Matzav

A coalition of Democratic-led states sued President Donald Trump on Thursday in the U.S. Court of International Trade, arguing that his newly imposed across-the-board tariffs are illegal.

The suit is led by the Democratic attorneys general from Oregon, New York, California and Arizona along with attorneys general from 18 other states.

They accused Trump of trying to “sidestep” a February Supreme Court ruling that overturned many of his tariffs by using a different statute, Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, as justification for new tariffs.

“The President is attempting to use an obscure law as a tool for his tariffs, and is yet again, going about it illegally,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement.

Section 122 gives the president the power to temporarily restrict imports to the United States to deal with “fundamental international payments problems.” Several prominent economists criticized Trump’s use of Section 122 when he introduced new tariffs in late February, suggesting that a trade deficit with another nation, Trump’s nominal reason for the tariffs, did not amount to a “payments problem.” During court case against Trump’s earlier tariffs, the Justice Department told an appeals court that Section 122 was not relevant.

White House spokesman Kush Desai said the Trump administration “will vigorously defend the president’s action in court,” and said Trump used “his authority granted by Congress to address fundamental international payments problems and to deal with our country’s large and serious balance-of-payments deficits.”

Trump turned to Section 122 after the Supreme Court struck down his original slate of widespread tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. In a 6-3 ruling, the court determined there was nothing in the 1977 law to authorize Trump’s tariffs.

When first announced, the Section 122 tariffs, which have a 150-day limit, were set at 10 percent. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday that they will increase to 15 percent “sometime this week.”

(c) 2026, The Washington Post · Alec Dent 

A Democratic senator viewed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate will unveil a plan that he says would ensure roughly half of all U.S. workers pay no federal income taxes, according to details shared with The Washington Post.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland is expected to release the measure next week as Democratic lawmakers search for a sharp economic message to counter last year’s Republican tax law.

Under Van Hollen’s proposal, workers making at or below a “living wage” – $46,000 for taxpayers filing individually, or $92,000 for married couples filing jointly – would not have to pay federal income taxes. Tens of millions of additional middle-class workers would also receive a tax cut under the proposal, but they would still have to pay taxes. The measure would be paid for by a new surcharge on millionaires that would raise roughly $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years.

Fifteen Senate Democrats are co-sponsoring Van Hollen’s proposal, though it has no chance of passing in a Republican-controlled Congress. The number of tax filers with no federal income tax would increase from 37 million under current law to 66 million under Van Hollen’s proposal, according to Steve Wamhoff, director of federal tax policy at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a left-leaning think tank.

“This bill, in addition to being the right policy, sends a very strong message that we stand for working people who are sweating every day to make ends meet. That’s a group of Americans that Donald Trump somehow appealed to,” the senator said in an interview.

Though the 2028 presidential primaries have not yet begun, Van Hollen’s proposal reflects the early jockeying around the ideas the party should run on. The 2020 Democratic presidential primary, the party’s last open nominating contest, featured a rush to the left as candidates raced to embrace far-reaching ideas including Medicare-for-all, the Green New Deal and aggressive taxes on billionaires.

This week, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-California) introduced legislation to enact a $4.4 trillion wealth tax on the United States’ approximately 1,000 billionaires to fund a Medicare expansion, universal child care and other social initiatives. Sanders’s plan calls for major growth in federal programs that would make the U.S. government more akin to the Scandinavian countries of Norway and Sweden.

Van Hollen said he supports Sanders’s wealth tax proposal and views his plan as a complementary measure that addresses a different problem. While he believes that Democrats should tax billionaire wealth and reverse the GOP’s Medicaid cuts, Van Hollen emphasized that the party also needs a response to Trump’s “no tax on tips” and “no tax on overtime” policies, which have proved popular with workers.

“This is not intended to be the overall comprehensive plan for Democrats. It’s supposed to be an important plank in the platform,” Van Hollen said. “These are not at all mutually exclusive. They’re reinforcing.”

In practice, though, Democrats would have to pick between competing policy priorities should they take control of Congress and the White House in 2028. The last time they controlled both, the party’s sprawling wish list and razor-thin congressional margins contributed to a dysfunctional months-long negotiation that culminated in the defeat of President Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” agenda. Neither Sanders nor Van Hollen calls for using new revenue from their taxes to reduce the federal deficit, which is close to $2 trillion annually, and then there’s a long and expensive to-do list that ranges from universal child care to free public colleges and universities.

Still, Van Hollen emphasized that voters want policies that go beyond new government social programs. He cited research suggesting that Trump’s line on “no tax on tips” was the best-testing message of his State of the Union address. At the barbershop he has frequented for the past two decades – a Hair Cuttery in Kensington, Maryland – his barber pulled out her phone to show him how much she was benefiting from Trump’s tips policy, Van Hollen said.

