Matzav

Russia is preparing for a potential attack on the power lines serving Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, a move that could take place within days, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation.

Ukrainian officials had previously indicated that Moscow was focusing on high-voltage electricity transmission systems rather than striking nuclear reactors themselves. However, a source now says the true target is the external power lines supplying the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, known as ZNPP.

In a statement issued January 17, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry intelligence directorate warned that Russia was considering strikes on critical energy infrastructure tied to nuclear power operations.

“In order to force Ukraine to sign unacceptable surrender demands to end the war, the aggressor state Russia is considering the option of attacking strategic facilities of our state’s energy system — we are talking about electricity transmission substations that ensure the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants.”

“The threat is at ZNPP,” a source told Fox News Digital. “There are talks of a massive attack either tonight or in the coming nights,” the source said, speaking anonymously. The source added that “the talks within the Ukrainian government are about ZNPP and the lines, and these talks have not been for the first time.”

Ukraine’s Emergency Service said Russia also struck energy infrastructure in the Odesa region overnight Sunday, according to The Associated Press.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in southern Ukraine, has six VVER-1000 pressurized water reactors and has been under Russian control since March 2022, according to reports.

While the reactors are currently shut down and not generating electricity, the facility still depends on outside power to operate cooling mechanisms and essential safety systems.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly cautioned that any disruption to external power lines represents a severe nuclear safety threat.

Earlier this month, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a limited ceasefire on January 16 to allow repairs to one damaged backup power line at ZNPP under IAEA supervision.

In a statement that day, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said: “The IAEA continues to work closely with both sides to ensure nuclear safety at the ZNPP and to prevent a nuclear accident during the conflict. This temporary ceasefire, the fourth we have negotiated, demonstrates the indispensable role that we continue to play.”

“A deterioration of Ukraine’s power grid from persistent military activity has direct implications on the nuclear safety of its nuclear facilities,” Grossi said.

“Russia is said to be going to do this strike, maybe even tonight,” the source said, referring to a possible operation targeting ZNPP.

“Information also from the Ukrainian Parliament and Ukrainian Security Service, or internally, is that the Russian army told the Ukrainian army that if they don’t stop shelling their tankers in the sea or shelling their oil refineries, as well as their electric stations like power stations,” the source said, “then they will fully destroy Kyiv energy facilities aswell.”

“The parliament knows this. But we keep shelling,” the source added.

“This is a very difficult situation,” the source continued, saying Ukraine’s leadership, parliament, and “obviously the office of the president” understand that “if we keep shelling Russian tankers and oil refineries, then they will destroy everything that we have.”

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently appealed to NATO allies to urgently send additional air-defense missiles, warning that some Ukrainian systems are running dangerously low on ammunition, according to reports.

“To actually preserve the energy in the country when it is minus 20 outside and people are literally suffering hugely,” the source said. “People don’t have electricity, don’t have warmth and some don’t even have water.”

“And this is a very controversial situation,” the source added, “particularly for the Ukrainian people sitting inside, hungry and freezing, and overall being in this disastrous humanitarian situation.”

{Matzav.com}

Iran’s president issued a sharp warning on Sunday, saying that any American military strike would draw a “harsh response,” and that targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would be “tantamount to a full-scale war on the Iranian nation.”

The remarks by President Masoud Pezeshkian came as Iran’s judiciary signaled it may proceed with executions of detainees arrested during recent nationwide unrest, protests that appear to have subsided following a violent government crackdown.

On Sunday, limited internet service briefly resumed in parts of Iran before being cut off again, after reports emerged that the head of Irancell, the country’s second-largest mobile phone operator, was fired for failing to enforce the shutdown.

Because of the communications blackout, the true scope of casualties during the protests remains difficult to verify. The demonstrations initially erupted over economic distress but quickly escalated into widespread demands for the overthrow of the regime.

A report published by The Sunday Times, citing Iranian medical sources, claimed that more than 16,500 people were killed and over 330,000 injured during the unrest. An Iranian official, however, said authorities had confirmed at least 5,000 deaths linked to the protests, including roughly 500 members of the security forces.

In a post on X on Sunday, Pezeshkian wrote: “An attack on the great leader of our country [Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei] is tantamount to a full-scale war with the Iranian nation.” He also accused the United States and its allies of being responsible for the hardships facing the Iranian population.

