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Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly across Israel early Monday after several rounds of missile launches from Iran were detected, sending residents in many regions rushing to shelters.

The first alerts were activated shortly after 1:15 a.m., when warning sirens were heard in northern and central Israel following the detection of launches from Iran. Roughly twenty minutes later, additional missiles were identified, prompting sirens across central Israel, the Shfela region, the Lachish area, and parts of Samaria.

Another set of sirens sounded around 1:45 a.m. in northern Israel. Later, at approximately 4:00 a.m., residents in the north were again alerted after Israeli defense systems identified yet another round of missiles launched from Iran.

תיעוד: שברי יירוט במודיעין עילית@hadasgrinberg pic.twitter.com/upNjzfjHx5

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Authorities reported that fragments from interceptor missiles fell in several locations, including Lod, Rishon Letzion, and Modi’in Ilit. Israel Fire and Rescue Services said teams were dispatched to multiple sites in central Israel after debris from the interceptions caused substantial damage.

At one of the impact locations in Rishon Letzion, a woman in her 50s was injured. According to Magen David Adom, stones thrown into the air by the blast struck her head, causing a head injury.

A Magen David Adom EMT who arrived at the scene said, “We arrived quickly at the scene and saw a crater in the road, with broken rocks scattered on the ground all around. At the scene there was a woman who was injured in the head by rocks that flew towards her. We provided her with life-saving medical treatment and evacuated her in an MDA Mobile Intensive Care Unit to the hospital while in stable condition.”

The woman was transported to Shamir Hospital, where officials reported that her injuries were light and that she remained in stable condition.

At roughly the same time, warning sirens also sounded in Kiryat Shmona and nearby communities after rockets were launched from Lebanon. No casualties were reported from that incident.

The Israel Defense Forces said that in response it carried out strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut while also launching a new round of attacks on Iranian regime terror infrastructure in central Iran.

The overnight attacks followed a separate incident on Sunday in which a man in his 40s was seriously wounded by shrapnel in Tel Aviv during another missile barrage fired from Iran toward central Israel.

Emergency responders from Magen David Adom treated the man at the scene before transporting him to Ichilov Hospital’s emergency department.

In addition, MDA crews provided treatment to six other individuals injured at several locations throughout central Israel. Among them were two people in Petach Tikva: a 25-year-old man who sustained moderate injuries and a 56-year-old man who was lightly hurt.

{Matzav.com}

Confusion and frustration have been reported at the Kosel in recent days, as mispallelim arriving to daven say they are being prevented from entering despite official statements indicating that limited access to the plaza has been permitted.

According to Israel Police announcements, up to 50 people at a time were supposed to be allowed into the Kosel plaza in accordance with current Home Front Command safety guidelines. However, those who came to the site report that in practice entry is often blocked entirely or handled in an inconsistent manner.

Mispallelim who arrived at the Kosel say that no clear system has been established for regulating entry and exit. Some report that the situation is being managed arbitrarily by security personnel on the ground, with small groups occasionally allowed inside while at other times the entrance is closed completely without any clear explanation.

At the center of the disagreement is the question of adequate protection in the event of missile alerts. A standard protected space exists only in nearby buildings under the management of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. However, individuals familiar with the area say that the Wilson’s Arch complex could offer meaningful protection, similar to the portable shelters used elsewhere in the country.

Many mispallelim say the failure to make use of that area for tefillah has caused significant pain and frustration, particularly during a time when many feel a strong need to pour out their hearts in tefillah at the Kosel.

“It is not appropriate that the police cannot find a way to allow tefillah at the holiest place while still safeguarding human life,” rabbonim said, adding that the ability to daven there is a vital ruchniyus need during the ongoing war.

Amid Operation Roaring Lion and the ongoing security situation, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation carried out its traditional pre-Pesach removal of the notes placed between the stones of the Kosel.

The procedure took place Sunday morning, as it does each year before Pesach, and involved removing tens of thousands of kvittelach that had been placed between the stones over the past six months before transferring them for proper genizah.

The removal was carried out in the presence of Rav Shmuel Rabinowitz, the rov of the Kosel and the holy sites, together with Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, director general of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. During the gathering they recited a special tefillah for the success of the campaign against the enemies of Klal Yisroel, particularly Iran, and for the safety of the soldiers of the IDF and security forces fighting on multiple fronts — in the air, at sea, and on land — as well as for the safety of U.S. soldiers assisting Israel.

In a statement, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation said that even during this difficult period, tefillos continue to arrive at the Kosel from throughout Eretz Yisroel and around the world.

“In these days, when the people of Israel face great challenges and seek rachamei Shamayim, we see how thousands of tefillos continue to reach the stones of the Kosel from across the country and the world,” the statement said.

