Matzav

Gasoline prices across the United States have climbed sharply since the war with Iran began, increasing by more than 55 cents per gallon over the past two weeks, according to data cited by MarketWatch.

The national average for regular gasoline has risen from roughly $2.98 per gallon on Feb. 28 to $3.539 as of March 10, based on figures compiled by AAA. The rapid increase comes as crude oil prices jumped amid concerns that fighting in the Middle East could disrupt global energy supplies.

Industry analysts say the upward trend may continue as gas stations adjust their prices to reflect rising wholesale fuel costs tied to the surge in oil markets.

“It’s extremely rare to see such a fast-paced increase,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, noting that the recent jump ranks among the fastest weekly increases in more than two decades of gasoline price data.

The spike in fuel costs follows a series of escalating military strikes across the Middle East that briefly pushed global oil prices above $100 per barrel, forcing energy markets to react quickly to the possibility of prolonged supply disruptions.

“Oil prices did rise beyond the $100 mark sooner than I thought,” De Haan said, adding he had hoped there would be “a tangible and cohesive plan to execute on for the Strait of Hormuz that obviously has not happened.”

Experts say gasoline prices may continue to rise in the days ahead as fuel retailers pass along higher supply costs to consumers.

GasBuddy projects that prices in many parts of the country could rise another 20 to 50 cents per gallon this week, potentially bringing the nationwide average close to $3.70 and possibly approaching $4 per gallon if crude oil prices remain elevated.

The increase has been particularly dramatic in California.

According to AAA, the average cost of regular gasoline in California is currently about $5.29 per gallon, making it the highest in the nation and nearly $1.75 above the national average.

In some locations, the prices are even more extreme.

Reports from Los Angeles indicate that at least one station has charged as much as $8.21 per gallon, illustrating how quickly retail fuel prices can spike in California’s tightly constrained gasoline market.

Fuel prices in California are typically far higher than in most other states due to several factors, including higher gasoline taxes, specialized environmental fuel requirements, and limited refining capacity, all of which can intensify price swings when global oil markets tighten.

Energy analysts caution that prices could keep rising if the conflict in the Middle East continues.

“The longer the Iran conflict goes on, the more susceptible the market becomes to incredible price spikes,” said Denton Cinquegrana, chief oil analyst at OPIS.

Economists say gasoline prices tend to influence consumer behavior more strongly than many other costs.

“At $4 a gallon, the consumer starts to figure out how to use less gasoline,” said Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, noting that drivers often respond by traveling less, combining errands or carpooling.

Studies show motorists typically begin adjusting their driving habits when gasoline prices exceed the levels they have grown accustomed to over the previous year.

“We’re definitely in that territory,” said Clemson University economist Matthew Lewis. “Now drivers are paying attention.”

{Matzav.com}

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr said Tuesday that federal investigators uncovered widespread fraud in the Lifeline subsidy program, including tens of thousands of deceased individuals who were reportedly enrolled for benefits in California.

Carr addressed the issue during a policy discussion with Breitbart News. During the conversation, Breitbart News Washington Bureau Chief Matt Boyle asked Carr about steps being taken to combat fraud, referencing the administration’s announcement that JD Vance would lead a national initiative targeting fraudulent activity following directives issued by President Donald Trump.

In response, Carr explained the structure of the Lifeline program and why the FCC has taken a closer look at how it has been administered in California under Governor Gavin Newsom.

“The Lifeline program is a federal program that you pay for,” Carr explained. “It is effectively an assessment that appears on your monthly telephone bill. We collect that money, and it goes to do a lot of things, but one of the things it does is to provide subsidies for phone or internet service for low income households.”

Carr said that over the years the program has repeatedly drawn the attention of individuals seeking to exploit it.

“Well, turns out, over the years, it has been very attractive to fraudsters,” he stated. “And the FCC’s inspector general did a report and advisory and found that in California alone, over 94,000 dead people were signed up for and getting Lifeline in California — itself was in charge of vetting to see who’s eligible for Lifeline or not.”

According to Carr, the FCC has already moved to change how eligibility is verified in California.

