Matzav

Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman MK Boaz Bismuth is advancing a dramatic proposal to draft chareidim under a temporary emergency regulation, sidestepping the lengthy legislative process. The outline, revealed by Walla reporter Yehuda Schlesinger, would apply for just one year and allow the IDF to recruit according to its needs—without setting quotas, enacting a new law, or imposing sanctions.

The initiative aims to quickly address the military’s manpower shortage, bypassing what Bismuth sees as an impractical path of passing long-term legislation in the immediate future. Instead, the regulation would function as a stopgap until a more permanent law is crafted in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

The plan relies on the use of emergency regulations, an uncommon tool within the government, typically reserved for urgent security situations. These powers permit actions beyond what current law provides and eliminate the need for full Knesset approval.

At the same time, all enforcement measures against the chareidi public would be frozen. This includes halting the arrests of draft evaders, ending the practice of cutting yeshiva funding, and suspending all administrative and budgetary penalties.

Bismuth is expected to present the proposal in meetings with both chareidi representatives and reserve officers. According to Walla, the chareidi side has accepted the principle of a regulation that allows enlistment based solely on the army’s requirements, but they refused to agree to specific numbers. Their approval is contingent on a complete freeze of sanctions throughout the regulation’s one-year term.

The draft outline does not spell out how large numbers of soldiers would actually be recruited. Instead, it draws on understandings reached with chareidi political parties prior to Israel’s strike on Iran. The only guideline included is the phrase “according to the army’s needs,” with no clear mechanism for implementation or oversight.

In addition, the temporary regulation makes clear that no punitive measures will be imposed on chareidim who do not enlist. There will be no legal enforcement, no arrests, and no withdrawal of financial support from those who choose not to report for service.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In an interview with the Daily Caller on Friday, portions of which were made public Monday, President Donald Trump spoke about a noticeable decline in support for Israel among younger Republicans and lamented how Israel’s once-formidable clout in Congress has weakened.

During the conversation, reporter Reagan Reese pointed to data from a Pew Research Center survey in March showing that half of Republicans under 50 now view Israel negatively, a jump from 35% just three years earlier.

Trump replied, “Yeah I’m aware of it. So, Israel is amazing… Look, nobody has done more for Israel than I have.”

He highlighted his administration’s stance toward Iran and reaffirmed his consistent backing of Israel. At the same time, he noted his astonishment at how the strength of pro-Israel advocacy has diminished. “Israel had the strongest lobby in Congress… Today, it doesn’t have that strong a lobby. It’s amazing.”

Trump attributed much of the change to the growing influence of left-wing members of Congress. “You have AOC plus three, and you have all these lunatics… They’ve changed it,” he said, referring to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her allies in “The Squad,” who are frequently outspoken against Israel.

He also brought up the October 7 Hamas attack, describing it as “a truly horrible day,” and condemned those who attempt to deny it.

“And you know, you have people that deny it ever happened, they’re deniers. You have people that deny the Holocaust ever happened. So, they’re gonna have to get that war over with. But it is hurting Israel. There’s no question about it. They may be winning the war, but they’re not winning the world of public relations, you know, and it is hurting them. But Israel was the strongest lobby 15 years ago that there has ever been, and now it’s, it’s been hurt, especially in Congress,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration is reviewing a proposal for Gaza’s reconstruction that would see the territory placed under American oversight for a decade while paying about one-quarter of its population to move elsewhere, according to a report released Sunday.

The Washington Post, citing unnamed officials involved in the process, said the framework was intended “to make real” US President Donald Trump’s stated goal of transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Under the blueprint, Gaza would fall under a US-managed trusteeship for roughly 10 years, “until a reformed and deradicalized Palestinian Polity is ready to step in its shoes,” according to the Post. The plan is outlined in a 38-page presentation for the so-called GREAT Trust — short for Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation.

During this decade-long period, Gaza would be redeveloped into a lucrative hub for tourism and technology manufacturing, funded by both government and private-sector investors. Planned “mega-construction projects” include factories for electric cars, large-scale data centers, luxury beachfront hotels, and high-rise apartment towers.

