Matzav

In a striking show of unity across party lines, Hillary Clinton offered unexpected praise to President Donald Trump for his leadership in achieving the Gaza peace deal, which aims to conclude two years of conflict in the region.

“I really commend President Trump and his administration,” Clinton told CBS News 24/7 on Friday. She also applauded Arab leaders for supporting the 20-point plan, calling it “a path forward for what’s often called the day after.”

Clinton’s comments came a day after Hamas accepted Trump’s peace initiative, which provides for the release of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages as early as Monday, along with a gradual pullout of Israeli troops from Gaza.

As someone who long promoted a two-state solution while serving under President Barack Obama, Clinton encouraged Trump’s team to maintain oversight and ensure responsibility on all sides — Israel, Gaza, and the broader international community.

“Let’s now support this process and bring it together, not just in a nonpartisan way in our own country, but literally internationally as a great global commitment to try to bring peace, security, stability and a better future to the Middle East,” she said during the interview.

She went on to highlight what she viewed as a key tactical success by the Trump administration — convincing Israel to rejoin negotiations after the targeted elimination of Hamas leaders during September’s talks in Qatar.

The praise marked an uncommon departure from Clinton’s usual criticism of Trump, whom she has sparred with ever since their bitter 2016 presidential race. Over the years, she has routinely denounced his leadership and motives.

At one point, Clinton warned that Trump “is a clear and present danger to America” and said she was “convinced” that members of his campaign conspired with Russia to undermine her run for the White House.

She had also condemned Trump’s decision to withhold certification of the Iran nuclear agreement, calling his threats to abandon it “dangerous” and accusing him of eroding America’s credibility in the eyes of other nations.

In her memoir published after the election, Clinton described one particularly uncomfortable moment during a 2016 presidential debate in St. Louis.

“No matter where I walked, he followed me closely, staring at me, making faces,” Clinton wrote. “It was incredibly uncomfortable.”

“My skin crawled,” she added.

Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad charged that Israel was altering the names of Palestinian prisoners scheduled for release as part of the developing ceasefire and hostage exchange deal. Speaking from Cairo on Sunday night in an interview with Al Jazeera, Hamad alleged that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu would “return to aggression” in Gaza unless sustained pressure was applied by the international community.

He appealed to Arab governments and mediating nations to “restrain the Zionist madness” and guarantee the agreement was fully carried out.

According to Hamad, Hamas was working with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, and staying in contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to implement the exchange “as stated in the agreement.” However, he claimed that Israel’s slow response to verifying names in the submitted documents was hindering progress.

Despite these accusations, Hamad maintained that the situation was “moving in a good direction” and vowed that Hamas would “do everything we can” to ensure that both the prisoner exchange and the broader ceasefire arrangement succeed.

His remarks came as disputes intensified over the list of prisoners. Israel’s Justice Ministry publicly released 250 names of Palestinian detainees designated for release, while Palestinian representatives insisted that no definitive list had been finalized, reflecting persistent disagreements over who qualified for release and in what order.

Al Jazeera Arabic echoed the Palestinian position, reporting that Israel was attempting to dictate terms of the prisoner releases. The outlet cited sources saying that Hamas was still working through Cairo, Doha, and Ankara to revise the list issued by Israel.

The ICRC, emphasizing its neutrality, reaffirmed that any exchange of prisoners and hostages must take place in a manner that guarantees safety and dignity, with careful oversight of transfers and reunifications under the ceasefire structure.

These statements coincided with Israel and Hamas preparing to advance to the next step of the accord. Israeli and international sources indicated that 20 Israeli hostages were set to be freed on Monday, alongside a large-scale Palestinian prisoner release, within a framework facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.

Hamad’s comments also echoed Hamas’s past rhetoric describing Netanyahu as a “war criminal,” language the group has routinely used in rejecting Israel’s conditions linked to disarmament or future governance in Gaza.

As part of the truce arrangements reported over the weekend, Israel began transferring detainees in anticipation of the releases while humanitarian groups ramped up aid operations within Gaza. Yet arguments over specific names and classifications of prisoners persisted, including some last-minute modifications sanctioned by Israel’s cabinet to the initial groups approved for release.

Raymond Kelly, New York City’s longest-serving police commissioner, is warning that if mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani wins the upcoming election, the NYPD could see a mass departure of officers.

Appearing Sunday on WABC 770 AM’s The Cats Roundtable with host John Catsimatidis, Kelly — who led the police department under both Michael Bloomberg and David Dinkins — said that Mamdani has been attempting to reposition himself politically.

According to Kelly, however, the city’s police force won’t be fooled by what he sees as a strategic move toward the political center.

“He is a problem. He is antisemitic. He is someone who has a lot of crazy ideas,” Kelly said, describing the NYPD as a “target” in Mamdani’s political rhetoric.

Kelly pointed to a years-long decline in police morale and staffing that began early in Mayor Eric Adams’ term and said a Mamdani administration would only worsen the situation.

