Matzav

Tonight, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu fired back at a New York Times Magazine report titled “How Netanyahu Prolonged the War in Gaza to Stay in Power,” calling it baseless and a smear campaign against Israel and its leadership.

“The NYT article of July 11, 2025 rehashes long discredited claims of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s political opponents,” Netanyahu’s office stated. “It defames Israel, its brave people and soldiers, and its Prime Minister.”

The statement went on to credit Netanyahu’s wartime decisions with orchestrating one of Israel’s most dramatic military turnarounds.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s leadership brought about the covert detonation of Hezbollah pagers, the destruction of its missile stockpiles, the destruction of Assad’s armaments, the elimination of Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist chiefs and above all the decisive action against the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile programs aimed at annihilating Israel,” the statement said.

Directly challenging the narrative of the article, Netanyahu’s office argued that he was far from a passive player in the war.

“Contrary to the article’s claims, Prime Minister Netanyahu was not a passive bystander in these achievements but led them forcefully, often against strong reservations from senior security officials who urged him to capitulate to Hamas’s dictates and prematurely end the war. Had he done so, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Assad regime and Iran’s nuclear and missile programs would all still be intact today.”

The Prime Minister’s office also took aim at the sources cited in the article, asserting that their motivations were political and their judgment flawed.

“Those senior officials, whose anonymous politically motivated supporters are widely quoted throughout the article, have since been replaced. The most senior among them said at the beginning of the war that Israel is unlikely to see any of the hostages alive.”

The statement then highlighted Netanyahu’s efforts to rescue hostages, pointing to significant progress made under his strategy.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu disagreed. His policy of applying military and diplomatic pressure on Hamas has so far secured the return of 205 hostages out of a total of 255. Prime Minister Netanyahu is committed to return them all.”

The Prime Minister’s office also disputed the article’s assertion that Netanyahu turned down a serious ceasefire agreement.

“Contrary to the article’s claims, there was no viable deal last year that Prime Minister Netanyahu turned down. Hamas continued to insist that Israel leave Gaza, enabling Hamas to regroup, rearm and threaten Israel’s security again and again.”

It added that Netanyahu’s rejection of such terms had nothing to do with political preservation and everything to do with national security.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s refusal to accept these impossible conditions, against the advice of senior officials, was based on a disagreement on policy and not on coalition considerations. When the Prime Minister achieved hostage release deals he deemed acceptable, he pushed them through even when his coalition partners voted against them and bolted the government.”

The statement concluded with a strong defense of Netanyahu’s motivations and legacy.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu was never concerned with his political survival, but with his country’s survival. He is carrying out his life’s mission: securing the future of the one and only Jewish state.”

The New York Times Magazine report, which was released earlier in the day, accused Netanyahu of deliberately extending the Gaza conflict to remain in power. Citing more than 110 interviews with senior Israeli and international officials, the article alleged that in April 2024, a six-week truce proposal was available but was ultimately shelved. According to the article, Netanyahu allegedly told his team to keep the plan quiet during a key security cabinet meeting, suggesting that political calculus outweighed peace prospects.

{Matzav.com Israel}

A wave of controversy swept through Kfar Chabad on Friday after Rav Meir Ashkenazi, the community’s rov, announced that all local wedding halls would be shut down indefinitely.

The decision came in response to what Rav Ashkenazi described as “events bordering on immodesty” that reportedly took place at a recent wedding held in Beit Zlata hall.

In a strongly worded letter sent to the town’s residents, Rav Ashkenazi stated: “Following events bordering on immodesty on the part of the groom and bride that occurred this week at the hall, and after unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue, I hereby announce the closure of Beit Zlata hall for weddings until further notice.”

In light of Rav Ashkenazi’s directive, the administration of Beit Rivka decided to suspend operations at both Beit Zlata and the main wedding hall in Kfar Chabad B. At this time, only the event tent in Kfar Chabad remains open and functioning.

{Matzav.com}

Israel is preparing to unveil updated territorial maps during the next round of negotiations set to take place in Qatar on Sunday, according to a report by Channel 12 News. These new maps will outline the Israeli military’s proposed pullback from parts of the Gaza Strip, including sensitive areas like the Morag corridor and surrounding zones.

However, Qatari officials have warned Israel that “the maps presented by Israel will not pass Hamas and may collapse the talks,” indicating that the proposed withdrawals may fall short of Hamas’s expectations and potentially derail the fragile negotiations.

Two Palestinian officials told AFP that a major obstacle in the discussions is Israel’s continued refusal to provide a definitive withdrawal blueprint. “What was presented yesterday seemed like a redeployment of forces, with more than 40% of the Gaza Strip still under Israeli control,” they said, pointing to ongoing dissatisfaction with Israel’s stance.

Meanwhile, Al-Hadath reported that the mediators are awaiting a new version of Israel’s withdrawal plan, which is expected to be delivered by Saturday night in the hope of moving the process forward.

Despite optimistic forecasts from some Israeli and American officials, the negotiations around a potential hostage release deal remain stalled. Over the weekend, there was minimal diplomatic activity, and a resolution on the issue of Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza remains elusive.

A political official noted earlier in the evening that an agreement could have been finalized had Hamas accepted Qatar’s most recent proposal. Such a development would have paved the way for a 60-day negotiation window to establish a long-term ceasefire aligned with Israeli goals.

This source said the Israeli delegation has been engaged in continuous discussions in Doha — including throughout Shabbos — working closely with mediators from both Egypt and Qatar. They have also been providing consistent briefings to Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister Dermer.