“This is an even better proposal that provides more and permanent tax relief,” Van Hollen said of his plan, adding that it applies to everyone in the same income bracket, rather than just those paid in tips.

Overall, Van Hollen’s plan would reduce taxes for nearly 130 million people, according to an analysis by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a left-leaning think tank. The average single person making $50,000 would see a reduction of about $2,800. The average family of four earning $95,000 would save roughly $6,000. The “living wage” below which nobody would pay taxes is defined by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology index and would rise with inflation under Van Hollen’s proposal.

Van Hollen’s millionaire surtax would levy new rates above existing taxes on the rich. It would charge an additional 5 percent on income above $1 million, 10 percent above $2 million and 12 percent above $5 million. The Yale Budget Lab has estimated the surtax would affect about 615,000 filers. Van Hollen’s plan would not raise as much as Sanders’s, but Van Hollen’s is less likely to face constitutional challenges, as experts have long debated the legality of a national wealth tax.

(c) 2026, The Washington Post · Jeff Stein 

An El Al aircraft that was moments away from touching down at Ben Gurion Airport early Thursday morning had to abort its landing and climb back to cruising altitude after a missile was launched from Iran.

Authorities said that despite the disruption, air traffic into Israel continues under tight conditions. A total of 17 flights are scheduled to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday, and preparations are already underway to expand flight operations beginning tomorrow. Officials say the plan is to double the number of incoming flights in order to bring home as many Israelis as possible who are currently stranded abroad.

According to a report by Channel 12 News, a special framework for outbound flights will take effect starting Sunday. Under the new system, only one departing flight will be permitted each hour, and each aircraft will be limited to 50 passengers.

Passengers leaving Israel will face additional restrictions under the arrangement. Travelers will not be allowed to check baggage, must complete check-in procedures ahead of time, and will be required to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport approximately an hour and a half before departure.

The report also noted that individuals accompanying travelers will not be permitted to enter the terminal. Outgoing flights will operate based on aircraft arriving in Israel as part of the ongoing rescue flight effort.

Sharon Kedmi, director general of the Israel Airports Authority, said during a press conference that the airport system currently has the capacity to handle between 8,000 and 9,000 passengers on a typical business day.

Kedmi added that, based on the current operating plan, authorities believe all Israelis who want to return home should be able to do so within seven to ten days.

{Matzav.com}

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said Thursday evening that Israel still has additional unexpected actions prepared as its military campaign against Iran continues to expand.

In his first public remarks since the launch of Operation Roaring Lion, Zamir indicated that the campaign is entering a new phase following the initial wave of attacks that established Israeli air superiority and significantly weakened Iran’s missile capabilities.

“After completing the phase of the surprise opening blow, in which we established air superiority and suppressed the ballistic missile array, we are moving to the next stage of the campaign, in which we will intensify the strike against the foundations of the regime and its military capabilities. We have additional surprise moves, which I do not intend to reveal. We will pursue our enemies, all of them, and reach them,” Zamir declared.

Opening his statement, the IDF chief reviewed the progress of the operation, which began less than a week ago.

“Less than a week ago, we launched Operation ‘Roaring Lion.’ For six days now, we have been striking the Iranian terror regime without pause. The operation was planned in secrecy by thousands of soldiers from various branches across the Israel Defense Forces and in close cooperation with our ally, the United States. The operation is proceeding at the pace we set in advance.”

Zamir said the opening strike, carried out early Saturday morning, dealt a devastating blow to Iran’s leadership.

“in the surprise opening strike carried out on Saturday morning, dozens of munitions were dropped on three targets. In just 40 seconds, about 40 senior figures of the Iranian terror regime were eliminated, headed by the regime’s leader, Ali Khamenei. His life’s goal was to destroy the State of Israel, and he even planned a detailed program to achieve that.”

He added that the Israeli Air Force has carried out thousands of additional attacks since the campaign began.

“Israeli Air Force pilots have so far carried out 2,500 strikes and dropped more than 6,000 munitions. Within 24 hours, our pilots paved the way to Tehran. We destroyed about 80 percent of the air defense systems and achieved near-complete air superiority over Iranian skies. Thanks to that, and to high-quality intelligence, we are striking the ballistic missiles that pose a direct threat to Israeli civilians. We have neutralized and destroyed more than 60 percent of the ballistic missile launchers-a very significant achievement that reduces the damage to the home front and saves many lives. This is an ongoing effort, but I emphasize: the threat has not yet been removed-every missile is lethal and poses a danger.”

Zamir also addressed the escalation along Israel’s northern border, where Hezbollah has entered the conflict.

“Hezbollah made a strategic mistake and, contrary to the interests of the citizens of Lebanon, chose to join the campaign-it is paying a heavy price for that. We are striking forcefully, both on the front and deep inside Lebanon. I ordered IDF forces to move forward and deepen the line of control along the border while positioning themselves at key points in southern Lebanon. Tonight we eliminated the head of Hezbollah’s fire array. He was known by the nickname Fidaa. Fidaa was responsible for the deaths of many Israelis and personally commanded the anti-tank missile fire in which Yochai Kalangel and Dor Haim Nini were killed.”