“They started leaving in big numbers at the beginning of Mayor Adams term as mayor and its continued. And of course, with a socialist mayor, I think there is a real challenge to keep the numbers of the police department where they should be,” Kelly explained.

Mamdani has faced heavy criticism over past remarks in which he labeled New York police officers “racist” and “a threat to public safety” following the 2020 killing of George Floyd. Despite calls for an apology, his response has been described as vague and evasive.

Kelly, who has long supported Mayor Adams’ appointment of Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, urged Mamdani to keep her in the role if elected.

“She’s doing a great job and I’d certainly like to see her stay in the department as a commissioner. But we don’t know what her relationship will be with a socialist mayor, a Muslim mayor. We just don’t know,” Kelly said.

Governor Kathy Hochul echoed Kelly’s recommendation last week, telling reporters she’s also lobbying Mamdani to retain Tisch.

“I have highly recommended that he retain Jessica Tisch,” Hochul said.

{Matzav.com}

Jake Sullivan, who served as National Security Adviser under Joe Biden, reluctantly acknowledged that President Trump succeeded in achieving what his predecessor could not — a lasting peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.

In a measured tone, Sullivan argued that “time and circumstance” were major factors in allowing Trump to finalize the accord, suggesting that the deal’s structure resembled the plan the Biden administration had previously envisioned.

“It’s only now, after all that time, that we have gotten to a deal,” Sullivan said on CNN’s State of the Union Sunday when asked why the Biden administration had failed to reach a breakthrough during its tenure.

“In April and May and June, July, August, September, it didn’t happen,” he continued. “I think it’s also a question that the Trump administration has to grapple with, because, of course, they have been in charge for quite some time now.”

Last week, Hamas formally accepted a peace outline introduced by Trump, which was subsequently ratified by Israel’s cabinet the next day. Trump had unveiled his 20-point peace initiative on September 29.

During Biden’s term, Sullivan was one of the chief architects of Washington’s earlier push to bring the conflict to an end. His previous post is now held by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“I’m still holding my breath, because I want to see those hostage families reunited with the hostages who have just been going through hell for almost two years,” Sullivan said, expressing cautious optimism about the deal’s success.

“I’m feeling very good this morning, although I won’t feel totally comfortable until we actually see this thing fully implemented.”

As part of the agreement, Hamas is slated to release 20 living hostages by Monday, coinciding with the arrival of large-scale humanitarian aid shipments bound for Gaza.

Trump is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday morning to address the Knesset, before traveling to Egypt to commemorate what he has described as a historic diplomatic achievement.

Throughout most of his interview, Sullivan stopped short of giving Trump any personal recognition. But when CNN host Dana Bash pressed him directly on whether Trump deserved credit, he conceded.

“I give credit to President Trump. I give credit to [special envoy Steve] Witkoff and [Jared] Kushner and Rubio. These are hard jobs,” Sullivan said.

“Now the question is, can we make sure this sticks as we go forward?” he added.

Sullivan maintained that the substance of Trump’s peace framework was similar to what Biden’s team had envisioned before leaving office.

“In concept, it’s pretty similar. Hamas cannot remain in power. We need to see the rebuilding of Gaza funded by the international community, including the Gulf states,” he explained. “We need an interim governance structure. We need strong support from the Arab countries.”

“All of those elements have been with us for quite some time now,” Sullivan concluded. “I think one of the things that’s changed, obviously, is all the circumstances.”

{Matzav.com}

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy was nowhere in sight when the state declared a state of emergency last night, leaving Lt. Governor Tahesha Way to issue the order in his absence as a dangerous nor’easter approached the Garden State.

“In preparation for this storm, I am issuing a State of Emergency for all 21 counties out of an abundance of caution, authorizing our state’s emergency services personnel to activate as necessary,” Acting Governor Way announced in a statement.

Murphy, who is nearing the end of his term and has gained a reputation for his frequent getaways — often to his lavish villa in Italy — made no public mention of his latest overseas trip, even as forecasters warned that the storm could cause widespread flooding and wind damage across New Jersey.

According to the governor’s public schedule, distributed to reporters on October 8, Murphy and his wife Tammy departed for Europe on October 9 and were slated to return October 14.

“Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy are out of state this weekend to attend a close family friend’s wedding in Europe. The Governor has been in close communication with his team and emergency response officials regarding the nor’easter storm impacting the East Coast,” Murphy spokesman Tyler Jones told The Post Sunday evening.

When pressed on whether Murphy would return early due to the storm, Jones declined to comment.

Way, who also serves as New Jersey’s secretary of state, became lieutenant governor in September 2023 following the passing of Sheila Oliver. Oliver herself had been acting governor at the time of her death — during another of Murphy’s international vacations.

Murphy’s frequent travel habits have repeatedly drawn scrutiny.

In December 2021, he was criticized for spending eight days in Costa Rica with his family as New Jersey experienced record-breaking COVID-19 infection rates. The Murphys had also spent the Christmas holiday in Costa Rica in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

After Way announced the state of emergency on social media, confused residents quickly took to the comments to question the governor’s whereabouts.

“Where is the governor?” one user asked.