His statement followed comments made a day earlier by US President Donald Trump, who described Khamenei as a “sick man” in an interview with Politico and said, “It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran.” The remarks appeared to mark the first time Trump openly called for an end to Khamenei’s rule.

Although Trump has repeatedly warned that the United States would respond forcefully if Iran began killing protesters, he has so far refrained from launching military action. While US forces have been repositioned in the region, the president has not detailed what steps he might take.

According to Iran International, a media outlet aligned with opposition groups, Iranian state television was hacked on Sunday, briefly airing opposition material, including a speech by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.

The report said footage of anti-regime demonstrations was shown on several channels, apparently as a result of satellite broadcast interference.

Pahlavi was shown urging Iranians to take to the streets and calling on members of the security forces to support the protesters.

Trump has cited Tehran’s alleged decision to halt “the hanging of over 800 people” as a reason for holding back, saying: “I greatly respect the fact that they canceled.”

However, Iranian judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said at a press conference on Sunday: “A series of actions have been identified as Mohareb, which is among the most severe Islamic punishments.”

Under Iranian law, Mohareb—an Islamic legal term meaning waging war against God—is punishable by death.

“All those who played a decisive role in these calls for violence, which led to bloodshed and significant damage to public finances, will not be spared,” Jahangir said.

Meanwhile, a relative of detained protester Erfan Soltani said Sunday that the 26-year-old is in stable physical condition and was able to meet with family members days after his scheduled execution was delayed.

A close family member living abroad told the Associated Press that relatives were informed Soltani’s execution had been set for Wednesday, but the plan was postponed when they arrived at the prison in Karaj, northwest of Tehran.

“I ask everyone to help in securing Erfan’s freedom,” said Somayeh, a relative who requested to be identified by her first name only out of fear of retaliation, in a video message.

Axios reported Sunday that US military forces were awaiting authorization from Trump to strike Iran last week, but that he ultimately decided against it following pressure from Israel and Arab partners.

The report cited four US officials, two Israeli officials, and two additional sources familiar with the matter.

According to Axios, initial US intelligence assessments concluded that the anti-regime protests were unlikely to threaten the survival of Iran’s leadership. That view shifted on January 8, when massive demonstrations erupted in Tehran and other major cities, raising new concerns about the regime’s stability.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said Sunday that he would support possible US military action against Iran, but only after every available nonmilitary option aimed at Iran’s leadership has been fully pursued.

Speaking in an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Cruz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the United States should intensify pressure on Tehran’s ruling regime. “I think the US should be taking every step possible to end this regime,” he said.

Cruz argued that Washington still has a wide range of tools at its disposal short of military force and called for increased American support for the widespread anti-government demonstrations currently gripping Iran. “I hope and believe that America is doing everything we can to support the protesters. There are lots of steps we can and should be taking short of a bombing strike,” he said.

His remarks followed comments made a day earlier by President Donald Trump, who told Politico that Iran needs “new leadership” and sharply criticized Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling him “a sick man who should run his country properly and stop killing people”.

Cruz said Trump’s remarks represented a significant turning point in US policy. “In the last two days a really important step occurred where President Trump came out unequivocally and said it is time for new leadership in Iran,” he said, describing the moment as “massively important.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded Sunday to Trump’s statements, warning that any move against Khamenei would be treated as an act of war.

Writing on X, Pezeshkian said: “An attack on the great leader of our country is tantamount to a full-scale war with the Iranian nation.”

Relations between Washington and Tehran have been increasingly strained in recent weeks, as Iranian authorities carried out a deadly crackdown on protesters and Trump warned that Iran would face severe consequences if demonstrators were killed.

At one point on Wednesday, tensions appeared to peak, with the possibility of imminent US military action widely discussed. The situation later appeared to ease after Trump said the killings of protesters had stopped.

According to a report published over the weekend by The Washington Post, officials across the Middle East and in Washington believed late Wednesday morning that Trump was close to authorizing heavy US airstrikes against Iran. The report said Trump ultimately decided against the strikes after receiving a message through envoy Steve Witkoff that Iran had halted plans to execute 800 people.

