Matzav

Hamas issued a new set of conditions and revisions today in response to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s latest ceasefire and hostage-release proposal, prompting Witkoff to condemn the group’s reply as “totally unacceptable and only takes us backward.”

A Hamas representative, who spoke with the Associated Press anonymously because of the sensitive nature of the discussions, said the revisions centered around “US guarantees, the timing of hostage release, the delivery of aid and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.”

One individual with direct knowledge of the discussions told The Times of Israel that one of Hamas’s conditions would make it more complicated for Israel to resume military operations if negotiations toward a permanent truce are not finalized after the 60-day pause. Unlike the U.S. outline, which scheduled hostage releases in two phases at the beginning of the truce, Hamas proposed spacing them out across the entire two-month period.

According to the source, this change was aimed at preventing Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu from disengaging from the ceasefire negotiations once the initial hostages are released or from avoiding participation altogether, as had happened during a previous ceasefire attempt in January.

An Israeli official reported to The Times of Israel that Hamas’s demands also included a truce lasting as long as seven years.

Witkoff urged Hamas to embrace the American-led initiative. “Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately this coming week.”

He added: “That is the only way we can close a 60-day ceasefire deal in the coming days, in which half of the living hostages and half of those who are deceased will come home to their families, and in which we can have at the proximity talks substantive negotiations in good faith to try to reach a permanent ceasefire.”

Under the proposal presented by Witkoff, both sides would use the two-month pause to finalize arrangements for Israel’s limited withdrawal from Gaza. The document also outlines a structure for negotiations during the truce to explore the possibility of ending the conflict altogether.

Another Israeli source, speaking on background, told reporters that Israel views Hamas’s reaction as tantamount to a rejection of the proposal.

Senior Hamas figure Basem Naim told Reuters that the group had not dismissed the offer and accused Israel of misrepresenting the situation. He said Witkoff’s comments reflected “unfair” treatment and “complete bias” in favor of Israel.

The most recent U.S. initiative was shared with Hamas earlier in the week after Israel’s chief negotiator, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, gave it the green light.

Arab intermediaries remain engaged in behind-the-scenes efforts to persuade Hamas to soften some of the proposed edits, according to a source involved in the dialogue.

In a public statement today, Hamas reiterated its core goals: a lasting ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and unfettered humanitarian aid access — all of which Israel has largely opposed up to this point.

In response, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement reaffirming its position. “While Israel has agreed to the updated Witkoff framework for the release of our hostages, Hamas continues to cling to its refusal.”

Echoing Witkoff’s language, the statement continued, “It is unacceptable and sets the process back.”

“Israel will continue its efforts to bring our hostages home and to defeat Hamas,” the statement declared.

According to Channel 12, Israeli officials involved in the negotiations told hostage families today that if enacted in full, the Witkoff plan would eventually result in the return of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas—not just a partial release.

At present, there are 58 hostages still in Gaza. The IDF has confirmed that at least 35 are deceased, while 20 are believed to still be alive. Israeli officials have voiced serious concern about the fate of three others whose status remains uncertain.

On Friday, President Donald Trump told reporters that a resolution between Israel and Hamas might be near. “We’ll let you know about it during the day or maybe tomorrow, and we have a chance of that,” Trump said during remarks in the Oval Office.

When asked whether he thought Hamas would agree to the deal, Trump responded, “I think they want to — they want to get out of that mess.”

Sources with knowledge of the discussions said Hamas was dissatisfied with the proposal because it still grants Israel the ability to resume fighting once the ceasefire ends.

Although Netanyahu told hostage families last Thursday that he was open to the deal, he has not yet submitted it to the cabinet for approval. Several far-right members of his coalition have voiced strong opposition to the plan.

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz did not mince words. “The Hamas murderers will now be forced to choose: accept the terms of the ‘Witkoff Deal’ for the release of the hostages — or be annihilated,” he said Friday.

Israel has maintained that dismantling Hamas remains one of the primary goals of its military campaign.

Efforts to reach an end to the nearly 20-month war have so far fallen short. Israel resumed combat operations in March after an earlier temporary truce collapsed. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have reached critical levels, with the United Nations warning that the population faces an imminent risk of famine.

According to a verified copy of Witkoff’s latest proposal, Hamas would release 10 living Israeli hostages and return the remains of 18 others over the course of a 60-day truce.

In exchange, Israel would release 125 Palestinians convicted of terrorism and serving life sentences, 1,111 Gazans detained since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, and the bodies of 180 Palestinians currently in Israeli custody.

The IDF would also be required to withdraw from specific areas, though the exact locations and scope of that redeployment would be determined during future proximity talks.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar squarely placed the blame for the ongoing war on Hamas.

“Hamas initiated this war with the 7/10 massacre [and] is responsible for its continuation by refusing to release our hostages and disarm,” Sa’ar posted on X in English.