“Who are you?” another replied.

{Matzav.com}

Left-wing mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani’s campaign has come under scrutiny after records revealed it received nearly $13,000 in potential illegal contributions from abroad — including one from his mother-in-law in Dubai, according to a report by The New York Post.

An examination of filings from the New York City Campaign Finance Board showed that 170 of the more than 54,000 donations made to Mamdani’s campaign came from individuals listing addresses outside the United States. Under federal, state, and city election laws, only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are allowed to donate to political campaigns or political action committees. Candidates must return any donations found to be in violation of these rules, and knowingly accepting foreign contributions can result in severe financial penalties and even jail time.

Despite those regulations, records show that Mamdani’s campaign has yet to return 88 of the foreign contributions, which total $7,190.

The campaign has raised $4 million from private donors and received another $12.7 million in matching public funds. With less than a month before election day, Mamdani’s team reports having nearly $6.1 million on hand. After being confronted with details of the unreturned foreign donations, the campaign released a statement on Saturday saying, “we will of course return any donations that are not in compliance with CFB law.” A spokesperson declined to explain why so many of the foreign donations had not yet been refunded.

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa sharply criticized the revelations. “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, so I would be very concerned,” he said upon hearing the report. “There is probably a lot more in terms of foreign money.”

Sliwa, who has long accused Mamdani of benefiting from hidden financial support, previously urged the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate what he called “dark money” being channeled into super PACs through foreign nationals. “It’s very problematic, not just for Zohran Mamdani, but anybody who has these kinds of PACs, because it’s a license to illegally funnel money,” he told The Post. “And foreign countries know you don’t have to go to war against America. All you gotta do is manipulate the election.”

According to filings, Mamdani’s campaign has refunded only $5,608 so far, including a $500 contribution from Bariah Dardari — the mother of Mamdani’s new wife, Rama Duwaji. Dardari, who works as a pediatrician at a hospital in Dubai, made the donation in January, and records show the money was returned that same day.

The surge of foreign donations began around June, during the lead-up to the Democratic primary, when Mamdani scored a surprise victory over both Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The donors ranged widely in profession — from software engineers and academics to doctors and students — contributing anywhere from $1 to the maximum legal amount of $2,100.

Among the largest donors was James Furlaud, an environmental scientist at the University of Tasmania in Australia, who gave $2,100. Furlaud, whose research focuses on the effects of climate change on forests and fire risk, did not respond to requests for comment. Another notable donor was Ada Diaz Ahmed, identified as a Dubai-based investor, who also contributed $2,100 in September.

Other contributors included Jun-Dai Bates Kobashigawa, a Montreal-based software developer for GoDaddy who grew up in San Francisco and attended Bard College. He donated $250 in July but did not respond to inquiries. Ugur Macit, a German computer engineer living in Mühlheim am Main, contributed $250 in August. He also could not be reached. A Canadian doctor, Ahmed Enbya of Calgary, donated $100 in September, according to filings.

One donor, Nupur Amin Marquardt, a U.S. citizen working as a consultant in Hamburg, Germany, legally contributed $50 to Mamdani’s campaign. She explained to The Post why she supported him despite having no ties to New York City. “It’s the only campaign I’ve seen that’s not trying to win by convincing a group of people to hate another group of people,” she said.

Filings also show that most of Mamdani’s campaign contributions have originated outside New York City. In recent weeks, the Democratic Socialist candidate collected $1.05 million — more than double the $507,000 raised by Cuomo during the same period.

The New York City Campaign Finance Board declined to comment on the matter, saying that all campaigns are currently under audit as part of the citywide election review process.

{Matzav.com}

On the eve of the hostages’ return to Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu delivered a heartfelt and somber address to the nation, reflecting on the profound emotions surrounding this historic moment while cautioning that significant challenges still lie ahead.

“Citizens of Israel, my brothers and sisters, this is an emotional evening, an evening of tears, an evening of joy. Because tomorrow, children will return to their border,” Netanyahu began. “This is a historic event that blends sorrow over the release of murderers – and joy over the return of hostages. This is a historic event that some did not believe would happen. But our fighters believed. Many among the people believed. And I believed.”

Acknowledging the divisions that have long characterized Israeli society, Netanyahu urged the public to unite in the spirit of shared triumph and resilience. “I know there are many disagreements among us. But on this day, and I hope also in the period ahead, we have every reason to put them aside. Because through joint efforts we achieved enormous victories. Victories that astonished the entire world. And I want to say: Everywhere we fought – we won.”

The prime minister, however, made it clear that Israel’s struggle is far from over. “But in the same breath, I must tell you: The campaign is not over. There are still very great security challenges ahead of us. Some of our enemies are trying to rebuild themselves to attack us again. And as we say – ‘We’re on it.’”

Netanyahu expressed cautious optimism about the road ahead, noting that Israel’s recent victories have also opened new doors for progress and opportunity. “There are also great opportunities that we have never known before – precisely because of the victories we brought. I am convinced that through joint efforts we will overcome the challenges and realize the opportunities.”

