condition.”

He also dismissed criticism from Yair Netanyahu, who accused him of “selling the Negev to the Arabs” the day he resigned. “What, now I should respond to his grandson too? Let him say what he wants. What does he know about what goes on in the Prime Minister’s Office? He’s not even in the country. It’s nonsense.”

Goldknopf revealed what took place behind the scenes when Netanyahu and Justice Minister Yariv Levin were securing chareidi support for judicial reform. “They told us to back it because we’d get a ‘Basic Law: Torah Study,’ and the override clause. They said, ‘This is for your benefit.’ And what did we get? Nothing. We were misled. We failed.”

With the military and attorney general signaling that arrests of bnei yeshiva could begin within weeks, Goldknopf issued a dire warning: “This is a decree no one will be able to carry out. You want to shake the state? Go ahead. There will be no quiet here—not in any form. I’m not talking about violence or blood—but this country will not rest. You cannot touch yeshiva students. You cannot arrest Torah learners. It won’t happen.”

He criticized his chareidi coalition partners for not creating a crisis earlier—particularly during state budget votes. “In the end, we all reached the same conclusion. No draft law, no cooperation. If we hadn’t voted for the budget, the law would’ve passed already. I’m telling you.”

As for drafting non-learners, Goldknopf said, “First show me where you’re sending them. Are you guaranteeing they’ll come out chareidi? I get letters every day calling those promises lies. First build a real system that supports Yavneh v’chachameha—then we’ll talk.”

He also addressed the controversy surrounding a viral wedding video in which guests sang “We’ll die before we enlist” while dancing near him. “No one saw me dancing. They were dancing around me against me. They came to provoke. And instead of defending my dignity, people poured fuel on the fire. What do you want me to do, pour water on the gasoline?”

Goldknopf emphasized that the draft law is entirely in Netanyahu’s hands. “If he wants it, it’ll pass. If he truly wants a law, there will be one. Does that mean I believe him? I’ve given my faith to Someone Else. I believe only in Hakadosh Baruch Hu.”

Concluding the interview, he made clear: “The law we want to support will have no quotas and no sanctions. There is no such thing in any law in the State of Israel. Tell me another law that has penalties? Why target these poor yeshiva guys? They’re a small part of the country—and yet everyone obsesses over them. Let them live. They’re not bothering you.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

A powerful moment unfolded this past Motzaei Shabbos at the Yazdim Shul in Yerushalayim, where Sephardic Chief Rabbi and nosi of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, delivered his weekly shiur.

During the gathering, Rav Yosef turned to the elder mashgiach, the tzaddik Rav Naftali Chadash, who sat beside him, and shared a deeply personal and moving story from his younger years learning in Yeshivas Chevron—more than 50 years ago—highlighting the remarkable sensitivity of Rav Naftali’s father, the legendary mashgiach, Rav Meir Chadash.

“We had the zechus to learn under him in Yeshivas Chevron,” Rav Yosef began. “All the rabbanim in the yeshiva—Rav Chatzkel Sarna, Rav Moshe Chevroni, Rav Simcha Zissel Broide, Rav Meir Chadash—they all gave their shmuessen in Yiddish. And I didn’t know Yiddish,” he admitted in a rare moment of vulnerability.

Rav Yosef then described the hardship he and his fellow Sephardic students faced at the time. Not fluent in Yiddish, the language used for both learning and general communication in the Ashkenazi yeshiva world of the era, they felt alienated during sichos. “What would we do?” he said. “We’d run to the library, to the women’s section… looking for anywhere to go during the shmuess.”

And then came the revelation that gripped the entire room: “The only one who cared about us,” Rav Yosef declared emotionally, “the only one who cared was Rav Meir Chadash.”

He went on to recount a remarkable act of kindness and sensitivity. “On the nights when there was a shmuess in the yeshiva, afterward, in his own home—he lived downstairs in the yeshiva—he would gather us all, and he would repeat the shmuess in Hebrew.”

Rav Yosef connected the story to the broader worldview of his father, Maran Rav Ovadia Yosef, who sent his sons to both Ashkenazi and Sephardi yeshivos. “To take the good from each,” he explained. He noted that one of the strengths he saw in the Ashkenazi yeshivos was the encouragement and praise given to bochurim. “You need to encourage the boys, to strengthen them,” he emphasized.

The crowd was visibly moved by his words, especially Rav Naftali Chadash, who was hearing for the first time this rare and powerful story about his illustrious father.

{Matzav.com Israel}