“So we’ve now revoked California’s authority to conduct its own vetting,” Carr remarked. “We now make California join almost every other state to go through a federal vetting process for Lifeline and we’re putting in place a very simple two-part test.”

He explained that recipients must meet two basic criteria in order to qualify.

“To get these federal subsidies, you must be both a lawful and living beneficiary,” he continued. “Some people say we were setting the bar too high by a lawful and living beneficiary standard.”

Carr added that the FCC plans to strengthen verification procedures by making greater use of national databases that track deaths.

“There’s death registries, death databases that should be doing a much better job of vetting and checking. So we are starting a proceeding where we’re going to make sure that there’s a much better job being done of that,” Carr added.

The chairman also argued that problems with fraud extend beyond the Lifeline program, pointing to issues in California’s emergency response system.

“The fraud goes much beyond that,” he commented. “There’s also a recent story where Gavin Newsom came in, and I think in his first week in office, said he was going to improve the state’s aging 911 systems. You call 911 that’s a call that you always want to go through.”

Carr said the state invested heavily in an effort to modernize the system but that the upgrade ultimately failed.

“There’s an antiquated, outdated system in California,” Carr continued. “Gavin Newsom pledged $450 million to solve that antiquated, outdated 911 system. Once they upgraded the system, they turned it on, it didn’t work. So they’ve shut it down. Apparently, as best as I can tell, the $450 million is gone, and California is still stuck on the old, antiquated 911 system.”

Carr said the FCC has created a specific initiative aimed at identifying misuse of federal funding programs.

“So we are working hard at the FCC,” he said. “Again, we have a very specific work stream, just looking at instances of waste, fraud and abuse, and we’re going to continue to direct change. But again, millions and millions of dollars is just going up in smoke all across the country.”

When asked about consequences for individuals who participate in fraudulent schemes, Carr said regulators are exploring stronger penalties that would prevent offenders from receiving benefits from any federal program.

“There’s a whole — we call it debarment process, where if you’re caught violating one federal program, you should be kicked out from all federal programs,” he noted. “There’s been some holes in how that’s worked at the FCC, and we’re looking to close that out.”

Carr concluded by saying the commission is considering tougher enforcement measures to ensure that those involved in fraudulent activities face broader restrictions.

“So if you’re participating in a bad scheme at the FCC, you’re not just kicked out of FCC programs, but potentially all federal benefit programs,” he concluded. “And so we’re looking to be much more aggressive there with the bad actors.”

{Matzav.com}

Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was reportedly injured in the early stages of the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, according to a Wednesday report by The New York Times citing both Israeli and Iranian officials.

The report said Khamenei, 56, sustained wounds to his legs during the opening day of the attacks. The injuries may explain why he has not yet appeared publicly or delivered a recorded address since being chosen to succeed his father.

Mojtaba Khamenei was formally named supreme leader on Sunday following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who had ruled Iran for decades before being killed at the outset of the war.

According to the report, the younger Khamenei was injured during the same opening strikes that claimed his father’s life. His absence from public view since the announcement of his leadership has fueled speculation about the extent of his condition.

As of Wednesday morning—more than two days after his appointment—Khamenei had not issued a public statement nor appeared in any video message.

Sources cited by The Times said that beyond concerns about his injuries, security fears are also playing a role in his silence, with officials worried that any public communication could expose his location and make him a target.

Earlier reports had already suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei was hurt during the conflict. Iranian state media previously referred to him as a “janbaz,” a term used to describe someone wounded by enemy forces.

It remains uncertain whether his injuries are severe enough to hinder his ability to lead the country.

Adding to the uncertainty, the son of Iran’s president addressed the matter on Wednesday, saying Mojtaba Khamenei was “safe and sound,” though he did not dispute reports that the new supreme leader had been injured.

“I heard news that Mr Mojtaba Khamenei had been injured. I have asked some friends who had connections. They told me that, thank God, he is safe and sound,” said Yousef Pezeshkian, who is also a government adviser, in a post on his Telegram channel.

