Matzav

President Donald Trump is reportedly growing increasingly impatient with the prolonged conflict in Gaza, viewing it as the final barrier to unlocking economic growth and regional stability in the Middle East. A report on Tuesday, citing White House sources and published by Axios, said Trump wants Israeli leadership to bring the war to a close.

In recent days, the report says Trump has urged Israel to allow humanitarian assistance into Gaza after a complete halt in aid deliveries that began in early March. The push for aid access comes amid Trump’s rising concerns over the human toll of the war.

According to the Axios report, a senior White House official revealed that Trump was “upset” by harrowing footage showing Palestinian children and infants suffering under bombardment and siege. The official said, “he pressed the Israelis to reopen the gates.”

Under international pressure — including from Washington — Israel permitted a small shipment of five trucks carrying humanitarian aid into Gaza on Monday. This marked the first delivery in nearly three months, following repeated warnings from Israeli military officials about a deepening food crisis in the Strip.

Since March 1, Israel has maintained a strict blockade on aid entering Gaza, asserting that adequate assistance was previously delivered during a ceasefire and accusing Hamas of diverting supplies for its fighters. Israeli officials argue the restriction is necessary to pressure Hamas into freeing the dozens of hostages still held in captivity.

On Tuesday, the United Nations confirmed that Israel approved the entry of an additional 100 trucks. However, UN personnel cautioned that this is insufficient, given the scale of the humanitarian emergency, and emphasized that far more aid is urgently needed.

A White House official, quoted in the report, laid out Trump’s position clearly: “The president is frustrated about what is happening in Gaza. He wants the war to end, he wants the hostages to come home, he wants aid to go in and he wants to start rebuilding Gaza.”

That same official added, “The president sees a real chance for peace and prosperity in the region, but the war in Gaza is the last hot spot and he wants it to end.”

Another official speaking to Axios confirmed there is “a lot of frustration by this crisis getting dragged on.” The source also linked that sentiment to the recent backchannel efforts that secured the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity.

Despite the pressure campaign, an Israeli official told Axios that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not feel particularly pressed by Trump to alter course.

“If the president wants a hostage and ceasefire deal in Gaza he needs to put much more pressure on both sides,” the Israeli official said.

The White House emphasized that Trump is pushing for a swift end to the conflict, though it denied speculation that the U.S. was threatening to pull back support for Israel if the war continues.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated: “The president is moving as quickly as he possibly can and working overtime to end these conflicts in both Israel and Gaza and also the Russia-Ukraine war.” She added, “The president made it very clear to Hamas that he wanted to see all hostages released.”

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages who were taken back to Gaza.

At present, 58 hostages are believed to still be held in Gaza, with Israeli officials estimating that at least 35 of them have already died in captivity.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry claims that more than 53,000 people have been killed or are presumed dead as a result of the war. This number includes those killed in the latest wave of airstrikes launched since Friday. The figures have not been independently verified and do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

{Matzav.com}

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy revealed on Tuesday that the UK is putting a stop to negotiations for a new free trade agreement with Israel. This decision is part of a series of retaliatory steps, including placing sanctions on specific West Bank settlers, in protest of Israel’s handling of its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.

The move came on the heels of remarks by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who expressed deep dismay over Israel’s intensifying ground operations in the coastal enclave. He said he was “horrified” by what he viewed as the escalation in Gaza.

In an official release, the British government clarified its position, stating: “While the UK government remains committed to the existing trade agreement in force, it is not possible to advance discussions on a new, upgraded FTA with a Netanyahu government that is pursuing egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza.”

Speaking before members of Parliament, Lammy accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to forcibly confine Gaza’s population into a limited area in the southern part of the Strip while only allowing a small portion of the needed aid to get through. “The Israeli government has a responsibility to intervene and halt these aggressive actions,” Lammy said in a furious speech. “Their consistent failure to act is putting Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in peril.”

Lammy continued, referencing the January ceasefire as a missed opportunity for peace. “Despite the glimmer of hope from January’s ceasefire, the suffering from this conflict has worsened,” he said. “But January showed another path was possible. We urge Netanyahu’s government to choose this path. The world is judging. History will judge them. Blocking aid, expanding the war, dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible and it must stop.”

He went on to say that the UK would reevaluate its cooperative efforts with Israel outlined in the “2030 roadmap” that outlines strategic ties between the two nations. “The Netanyahu government’s actions have made this necessary,” Lammy noted.

Lammy emphasized that Britain still desires a positive relationship with the Israeli public. “I say now to the people of Israel: we want, I want, a strong friendship with you based on our shared values, with flourishing ties between our people and societies. We are unwavering in our commitment to your security and to your future, to countering the very real threat from Iran, the scourge of terrorism and the evils of antisemitism,” he said.

However, Lammy made it clear that the current war tactics in Gaza are straining ties between London and Jerusalem. “But the conduct of the war in Gaza is damaging our relationship with your government. And, as the prime minister has said, if Israel pursues this military offensive as it has threatened, failing to ensure the unhindered provision of aid, we will take further actions in response.”

Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer summoned Israel’s Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, to deliver a formal rebuke regarding what the UK described as “the wholly disproportionate” expansion of military operations in Gaza.

Responding sharply, Israel’s Foreign Ministry in Yerushalayim said: “The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in the struggle for its existence and security against enemies seeking its destruction.”

The ministry further pointed out that progress on a new trade deal had already stalled. “Even before today’s announcement, the matter had not been advanced at all by the current British government,” the statement read, while adding that the agreement “is mutually beneficial” and that “due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy — that is its decision.”