At the same time, Palestinians would be offered incentives to leave the Strip. Those opting to relocate — either temporarily or permanently — would receive “a $5,000 cash payment and subsidies to cover four years of rent elsewhere, as well as a year of food,” according to the report.

The projections in the proposal estimate that roughly 25 percent of Gaza’s more than two million residents would accept relocation. Of those, about 75 percent — around 375,000 individuals — would likely move away permanently.

The financial calculations underpinning the proposal were prepared by a Washington-based team from the Boston Consulting Group, which has also worked with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation backed by both the US and Israel.

The consultants forecast that investors could see returns quadruple their initial outlays, with an estimated $100 billion in investments over the 10-year period. Their presentation also recommended further reducing expenses by encouraging greater emigration among Gazans and tapping into international aid.

According to the proposal, once Gaza “is demilitarized and deradicalized, the Trust will transfer authorities to an independent Palestinian Polity,” which in turn would “join the Abraham Accords” — the normalization pacts Trump facilitated between Israel and several Arab nations.

Neither the White House nor the State Department provided comment to the Post. BCG, for its part, said the trust plan was never formally authorized and that two senior partners involved in the modeling were later dismissed.

A source familiar with the project told the paper the draft was completed in April “with only minimal change since then.” The source also emphasized the framework is not “prescriptive, but is exploring what is possible.” The Financial Times first disclosed parts of the plan back in July.

The revelations come on the heels of Trump’s Wednesday meeting with top figures — including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, envoy Steve Witkoff, former UK prime minister Tony Blair, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner — to deliberate on ending the war in Gaza and planning for the future.

According to The Sunday Times, Blair — who has been advancing a postwar vision for Gaza for several months — told Trump at the gathering that residents “were desperate for new leadership and dreamt of becoming the next Dubai,” though the outlet did not identify its sources.

{Matzav.com}

WhatsApp is preparing a significant update that will allow people to connect with others using usernames rather than phone numbers, a change that mirrors the approach of Telegram and similar platforms. The capability was first noticed in the Android beta version 2.25.24.22 and is anticipated to be released more widely in the near future.

This adjustment is expected to reshape how users interact on WhatsApp, making it possible to begin chats without disclosing a phone number while still preserving the app’s hallmark encryption and privacy protections.

Each user will be able to create a distinct username, which must include at least one letter, follow a minimum length rule, and comply with WhatsApp’s formatting guidelines. These requirements are designed to avoid duplication, impersonation, or confusion between accounts. People can choose to display their username openly or keep it private, but once created, usernames will remain searchable within WhatsApp.

The new function will appear in the chat tab, where a username can be typed into a designated search bar. WhatsApp will then scan its directory for potential matches, even when the searched individual isn’t saved as a contact. If a match is found, the profile name and photo (when visible) will appear, letting the user open a chat immediately without needing a phone number. All conversations started this way will operate like normal WhatsApp threads, including support for media files, documents, voice notes, and complete message history—while staying fully end-to-end encrypted.

To give users more control over their privacy, WhatsApp will introduce a “Username Key.” This unique code must be provided before someone can send a first message. Even if a username is discovered, no contact can be initiated unless the person has this key. The feature is optional, functioning like advanced privacy settings seen on other social platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

Using a username will not be compulsory, as those who prefer the traditional phone-number system can continue as usual. To limit misuse and spam, WhatsApp will employ monitoring tools that identify suspicious behavior, automatically blocking and reporting accounts that engage in unwanted messaging in violation of its policies.

Although the feature has not yet been officially launched, its presence in beta testing signals that it is nearing completion and could be introduced to all WhatsApp users in the months ahead.

{Matzav.com}

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas accused Israel of seeking the elimination of Palestine during an interview with Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath on Monday, declaring that Israel “wants to destroy all of Palestine.”

He claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not interested in the establishment of a Palestinian state. “Netanyahu does not want a fully-fledged Palestinian state,” Abbas said, while also charging that the prime minister is “determined to continue the genocide of the Palestinian people.”

Abbas reminded viewers that the Palestinians already made a major concession decades ago. “We recognized Israel since 1988, yet it [Israel] still prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state,” he said.