He added, “If France and the UK want to reach a ceasefire, pressure should be put on Hamas that continues to say No, instead of attacking Israel, which says Yes,” in reference to increasing criticism from European governments.

{Matzav.com}

Iran has expanded its reserves of enriched uranium and continues to block access to its nuclear facilities for inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to the agency’s latest quarterly assessment.

The report notes that Iran’s supply of uranium enriched to 60% has climbed to 133.8 kilograms, bringing the total amount of material at that level of enrichment to 408.6 kilograms. Meanwhile, the stockpile of uranium enriched to 20% has declined, dropping from 332.3 kilograms to 274.5 kilograms.

In a rare move, the Prime Minister’s Office of Israel issued an English-language statement on Shabbos, urging swift action from the global community to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“The IAEA has reported a grave and unequivocal report on Iran’s nuclear program,” the statement warned. “The agency presents a stark picture that serves as a clear warning sign: despite countless warnings by the international community, Iran is totally determined to complete its nuclear weapons program.”

“The report strongly reinforces what Israel has been saying for years — the purpose of Iran’s nuclear program is not peaceful. This is evident from the alarming scope of Iran’s uranium enrichment activity. Such a level of enrichment exists only in countries actively pursuing nuclear weapons and has no civilian justification whatsoever.”

“The report clearly indicates that Iran remains in non-compliance of its fundamental commitments and obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and continues to withhold cooperation from IAEA inspectors.”

The statement concluded with a direct appeal to world leaders: “The international community must act now to stop Iran.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

United Airlines revealed that it will restart its route from Newark Airport to Tel Aviv ahead of its previously scheduled date.

The airline confirmed that service will officially resume on June 5, with the initial flight from Newark to Tel Aviv set to depart this coming Thursday.

United noted that the decision came after a detailed review of safety and logistical factors, carried out in consultation with the airline’s pilots and flight attendant unions.

Meanwhile, AirBaltic announced on Saturday that it plans to restart its flights to Israel on June 6. Earlier in the week, Air France resumed its service to Ben Gurion Airport on Tuesday. Delta Air Lines has also confirmed its intention to reinstate flights to Israel.

Some airlines have not yet resumed operations. Lufthansa, for instance, is expected to delay its return until June 15. British Airways and Ryanair have both prolonged their suspensions, now aiming to resume flights only at the end of July.

Ryanair, a budget airline, said last Wednesday that it will be halting all flights to Israel until July 31.

British Airways made a similar announcement approximately a week ago, stating that all of its flights to Israel will remain suspended through the end of July.

{Matzav.com}

The United States delivered its initial official nuclear proposal to Iran today, just hours after UN nuclear watchdogs disclosed a significant uptick in Iran’s accumulation of highly enriched uranium, according to a report by The New York Times.

Rather than submitting a complete agreement, U.S. officials presented a set of key points. These included a call for Iran to halt its uranium enrichment efforts and participate in a regional nuclear energy initiative alongside the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and several other Arab nations.

The proposal was transmitted through Oman and acknowledged by both Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the White House as having been received.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, as quoted in the New York Times, that President Trump “has made it clear that Iran can never obtain a nuclear bomb.” She added, “Special Envoy Witkoff has sent a detailed and acceptable proposal to the Iranian regime, and it’s in their best interest to accept it.”

In response, Araghchi said Iran’s reply would be shaped by “the principles, national interests and rights of the people of Iran.”

Despite the diplomatic outreach, Iran has continued to expand its stock of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, which now totals around 900 pounds, according to two separate IAEA assessments reviewed by The New York Times. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern over this escalation, particularly since Iran has not been recognized as a nuclear weapons state.

Reports also indicated that in May, President Trump blocked an Israeli plan to attack Iranian nuclear facilities. “I want it very strong where we can go in with inspectors, we can take whatever we want, we can blow up whatever we want, but nobody’s getting killed,” Trump said earlier this week.

In a highly unusual move, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office released a statement on the Jewish Sabbath, reacting to the IAEA findings. “The IAEA has reported a grave and unequivocal report on Iran’s nuclear program,” the statement warned. “The agency presents a stark picture that serves as a clear warning sign: despite countless warnings by the international community, Iran is totally determined to complete its nuclear weapons program.”

“The report strongly reinforces what Israel has been saying for years — the purpose of Iran’s nuclear program is not peaceful. This is evident from the alarming scope of Iran’s uranium enrichment activity. Such a level of enrichment exists only in countries actively pursuing nuclear weapons and has no civilian justification whatsoever.”

“The report clearly indicates that Iran remains in non-compliance of its fundamental commitments and obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and continues to withhold cooperation from IAEA inspectors.”

The Israeli statement concluded with a direct and urgent message: “The international community must act now to stop Iran.”

