Matzav

During Thursday’s episode of ABC’s The View, President Bill Clinton came to President Joe Biden’s defense regarding his debated 2024 debate performance, attributing the issue in part to poor scheduling decisions made by Biden’s team.

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin posed a pointed question: “Mr. President, I want to ask you, last time you were here, you were actually fiercely defender of President Biden’s when people were questioning whether he should stay in the race and when he decided to step aside. You praised his decision to do so. [T]here have now been a lot of reports, books written with Democratic sources talking about what appeared to be decline while he was in the White House. Do you give any credence to those reports or do you stand by your assessment of the former president?”

In response, Clinton said, “Well, I think you have to pay attention to them, but all I can say is whenever I was around him, his mind was clear, his judgment was good, and he was on top of his briefs. But look what, look at that debate, for example. What happened in the ten days before his debate, and what were the White House staff thinking? He went to Europe and back twice, and then he went to California once. And he was 80 years old. What the heck is he doing that for? So, why was that allowed to happen? So, there’s a lot of questions. All I know is I think we should think less about that and more about the future. We know President Reagan had clear signs of Alzheimer’s in his last two years. We know Woodrow Wilson after his stroke couldn’t make any decisions and his wife made them.”

Clinton’s remarks emphasized both his personal experience with Biden’s mental acuity and his criticism of how Biden’s travel agenda may have impacted his readiness. He also drew historical comparisons to other presidents who showed signs of cognitive decline while in office, suggesting that focusing forward is more important than dwelling on debate-night missteps.

{Matzav.com}

In an emotional and inspiring address, Rav Yisrael Bunim Schreiber, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Nesiv HaDaas and gaavad of Ashdod, returned to his kehillah for the first time since falling ill. Speaking from a place of deep emunah and personal challenge, he delivered words of chizuk to the packed crowd at Beis Medrash Nefesh HaChaim, where hundreds gathered on short notice to hear their rosh yeshiva once again.

Opening his remarks, Rav Schreiber declared, “If Hashem gave me a blow, no one else should have to suffer.”

It was his first public appearance in Ashdod since the onset of his illness, and it came just hours after medical results regarding his condition were received.

A special tefillah gathering will be held tonight at 11:00 PM at the Kosel, where the public is urged to daven for the complete refuah of Rav Yisrael Bunim ben Chaya Roiza.

Prominent rabbanim and roshei yeshiva from across Ashdod graced the event, including Rav Avraham Altman, rosh yeshiva of Ateres Tzvi; Rav Shlomo Dolinger, rosh yeshiva of Pri Eitz Chaim; Rav Meir Dovid Rozovsky of Vilkomer; Rav Yitzchok Novick, rosh kollel of Beis Shmuel; Dayan Y. Abramowitz, and others.

In his speech, Rav Schreiber expounded on the Gemara in Rosh Hashanah which discusses two men ascending the gallows. Though both faced the same judgment, but only one was saved. The Gemara asks: Why was one answered in his tefillah and the other not? It answers that one prayed a tefillah sheleimah—a complete prayer—and was answered, while the other did not.

Rav Schreiber posed a piercing question: How is it possible that a man standing moments from death, with the noose already around his neck, didn’t offer a complete tefillah?

He answered: Of course he prayed—but he still placed hope in human intervention. He relied on advocates, on bribes, on earthly efforts. That lack of total dependence on Hashem rendered his tefillah incomplete.

“A tefillah sheleimah means relying solely on the Ribbono Shel Olam,” Rav Schreiber said. “Of course, we must make our hishtadlus—that is how Hashem runs the world, as it says, ‘U’veirach’cha Hashem Elokecha b’chol asher ta’aseh.’ Our sages explain: not while you’re idle, but ‘asher ta’aseh’—when you act.”

“That’s how it must be,” he continued. “Know that Hashem is guiding you. And if you know that, then—‘Hashem shomrecha, Hashem tzilcha al yad y’minecha’—Hashem is your protector, Hashem is your shadow at your right hand. The more you attach yourself to Hashem, the more Hashem attaches Himself to you.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a historic and potentially transformative moment for global Jewry, the preliminary results of the 2025 World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections reveal a seismic shift in Jewish representation and priorities: For the first time in history, Orthodox-affiliated slates have collectively achieved a majority in the WZO. Leading this groundswell is Eretz HaKodesh, which has surged to a commanding position with 29,159 votes.

The WZO elections serve as a democratic vehicle by which Jews from across the globe can influence key decisions affecting Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora. With funding power in the hundreds of millions and influence over key Zionist institutions such as the Jewish Agency, Keren Kayemet L’Yisrael (JNF), and Keren Hayesod, the composition of the WZO has far-reaching implications.