Despite years spent operating behind the scenes as a key aide running his father’s office, Mojtaba Khamenei is still largely unfamiliar to many people in Iran.

Senior Iranian officials told The Times that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pushed aggressively for his appointment. According to those sources, the powerful military organization viewed him as a leader who would more readily support its hardline agenda and override objections raised by more moderate voices within the regime.

The IRGC, which already wielded enormous influence, has further strengthened its position since the outbreak of the war. Sources said the group quickly brushed aside reservations from senior clerical and political figures whose resistance briefly delayed the announcement of Khamenei’s selection.

Israel has already warned that any Iranian leader directing the country’s campaign against Israel could become a target.

Israel’s Defense Minister Yisroel Katz said last week that any leader appointed by the Iranian regime would be an “unequivocal target for elimination.”

“Any leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue leading the plan to destroy Israel, threaten the US and the free world and the countries of the region, and oppress the Iranian people, will be an unequivocal target for elimination,” Katz said in a statement.

“It does not matter what his name is or where he hides,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s defense establishment says its military campaign against Iran will press ahead without a deadline, as Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz declared that the country’s leadership has retreated into underground bunkers while Israeli and American forces continue coordinated operations.

Katz delivered the remarks Wednesday during a high-level security assessment with senior defense officials, where he said Israel intends to pursue the war until every strategic objective has been met.

The meeting was attended by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Defense Ministry Director-General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, Intelligence Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, Operations Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen, Home Front Command head Maj. Gen. Shay Kalper, the defense minister’s military secretary Brig. Gen. Guy Markizeno, Research Division chief Brig. Gen. Ofir Mizrahi-Rozen, Operations Division head Brig. Gen. Israel Shomer, Israeli Air Force chief of staff Brig. Gen. Gilad Keinan, along with other senior security officials.

Speaking during the discussion, Katz commended the military’s performance and pointed to the close cooperation between Israel and the United States. “I praise the very impressive achievements in both offense and defense and the joint activity with our American partner. The surviving Iranian leadership are a group of cowards who act bravely only against women, children, and the elderly in the streets, specializing in massacres and the killing of civilians – and they are already threatening to murder and slaughter anyone who protests.”

Katz said Iran’s leaders have retreated underground in the face of sustained military pressure. “But as we see, Chief of Staff, when they encounter real force, they flee like rats into tunnels, just like the Hamas leadership in Gaza. Today they truly resemble Hamas, and from there they give orders to fire at civilians and children in Israel and across the region. That is exactly what remains of them – a Hamas-like leadership.”

He continued by describing the scope of the military campaign against Iran’s security apparatus. “The IDF, together with our partner, is carrying out impressive and systematic operations targeting regime personnel themselves, the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij. Many thousands have been killed, and because they shut down the internet they are concealing the numbers.”

Katz said intelligence assessments indicate that Iranian hospitals are overwhelmed by casualties among regime forces. “I understand that the morgues in hospitals are full, and we are talking here about terror forces, not civilians, and this effort must certainly continue. We will continue to act and crush the regime and its strategic targets in Tehran and across Iran, day after day, target after target. We will also continue in order to enable the Iranian people to rise up and remove this regime. Ultimately, this is something that depends on them.”

He also emphasized that the war effort is being directed jointly by the leaders of Israel and the United States. “This operation, led by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – who speak and coordinate daily and from there guide and set policy – and carried out by you and by CENTCOM together with the US military, will continue without any time limit, for as long as necessary, until we achieve all objectives and decisively win the campaign.”

{Matzav.com}

Nearly 600 Israelis arrived in Israel on Tuesday aboard two direct flights fully financed by the government of the United Arab Emirates, in an operation organized through efforts by Israel’s Foreign Ministry, according to a report by Roi Kais on Kan News.

The UAE is currently the only country known to have fully covered the cost of evacuation flights for Israeli citizens from anywhere in the world, including flights returning them to Israel. The aircraft reportedly flew along a longer-than-usual route and carried no external identifying markings.

Two days earlier, Israel’s Transportation Ministry announced the launch of Operation “Lionesses of the Gulf,” a plan aimed at bringing Israelis currently in the United Arab Emirates back home. The initiative followed a conversation between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE leader Mohammed bin Zayed.