He shared personal reflections on his encounters with the families of the abducted during the war, describing the emotional weight of their stories and how their suffering guided his decisions. “During the war, my wife and I met many times with the families of the abductees. We saw their pain, their yearning, their tears. These meetings were with me in every decision I made during the war. We embraced the families, and I promised them: ‘I will not rest until I bring your loved ones back.’”

Netanyahu expressed deep gratitude to the soldiers, commanders, and security forces who fought for the hostages’ return, as well as to the bereaved families and the broader Israeli public for their strength and unity. “I wish to thank the IDF soldiers and commanders, the security forces, the bereaved families who lost what is most dear to them, our heroic wounded who carry their pain in body and soul, and I wish to thank you, citizens of Israel. You who stood strong, day after day, with love for our country and faith in the justice of our path.”

Concluding his remarks with a message of hope and national renewal, the prime minister declared, “Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path. A path of building, a path of healing, and I hope – a path of uniting hearts. Together we will continue to strengthen our country. Together we will continue to win, and with G-d’s help, together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump confirmed that he will deliver an address to Israel’s Knesset after accepting a formal invitation from Speaker Amir Ochana.

“Thank you for your historic invitation to address the nation of Israel before your esteemed legislative body. I am honored to accept,” Trump wrote to Ochana.

In his letter, Trump reflected on his administration’s achievements in advancing peace in the Middle East, pointing in particular to the Abraham Accords. “In my first term, we brokered a momentous diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East—the Abraham Accords—which laid the foundation of stability in a region marked by centuries of conflict. We have built upon that incredible achievement since I returned to the White House earlier this year, and are proving that nations across the globe can move beyond longstanding challenges of the past,” he wrote.

Trump also highlighted recent milestones, referencing the two-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023 terror attacks. “This week, we marked two years since the abhorrent attack of October 7, 2023. We have worked tirelessly since that horrific day to return all hostages to their homes, defend the sovereignty of Israel, and end the violence that has tragically plagued one of the most cherished areas of the world for far too long. Now, we stand on the doorstep of one of the greatest diplomatic achievements in history—and we cannot rest until peace is fully realized and sustained. Together, we will forge a future of security, prosperity, and peace in Israel, the region, and beyond and blessed are the peacemakers!”

The letter concluded with Trump expressing gratitude and anticipation for his upcoming visit. “Thank you, again, for your invitation. I look forward to seeing you soon,” he wrote.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump hinted that California Senator Adam Schiff could be the next Democrat to face criminal prosecution, following the recent indictments of former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

In a fiery Truth Social post, Trump called on the “necessary authorities” to reexamine his first impeachment, which was spearheaded by then-Representative Schiff. That impeachment centered on claims that Trump had pressured Ukraine to investigate the Biden family—allegations he has consistently rejected as baseless.

“The Ukraine Impeachment (of me!) Scam was a far bigger Illegal Hoax than Watergate,” Trump wrote on Sunday. “I sincerely hope the necessary authorities, including CONGRESS, are looking into this! Adam ‘Schiffty’ Schiff was sooo dishonest and corrupt.

“So many laws, and protocols, were violated, and just plain broken!!!”

Trump was impeached in early 2020 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress but was acquitted by the Senate weeks later.

Schiff, a leading House manager during that first impeachment, also played a key role in Trump’s second impeachment at the end of his presidency, which stemmed from the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol.

The first impeachment case revolved around claims that Trump’s administration delayed $391 million in military aid to Ukraine while urging Kyiv to assist Rudy Giuliani’s probe into the Biden family.

In recent weeks, Trump has publicly expressed frustration over what he perceives as inaction by the Justice Department regarding investigations into Comey, James, and Schiff—all of whom deny any wrongdoing.

“Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam ‘Shifty’ Schiff, Leticia??? [sic],” Trump vented on Truth Social.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, that message was originally meant to be sent privately to Attorney General Pam Bondi, but Trump accidentally posted it publicly.

Of the three individuals Trump named, Schiff remains the only one who hasn’t been indicted. Comey was charged on September 25 with lying to Congress and obstruction of justice.

Meanwhile, NBC reported that prosecutors are preparing to file charges against former National Security Advisor John Bolton as early as next week.

Federal investigators have reportedly been scrutinizing Schiff’s activities for several months.

In August, Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Ed Martin as Special Attorney to oversee a Justice Department investigation into Schiff over possible bank, mortgage, and wire fraud.

The inquiry centers on accusations that Schiff listed a Maryland residence as his primary home while simultaneously claiming a California condominium as his main residence for tax and mortgage purposes.

The allegations involve federally insured loans dating back to 2003 and running through 2019, during which Schiff allegedly received financial benefits including lower interest rates and property tax breaks.

Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte referred the matter to prosecutors in April.

Schiff, who once chaired the House Intelligence Committee, was also at the forefront of pushing unsubstantiated allegations of collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia—a campaign that ultimately resulted in his censure by Congress.

CNN first reported on the mortgage fraud accusations against Schiff in 2023.