Turning to the question of Gaza, Abbas insisted that the Palestinian Authority is prepared to assume control of the territory. He stated, “We are ready to take over Gaza’s governance and we have the capabilities for it. We have no objections to Arab or international partnerships in managing Gaza.”

He also noted the growing international momentum in support of Palestinian recognition. “One hundred and forty-nine countries have recognized the Palestinian state. Several heads of states have told me they intend to recognize Palestine,” Abbas said.

These remarks came just weeks before the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session scheduled for later this month. Abbas and other senior Palestinian representatives, however, were barred from participating after the United States revoked their visas.

Prior to the American decision, Abbas had considered unilaterally declaring the Palestinian Authority a state. In his Monday interview, he said his intention is to “go to the UN for full membership for Palestine.”

Abbas further addressed the situation in Lebanon, expressing support for President Joseph Aoun’s initiative to remove weapons from Palestinian refugee camps in the country. The Jerusalem Post has previously suggested that such disarmament could set a precedent for Aoun’s administration to eventually target Hezbollah’s arsenal.

“Withdrawing weapons from Palestinian camps is a step towards protecting Lebanon,” Abbas said. “I want a normal relationship with Lebanon and for it to maintain its unity and security. I will not be the cause of disrupting the Lebanese state’s project. Palestinian weapons will remain a trust with the Lebanese state.”

{Matzav.com Israel}02

Belgium has declared that it will move forward with recognizing a Palestinian state while simultaneously placing strict sanctions on Israel, citing the worsening humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.

The announcement was delivered Monday evening by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, who sharply criticized Israel’s conduct in Gaza, saying it constitutes a breach of international law and obligations to prevent genocide.

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic proportions. Israel’s actions, violating international law and its responsibilities, have forced us to take decisive steps to pressure the Israeli government and the Hamas terrorists,” Prevot wrote. He made clear that the sanctions were not meant to target the Israeli public, but rather to hold Israel’s leadership accountable and compel adherence to international and humanitarian law.

Belgium’s package of 12 sanctions includes halting the import of products originating from Israeli towns in Judea and Samaria, suspending public contracts with Israeli firms, and scaling back consular services for Belgian citizens residing in settlements deemed illegal. The government has also barred several hardline figures, including Israeli ministers and violent “settlers,” from entering Belgium, officially branding them “persona non grata.”

Prevot added that Belgium would push for EU-level actions against Israel, including freezing the EU-Israel association agreement as well as pausing joint research projects and technical cooperation efforts.

In addition, Belgium announced its intent to grant official recognition to “Palestine” as a state, aligning with the coordinated initiative led by France and Saudi Arabia, who plan to advance recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly. “This gesture is a clear condemnation of Israel’s expansionist policies, including its settlement programs and military occupations,” Prevot stated.

He clarified that the recognition would only take place once Hamas releases all hostages and no longer maintains governing authority in Palestinian territories. Belgium also pledged to assist in rebuilding “Palestine” while at the same time bolstering its fight against antisemitism, enlisting both law enforcement agencies and Jewish community leaders in the effort.

Belgium was one of 26 nations that signed a joint statement in July calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, expressing grave concern about the deteriorating humanitarian crisis and accusing Israel of imposing severe restrictions on humanitarian relief.

That same month, Belgian officials detained two Israeli nationals attending the Tomorrowland music festival and questioned them on suspicions of involvement in war crimes in Gaza.

The arrests were prompted by a complaint filed by the Hind Rijab Foundation, an organization dedicated to pursuing legal cases against IDF personnel internationally.

{Matzav.com}

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By Berach Steinfeld

In Devarim (25:17), the Torah commands us to remember what Amalek did to Bnei Yisroel. This forms the basis of the mitzvah of Parshas Zachor, which must be read publicly so that everyone can hear it.

The Gemara in Brachos (47b) recounts an incident involving Reb Elazar, who once came to shul and found only nine people present. To complete the minyan, Reb Elazar freed his eved knani, Tevi. The Gemara questions how this was permissible, given that Reb Yehuda rules that freeing such a servant violates the mitzvah to retain an eved knani forever. The Gemara answers that since a minyan constitutes a mitzvah of the rabim, Reb Elazar was permitted to act in this way.