{Matzav.com}

A senior spokesman for the Islamic Jihad terror organization said the group is prepared to work with a committee overseeing civilian affairs in the Gaza Strip, while at the same time rejecting the political structure surrounding that body and opposing any framework linked to President Donald Trump.

In an interview with the newspaper Al Araby Al Jadeed, Muhammad al Khaj Musa said Islamic Jihad is willing to cooperate with the Gaza administration committee led by Ali Shaath “in order to ease the suffering of the residents of the Strip.”

Musa stressed, however, that the organization has serious objections to both the makeup of the committee and the political vision behind it, arguing that it operates under American backing and influence.

He said Islamic Jihad rejects the “Board of Peace” initiative established by Donald Trump, declaring that the group opposes any form of “international sponsorship over the Palestinian people,” which he claimed is designed to dismantle armed factions and strip them of their weapons.

Turning to the issue of hostages, Musa accused Israel of preventing progress, asserting that the body of Ran Gvili—the final hostage held by the organization—is trapped in a tunnel that was filled with large quantities of concrete by the IDF.

According to Musa, recovering the remains “requires special engineering equipment,” but he alleged that Israel “is placing obstacles and conditions,” including tying the return of the body to advancements in a future agreement.

Under Trump’s Gaza plan, Hamas—which controls the Gaza Strip—was supposed to return all hostages held in Gaza during the first phase. Nevertheless, Gvili’s body remains in terrorist custody, even as Hamas claims it does not know its location.

Israel, for its part, has passed along what it says is vital information regarding the burial site of Gvili, but Hamas has declined to act on it.

The Trump administration is examining whether the United States should offer asylum to Jews from the United Kingdom as concerns mount over rising antisemitism, according to remarks given to The Telegraph by a senior figure close to President Donald Trump.

Robert Garson, the president’s personal attorney and a former British barrister originally from Manchester, said he has been in contact with the US State Department to discuss the possibility of granting refuge to British Jews who feel increasingly threatened in the UK.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Garson said Britain is “no longer a safe place for Jews,” pointing to an Islamist attack on a synagogue in Manchester and what he described as a sharp increase in antisemitism following the October 7 Hamas massacre in Israel. Those events, he said, convinced him that American protection should be extended to British Jews seeking to leave.

Garson said he believes there is “no future” for Jews in the UK and placed responsibility on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of failing to confront antisemitism and allowing it to spread.

He noted that after being appointed last May by President Trump to the US Holocaust Memorial Council—following the removal of appointees from the Biden era—he raised the asylum proposal with Trump’s antisemitism envoy, Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun.

At 49, Garson has emerged as a prominent figure within Trump’s inner circle. He is currently representing the president in a $50 million lawsuit against journalist Bob Woodward and also serves as legal counsel to Donald Trump Jr. in connection with Winning Team Publishing, which has released books by conservative writers, the president himself, and Charlie Kirk, the assassinated right-wing activist.

Garson, who relocated to the United States in 2008, restated his concerns in blunt terms: “The UK is no longer a safe place for Jews. I have spoken to the State Department as to whether the president should be offering British Jews asylum in the US. It is certainly not an unattractive proposition. It is a highly educated community… It is a populous that speaks English natively, that is educated and doesn’t have a high proportion of criminals. There were conversations.”

He said shifting demographics and growing hostility toward Jews have led him to conclude that “there is a future for Jews in the United Kingdom” no longer. “For me, that is particularly sad,” he added.

Garson also lashed out at the Crown Prosecution Service, accusing it of failing to bring charges against protesters “on the streets of Britain who had glorified in the rape or death of Jews” in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks. He said there is “a lack of political will” to apply the Public Order Act to anti-Israel demonstrations.

In a further attack on the British government, Garson said: “Keir Starmer has turned a total blind eye to antisemitism.” He continued, “The Prime Minister has allowed rampant antisemitism to become commonplace in society and has allowed it to come from those who really don’t have Britain’s best interests at heart.”

Garson warned that if extremist Islamism is not confronted, parts of the country could eventually be governed by Sharia law. “Mark my words, they are coming for the Jews and then they are coming for your pubs. You are going to have sharia-compliant areas very, very soon,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro writes in a newly released memoir that while being screened as a possible vice-presidential pick for Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign, he was confronted with a question asking whether he had ever “been a double agent for Israel.”