Under the arrangement reached between the two countries, special evacuation flights are being provided exclusively for Israeli citizens currently in the Emirates at no cost. The flights are being operated in cooperation with Emirati airlines to Israel and other destinations as soon as airspace conditions allow.

Meanwhile, Israeli airlines announced this past weekend that they would begin operating outbound flights from Israel starting Sunday. The flights are being conducted according to the Transportation Ministry’s framework for rescue operations from Israel, with passenger numbers on each departing flight temporarily limited to 70 people.

{Matzav.com}

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, is expected to travel to Germany next Sunday to undergo medical treatment there, following a series of treatments he has recently received in Yerushalayim.

The upcoming trip comes as a continuation of the care the Rebbe has been receiving from leading physicians at the Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center.

The journey was arranged through coordination between senior specialists at Hadassah and the medical team at the hospital in Germany where the next stage of treatment will take place.

Representatives of the Vizhnitzer chassidus have expressed appreciation for the dedication of the Hadassah administration and its medical staff, noting their tireless efforts on behalf of the Rebbe’s recovery.

All are asked to daven for Yisroel ben Leah Esther.

A senior figure in the chareidi parties said Tuesday night that the Israeli draft law has not been abandoned, despite the government’s decision to delay its advancement because of the war and the need to pass the state budget.

According to the official, the halt in promoting the legislation is tied to the current security situation and the urgency of approving a budget that will fund Israel’s war effort.

“The draft law has not died but was postponed due to the war and the need to pass a budget to finance the fighting. After the war we will return to legislating the law with full force,” the official said.

The senior figure also criticized statements made by Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich, describing them as politically driven. “The statements are meant to gather votes in order to pass the electoral threshold and to justify his retreat from the reforms.”

Smotrich himself addressed the delay in advancing the draft law, explaining that the government has decided to temporarily set aside divisive issues during wartime.

“In order to succeed in this mission we are putting aside issues that are in dispute and not appropriate for wartime. We are putting aside the draft law, which will not be advanced now.”

He added that passing the state budget quickly would enable Israel to continue its security campaign while maintaining economic stability.

“War is a time for unity and national responsibility. Passing the budget immediately will allow us to win the war and strengthen Israel’s economy in the coming years.”

As the war with Iran continues, the country’s Jewish community—estimated at roughly 15,000 people—is navigating a tense and uncertain reality while trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible.

Sources familiar with the situation say that, for now, conditions for Jews across Iran remain relatively stable. Community members are deliberately keeping a low profile in public and avoiding activities that might draw attention during the wartime period. At this stage, those monitoring the situation say there has been no unusual escalation in the regime’s treatment of Jews.

Individuals closely following the circumstances of the Jewish communities emphasize that the greatest concern now is simply their safety. “At this moment, all that remains is to pray that no harm comes to the Jews,” those familiar with the situation say, adding that discretion is essential under the current conditions.

According to sources with knowledge of the community’s internal decisions, all weddings and large gatherings within the Jewish community in Iran have been canceled. Community leaders believe it would be inappropriate to hold celebrations at a time when the country is under military attack.

Jewish community figures in several countries abroad who are in contact with those monitoring the situation have also issued a specific request to Israelis: they urge people not to attempt to communicate with Jews inside Iran, warning that such contact could put them in danger.

Last week it was reported that Iran’s Jewish community publicly condemned the Israeli and American strikes that resulted in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Homayoun Sameh, the Jewish representative in the Iranian parliament, issued a statement praising the late leader.

“The leader was busy managing the affairs of the state until his last drop of blood and unjustly sacrificed his life for the Iranian nation,” Sameh said.

Sameh also released a condolence message following what he described as the “unjust death” of the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In the message he blamed the killing on what he called the “Zionist regime,” saying the event had brought deep sorrow to Iran.