Concluding his remarks, Zamir said Israel will continue its efforts until the threat from Hezbollah is removed.

“There will be no more equations. We will continue to act to protect the security of the residents of the north. We will operate relentlessly to remove the threat, and we will not relent from the goal of disarming Hezbollah,” Zamir concluded.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon today (Thursday) presented outside the Security Council chamber parts of an Iranian Shahed-136 attack drone, which was used in Iranian attacks in the region.

Ambassador Danon stated: “This is not a prop, this is an Iranian terrorist weapon. Now imagine if this came to your home, your living room, your children’s room. This is the terrorism we are dealing with.”

Danon said that Iran’s missile and drone capabilities are being degraded while Israel vows to dismantle Tehran’s terror network and nuclear ambitions.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said that political commentator Tucker Carlson has “lost his way,” sharply criticizing the former Fox News host in remarks made to ABC News chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl.

Karl reported Thursday in a post on X that Trump told him he had long reached that conclusion about Carlson and no longer considers him aligned with the MAGA movement.

According to Karl, the president said Carlson “knew that a long time ago, and he’s not MAGA. MAGA is saving our country. MAGA is making our country great again. MAGA is America first, and Tucker is none of those things. And Tucker is really not smart enough to understand that.”

Trump also told Karl that the United States intends to have a role in determining Iran’s leadership following the elimination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

“We don’t want them to put anybody in there unless it is approved by us.”

The president’s comments come amid renewed controversy surrounding Carlson after remarks he made about Israel’s war with Iran. Critics said Carlson crossed the line from political criticism into openly antisemitic rhetoric.

During an episode of the “Tucker Carlson Show,” Carlson suggested that Israel’s war against Iran may be tied to a supposed effort to destroy the Al-Aqsa Mosque and construct the Third Temple in its place.

He asked, “How did all these guys wind up wearing patches suggesting the point of this war was the destruction of one of the holiest places in Islam and the rebuilding of a temple that is totally anathema to Christianity?”

Carlson then added, “This has been going on a long time in public through, in part, the efforts of a group called Chabad, C-H-A-B-A-D.”

{Matzav.com}

Following the fall of missile fragments in the Ramat Elchanan neighborhood of Bnei Brak on Purim, the neighborhood’s rov and renowned posek, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, addressed the incident on Thursday morning and called on residents to recognize the great miracles that occurred.

Speaking briefly in the central shul of Ramat Elchanan after Shacharis at neitz, Rav Zilberstein reflected on the events and shared words of perspective relevant to the current situation.

At the beginning of his remarks, Rav Zilberstein spoke about the broader miracles being witnessed in recent days.

“We have such a great illumination of favor from Hakadosh Baruch Hu—it is impossible to describe how great this illumination is. Today we clearly see the finger of Hashem in a very great way. The very fact that we remain alive after so many bombs that occurred during this night…”

In an unusual moment, the rov also shared a personal experience from the night of the attack.

“I sleep in Ramat Gan. What sirens there were during the night, without end… Now we come to the shul and say to Hakadosh Baruch Hu: even if there will be sirens from today until tomorrow, we are not shaken—we continue to do Your service.”

His talmid and close associate, the writer Rabbi Moshe Michael Tzoran, then raised a question that many residents had been asking: What should people do in response to what happened with the missile that fell in the neighborhood, even though clear miracles took place?

Rav Zilberstein responded directly.

“First of all: it is an enormous miracle that we all remained alive… Secondly: what happened here, simply speaking, must have been some sin that caused it.”

Talmidim of Rav Zilberstein later noted that at the moment the missile debris fell, the rov cited the words of Rashi on the verse in Bereishis (32:11). Although Hakadosh Baruch Hu promised Yaakov Avinu, “I will guard you wherever you go,” Yaakov still feared that a sin might cause the promise not to be fulfilled and that he might fall into the hands of Eisav. A similar idea is mentioned in the Mishnah Berurah (siman 158:38), which explains that even someone who is careful about netilas yadayim yet does not become wealthy—despite the promise of Chazal—may be prevented by his own negative actions.

Rav Zilberstein then surprised the kehillah with a remarkable display of humility. Standing before the community of Ramat Elchanan, he said: “We do not know whose sin it is… perhaps I am to blame… most likely I am to blame!”

Members of the shul immediately protested out of respect and affection for their rov and for the honor of Torah. Several people responded, “Chas v’shalom,” and one individual even raised his voice and declared, “I protest… I protest.”

Rav Zilberstein smiled and replied: “I will receive reward for what I said, and you will receive double the reward from me.”

He then continued: “What happened here is something that requires explanation. If we had someone today with ruach hakodesh, he would tell us what we must do—but we do not have that today.”