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff issued a sharp rebuke on Saturday in response to Hamas’ latest position on a proposed ceasefire agreement. Witkoff denounced the group’s reply as “totally unacceptable,” warning that it “only takes us backward.”

An official closely involved in the talks disclosed that an in-depth review of Hamas’ counteroffer reveals it falls far short of the terms presented by Israel. The source noted that Hamas’ list of demands strays significantly from the existing framework.

Hamas has called for an extended truce that could last up to seven years, the complete withdrawal of IDF forces from territory seized since March, and the dismantling of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s recently implemented aid distribution system. They also want to revert to the older aid distribution method. “This isn’t a response — it’s a slammed door,” the official said.

Israel’s government issued a statement affirming that it had accepted the latest iteration of the Witkoff proposal to secure the release of hostages. However, the statement emphasized that Hamas remains unwilling to comply.

“As US Presidential Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff has said, Hamas’s response is totally unacceptable and is a step backward. Israel will continue its efforts to return our hostages and defeat Hamas.”

In reaction, Hamas criticized Witkoff’s remarks, arguing that they never outright rejected the plan. The group said his characterization was “unfair” and showed partiality toward Israel.

Previously, Hamas confirmed it had delivered its answer to the mediators concerning the revised Witkoff framework. They described the proposal as one designed to “achieve a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensure the flow of aid to our people and our families in the Strip.”

Reports from Egypt’s Al-Ghad channel revealed specific details of Hamas’ offer regarding hostage releases. They proposed releasing ten living hostages in three separate phases: four on the first day, two on day 30, and another four by day 60. The remains of eighteen deceased hostages would also be handed over in three phases: on days 10, 30, and 50.

Hamas further stipulated that these hostage transfers—both living and deceased—would be contingent on Israel agreeing to release a pre-determined number of Palestinian prisoners.

{Matzav.com}

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President Trump declared on Friday that steel imports into the United States would now face a steep 50% tariff, doubling the previous rate, as part of an intensified push to defend American manufacturing. The move followed two court decisions that cast uncertainty over key aspects of his trade policies.

“At 25%, they can sort of get over that fence. At 50%, they can no longer get over the fence,” Trump told US Steel workers during a rally held in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania.

He assured the enthusiastic audience that the city’s storied industrial legacy was about to be revived. “Pittsburgh will very soon be respected around the world as the Steel City again,” Trump told the crowd.

“We don’t want America’s future to be built with shoddy steel from Shanghai, we want it built with the strength and the pride of Pittsburgh.”

Trump’s visit highlighted a major investment agreement with Nippon Steel of Japan, which opted to put $14 billion into US Steel rather than acquire it outright—a deal that had previously drawn political fire.

“This is an incredible deal for American steel workers, and it includes vital protections to ensure that all steel workers will keep their jobs at all facilities in the United States will remain open and thriving,” Trump said.

He emphasized that his success in winning Pennsylvania and other battleground states on November 5 was tied to his strong support from steelworkers—and he reaffirmed his commitment to standing by them.

Earlier in his administration, Trump had imposed 25% tariffs on steel imports and later removed exemptions that had initially been granted to top suppliers such as Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas on Friday evening, demanding the terror group accept the ceasefire arrangement brokered by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff—or face complete destruction.

“The IDF continues its operations in Gaza with full force, striking and dismantling Hamas strongholds while evacuating the local population from all combat zones and attacking the area from the air, land, and sea on an unprecedented scale to provide maximum protection for our soldiers ahead of the entry of maneuvering forces into every area and during the maneuver,” said Katz.

He emphasized that protecting Israeli troops remains the military’s top priority. “Our primary commitment is to the safety of our heroic soldiers, both regular and reservists, above all other considerations,” he added.

Katz laid out the IDF’s broader strategy, explaining that after clearing each area of terrorists, the army will follow the same playbook used in Rafah—eliminate threats, secure control, and maintain a presence to ensure stability. “After neutralizing the terrorists and clearing the area, the IDF eliminates any threat based on the Rafah model—and remains to hold the ground. In this way, we will achieve the war’s objectives: the release of all hostages while subduing and defeating Hamas,” stated Katz.

He closed his remarks with a direct message to Hamas leadership: “Hamas murderers will now have to choose: accept the terms of the ‘Witkoff Deal’ for the release of the hostages – or be eliminated,” the Defense Minister concluded.

Katz’s comments followed a statement from Hamas indicating they were still weighing their response. “Hamas is holding discussions with other Palestinian factions regarding the ceasefire proposal, which Hamas recently received from Mr. Witkoff through the mediators.”

On Thursday, regional news outlets Al Arabiya and Al Hadath reported that Hamas and Israel had reached an agreement on a 60-day truce, and that President Trump would soon disclose the full details of the accord.

But an Israeli diplomatic source quickly refuted the report, insisting that Jerusalem had not been informed of any acceptance from Hamas regarding Witkoff’s offer.