Eretz HaKodesh’s preliminary showing—29,159 votes—is nothing short of groundbreaking. Launched only a few years ago to give authentic Torah Jews a voice in the Zionist establishment, the slate has now catapulted to one of the leading positions in the entire election, outpacing MERCAZ USA (27,893), the slate of the Conservative movement, and gaining just behind Am Yisrael Chai (31,765), which draws from a broad base of Modern Orthodox and traditional voters.

“This is a moment of kiddush Hashem,” an Eretz HaKodesh activist said. “We entered this space to protect the kedushah and mesorah of Eretz Yisrael. These results prove that the Torah community is ready to stand up and be counted, not only in the beis medrash but also in shaping the institutions that impact the soul of our nation.”

Together with ORTHODOX ISRAEL COALITION – MIZRACHI (26,975 votes), SHAS (2,658), Dorshei Torah V’Tzion (1,946), and other Orthodox-aligned lists such as Achdut Israel (1,592), the Orthodox camp now holds a clear and unprecedented majority within the WZO. This development could dramatically alter the ideological makeup of key Zionist institutions and redirect funding toward religious education, aliyah efforts for Torah communities, and traditional Jewish identity initiatives.

“This is the first time in history that Orthodox slates together make up the majority of the WZO,” said an insider. “This marks a new era.”

Preliminary Vote Breakdown

The full preliminary vote tally is as follows:

• VOTE REFORM – 47,887
• Am Yisrael Chai – 31,765
• Eretz HaKodesh – 29,159
• MERCAZ USA (Conservative Movement) – 27,893
• ORTHODOX ISRAEL COALITION (MIZRACHI) – 26,975
• HATIKVAH (Progressive Slate) – 11,537
• ZOA Coalition – 8,511
• Aish Ha’am – 6,649
• VISION – 6,201
• Israeli American Council (IAC) – 5,344
• Kol Israel – 5,314
• AID Coalition (Americans for Israel Democracy) – 4,880
• Beyachad – TOGETHER FOR ISRAEL – 3,238
• SHAS – 2,658
• Israel365 Action – 2,339
• Dorshei Torah V’Tzion – 1,946
• The Jewish Future – Centrist Liberal Zionism – 1,794
• Achdut Israel – 1,592
• American Forum for Israel – 1,539
• ANU: A New Union – 1,509
• Herut North America – 1,109
• Americans 4 Israel: Strength Through Unity – 385

“The Torah world can no longer afford to be passive,” said one activist. “The future of klal Yisroel, the identity of Eretz Yisrael, and the soul of our people depend on who sits at the table. Baruch Hashem, we now have a seat—and we intend to use it.”

{Matzav.com}

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to revise COVID-19 vaccine guidance without first consulting the CDC’s established advisory board has caused widespread confusion among doctors, insurers, and health experts, multiple sources told Reuters.

In a video shared on social media last week, Kennedy — known for his long-standing skepticism about vaccines — declared that the government would no longer recommend COVID vaccinations for healthy children or pregnant women.

Soon after the video was posted, the CDC quietly modified its online childhood immunization schedule. The updated version indicated that healthy children can still receive the COVID shot if their parents and physicians believe it’s appropriate. The CDC also removed its prior recommendation for pregnant women to get vaccinated.

This shift bypassed the standard review process led by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a group of external experts that typically evaluates evidence in public meetings before making any formal recommendations. Their decisions usually guide what appears in the CDC’s immunization schedule, which influences what vaccines are covered under the Affordable Care Act.

“The surprise announcement has created uncertainty for payers and providers about whether the video posting constitutes an official policy change,” said Sarah Moselle, a principal with the healthcare consulting firm Avalere.

Until ACIP votes at its upcoming meeting from June 25–27, insurance companies are expected to delay any decisions about vaccine coverage, according to Robert Popovian, who leads Conquest Advisors, a healthcare consultancy.

Kennedy’s Department of Health and Human Services has defended the move, with a spokesperson stating that it was legally permissible and reflects a shift toward “clinical-guided decision making.”

The department added that it still values the input of expert panels like ACIP, which is scheduled to meet later this month, with the agenda to be released as is standard practice.

Ultimately, decisions about what is covered will be up to each insurance company, the HHS spokesperson added.

Historically, the CDC had recommended that everyone aged six months and older receive the COVID vaccine.

“This whole thing is so murky,” said a member of ACIP who spoke anonymously. “It’s very unclear whose decision is final.”