Rav Zilberstein went on to describe the remarkable miracles that occurred during the incident on Purim.

“But we must remember that there were miracles here that were beyond the natural order… As I heard, the gas pipe exploded and could have caused a massive fire. Immediately afterward the water pipe also burst, and the water extinguished the fire.”

This, he said, reminded him of an incident involving his father-in-law, Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv.

“It reminded me of something that happened with my father-in-law, Maran Rav Elyashiv zt”l. During the time when the Jordanians were shelling Yerushalayim, a shell fell on the roof of his home and a large fire broke out. Rav Elyashiv simply stood there and said: ‘Hakadosh Baruch Hu, help me.’ Immediately afterward another shell fell and struck the water boiler, which exploded, and the water spilled out and extinguished the entire fire. So we have a possibility—how can there be a fire that does not require firefighters? Rav Elyashiv…”

In closing, Rav Zilberstein urged the public to strengthen efforts to draw Jews closer to Torah, especially during this period.

“We must now see that the greatest thing is for anyone who interacts with secular Jews to speak with them pleasantly, and it is possible to accomplish wonders. Simply speak nicely and with proper respect, and ask for siyata d’Shmaya. Today we can do a great deal with our brothers, because this is a time of awakening—truly extraordinary. But what is required is a great deal of siyata d’Shmaya.”

He concluded his remarks with a brocha: “All the best to my dear friends. May we merit to sanctify the name of Heaven, and may we merit to see salvations and consolations.”

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

In recent weeks, as our hearts remain focused on the matzav in Eretz Yisroel, many have asked whether the upcoming Shuvu Dinner should be postponed.

After consulting with our Daas Torah, the answer was clear: now more than ever.

When times are difficult, the thousands of Shuvu children learning in our schools need stability, strength, and emunah. Chazal teach that the world stands in the merit of Hevel Pihem Shel Tinokos Shel Beis Rabban. Strengthening their Torah is not a distraction from the moment—it is part of the response.

For this reason, Shuvu will be moving forward with its 35th Annual Dinner, Be’H, on Sunday, March 15 at Bell Works in NJ. Please join our dinner campaign at by visting shuvusa.org/dinner or calling 718-692-3434.                                                                                                                                                                               

Many members of our team in Eretz Yisroel must remain there with their families and may not be able to travel to assist with fundraising. We therefore turn to you—our friends and supporters—to help ensure that Shuvu’s schools and the thousands of children who depend on them remain strong.

Please join us at the dinner and show the children of Eretz Yisroel that they are not alone. In this zechus, may we be zoche to see yeshuos and nechamos for Klal Yisroel. Please help us at shuvusa.org/dinner

President Donald Trump said the United States must play a role in determining who becomes Iran’s next supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, arguing that the country needs a new direction after years of confrontation with Washington.

Speaking in an interview with Axios published Thursday, Trump said he intends to personally participate in the process of deciding Iran’s next leader and compared the situation to what he described as American involvement in Venezuela’s political leadership.

“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela,” Trump told Axios.

Trump said Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain Iranian leader and a cleric closely tied to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, currently appears to be the leading contender to succeed his father. However, the president said he strongly opposes that possibility.

“Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” he said.

Trump warned that if Iran’s leadership selects another figure who follows the hardline policies associated with the elder Khamenei, tensions between Tehran and Washington could escalate again in the near future.

“If they put someone like that in, we’ll be back at war in five years,” he said.

The comments come as Iran’s ruling clerical establishment considers its next steps after Khamenei was killed amid the escalating U.S.–Israeli military campaign against Tehran.

Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the body tasked with choosing the country’s supreme leader, has not yet named a successor, though officials have indicated that an announcement could come soon.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, is widely seen as a leading candidate despite never having held elected office, and his potential appointment has raised concerns about the possibility of a hereditary-style succession within Iran’s political system.

{Matzav.com}

Senior advisers to President Donald Trump are exploring options to reduce gasoline prices after military strikes on Iran set off sharp swings in global oil markets and pushed fuel costs higher for American drivers.

According to Politico, Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has instructed administration officials to develop proposals that could ease energy costs and present them to the president in the Oval Office. Energy industry executives familiar with the discussions said the White House is actively seeking ideas to bring relief at the pump.

The White House is “looking under every rock for ideas on improving energy prices, especially gasoline prices,” one executive said.

The effort follows U.S. military strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Tehran targeting energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, developments that have fueled a surge in oil prices worldwide.

Crude oil climbed by more than $10 per barrel in the days after the attacks, a spike that pushed gasoline prices in the United States to their highest point since Trump returned to office last year.

Officials involved in shaping energy policy, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, are now under significant pressure to identify measures that could steady the market and reassure consumers, according to people familiar with internal administration discussions.

The administration has already rolled out several actions intended to safeguard global oil shipments and stabilize supply.