Alongside tefillos for the safety of the country, its soldiers, and the Jewish people, the foundation said it has also received notes from individuals in countries considered hostile to Israel, expressing hopes for peace among nations.

The removal was carried out in accordance with halachah, with workers using gloves and disposable wooden tools to preserve the sanctity of the site and the privacy of the notes. The collected notes were placed in special sacks and will be buried through proper genizah.

The foundation also noted that hundreds of notes are sent daily through its website, in addition to the hundreds of thousands placed personally by mispallelim and visitors at the Kosel throughout the year. Among the notes received this year were messages sent online by individuals from countries including Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Qatar, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sudan, Jordan, Egypt, and Kazakhstan, many expressing heartfelt hopes for peace and reconciliation between nations.

{Matzav.com}

Technical problems with Israel’s Home Front Command emergency alerts have been reported on older-generation kosher mobile phones, with some users saying the warnings cause their devices to freeze or even erase stored data.

The issue was discussed on the radio program Osim Seder on Kol Chai, where host Yisroel Meir spoke with Pinchas Ben Ziv, an editor at the Emes news site. Ben Ziv described a troubling situation in which safety alerts meant to save lives are instead creating serious technical problems for users of older kosher phones.

“The alert that pops up on the screen takes over their phone and they can’t do anything,” Ben Ziv said. In some cases, he explained, the alert has reportedly caused entire contact lists to be deleted and has also drained phone batteries quickly on Shabbos, since users cannot acknowledge the message or silence it.

According to Ben Ziv, the main difficulty stems from the fact that the modern alert systems were not designed for older basic phones. He said the alerts override the device’s operating system and function externally, which can cause the phone to lock up.

Ben Ziv suggested that a possible solution could come through the Rabbinical Communications Committee, noting that if certain restrictions were removed, a dedicated application could potentially be installed to manage the alerts more effectively.

Lt. Col. (res.) Danny Cohen, who serves as the Home Front Command’s spokesperson to the chareidi community, offered a different explanation, saying the system follows updated guidelines issued by Israel’s Ministry of Communications that are designed primarily for devices using fourth-generation networks.

Cohen explained that unlike second- and third-generation phones, which may freeze when the alerts appear, newer devices support modern broadcast messaging technology that functions more reliably.

“I’m not aware of problems with fourth-generation devices,” Cohen said. However, he added that some phones may require a simple software update through a computer connection in order for the text alerts to display properly.

He noted that the alert system can provide early warnings minutes before a siren sounds and can also notify residents when it is safe to leave protected areas, features that are particularly valuable on Shabbos.

Yisroel Meir concluded the discussion by calling for a better balance between maintaining the spiritual standards associated with kosher phones and ensuring that users receive reliable safety alerts.

“There’s no reason a kosher phone shouldn’t provide you with safe and quiet protection,” he said, adding that he plans to continue following the issue together with the rabbinical communications committee.

For now, officials say the recommendation is clear: to ensure proper receipt of alerts without disrupting the device, users should switch to phones that support fourth-generation networks and make sure their devices receive the necessary software updates.

Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said Sunday that the current conflict represents a historic and decisive struggle that will shape Israel’s future security for years to come.

Zamir made the remarks during a situational assessment held earlier in the day with Home Front Command chief Maj. Gen. Shai Kalper, the commander of the Air Defense Array, Brig. Gen. K., and additional senior officers.

During the meeting, Zamir revealed that Israeli forces carried out overnight operations targeting Iranian Quds Force elements operating in Lebanon.

“During the night we acted against Iranian Quds Force elements in Lebanon, in Beirut, and struck them,” Zamir said. “I tell you that there is no safe place for the Iranian evil proxies anywhere in the Middle East — not in Beirut and not anywhere else.”

The chief of staff also addressed the ongoing confrontation with Hezbollah and the heavy price being paid on the northern front.

“At the same time, we have experienced considerable fire directed at northern communities, and there was also an incident overnight. From here I want to send my condolences to the families of those who were killed and wish a speedy recovery to our wounded,” he said. “Hezbollah is an extreme arm of the Iranian octopus, and it is paying — and will continue to pay — a heavy price for this.”

Zamir noted that Israel has already been operating under prolonged emergency conditions and warned that the current war could continue for an extended period.

“Israel has been in a state of ongoing emergency for two years already. What we need right now above all is perseverance and patience. This will take a long time, and you must be prepared for that — however long it takes, it will take.”

He echoed remarks made by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu the previous evening, emphasizing that determination and resilience will ultimately determine the outcome of the conflict.

“I say to you — and you know this very well — that the one who will win is the side that shows determination and perseverance. We know our home front; it has very great resilience. I am confident in the strength of our home front to give us all the backing we need to achieve our goals.”

Zamir also acknowledged the difficulties faced by Israeli civilians, many of whom have repeatedly had to seek shelter during missile alerts.