The UK’s announcement comes amid growing international backlash against Israel’s conduct in Gaza, especially in light of a near-total blockade of humanitarian assistance and a fresh ground assault launched by the IDF over the weekend.

Israel began enforcing the aid cutoff on March 1, contending that adequate humanitarian supplies had entered the territory during a six-week truce earlier in the year, and accusing Hamas of hijacking much of the aid for its operatives. Israeli officials also argued that the embargo was a necessary tactic to pressure Hamas into freeing the hostages it continues to hold—now for over 590 days.

On Monday, facing immense global pressure, including from Washington, Israeli leaders allowed five trucks of aid into Gaza. This came after Israeli military officials warned the political leadership that Gaza was teetering on the edge of mass starvation.

That same night, UK Prime Minister Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a joint declaration threatening to impose “concrete actions” if Israel refused to ease its offensive and increase humanitarian access. They called the small aid delivery on Sunday “wholly inadequate.”

On Tuesday, Israel allowed approximately 100 trucks to cross into Gaza. Nonetheless, the Israeli government continues to reject any halt in its military activities unless Hamas agrees to disarm and return all remaining hostages.

The UK and Israel launched discussions in July 2022 to upgrade their trade relations, building upon a 2019 continuity agreement following Brexit. After the Labour Party assumed control in the UK, they expressed an intention in July 2024 to revive those negotiations as one of six FTAs prioritized for renewal.

Israel regards the UK as one of its most important economic partners, ranking as the fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment in 2023, with over $1.1 billion recorded according to the British Embassy in Israel.

In another development that could deliver a further economic setback, the European Union — Israel’s top trading partner — announced Tuesday that it would reassess its bilateral cooperation agreement with Israel due to growing allegations of human rights abuses in Gaza. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, confirmed the review.

She said the decision came after “a strong majority” of the 27 EU member states supported the initiative during a Foreign Affairs Council meeting where the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which guides the bloc’s ties with Israel, was formally discussed.

“What it tells is that the countries see that the situation in Gaza is untenable, and what we want is to really help the people, and what we want is to unblock the humanitarian aid so that it will reach the people,” Kallas said to reporters following the session.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said earlier Tuesday at a conference in Jerusalem that he was in ongoing talks with European officials in an effort to prevent a breakdown in trade and cooperation with the EU.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot commented on the potential suspension of the agreement, saying, “the Netherlands suggested a reexamination of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. We supported this initiative and I call on the EU representatives to examine it, to address this requirement, and to determine if Israel is fulfilling its human rights obligations or not.”

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp is spearheading the EU initiative, invoking the clause in the EU-Israel agreement that ties cooperation to adherence to democratic principles and respect for human rights.

Barrot didn’t mince words in a radio interview, declaring: “The situation is unbearable because the blind violence and the blocking of humanitarian aid by the Israeli government have turned Gaza into a dying ground — if not a cemetery,” and denouncing Israel’s war effort as “a total violation of all rules of international law, and contrary to the security of Israel — to which France is committed — because those who sow violence reap violence.”

{Matzav.com}

By John Nolte, Breitbart

When it came to protecting her husband, a blind man can see that Doctor Jill Biden serially violated the Hippocratic Oath’s pledge to “first do no harm.” And some are now floating the idea of filing criminal charges against her for elder abuse.

And yes, I realize that Jill Biden is not a doctor-doctor. By any definition, though, she’s one heartless doctor.

Leo Terrell, a senior Department of Justice official, is someone suggesting our former first lady could face criminal charges for elder abuse.

Terrell, a counselor to the assistant attorney general for civil rights, used his verified X account to float the idea to his 2.5 million followers.

“Elder Abuse! Criminal Charges??” Terrell wrote in response to an X post that said of Dr. Jill: “She knew about President Biden’s health problems. But still wanted him to run for President. Evil.”

Per the New York Post, Terrell also shared tweets from others accusing Dr Jill of criminal elder abuse.

“Elder abuse is a form of domestic violence, and Dr Biden has a lot of explaining to do about her part in defrauding the American people and taxpayers,” said one of Terrell’s reposts.

Another read: “I would never wish Joe Biden physical harm despite my personal political views; too bad his own family compromised his well-being.”

“His medical team should have caught this years ago! Shame on Jill & all who turned their heads & ignored this!” read yet another repost. “They indeed are guilty of elder abuse & if they have him go thru [sic] any medical procedure now, radiation or chemo, they should be shot! But they wanted the attention & status at any cost.”

I’ll leave the validity of criminal charges to senior Justice Department officials, but I’m more than happy to point out that Dr. Jill Biden is a reprehensible wife obviously looking out only for herself and her status.

The very idea of allowing a loved one to repeatedly shed his or her dignity in front of others, much less the whole world, is something no Normal Person could ever conceive of. Other than ensuring they are getting the best care available, shielding a sick person’s dignity is not only a top priority, it is your default priority, it is reflexive.

Maybe — maybe — Biden had enough of his mental faculties in 2019 and 2020 to make his own decision to run for president. But running for a second term? No way. And the very idea that his wife — his own wife — would send him out in the world to repeatedly humiliate himself and submit himself to ridicule just so she could remain first lady and keep the Biden family grift operation running, is the stuff of villainy.

Jill Biden’s mercenary handling of her husband goes against every human instinct decent people are born with. In my own experience, every day, I witness strangers treat the infirmed with more compassion and care than the Biden family did their exploited patriarch.

The moral crime here is indisputable, and if criminal charges can be filed, they should.

{Matzav.com}

Democrat Sam Sutton has emerged victorious in a closely watched special election for a seat in the New York state Senate, successfully holding off a Republican push to capture the traditionally right-leaning district, according to projections by Decision Desk HQ.