President Trump recently announced that the U.S. military will escort and protect commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran threatened oil tankers traveling through the vital maritime passage.

In addition, the White House directed the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. to step in with insurance coverage for ships whose policies were withdrawn as the fighting in the region intensified.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration believes the president’s moves against Iran will ultimately strengthen the stability of energy markets by preventing Tehran from threatening one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

“I think it speaks to why this action was so necessary,” Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday. “Ultimately, the energy industry is going to benefit from the president’s actions with respect to Iran.”

One proposal currently being examined is a temporary suspension of the federal gasoline tax. However, such a measure would require approval from Congress and might not immediately reduce prices if retailers do not pass the savings on to consumers.

Despite the recent jump in fuel costs, Trump has dismissed concerns about the short-term impact, arguing that prices will eventually fall once the conflict subsides.

“If we have a little high oil prices for a little while, but as soon as this ends, those prices are going to drop, lower than even before,” Trump said earlier this week.

Energy analysts say fuel prices have climbed quickly since hostilities began.

According to AAA and industry analysts, the nationwide average price for regular gasoline rose above $3.25 per gallon this week, increasing by more than 28 cents within just a few days.

Oil markets have surged as traders respond to the possibility that supply could be disrupted across the Middle East.

Iran’s location near the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow maritime chokepoint through which more than one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes — has intensified fears of further instability in global energy flows.

The ongoing violence has already slowed tanker traffic and temporarily shut down some oil production in neighboring Gulf states.

Analysts caution that prices could continue rising if the conflict widens, though they note that current fuel costs remain well below the historic highs reached in 2022, when gasoline prices nationwide climbed past $5 per gallon.

{Matzav.com}

Chaim V’Chessed continues to receive a high volume of inquiries from Israeli residents stranded abroad – who wish to return home – and from those urgently seeking to leave Israel. Below is the most current information available.

Returning to Israel

Close to 100,000 residents of Israel are believed to be stranded abroad due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. This morning, the first two so-called “repatriation flights” landed in Israel – one from Athens and one from Rome, bringing Israelis home.

At present, these flights are extremely limited. There are flights by El Al, Israir and Arkia from select destinations, on which passengers who already held tickets are being placed – or offered seats – at the airlines’ discretion. Airlines will reach out to their passengers to place them on flights. It is extremely difficult – if not impossible – for passengers to reach the airlines on their own.

There are very limited spaces available for travelers who do not hold tickets or who held tickets on other airlines.

During the previous round of conflict, repatriation flights were initially limited to Israeli citizens only. Chaim V’Chessed advocated strongly on behalf of Israeli residents who do not hold Israeli citizenship, and will do so again if this arises again. At this time, we do not yet know whether citizenship restrictions will again become an issue.

For those unable to secure space on these very limited flights, the only current alternative is to enter Israel via Egypt – essentially reversing the route being used by those exiting the country.

In addition to the option of flying into Sharm el-Sheikh Airport on regularly scheduled commercial flights, Israir is operating flights to Taba Airport from various destinations. Passengers can then enter Israel at the Taba Broder Crossing.

Leaving Israel

Currently, no outbound flights are permitted to depart from Israel. The Israeli government has announced that limited outbound flights are expected to begin departing Israel on Sunday.

However, several critical points must be emphasized:

• It remains to be seen how this plan will actually unfold.
• Based on what has been announced – mirroring the previous conflict – flights may be limited to 50 passengers per flight.
• Passengers may be permitted only a very limited amount of time inside the terminal.

Full operational details have not yet been released.

It is likely – though not yet confirmed – that available seats will again be offered primarily to those who previously held reservations. Even if these flights begin as announced, they will certainly not provide a solution for the huge number of people currently seeking to leave.

Ongoing Options

At present, the best functioning route out of Israel remains travel through Egypt, departing from:

• Taba Airport
• Sharm el-Sheikh Airport

Israir is operating a significant number of flights out of Taba Airport to various destinations.

Various agencies are offering complete packages for departing Israel via Egypt, including transportation to the airports in Egypt. These include Lalechet and Emes Travel.

As with all current developments, this remains subject to change.

Travel Through Egypt – What You Need to Know

Many have asked whether it is safe or recommended to travel via Egypt.

It is important to note:

• Israel maintains a standing travel advisory against travel to Egypt, which has been in effect for some time.
• At the same time, thousands of travelers have successfully transited Egypt in recent days, both entering and exiting Israel.

Without offering any recommendation, we can report the following practical realities:

The journey is arduous.

• 3-4 hour drive to Eilat
• Up to 2 hours at the border crossing
• Approximately 3 additional hours if continuing to Sharm el-Sheikh
• Those departing from Sharm or Taba must generally connect through Europe before continuing to their final destinations.

These itineraries are long, complex, and often grueling. Nevertheless, many have completed them successfully, and for now, this remains the most viable mass option.