“I know that citizens at home are forced to enter protected spaces quite often. We are constantly reviewing the instructions according to the evolving situation. I say to the citizens — remain attentive and act according to the instructions.”

He stressed that the war effort involves the combined work of multiple branches of Israel’s military.

“We are all together in this effort — the Air Force pilots, the armored forces, our infantry and engineering units that are now on the border lines and in Lebanon. Everyone together in this effort. It is a very large effort.”

Zamir concluded by describing the war as a defining moment for Israel.

“This is the war of our generation, a critical war, a decisive war. This war will determine our future and our security here for many years to come.”

{Matzav.com}

A chareidi firefighter from Beit Shemesh who helped rescue victims during last week’s devastating incident in the city has been hailed for his bravery after entering dangerous conditions to save those trapped at the scene.

Yeshayahu Penik, a chareidi resident of Beit Shemesh who serves as a support firefighter in Israel’s Fire and Rescue Authority, rushed into the disaster zone even as sirens continued to sound and the situation remained volatile.

At the scene, surrounded by thick smoke and the cries of distressed families, Penik immediately joined rescue teams searching for trapped victims and deploying water lines to battle the flames.

Reflecting on the moment, Penik described acting almost instinctively as he carried out the rescue efforts.

“I was working on instinct,” he said. “What I did was a kiddush Hashem and truly saving lives. I understood this was not a normal interception. I went out to the scene together with all the teams and we began searching.”

Penik is one of 45 chareidi firefighters serving within Israel’s firefighting system, a group that demonstrates that it is possible to maintain a strong Torah identity while participating in emergency response and community protection.

His personal story reflects that balance. Although he comes from a deeply religious background, Penik said his family supported his decision to join the firefighting service. His parents even attended his graduation ceremony from the training program.

“I feel part of a system that accepts me as a chareidi Jew,” he said, adding that he also receives strong support from his wife.

The rescue efforts have drawn national attention. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir praised Penik’s actions and the growing participation of chareidi volunteers in emergency services.

“The service of chareidi young people is a real asset to the State of Israel,” Ben Gvir said. “Yeshayahu proves that it is possible to combine religious mission together with national and security responsibility at the highest level.”

For Penik, the combination is natural. He says that wherever help is needed, he intends to be there, wearing his uniform while guided by his faith and commitment to saving lives.

{Matzav.com}

The Satmar Rebbe addressed the ongoing war with Iran during Seudah Shlishis, speaking emotionally about the situation and cautioning against rejoicing over the military successes of what he referred to as the “Zionist Eigel.” The Rebbe said that even feeling happiness in one’s heart over such successes requires kapparah.

During his remarks, the Rebbe explained that he sees three different levels of people who become entangled, in his view, in the sin of the “Zionist Eigel” during the current war.

He began by recalling a memory from his childhood connected to the parsha of Ki Sisa, involving his uncle, the Satmar Rebbe, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum.

“I was then a child and I visited his home on Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Ki Sisa. He tested me on what I had learned in cheder, and tested me on Chumash Rashi from the weekly portion, Parshas Ki Sisa. I told him that we learned everything that is written about the sin of the golden calf, that the Jewish people worshipped the golden calf.”

According to the Rebbe, his uncle asked him how it could be possible that Klal Yisroel would bow down to a figure made of gold.

“And he asked me: ‘How can it be that the Jewish people would simply worship and bow down to a calf made of gold? How can that be?’. I was a child and I did not know how to answer him, and then he answered me based on what is brought in the Midrash: the calf was not just a silent calf made of gold, the golden calf had life; it danced, it sang, the calf performed wonders, it did tricks – it was just like a living calf. And therefore the Jewish people fell into its trap, and that caused them, heaven forbid, to worship the golden calf and to sin with that terrible sin.”

The Rebbe said that his uncle explained there were three levels of people who became involved in the sin of the Eigel.

“There were three levels of those who stumbled in the sin of the calf: some saw the wonders and simply began to worship the idol outright. The second group did not actually worship the calf, but they kissed and embraced the calf with affection. And there was a third group, which was the majority of the Jewish people, who simply rejoiced in their hearts; they saw the dancing and wonders of the calf and they enjoyed and were happy that the idol was able to perform all these wonders, and therefore everyone needed to bring atonement for the sin.”

Drawing a parallel to the current situation, the Satmar Rebbe said the lesson is very relevant to the present war with Iran.

“This is a very important lesson for our time, for this moment that we are standing in now with the war with Iran — the Zionist calf is performing wonders, it dances, it jumps, the whole world sees that it is succeeding in performing wonders. There are some among the Jewish people who bow to the idol — they serve the Zionist calf, and there are some who do not serve the calf but they kiss the Zionist calf.”