Dr. Tina Tan, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, warned that the inconsistent messaging is likely to lead to “significant confusion among medical professionals and the public.”

Dr. Matthew Zahn, a public health official in Orange County, California, who also advises the CDC panel, expressed the same concern. “We’re all awaiting clarity.”

“It’s going to be important to understand how these vaccines are insured,” Zahn said. “Specifically, if ultimately there is a recommendation for high-risk populations to be vaccinated, how that is interpreted by insurance companies and thus, how providers can recommend it.”

Zahn said he expects the CDC to provide further clarification soon but could not confirm whether that would happen at the upcoming ACIP meeting.

On Tuesday, Reuters reported that Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos, a CDC specialist in pediatric infectious diseases who was deeply involved in coordinating the vaccine advisory group, had resigned. In a message to colleagues, she said she was stepping down because she was “no longer able to help the most vulnerable members” of the population.

Concerns have also been raised by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. On May 27, the group warned that removing the recommendation for pregnant women could make it more difficult for them to access the vaccine, “despite the clear and definitive evidence demonstrating its benefit.”

The CDC website notes that the Affordable Care Act typically mandates insurance coverage for vaccines included in the ACIP schedule.

Popovian warned that if insurers make decisions about coverage without clear guidance from ACIP, they could face significant risks. “It’s a liability,” he said. “Insurers need clarity on what they will be required to cover.”

A source familiar with the situation said the panel is expected to evaluate and vote on COVID vaccines for the fall and winter season at the upcoming meeting. The source also noted that the group has been leaning toward more limited recommendations.

{Matzav.com}

Elon Musk posed a provocative question to users on X, the platform he owns, suggesting the possibility of starting a fresh political movement as tensions with President Donald Trump grow and disagreements over the House GOP’s budget package continue to mount.

“Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?” Musk posted, attaching a poll for users to weigh in. By 4:20 p.m. EDT on Thursday, more than 1.4 million people had voted, with 82.3% responding “yes” and only 17.7% choosing “no.” Musk currently has 220.3 million followers on the platform.

This message was shared not long after Trump voiced dissatisfaction with Musk due to his outspoken opposition to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—a key piece of legislation the president is working to advance in Congress. Musk has argued the bill is excessive in scope and lacks meaningful fiscal restraint.

Musk’s critiques became more public and pointed toward the end of his time serving in a special government role overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency. That marked the beginning of a clear rift between him and Trump. Musk, who holds the title of world’s wealthiest individual, had previously been a major supporter of Trump, contributing large sums to the 2024 campaign, amplifying Trump’s platform on X, and even joining him on stage at political events nationwide.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF is preparing to issue more than 50,000 conscription notices to chareidim in the upcoming 2025–2026 draft cycle, set to begin on July 1. This move was outlined in a briefing following an oversight session chaired by Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara on Thursday.

The session was part of a continuing series of monthly meetings monitoring the state’s adherence to the High Court’s June 2024 decision, which eliminated the legal exemption previously granted to chareidi men from military service.

To date, the government has distributed draft notices to 24,000 out of the estimated 80,000 eligible chareidim. The remaining eligible individuals—referred to collectively as the “pool”—are expected to receive draft orders during the coming conscription cycle, according to the meeting summary.

In tandem with the ramp-up in draft orders, the IDF is crafting a new strategy aimed at bolstering enforcement mechanisms against those ignoring conscription. The plan includes steps to streamline the enforcement process, making it easier for the military to penalize those who fail to comply.

Baharav-Miara again emphasized that the state had not fully utilized all available legal means that do not require legislative approval to discipline those who defy draft orders.

That same day, former Chief Rabbi Rav Yitzchok Yosef made headlines at a Beit Shemesh event where he sharply criticized MK Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and a key figure behind the proposed conscription legislation. Rav Yosef reportedly said that Edelstein “should have remained” in the Soviet Union.

In a recording, Rav Yosef is heard saying, “His [Edelstein’s] soul is an abomination, he was a prisoner of Zion and came to the Land [of Israel], it is too bad he came, he should have remained there. He is causing trouble for yeshiva students… Edelstein and Netanyahu, all this [political] right-wing is a lie. Evil villains!”

Negotiations have been ongoing between Secretary Yossi Fuchs from the Prime Minister’s Office and representatives of Shas in an attempt to hammer out an agreement on the bill’s provisions and avert a potential coalition crisis sparked by threats from chareidi parties to bring down the government if the bill fails to progress.