Israel’s representatives arrived in Doha following their acceptance of the Qatari initiative. However, Hamas rejected the framework, taking a harder line in both its demands and public rhetoric. The terror group has escalated its media campaign to undermine the talks, spread disinformation to Gazans, and exert pressure on the Israeli public. According to the political source, while Israel has shown willingness to compromise, Hamas’s refusal to budge has left the mediators unable to move the negotiations forward.

{Matzav.com}

A harrowing incident occurred during Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, when one of the F-15 fighter jets flying toward a target in the Tehran area encountered a critical failure mid-flight, according to a report by Channel 12. The malfunction involved the aircraft’s secondary fuel tank, which suddenly stopped supplying fuel just as the jet was operating in the heart of enemy airspace.

This unexpected failure created a life-threatening situation, leaving the pilot without access to enough fuel to safely return or complete the mission. At such a deep range, the risk of losing the aircraft or being forced into a hostile emergency landing loomed large.

Although in-air refueling had not been included in the original flight plan for this mission, the Israeli Air Force reacted immediately. In a rare and risky maneuver, commanders ordered a refueling plane to launch on short notice. That tanker then intercepted the compromised fighter jet somewhere over Iranian airspace. The tense mid-air refueling was carried out with extraordinary precision under immense pressure.

Thanks to that successful operation, the F-15 was able to resume its mission exactly as planned. At the same time, Israeli defense officials activated backup protocols in case the jet had to divert and land in a neutral third country — a move designed to avoid the possibility of the pilot or aircraft being captured.

Meanwhile, it came to light that Israeli Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar had cautioned top defense leaders about the high risks involved in the opening stages of Operation Rising Lion. His internal assessments warned that up to ten aircraft might be lost in the mission’s first three days. In the end, however, those grim projections did not come true.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Democratic political veteran James Carville didn’t hold back this week, taking sharp aim at New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani over his refusal to denounce the controversial slogan “globalize the intifada,” a phrase widely interpreted as advocating violence against Israel.

Mamdani, a Queens-based assemblyman in the New York State legislature, made history by becoming the Democratic nominee for mayor. A Ugandan-born Muslim of Indian descent and an outspoken democratic socialist, Mamdani has sparked criticism from across the political spectrum — with Republicans and even some Democrats arguing his positions veer too far left.

Carville addressed the controversy during a Tuesday episode of “The People’s Cabinet” podcast, hosted by Daniel Koh. Koh mentioned that some of Mamdani’s economic ideas have gained traction among New Yorkers.

Carville acknowledged the resonance of affordability-focused policies but noted that a major generational shift is underway in American politics, especially concerning views on Israel.

“One of the big changes is Israel just doesn’t hold much sway with younger Jewish voters,” Carville said.

Yet even with that shift, Carville expressed exasperation over Mamdani’s refusal to distance himself from the phrase “globalize the intifada.”

“Yeah, I mean, come on, man, just, …..get it out your mouth,” Carville said, clearly frustrated.

Koh pressed further, asking, “Why do you think he won’t do that? I mean, that seems to be a pretty non-controversial thing to condemn, right?”

Carville speculated that Mamdani’s background might influence his perspective on the term. “His father is an academic, and I think ‘intifada’ has different meanings to different people, alright?” Carville said. “To some it means kind of ‘opposition.’ To most people, myself, it means, you know, ‘violence.’”

According to the American Jewish Committee, the slogan is a rallying cry for global resistance against Israel. The Second Intifada, which erupted in the early 2000s, involved widespread Palestinian terror attacks, including suicide bombings targeting Israeli civilians.

“Look, I’m as befuddled as you are,” Carville admitted. “And he’s been given every opportunity to walk it back, okay, so I am quite befuddled by it. And people that I have an enormous respect for, Jonathan Chait and Hakeem Jeffries, are like, ‘Come on, man.’ …this ain’t this hard. I mean, you could just see the angst in their voice.”

“It is troubling,” Carville concluded.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who also represents a New York district, took Mamdani to task following his primary victory. “‘Globalizing the intifada,’ by way of example, is not an acceptable phrase. He’s going to have to clarify his position on that as he moves forward,” Jeffries said.

“With respect to the Jewish communities that I represent, I think our nominee is going to have to convince folks that he is prepared to aggressively address the rise in antisemitism in the city of New York, which has been an unacceptable development,” Jeffries added.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump spoke out on today in strong support of Attorney General Pam Bondi, pushing back against criticism she has received from within the MAGA movement over how the Department of Justice is dealing with documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.

“What’s going on with my ‘boys’ and, in some cases, ‘gals?’ They’re all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “We’re on one Team, MAGA, and I don’t like what’s happening.”

Trump referred to Epstein in his post as “the guy who never dies,” expressing his frustration at the media’s relentless focus on the disgraced financier. “For years, it’s Epstein, over and over again,” he wrote.

He challenged the motives of those promoting the recently publicized documents, pointing fingers at several political figures. “They created the Epstein Files, just like they created the FAKE Hillary Clinton/Christopher Steele Dossier that they used on me, and now my so-called ‘friends’ are playing right into their hands,” Trump wrote. “Why didn’t these Radical Left Lunatics release the Epstein Files? If there was ANYTHING in there that could have hurt the MAGA Movement, why didn’t they use it?”

Trump argued that the Justice Department should shift its attention to what he sees as more pressing issues. “The FBI must be focused on investigating Voter Fraud, Political Corruption, ActBlue, The Rigged and Stolen Election of 2020, and arresting Thugs and Criminals, instead of spending month after month looking at nothing but the same old, Radical Left inspired Documents on Jeffrey Epstein.”