He continued by saying that the largest group, in his view, are those who simply feel joy in their hearts when they hear about military successes.

“But the main large group are those who rejoice in their hearts over the success of the calf, over the wonders that the calf succeeds with, over the dancing. They follow all day exactly every wonder, every success of the calf. You have no permission to think about it; even to rejoice in your heart is completely forbidden. They hear the news, they see all the strikes of the calf and they rejoice in their hearts over the success of the Zionist calf, and for that they need atonement — for the joy in the heart over the success of the idol.”

The Rebbe concluded by urging listeners to remember that avodah zarah remains forbidden even when it appears powerful or successful.

“Hashem should help and grant us understanding, to realize that idol worship is forbidden even when it succeeds in showing wonders. It dances, but the golden calf remains the golden calf. It is forbidden to serve it, forbidden to kiss it, forbidden to look at it and forbidden to rejoice in it. And this should be a guiding light for us, until Hashem helps and all idol worship will be abolished from the world, including this calf.”

{Matzav.com}

During a Purim celebration held in the court of the Biala Rebbe of Bnei Brak, the Rebbe delivered a fiery address that included sharp criticism of the Mizrachi movement and Zionism, drawing strong reactions from those present.

The remarks were delivered during the traditional Purim tish gathering held in the Rebbe’s court, where chassidim assembled to celebrate the holiday together with their Rebbe.

Opening his address, the Rebbe offered words of encouragement to the bochurim standing around the parenches, emphasizing the spiritual strength and value of every ben Torah.

“There is no such thing as a weak bochur,” the Rebbe declared passionately. “Every bochur is a precious treasure; each one is strong in his ruchniyus. Who are the truly weak ones? The people of Mizrachi and the Zionists — they are the klipah of Amalek in our generation.”

The Rebbe continued with pointed criticism, saying that anyone who adopts what he described as the outlook of Mizrachi is also considered part of that spiritual impurity.

“Anyone who goes with the ‘head’ like Mizrachi is also considered part of those klipos of Amalek that must be erased. This is the tumah from which we must distance ourselves completely.”

During the tish, in keeping with certain chassidic customs, the Rebbe was seen smoking a cigarette during moments of intense spiritual elevation, which according to chassidic tradition can symbolize lofty spiritual ideas and yichudim on this holy day.

{Matzav.com}

In recent days, unusual videos circulating online have shown what appear to be clusters of small glowing objects streaking across the night sky, sparking both curiosity and concern among the public.

Those images reflect a new security reality after Iranian barrages that included this type of missile struck central Israel. The attacks reportedly caused direct impacts and injuries from shrapnel in locations including Petach Tikvah and Tel Aviv.

The weapon involved is a ballistic missile equipped with a cluster warhead. Unlike a conventional missile that carries a single large explosive payload, this type of missile is designed to break apart during flight and release numerous smaller explosive units.

The process occurs high above the ground. At an altitude of roughly seven kilometers, the missile’s warhead opens and releases approximately twenty smaller submunitions. These small bombs then spread over a wide area, potentially covering a zone that can reach a diameter of up to sixteen kilometers from the point where the missile splits apart.

The glowing appearance seen in videos is caused by intense heat created as the submunitions pass through the atmosphere. Friction with the air generates bright light until the objects cool somewhat before reaching the ground.

Iran’s decision to deploy these missiles at this stage of the conflict appears to stem from both technological limitations and operational considerations.

One reason is that the weapon helps compensate for the relatively poor accuracy of some older Iranian missile systems, such as the Imad and Qadr missiles, which can miss their intended targets by more than a kilometer. By scattering dozens of explosive submunitions across a broad area, the missile increases the likelihood that at least one will strike something.

Another factor is the challenge such weapons pose to air-defense systems. Intercepting dozens of small objects can be far more difficult than stopping a single large missile. This creates an additional burden for defensive systems such as Iron Dome, especially if the missile is not intercepted earlier at high altitude by the Arrow system.

Security experts also believe the timing of their use may simply reflect availability. Some of these weapons are believed to have been stored in eastern Iran at sites that were less affected by recent strikes.

Paradoxically, cluster missiles are generally considered less destructive to buildings and protected spaces than missiles carrying a single large warhead.

A standard ballistic missile with a unified warhead weighing hundreds of kilograms can cause the collapse of an entire building. By contrast, each submunition in a cluster missile contains only about 2.5 kilograms of explosive material.

That amount of explosive is typically not enough to penetrate the reinforced concrete walls of a protected safe room or cause major structural damage. As a result, people who follow Home Front Command instructions and remain in protected areas are significantly safer.

However, for anyone caught outside, the danger can be severe. Each submunition spreads fast-moving and potentially lethal shrapnel across a wide area.