Later that same day, a high-ranking Hamas leader issued a tempered response: “Witkoff’s new proposal does not meet our demands, but we are still examining it.”

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu had already met with the families of Israeli hostages to inform them that Israel had accepted the ceasefire plan laid out by Witkoff.

Still, Netanyahu made it clear that this agreement does not signal a cessation of the military campaign in Gaza.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump stated on Friday that discussions surrounding a potential truce and hostage exchange deal in Gaza are advancing, and he anticipates a formal update might be released either later in the day or by Shabbos.

Trump further noted that negotiations with Iran concerning its nuclear program also appear to be progressing.

“They’re very close to an agreement on Gaza, and we’ll let you know about it during the day or maybe tomorrow, and I think we have a chance of making a deal with Iran. They don’t want to be blown up, they would rather make a deal, and I think that could happen in the not too distant future,” he said.

Trump continued by emphasizing that the United States seeks stability and prosperity for Iran but made clear that Tehran’s nuclear ambitions must be curbed.

“We want them to be safe. We want them to have a very, very successful nation. Let it be a great nation, but we can’t have that. They cannot have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple. And I think we’re fairly close to a deal with Iran,” added Trump.

These remarks followed reports in the Arab media on Thursday claiming that both Hamas and Israel had accepted a 60-day ceasefire plan introduced by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. According to those reports, Trump was expected to unveil the specifics of the agreement imminently.

An Israeli diplomatic source rejected those claims, stating that the Israeli government had not been made aware of Hamas agreeing to Witkoff’s terms.

Shortly afterward, a high-ranking Hamas representative said, “Witkoff’s new proposal does not meet our demands, but we are still examining it.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu informed the families of Israeli captives that Israel had given its approval to the ceasefire framework proposed by Witkoff.

Nevertheless, Netanyahu made it clear that this development does not indicate a conclusion to the ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

{Matzav.com}

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revised its guidance on COVID-19 vaccines for children, no longer urging universal vaccination for all minors. Instead, the agency now says that kids without preexisting conditions may receive the vaccine, depending on physician judgment and parental choice.

This policy shift was reflected in the CDC’s newly published childhood immunization schedule on Thursday. It follows a recent announcement by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who declared earlier in the week that the CDC would end its recommendation of COVID-19 shots for both healthy children and expectant mothers who are not considered at risk.

“Where the parent presents with a desire for their child to be vaccinated, children 6 months and older may receive COVID-19 vaccination, informed by the clinical judgment of a healthcare provider and personal preference and circumstances,” reads the revised CDC guidance.

Although the updated stance is now classified as a “shared clinical decision-making” approach for children, insurance providers will still be obligated to cover the cost of vaccinations for this age group.

The agency maintains its endorsement of COVID-19 vaccination for children with moderate or severe immune system issues, as well as for most adults. Pregnant women, however, are now categorized under “No Guidance/Not Applicable,” whereas previously the CDC had formally advised all pregnant adults to get vaccinated.

Kennedy, in a video posted online, emphasized that the CDC was also removing healthy pregnant women from its list of recommended COVID-19 vaccine recipients. Yet, multiple pages on the CDC’s website as of Friday still recommend that pregnant individuals receive the shot due to increased vulnerability to serious illness.

“Studies including hundreds of thousands of people around the world show that COVID-19 vaccination before and during pregnancy is safe, effective, and beneficial to both the pregnant woman and the baby. The benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy,” states one CDC webpage still live as of Friday.

Experts often view CDC vaccine recommendations as influential because they impact everything from insurance mandates to legal protections. These guidelines are typically vetted in public forums by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Another notable edit in Thursday’s release was the removal of a statement indicating that the recommendations had been formally endorsed by ACIP, the CDC, and various external medical associations.

The CDC’s current position aligns with what the advisory committee had been preparing to vote on next month: narrowing its COVID-19 vaccine guidance to focus primarily on older adults and at-risk children, while still allowing others to get vaccinated if they choose.

Historically, the CDC has used the “shared clinical decision-making” label to preserve insurance coverage for vaccines even when it chooses not to universally recommend them.

As of its April meeting, ACIP had not indicated any plan to withdraw its recommendation for pregnant women to be vaccinated. On the contrary, pregnancy was still considered one of the health conditions that might justify continued vaccination.

The updated recommendation appeared to be prompted by a memo from Kennedy that came shortly after his social media announcement. According to multiple officials at the CDC, the directive caught them off guard.

Kennedy’s order cited findings from the FDA and NIH, stating that for healthy children, “the risks of the COVID-19 vaccine… do not outweigh the purported benefits of the vaccine.” It also pointed to “the lack of high-quality data demonstrating safety of the mRNA vaccines during pregnancy combined with the uncertainty of the benefits” for both mother and child.