Sutton, a longtime nonprofit leader and businessman, defeated Republican challenger Nachman Caller, a lawyer who previously made an unsuccessful bid for the state Assembly ten years ago.

With this win, Democrats retain control of the seat vacated by Simcha Felder, who stepped down last month to assume a position on the New York City Council.

The race had been viewed as potentially competitive given Felder’s unique political history. Though elected as a Democrat, Felder frequently sided with the Republican conference and had often run unopposed with endorsements from both parties.

New York’s 22nd State Senate District, located in Brooklyn, went strongly for President Trump in the last presidential election, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the outcome.

The district also encompasses a sizable Orthodox Jewish population. Sutton, who co-heads the Sephardic Community Federation, maintains strong relationships within the Sephardic community, a key constituency in the area.

Among Sutton’s top campaign pledges were enhancing public safety through “community-based approaches,” boosting education budgets, and advancing environmental policies focused on clean energy.

{Matzav.com}

Ehud Olmert, who once held the position of Israel’s prime minister, criticized Israel’s current military actions in Gaza, telling the BBC on Tuesday that the situation “is very close to a war crime.” He continued, “Thousands of innocent Palestinians are being killed, as well as many Israeli soldiers.”

Olmert expressed deep doubts about the military operation, stating, “the war has no objective and has no chance of achieving anything that could save the lives of the hostages.” He clarified, “We are fighting Hamas murderers, we are not fighting innocent civilians, and this must be clear.”

He emphasized that what the world is witnessing is the extensive death toll of innocent Palestinians alongside significant Israeli military casualties. “From every point of view, this is obnoxious and outrageous,” he remarked.

“We are fighting the killers of Hamas, we are not fighting innocent civilians,” he reiterated to the BBC. “And that has to be clear.”

Education Minister Yoav Kisch strongly pushed back against Olmert’s remarks, denouncing them as disgraceful and harmful.

Posting on X, Kisch declared, “Ehud Olmert joins Yair Golan and the chorus of the extreme left that defames the State of Israel in the international arena.”

He went further, condemning Olmert for undermining the morale of Israeli troops. “While IDF soldiers are risking their lives in the face of murderous terror that seeks to destroy us, he chooses to incite and stab them in the back. Let him be ashamed.”

Likud MK May Golan also spoke out on X, condemning Olmert’s comments in harsh terms. “The only crime in this war is your spitting in the faces of IDF fighters who are currently fighting the modern-day Nazi enemy. And yes, there are innocent people in Gaza — 58 to be exact.”

Nissim Vaturi, another Likud lawmaker, called Olmert “the corrupt prime minister who has been here since the founding of the state, consumed by self-hatred, a mouthpiece for Hamas!” He accused Olmert and Yair Golan of siding with brutal terrorists. “He and his friend Yair Golan support the vile terrorists, those who murdered babies and raped women!”

Meanwhile, following Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel intends to maintain control over the Gaza Strip, several Western nations voiced sharp opposition. Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and Canada issued a joint declaration criticizing the move and denouncing the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

The trio of governments issued a firm warning, stating, “If Israel does not stop the renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete steps in response,” according to a report by The Jerusalem Post.

The UK government also expressed serious concerns, saying, “The Israeli government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law.”

The statement also voiced support for diplomatic initiatives spearheaded by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, aimed at bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza without delay.

In closing, the nations reiterated their endorsement of a two-state framework, reaffirming their readiness to recognize a Palestinian state as part of a broader peace effort.

{Matzav.com}

Federal authorities have reportedly initiated a criminal probe targeting Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, over accusations that he misled Congress concerning the number of COVID-19 fatalities in state-run nursing homes during the height of the pandemic.

The investigation, which centers around Cuomo, now a leading candidate in the upcoming New York City mayoral race, began roughly four weeks ago, according to the New York Times, which cited two individuals familiar with the case. The inquiry is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C.

At the time the probe was launched, the D.C. office was under the direction of Ed Martin, who has since been succeeded by Jeanine Pirro earlier this month.

The inquiry follows a request by a Republican-led congressional panel urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to bring criminal charges against Cuomo. The panel claims he made “criminally false statements” during a June 11, 2024, appearance before the House subcommittee investigating the COVID-19 response.

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer of Kentucky said there was “overwhelming evidence” that Cuomo had overseen a report dated July 6, 2020, which allegedly downplayed the real death toll in New York’s eldercare institutions during the pandemic by nearly half.

Comer had previously called for Cuomo’s prosecution last year, but the push was ultimately dismissed by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, who was appointed by President Joe Biden.

In response, Cuomo’s spokesperson Rich Azzopardi told The New York Post that they had not been notified about any such investigation and criticized the development as politically motivated. “We have never been informed of any such matter, so why would someone leak it now?” he said in a statement. “The answer is obvious: This is lawfare and election interference plain and simple — something President Trump and his top Department of Justice officials say they are against.”

Azzopardi added, “Governor Cuomo testified truthfully to the best of his recollection about events from four years earlier, and he offered to address any follow-up questions from the Subcommittee — but from the beginning this was all transparently political.”

{Matzav.com}

Joe Biden’s last recorded Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, a standard method for detecting prostate cancer, was performed in 2014 during his time as vice president under Barack Obama, according to a statement released Tuesday by a spokesperson from Biden’s office.

“Prior to Friday, President Biden had never been diagnosed with prostate cancer,” the spokesperson stated, pushing back against speculation that the 82-year-old may have been privately dealing with the illness during his time in the White House.