Another serious risk comes from unexploded submunitions. Some of the small bombs may fail to detonate when they hit the ground and can remain dangerous for years. These unexploded devices can detonate if touched or moved.

Authorities therefore stress that anyone who encounters suspicious objects or debris should avoid approaching them and report the location immediately to the police.

{Matzav.com}

Rabbi Moshe Yosef Edri has been chosen as the chief rabbi of the city of Givatayim following a vote conducted by the municipal rabbinical election committee, which was headed by Rabbi Yaakov Zamir, a retired judge of Israel’s Supreme Rabbinical Court.

The announcement was made Sunday after the ballots were counted, confirming Rabbi Edri’s victory in the election. He is the son of the late Rabbi Pinchas Edri, who previously served as Givatayim’s chief rabbi.

The appointment is part of a broader initiative by Israel’s Ministry of Religious Services to establish permanent rabbinical leadership in cities across the country, reflecting the ministry’s emphasis on stable and consistent Torah guidance for local communities. The decision carries particular significance for Givatayim residents following the passing of Rabbi Pinchas Edri.

The election committee was chaired by Rabbi Yaakov Zamir. Other members included Rabbi Dovid Cohen, the chief rabbi of Gan Yavne, as well as Moshik Goldstein, Sivan Goldberg, Yamit Yona, and representatives from the legal department of the Ministry of Religious Services. Tzuriel Porat served as the committee’s secretary.

Once the vote counting was completed, the committee reported that Rabbi Moshe Yosef Edri received 31 votes. Two ballots were submitted blank, while three members of the electoral body did not participate in the vote. Rabbi Edri, the son of the late Rabbi Pinchas Edri, is expected to continue the rabbinical legacy established by his father in the city.

Rabbi Edri studied at the Beit Shmaya and Kol Yehuda yeshivos and received semichah from several prominent poskim, including Rav Nissim Karelitz, Rav Mordechai Eliyahu, Rav Shalom Mashash, Rav Moshe Malka, and Rav Yaakov Edelstein.

He also holds official certification from Israel’s Chief Rabbinate to serve as both a city rabbi and a dayan. In addition, Rabbi Edri previously headed the Rav Pe’alim kollel, which trains rabbis and rabbinical judges, and authored the halachic work Imrei De’ah on the Shulchan Aruch.

MK Michael Malkieli, who previously served as Israel’s minister of religious services, praised the outcome of the election, saying that Givatayim’s residents have gained an outstanding city rabbi and the son of the late Rabbi Pinchas Edri, whom he described as the city’s longtime and beloved rabbinical leader.

Yehuda Avidan, director general of the Ministry of Religious Services, thanked the chairman of the election committee and Givatayim Mayor Ran Konik while congratulating Rabbi Edri on his selection. He said the appointment was the result of an orderly process initiated by the previous minister of religious services and carried out in coordination with all relevant authorities. Avidan expressed confidence that Rabbi Edri will continue his father’s legacy, work to strengthen residents’ connection to the world of Torah, and present Judaism in an accessible and welcoming way. He added that appointing a city rabbi provides spiritual and communal stability and allows residents to benefit from clear and committed Torah leadership.

Eitan Reuveni, chairman of Givatayim’s religious council, also welcomed the decision. He said the selection of a city rov is not merely a ceremonial moment but a meaningful statement about direction, responsibility, and partnership. According to Reuveni, the city has chosen rabbinic leadership that seeks to connect Torah with daily life, tradition with community, and spiritual depth with human sensitivity, marking both a continuation of the past and the beginning of a new chapter for the city and its residents.

{Matzav.com}

Col. (res.) David Rokni, who for decades served as the commanding officer of Israel’s Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl, passed away at the age of 94.

Rokni, who was born in Iran and later married there, immigrated to Israel in 1950 and joined Kibbutz Ashdot Yaakov.

He served in the Golani Brigade for 35 years, holding various staff and training positions, and during the 1970s he served as the sergeant major of Training Base 11. During his military service, he was appointed commander of the traditional torch-lighting ceremony held each year on the eve of Israel’s Independence Day at Mount Herzl.

For this role he was granted officer rank and was called up to reserve duty each year for a period of 42 days. Over the course of his tenure, Rokni oversaw 34 Independence Day torch-lighting ceremonies. He was later succeeded by Lt. Col. Shimon Deri, who was eventually promoted to the rank of colonel.

President Isaac Herzog paid tribute to Rokni, saying, “I received with great sorrow the news of the passing of Col. (res.) David Rokni, the legendary commander of the torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl for about 34 years. Rokni was the symbol of this national and unifying ceremony, always leading it with grace and the utmost precision. Rokni served in the IDF with dedication, professionalism, and great love for the State of Israel, and for many years led one of Israel’s flagship events – the torch-lighting ceremony on the eve of Independence Day. He was a model figure of statesmanship and love of the land, and his unique contribution will be remembered for many years. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

{Matzav.com}

A large fragment from an intercepted projectile struck a residential home in the city of Lod last night, causing major damage to the structure but leaving the family inside unharmed after they followed safety instructions and quickly moved to a protected area.