The Rosh (Siman 20) explains that a mitzvah of the rabim carries greater weight than an individual mitzvah, as derived from the verse “Venikdashti” among Klal Yisroel, the source for the concept of a minyan. This principle applies even to a mitzvah deRabbanan such as hearing kedusha or borchu. Such a mitzvah of the tzibbur can override a mitzvah deOraysa incumbent upon a private individual, such as the prohibition against freeing a slave. The Rosh concludes that the Gemara cannot have been referring to a case of Parshas Zachor, which is min haTorah. Therefore, it must be teaching that the strength of the tzibbur applies even when fulfilling only a mitzvah deRabbanan.

Based on this Rosh, the Trumas HaDeshen (Siman 108) writes that the mitzvah of Parshas Zachor must be heard with a minyan. Thus, if a person must choose between hearing Parshas Zachor with a minyan or hearing Krias HaMegillah with a minyan, preference should be given to Zachor, since it is min haTorah. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 146:2) rules accordingly.

The Pri Chodosh (s.k. 2), however, questions the Rosh: from where does he derive that Parshas Zachor requires a minyan? Furthermore, why do we not find that the other mitzvos of zechiros—such as remembering Yetzias Mitzrayim or the episode of Maaseh Miriam—must also be fulfilled with a tzibbur?

The Hagahos Peulas Sachir on Maaseh Rav (regarding the Gra) offers an explanation. He suggests that the obligation of tzibbur in the case of Amalek stems from the view of the Yereim (Siman 435), who maintains that the mitzvah to eradicate Amalek is not incumbent on each individual, but rather is a mitzvah of the tzibbur under the authority of a king. According to this, it is logical that Parshas Zachor must be read betzibbur, reminding us that the mitzvah to destroy Amalek is a communal obligation.

Although many poskim disagree and hold that a minyan is not required, the reasoning of the Rosh provides clarity as to why one might indeed be necessary.

May we merit the day when the tzibbur of Klal Yisroel, under the leadership of Melech HaMoshiach, will fulfill the mitzvah of wiping out Amalek once and for all.

{Matzav.com}

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An impressive copy of the first and exceedingly rare edition. Even the Chida, who was well-acquainted with rare sefarim, writes about it in Shem HaGedolim that “it is not to be found at all.” Likewise, the Sho’el U’Meishiv, in his approbation to the Lemberg edition of 1858, writes that it is “extraordinarily rare.”

A wave of relief swept through the Gerrer community in Israel and across the globe with the news that the Gerrer Rebbe was released from Hadassah Har HaTzofim Hospital in Yerushalayim, where he had been admitted due to pneumonia.

The Rebbe remained under close observation throughout last night, prompting great concern among his followers and the broader public, who gathered in tefillah for his recovery.

Reports indicate that the Rebbe had been feeling unwell over the past week, experiencing breathing difficulties since last Friday. This downturn followed a fall several weeks ago in Moshav Ora, which had already weakened his health.

His release to his residence in Yerushalayim was met with deep joy among his chassidim.

The public is urged to continue davening for the complete recovery of Rav Yaakov Aryeh ben Yuta Henna.

{Matzav.com}

In a dramatic development, Rav Dov Landau has instructed that the start of the school year for ninth-grade classes in Yerushalayim high schools be postponed. The decision follows growing outrage over the situation of many girls from across different backgrounds and communities who were denied acceptance to local high schools.

According to an announcement from Rav Landau’s home, “After extensive discussions held in his residence, Rav Landau ruled that the school year will not begin until all the girls are properly placed in suitable high schools.”

The crisis erupted after the Yerushalayim municipality placed several Sephardic students into Ashkenazi high schools. The school administrators protested, claiming these placements were inappropriate, leading to a standoff between school heads and local authorities.

A letter released by the Yerushalayim Rabbinical Committee, signed by Rav Landau, stated: “With the full support and guidance of our Gedolei Yisroel, since dozens of outstanding girls from exceptional homes are still without proper placement, the ninth-grade school year in high schools will not open on Monday until all the girls are accommodated in appropriate institutions.”