“Truly the death of expertise. This would be like the secretary of transportation directing that all planes must fly 5,000 feet higher than current. It’s vibe-based decision making,” remarked one federal health official in response to the directive.

In an internal message to employees on Friday morning, CDC officials confirmed the policy change. “As you might be aware, the HHS Secretary issued a directive to CDC to update COVID-19 vaccine recommendations on the child and adult immunization schedules. In accordance with that instruction, CDC last night posted updated versions,” the email stated.

{Matzav.com}

Elon Musk surprised reporters at the White House on Friday when he appeared at an Oval Office event with a noticeable black eye, marking the conclusion of his 130-day stint in the Trump administration.

“I’ve got a little shiner here,” said the 53-year-old after President Trump fielded a question from Fox News reporter Peter Doocy about “the first lady of France slapping her husband, Emmanuel Macron.”

“I wasn’t anywhere near France,” Musk joked. “I was just horsing around with Little X, and I said, ‘Go ahead, punch me in the face,’ and he did.”

“Turns out even a five-year-old punching you in the face … ” he started to say, before cutting himself off.

The bruise had actually been visible a day earlier in images from a separate event where Musk gave a talk about SpaceX’s ambitious mission to reach Mars.

When asked whether creating a functioning Mars colony or streamlining the U.S. government would be more challenging, Musk responded, “It’s a tough call, but I think colonizing Mars and making life multiplanetary is harder,” adding, “We do expect to achieve, over time, the trillion-dollar savings.”

As head of the Department of Government Efficiency, known by the acronym DOGE, Musk had set a bold target of reducing federal expenditures by $2 trillion by the time Trump assumed office.

For about four months, DOGE employees had collaborated with various departments across the federal government to slash grants, cancel contracts, and eliminate certain funding channels.

However, by the time Musk stepped down on Wednesday, DOGE’s own website only showed $175 billion in confirmed cuts — translating to about $1,087 in savings per U.S. taxpayer.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) commented Wednesday that these reductions would be factored into this year’s congressional spending bills, alongside $1.5 trillion in additional savings tied to Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

Photos from Thursday’s Mars presentation also showed Musk with the same visible bruise while he discussed SpaceX’s vision for building a sustainable human presence beyond Earth.

At his farewell event Friday, Musk wore a black “Dogefather” shirt and a cap emblazoned with “DOGE,” though his demeanor was more subdued than usual.

Speculation swirled online about the injury. Users on X raised questions about the tech billionaire’s appearance.

“What happened to Elon, appears he has a black eye on his right,” one post wondered.

“Yoo did Elon Musk get straight up punched in the face? That’s a left hook black eye if I’ve ever seen one. Might explain his delayed talk?” another user wrote.

During the event, President Trump presented Musk with a ceremonial key to the White House, similar to the one he had previously given to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking to reporters, Musk clarified that this wasn’t the end for DOGE. “Not the end of DOGE, only the beginning,” he declared, promising, “the DOGE team will only grow stronger over time.”

“He’s going to be back and forth,” Trump said. “I’ve got a feeling.”

{Matzav.com}

President Trump lashed out at China on Friday, accusing the country of breaking the trade agreement the two nations reached just weeks ago.

The deal, announced on May 12 after negotiations in Switzerland, had called for a 90-day easing of tariffs while both sides continued talks. Under the terms of the agreement, the United States reduced its tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, moving away from what had effectively been a trade blockade.

But signs of trouble began to emerge this week. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday night that discussions had become “a bit stalled,” and on Friday morning, Trump publicly blasted China for violating the terms of the deal.

“Because of this deal, everything quickly stabilized and China got back to business as usual. Everybody was happy! That is the good news!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!”

The markets responded quickly. The S&P 500, which had been flat in pre-market trading, fell about 0.3% by late morning. Despite the dip, the index is still nearly 5% higher than it was when the U.S.–China agreement was first announced, continuing an upward trend that began when Trump paused most other tariffs in April.

In response to Trump’s accusations, the Chinese embassy in Washington issued a statement defending its actions and pushing back against what it called discriminatory U.S. policies. Spokesperson Liu Pengyu said, “China once again urges the US to immediately correct its erroneous actions, cease discriminatory restrictions against China and jointly uphold the consensus reached at the high-level talks in Geneva.”

What steps Trump might take next remain unclear. The current agreement is set to remain in effect until August 12. Meanwhile, a federal court recently ruled that Trump’s earlier tariffs on China were illegal—a decision that has been temporarily stayed while legal proceedings continue.

{Matzav.com}

At a pre-Shavuos gathering in Ra’anana, the noted posek and member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, delivered powerful words of chizuk to a group of Brazilian olim, expressing wonder and gratitude over the miraculous survival of the Jewish people in Eretz Yisroel despite overwhelming odds.

The remarks were delivered following Rav Zilberstein’s regular Thursday evening shiur for doctors from hospitals across the country, held at Mayanei HaYeshua Medical Center in Bnei Brak.