Portions of Shapiro’s book, Where We Keep the Light, were published in excerpts carried by The New York Times and The Atlantic.

In the book, Shapiro describes reacting with shock and offense to the question, recalling his immediate disbelief (“Was she kidding?”). He also recounts feeling deeply uncomfortable throughout the vetting process, which included repeated inquiries into his views on Israel — an area where his public record has generally been supportive.

Shapiro writes that being asked such a question “said a lot about some of the people around [Harris],” suggesting it reflected troubling assumptions within the circle conducting the interviews.

“I wondered whether these questions were being posed to just me — the only Jewish guy in the running — or if everyone who had not held a federal office was being grilled about Israel in the same way,” he says.

Reflecting on the tone of the interviews, Shapiro notes that while the meetings were outwardly formal, they were emotionally taxing. “These sessions were completely professional and businesslike,” Shapiro says. “But I just had a knot in my stomach through all of it.”

Harris ultimately selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, and the Democratic ticket went on to lose the general election to Donald Trump.

{Matzav.com}

As the annual yahrtzeit of Rav Dovid of Lelov zt”l approaches, thousands of Lelover chassidim are once again preparing to travel to Poland for the traditional pilgrimage to his kever. The gathering, held each year on 7 Shevat in the town of Lelov, is customarily led by the Lelover Rebbe, who is joined by large delegations of followers from Eretz Yisroel and abroad.

This year, however, an unusual and restrictive directive has been issued, leading to disappointment among many bochurim who had hoped to participate in the journey and benefit from the long-standing segulah associated with the yahrtzeit.

The Rebbe has instructed that bochurim and young avreichim who belong to age cohorts required to report for military service — and who fear possible arrest — must refrain from leaving the country and should not take part in the trip under any circumstances.

In recent years, the Lelover yahrtzeit has drawn not only chassidim but also many individuals seeking yeshuos, particularly bochurim who are delayed in finding a shidduch. Among Lelover chassidim, a well-known segulah involves unmarried bochurim dancing on a table during the yahrtzeit seudah in front of the assembled chassidim, an act seen as removing embarrassment and opening the gates to a shidduch. Numerous accounts have circulated in recent years of older singles who participated in the yahrtzeit and went on to get married within the following year.

This year’s directive follows a significant tightening of enforcement by military police, who have intensified efforts to compel attendance and arrest those who have not regularized their status. After the matter was brought before the Rebbe, a clear ruling was issued: Any bochur or avreich with even a remote concern of arrest — whether while departing Israel or upon return — is not to attempt traveling abroad for the yahrtzeit.

While the instruction is being widely accepted as a matter of pikuach nefesh and responsible leadership, it has nevertheless caused deep disappointment among singles who had pinned their hopes on participating in the pilgrimage and the associated segulah this year.

{Matzav.com}

Two days before the dramatic public announcement regarding the arrangement reached between Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and MK Yisroel Eichler, the dayanim arbitrating the heated dispute between Degel HaTorah and Agudas Yisroel had already signed a binding psak ordering Eichler to resign immediately from the Knesset.

Portions of the beis din ruling have leaked, revealing for the first time that the dayanim unequivocally ruled that Eichler was obligated to vacate his seat as part of the long-standing rotation agreement between Degel HaTorah and Agudas Yisroel. A senior source within Yahadus HaTorah said that Eichler would have resigned in any event, regardless of the position he later secured.

On Thursday afternoon, the political system was thrown into turmoil after it was revealed that Eichler had reached an understanding with Netanyahu under which he would resign from the Knesset and be appointed Deputy Minister of Communications. This step enabled MK Yitzchok Pindrus of Degel HaTorah to return to the Knesset and participate in the vote on the draft law.

However, it has now emerged that two days earlier, the arbitration panel—composed of Rav Betzalel Waksalstein, Rav Avrohom Direnfeld, and Rav Yaakov Farbstein—had already signed the final psak, determining that Eichler must step down immediately in favor of Pindrus, in accordance with the rotation agreement between the two factions.

Following the earlier resignation from the government, Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni demanded that Agudas Yisroel instruct Eichler—who at the time had been under consideration for the position of Housing Minister—to resign, as required by the rotation agreement. Eichler objected, leading the sides to bring the matter before a mutually accepted beis din to adjudicate the dispute within Yahadus HaTorah.