“The Iranian Jewish community sends its sincere condolences to the noble Iranian nation, to his family, and to all lovers of the Islamic Revolution over this heartbreaking and painful loss. There is no doubt that dear Iran mourns the death of a wise, patient, and compassionate leader — a personality who dedicated his blessed life to the path of independence, dignity, and pride of this land, and who always emphasized national unity, empathy, and peaceful coexistence among followers of the divine religions.”

{Matzav.com}

Iran’s parliament speaker declared Tuesday that Tehran has no interest in pursuing a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, insisting instead that those he called the “aggressor” must face consequences.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf made the remarks in a message posted to social media, making clear that Iran intends to continue fighting rather than seeking a pause in the hostilities.

“Certainly we aren’t seeking a ceasefire,” Ghalibaf wrote in a post on social media.

“We believe the aggressor must be punished and taught a lesson that will deter them from attacking Iran again,” he added.

His comments followed a statement issued Monday by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps responding to remarks by US President Donald Trump, who had suggested that the war with Iran could conclude in the near future.

In remarks cited by Reuters, the IRGC said they would “determine the end of the war”, while warning that Iran could take steps to halt oil shipments from the region if attacks by the United States and Israel continue.

The statement added that Iran would not permit “one liter of oil” to leave the region under such circumstances.

Trump responded to the warning with a message posted on his Truth Social platform, cautioning Tehran against interfering with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far.”

He continued with an additional warning directed at Iranian leadership.

“Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again – Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them – But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen! This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the situation Tuesday, saying the United States will not permit any disruption to maritime traffic or energy shipments in the region.

The US is acting so that “the United States and all our allies can receive their energy needs. President Trump will not allow rogue Iranian terrorists to strop the freedom of navigation and the free flow of energy,” Leavitt said in a statement.

“If they (Iran) do anything to stop the flow of oil or goods within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the world’s most powerful military 20 times harder than they have been hit thus far,” she threatened.

Leavitt also sought to reassure Americans concerned about rising fuel costs, saying the price increases would not last.

She added that “the increase in gas prices is temporary and in the long term prices will fall. Once the military goals are achieved, we will live in a world where Iran can no longer threaten.”

At the same time, CBS News reported that US officials believe Iran could be preparing to place naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that would threaten one of the world’s most important shipping corridors.

Trump addressed the report on Truth Social, warning Iran not to take such a step.

“If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY! If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before. If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!” Trump wrote.

{Matzav.com}

North Korea announced Wednesday that it supports the Iranian people’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader following the death of his father in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes last weekend.

Mojtaba Khamenei was selected earlier this week to take over leadership after his father was killed during the coordinated military operation carried out by the United States and Israel in Iran on Saturday.

North Korea’s official news agency KCNA reported that the country’s foreign ministry also issued a sharp condemnation of the attacks carried out by Washington and Jerusalem. The ministry criticized what it called the US and Israel’s “illegal” attacks against Iran, warning that such actions undermine global peace and contribute to rising instability.

Iran and North Korea have long maintained ties in the development of ballistic missile technology.

In 2013, reports surfaced indicating that the two nations had pledged to continue working together on the advancement of nuclear-capable missile systems.

A United Nations panel of experts later stated in 2021 that cooperation between the two countries on long-range missile programs had resumed the previous year, including the transfer of key components used in missile development.

{Matzav.com}

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Podcaster Joe Rogan said many supporters of President Trump feel let down by the ongoing war with Iran, describing the conflict as “insane” and questioning how it fits with the president’s earlier campaign promises.

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, Rogan suggested that the military action has left some of Trump’s backers uneasy because they believed he would avoid new foreign conflicts.

“Well, it just seems so insane, based on what he ran on. I mean, this is why a lot of people feel betrayed, right?” Rogan said during the latest episode of his podcast. “He ran on, ‘No more wars,’ ‘End these stupid, senseless wars,’ and then we have one that we can’t even really clearly define why we did it.”

Concerns about the war potentially expanding into a lengthy military commitment have also surfaced among several Republican lawmakers. Some members of the GOP have warned that the United States could risk becoming tied down in another prolonged overseas conflict after spending two decades fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Last week, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) cautioned that the current operation against Iran could evolve into what he described as another endless war, urging Trump supporters to remain attentive.