The letter also instructed school administrators to expand class sizes to fifty students per class as a temporary solution to help resolve the shortage.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch responded sharply to the ongoing dispute, declaring: “There will be no discrimination in the education system based on ethnicity or origin! After intensive efforts by the Ministry of Education, the overwhelming majority of girls were successfully placed in high schools by the end of June — an unprecedented achievement.”

Kisch added that a small number of high schools in Yerushalayim and Beit Shemesh are refusing to comply with state guidelines: “This shameful and racist discrimination will end — either through disciplinary hearings, cutting off government funding, and legal measures to close the institutions, or by their immediate compliance in accepting students according to Ministry of Education procedures.”

A similar standoff is unfolding in Beit Shemesh, where, under the direction of the city’s Mara D’asra, Rav Mordechai Goldstein, the start of the school year for incoming high school students has also been delayed due to unresolved placement disputes.

During a ceremony inaugurating the Beis Yaakov Derech Emunah school in the Ramat Beit Shemesh Gimmel neighborhood, MK Moshe Gafni, chairman of Degel HaTorah, addressed the ongoing controversy. However, rather than criticizing Rav Landau’s directive or Rav Goldstein’s local ruling, Gafni turned his criticism toward the Shas party, saying: “I know there are significant problems with the city’s high schools, and therefore I call from this distinguished platform to the leaders of Shas — open new educational institutions, as is appropriate for a quality community.”

Gafni further emphasized: “We need to ensure that your daughters have proper places to study comfortably, without being forced into overcrowded classrooms within our institutions, which are already expanding beyond their capacity.”

The Shas party quickly issued a response, defending its record and objectives: “Shas’ lifelong mission is to establish outstanding educational institutions for the Sephardic community, and for decades we have been doing so successfully throughout the country.”

The statement concluded by thanking Gafni for underscoring Shas’ critical role: “We appreciate Moshe Gafni’s acknowledgment of the importance of a strong and independent Shas, and we agree that the Sephardic community cannot rely on any other party to safeguard its educational needs.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

A yeshiva bochur from Or Yehuda, who has recently been targeted by the military police, came urgently to the room of Rav Moshe Shternbuch in his yeshiva in Beit Shemesh. The young man had been arrested late at night for dedicating his time to Torah study instead of serving in the IDF.

The bochur had been held in custody at Tel HaShomer, and during a court hearing several days later, he declared his intent to enlist, which led to his temporary release. However, in recent days, military authorities have once again launched an active pursuit to detain him.

Because of the mounting pressure, the bochur was brought to Rav Shternbuch’s private room to seek encouragement and hear the daas Torah regarding his obligation in this situation.

Rav Shternbuch offered him strong words of support, saying: “Ashrecha! This requires real mesirus nefesh. They corrupt people there immediately.”

Rav Shternbuch continued, issuing a sharp warning about IDF recruitment efforts: “They promise that everything is good and that they supposedly accommodate chareidi boys, but it’s all lies and deception. They are wicked liars, accursed resha’im. Hold yourself strong, and Hashem will hold you strong.”

One of the attendees asked Rav Shternbuch if the bochur should be afraid, explaining that the army had summoned him urgently and was threatening severe consequences if he failed to appear.

Rav Shternbuch responded firmly: “Nothing at all.” He added: “Tell them to speak to Rav Shternbuch, who forbade you from going to the army.”

Before the meeting concluded, Rav Shternbuch blessed the bochur warmly: “May you have the strength to stand against them, much bracha and hatzlacha, and above all, may you remain full of simcha.”

Another young man who had narrowly escaped capture by the military police also arrived. Rav Shternbuch praised him and gave him a bracha as well: “He is already holding a bracha and will receive another. Fortunate is he and his portion. He has stood in the nisayon and will continue to stand in the nisayon.”

Finally, Rav Shternbuch urged the bochurim to remain steadfast and unafraid, concluding: “Be strong. Don’t think that only you fear them — they are also afraid of you.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

In an unprecedented move within the Belzer Chassidus, the Belzer Rebbe has issued special instructions to hold Rosh Hashanah davening in Belzer batei medrash across the country due to severe overcrowding in the main Beis Medrash in Yerushalayim.