The incident occurred shortly after an air raid siren sounded. According to reports, the family immediately evacuated their apartment and moved into the building’s stairwell, which was the safest available location in the limited time they had to take cover.

Only seconds later, a heavy interception fragment crashed into the home.

Lod Mayor Yair Revivo arrived at the scene later in the evening to support the family and assess the damage caused by the impact.

Revivo said, “This case is a sharp reminder to all of us how much the Home Front Command’s instructions save lives. The members of the family showed exemplary responsibility, and that is what saved them today.”

Officials from the Lod municipality and the Home Front Command again urged residents to strictly follow safety guidelines during alerts.

In a statement, authorities said, “Continue to follow the instructions and reach a protected area in time. Remaining in the protected space for 10 minutes is critical to preventing injuries from shrapnel and interception debris.”

An Israeli reservist has been suspended from duty after being filmed vandalizing a memorial dedicated to the former Palestinian Authority chairman, arch terrorist Yasser Arafat, in the Samaria region. Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sharply criticized the decision and called for it to be reconsidered.

According to a report by I24NEWS journalist Shlomi Heller, the reservist, who serves in a battalion of the Menashe Brigade, was suspended from reserve service after footage circulated showing him damaging the monument in the Palestinian village of Zababida in Samaria. The memorial commemorates Arafat, whom many in Israel hold responsible for numerous terrorist attacks.

Ben Gvir responded strongly to the suspension, arguing that the move was misguided. He said, “The decision to suspend the reserve fighter who smashed the picture of the arch-terrorist and mass murderer Yasser Arafat — whose hands are stained with the blood of many Jews — is, in my view, a mistaken decision.”

The minister added that the soldier is currently serving during wartime, noting that, in his words, “his brothers and sisters were slaughtered and murdered.”

Ben Gvir said the act reflected “the pain, anger, and sense of justice of someone who is fighting for the people of Israel.”

He further argued that suspending a reservist under such circumstances was “a step too far,” and urged authorities to reconsider the decision.

{Matzav.com}

Senior envoys from President Donald Trump’s administration are expected to travel to Israel this week as the United States and Israel continue their coordinated military campaign against Iran.

The visit would mark the first such trip since the launch of Operation “Roaring Lion,” which began more than a week ago and has involved extensive joint strikes against Iranian targets.

Despite the close cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem during the conflict, no in-person meetings between senior officials from the two countries have taken place since the fighting began.

However, Israel’s Channel 12 News reported Sunday evening that meetings are expected to occur this week with the arrival of Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, along with the president’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

Kushner and Witkoff, both of whom have been involved in managing the war effort and coordinating closely with Israel, are expected to arrive on Tuesday. During the visit, they are scheduled to meet with senior Israeli political leaders.

The report noted that the two officials may also bring messages from President Trump.

It was also reported over the past week that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu have been speaking daily since the start of the war in order to coordinate the next stages of the military campaign.

[Video below.] A behind-the-scenes Kremlin video showing Russian President Vladimir Putin briefly stopping during a prerecorded International Women’s Day message and mentioning that his throat was irritated has reignited online speculation about his health, though there is no verified evidence that he is seriously ill.

The footage, which The Moscow Times reported was mistakenly released before being replaced with an edited version, shows Putin interrupting his remarks, switching off the camera, and commenting: “You know, let me say that again, because… my throat’s a bit scratchy. Yes, a bit scratchy. I almost started coughing. I’ve been talking a lot today.”

Russia’s state news agency TASS also reported that Putin delivered a video greeting for the March 8 holiday.

The brief moment was enough to trigger a new wave of speculation on social media suggesting that the Russian leader may be concealing a more significant medical problem.

However, similar rumors about Putin’s health have surfaced repeatedly in the past without being backed by credible evidence.

In 2023, The Associated Press reported on viral claims circulating online that Putin had suffered a heart attack. Investigators found the allegation originated from an anonymous Telegram account that researchers who track misinformation said lacked credibility.

According to the report, the Kremlin dismissed the claim as a “hoax,” while Reuters said that same month that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected another round of health rumors, stating: “Everything is fine with him, this is absolutely another fake.”

By itself, the recently circulated clip does not indicate that Putin is dealing with any serious health condition.

A momentary cough or throat irritation can be caused by many routine factors. In 2021, Putin also coughed during a televised government session and responded to concerns by saying he was healthy and regularly tested for COVID-19 and other illnesses.