Last Tuesday, the panel signed its final ruling, stating clearly that Eichler is required to resign immediately from the Knesset. The psak bears the signature of Rav Avrohom Direnfeld, one of the senior dayanim associated with the Belzer chassidus, which Eichler represents.

An excerpt from the beis din ruling states: “MK HaRav Yisroel Eichler must, in principle, resign immediately from the Knesset, and the Agudas Yisroel party must instruct MK HaRav Yisroel Eichler to resign immediately from the Knesset. In practice, we grant the parties two weeks to reach an arrangement—whether among themselves, by way of the Norwegian Law, or through negotiations within Agudas Yisroel regarding who will resign in order to implement the rotation. Should no arrangement be reached, Rav Eichler shall resign from the Knesset without any claims.”

A senior official in Yahadus HaTorah remarked: “Eichler essentially managed to arrange a position for himself. This was not a deal with Degel HaTorah and had no direct connection to the draft law. He understood that the beis din—including the dayan from Belz—had ruled that he must leave the Knesset, and at the final moment he secured himself a role via the Prime Minister’s Office. Even without that position, he would have resigned. Had he not done so, the psak would have been made public by the end of last week. He simply acted first to preempt the fallout.”

{Matzav.com}

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul used a Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative church service in Harlem on Sunday to sharply criticize federal immigration enforcement and to laud Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, remarks that critics said crossed the line into overt politics during a religious observance, the NY Post reports.

Speaking from the pulpit at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church before a crowd of more than 1,000 congregants, Hochul reflected on the state of the nation and praised Bragg, briefly misstating his title in the process.

“I never thought I would see what is happening to our country,” the Democrat told the congregation at the church on West 138th Street.

Hochul went on to describe what she said was a climate of fear created by immigration enforcement, suggesting that some people are avoiding religious services out of concern they could be detained.

“Today, we have people struggling because they’re in fear. They are too afraid to go to church because an ICE agent may take them out of this place and take them to a detention center. Separate them from their families. That is what is happening in America today,” Gov. Hochul opined.

She then pointed to policies she highlighted in her State of the State address, asserting that certain locations should be off-limits to federal agents absent court approval.

“So I have said in my state of the state, no ICE agent can come into a sacred place like a church, or a hospital or a day care center or a school without a warrant signed by a judge,” she added. “They cannot violate this sacred space.

“We are not surrendering our rights. And we’re not going backwards, my friends! Not now. Not ever!”

Despite insisting she was not delivering a political message, Hochul also used the service to heap praise on Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, even floating his future political prospects.

“We also have another fighter to keep people safe and that is our Attorney General,” Hochul said, before correcting herself.

“I’m sorry, our District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Who knows, maybe he’ll be an Attorney General some day too, change the occupant of the White House,” the anti-Trump politician said.

She continued to commend Bragg’s work with state leaders, crediting him with helping shape public safety policy in New York.

“But I’m not here to get political, you know what I’m saying. But he [Bragg’s] been a great partner in bringing ideas to us in the legislature and myself on how to make our streets safer and they are safer,” Hochul said.

“Crime is down to record lows, particularly here in Manhattan, and I give him so much of the credit.”

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Senior lawmakers from both parties warned Sunday that any attempt by President Donald Trump to use military force to seize Greenland would have far-reaching consequences, including the possibility of a direct conflict with NATO, even as the president escalated pressure on European allies with new tariff threats tied to the issue.

Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas said that while diplomatic efforts or negotiations are one matter, military action would cross a dangerous line that could unravel the alliance structure that has governed transatlantic security for decades. Speaking on ABC’s “This Week With George Stephanopoulos,” McCaul cautioned that an invasion would amount to a fundamental breach of NATO principles.

“If he wants to purchase Greenland, that’s one thing,” McCaul said. “For him to militarily invade would turn Article 5 of NATO on its very head, [and] in essence, put us at war with NATO itself.”

Trump has refused to rule out the use of force as part of his effort to acquire Greenland for the United States. On Saturday, he announced that beginning Feb. 1, the U.S. will impose 10% tariffs on imports from Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and other European countries. The president said those tariffs would increase to 25% on June 1 unless an agreement is reached to purchase the semi-autonomous island from Denmark.