The announcement this past Sunday that Biden is battling an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer, which has already metastasized to his bones, came as a shock to many of his longtime confidants. Several allies told The Post they were stunned that the disease could have progressed to such a dangerous stage without anyone in his inner circle knowing.

The official summary of Biden’s most recent physical, which was conducted in February 2024, included no mention of a PSA test. That report came from White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor, who has had a personal and professional relationship with the Biden family for many years.

A veteran aide to Biden speculated that O’Connor and the president may have deliberately opted out of performing a PSA test, concerned about the possibility of triggering unnecessary alarm. “I think the likely scenario, knowing Kevin O’Connor pretty well, is that they had a discussion on what a PSA test is, and they decided not to do one because it would likely be elevated and cause a story, since a lot of older men have high PSAs that are false positives,” the aide said.

“A blood test has a paper trail. They probably just didn’t do the test. I think it would leak if he had a PSA test they tried to bury.”

The aide went on to criticize that decision, pointing to the tragic irony of the situation. “What’s ironic,” the person said, “is that if they didn’t give the president a PSA test because of the potential for optics of a possible false positive, that decision is ultimately going to lead to his death because they could have caught it earlier.”

Another former White House staffer expressed doubt that any cancer diagnosis was deliberately hidden. “Frankly, residence staff talk. It would have gotten out … Also, Doc [O’Connor] isn’t discreet. Yes, he’s a doctor, but he’s always chatting,” the former aide said.

Current medical guidelines may also have played a role in the decision. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force both advise against routine prostate cancer screening for men over 70. Biden passed that milestone in 2012.

“Men aged 70 years and older have a higher rate of prostate cancer, but because they are more likely to die from a cause other than their prostate cancer, the potential benefit screening is diminished,” the AAFP’s website explains. “Older men experience more harms from screening, including increased rates of false positives, overdiagnosis, and increased risk of harms from biopsy and treatment.”

Dr. Zeke Emanuel, a noted oncologist and one of the architects of the Affordable Care Act, weighed in on MSNBC’s Morning Joe Monday, saying the cancer had likely been growing inside Biden for many years. “He did not develop it in the last 100 to 200 days,” Emanuel said. “He had it while he was president. He probably had it at the start of his presidency in 2021.”

{Matzav.com}

Yarden Bibas, one of the hostages who was freed from Hamas captivity, shared a personal account of encountering Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar while being held in Gaza. During that period, Sinwar permitted Bibas to remain alongside his closest friend, David Cunio, for about two weeks before the two were eventually split up.

“David is my best friend, he has been with me my whole life,” Bibas told Channel 12 in an interview.

Bibas recalled seeing Cunio on November 27, 2023—the day Cunio’s wife, Sharon Aloni Cunio, and their twin daughters were released in a short-term truce deal between Israel and Hamas.

“He was moved to me in the tunnel. When he saw me for the first time, he was in shock. He thought he saw a ghost. I hugged him, and then he continued to the next place,” Bibas recounted.

Bibas said that when Sinwar entered the tunnel, he made a heartfelt plea to stay with Cunio. “When Sinwar arrived at the tunnel, I said to him that this is my best friend and I want to stay with him. He said there was no problem, you can stay with him. After around two weeks, they separated us. I don’t know why,” Bibas said.

Yahya Sinwar was later eliminated by Israeli forces in Gaza in October.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has jumped to 55% according to a new InsiderAdvantage poll, with just 44% of respondents disapproving of his performance and only 1% undecided.

“These results are not a surprise,” noted InsiderAdvantage pollster Matt Towery. “Other pollsters who accurately polled election cycles where President Trump’s name appeared on the ballot have been showing his approval ratings moving into the fifty-percent-plus range.”

That trend is backed up by multiple other national surveys. Harvard-Harris currently shows Trump at a 47% approval rating, Rasmussen puts him at 49%, and Morning Consult has him at 48%.

This new figure marks significant growth for Trump since April, when an earlier InsiderAdvantage poll conducted in partnership with Trafalgar pegged his approval at 46%, with an identical 44% disapproval rating. The month prior, in March, the same joint polling effort had Trump at 50% approval and 45% disapproval.

These new results point to a clear upward trajectory, at least among respondents polled by InsiderAdvantage. But this uptick is visible in broader averages as well.

The RealClearPolitics aggregate currently gives Trump an average approval rating of 47.1%, with a disapproval rating of 49.1%. That puts him just two points underwater—an improvement over where he stood three weeks ago when his approval was 45.3% and disapproval was 52.4%, a nearly seven-point gap.

Trump’s rising popularity can likely be tied to a string of recent developments. These include his successful diplomatic trip to the Middle East, the rollout of major trade deals, and strong economic indicators that undermined mainstream predictions of economic collapse under Trump’s tariff policies—predictions the pollster called the “tariffmageddon hoax.” A market rally has further strengthened his economic credentials. Also noted are his tough stance against Houthi terrorists and signs of progress toward a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

Many Americans view Trump as a leader who speaks openly and unapologetically about patriotism, pushes for policies aligned with the majority’s values, and tackles issues that resonate with the public—such as illegal immigration, rising antisemitism, gender ideology in schools, and support for law enforcement.

The poll results also appear to reflect the growing contrast between Trump and Joe Biden. As corporate media outlets begin to acknowledge Biden’s mental decline more openly, the comparison with Trump—who is seen as active, articulate, and visibly engaged—has begun to shift public opinion even further.

The message voters seem to be sending is clear: they want a capable, confident leader who prioritizes America and delivers tangible results—and they see that leader in Donald Trump.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

A growing movement is urging the White House to follow through on President Trump’s promise to make fertility treatments more accessible to American families. The petition, which can be signed at nobabyleftbehind.org, is gaining traction as supporters rally behind the cause.