“I would say stay concerned,” Burchett told a reporter after being asked if he had a message for Trump supporters. “I mean, be concerned. Be vigilant. Hold our feet to the fire. Keep us honest on that issue.”

Public opinion surveys indicate that many Americans expect the confrontation with Iran to continue for some time. A recent Quinnipiac poll found that nearly three-quarters of respondents believe the fighting will last months or longer.

According to the survey, 71 percent of voters said they expect the war to continue for “months,” “about a year” or “longer than that.”

President Trump, however, offered a much more optimistic timeline earlier this week, suggesting that the conflict is nearing its conclusion.

“This was just an excursion into something that had to be done. We’re getting very close to finishing that too,” Trump said during a press conference Monday.

Trump’s remarks came only days after he made clear that the United States would settle for nothing less than “unconditional surrender” from Iran’s leadership.

{Matzav.com}

A small island in the Persian Gulf that is only about one-third the size of Manhattan has become a focal point in discussions about how the conflict with Iran could unfold, as analysts say its control could dramatically affect Tehran’s finances and influence President Trump’s strategy toward the regime, the NY Post reports.

Kharg Island sits roughly 16 miles from Iran’s coastline in the Persian Gulf. Because of its exposed position, experts say it could be difficult for Iran to defend while also being relatively easy for adversaries to isolate — factors that have reportedly attracted attention from planners within the administration.

“Kharg Island handles roughly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. Take it out, and this means cutting off the military budget in addition to pulling the plug on the basic services that keep Iranian society functioning,” said Mohammed Soliman, a senior fellow at the DC-based Middle East Institute.

Soliman explained that even a temporary disruption of activity on the island could send shockwaves through Iran’s economy and internal stability.

“Losing Kharg for even a few weeks will create a security and societal crisis in Iran at the same time. Tehran doesn’t get to choose which one to deal with first,” said Soliman, author of “West Asia: A New American Grand Strategy in the Middle East.”

“The revenue shortfall would run into the billions monthly. You’d see the currency collapse further, inflation spike, subsidies buckle, and this will add more pressure on the country with no quick way to stop the bleeding.”

According to a source familiar with administration thinking, the question surrounding a move to seize the island is less about whether it will happen and more about the timing, given its strategic importance in the wider conflict.

The source said the Israel Defense Forces would prefer to capture the island sooner, while American commanders are believed to favor continuing strikes against Iran’s offensive capabilities before turning attention to Kharg.

Under that approach, taking control of the island would occur only after Iran’s military power had already been severely weakened, allowing the move to deliver maximum strategic pressure on the regime.

Although Iranian oil exports face heavy American sanctions, most crude shipped from Kharg ultimately ends up in China.

Since the war began on Feb. 28, oil shipments moving through the Persian Gulf have slowed dramatically. The disruption has rattled global markets, prompting sharp fluctuations in trading as Trump attempts to encourage commercial vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz by offering a new reinsurance plan along with U.S. naval escorts.

JP Morgan warned in a statement Monday that “a direct strike [on Kharg Island] would immediately halt the bulk of Iran’s crude exports, likely triggering severe retaliation in the Strait of Hormuz or against regional energy infrastructure.”

Axios was the first to report that Washington was considering a mission aimed at capturing Kharg Island.

Former administration official John Ullyot, who previously served in defense roles including at the National Security Council during Trump’s first term, said the island’s central role in Iran’s economy could provide the United States with major leverage.

Ullyot described the prospect of a military operation to take the island as a risky move that could nonetheless deliver major strategic benefits.

A US raid to capture Kharg would be “high-risk, high-reward,” Ullyot said.

“To take such a high percentage of the Iranian oil supply off the table would cripple the regime and would also give the US, as it has in Venezuela, a big say on where Iran’s oil supply would go,” he said.

“This is the whole source of their economy.”

Since launching the war with Iran, Trump has frequently pointed to events in Venezuela, telling audiences how he removed dictator Nicolas Maduro and replaced him with vice president Delcy Rodriquez, who later agreed to direct oil exports toward the United States and allow American companies into the country’s energy sector.