{Matzav.com}

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for New York City and much of the surrounding metropolitan area this evening as a powerful Nor’easter moved in.

The order, which also extends to Nassau, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester counties, was announced by Fox 5. It enables the release of state funds to help address storm-related damage.

Across the Hudson, New Jersey officials had already issued their own state of emergency last night.

Forecasters warn that the storm could bring severe winds and heavy rain to both states, with gusts potentially reaching 60 mph from Sunday into Monday. The system is also expected to cause “major” coastal flooding along Long Island and throughout the Jersey shoreline.

Meteorologists said winds began intensifying Sunday afternoon, with speeds on the coast ranging between 40 and 50 mph — and possibly stronger gusts — according to Fox Weather. Inland areas could see consistent winds of 30 to 40 mph, lasting into Monday.

Rainfall will persist through Monday morning. Though most of it will be light, there will be bursts of heavier downpours. By Monday evening, up to two inches of rain are expected across the metro area, while Boston and Rhode Island could see totals approaching three inches, Fox reported.

Flooding threats are greatest around the next two high tides — at midnight and again at noon Monday — when water levels could surge three feet and waves may reach as high as 15 feet.

“The primary concern is along the immediate coast for moderate to major coastal flooding through Monday afternoon,” Fox Weather meteorologist Cody Braud told The Post.

The most severe impacts will stretch from Long Island Sound down through New Jersey and as far south as Delaware Bay, according to Fox’s forecast.

Conditions should gradually improve by Tuesday, though winds up to 25 mph may linger.

“Most people think Nor’easters, most think of the snow and winter first. In this instance, it is all rain, wind, and coastal flooding,” Braud said.

He added that “the main area of low pressure tied to the Nor’easter will move east into the open waters of the Atlantic on Tuesday. Some coastal flooding could linger into the midweek, but it will be minor compared to the next 24-36 hours.”

The Trump administration has intensified internal discussions over whether to pardon Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the prominent founder of Binance, sparking a heated debate within the White House about the political optics. The talks come as Trump’s family continues to expand its involvement in cryptocurrency ventures, The Post has learned.

Zhao, 48, who established the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, spent four months in a U.S. prison last year after admitting guilt to a single charge of violating the Bank Secrecy Act by failing to uphold proper anti-money laundering procedures while serving as Binance’s CEO. In May, he revealed that he had personally petitioned President Trump for a pardon.

This reporter reported Friday on X that discussions regarding a possible pardon have intensified in recent days. A decision in Zhao’s favor could clear the way for his reinstatement at Binance, where he still holds the largest ownership stake.

“Great news if true,” Zhao posted on X in response, alongside four praying-hands emojis.

According to several individuals close to the White House, some advisers believe the case against Zhao was weak and did not justify a felony conviction or jail sentence. The president’s personal stance on the matter remains uncertain, but sources say he has expressed empathy for Zhao’s situation. Many within the $4.2 trillion crypto sector share that sentiment, claiming Zhao was unfairly targeted during the Biden administration’s sweeping 2023 crypto enforcement campaign, which they viewed as excessive and politically motivated.

To resolve the case, Binance paid a staggering $4.3 billion fine and introduced new compliance safeguards to prevent illegal financial activity. Zhao also personally paid $50 million in penalties and stepped down as the company’s chief executive.

Zhao has openly advocated for clemency, arguing that a pardon would remove a professional stigma that restricts him from engaging with regulated financial institutions that are prohibited from dealing with felons. Binance itself could benefit as well, potentially regaining access to several U.S. markets that banned its services following Zhao’s conviction.

However, the matter is complicated by the Trump family’s expanding footprint in the digital currency space, which includes business collaborations involving Binance and, in some cases, Zhao himself. Democrats, including Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, have voiced concerns about a potential conflict of interest if the president pardons Zhao while his relatives pursue crypto ventures.

“There are people in the White House who are worried about the optics and political fallout if Trump pardons someone as important as CZ to the crypto business,” said one individual familiar with internal deliberations.

The White House declined to comment, and Zhao’s attorney, Teresa Goody Guillen, did not respond to messages seeking comment. Goody Guillen, a former SEC staff attorney experienced in crypto regulation, is leading the legal effort for a pardon and is currently a partner at Baker Hostetler.

Eleanor Terrett, editor of Crypto In America, said numerous executives in the digital asset industry—many of whom have connections to the Trump administration—believe the severity of Zhao’s punishment was linked to the downfall of Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX empire.

Bankman-Fried, or SBF, is serving a 25-year sentence for defrauding investors and misappropriating client funds to fuel an extravagant lifestyle and speculative trading ventures. His activities went largely unchecked early in the Biden administration, even as he rose to prominence as a major Democratic donor.

“CZ wasn’t accused of fraud like SBF and many industry players see his jail sentence as the result of regulators – still with egg on their faces, post-FTX – making an example out of anyone in crypto who operated in or around the US,” Terrett said.