Travel Through Jordan – What You Need to Know

It is possible to exit Israel via Jordan and continue onward to other international destinations. However, during the June conflict with Iran, many travelers reported experiencing greater hostility and difficulty from Jordanian authorities than from Egyptian authorities.

It remains to be seen how this route will function in the current situation.

Option 1 – Amman (Queen Alia International Airport)

Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport offers numerous global connections, including nonstop flights to the United States.

Under normal circumstances, this airport is most easily accessed via the Allenby Bridge Crossing. However, this border crossing crossing is largely closed due to the ongoing conflict, making travel to Amman much more difficult at this time.

Option 2 – Via Eilat to Aqaba

Travelers may instead travel south to Eilat and cross into Jordan via the Yitzhak Rabin Crossing.

• The crossing is currently open, though it does not operate 24 hours a day.
• After entering Jordan, travelers can:
  • Travel north to Amman and depart from Queen Alia International Airport
  • Remain in the south and fly from Aqaba

Arkia is scheduled to begin operating special flights from Aqaba as of Sunday, providing an additional departure option for those seeking to leave the region.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump announced that he has removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from her post, marking the first cabinet-level change of his second term.

The decision came shortly after Noem’s appearance before Congress earlier this week, during which she testified that Trump had authorized $220 million in advertising campaigns featuring the former South Dakota governor, a revelation that reportedly angered the president.

Trump revealed the personnel change in a post on Truth Social, where he also named the official who will take over leadership of the Department of Homeland Security.

“I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

In the same statement, Trump said that Noem would not be leaving the administration entirely but would instead transition into a different role focused on security issues in the Western Hemisphere.

“The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland.’”

Trump devoted the rest of his statement to commending Mullin and highlighting his qualifications for the position.

{Matzav.com}

Police in the United Kingdom briefly detained and questioned a chassidishe man who dressed as a police officer as part of his Purim costume, after officers initially believed he might be impersonating law enforcement.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

A brief but memorable encounter on Purim in Yerushalayim left several bochurim with a powerful impression of Rav Asher Arielli’s humility and sincerity.

Each year on Purim, Rav Asher Arielli receives many visitors at his home for hours of kabolas kahal. During those hours, people stream in to greet him, deliver mishloach manos, and receive a bracha.

This year, two bochurim arrived somewhat late and stood outside the door debating whether they should still go in. While they were hesitating, another man who had come to collect tzedakah knocked on the door.

To their surprise, the one who opened the door was Rav Asher himself.

Realizing the opportunity, the bochurim immediately introduced themselves and presented Rav Asher with their mishloach manos.

They then asked if he could give them a Birkas Kohein. Rav Asher gently declined, explaining that he is not a kohein.

The bochurim, who were Chassidish, responded that even rebbes who are not kohanim sometimes give such a bracha.

Rav Asher responded by directing them to go up one flight in the building, explaining that a kohein lives there and that they should ask him instead.

Seeing that the bochurim were hesitant, he reassured them and urged them to go, telling them that the man upstairs is “a true oveid Hashem.”

Before they left, Rav Asher gave them a bracha that they should be able to learn and grow in their limud haTorah.

Those present were struck by the simplicity and humility of the interaction, a moment that many said captured Rav Asher Arielli’s character in a remarkable way.

{Matzav.com}

Fox News’ Trey Yingst reports the latest on Operation Epic Fury as the U.S. and Israel continue to target Tehran’s military infrastructure.

WATCH:

[Video below.] Condoleezza Rice is calling on President Trump to finish the job against Iran following the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign that eliminated Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Speaking on Fox News this week, the former secretary of state voiced strong support for the operation — known as Operation Epic Fury — and said Washington should seize the opportunity to neutralize Iran’s military threat permanently.

Appearing Wednesday on Fox News’ “Special Report,” Rice argued that Iran has been hostile to the United States for decades and that the current conflict must be understood in that broader context.

“Iran has been at war with us for at least 47 years,” Rice said during the interview. “If you ask people about Iraq, what was the source of many of our casualties in Iraq, you’ll get estimates as high as 75 or 80% of them were due to Iranian-made roadside bombs.”

Rice, 71, said the purpose of the strikes was to cripple Iran’s ability to retaliate and to weaken the regime’s military capabilities before it could respond.

“If you can render Iran essentially incapable of military action against us and against our allies, that’s worthy, and I think what they’re trying to do is to neuter Iran as a military power in the region,” she said.

Rice, who served as the nation’s top diplomat during President George W. Bush’s second term, also pointed to Iran’s longstanding strategy of cultivating proxy militias across the Middle East that operate on Tehran’s behalf.

“They also have developed the military capability to reach outside the boundaries of Iran, including Hezbollah and Hamas, which they both arm and equip,” Rice said.