He urged the public and his supporters to stand behind Bondi. “LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB — SHE’S GREAT! The 2020 Election was Rigged and Stolen, and they tried to do the same thing in 2024 — That’s what she is looking into as AG, and much more,” he continued. “One year ago our Country was DEAD, now it’s the ‘HOTTEST’ Country anywhere in the World. Let’s keep it that way, and not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about.”

Trump’s remarks aligned with his comments at a recent Cabinet meeting, where he cut off a reporter who brought up Epstein. He referred to Epstein as a “creep” and expressed disbelief that people were still focused on him.

“Can I just interrupt for one second?” Trump said when a question was directed toward Bondi. “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?”

“This guy’s been talked about for years. You’re asking.… We have Texas, we have this, we have all of the things. And are people are still talking about this guy, this creep?” Trump asked. “That is unbelievable.”

The wave of criticism against Bondi among some within the MAGA ranks began after the Department of Justice and FBI issued a report last Sunday that dismissed conspiracy theories about a supposed Epstein “client list.” The agencies stated that there was no credible evidence of a list containing names of influential people involved in Epstein’s illicit activities.

Additionally, the DOJ reaffirmed that Epstein took his own life in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.

Reports have emerged of tensions within the FBI, with Deputy Director Dan Bongino allegedly clashing with Bondi over how she has handled the Epstein case. Bongino has reportedly told those close to him that he might step down if Bondi continues to serve in her current position.

{Matzav.com}

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson drew ridicule this week after expressing concern during a casual Q&A that she loses sleep over “the state of our democracy.”

The liberal justice, who has become known for her frequent dissents on the high court, participated in a light-hearted closing segment of a Thursday event hosted by the Indianapolis Bar Association. The session included questions about her favorite songs, books, and more.

When asked what keeps her up at night, Jackson took a more serious tone and replied, “I would say the state of our democracy.”

“I’m really very interested in getting people to focus and to invest and to pay attention to what is happening in our country and in our government,” she added, drawing applause from the audience.

At the event, the 54-year-old justice didn’t elaborate further or point to any particular issue that causes her concern.

Still, her comments quickly became a target for criticism, especially among conservatives who have repeatedly questioned her qualifications and judicial philosophy since her appointment by President Biden.

“What keeps me up [at] night is knowing that we have unqualified Justices like Jackson on the SCOTUS,” one user posted on X.

Another chimed in sarcastically, “Having someone like her on the Supreme Court is what keeps me up at night.”

Several critics accused Jackson of letting emotion, not legal reasoning, guide her rulings — especially in light of her own comments describing her perspective as “a slightly different perspective, or a different take on something” from the rest of the court.

“Her unprofessionalism is an embarrassment to the bench,” one user remarked.

“She’s functionally an activist, not a judge,” wrote another. “Impartial judges committed to faithful application of the law don’t make incendiary comments like this in public.”

Other posts poked fun at the tone of her dissents, with one suggesting that “some of her dissents this term have been pretty embarrassing,” and adding they “sound like a substack post” more than a legal opinion.

Just days ago, Jackson was the lone dissent in an 8-1 Supreme Court decision that allowed President Trump to continue efforts to trim the size of the federal bureaucracy.

In a separate case late last month, Jackson came under fire for her dissent in a significant ruling on birthright citizenship. In her opinion, she warned that without such protections, “our beloved constitutional Republic will be no more.”

Justice Amy Coney Barrett dismissed Jackson’s position with sharp language in her majority opinion.

“We will not dwell on Justice Jackson’s argument, which is at odds with more than two centuries’ worth of precedent, not to mention the Constitution itself,” Barrett wrote.

“We observe only this: Justice Jackson decries an imperial Executive while embracing an imperial Judiciary.”

{Matzav.com}

Zohran Mamdani, the socialist candidate currently leading the New York City mayoral race, is facing accusations of trying to rebrand his anti-police record by entertaining the idea of keeping current NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch — a law-and-order figure with starkly opposing views — if he wins office.

The unusual move to publicly and privately consider retaining Tisch appears to be part of a broader effort to calm establishment figures unnerved by Mamdani’s radical past, particularly as he now heads into the general election with momentum after defeating Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.

Despite their polar opposite views on key policing issues such as bail reform and discovery laws, Mamdani has not ruled out the possibility of retaining Tisch, even as his earlier rhetoric was saturated with anti-police sentiment.

“He’s laundering his radical stances, that’s what he’s doing,” said political consultant Ken Frydman.

“But he needs his defund-the-police voters to turn out again and cop-hating Tiffany Cabán is lurking,” Frydman added, referencing another outspoken socialist on the City Council who has been floated as a possible police commissioner pick under Mamdani.

Jessica Tisch, the current commissioner and a billionaire heiress with a reputation for competence, has largely remained above the political drama even as her name becomes a political lightning rod.

She was tapped by Mayor Eric Adams last November in an effort to restore public confidence in the NYPD — and in Adams himself — after three previous commissioners left amid controversy and dysfunction.

The choice proved so effective that Brad Lander, another progressive mayoral hopeful who had previously supported defunding the police, announced he would also keep Tisch in place if he won.

That endorsement arguably paved the way for Mamdani’s own strategic positioning, as he began signaling openness to Tisch’s continued leadership while offering her reserved praise.

Kathy Wylde, who leads the influential Partnership for New York City, confirmed she advised Mamdani to consider keeping Tisch on board.