McCaul acknowledged Greenland’s strategic importance, noting that U.S. interest in the territory long predates Trump’s presidency. “Greenland has been looked at by presidents since we purchased Alaska,” he said. “It’s very strategic from a national security standpoint against China and Russia.”

Despite that, McCaul argued that there is no justification for acquiring the territory outright, pointing to existing agreements between the United States and Denmark that already grant Washington broad military access. “The United States,” he said, “has full military access.”

“If we want to put more military in there, we can,” McCaul added. “We don’t have to invade it.”

He also questioned whether any deal to purchase Greenland is even feasible. “If he wants to buy it, that’s fine. I don’t see a willing seller right now,” McCaul said.

Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland echoed McCaul’s concerns during the same program, while accusing Trump of misrepresenting his motives. Van Hollen said claims that the push for Greenland is driven by national security do not hold up under scrutiny.

“Denmark and Greenland have both said to the United States, ‘You can take what measures you need to protect the security of the United States and, of course, the NATO alliance,’” Van Hollen said. “We have a base there already, and we can expand that base.”

Van Hollen argued that the president’s true objective is economic, not strategic. “This is about a land grab,” he said. “Donald Trump wants to get his hands on the minerals and other resources of Greenland, just like the real reason he went into Venezuela had nothing to do with stopping drugs from coming.”

Calling for congressional action, Van Hollen urged lawmakers to use their authority to rein in any unilateral military move by the administration. “We could, for example, cut off any funds that could be used for military purposes with respect to Greenland; we could take action under the war powers resolution,” he said.

“But a lot of our Republican colleagues talk big until it comes time to vote … they have to stop giving Donald Trump a blank check.”

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{Matzav.com}

Senior commanders from the Judea and Samaria District of Fire and Rescue Authority of Israel arrived Sunday evening to pay a shivah visit in Beitar Illit to the family of the late Moshe Ludmir z”l, who drowned after being swept away in the Modi’in Stream.

District Commander Tzion Shenkor, accompanied by district spokesperson Yehonadav Lifshitz and Judea Area Commander Tamir Erez, came to strengthen the family following the complex, days-long operation to locate their son.

During the visit, family members expressed profound gratitude to the firefighters and rescue units who worked in the stream around the clock for four consecutive days and nights. They told the district commander that he had surprised them by coming first. “You beat us to it,” they said. “We planned to come to you immediately after the shivah to personally thank the firefighters and everyone who helped.”

The family said they followed the massive rescue efforts closely and were deeply moved by the determination of the forces on the ground, who refused to abandon the search despite extreme weather conditions and powerful flooding. They noted that the teams persisted until Moshe was found and brought to kevurah before the onset of Shabbos.

At the center of the visit was an emotional appeal from Moshe’s father, Rav Tzvi Hersh Ludmir. From within his private grief, he sought to turn his family’s tragedy into a warning for the broader public, urging fire officials to use every tool at their disposal to raise awareness about the dangers posed by flowing water and flash floods.

“Floodwaters can look inviting, sometimes even mesmerizing, but they are a deadly trap,” the bereaved father said. “Do not go near flowing water. It is a real danger to life. I call on everyone—be careful, do not test it, and do not approach.”

Commander Shenkor assured the family that the father’s words would guide the district’s future public safety outreach. He told the family that the firefighters’ dedication stemmed from a profound Jewish and moral sense of mission, and that the entire district shares in the pain of the loss of the beloved bochur.

{Matzav.com}

A grave and unusual incident occurred overnight on Chazon Dovid Street in Modi’in Illit, where a chareidi young man was violently assaulted by security personnel following what was later determined to be a case of mistaken identity.

According to reports, the young man was initially suspected of being a spy, prompting intervention by agents of the Shin Bet. During the encounter, significant force was allegedly used against him despite the fact that he did not resist.

A volunteer from Magen David Adom who was present at the scene described the incident as exceptionally severe. “They beat him badly, restrained him with plastic cuffs, and forced him to lie on the ground, even though he showed no resistance. I have never seen anything like this in my life,” the volunteer said.

Approximately 15 minutes later, security forces reportedly realized that the individual was not the person they were seeking and that a serious error had been made. He was released immediately, without any charges or further action taken against him.