What remains clear is that even minor incidents involving Putin attract intense attention because of their potential political significance, especially as Russia continues its war in Ukraine and maintains tight control over the president’s public appearances.

The video attracted interest largely because it captured an unusual unscripted moment, rather than providing proof of the longstanding claims about Putin’s health that have circulated for years.

The United Arab Emirates said Sunday that Iran launched a new wave of attacks, firing ballistic missiles and drones toward the country as regional tensions continue to escalate.

According to the UAE’s Defense Ministry, Iran launched 16 ballistic missiles along with more than 117 drones during the latest assault.

The ministry said air defense systems successfully intercepted all 16 missiles, while an additional missile fell into the sea. Officials also reported that most of the drones were shot down, though four drones ultimately landed inside UAE territory.

The ministry added that the country remains prepared to “firmly confront” any further threats.

Earlier Sunday, Iran’s president warned that Tehran could expand attacks against American targets across the Middle East in response to continuing Israeli and U.S. military operations.

The UAE did not provide details about the specific locations targeted in Sunday’s attacks.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Saturday he is not ruling out the possibility of deploying American troops into Iran, indicating that a ground operation could be considered to secure Iranian nuclear material as the conflict continues to escalate.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling from Dover Air Force Base back to Florida, Trump said any decision to send American forces into Iran would only be made if there were a compelling justification. He stressed that U.S. troops would be deployed only for a “very good reason.”

When questioned about whether American soldiers might eventually operate on Iranian soil, Trump suggested that Iran’s military would be too weakened to effectively resist such a mission if it were to occur.

He also identified one potential objective for such an operation: taking control of Iran’s nuclear materials.

Trump said the possibility has not been examined in detail but indicated it could become an option down the line, calling it “something we could do later” and “a great thing” if circumstances required it. His remarks went beyond the current campaign of airstrikes and long-range attacks, suggesting he is leaving open the door to a deeper U.S. military role if the war expands.

Asked how long the military effort might continue, Trump declined to offer any timeline.

“Whatever it takes.”

Trump also signaled that additional strikes against Iran remain under consideration.

He said American forces could target more Iranian military installations and personnel in the future, though he noted that no final decisions had been made. Trump described Iran’s armed forces as severely degraded, saying its missile manufacturing capability and launcher infrastructure had already been heavily damaged.

Despite the possibility of further escalation, Trump said he does not support every proposed military option.

He said he does not favor supplying weapons to Kurdish groups that might serve as potential ground partners, explaining that he does not want to complicate the conflict further.

At the same time, Trump repeated his demand that Iran accept “unconditional surrender.”

He also pointed to an apology issued by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to neighboring Arab countries that had been struck during the fighting, describing the gesture as evidence of weakness. Nonetheless, tensions in the region remain high, with the United Arab Emirates reportedly coming under repeated attacks on Saturday.

When asked about reports suggesting Russia may be helping Iran locate potential U.S. targets, Trump said he had “no indication whatsoever.”

Steve Witkoff, the president’s Middle East envoy, also expressed hope that Moscow is not assisting Tehran. Trump added that even if such cooperation were taking place, he believes it would make little difference because Iranian forces are already struggling.

After attending ceremonies at Dover marking the first American casualties of the conflict, Trump ended his remarks on a solemn note, acknowledging the human cost of the war and describing the loss of life as “a sad part of war” and “the bad part of war.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran’s next supreme leader will not remain in power for long unless the United States approves the selection, issuing the warning as Iran moves closer to choosing a successor to its current leadership.

Speaking in an interview with ABC News, Trump said the individual chosen to lead Iran would not be able to maintain authority without Washington’s acceptance.

“He’s going to have to get approval from us,” the president told ABC News. “If he doesn’t get approval from us he’s not going to last long. We want to make sure that we don’t have to go back every 10 years, when you don’t have a president like me that’s not going to do it.”

Trump said his concern is preventing a situation in which the international community repeatedly faces the threat of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

“I don’t want people to have to go back in five years and have to do the same thing again or worse let them have a nuclear weapon.”

When asked whether he would consider approving a leader who previously had ties to Iran’s existing regime, Trump indicated he would be open to the idea if the candidate proved capable of governing responsibly.

“I would, in order to choose a good leader I would, yeah, I would. There are numerous people that could qualify.”

Trump also argued that Iran had been preparing to dominate the broader region before recent military developments changed the situation.

“They are a paper tiger. They weren’t a paper tiger a week ago, I’ll tell you. And they were going to attack,” he said. “Their plan was to attack the entire Middle East, to take over the entire Middle East.”

Trump said he has not ruled out the possibility of deploying American special forces to secure Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium.

“Everything is on the table. Everything.”

A senior administration official said last week that Iran has already enriched enough uranium to reach weapons-grade levels within about ten days.