“I believe that it’s premature to make any personnel commitments at this time, but it’s a consideration that is real — and it’s in keeping with the city that we’re fighting for,” Mamdani said recently when asked about his intentions regarding Tisch.

Still, pairing Mamdani and Tisch would mark an unlikely alliance, given their stark differences in both ideology and personal backgrounds.

Before launching his mayoral campaign, Mamdani frequently posted harsh condemnations of the NYPD, accusing the department of systemic abuse and corruption.

“There is no negotiating with an institution this wicked & corrupt,” he tweeted about the NYPD in 2020.

“Defund it. Dismantle it. End the cycle of violence.”

Since entering the race for mayor, Mamdani has attempted to moderate those positions, acknowledging that police do play a role in maintaining public safety.

Nonetheless, Mamdani — who currently represents Queens in the state assembly — remains a staunch advocate of sweeping criminal justice reforms like bail reform, changes to discovery requirements, and the Raise the Age law, all of which Tisch has said are contributing to spikes in crime and recidivism.

“I will not vote for any budget that rolls back bail reform, discovery reform, or Raise the Age,” Mamdani tweeted in 2022.

While some believe Tisch could help temper Mamdani’s most controversial instincts, Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf warned that her influence would be limited under a mayor who ultimately controls her position.

Her greatest value at the moment, Sheinkopf argued, might be as a symbol of stability for officers anxious about the future.

“Here you have the opponent of [Adams] saying he wouldn’t change the department, but his rhetoric says otherwise,” Sheinkopf noted. “Police officers are in panic and they will leave in droves — Tisch is the only way to stop that.”

Still, others argue that keeping Tisch could backfire politically for Mamdani.

“Mamdani will get clobbered by his cop-hating groupies if he retains Tisch as police commissioner,” said Frydman. “If he doesn’t retain her, Mamdani risks serious crime increasing and getting blamed for the spike.

“Checkmate.”

Mayor Adams, meanwhile, is continuing to promote Tisch’s leadership as proof that his administration has delivered results.

His latest campaign ad features Tisch speaking at a public event last week where she credited Adams for the city’s drop in major crimes.

“Not only did we ignore the noise from the Mamdanis of the world who recklessly called to defund the police, but we doubled down on our support,” Adams posted on X.

When The Post reached out to Tisch for a comment, the NYPD press office responded with the exact quote used in the mayor’s campaign ad.

“When the critics called to cut funding — he chose to cut crime,” Tisch said about Adams last week. “When the pressure came to back down — he chose to double down. And when others tried to make headlines — he chose to make a difference.”

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

The glosses were written across different periods, as evidenced by the variation in ink color.

The Rabbanim of Tzfas, led by Rabbi Shmuel Heller, wrote regarding these glosses: “And here [in Tzfas] were the four volumes of Shulchan Aruch through which the aforementioned author learned, and on their margins he inscribed in his holy handwriting insightful notes to clarify the plain meaning and halacha, with great sharpness.”

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Chizkiyahu Moshe Salomon zt”l, mashgiach ruchani of the Sunderland Yeshiva in Gateshead, England. He was just 59 years old.

A beloved mechanech and mashpiah, Rav Salomon was known for his warmth, depth, and the unwavering emunah and bitachon that carried him through even the most trying times.

After succeeding Rav Yaakov Abenson as mashgiach, Rav Salomon dedicated himself fully to the talmidim, guiding them with chochmah, sensitivity, and an open heart.

In 2023, Rav Salomon was diagnosed with cancer, a nisayon he faced with remarkable strength and acceptance of Hashem’s will. Even as he battled illness, his thoughts remained with his talmidim, and he continued to inspire those around him with his steadfast emunah.

Rav Salomon leaves behind a grieving family and countless talmidim whose lives were uplifted by his guidance and care.

The levayah will take place on Motzoei Shabbos at 11:00 p.m. at the Bendheim (Yoshon) Bais Medrash of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, New Jersey. The aron will then be flown to Gateshead for kevurah there.

Rav Salomon is survived by his devoted wife and their family.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino found himself in a tense confrontation earlier this week with Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the Trump administration’s approach to the Jeffrey Epstein case — especially over the so-called “client list,” which officials now insist never actually existed.

Sources told The NY Post that the clash was so intense that Bongino opted to take Friday off and is seriously weighing whether to step down from his position, which he’s held for under four months. The working relationship between him and Bondi appears to have broken down entirely.

“I don’t think Dan comes back if Pam stays,” one insider remarked. This, despite both Bongino and Bondi having publicly acknowledged that their review of Epstein-related documents revealed no groundbreaking information about his death, his inner circle, or his criminal activity.

The conflict intensified after the Justice Department wrapped up its investigation into Epstein’s death at the Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10, 2019 — just weeks after he faced charges.

That probe involved a collection of materials that Bondi, during a February appearance on Fox News, claimed were physically on her desk awaiting inspection, implying they might include Epstein’s infamous “client list.”

“In February, I did an interview on Fox, and it’s been getting a lot of attention because I said — I was asked a question about the client list, and my response was, ‘it’s sitting on my desk to be reviewed,’ meaning the [Epstein] file along with the JFK and MLK files as well,” Bondi said Tuesday at a Cabinet meeting.

Over the years, Epstein was connected to numerous high-profile figures, including Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, and Prince Andrew.

Trump, too, had socialized with Epstein in the 1990s before entering politics. However, he reportedly kicked Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago in 2007 over an incident.