The directive, conveyed in a letter sent to all Belzer kehillos, marks a historic change in the chassidus’ long-standing Rosh Hashanah traditions.

As the Rebbe of Belz continues to recover b’chasdei Shamayim from surgery performed on Sunday, the chassidus is in full preparation mode for the Yamim Noraim. Each year, tens of thousands of chassidim from across Eretz Yisroel and around the world traditionally gather at the central Beis Medrash in the Belzer Kiryah in Yerushalayim to daven with the Rebbe on Rosh Hashanah.

However, due to the extraordinary growth of the Belzer community, the massive complex — including all its galleries and side halls — has become too small to safely accommodate the crowds.

According to sources, months of extensive discussions were held among community leaders, askanim, and members of the Vaad Mishmeres HaChinuch, led by the Rebbe’s son, Rav Aharon Mordechai Rokeach. The meetings focused on possible solutions to alleviate the dangerous levels of congestion, which some described as bordering on pikuach nefesh.

The Rebbe’s son, together with Rav Yirmiyahu Yechezkel Damen, CEO of the central Beis Medrash, met personally with the Rebbe to review the challenges and explore alternatives.

Following these consultations, the Rebbe sent out a special letter last week addressed to gabbaim, rabbonim, and mashpi’im across all Belzer communities. In the letter, the Rebbe instructed that, due to overcrowding, organized Rosh Hashanah davening should be held in every Belz beis medrash that also has an ezras nashim.

The Rebbe wrote: “In light of the blessed growth of the community and the pressing need, it is necessary to organize and hold minyanim for Rosh Hashanah in every city and in every Belzer beis medrash that includes an ezras nashim.”

He concluded the letter with a heartfelt bracha: “May the Almighty grant that the tefillos and tekiyos be accepted with mercy and favor among all of Klal Yisroel, and may we all merit to be inscribed and sealed for a good and blessed year, filled with abundant spiritual and material blessings, long life, healthy children, and generous sustenance. Amen.”

Despite this new arrangement, Yerushalayim’s central BelzER Beis Medrash remains a focal point. To better accommodate the crowds, one women’s gallery has been converted into additional seating for men, primarily for younger avreichim and yeshiva bochurim.

This year, seats will not be sold to women without permanent reservations or to seminary students, a significant departure from previous years.

Additionally, a large auxiliary minyan will take place in the “Groyseh Shtib,” intended for chassidim who cannot enter the main Beis Medrash. An ezras nashim there will also be open. Meanwhile, children will daven in the large sukkah rather than in the heichal hatishim to further ease congestion.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl, Rav of the Old City of Yerushalayim, has released an unprecedented public letter forbidding chareidi bochurim from joining the Israeli army, including those who are currently not learning in yeshiva.

Rav Nebenzahl, revered across all sectors of Klal Yisroel and known for decades of deliberate avoidance of public involvement in political and societal debates, has until now refrained from issuing such directives. However, faced with what he describes as growing governmental pressure and targeted recruitment efforts against chareidim, he has chosen to speak out unequivocally.

Rav Nebenzahl opens his letter by expressing deep solidarity with the yeshiva students who were recently arrested for refusing to report to IDF draft offices: “I wish to strengthen the precious bnei Torah who were imprisoned because they fulfilled their true obligation — to learn Torah — and did not enlist in the army. Fortunate is the one who contemplates the blessing of ‘Baruch Asher Yakim Es Divrei HaTorah HaZos.’”

In a rare and emphatic ruling, Rav Nebenzahl went further than ever before, extending his prohibition not only to yeshiva students but even to those currently not engaged in learning: “Additionally, I wish to state my opinion clearly — even a chareidi bochur who, unfortunately, is not learning Torah, must not allow himself to be persuaded to enlist in the army, not even into the special frameworks established there for chareidim, as the Gedolei Yisroel have instructed.”

This sweeping directive highlights the Rav’s concern over what he sees as increasingly aggressive IDF recruitment strategies aimed specifically at young chareidim who are not enrolled in yeshivas.

Rav Nebenzahl’s decision to publish this letter is viewed as highly significant due to his long-established reluctance to issue public positions on contentious matters. In the past, when asked about bochurim not actively learning, he would respond firmly: “A chareidi bochur must sit and learn! How is it possible to have a chareidi bochur who does not learn?!”