Though Shas has adopted a publicly firm stance in demanding broad exemptions for chareidim, sources say party leaders have shown greater flexibility in private discussions. Netanyahu is focusing on sealing a deal with Shas, calculating that even if United Torah Judaism (UTJ)—with its seven MKs—leaves the coalition, he would still retain a slim 61–59 majority in the Knesset.

Shas’s Moetzet Chachmei Hatorah is scheduled to meet early next week to determine the party’s official direction. Agudas Yisrael, UTJ’s chassidishe branch, met earlier tonight, as Matzav.com reported, and voted to pull out of the government.

Meanwhile, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch said on Wednesday that he was “close” to instructing the party’s lawmakers to exit the coalition and support legislation to dissolve the Knesset.

The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee’s legal advisors are working on the language of a new draft bill, which is expected to be submitted for review in the coming weeks. However, the limited time remaining in the Knesset’s summer session, which ends in late July, may not be enough to pass the legislation into law. Should the session close without a new law, the existing ruling—which mandates that all eligible chareidim serve—will remain in effect at least through October. If the Knesset dissolves, the legislative process would be halted entirely.

Provisions likely to appear in the draft bill include annual increases in chareidi conscription quotas, eventually requiring that half of each eligible class enlist, along with penalties for those who fail to comply. Although legal exemptions officially ended in June 2024, the overwhelming majority of the 24,000 notices sent since then have been ignored. The IDF has already acknowledged it will fall short of its High Court-mandated goal of drafting 4,800 chareidim in the 2024–2025 year, which ends June 30.

Advocates of the bill claim it will significantly boost enlistment and bring thousands more chareidim into military service. Detractors argue that even with harsher enforcement, there is no assurance that conscription orders will be respected. They further contend that legally allowing 50% of chareidim to remain exempt is unjust when compared to secular and religious-Zionist youth who are not granted such leniencies.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israel has reportedly assured the White House that it will refrain from striking Iran’s nuclear infrastructure unless President Trump determines that diplomatic efforts have definitively collapsed, according to two Israeli officials familiar with the matter who spoke to Axios.

Over the past few weeks, the Trump administration has grown increasingly wary that Israel might act unilaterally, even as diplomatic talks with Tehran continue. President Trump stated that he had personally warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against taking action prematurely while negotiations remain in progress.

However, Trump also acknowledged that his position isn’t fixed, noting, “could change with a phone call” if he concludes the negotiations with Iran are going nowhere.

Israeli officials relayed this assurance during a high-level visit to Washington last week that included Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Mossad chief David Barnea, and National Security Adviser Tzahi Hanegbi.

One Israeli official indicated that their message was direct: Israel would not catch the Trump administration off guard with a sudden military operation targeting Iran.

“We calmed the Americans and told them there is no logic in launching an attack if a good diplomatic solution can be found. This is why we are going to give it a chance and wait with any military action until it is clear that negotiations were exhausted and [White House envoy] Steve Witkoff has given up,” a second Israeli official explained.

Another senior Israeli source clarified that although the IDF continues to maintain readiness for a potential operation against Iran, certain moves made in advance of airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen were mistakenly interpreted by other nations—including the U.S.—as steps toward an imminent attack on Iran.

Meanwhile, the White House is still awaiting Tehran’s official reply to a nuclear agreement proposal. Iranian sources have said that their response is currently being drafted.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday responded sharply to comments made by Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman, who disclosed that Israel had coordinated with local groups in Gaza that oppose Hamas. These remarks, Netanyahu asserted, were a blatant breach of security used for political purposes.

Netanyahu did not hold back in his criticism, accusing Lieberman of endangering national interests for personal gain. “It is very severe because what did Lieberman leak? That, per the recommendation of defense officials, we worked with tribes that oppose Hamas. What’s wrong with that? That’s good, it saves the lives of soldiers,” he declared.

He went on to argue that even though such alliances serve to protect Israeli troops and advance the mission against Hamas, publicly revealing them only serves the enemy. “This publication only helps Hamas, but Lieberman doesn’t care,” Netanyahu said, warning that this kind of disclosure undermines strategic efforts on the ground.

When asked whether the government would launch a probe into Lieberman’s remarks, Netanyahu expressed skepticism. “I don’t think so, unfortunately not. There is deep and severe selective enforcement,” he noted, implying that political motivations often dictate whether such incidents are investigated.

Netanyahu also contrasted this incident with an earlier case involving his own staff, who had passed on sensitive material to Germany’s Bild newspaper. He defended that situation by saying the content of that leak did not compromise national security. “It didn’t harm (security) at all. It only exposed Hamas’s goals and methods. But that will be investigated, and people were arrested, and so on – when it fits them. On the other hand, a leak from our subcommittee, I don’t think that will be investigated,” he said, underscoring what he sees as inconsistency in how these breaches are handled.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump issued a clear warning to Russia, making it known that harsh sanctions would be imposed if Moscow undermines ongoing peace negotiations. He also made it clear that Ukraine could face consequences as well, should he determine that Kyiv isn’t doing its part to support the talks.