Earlier this year, the Justice Department released several records from its review, including Epstein’s contact list and flight logs from before his 2019 arrest. Most of the contents had already come out during the 2021 prosecution of Ghislaine Maxwell, his longtime associate.

In a gesture that was intended to demonstrate openness but ended up being widely mocked, conservative social media personalities were invited to the White House and given binders labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1,” though no new revelations emerged.

During his 2024 campaign, Trump pledged transparency if elected, saying he’d be fine with releasing the full trove of Epstein documents, including the supposed “client list.” He added, “not involved” and emphasized that he “never went to his island” — a reference to Epstein’s infamous Little St. James.

Bondi had also alluded to the existence of extensive materials held by the FBI’s New York office, suggesting earlier this year that thousands of documents tied to Epstein’s indictment and broader investigation were in their possession.

However, her office issued a brief two-page statement on Monday, summarizing that a thorough review had concluded Epstein hanged himself and that he had abused “over one thousand victims,” but no concrete “client list” had ever been found.

“There was also no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions,” the memo noted.

“We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties.”

When asked on Tuesday whether Epstein may have operated as an intelligence operative — a theory floated due to the leniency of his 2008 plea deal — Bondi replied, “To him being an [intelligence] agent, I have no knowledge about that. We can get back to you on that.”

That plea deal had been brokered by Alex Acosta, the then-U.S. Attorney in Miami. Acosta had reportedly said while being vetted for a position in Trump’s first administration: “I was told Epstein ‘belonged to intelligence’ and to leave it alone.”

Bondi also addressed questions about the missing 60 seconds in the 10-hour surveillance video released by DOJ, which was meant to show that no one entered Epstein’s cell the night he died. She attributed the gap to outdated video systems in federal prisons.

“What we learned from the Bureau of Prisons was, every year, every night, they redo that video. It’s old, from like 1999, so every night the video is reset, and every night should have the same minute missing,” she said.

“So we’re looking for that video to release that as well, showing that a minute is missing every night.”

Back in June, Bongino had gone on Fox News to reiterate that nothing in the Epstein files pointed to foul play.

“The evidence we have in our files clearly indicates that it was, in fact, a suicide. We do have video,” the former Fox News personality stated. “It’s not the greatest video in the world.”

{Matzav.com}

Efforts to broker a ceasefire and arrange the release of hostages in Gaza have stalled over the past 24 hours, according to a Friday evening report by Kan 11. Negotiations underway in Doha have failed to produce movement on several central points, putting the process at an impasse.

While the discussions haven’t broken down entirely, they have hit a deadlock over crucial matters, including where the IDF would withdraw to within Gaza, which hostages and terrorists would be exchanged, and what kind of assurances could be given to end the conflict altogether. Despite the gridlock, there have been no major setbacks or breakdowns either.

One area showing slight improvement involves the coordination of humanitarian assistance entering Gaza. However, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has not yet traveled to Doha to take part in the talks. Reports say he is holding off until the negotiations reach a more mature stage.

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera released what it said was a proposed map from the Israeli delegation outlining the IDF’s deployment during a possible ceasefire. According to the report, Israel wants to maintain control over the Morag Axis, a move that would place the entire Rafah region under Israeli military presence.

Unnamed sources quoted by the network alleged that this strategy is part of a larger Israeli plan to push Gaza’s residents into the Rafah area in preparation for a potential mass transfer to Egypt or relocation by sea.

These same sources also claimed that Israel intends to remain in control of roughly 40% of Gaza, thereby blocking an estimated 700,000 Palestinians from going back to their homes and instead forcing them into Israeli-controlled territory in Rafah.

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu returned to Israel on Friday afternoon after spending four days in Washington. Before his departure, in an interview with Newsmax, Netanyahu shared guarded optimism about the possibility of securing the release of ten more Israeli hostages currently being held by Hamas.

“We have 50 left; 20 definitely alive, and some 30 that are not alive, and I want to take them all out,” he told Newsmax. “We now have a deal that supposedly we’ll get half of the living and half of the dead out, and so we’ll have 10 living left and about 12 deceased hostages. But I’ll get them out, too. I hope we can complete in a few days.”

The framework reportedly includes a proposed 60-day halt in fighting, during which hostages would be released in phases, followed by renewed negotiations aimed at achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities. Netanyahu reiterated that the war could end immediately “if Hamas lays down its arms.”

During his visit to Washington, Netanyahu met on Wednesday with relatives of the hostages. In that meeting, he made it clear that a deal to secure the release of every hostage is currently not in reach.

“We can’t get a comprehensive deal. There was no such option on the table,” Netanyahu told the families.

When asked to clarify which hostages would be released under the proposed deal, he responded: “Hamas is the one that decides this.”

The Prime Minister’s Office later stated that Netanyahu emphasized the hostage situation in his discussions with President Trump and his team and that “great efforts are made continuously to bring about the release of all of our hostages, both the living and the deceased.”

{Matzav.com}

A heartbreaking tragedy came to a close last night with the passing of a two-year-old girl who had been left for an extended period inside a closed vehicle in Chadeira last week.

The toddler was initially found in critical condition on July 3 after spending a prolonged time in the car. Emergency medical responders from United Hatzalah administered lifesaving care at the scene before she was transported in serious condition to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. She was later transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa.

Despite the efforts of medical teams, doctors at Rambam pronounced her death overnight. A hospital spokesperson stated: “The toddler was brought to us in critical condition, and tragically, she passed away.”