At other times, he would explain: “If a bochur is sincerely seeking daas Torah, he must be told to sit and learn. But if he does not listen to daas Torah, what good would it do to prohibit him from going to the army?”

However, given the recent rise in government pressure, intensified targeting of non-learning chareidim, and the growing fear that some may be misled into enlisting, Rav Nebenzahl has now decided to speak out forcefully.

Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka, has also previously said that no chareidi bochur — whether learning or not — should join the IDF.

{Matzav.com Israel}

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited an elementary school in the Eshkol Region, near the Gaza border, on Monday morning as the school year began.

During the opening ceremony, the school principal, Eyal Dvori, addressed Huckabee and said: “Yaffa Rudayif, an art teacher here, is still waiting for her partner, Lior, whose body is held in Hamas captivity. Do everything in your power to bring the hostages back and end this war.”

Huckabee spoke to the children, expressing his admiration for their resilience. “Very bad people tried to stop you from starting today, but one of the things that I admire most about Israelis: no matter how many times they try to stop you, you stand right back up and continue.”

When asked by Ynet about Israel’s efforts to deal with Hamas and recover the captives, Huckabee responded, “Israel will decide for itself how to bring back the hostages and defeat Hamas,” emphasizing, “Both of these things must happen.”

Huckabee clarified that the U.S. is not imposing a timetable on Israel and added, “Our place is to stand with our friends. Israel was attacked, and it didn’t attack anyone. Israel doesn’t just have the right to defend itself—it has the right to ensure that Hamas cannot hurt them anymore.”

He also criticized the international community for misdirected pressure: “A lot of people are putting the pressure on Israel. The pressure needs to be directed at Hamas. They created this. They started the suffering, and they’re the ones who continue it.” He went on to say, “I want to know when the world will pressure Hamas to feed the hostages. We’re seeing real images of starvation there. They’re torturing them, and I want the world to know that.”

Later, Huckabee shared his reflections on X, writing: “Witnessing the inspiring rebirth of communities hit by Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack was an incredibly moving and powerful experience. These communities have shown such resilience, and the people such strength and compassion, that it gives me hope for a bright future in Israel.”

{Matzav.com}

Representative Jerrold Nadler, who chaired the House Judiciary Committee during the impeachments of President Trump, has decided not to run for another term in Congress, the New York Times reports.

Nadler, a Democrat from New York and a prominent liberal voice for more than thirty years, said he will step aside at the end of his current term, embracing the push within his party for a new generation of leadership.

His departure will bring to an end a 34-year tenure in the House, where he played a key role in civil rights debates and in three presidential impeachment proceedings. The decision is also expected to spark a competitive Democratic primary for a rare open seat in Manhattan.

Speaking in his Manhattan office, the 78-year-old lawmaker admitted it was difficult to walk away at a time when, in his view, President Trump continues to endanger democratic institutions. Yet he acknowledged that the moment had come to allow new leaders to take charge.

“Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that,” Mr. Nadler said. He added that a younger figure “can maybe do better, can maybe help us more.”

As the most senior Jewish member of the House and the longest-serving representative from New York, Nadler had already been caught up in internal debates over the party’s aging leadership. Earlier this year, he stepped down from the helm of the Judiciary Committee, conceding that a younger colleague was better positioned to win support. At home, he also faced a challenge from a 26-year-old opponent.

Nadler revealed his decision to The New York Times last week, asking that it be held until Monday. During a lengthy conversation, he reflected on his career, his anxieties, and his evolving stance on the conflict in Gaza, as reminders of his decades in public service filled his office: vintage maps of Manhattan, campaign placards from his years in the State Assembly, and a photograph with Bella Abzug, the congresswoman he once looked up to.

He declined to endorse any particular successor, noting that several allies are likely to enter the race. The district, which runs from Union Square to Central Park, includes a concentration of cultural institutions, corporate headquarters, and affluent residents unmatched in most of the country.

Still, someone close to Nadler said he is inclined to back Micah Lasher, a onetime aide who now represents part of the Upper West Side in the State Assembly, if Lasher decides to pursue the seat.