Following his release, visible signs of injury were apparent on his body. Family members said his abdomen was covered with red marks and bruising, which they believe clearly indicate the extent of the violence used against him.

The family stated that they view the incident with utmost severity and are considering further steps in response. They are demanding a thorough investigation into the conduct of the forces involved, a full clarification of the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the implementation of conclusions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

{Matzav.com}

Three F-35i “Adir” fighter jets produced by Lockheed Martin arrived in Israel on Sunday, touching down at Nevatim Air Base.

The newly delivered aircraft are slated to enter service with the 116th Squadron and the 140th Squadron, and have already been marked with the insignia of the Israeli Air Force.

Since the war began, the “Adir” aircraft have been in constant use, carrying out a broad spectrum of missions, both defensive and offensive, across all active theaters.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, the addition of these jets further strengthens the “Adir” array and enhances the overall operational effectiveness of the Israeli Air Force.

Israel also emphasized the strategic importance of its defense relationship with the United States, describing it as part of a shared commitment to reinforcing stability throughout the Middle East.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s security cabinet convened Sunday evening following an unusual statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office the previous night, which pointed to gaps with the American administration over the composition of a proposed Gaza “Peace Council” and related issues. According to a report on i24, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s public condemnation of Turkey’s inclusion in the council had been coordinated in advance with the United States.

Israeli officials played down the significance of Turkey and Qatar being included in the Peace Council as such, but voiced concern over Washington’s decision to place senior figures—at the level of Turkey’s foreign minister and a high-ranking Qatari official—within the council’s executive arm, the Gaza governing committee. In Jerusalem, officials said they were surprised by the White House announcement over the weekend regarding the two countries’ roles in the executive structure, though not by their participation in the broader body.

At the same time, reports indicated heightened tension during Sunday’s meeting of the political-security cabinet, where numerous ministers sharply criticized the establishment of a Gaza Peace Council, arguing that it constitutes an irresponsible move from a security standpoint. Several ministers said after the meeting that they left frustrated. A source familiar with the discussions said the Prime Minister’s seemingly forceful statement had been coordinated with U.S. officials, noting that it was no coincidence that the White House did not issue a response to Netanyahu’s remarks.

During the meeting, Netanyahu sought to calm ministers and outlined assurances he said he had received from U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu told ministers that Trump shares Israel’s view that Gaza must undergo complete demilitarization prior to any reconstruction effort. He said this would include not only weapons, but also tunnels, machinery, and Hamas’ military production capabilities. Netanyahu added that the American president had set a clear deadline for Hamas to meet these demands and that, should the terror group fail to do so, Israel would receive a “green light” to act.

Despite these assurances, ministers continued to voice criticism of the initiative, arguing that it poses unnecessary risks and that the government has not been presented with a full picture of the potential consequences on the ground.

{Matzav.com}

MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism visited a military detention facility on Sunday where yeshiva students who declined to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces are being held, offering words of encouragement while sharply criticizing the policy that led to their imprisonment.

Speaking after the visit, Porush described his encounter with the detainees, saying, “I met several young men who are imprisoned for the ‘offense’ of studying Torah. I found them determined; they believe in the importance of sitting and studying Torah. Of course, it’s not comfortable for them,” he said.

Porush said the situation was emotionally wrenching and explained that, despite his limited availability, he is working on the issue through official channels. “It breaks the heart to see this situation. We should try to come here more often, but I am also busy with discussions in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and I shared with them what is happening in those discussions. We pray that Hakadosh Boruch Hu, will help us and deliver us from this trouble,” he said.

He went on to assail those responsible for the current policy, calling the circumstances intolerable. “This situation is truly unbearable. We are required to strengthen them. They are sitting in prison in a state governed by Jews because they are studying Torah. This is an absurdity that neither my father nor my grandfather ever imagined we would reach here in the Land of Israel,” Porush said.

The visit took place against the backdrop of heightened public debate over the draft law and the ongoing dispute surrounding the enlistment of yeshiva students into military service.

{Matzav.com}

and heavy financial penalties for stealing from the scene of the Nova Music Festival massacre.

Both men were convicted based on their own admissions of aggravated theft, after entering the festival grounds and taking personal belongings left behind by victims of the attack.