The Story Behind the Petition

President Trump’s executive order, signed on February 18, aims to expand access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) by reducing statutory and regulatory barriers. The order directs the Domestic Policy Council to research ways to assist more Americans in obtaining IVF and other fertility treatments, with a focus on making these treatments more affordable.

Click Here to Sign the Petition

National Support for IVF

A recent national poll released by Tzedek Association reveals widespread support for IVF, even among pro-life communities. The poll shows that:

•⁠  ⁠85% of registered voters support IVF

•⁠  ⁠78% of Republicans support IVF

•⁠  ⁠82% of Catholics support IVF

•⁠  ⁠81% of evangelicals support IVF

•⁠  ⁠80% of voters who identify as “pro-life” support IVF

Click Here to Sign the Petition

Tzedek Association’s Efforts

Rabbi Moshe Margaretten, President of Tzedek Association, has been working closely with the Trump administration to pursue real solutions for families burdened by the high cost of fertility treatment. The organization has held meetings with White House officials, including the President’s chief of staff Susie Wiles, the Domestic Policy Council, HHS & CMS, to advocate for increased access to IVF.

What’s Next?

As the petition continues to gain momentum, supporters are hopeful that the White House will take action to make fertility treatments more affordable for American families. With the cost of IVF ranging from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle, many families are struggling to access these life-changing treatments. Will you sign the petition and join the movement to make IVF more accessible?

Click Here to Sign the Petition

Speaking at a policy discussion hosted by Breitbart News on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins sharply criticized the current state of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), calling it a system overwhelmed by “fraud and abuse and corruption” that is in dire need of serious reform.

Rollins cited eye-opening numbers regarding federal spending on nutrition assistance. “Again, let me repeat that $400 million of our taxpayer money is spent every day across our nutrition programs, just at USDA,” she stated, referencing the total daily outlay across the department’s 16 different nutrition initiatives.

She tied the excessive spending to the president’s broader commitment to shrinking government and improving accountability. “So when the president ran and spoke to the American people about rightsizing government and realigning and making sure that every taxpayer dollar is spent to its best and highest and most effective use, that I’m not sure there is a program — there are others equally equal to it — but I’m not sure that there is a program that perhaps needs more reform than the SNAP program, which is the food stamp program.”

Emphasizing once more the staggering amount of $400 million in daily spending, Rollins said that kind of expenditure necessitates rigorous oversight and evaluation. She stressed that, in her view, “it’s ripe with fraud and abuse and corruption.”

According to Rollins, recent law enforcement operations have exposed widespread criminal activity linked to SNAP. She pointed to sting operations conducted by the Secret Service that resulted in arrests of individuals allegedly involved in defrauding the program. “Tens of millions of dollars” have been stolen, she said, adding that in some cases, benefits were improperly distributed to illegal immigrants.

“We’re working to change that, of course, across the whole government as well. There’s just a lot a lot of work that we need to do. That fact, that we’re just handing out all of this money without any sort of requirement of work for able-bodied, grown adults is sort of insane to me,” Rollins said.

She went on to emphasize that the United States should not be functioning like a socialist nation. “I mean, this is not, we are not a socialist country in America. If we’re going to use a taxpayer, we’re going to take $1 from you … then we need to make sure that dollar is spent effectively,” she continued.

Rollins explained that reforming SNAP is a major component of her department’s policy agenda. “And so that’s a big, important part of our work at USDA. We’ll be rolling out more on that the coming weeks. We’re rolling out a lot right now, a lot of policy agendas that we’re working on really hard, but that’s at the very top of the list, and obviously working with our partners in Congress is going to be really important, but also our partners out in the states,” she added.

{Matzav.com}

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced a sharp reduction in the number of flights permitted at Newark Liberty International Airport for the foreseeable future, citing ongoing operational difficulties at the busy New Jersey hub.

Until June 15, the airport will be limited to just 56 takeoffs and landings per hour — a significant drop from the more than 80 that had previously been scheduled each hour. The temporary cap is due to runway construction that has severely affected the airport’s capacity.

Even after the construction wraps up, the agency said restrictions would remain in place on Saturdays through the end of the year. On all other days of the week, the number of hourly flights will be capped at 68 until October 25.

The FAA’s decision, which was made effective immediately, follows weeks of turmoil at Newark, where a combination of air traffic controller shortages, technical malfunctions, and runway work has thrown the airport into operational chaos.

Prior to these setbacks, Newark was already one of the most congested airports in the country, processing high volumes of traffic despite its relatively small size compared to other major international gateways.

“Our goal is to relieve the substantial inconvenience to the traveling public from excessive flight delays due to construction, staffing challenges, and recent equipment issues, which magnify as they spread through the National Airspace System,” Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau said in a statement.

Industry analysts have argued that reducing the number of flights was a necessary move to restore order and ensure safety, especially after numerous delays and cancellations left travelers stranded and frustrated.

The FAA also emphasized that it may reconsider and increase the flight limit in the future if conditions at the airport improve enough to support additional air traffic.

{Matzav.com}

During a visit to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced plans to launch an inquiry into Joe Biden’s reliance on an autopen for signing key documents while in office. Trump suggested that major policies, including those related to border security, may not have been directly approved by Biden himself.

“We’re going to start looking into this whole thing with who signed this legislation. Who signed legislation opening our border? I don’t think [Biden] knew. I said, ‘There’s nobody that can want an open border. Nobody,'” Trump said. “And now I find out that it wasn’t him. He autopenned it.”