She dismissed arguments suggesting the Iranian government posed little danger to the United States or its allies, calling such claims historically inaccurate.

“To say that this regime was not a threat … it’s ahistorical,” Rice said. “They have been a threat for a long time.”

Rice also cited several past attacks tied to Iran, including the 1979 hostage crisis in Tehran and the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut that killed 241 American troops, as evidence of the regime’s long record of hostility toward the United States.

“I myself negotiated four Security Council resolutions, calling them a threat to international peace and security,” Rice said. “Because of their nuclear ambitions.”

Before the weekend military operation began, the United States had been engaged in diplomatic talks with Tehran even as Iran insisted it possessed what it called an “inalienable right” to continue enriching uranium.

Trump had insisted that Iran fully halt its nuclear enrichment program, but negotiations stalled during meetings in Geneva while Washington simultaneously increased its military deployments throughout the Middle East.

Since the start of the strikes, Iran has responded with attacks targeting American and Israeli interests across the region. Those retaliatory actions have left six U.S. service members dead. Rice characterized Tehran’s decision to attack nearby Gulf states as a serious strategic error.

Rice also addressed reports suggesting the United States may have provided support to insurgent groups in Iraq for potential ground operations against the Iranian regime.

“The one thing I don’t know is the nature of the reports hearing about Kurdish incursions into Iranian territory and we ought to be circumspect about judgments and what that really means in terms of Kurdish activity,” she said. “It does speak to the complicated demographics of Iran and we have to keep that in mind.”

She emphasized that Iran is a diverse society composed of numerous ethnic minorities that have faced repression under the ruling regime.

“We do have to be aware that Iran is not a homogeneous population, it’s also a population of over 90 million people on territory that’s twice the size of Texas. So it’s gonna be a complicated set of circumstances,” she added.

Rice also framed the current confrontation with Iran as part of a chain of events stretching back to the Hamas attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which were carried out with Iranian backing.

“Iran demonstrated that it probably wasn’t possible to deter their tentacles-like Hamas. I’m quite certain that October 7 with Hamas couldn’t have happened without Iranian training and equipment and even maybe planning,” Rice said.

In the weeks leading up to Operation Epic Fury, U.S. forces carried out a separate campaign in June known as Operation Midnight Hammer, striking multiple Iranian nuclear installations.

“The administration decided, along with the Israelis, to try and at least degrade and maybe even seriously set back Iranian nuclear capabilities.”

Rice said the moment presented a rare opportunity because Iran appeared temporarily weakened and unable to mount an immediate defense.

“I see it as a series of decisions and worthy goal. Of course, we’ll have to watch and see, but I do think taking care of Iranian military and nuclear capabilities is very important,” she said.

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[Video below.] During his tish held on Purim Demukafin, the Pnei Menachem Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Shaul Alter, shared a number of sharp and insightful remarks in his well-known style. At one point during the gathering, he related a story about a dream that one of the chassidim had told him about. With a smile, the Rosh Yeshiva explained why the fact that the question in the dream was specifically a question in learning actually proves the point he has been making throughout the year. The exchange, part of the shmuessen delivered by the Rosh Yeshiva on Purim, was published by the Machon Dvar Emes, which is dedicated to spreading the Torah of the Rosh Yeshiva.

The shmuessen delivered by Rav Shaul at the tishen he conducts every Shabbos are widely known for their depth and sharpness. On Purim, however, he has a special way of weaving witty and uplifting remarks into his words, bringing joy to those gathered in keeping with the spirit of the day. Indeed, at the Purim tish he held on Wednesday, Purim Demukafin, the Rosh Yeshiva told a story that drew smiles and laughter from those present, though the conclusion he drew from it was his familiar assertion that he is not a Rebbe.

In the course of the shmuess, which dealt with the cheit of the earth that was cursed for failing to produce trees with the same taste as their fruit, the Rosh Yeshiva mentioned a dream that one of the chassidim had recently shared with him. In the dream, the chossid said, he had asked the Rosh Yeshiva a question.

The Rosh Yeshiva, recounting the dream with his characteristic warmth and wit, explained that the story actually proves his point. From the fact that the chossid asked him a question in learning, he concluded that the message must already be deeply ingrained among the chassidim.

As he put it with a smile, the dream demonstrates that “what I say all the time, that I am not a Rebbe, is so firmly understood by the chassidim that even in a dream they know they can ask me a question of lomdus, but not questions for a Rebbe.”

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{Matzav.com}

Media commentator Tucker Carlson recently told viewers during a broadcast that the Chabad-Lubavitch movement is working toward rebuilding the Bais Hamikdosh in Yerushalayim.

During the segment, Carlson briefly discussed the background of Chassidism and the leadership of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. He concluded the discussion by claiming that Chabad is the main group advocating for the physical reconstruction of the Third Bais Hamikdosh on the Har Habayis.