{Matzav.com}

Kamala Harris revealed that Joe Biden didn’t answer her call when she tried to reach him following reports that he had begun radiation treatment. Speaking in an interview with MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” Harris said she had left him a message instead. “I called him earlier,” she said. “I have not talked to him. I just left him a message after I heard the news.”

Repeating the statement, Harris said again, “I have not talked to him. I just left him a message after I heard the news.”

The vice president-turned-author expressed optimism about Biden’s condition. “I think Joe Biden is a fighter, and that is what I told him,” she said. “He’s going to fight this, and we’re going to hold him up and pray for his recovery and for his strength and for his family.”

Harris’s comments come shortly after the release of her memoir, 107 Days, which recounts her historically brief 2024 presidential campaign and her candid thoughts about Biden’s leadership. At one point in the book, she described his decision to seek reelection as “recklessness.”

She also wrote about an uneasy exchange between the two, recalling how Biden pressed her before a debate against President Trump, accusing her of speaking poorly about him to donors.

During the MSNBC interview, Harris confirmed that she had since spoken with Biden about her memoir, though she declined to elaborate on what they discussed. “I’m not going to tell you,” she said with a grin.

Biden’s office announced on Saturday that he has begun undergoing radiation therapy, which follows a previous course of hormone treatment. The radiation is expected to continue for five weeks, and his team reported that the president “is doing well.”

Biden revealed in May that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. A few months later, in August, he underwent surgery to remove skin cancer from his forehead and was seen afterward with a prominent bandage.

Since leaving the White House, Biden has kept mostly out of the public eye, avoiding extended commentary on Democratic Party divisions or the fallout from the 2024 election. Harris gave no indication of where her relationship with Biden stands now, following her book’s release.

Biden’s strained ties with other party figures have also been widely reported. He has reportedly had friction with several senior Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others who played roles in the internal revolt that pushed him to exit the 2024 race.

While Harris avoided open criticism of Biden during her short-lived candidacy as the Democratic nominee, she has since echoed other Democrats’ frustration over his decision to run again. On the campaign trail promoting her book, Harris has also criticized President Trump but offered an unexpected acknowledgment of one of his recent diplomatic achievements.

Referring to Trump’s mediation in the Gaza ceasefire talks, Harris said she welcomed any progress toward peace. “I don’t think that we should hold in credit where it’s due,” she said. “I really do hope it [the deal] becomes real and that the hostages are out, that Gaza is no longer being treated with such brutality of force that aid goes in.”

“I commend the people who have been a part of this process. I commend the Qataris, the Egyptians and the president,” she added.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons sharply criticized New York authorities after it emerged that an illegal immigrant from India had been driving across the country using a commercial driver’s license that literally listed his name as “No Name Given.” Lyons said the case showed the dangerous consequences of states issuing licenses to people who are in the country illegally.

The incident involved truck driver Anmol Anmol, who was stopped in Oklahoma last month while driving with the bizarrely labeled license. “It’s really scary,” Lyons said on Fox News’ “The Big Weekend Show.” “To see that on a driver’s license issued by the state, ‘No Name Given.’ And the worst part, there’s a REAL ID star right up there in the corner. I don’t know about you all, but it was like going through a security clearance for me to get my REAL ID.”

Lyons’ outrage stemmed from the fact that the identification — a commercial driver’s license issued by New York State — met federal REAL ID standards. The document only listed Anmol’s surname, while the first and middle name fields simply read “No Name Given.”

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Anmol was arrested after being stopped for a standard inspection at a truck weigh station along Interstate 40 in Oklahoma. Federal agents later discovered that he had entered the U.S. illegally under the Biden administration in 2023. He has since been placed in deportation proceedings.

“I can’t believe we are giving illegal aliens, who have no right to be here, these driver’s licenses,” Lyons said, expressing disbelief that such documents were being approved. REAL ID cards allow people to board domestic flights and access federal buildings without needing a passport, making the issue even more alarming to him.

Normally, New York residents are required to provide multiple forms of identification — including proof of Social Security number and state residency — before receiving a REAL ID. Authorities have not clarified how Anmol managed to obtain one. The state DMV confirmed to the New York Post that the license was legitimate, having been issued on April 14 and valid through May 26, 2028.

“We have these sanctuary states that want to go ahead and try to just make it welcoming to these people who we don’t even know who they are,” Lyons said. “Again, these are CDL licenses. These people are transporting hazardous goods, materials at times. And in some cases, we don’t know exactly what they are doing.”

Lyons called the policy reckless, saying that lives have already been lost because of similar cases. “Look how many American citizens have lost their lives because of individuals like that, who have these driver’s licenses,” he said.

As one example, Lyons pointed to a fatal crash in Florida in April, when Indian national Harjinder Singh made an illegal U-turn with an 18-wheeler, killing three Haitian migrants. Singh had received driver’s licenses from both California and Washington State, despite earlier failing English and road sign tests required for such certification.

Lyons said the Department of Homeland Security is now intensifying efforts to stop such abuses. “Homeland Security Investigations has dedicated to working with the state police departments and our own federal agencies to make sure we get these IDs off the street,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

Reports from Gaza on Sunday indicated that Saleh al-Jafarawi, a Palestinian social media personality who gained global attention for his anti-Israel propaganda, was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head.