Trump expressed alarm over the situation and demanded to know who was responsible for controlling the autopen device.

“This is a very serious thing,” Trump said. “We had a president that didn’t sign anything. He autopenned almost anything. He opened the borders of the United States of America.”

According to a report from the Washington Examiner, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., confirmed Friday that the committee has launched a probe into Biden’s use of the autopen, particularly surrounding his last-minute pardons issued at the end of his presidency. Comer stated the committee believes they have identified the staffer involved.

The issue has further enraged Trump, especially following Biden’s decision in January to grant early pardons to several close allies and family members, using the autopen in the final hours before leaving office. Among the recipients were relatives of Biden, members of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s January 6 committee, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Gen. Mark Milley.

Trump declared those pardons invalid. He said the documents signed by the machine were “void, vacant, and of no further force or effect.”

{Matzav.com}

A moving ceremony took place Monday at Yad Vashem to mark the rededication of the towering 21-meter Pillar of Valor, which commemorates the bravery of those who fought against the Nazis. The event, held in advance of the upcoming Liberation and Rescue Day, was attended by leading rabbonim, government figures, diplomats, Holocaust survivors, and veterans.

The event began in the Yad Vashem shul and concluded at the foot of the monument. Among those present were Rav Yisrael Meir Lau, former Chief Rabbi and chairman of the Yad Vashem Council; Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan; Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov; MK Avigdor Lieberman; Alexander Gantsis, head of the Russian Jewish Congress; former IDF general Uzi Dayan; David Mordechayev, chairman of Liberation and Rescue Day and director of the STMEGI Foundation; Robert Abramov, director of STMEGI Israel; and prominent members of the Caucasus Jewish community.

In his emotional speech, Rav Lau said, “This monument that we are rededicating today immortalizes the courage of the fathers and mothers who saved their children during that dark era — prisoners in death camps who preserved their humanity and selflessly risked their lives to help their brethren.”

Rav Lau recalled his father, Rav Moshe Chaim Lau, who refused to abandon his kehillah even when he had the chance to flee. “My father could have escaped when we parted, and my mother, my brother, and I fled into hiding. But he stayed behind, declaring, ‘A rav is a father to his community, and a father does not abandon his children.’ And my mother, too, showed incredible courage. In one fateful moment, she lifted me and placed me in the men’s car. My father’s and mother’s heroism is memorialized here, along with all the sacred heroes,” he said.

Rav Lau praised philanthropist and Russian Jewish Congress Vice President Gabriel German Zakhareyev, the driving force behind Liberation and Rescue Day, for his dedication to establishing the day on the Hebrew calendar and embedding it in Jewish national memory through tefillah and thanksgiving around the globe.

“This initiative reflects a deep and essential truth,” Rav Lau said. “We must remember the agents of Hashem in defeating the Nazi beast — first and foremost Russia, which made the greatest sacrifices. Nearly a quarter-million Jewish soldiers in the Red Army gave their lives in that war. They did more for us than any other nation.”

Zakhareyev himself emphasized the moral and educational role of Liberation and Rescue Day, which commemorates the fall of the Third Reich on the Jewish calendar. “One of the fundamental aims of this day is to teach the eternal victory of good over evil, to defeat Nazism in memory and legacy, and to pass down from generation to generation the feelings of gratitude to Hashem and to His emissaries. It is about preserving the legacy of those who fought and fell and ensuring that we understand the difference between good and evil.”

“This Pillar of Valor is also a warning sign to the Jewish people,” he added. “Unfortunately, even after the horrific Holocaust, the dangers to our nation have not vanished. The moral boundaries between good and evil are once again blurred. Here, at Yad Vashem, at the foot of a monument honoring the courageous martyrs — against the backdrop of the eternal city, Yerushalayim — we must declare: the strength and unity of the Jewish people against its enemies must be everlasting. The words ‘Never Again’ must be more than symbolic.”

MK Avigdor Lieberman also addressed the crowd, stressing the importance of transmitting Jewish history from one generation to the next — from Yetzias Mitzrayim to the Holocaust, and now, he said, to October 7.

“Sadly, this year we add another chapter — October 7 and everything that followed. These events are always relevant, and what matters most is the unwavering determination of the Jewish people and our ability to rise again,” Lieberman said.

He shared a personal note: “My father served as a soldier in the Red Army. His recruitment story is a testament to the resilience of the Jewish people. That spirit — the refusal to surrender, the decision to remain proudly Jewish — is part of our national DNA. Every person here can share a personal story of valor, resolve, and the will to stay connected to our people and our heritage.”

Lieberman also thanked Zakhareyev for his unwavering commitment. “Your efforts to preserve and promote Jewish heritage wherever Jews live are a source of inspiration. All of us here are deeply grateful.”

Russian Ambassador Anatoly Viktorov noted in his remarks that “half of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust were Soviet citizens.” He emphasized that Russia’s battle against the Nazis was not limited to defending its own people. “We fought and sacrificed for all of humanity,” he said, expressing confidence that the world will forever remember Russia’s role and that of the Red Army in defeating Nazi Germany.

{Matzav.com}

In a discreet and unpublicized visit, National Unity party leader MK Benny Gantz met last night with the Skverer Rebbe in New York.

The meeting, held late Monday night, took place at the Rebbe’s home in the Skverer enclave of Shikun Skver in New York.

Gantz, currently in the United States, reportedly met with the Rebbe at the request of the chassidus. The visit was kept under tight secrecy, with Gantz entering the home through a back entrance. The conversation between the two lasted approximately forty minutes.

In keeping with the confidential nature of the encounter, Skverer officials have declined to comment on any part of the meeting.