President Trump met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House on Thursday. Ahead of the meeting, German media had indicated Merz hoped to persuade Trump to increase American backing for Ukraine. In response to a reporter’s question regarding possible new sanctions on Russia, Trump said he wouldn’t hesitate to penalize any nation obstructing diplomatic progress.

Trump emphasized that he would hold off on escalating pressure until he was convinced the discussions were either stalling or collapsing. “…when I see the moment when we’re not going to make a deal, when this thing won’t stop, at that moment… we’ll be very, very tough. And it could be on both countries, to be honest, you know? It takes two to tango. We’re going to be very tough whether it’s Russia or anybody else.”

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump made it clear that the United States has significant leverage if things go off track. “if [a peace deal] doesn’t happen and if I see someone’s out of line, if Russia’s out of line, you’ll be amazed how tough [I will be]”. Though he left open the possibility of action against Ukraine, he stressed his general alignment with Kyiv: “I’m with Ukraine, we just signed a big deal on rare earth with Ukraine. I’m for stopping killing, really.”

Drawing an analogy between the war and physical altercations between rivals that sometimes need time to burn off tension before being broken up, Trump commented on the deeply personal nature of the conflict. “there’s a great hatred between those two men,” he said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, it has faced a barrage of sanctions from Western nations. While the overall effect on Russia’s economy remains difficult to measure, the country has experienced a surge in wartime-driven economic activity.

This continued economic momentum is due in part to Russia’s ability to keep exporting oil and gas, even under heavy restrictions. As a potential next step, President Trump has suggested imposing secondary sanctions—not directly on Russia itself, but on nations that continue purchasing Russian energy. One of the most significant of these is China.

{Matzav.com}

The Israeli military launched airstrikes Thursday night against Hezbollah’s aerial division, targeting assets located in the Dahieh neighborhood, a stronghold of the group in southern Beirut.

Earlier in the evening, the IDF took the unusual step of publicly announcing its intention to strike what it described as underground sites used for manufacturing drones. These facilities, according to the IDF, were intentionally positioned in densely populated civilian areas of Dahieh.

“Despite the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, the IDF has identified that the Hezbollah aerial unit is operating to produce thousands of UAVs, with the direction and funding of Iranian terrorists,” the IDF stated.

The military further noted that Hezbollah has made drone warfare a key tactic in its recent confrontations with Israel, and is now taking steps to ramp up production in anticipation of future conflict.

“These activities constitute a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon. The Hezbollah terrorist organization creates challenges for the State of Lebanon and thus prevents the implementation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon,” the IDF added.

Concurrently, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson issued a public alert directed at residents of Dahieh, particularly those in the Al-Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Burj Al-Barajneh areas. “You are located near facilities belonging to Hezbollah. For your safety and the safety of your families, you are required to evacuate these buildings immediately and move away from them at a distance of no less than 300 meters,” he stated.

Witnesses on the ground described scenes of chaos, with families rushing to escape and growing fears over the looming threat of airstrikes.

Lebanese media reported that the Lebanese Armed Forces entered some of the buildings the IDF had flagged for evacuation. Other reports indicated that Israel had already carried out preliminary warning strikes on certain sites.

{Matzav.com Israel}

A monumental milestone has been reached with the completion of the largest Aron Kodesh ever constructed, now standing in grandeur at the Yeshiva Ateret Shlomo campus in Rishon LetZion.

This extraordinary endeavor, fully crafted by hand, is being hailed as an unprecedented  feat.

The awe-inspiring Aron Kodesh, which took over three years to complete, spans 120 square meters, extending 20 meters in length and rising to a height of 6.5 meters. It is fashioned from more than two tons of pure silver, with sections adorned in magnificent 24-karat gold.

At its heart lies a precisely constructed inner chamber to house the Sifrei Torah, built by master artisans from Udaipur, India, whose expertise in fine craftsmanship brought this vision to life.

Gracing the inner aron kodesh is a regal paroches, woven from deep purple threads interlaced with strands of gold and encrusted with precious stones. This intricate masterpiece was painstakingly produced by premier textile artists in the region of Kashmir, completed over the span of several months.

One of the most remarkable details of the structure is the world’s smallest mezuzah, delicately measuring just 2.7 by 2.7 centimeters.