Images circulating online appear to show the well-known figure lying lifeless, with local outlets claiming he was killed by members of the Doghmush clan — a heavily armed faction with a long history of hostility toward Hamas.

According to local accounts, fierce clashes erupted in Gaza City between the Doghmush clan and Hamas’ internal security forces as the terror group attempts to crack down on clans it accuses of collaborating with Israel.

Al-Jafarawi rose to international infamy during the Gaza war through a series of provocative online videos. His first viral clip, filmed during the October 7th Massacre, showed him jubilantly celebrating as Hamas rockets were launched into Israel. Throughout the conflict, rumors about his death surfaced multiple times, and at one point, images of him lying in a hospital bed spread widely across social media.

In recent months, al-Jafarawi’s reputation among Gazans took another hit when he became embroiled in a corruption controversy. Known as “Hamas’s social media star,” he was accused of collecting donations supposedly meant for the people of Gaza — only for it to be revealed that he had kept the money for himself.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Air travel across the northeastern United States slowed to a crawl Sunday as the Federal Aviation Administration announced widespread ground delays triggered by the intensifying nor’easter, with average hold times nearing two hours in certain airports.

By early afternoon, passengers flying out of Boston Logan International Airport were told to expect delays averaging 86 minutes due to low cloud cover, while travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport faced 80-minute waits on average.

At New York’s LaGuardia Airport, the situation was even more difficult, with flights backed up by roughly 106 minutes. Nearby JFK Airport wasn’t spared either, with average delays climbing to about 102 minutes.

Philadelphia International Airport and Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport reported the briefest slowdowns so far, with average delays of 32 and 26 minutes respectively — a relative reprieve compared to the hours-long waits at other major hubs.

The nor’easter, which strengthened throughout Sunday morning, is expected to unleash heavy rain, dangerous coastal flooding, and wind gusts topping 60 miles per hour from Charleston all the way through New England, disrupting travel and posing a serious threat to coastal communities.

{Matzav.com}

A powerful coastal storm is sweeping up the Eastern Seaboard today, prompting New Jersey to issue a state of emergency and causing widespread flight disruptions, cancellations, and concerns over flooding and damaging winds, while a separate weather system drenched the southern states with torrential rain.

The state of emergency, declared Motzoei Shabbos, covers all of New Jersey and will remain active through Monday, giving state officials and emergency response teams the authority to mobilize as needed to address the developing conditions.

The Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management announced that a coastal flooding warning will remain in place until 8 p.m. Monday, with residents urged to prepare for significant water accumulation and possible property damage.

Communities along the coast and bays are expected to see extensive street flooding, officials said.

Authorities advised motorists heading to or from Atlantic City to stick to the Atlantic City Expressway, noting that both the White Horse Pike and the Black Horse Pike are prone to flooding and may soon become impassable.

The Atlantic County OEM also cautioned drivers not to attempt to navigate flooded roads, emphasizing that “water is often deeper than realized and can cause vehicle damage and drivers to become stranded.”

People living in neighborhoods that are vulnerable to flooding were urged to relocate their vehicles to higher elevations ahead of the rising tide. To assist, officials opened the Wave Parking Garage at 2200 Fairmount Avenue in Atlantic City for free parking during the storm.

A high wind warning was issued from 11 a.m. Sunday through 6 a.m. Monday, with forecasters predicting sustained northeast winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts reaching up to 60 mph. These conditions could bring down trees and power lines, creating hazardous travel and potential power outages.

Atlantic City Electric reported only a handful of outages early Sunday but warned that the number would likely climb as the nor’easter continues to intensify through the day.

Officials are urging residents to report flooded streets or non-life-threatening emergencies to their local emergency management offices. Those who wish to receive timely updates and alerts can sign up for notifications through the county’s emergency alert system.

{Matzav.com}

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As Israel awaits what is expected to be one of its most heartbreaking moments, the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute has finalized preparations to identify the remains of 28 hostages whose bodies are being returned as part of President Trump’s ceasefire and recovery initiative in Gaza.

The convoy transporting the 28 caskets is expected to arrive shortly, beginning one of the most delicate and emotionally charged missions ever undertaken by Israel’s medical establishment.

At the Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine, specialists will conduct a precise and exhaustive identification process involving CT imaging, DNA matching, dental record comparisons, and detailed anthropological examination.

The effort is being directed by Dr. Chen Kugel, a world-renowned forensic pathologist who oversees a multidisciplinary team of experts — including pathologists, radiologists, anthropologists, lab technicians, and DNA scientists. Each member will focus on a specific component of the identification, all united by a single purpose: to establish the identity of each individual with speed, accuracy, and utmost respect.

The procedure will open with thorough physical examinations and, when needed, advanced CT scans to detect distinguishing medical or anatomical features.

Radiologists will then study the scan results in conjunction with pre-captivity medical data, searching for unique internal traits. Anthropologists will contribute by analyzing bone structure, trauma patterns, and the extent of decomposition to assist in final determinations.