Sources say that during the visit, Gantz also met with senior askanim of the Skverer community, who shared details of the chassidus’ activities.

{Matzav.com}

ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר

ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר

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ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר

ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר

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ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר ההדלקה הגדולה בחצר סאטמרצילום: בחצרות סאטמר

An individual closely involved in the ongoing hostage negotiations told The Times of Israel that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s announcement earlier this evening about Israel accepting the “Witkoff proposal” — and Hamas rejecting it — does not accurately reflect the actual state of the discussions.

According to the source, mediators are still actively trying to get both sides to move closer to a mutual understanding. “This is not a matter of just waiting for Hamas to say ‘yes,’” the source explained, pushing back against the framing that only Hamas is holding up the process.

The current effort, the source elaborated, centers on constructing a temporary agreement that each side can interpret in a politically palatable way. Hamas would need to present the deal as a pathway to a broader end to hostilities, while Israel would need to preserve the stance that it has not made such a commitment.

Due to the deep mistrust between the parties, finding a formulation that satisfies both sides has proven extremely challenging, the source noted. Still, they remain optimistic that an agreement can eventually be reached.

Although the Prime Minister recalled Israel’s top negotiators from Doha to Yerushalayim, the source claimed their involvement was largely symbolic and that they were not heavily engaged in the core of the talks.

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, whose name is attached to the proposal, is also not physically present in Doha. However, he remains in close and ongoing communication with Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, the source said.

Meanwhile, Palestinian-American activist Bishara Bahbah has continued to serve as an unofficial conduit between Washington and senior Hamas officials in Doha, where he arrived the day before, according to the source.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a strong rebuke of the Israeli government on Tuesday, claiming that it lacks a concrete strategy to rescue the remaining hostage still held in Gaza. The statement came after the Prime Minister’s Office announced that it was recalling senior negotiators from Doha, where indirect talks with Hamas had been taking place.

“A majority of the nation supports the return of all the hostages, even at the price of ending the war. Only the return of everyone in one stage will allow a process of rehabilitation and renewal for the country and the army,” the forum stated, emphasizing that the full return of hostages is essential for national healing.

The group stressed that without bringing home the final hostage, the war cannot be considered won. “Hamas will not be defeated without the return of the last hostage. Until then, there will be no victory, nor even the appearance of victory.”

According to the latest figures, terror factions in Gaza are still holding 58 hostages. Of these, 57 were taken during the October 7, 2023, massacre carried out by Hamas-led militants. The list includes at least 35 individuals who have been declared dead by the Israel Defense Forces, along with 20 who are thought to still be alive. Israeli authorities have said they are deeply concerned about the condition of three others whose status remains uncertain.

During multiple periods of temporary ceasefires, Hamas has released a number of captives. Between January and March, 30 hostages were freed — among them were 20 Israeli civilians, five IDF soldiers, and five Thai nationals. In May, the group also released the body of one Israeli-American hostage as what it called a “gesture” to Washington.

Back in November 2023, during a weeklong truce, Hamas freed 105 civilians. An additional four individuals were released in the early days of the conflict. In return, Israel agreed to release roughly 2,000 Palestinian inmates, including convicted terrorists, detainees arrested during the war, and other security prisoners.

To date, eight hostages have been successfully rescued by Israeli forces. However, the bodies of 41 other hostages have also been recovered, including three who were accidentally shot and killed by Israeli troops after escaping captivity, as well as the remains of an IDF soldier slain in 2014.

The body of another soldier, Lt. Hadar Goldin, who was also killed in 2014, remains in Hamas custody. He is still considered one of the 58 individuals being held in Gaza.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Trump on Tuesday announced an initial $25 billion investment to jumpstart the creation of the “Golden Dome,” a sweeping continental missile defense system. The program, which Trump described as a top national priority, will be overseen by Gen. Michael Guetlein, the vice chief of space operations.

Though distinct from Israel’s Iron Dome, the similarly named Golden Dome aims to serve as an expansive shield across the Western Hemisphere. “Golden Dome” is already generating excitement among some defense circles, but has drawn skepticism from military analysts concerned about its feasibility and astronomical cost.

Trump placed the total estimated cost of the project at around $175 billion, adding that the target timeline for completion is three years. “These are early figures,” he acknowledged, but said the initial $25 billion will be written into the broader spending package now moving through Congress.

The system’s development will demand deep cooperation across multiple sectors — including the Pentagon, lawmakers, military personnel, defense contractors, and successive administrations. Trump said the shield could eventually extend beyond U.S. borders: “Canada has expressed interest in being covered by the shield,” he noted.

While defense analysts have raised red flags about the practicality of recreating Israel’s defense system on a much larger scale, especially given the scope and cost, Trump remains confident in the plan’s success. “President Reagan had wanted to build something similar during the Cold War,” Trump said during a meeting in the Oval Office with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, adding, “but we didn’t have the technology. Now we do.”

The Golden Dome would aim to defend against a broad array of threats — from hypersonic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to space-launched nuclear weapons. At its core would be a network of advanced detection systems and interceptors based in space, designed to neutralize incoming projectiles in real time.

Since Trump signed an executive order in January directing development of the system, top defense firms have been vying to secure a role in the massive project.

Lockheed Martin, for example, has proposed integrating its F-35 fighter jet, Sentinel A4 radar systems, and command-and-control networks into the Golden Dome initiative. “The project will require the best of every technology company,” said Frank St. John, the company’s chief operating officer.