During his address, Rav Zilberstein reflected on the precarious security situation and the miraculous resilience of Am Yisroel. “We are a tiny nation,” he said, “barely eight million people, surrounded by huge, powerful countries. And yet, we are still here.”

Pointing specifically to Iran, he remarked, “Iran is ten times the size of Israel, and yet it stands powerless. We are surviving here through nisei nissim—open miracles.”

Rav Zilberstein stated emphatically, “It is clear as day—we are living in the period right before the coming of Moshiach.”

He went on to describe how much has changed in recent decades: “Until 90 years ago, who dreamed of aliyah to Eretz Yisroel? Everything was still called Palestine. Who had any foothold here at all?”

“Seventy or eighty years ago, things began to change,” he recalled. “They brought over yeshivos—Mir, Chevron, Porat Yosef, Slabodka, Etz Chaim, and others—and Torah began to blossom here.”

With emotion, Rav Zilberstein spoke of the recent missile attacks. “The Arabs fired hundreds and thousands of bombot—and baruch Hashem, they didn’t explode. They were launched to every corner of the country, and no one understands how they failed to detonate.”

He concluded with heartfelt thanks to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, saying, “We must thank Hashem, who has separated us from those who err and shows us clearly that we are on the threshold of bi’as haMoshiach. Boruch atem laHashem, Creator of Heaven and Earth. May you be blessed with all good things, my dear ones.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu underwent a scheduled colonoscopy on Friday morning at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Yerushalayim.

His office later issued a statement confirming that the procedure had gone smoothly. Netanyahu expressed gratitude to the medical professionals involved in the exam, naming Professor Eran Goldin, Professor Yaakov Gozal, Dr. Ariel Benson, and nurse Galit Peres for their care.

The Prime Minister’s personal doctor, Dr. Herman Berkovitz, was also present during the examination to oversee the process.

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure where physicians use a long, flexible tube fitted with a small camera and fiber-optic lighting to examine the interior of the lower digestive system. The instrument is gently inserted through the rectum to allow for detailed imaging.

This process enables doctors to inspect the lining of the colon and in many cases, reach as far as the appendix and the terminal ileum.

Roughly two and a half years earlier, Netanyahu had a similar test at the same facility. During that earlier visit, doctors identified and removed two small growths, which were later determined to be benign.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a BBC interview on Friday, United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher walked back a previous assertion that 14,000 infants in Gaza might perish within 48 hours if aid didn’t reach them—a statement the UN later officially rescinded.

Fletcher conceded that the original comments lacked the necessary precision. “We were desperately trying to get that aid in,” he explained, acknowledging the urgency of the situation at the time.

“We were being told we couldn’t get it in, and we knew that we’d probably have a couple of days, a window to get as much aid in as possible, and that was being denied, and we were desperate to get that in. And so yes, we’ve got to be utterly precise with our language, and we’ve clarified that,” Fletcher said.

After disavowing Fletcher’s initial claim, the UN referred to a separate report projecting that from April 2025 through March 2026, as many as 14,100 children in Gaza could suffer from malnutrition—a significantly different timeline from the two-day warning previously issued.

The BBC also asked Fletcher to address his claim that “10,000 aid trucks on the Gaza border, cleared and ready to go” had been blocked, a figure denied by Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). In response, Fletcher acknowledged the need for more exactness in public statements, saying he “especially needed to be careful and really precise.”

Despite issuing clarifications and corrections, Fletcher continued to accuse Israel of deliberate starvation tactics against Gaza civilians. “It is classified as a war crime. Obviously, these are issues for the courts to take the judgement on, and ultimately for history to take a judgement on,” he told the BBC.

While the UN has distanced itself from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the group announced on Thursday the launch of its third aid distribution site within Gaza.

GHF reported that it distributed approximately 997,920 meals on Thursday alone, raising the cumulative total to about 1,838,182 meals, delivered in around 17,280 aid packages.

Fletcher also condemned the Israeli government for allegedly blocking food from entering Gaza. “We’re seeing food set on the borders and not being allowed in when there is a population on the other side of the border that is starving, and we’re hearing Israeli ministers say that is to put pressure on the population of Gaza,” he said, urging Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to “absolutely” repudiate such rhetoric.

Calling for international accountability, Fletcher said, “We would expect governments all over the world to stand for international humanitarian law, the international community is very, very clear on that,” and urged Netanyahu to put a stop to “this language, and ultimately, this policy… of forced displacement.”

{Matzav.com}

Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen are reportedly planning to intensify their offensive operations against Israel, with a new focus on targeting civilian aircraft such as those operated by El Al and other Israeli airlines. This development was reported Friday by Lebanon’s Al-Akhbar newspaper, which cited unnamed members of the Houthi group.