United Hatzalah volunteer medic Shmuel Mori, who responded to the scene, recounted, “We were told at the scene that the child had been in the car for a long time. We performed initial resuscitation and emergency care, and she was then transported to the hospital in critical condition.”

Following the incident, United Hatzalah once again urged the public to remain vigilant and never leave children unattended in vehicles—even for a moment. They also advised the public to routinely check parked cars, especially during the hot summer months, to ensure that no children or toddlers have been accidentally left behind.

{Matzav.com}

As summer brings crowds outdoors and vacations into full swing, health experts are reminding the public that illness doesn’t take a break—even with sunshine and warm weather. This includes the emergence of two new COVID variants making the rounds.

Dr. Paul Richardson from Conway Medical Center in Conway, South Carolina, spoke to Nexstar’s WBTW, noting that although the recently identified nimbus and stratus strains are circulating, he hasn’t observed a noticeable uptick in COVID-related hospital visits or admissions during the summer months.

According to Dr. Richardson, both strains appear to cause less severe illness compared to previous variants.

“If you look at the way a lot of viruses evolve, that’s not uncommon,” he said. “A lot of viruses evolve to be less virulent. They may be more contagious, but they’re less virulent.”

The World Health Organization recently confirmed that while the nimbus variant has been reported in various countries, it has not been linked to a rise in serious illness or hospitalizations.

Despite this, the symptoms themselves can still be unpleasant. Dr. Richardson told WBTW that recent patients often present with signs typical of upper respiratory infections.

“I read about, ‘Oh, you’ve been having a lot of sore throats,’” he said. “I think one of them has even had the nickname ‘razor blade throat,’ or something of that nature. But if you think about that, a lot of upper respiratory infections do that same thing.”

He emphasized that most individuals likely won’t need another COVID booster in response to these variants, though those with underlying health concerns should consult their physician.

“With any infection, I worry about patients who are susceptible to worsening,” he said. “You think about the elderly. You think about people with chronic lung disease, any type of immune issues, and cancers.”

Even with the busy travel season and large-scale events, Dr. Richardson isn’t overly alarmed about widespread transmission of these new variants. While he doesn’t believe mask use will make much of a difference in this case, he said the fact that many events are held outside is a helpful mitigating factor.

Although medical facilities aren’t equipped to determine the exact strain of COVID a person has, Richardson explained that this doesn’t alter treatment decisions, since all variants are managed the same way.

“We would just know positive or negative for COVID,” Richardson explained. “We will treat absolutely the same, regardless of what type, whether it be nimbus or stratus or whatever the next one is.”

To lower your risk of catching or spreading illness, Dr. Richardson stressed one timeless recommendation: frequent handwashing remains one of the best defenses.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced President Donald Trump’s shared “disappointment and frustration at the lack of progress” in efforts to halt the war in Ukraine during a direct conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The two met in person during the ASEAN Regional Forum in Malaysia, a gathering that provided a rare opportunity for dialogue amid increasing hostilities between the United States and Russia. Trump’s attempts to secure a peace deal, a campaign promise he vowed to fulfill quickly once in office, have been stymied by the Kremlin’s continued aggression in Ukraine.

“Our strategy is to continue to engage all parties involved in finding an outcome to this conflict,” Rubio told reporters after his talk with Lavrov. “We will engage any time that we have an opportunity to do so, like we did today. I echoed what the president said — both disappointment and frustration at the lack of progress.”

Trump’s recent interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin have left him visibly irritated, particularly after a phone call earlier this week yielded no tangible steps toward ending the conflict. “No progress” was made, Trump said.

Although Trump had previously taken a more conciliatory tone toward Putin early in his second term, that posture shifted sharply this week. During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump accused Putin of feeding the United States “bullshit.”

In the same meeting, Trump indicated he was giving serious thought to endorsing legislation that would slap Russia with tough sanctions aimed at forcing Moscow to reconsider its position.

Rubio’s statements also came shortly after the Trump administration restarted arms deliveries to Ukraine. These had been temporarily suspended due to concerns about dwindling American munitions reserves.

On the ground, Russian forces intensified their assault on Ukraine with a relentless attack Wednesday night that lasted nearly ten hours. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the bombardment as a “clear escalation of terror by Russia.”

{Matzav.com}

California Governor Gavin Newsom stirred controversy after criticizing a federal immigration operation at a large cannabis site in Southern California that escalated into chaos, with demonstrators clashing with officers and tear gas being deployed.

“Trump calls me ‘Newscum’ — but he’s the real scum,” Newsom posted on X, responding to a KTLA video clip showing individuals — both protesters and apparent raid targets — fleeing clouds of tear gas released by law enforcement in Camarillo, California.

Officials within the Trump administration swiftly responded to the governor’s incendiary remarks.

“Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin?” the Department of Homeland Security’s official X account retorted.

Rodney Scott, Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, said authorities discovered ten underage individuals who were in the U.S. unlawfully at the site, adding that the facility “now [is] under investigation for child labor violations.”

“This is Newsom’s California,” Scott wrote.

The cannabis business involved issued a public statement acknowledging its cooperation with the federal warrants but firmly denied any employment of minors. The company insisted it “has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices.”

The scene in Camarillo grew tense as hundreds gathered in protest, resulting in heated altercations with law enforcement personnel, some of whom were joined by National Guard units.

This raid and the resulting clashes mark the latest immigration-related showdown in California, a state that has frequently found itself at odds with the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation agenda.

Earlier in the week, federal immigration agents and troops made a highly visible show of strength in Los Angeles’s MacArthur Park, sparking criticism from local officials. Mayor Karen Bass (D) called the action “outrageous.”