According to the revised indictment submitted by prosecutor Adar Bachar of the Southern District Prosecutor’s Office, the two arrived at the site on October 8, 2023—just one day after the terror assault in which at least 347 civilians and 17 police officers were murdered at the festival location—and proceeded to loot items belonging to those who had been killed.

Arguing for strict punishment, Bachar emphasized the extraordinary gravity of the case, stating: “The circumstances of this case are unique and severe, and the actions of the defendants, who, one day after the worst disaster in the country’s history, got together and stole property belonging to the victims of the Nova Festival, must be condemned. The defendants took advantage of the situation in the country at the time to carry out their plan.”

In his ruling, Judge Amir Doron described the national trauma surrounding the events, writing: “The morning after October 7th, 2023, was one of the most difficult days in the country’s history. The country experienced a planned spree of murder and destruction, which caused substantial damage to life and property, which was reflected in the various strata of Israeli society in general, and the victims of the massacre and their families in particular.”

Judge Doron went on to deliver a scathing moral assessment of the defendants’ conduct. “The defendants failed in a disgraceful and particularly severe manner on the moral and ethical level. Through their actions, carried out together with one another, the defendants demonstrated a blatant trampling of every component of basic human compassion. The defendants stole equipment from the victims of the massacre, while the blood of those victims cried out from the ground before them. Driven by greed, the defendants chose to steal whatever they could lay their hands on, with particular emphasis on property of significant economic value.”

He added that such behavior strikes at the core of society itself. “Stealing from the scene of a massacre is not only an injustice toward the victims; it is considered a ‘stain on our camp,’ eroding social trust and the sense of solidarity,” he wrote.

At the end of the case, the court imposed identical sentences on both defendants: 38 months in prison, a suspended term, and a fine of 45,000 shekels each.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Yaakov Jan, the rov of Uman, issued a rare public warning on Sunday calling on Jews in Israel and abroad to avoid traveling to Uman in light of unusually severe winter weather that has made conditions in the area unsafe.

While underscoring the spiritual value of visiting the kever of Rav Nachman of Breslov, Rav Jan said the current situation warrants delaying any trips until circumstances improve, citing heightened dangers both on regional roads and within the city itself.

He explained that temperatures have plunged to extreme sub-zero levels not experienced in years, alongside extended power failures, darkened and icy streets, and dangerously cold conditions inside homes—factors that collectively pose serious risks to visitors and local residents.

Rav Jan further cautioned those already in Uman to avoid using gas heaters indoors, emphasizing the particular hazards they present during outages. He pointed to a tragic incident late last week in which a 28-year-old man was found dead in his home, with carbon monoxide poisoning suspected, and urged the public to act responsibly and minimize exposure to danger.

The rov added that anyone who nevertheless decides to travel to Uman during this period should make certain they carry valid, comprehensive medical insurance before doing so.

{Matzav.com}

The Israel Defense Forces and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) carried out Operation “Red South,” in Gaza about a year ago, the IDF revealed on Sunday. The covert operation recovered the body of fallen hostage, Staff. Sgt. Oron Shaul, and returned it to Israel.

Shaul fell in combat in Shejaiya on July 20, 2014, during Operation Protective Edge, and was then abducted by the Hamas terrorist organization.

During interrogations of detainees, initial information was received regarding a civilian property in which the fallen hostage had been held over the years.

Based on additional intelligence, a decision was made to carry out an operation at the site and a key individual residing at that property was apprehended.

During his interrogation by the ISA, precise information was obtained regarding Shaul’s location. The operation to recover his body was carried out by troops of the elite Sayeret Matkal unit.

On Aug. 1, 2014, during Operation Protective Edge, Lt. Hadar Goldin was killed near Rafah and his body was taken by Hamas. On Nov. 9, 2025, his body was returned by Hamas as part of the Gaza peace plan.

In addition to recovering the fallen from previous operations, the IDF has been doling out justice for previous attacks.

On Jan. 17, the IDF killed a Hamas terrorist in Gaza responsible for the murder of an Israeli civilian at the Nahal Oz checkpoint in 1995.

Muhammad Hamed Muhammad al-Hawli was a key figure in the terrorist organization for decades, the IDF said.

Al-Hawli directed the terrorists who carried out an attack on Feb. 6, 1995, in which Ashkelon resident and security guard Yevgeny Gromov was murdered. JNS

{Matzav.com}