Since Israel renewed its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza on March 18, the Houthis have launched a total of 42 ballistic missiles and at least 10 drones aimed at Israel. One missile, fired on May 4, landed within the perimeter of Ben Gurion Airport. That incident led most international airlines to suspend their flights to Israel, forcing a reliance on Israeli carriers like El Al. The IDF intercepted the latest missile on Thursday evening.

This new threat comes on the heels of Israeli airstrikes earlier this week on the Sanaa International Airport, which is under Houthi control. Those strikes were in response to the ongoing missile and drone barrages from the Yemeni-based militants.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the aircraft targeted in the Israeli bombing was the Houthis’ last operational plane, with six others having previously been destroyed in another Israeli attack.

In response, the Houthis claimed the aircraft that was hit had been used for medical evacuations to Jordan.

Speaking to Al-Akhbar, Houthi officials vowed a shift in both the intensity and nature of their operations. “Upcoming operations will differ in quantity and substance from the previous operations” against Israel, they said, adding that they now intend to “add civilian aircraft belonging to the Israeli entity to the list of targets.”

It remains uncertain whether the Houthis possess the technology required to effectively carry out such an attack. Still, the group has recently managed to down at least seven US MQ-9 Reaper drones.

Earlier this month, a spokesperson for the Houthis told Newsweek that the group had acquired “new weapons” capable of imposing an “aerial blockade” on Israel.

Much of the Houthis’ military arsenal is believed to originate from their main sponsor, Iran.

Many international airlines suspended service to Israel earlier this month after a Houthi-fired ballistic missile hit the grounds of Ben Gurion International Airport. Since then, most travel in and out of the country has depended on Israeli carriers including El Al, Arkia, and Israir.

The Houthi campaign of missile and drone strikes has also included attacks on naval vessels, both civilian and military, as part of what they claim is an effort to pressure Israel to halt its military actions in Gaza—actions triggered by the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre in which roughly 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.

Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis launched attacks on over 100 merchant ships using drones and missiles. Two vessels were sunk and four sailors were killed, severely disrupting maritime trade through the Red Sea, a critical route for global commerce handling an estimated $1 trillion in goods annually.

Though the Houthis claim to be targeting vessels connected to Israel, they have frequently hit ships with no links to the Jewish state.

The Houthis temporarily ceased their operations following their own declared pause—until the United States resumed airstrikes against them in mid-March.

Those operations, authorized by US President Donald Trump, mirrored earlier military actions taken against the Houthis under Democratic president Joe Biden.

Trump halted the campaign in early May after the Houthis reportedly agreed to stop attacking maritime traffic in the Red Sea corridor. That understanding, however, did not extend to attacks directed at Israel.

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Israel has issued a forceful response to French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of launching a “crusade against the Jewish state” after he called on European nations to take a firmer line against Israel if the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is not addressed.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry denounced Macron’s remarks, particularly rejecting the claim that Israel is imposing a humanitarian blockade. The ministry labeled the allegation “a blatant lie” and insisted that Israel is actively working to provide humanitarian assistance while ensuring it does not fall into the hands of Hamas.

“In the first effort, nearly 900 aid trucks have already entered Gaza from Israel this week,” the ministry said. “Hundreds of these trucks are still waiting for the UN to collect and distribute them in Gaza.”

A second initiative, according to the ministry, involves the recently established Gaza Humanitarian Fund, an international project supported by the U.S. and other allies. Since its launch earlier this week, the fund has already supplied two million meals and tens of thousands of aid packages to civilians in Gaza.

“This direct aid to the population in Gaza — bypassing Hamas — is already changing the situation on the ground and has the potential to seriously harm the terrorists and shorten the war,” the ministry said.

Instead of focusing on defeating those responsible for terrorism, the ministry accused Macron of trying to empower them through political concessions. “No doubt it’s national day will be October 7,” the statement said, referring to the date of the Hamas attack that sparked the war.

The Foreign Ministry also criticized Macron’s consideration of penalties against Israeli residents in Judea and Samaria, especially as Israel faces what it described as a coordinated assault on multiple fronts aimed at its destruction.
“And it is against Israel — under attack on multiple fronts in an attempt to destroy it — that Macron seeks to impose sanctions,” the statement said. “Hamas, for its part, has already praised Macron’s statements. Hamas knows why.”

Speaking at a news conference in Singapore on Friday, Macron reiterated France’s support for the establishment of a Palestinian state and warned that Europe may respond with coordinated pressure if Israel doesn’t ease restrictions on Gaza.
“The humanitarian blockade is creating a situation that is untenable on the ground,” Macron said alongside Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. “If there is no response that meets the humanitarian situation in the coming hours and days, obviously, we will have to toughen our collective position.” He also mentioned the potential for sanctions against Israeli settlers.