Newsom has become increasingly vocal in recent weeks, launching a new podcast where he interviews conservative media figures, and doubling down on attacks against the Trump administration.

A Politico review of his activity on X revealed that his anti-Trump posts have generated audience engagement at three times his usual rate.

With speculation swirling about a potential presidential bid in 2028, Newsom has been making national appearances — including a recent visit to South Carolina, a key Democratic primary battleground. While there, he criticized Trump but didn’t heavily focus on immigration during his remarks.

On social media, Newsom has also responded directly to conservative figures, including Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and the popular right-wing “Libs of TikTok” account, which shared a video allegedly showing a protester in Camarillo firing a weapon at federal officers.

“Of course I condemn any assault on law enforcement, you s poster,” Newsom replied. “Now do Jan 6.”

{Matzav.com}

A new poll reported by The Hill indicates that public trust in the Democratic Party has further deteriorated since the 2024 election, raising serious concerns for its leaders as they attempt to regroup ahead of the midterm contests and the next presidential race.

Conducted between May and June by Unite the Country, a Democratic-aligned super PAC, the survey shows the party being characterized by voters as “out of touch,” “woke,” and “weak.”

Support has dwindled especially among white men, Hispanic men, and blue-collar voters, with approval ratings in these demographics falling below 35 percent. The data also shows a decline in enthusiasm among party loyalists following the 2024 defeat.

“This is the reality of the perception of us as a party, and until we accept that, it’s going to be hard to move forward,” said Democratic strategist Rodell Mollineau, a senior adviser to the super PAC. “There’s a perception out there, outside of Democratic elites, and it’s taken hold in not just the MAGA crowd but people that should be with us.”

“Democrats need to realize that in order to improve and get better to not only win in 2028 but to win in 2030 and 2032 and beyond,” Mollineau added.

Since losing the White House to President Trump in 2024 — along with both chambers of Congress — Democrats have been struggling to find a path forward.

In the aftermath of their loss, party leaders have turned to a series of assessments, including polling and focus groups, to try to make sense of what went wrong and how to move forward.

However, early signs in the new political landscape under Trump have not been encouraging. A May AP-NORC survey found only 35 percent of Democrats are hopeful about their party’s future — a steep drop from 57 percent just ten months prior. The same poll also indicated that many feel there is a leadership vacuum at the top.

Major donors and fundraising organizers have been hesitant to support Democratic candidates, pointing to a lack of clear messaging and momentum.

According to the latest findings from Unite the Country, which surveyed voters across 21 key counties in 10 battleground states, perceptions of the party have remained frozen since the 2024 loss.

While there have been chances to critique the Trump administration on policies like immigration, tariffs, and the so-called “big, beautiful bill,” analysts say Democrats squandered those openings.

“I was frustrated during the ‘one big beautiful bill’ stuff,” said Steve Schale, a Democratic strategist and the CEO of Unite the Country. “We missed an opportunity to really define a different kind of vision.”

The poll shows that Democrats’ central rallying cry of defending democracy still resonates among their base, but fails to win over broader swaths of the electorate. Meanwhile, policies viewed as overly lenient on immigration have turned off many swing voters.

Mollineau stressed the need to reevaluate how the party communicates its principles and priorities.

“It’s not about abandoning who we are. It’s not about leaving people behind. We are a big tent party. But it is about prioritizing the messages and starting where the majority of the people are,” Mollineau said.

“We do better when we first meet voters where they are and then bring them along on other issues. … And nine times out of 10, what they really care about is whether or not they’re going to be able to afford health care, whether or not their kids are going to be able to go to a good school, … housing, living paycheck to paycheck.”

Mollineau suggested Democrats would benefit from emphasizing pocketbook issues first, allowing them to build trust and then pivot to broader policy matters.

Still, the survey made clear that if Democrats want to win back the voters they’ve lost, they need to restore trust — and that may require fresh faces in leadership, ones unassociated with the Washington status quo.

“They want us to have different leaders,” Schale said. “There was this segment of voters … who said, ‘I voted for Barack Obama and I voted for Donald Trump because I thought they were going to stand up to Washington. … They have very different views on the world, but I … believed they would go to Washington and fight for me and not fight for Washington.’”

“It’s a good argument for more outside voices right now,” he continued. “If I could wave a magic wand, I’d love to see the money that gets spent on things like studying podcasts for young guys being spent on electing mayors and downballot city council members and nonpartisan Democrats and even state legislators … to begin the process of rebuilding that trust with voters.”

The poll also highlighted a desire among voters for straightforward, commonsense solutions — something they feel Democrats are failing to offer.

“We as a party oftentimes are getting nuanced in the way that we look at the world, and I don’t think voters are looking for nuance,” Mollineau said. “They’re looking for straightforward communication on identifying the problem and then fixing the problem.”

“Whether you’re talking about the New York mayor’s race or AOC or Trump or Bernie Sanders, the thing that all those folks have in common is voters know where they stand on issues,” Mollineau added. “There is no nuance there. … People know where they stand, and when they say something, voters believe it.”

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the tragic petirah of R’ Yitzchok Tzvi Klein z”l, who succumbed to critical injuries sustained earlier this week in a horrific elevator accident at Hatzlacha Grocery in Spring Valley, New York. He was just 28 years old.

Despite the heroic efforts of Rockland County Hatzolah volunteers and medical teams, as well as the heartfelt tefillos of Jews around the world, R’ Yitzchok Tzvi was niftar Friday morning from the severe wounds he sustained.