Forensic odontologists will carry out a meticulous review of dental evidence, matching teeth and jaw patterns with existing dental charts and x-rays — a highly dependable technique often used when limited remains are available.

Simultaneously, the DNA laboratory will extract tissue samples and compare them with genetic material submitted by immediate relatives. The procedure requires cutting-edge molecular technology and tight synchronization between multiple teams working under intense time constraints. If a quick match cannot be achieved, deeper genomic sequencing will be initiated to ensure definitive results.

Because of the prolonged captivity and the varying conditions of the remains, experts caution that some identifications could require additional time. In such cases, data including height, body composition, and distinctive anatomical traits will be cross-referenced to reach absolute confirmation.

Recognizing the emotional strain on the personnel, the institute’s psychological services will remain available throughout the process. “You never truly get used to it,” said one longtime staff member. “But knowing that each family will finally have an answer — that’s the only comfort.”

The full identification phase is expected to span from several hours to a few days. Once confirmed, the results will be transferred to officials from the Health and Defense Ministries, who will notify the families directly. Afterward, the bodies will be released for burial in accordance with family requests and military protocol.

{Matzav.com Israel}

As anticipation builds for the Trump peace summit in Egypt, a senior Hamas official revealed on Sunday that the group will not seek to rule Gaza once the conflict concludes.

“For Hamas, governing the Gaza Strip is a closed matter. Hamas will not take part in the transitional phase, meaning that it has given up control of the Strip, but remains an integral part of Palestinian society,” the source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.

The upcoming international conference — co-hosted by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi — is scheduled to open on Monday. The gathering is being hailed as the most ambitious diplomatic effort since the war’s end, intended to shape a new political order for Gaza and potentially influence the region’s broader future.

Neither Hamas, Israel, nor the Palestinian Authority will be present at the summit, which is expected to draw around 20 world leaders. Among those set to attend are French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and leaders from Japan, India, Greece, Cyprus, Bahrain, Kuwait, Canada, and El Salvador. The United Nations will also be represented at the event.

President Trump’s current focus, officials say, is the disarmament of Hamas, the creation of a new civilian-led governing body in Gaza, and the preservation of the ceasefire through international oversight.

Reports from two weeks ago indicated that a draft proposal for Gaza’s postwar governance — known as the Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA) — had circulated among diplomats. According to Middle East Eye, the plan envisions an interim structure overseen by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The proposal outlines an international board made up of global business figures and philanthropists, while Palestinian administrators deemed politically neutral would be appointed to manage local affairs after an extensive screening process.

Israeli officials cited by Haaretz said the proposed framework would operate in coordination with Israel, Egypt, and the United States — and that the initiative has already received the endorsement of the White House.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance lauded President Donald Trump for his “very deliberate and consequential diplomacy,” saying his unconventional approach was key to moving the Gaza peace process forward.

“He actually broke the mold,” Vance said on NBC’s Meet the Press. “Instead of doing diplomacy the same old way that had failed for 30 or 40 years, he gave people unusual authority to go get a peace deal done.”

Speaking separately to ABC News on Sunday, Vance confirmed that the administration anticipates the release of 20 hostages. “Of course you don’t know until you see these people alive,” he said. “But thank God we expect to see them alive here in the next 24 hours, probably early tomorrow morning, U.S. time, which will be later in the day, of course, in Israel.”

Vance pointed to a recent rally in Israel as an example of the shifting sentiment on the ground. When Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s name was mentioned, the crowd responded with jeers — but when special envoy Steve Witkoff invoked Trump’s name, the audience erupted in cheers.

According to Vance, the enthusiastic reaction stemmed from Trump’s decision to “break the mold” by empowering unorthodox envoys like Witkoff and Jared Kushner to deal directly with both Israeli and Gulf Arab officials.

He added that this strategy brought Israel and several Gulf states together around shared goals — freeing hostages and putting an end to the conflict. “This was very hard. It required a lot of work,” Vance told host Kristen Welker. “But I believe we are on the cusp of peace in Gaza for the first time in a very long time.”

Under the current ceasefire arrangement, Hamas must release by noon Monday the remaining captives taken during the October 7, 2023 assault that triggered the war.

Last week, Israel’s hostages coordinator, Gal Hirsch, said a special task force would be established to recover the remains of hostages whose bodies Hamas could not locate.

President Trump is scheduled to land in Israel on Monday, where he will address the Knesset before heading to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, for an international summit focused on ending the Gaza war.

On Saturday, Witkoff and Jared Kushner addressed a large rally in Tel Aviv — which many Israelis hoped would be the last of its kind before the hostages’ release and the conflict’s conclusion.

The agreement, mediated by the United States together with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, represents the initial stage of a truce between Israel and Hamas. It includes the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for prisoners and detainees in Israeli custody.

“For two years we (have been) waiting for this day for this moment… All of us feel happy for the family, for the hostages, that finally .. we will see them,” said demonstrator Dalia Yosef, expressing gratitude to Trump.

{Matzav.com}