Booz Allen Hamilton introduced a concept called Brilliant Swarms — inspired by the Cold War-era Brilliant Pebbles initiative — which envisions groups of satellites that detect and destroy missiles via high-speed collisions. “The longer you wait to kill an enemy ballistic missile, the harder your problem gets,” said Chris Bogdan, executive vice president at the firm.

Other major players including Anduril Industries, Palantir Technologies, and SpaceX are also reportedly collaborating on technology related to the proposed missile shield, according to Reuters.

{Matzav.com}

In a fiery speech delivered in Tel Aviv, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee asserted that the relationship between Israel and the United States remains rock-solid and cannot be torn apart.

Addressing a room filled with prominent figures from Israel’s financial sector, Huckabee dismissed any suggestion that the bond between the two nations is weakening. Pointing to Iran as the central source of instability in the region, he reiterated America’s unwavering backing of Israel.

“To anyone who says that the paths of Israel and the US are going their separate ways, that there is a conflict between them or that they are moving away from each other, I say: that is not what is happening. The only thing that was separated in this part of the world was the Red Sea, when Moses parted it in two to allow the Israelites to pass. I came here today in the name of friendship and gratitude,” Huckabee said during a celebration held in his honor by the Ministry of Finance and the Israel Securities Authority on Tuesday night, which drew key leaders from Israel’s economy.

He added a heartfelt prayer, hoping that “God will cross the Red Sea again and allow the kidnapped to return home.”

“I realize that as I stand here tonight there are enemies poised to do any and everything they can to destroy you, to take you down and to take your future and your hope away. But they won’t be able to do it. On all sides, whether it’s Hamas, Hezbollah or the Houthis. I’ve said several times this week, it doesn’t matter who brings the plate of hate to Israel to try to destroy you. We know where the kitchen is. The kitchen from which all of these really deadly disease dishes come from is from Iran and you’re standing up against this evil monster, who for 46 years has said they’re going to destroy you. But then they say once they’re finished with you, they come after us. You’re the appetizer, we’re the entrée. Americans need to understand that the reason it matters what you do is because how you handle this threat is how we will ultimately have to handle this threat. Your enemies are our enemies and I hope it’s always true that your friends are our friends. I say this from the bottom of my heart, America is your friend. We’re your partner. We will stand with you. We must. We can’t afford to pay the alimony of the divorce. So I hope you like us; you’re stuck with us and I hope Americans will always love you because we feel like we’re stuck with you too. God bless you.”

Huckabee stressed that the alliance between the two countries goes beyond mere convenience or transactional cooperation. “We (the US and Israel) are partners, we are not just stakeholders cooperating to advance their own selfish interests. Israel is not just our business partner, we also benefit from Israel’s economic strength.” He praised Israel’s economic resilience during wartime, and expressed admiration for its stability amid global chaos.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed Huckabee’s remarks and highlighted the importance of the growing bond between the two nations. “We believe that the coming period will be a new high in relations between Israel and the US: an economic partnership that will bring more investments and more cooperation, regional moves that will position Israel as a strategic center connecting the Middle East, Europe and Asia, and an ideological infrastructure of a connection between tradition and innovation and freedom.”

Smotrich praised Huckabee not only for his diplomatic role but for his personal devotion to Israel. He described him as “not just an ambassador of a country but a true friend.”

Reflecting on Israel’s financial performance, Smotrich declared, “The Israeli economy has stood a huge test and emerged from it stronger than ever. The Israeli shekel is stronger today than on the eve of the war. This is not just the result of market trends – it is an international expression of confidence in the strength of Israeli society, in our political stability, and in the economic policy we are leading. The Israeli stock exchange has provided some of the highest returns in the world, thus proving that despite the war – the future here is bright. Investors understand better than politicians and commentators and they believe in Israel and the fast future that awaits it. And they are right.”

Seffy Zinger, Chairman of the Israel Securities Authority, pointed to Israel’s robust ties with global financial systems as a key factor in its economic success. “One of the main factors for the strength of the Israeli capital market is its deep integration with global markets, and especially with the American capital market. The financial ties between us are deep and strong.”

Zinger shared that he had recently spoken with investors in the United States who were struck by Israel’s economic achievements. “What particularly caught their attention was the performance of the Israeli stock exchange compared to global markets. The Tel Aviv-125 index yielded a return of almost 30% in 2024, almost as much as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices. This is an especially impressive achievement, given the fact that it took place during the most difficult and complex war in Israel’s history. I told those investors: Don’t invest in Israel just out of love. Invest in it because it’s a good investment.”

Along with Smotrich and Zinger, the gathering was attended by a host of Israel’s top economic figures, including Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Amir Yaron, Finance Ministry Director General Ilan Rom, Tel Aviv Stock Exchange CEO Itai Ben Ze’ev, Competition Authority Director Michal Cohen, Capital Market Authority head Amit Gal, Bank Leumi CEO Hanan Friedman, Phoenix Insurance CEO Eyal Ben Simon, investor Zvi Stepak, BlackRock Israel CEO Anat Levin, venture capitalist Michael Eisenberg of the Aleph Fund, businessman Gideon Tadmor, Bank of Jerusalem CEO Yair Kaplan, and former government minister and entrepreneur Yizhar Shai, whose son Yaron was killed on October 7. Shai is now leading an initiative to create 1,500 startups in memory of the victims of that day and the subsequent Swords of Iron War.

Smotrich shared that he had just come from a funeral at Mount Herzl, where Yosef Yehuda Chirak, a soldier killed the previous day in Gaza, was laid to rest. He noted that just two days prior, he and Huckabee had met with Yehuda Eliyahu, head of the Settlement Directorate in the Defense Ministry—and Chirak’s father-in-law.

{Matzav.com}