Encircling the entire Aron Kodesh is a majestic copper fence, weighing a full four tons. This was cast in a renowned foundry in Stuttgart, Germany.

The construction process brought together 350 artists and craftsmen from 12 countries across three continents. Components were shipped by sea and air in a complex logistical operation that overcame extraordinary challenges—including regional instability and threats posed by hostile forces—to arrive safely at the yeshiva.

This extraordinary endeavor was made possible through the generous support of an American baal tzedakah, a devoted chassid of Bobov who dedicated the project l’ilui nishmas Rav Shlomo Halberstam zt”l of Bobov.

Today, the yeshiva is hosting a majestic maamad, as the Aron Kodesh is formally inaugurated alongside a hachnasas Sefer Torah.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a dramatic gathering, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisrael convened Thursday evening at the vacation home of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe in Moshav Ora, where he has been staying since returning from medical treatment abroad.

The emergency session came amid a deepening political crisis and calls for new elections, with the Chassidic leadership debating how to respond to what they described as ongoing persecution of the Torah-observant community.

This was the first such meeting of the Chassidishe Moetzes since 5783, and its very occurrence signaled the urgency of the moment.

In attendance were the Rebbes of Gur, Vizhnitz, Boyan, Seret-Vizhnitz, Biala (making his first appearance since the passing of his father), and Modzitz. Absent were the Rebbes of Belz, Slonim, Sanz, and Vizhnitz-Merkaz.

The meeting opened with briefings from key political figures representing Agudas Yisrael in the current coalition, including Ministers Yitzchok Goldknopf and Meir Porush, Deputy Minister Yaakov Tessler, and MK Yisroel Eichler, Chairman of the Knesset Labor and Welfare Committee.

Addressing the Moetzes, Minister Goldknopf declared, “There has never been a situation like this for the chareidi public.”

Deputy Minister Tessler added, “The list of sanctions that has been publicized applies only to the chareidim. We haven’t heard of such sanctions being applied to draft evaders in the general population. In fact, already now, thousands of chareidi women are being impacted by the daycare funding cuts.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, the secretary, Rav Yaakov Waltzer, read aloud the official resolution: “It is forbidden to sit in a government that persecutes Torah learners.”

While Agudas Yisrael will not submit its own bill to dissolve the Knesset, the party announced that it will throw its support behind one of the opposition’s proposed dissolution bills, scheduled for a vote this coming Wednesday.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Elon Musk claims that President Donald Trump “is in the Epstein files” and that’s “the real reason” they have not been released in his latest public attack.

“Time to drop the really big bomb,” Musk posted on X moments ago. “@realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!”

The truth is that the disgraced financier’s association with Trump has been known for years as the two were videotaped and photographed together at parties in the 1990s.

A book full of Epstein’s contacts from that era surfaced in the subsequent years showing Trump’s name.

{Matzav.com}

Tensions between President Trump and Elon Musk flared dramatically on Thursday, with Trump hinting that he may cut off significant federal funding to Musk’s businesses. The escalating feud came as the president reacted to mounting criticism from Musk over a cornerstone legislative proposal.

“The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn’t do it!” Trump posted on Truth Social, making a not-so-subtle reference to the extensive government partnerships enjoyed by Musk’s companies.

The sharp remark came in response to Musk’s increasingly vocal opposition to the administration’s latest legislation, a comprehensive bill that includes several of Trump’s signature economic initiatives. Musk had been a key supporter of Trump’s 2024 campaign and a guiding force behind his Department of Government Efficiency before their relationship soured.

Musk’s enterprises—chiefly Tesla and SpaceX—maintain numerous federal connections, including lucrative contracts tied to the Starlink satellite internet program, government-sponsored space missions, and electric vehicle subsidy programs.

Those very EV incentives are among the programs targeted for cuts in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the legislative vehicle Trump is using to implement tax reductions on overtime pay, tips, and Social Security income.

Musk, for his part, has dismissed the bill as fiscally irresponsible, warning that it would exacerbate the national deficit.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rabbi Eliezer (Ezzy) Newhouse z”l, a beloved longtime resident of Lakewood, NJ.

He resided for decades at the corner of 7th Street and Forest Avenue, just steps from the main campus of Bais Medrash Govoha.

R’ Ezzy was a son of the famed Rabbi Avrohom and Rebbetzin Rivka Newhouse, founders of the Bais Yaakov school in Williamsburg and Camp Bais Yaakov in Ferndale, NY in the Catskills.