Carlson appeared to confuse the Chabad movement with sectors of Israel’s National Religious community. Some individuals within the Religious Zionist camp have taken practical steps related to preparations for a future Bais Hamikdosh, including efforts connected to institutions such as the Temple Institute in Yerushalayim.

Chabad, by contrast, is widely recognized as a worldwide Jewish movement focused primarily on outreach activities and the establishment of community centers serving Jewish populations around the globe.

Beyond the theological confusion, Carlson also framed the discussion in connection with claims involving the “Greater Israel” and “Al-Aqsa is in Danger” narratives.

In his remarks, he portrayed the idea of rebuilding a Third Bais Hamikdosh as part of what he suggested was a broader Israeli plan to expand control across the Middle East and remove the Al-Aqsa Mosque from the site.

Carlson further described these aspirations as inherently “anti-Muslim,” presenting the issue through a lens commonly associated with rhetoric used by political activists in the region.

Critics of the segment also noted that Carlson did not mention a central historical element of the site itself: that the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock were constructed centuries later above the remains of the Second Bais Hamikdosh following the Islamic conquest of Yerushalayim.

{Matzav.com}

In a moving and romemusdig gathering that left a deep impression in the hearts of all attendees, the Jewish Kehillah in Panama marked the significant expansion of “Dirshu” learning in the country. The event, held under the banner of “Ahavas HaTorah,” took place in the central Einstein Auditorium in the capital city.

Panama City was lavesh chag last week for the “Ahavas HaTorah” event—a historic Ma’amad that united the entire local Kehillah. The event sparked peak excitement among the Bnei Torah and local Baalei Batim, serving as a powerful Kiddush Hashem the likes of which Panama has never seen.

The many participants—men, women, and children—members of the “Dirshu family,” packed the hall, seeking to derive chizuk from the global Torah revolution of Dirshu, which has started taking root in Panama and connecting the Kehillah to the Torah HaKedoshah.

The highlight of the evening was the appearance of Gedolei HaTorah and Roshei Kehillos from across Panama, who came to give kavod to the Torah and encourage the tzibbur to join the various maslulei limud and strengthen the limud among members of the Kehillah.

During the Ma’amad, recorded words of chizuk and brachos were heard from Gedolei Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael: Hagaon Hagadol Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a. Hagaon Hagadol Rav Avraham Salim shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Maor HaTorah. Hagaon Hagadol Rav Dovid Cohen shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron. Hagaon Hagadol Rav Shlomo Yedidya Zafrani shlit”a.

A special guest who arrived from the U.S. was Horav Eli Mansour shlit”a, Rav of the “Edmond J. Safra” Shul in Brooklyn, who delivered a riveting speech on the greatness of Amalei Torah. The Nasi of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hofstedter shlit”a, praised Panama’s unique connection to the Dirshu revolution and the ribui HaTorah in recent years, noting that Panama is positioning itself as a “lighthouse” of Torah and Chesed in Latin America.

The Ma’amad marked the peak of Dirshu’s expansion in South America, following similar events held in Buenos Aires, Mexico City, and Brazil. While a Dirshu branch was established in Panama City about a decade ago, it saw a significant growth this past year and now operates regular shiurim and bechinos in “Daf HaYomi B’Halacha” and “Amud HaYomi,” which continue to expand.

The musical portion of the evening was led by Baal Menagen Naftali Kempeh, accompanied by an expanded orchestra conducted by Gershon Freishtat, who led the crowd in shira and dancing לכבוד התורה. Additionally, a special sale of Dirshu sefarim  for the benefit of the lomdim.

The first rescue flights carrying Israeli passengers landed at Ben Gurion Airport early Thursday morning, marking the reopening of Israel’s skies after five days of complete closure following the outbreak of the war with Iran.

An El Al flight arriving from Athens and an Israir flight from Rome were the first aircraft to touch down after commercial air travel to and from Israel was halted when the conflict began.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev came to Ben Gurion Airport to welcome the arriving passengers. “We wish you a safe landing. With God’s help, we will bring all Israelis home safely,” she said.

Shortly before departure from Greece, El Al captain Roi Meir addressed passengers on board the rescue flight to Israel.

“Welcome to the El Al flight to Tel Aviv. This is the first rescue flight that will land at Ben Gurion. For all of us this is an emotional and meaningful moment. After more than five days in which the country’s skies have been closed to commercial flights, we are excited to host you on the flight that opens the rescue operation back to Israel,” Meir told passengers.

The Athens–Tel Aviv flight arrived after El Al completed extensive operational preparations in recent days. It is the first in a series of additional rescue flights expected to operate over the coming 24 hours.

El Al said in a statement that it will continue working to return its customers to Israel gradually and safely.

“El Al will continue to operate to bring its customers back in a gradual, safe and organized manner, and we are working to place all El Al passengers whose flights were canceled onto rescue flights, without additional cost,” the airline said.

{Matzav.com}