While voices criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza continue to grow, Macron emphasized that France remains committed to seeking a diplomatic end to the conflict.
“The existence of a Palestinian state is not just simply a moral duty but also a political necessity,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

A private jet known as “Trump Force Two” which was used to transport JD Vance during the election is now being used to deport migrants to Central America, records show. A Freedom of Information request has revealed that the red, white, and blue Boeing 737, which was also used by the Trump campaign to offer private rides to donors in exchange for money, is part of a fleet of planes known as “ICE Air” which are used to shuttle immigrants out of the United States.

The plane has made at least 16 chartered flights to Central and South American countries so far this year to carry out deportations, and was spotted at a number of airports known as hotbeds of ICE Air activity before flying to an airport in Honduras known for handling deportation flights.

Prior to the 2024 election, the plane had been used at least four times to carry out further deportation flights between 2018 and 2020 during Trump’s first term in office. It is not known whether the White House was aware of the plane’s history prior to it becoming part of Trump’s election campaign. Read more at Arizona Mirror.

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The Supreme Court delivered a significant ruling on Friday, giving the Trump administration the green light to resume deporting hundreds of thousands of migrants—up to 530,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela—who had previously been permitted entry into the United States under what was dubbed a “humanitarian parole” initiative by President Joe Biden.

In a 7-2 decision, the justices overturned a lower court injunction from Boston, effectively reinstating the removals that had been put on hold. This ruling marks a win for Trump’s stricter immigration agenda.

Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson dissented from the majority opinion, penning a strongly worded objection, which was supported by Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

“The Court has plainly botched this assessment today,” Jackson seethed. “It requires next to nothing from the Government with respect to irreparable harm.”

In her dissent, Jackson criticized the ruling for its harsh impact, stating that it could cause severe disruption for the individuals affected, all while their legal battles remain unresolved.

She further noted, “the devastating consequences of allowing the Government to precipitously upend the lives and livelihoods of nearly half a million noncitizens while their legal claims are pending.”

“Even if the Government is likely to win on the merits, in our legal system, success takes time and the stay standards require more than anticipated victory,” she added, saying the majority was allowing the Trump admin “to inflict maximum predecision damage.”

Previously, Judge Indira Talwani of the US District Court in Boston—nominated by President Barack Obama—had ruled against the Trump administration’s attempt to shut down the program, arguing that individuals in the CHNV initiative were entitled to individualized assessments.

However, in one of his earliest acts after taking office, Trump signed an executive order directing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to dismantle the program immediately.

Iran’s Jewish population commemorated the 36th anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s death with a memorial ceremony held at the Youssef Abad Shul in Tehran. The event featured readings from the Torah and Tehillim, accompanied by speeches honoring Khomeini’s legacy.

Rabbi Younes Hamami, a leading rabbinic authority within the Jewish community of Iran, spoke at the gathering, expressing admiration for Khomeini’s approach to interfaith relations. “Imam Khomeini—may Allah have mercy on him—was a major religious figure across faiths,” Hamami said.

He emphasized that the Islamic Revolution, under Khomeini’s leadership, had positioned itself as a force against injustice. “The Islamic Revolution carried the banner of resistance against oppression and unified the people in their struggle against tyrants,” Hamami added.

Dr. Homayoun Sameyah, who serves as the Jewish representative in Iran’s parliament, echoed similar sentiments, commending the changes brought about following the revolution. “After the Islamic Revolution’s victory, the Jewish community in Iran was granted greater respect and, like other religious groups, could worship freely. To this day, the Jewish community has faced no problems,” he said.

Mohammad Reza Movahedi Kermani, who chairs the religious affairs division of the Khomeini Memorial Center, highlighted how Khomeini’s vision of religious inclusion has played a role in maintaining his relevance decades after his death. “What has kept Imam Khomeini’s memory alive is the nature of his movement and his distinctive view of religious diversity,” he remarked.

Ayatollah Khomeini came to power in 1979 after leading the Islamic Revolution that overthrew the Shah of Iran. Under his rule, Iran was reshaped into a theocracy, expelling Western influence and enforcing strict Islamic law. His leadership led to widespread purges of political dissenters, with thousands executed, and he promoted a hostile stance toward the West, particularly the United States. He aimed to spread Iran’s revolutionary ideology throughout the Muslim world, using propaganda, armed conflict, and terror networks.

One of the defining moments of Khomeini’s rule came in November 1979, when Iranian revolutionaries stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking dozens of Americans hostage. In 1980, Iran entered into a prolonged and devastating war with Iraq that would ultimately claim the lives of an estimated 1 million Iranians.

Khomeini passed away on June 3, 1989. By the end of his rule, Iran had suffered significant economic, social, and political turmoil. Women were stripped of many basic rights, mandated to wear Islamic dress, and largely removed from public life. Ultimate authority in the country had been transferred to a network of clerics who strictly adhered to Khomeini’s religious doctrine.

{Matzav.com}