For a period, R’ Ezzy served as a beloved ninth grade maggid shiur at Mesivta Kesser Torah of Belmar, NJ, led by Rav Dovid Heinemann, where he taught and nurtured talmidim with great dedication. Not just a master mechanech, R’ Ezzy taught by example, the bochurim observing his unrelenting hasmadah, his love of learning, and his amkus.

A man who lived quietly but left a loud impression on the hearts of those around him, R’ Ezzy was the embodiment of ahavas haTorah, kavod rabbonim, and simchas hachaim. Whether learning in the local botei medrash, walking the streets with a warm smile, exchanging a good vort with a neighbor, or offering help to someone in need without fanfare or recognition, he radiated joy and chesed in every interaction.

He was an oheiv Torah in the truest sense, his days marked by deep respect and love for limud haTorah and those who carry its mantle.

A baal chesed without publicity, R’ Ezzy had a special sensitivity to others, responding to need instinctively and generously. Yet, even more than what he gave, it was how he gave—joyfully, humbly, and with heart—that made him unforgettable.

To his chareidim, he was a source of chizuk. To rabbonim, a supporter and pillar of strength. To his family, he was a rock, devoted and caring without end.

R’ Ezzy leaves behind his devoted eishes chayil, Mrs. Devorah Newhouse, along with children and grandchildren who carry forth his derech.

The levayah is taking place now at the Congregation Sons of Israel Holocaust Memorial Chapel, located at 613 Ramsey Avenue, Lakewood, NJ. Kevurah will follow at the adjacent Mt. Sinai Cemetery.

The family will be sitting shivah at the Newhouse home, located at 502 7th Street in Lakewood, NJ.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

Elon Musk lashed out at President Trump on Thursday, accusing him of showing “ingratitude” and rejecting claims that he had ever been shown the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The remarks marked a sharp escalation in tensions between the two, who were once closely aligned.

Responding to Trump’s public criticism—that he was “very disappointed” in Musk for his harsh condemnation of the bill—Musk fired back in a series of posts on X. The billionaire, who formerly led the Department of Government Efficiency, didn’t hold back.

“Such ingratitude,” Musk wrote in reply to his own post, where he asserted that Trump “would have lost the election” had it not been for his support.

In another message Thursday morning, Musk flatly denied having seen the controversial bill. “False, this bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!” he posted, directly countering Trump’s claim that he had been more familiar with the contents of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” than “anybody sitting here.”

Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, played a highly visible role during the first few months of Trump’s second term, taking on the task of eliminating government inefficiencies. However, his abrupt resignation last month—after just 130 days—came as a surprise.

When Musk left, the relationship still appeared cordial. Trump had presented him with a symbolic key to the White House, a gesture seen by many as a public display of appreciation.

But that goodwill evaporated quickly. Speaking to reporters from the White House on Thursday, just prior to a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump dismissed Musk’s latest critiques, saying his former adviser was suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

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New revelations have come to light about the mission that enabled the return of the bodies of Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein Haggai to Israel. Their remains were recovered in a highly coordinated operation conducted deep inside Khan Yunis.

The mission was the culmination of a months-long intelligence pursuit led by the Hostage Task Force in collaboration with the IDF Intelligence Directorate. From the beginning of the war, teams have worked tirelessly to track hostages’ whereabouts—whether alive or no longer living. Over the past month, those efforts became even more concentrated and targeted.

Tasked with gathering, interpreting, and acting on real-time intelligence, the Hostage Task Force employed sophisticated surveillance tools and cutting-edge research methods. Their objective: to locate and identify the positions of hostages with maximum accuracy.

After critical intelligence was collected and operational planning reached maturity, conditions were established to carry out a delicate maneuver in the heart of Khan Yunis. That intelligence enabled security forces to execute a precision-based mission aimed at protecting remaining hostages while successfully recovering the remains of the two Israeli citizens.

Ahead of the recovery effort, troops from the 98th Division conducted preparatory operations to set the stage. Combat units from the 7th and 89th Brigades carried out tactical flanking procedures that opened access to the location. The mission itself was conducted through coordinated efforts between the Southern Command and Military Intelligence, with leadership drawn from a unified operations center staffed by both the 98th Division and intelligence personnel.

This recovery effort was one element of the larger initiative known as Operation “Gideon’s Chariots”—an overarching campaign focused on dismantling Hamas’ militant infrastructure, neutralizing ongoing threats, and securing the return of hostages.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Trump cast doubt on his current rapport with Elon Musk on Thursday, following harsh criticism from the billionaire entrepreneur aimed at the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The president’s remarks suggested that their previously strong bond might now be fractured.

“Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office ahead of a scheduled meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

“He hasn’t said bad about me personally, but I’m sure that’ll be next. But I’m very disappointed … I’ve helped Elon a lot.”

Since stepping down last week from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has taken to X in a barrage of posts denouncing the Trump-supported bill. Over several days, he labeled the legislation “disgusting” and implored lawmakers to “kill the bill.”

Musk, who leads both Tesla and SpaceX, took issue with the Republican-backed plan over its projected impact on the national deficit and reportedly fumed over the elimination of electric vehicle tax credits that had been implemented under Biden’s administration.

“He’s not the first. People leave my administration and they love us and then at some point they miss it so badly, and some of them embrace it and some of them actually become hostile. I don’t know what it is, it’s sort of Trump derangement syndrome, I guess they call it. … The glamor is gone, the whole world is different, and they become hostile,” Trump said of Musk.

“I’m very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill,” the president added. “He never had a problem until right after he left.”

{Matzav.com}

A 21-year-old Israel Defense Forces commando left the front line in Gaza to donate life-saving bone marrow to a 5-year-old girl battling leukemia.

The soldier, identified as A., a resident of Kfar Tavor near Mount Tabor in the eastern Lower Galilee serving in the Golani Commando Unit (formerly known as the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion), was contacted by Hadassah University Medical Center in Yerushalayim’s Ein Kerem as he was about to leave the combat zone, Israeli outlet Channel 12 News reported on Thursday.

Years earlier, as he joined the army at the IDF’s induction center, he had submitted a saliva sample to Hadassah’s volunteer bone marrow donor registry. That sample led to his identification as a perfect genetic match for a young patient in need.

“I was sitting on the truck, packed and ready to head out of Gaza, when I got the call,” A. recalled. “The coordinator told me I could save a life. At first, I didn’t realize how big of a privilege this was.”

Though the process was initially delayed due to the recipient’s medical condition, A. was eventually located again—this time during another deployment in Gaza—after Hadassah staff tracked him down through his commanding officer. With permission from his battalion commander, he was pulled from the field and proceeded with the procedure in Yerushalayim.

The donation was performed via bone marrow extraction from the pelvic bone—a method requested due to the young age of the recipient.

The procedure, while slightly invasive, is safe and does not pose long-term risks to the donor, said Professor Reuven Or, director of Hadassah’s bone marrow registry.

“This donation can only happen because of the choice soldiers are given on enlistment day to join the registry,” said Eden Dahan, a Hadassah transplant coordinator. “We preserve those samples for years, and when a match is found—even during wartime—we reach out.”

A. is now recovering and feels immense pride. “There’s no better feeling than knowing I saved a life,” he said. “I hope the transplant succeeds. That’s what matters most.”

According to Hadassah registry director Ofra Elkobi, A. is one of many soldiers located during the war who have paused their duties to donate. “Israel’s younger generation is proving to be the generation of victory—not only in battle, but in saving lives,” she said. JNS

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a long-awaited phone call on Thursday that centered almost exclusively on trade issues. Both sides agreed to arrange meetings between their respective teams, setting the stage for additional negotiations.

“I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal,” Trump shared on Truth Social following the 90-minute discussion.

“There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products,” he continued, characterizing the conversation as ending on a positive note for both the United States and China.

One of the more difficult sticking points in the trade discussions had been China’s tight grip on rare earth elements. As previously reported by The Post, Beijing had been unwilling to relax its export limitations on these critical materials.

These rare earth resources, controlled in large part by China, are indispensable for manufacturing a range of advanced technologies, including smartphones, drones, and electric vehicles. The potential for Beijing to cut off exports had raised serious alarms over the impact such a move could have on U.S. national security and economic stability.

Just days earlier, Trump had expressed frustration over China’s handling of the agreement. “The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!” he posted on Truth Social last Friday.

Despite that fiery criticism, the tone of the recent phone call appeared more conciliatory. According to Trump, Xi extended a personal invitation for him and his wife, Melania, to visit China — and the president responded with an invitation of his own.

Xi also invited Trump and his wife, Melania, to visit China, and the US president reciprocated the offer, he wrote.

“As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing,” Trump wrote of the prospective China visit.

“The conversation was focused almost entirely on TRADE. Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine, or Iran.”

In an earlier exchange with a reporter inside the Oval Office, Trump had remarked that he planned to take a cooperative approach with China during talks, brushing aside any expectation that he would press the issue of COVID-19.

Although tensions over trade had been mounting for months, the two leaders had not engaged directly until now. This phone call marked a notable shift, with the potential for more substantial progress in the near future.

{Matzav.com}