{Matzav.com}

After opening the new school year at the Begin School in Nof HaGalil, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu met on Monday at the municipality building with northern regional leaders. Joining him were acting Prime Minister’s Office Director-General Drorit Steinmetz and Coalition Whip MK Ofir Katz.

The gathering included several key officials: Nof HaGalil Mayor Ronen Plot, Afula Mayor Avi Elkabetz, Migdal HaEmek Mayor Yaki Ben Chaim, Tiberias Mayor Yossi Nava, Karmiel Mayor Moshe Kuninsky, Nazareth’s appointed municipal head Yaakov Efrati, and Jezreel Valley Regional Council head Shlomit Shichor Reichman.

“I’m here on the first day of the school year at Nof HaGalil. Look at the magnificent view. I went to the first grade, and I was so excited to see the children, the teachers, the assistants, and the principal. They are quite simply doing sacred work. It’s wonderful to see the children. They are coming and starting their life,” Netanyahu stated.

The Prime Minister continued, “We know, however, that we have other important missions. The most important mission, in a sense, has been completed, because on this day, here in the Galilee, where there was a great exodus of people at the beginning of the war, there is now a great return. 95% of the Galilee children have returned for their school studies, including in the communities adjacent to the border. This is a tremendous achievement, just tremendous. And it was accomplished owing also to the resilience of the Galilee residents and the local authority heads. They stood their ground, they received the residents and helped them, and now in fact everything is being restored.”

He concluded: “We talked a lot here about the things that need to be done for the Galilee: adding fast transportation lanes, adding construction, removing bureaucracy, adding infrastructure, and employment. I want young couples to come here; they refer to it as ‘Tuscany,’ but it’s not really Tuscany — it came before Tuscany, it’s the Land of the Bible, the land of our heritage. There are wonderful things here. God willing, we are going to develop the Galilee in leaps and bounds.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem lashed out at CBS News on Sunday, accusing the network of doctoring her interview about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man the Trump administration deported to El Salvador earlier this year over alleged ties to the MS-13 gang.

Noem had appeared on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that morning to talk about Abrego Garcia. Later in the day, she claimed on X that CBS edited the segment and omitted a portion of her remarks.

“This individual was a known human smuggler, a MS-13 gang member, an individual who was a wife beater, and someone who was so perverted that he solicited nude photos from minors, and even his fellow human traffickers told him to knock it off, he was so sick in what he was doing and how he was treating small children,” Noem said in the uncut version of her comments.

“So he needs to never be in the United States of America and our administration is making sure we’re doing all that we can to bring him to justice,” she continued.

A spokesperson for CBS defended the broadcast, stating, “Secretary Noem’s ‘Face The Nation’ interview was edited for time and met all CBS News standards. The entire interview is publicly available on YouTube, and the full transcript was posted early Sunday morning at CBSNews.com.”

Noem pushed back in a post on X, writing, “This morning, I joined CBS to report the facts about Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Instead, CBS shamefully edited the interview to whitewash the truth about this MS-13 gang member and the threat he poses to American public safety.”

Back in 2019, a U.S. immigration judge blocked Abrego Garcia’s deportation to El Salvador, citing the danger he faced from local gangs. Despite that ruling, the Trump administration sent him to the country earlier this year along with hundreds of other suspected gang members, transferring them into a large maximum-security prison there.

The administration argued that Abrego Garcia was a confirmed member of MS-13 — which the U.S. designates as a foreign terrorist group — based on findings from that 2019 proceeding.

Abrego Garcia and his attorneys have rejected that claim.

Democratic lawmakers took up his cause, visiting him and protesting what they called his “wrongful” deportation. He spent time first in the harsh CECOT prison and then in a less restrictive facility before being flown back to the U.S. in June.

Upon his return, he was indicted for human smuggling. Though briefly released ahead of trial, ICE agents arrested him again on August 25.

He could now be deported to Uganda, after rejecting a plea deal that would have sent him to Costa Rica.

Meanwhile, his lawyers continue to seek asylum for him in the United States. His first request in 2019 was turned down, but if his latest application is successful, it could eventually give him permanent residency and the chance to become a U.S. citizen.

{Matzav.com}