According to the official, large quantities of that material are believed to be stored at nuclear facilities that were targeted during Operation Midnight Hammer, including Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow.

“In theory, if we had physical control of that territory, if we had physical control of those places where it’s located, we could send our people in and dilute it on premise,” the official said.

Over the weekend, Trump also met with the families of six U.S. service members who were killed. When asked whether attending the dignified transfers caused him to reconsider the conflict, Trump said it did not.

“No, not at all,” he said. “The parents would be upset if I did that. The parents said to me, every one of them, please sir, win this for my boy, and in one case a young woman, as you know. Please, win this for my child.”

Reflecting on the meeting with the families, Trump described the experience as emotional but meaningful.

“It was a beautiful event. It was a beautiful, beautiful event, where I met the parents. They were devastated but proud.”

Asked about how long the conflict might continue, Trump declined to offer a specific timetable.

“I don’t know. I never predict. All I can say is we are ahead of schedule both in terms of lethality and in terms of time,” he said.

Just days earlier, Trump had suggested the conflict could conclude within four to five weeks.

During the interview, the president also brushed aside concerns about rising gasoline prices, describing the increase as temporary.

“I think it’s fine. It’s a little glitch. We had to take this detour,” he said. “I knew exactly what was going to happen with the detour. But the nice part is we sank 44 of their ships which is their entire navy. We’ve knocked out their entire AirForce. We’ve knocked out all of their communications, telecommunications. Their anti-aircraft systems are gone. They have absolutely no defense. All they have is talk.”

Although some longtime supporters have questioned aspects of the operation, Trump said he has not faced meaningful opposition from his political base.

“It’s more popular than ever. It’s a very MAGA thing what we’re doing. A very very MAGA thing,” he said. “Because otherwise we won’t have a country either, we’ll be hit. And MAGA is all about saving America … I’m at the highest point I’ve ever been with MAGA.”

{Matzav.com}

Barack Obama delivered pointed remarks about the nation’s political atmosphere during a speech Friday at the funeral of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson in Chicago, criticizing what he described as ongoing attacks on democratic institutions without mentioning President Donald Trump by name.

The funeral drew a wide array of prominent political and civil rights figures. Former Presidents Joe Biden and Bill Clinton also addressed the gathering, along with several well-known progressive leaders, including Rev. Al Sharpton.

Jackson, who was 84, passed away last month after suffering from the neurodegenerative disease progressive supranuclear palsy, according to a statement from his family. The longtime activist and former Democratic presidential candidate was widely recognized for his decades of civil rights work and for helping open doors for Black political leaders, including Obama.

Obama’s remarks during the service contained sharp criticism of the country’s political climate. Both he and the other former presidents in attendance have previously been criticized by President Trump, and Obama’s comments reflected those tensions.

“We are living in a time when it can be hard to hope,” Obama said. “Each day we wake up to some new assault on our democratic institutions. Another setback the idea of the rule of law. An offense to common decency.”

“Every day you wake up to things you just didn’t think were possible,” he continued. “Each day, we’re told by those in high office to fear each other, and to turn on each other. And that some Americans count more than others. And that some don’t even count at all. Everywhere we see greed and bigotry being celebrated and bullying and mocker masquerading as strength.”

Later in his remarks, Obama acknowledged that such developments can make it difficult for people to remain hopeful.

“It’s hard to hope in those moments.”

He then turned to Jackson’s legacy, saying the civil rights leader’s life offered a different path forward.

“But this man, Rev. Jesse Jackson, inspires us to take a harder path. His voice calls on each of us to be heralds of change, to be messengers of hope,” Obama said.

Obama recently drew attention after President Trump reposted a video on social media depicting him and his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, as apes. The video was later removed by the White House following criticism and complaints from both Democrats and Republicans.

Joe Biden, who served as Obama’s vice president, spoke after him and delivered his own criticism of the current administration.

“We got an administration that doesn’t share any of the values that we have, and I don’t think I’m exaggerating a little bit,” Biden said, adding that Jackson “knew who we were at our best, that he simply refused to let us off the hook as a party, as a nation, or as individuals.”

Biden also reflected on Jackson’s role in pushing the country toward greater justice.

“And time and again, with triumph and turmoil, with relentless insistence on what is right and just, he helped lead us closer to fulfilling our nation’s promise of restoring the nation’s soul,” Biden said.

Bill Clinton, who awarded Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000, was also present at the service. In his remarks honoring Jackson, Clinton avoided making any direct or indirect reference to Trump.

President Trump did not attend the funeral. After Jackson’s passing, however, he issued a public message recognizing the civil rights leader while also offering criticism of Obama.

“Jesse was a force of nature like few others before him,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He had much to do with the Election, without acknowledgment or credit, of Barack Hussein Obama, a man who Jesse could not stand. He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed!”

{Matzav.com}