R’ Yitzchok Tzvi was the son of Rabbi Shmuel Zanvil Klein and Mrs. Reizel Miriam, daughter of the renowned Rav Eliyahu Tabak zt”l, patriarch of the prominent Tabak family.

Just two years ago, he got married. He worked faithfully in the prepared foods department at Hatzlacha Grocery, where he was known for his dedication and integrity.

Warm and personable, he carried a gentle and uplifting spirit, always greeting others with a kind word. He made it a point never to miss the Daf Yomi shiur given by Reb Eli Stefansky, which he listened to daily.

At a family simcha just last week, he told a cousin who learns full-time, “I envy you. I work and can’t learn all day, but when I prepare food at the store, I have in mind that people who are learning will eat and have strength to continue their learning.”

Yitzchok Tzvi leaves behind his parents and his wife. As he did not leave behind children, all are asked to learn l’ilui nishmas R’ Yitzchok Tzvi ben R’ Shmuel Zanvil.

The levayah is taking place now at Monsey Bais Hachaim on Brick Church Road.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

A sharply divided federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., ruled Friday to invalidate a plea agreement that would have permitted Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the September 11 attacks, to avoid the death penalty by admitting guilt.

This ruling overturns a proposed resolution to the long-delayed military proceedings that have stretched over twenty years, burdened by legal setbacks and procedural difficulties. With the court’s decision, the complex and drawn-out process to prosecute the architect of one of the most horrific terror attacks on American soil remains far from over.

The plea arrangement—hammered out over a two-year period and formally endorsed by military prosecutors and the Pentagon’s lead Guantanamo official in 2023—would have sentenced Mohammed and two fellow defendants to life imprisonment without any chance of parole.

Mohammed faces charges for orchestrating the plan that led to hijacked commercial jets being flown into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, with a fourth crashing into a Pennsylvania field after passengers intervened.

As part of the proposed deal, the accused were expected to provide answers to unresolved questions that continue to haunt the victims’ families even decades after the attacks.

However, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rejected the agreement, asserting that the gravity of the September 11 attacks required that any decision about whether the death penalty should be pursued fall under the direct responsibility of the defense secretary himself.

Defense lawyers maintained that the agreement had already gone into effect and that Austin, serving in the Biden administration at the time, acted beyond the appropriate window to rescind it. Their position was supported by both the military judge overseeing the case at Guantanamo and a military appeals body.

Despite that, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, in a 2-1 decision, determined that Austin was within his legal rights and criticized the military judge for an erroneous interpretation of the law.

The court had earlier issued a temporary freeze on the agreement while it reviewed the appeal—a case initiated by the Biden administration and later continued under President Donald Trump.

“Having properly assumed the convening authority, the Secretary determined that the ‘families and the American public deserve the opportunity to see military commission trials carried out.’ The Secretary acted within the bounds of his legal authority, and we decline to second-guess his judgment,” Judges Patricia Millett and Neomi Rao wrote.

Judge Millett was nominated by Barack Obama, while Judge Rao received her appointment from Trump.

Dissenting from the majority, Judge Robert Wilkins—also appointed by Obama—argued, “The government has not come within a country mile of proving clearly and indisputably that the Military Judge erred.”

{Matzav.com}

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voiced sharp disapproval Thursday over the ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

“As the negotiations for reckless deals intensify, so does the motivation of Hamas terrorists to carry out more kidnappings,” he said. “Last night, it cost us the life of an IDF soldier,” he added.

Ben-Gvir was referring to the death of Staff-Sergeant-Major Abraham Azulay, who was killed in action Wednesday in Khan Yunis. The incident occurred during a mission when Hamas terrorists emerged from a tunnel and attempted to capture him.

Calling for an end to the talks, Ben-Gvir urged Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu—currently in Washington for meetings with President Donald Trump concerning the proposed ceasefire—to abandon negotiations altogether.

“Enough of negotiating with a murderous terror organization and pursuing a deal that will strengthen and sustain it,” he stated.

“The lives of our soldiers and the residents of the South are more important than any normalization and economic agreements,” he added.

“Give the order to crush Hamas to the end. We do not have unnecessary soldiers to lose in reckless deals,” he concluded.

Ben-Gvir has persistently pushed for halting the negotiations, reiterating his stance this past Saturday with a post on X/Twitter, where he urged Netanyahu to scrap the proposed agreement, which is backed by the United States.

Withdraw from the “surrender framework,” and “return to a framework of decisive victory,” Ben-Gvir wrote.

“The only path to decisive victory and the secure return of our hostages is the full conquest of the Gaza Strip, a complete halt to so-called ‘humanitarian aid,’ and the encouragement of emigration,” he added.

While an agreement over hostages and a ceasefire is reportedly nearing finalization, a central sticking point remains unresolved: the positioning of IDF forces inside Gaza during the expected 60-day pause in fighting. A source with knowledge of the matter told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday that negotiations between Hamas and Israel, currently taking place in Doha, Qatar, are still underway.

According to that source, Israel’s team submitted an updated offer featuring detailed military deployment maps covering the entire ceasefire period. The new plan focuses primarily on areas located south of the Morag Corridor.

Hamas, however, is insisting on a total pullout of IDF troops during the 60-day timeframe, similar to what occurred during the truce in January. But Israeli officials are holding firm on maintaining control in certain zones, especially around the Morag Corridor. Two government sources explained that this revised map proposal reflects a significant Israeli concession compared to earlier terms—hence its introduction into the talks.

{Matzav.com Israel}