Ullyot said Trump appears aware of the dangers that come with occupying territory inside Iran itself, suggesting that large numbers of American troops may not be necessary because of Kharg Island’s geographic position.

“One option would be to do a naval blockade of the island,” he said.

“President Trump can essentially seize the island by having an aggressive blockade of the island, [which] he could use down the line to essentially make the Iranian oil supply subject to his call… It would also give him leverage to influence who would be, ultimately, the next leader or interim leader of Iran.”

Speaking Monday afternoon, Trump said he expects the conflict to conclude soon.

“I think you’ll see it’s going to be a short-term excursion,” the president said.

“So the rest is going to be a determination as to my attitude, along with the people in the Trump administration, what we want to do.”

{Matzav.com}

A public dispute between Sen. Ted Cruz and commentator Tucker Carlson intensified again this week as the two prominent conservative figures exchanged sharp criticism over Israel, antisemitism, and the war with Iran.

Speaking Tuesday at an antisemitism symposium in Washington organized by the Republican Jewish Coalition and National Review, the Texas Republican delivered a blistering attack on Carlson and vowed to confront the podcast host directly.

“I believe Tucker Carlson is the single most dangerous demagogue in this country,” Cruz said. He added that antisemitism has become increasingly visible on the political right in recent months. “I have seen more antisemitism in the last 18 months on the right than at any point in my lifetime,” Cruz continued. “It is being spread by loud voices, the most consequential of whom is Tucker Carlson.”

Cruz’s comments came days after Carlson mocked Cruz and others who rely on Israeli intelligence assessments during a recent episode of his podcast.

During the March 2 broadcast, Carlson ridiculed what he described as blind trust in Israeli intelligence. “No offense to Ted Cruz or all the other dumbos who are always saying, ‘we get all this actionable intelligence, it’s so important, we need [Israel] so desperately,’” Carlson said. “Really? Let’s evaluate the quality of that intelligence.”

The conflict between the two men reflects a broader divide among conservatives over U.S. policy toward Israel and Iran. Both figures host widely followed podcasts and are frequently mentioned as possible contenders in the 2028 presidential race, making their rivalry a potential preview of future political battles within the Republican Party.

Carlson, who remains one of the most influential voices in conservative media and maintains ties to the White House, is often discussed as a possible presidential candidate despite criticism from many Republicans. Cruz, who finished second to President Trump in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, is also viewed as a potential 2028 contender.

Asked Tuesday to respond to Cruz’s latest remarks, Carlson brushed off the criticism in a brief text message. “Pretty funny,” he said. “He’s running for president against me, which I find amusing since I’m not in the race.”

Cruz has repeatedly attacked Carlson in recent months, including over Carlson’s decision to host white nationalist Nick Fuentes on his podcast without challenging Fuentes’ claim that the “big challenge” to unifying the country is “organized Jewry.”

The Texas senator has suggested that opposing antisemitism and strengthening support for Israel could be key elements of a possible presidential campaign. Speaking at the symposium Tuesday, he warned that the political landscape could shift in troubling ways if voices like Carlson’s gain greater influence.

“I don’t want to wake up in five years and find myself in a country where both major political parties are unambiguously antisemitic,” Cruz said. “I think that is a real possibility, if Tucker and his minions prevail.”

The two men have clashed repeatedly over Middle East policy and have been sparring publicly for months.

In June 2025, Carlson invited Cruz onto an episode of “The Tucker Carlson Show,” one of the most widely streamed podcasts on Spotify. During the interview, the two argued intensely about Iran, with Carlson accusing Cruz of lacking knowledge about the country.

Carlson said Cruz didn’t “know anything” about “the country you seek to topple.”

Cruz fired back during the exchange, suggesting Carlson’s criticism of Israel echoed antisemitic arguments.

“You’re not talking about the Chinese, you’re not talking about the Japanese, you’re not talking about the British, you’re not talking about the French,” Cruz told Carlson. “You’re asking, ‘why are the Jews controlling our foreign policy?’ That’s what you just asked.”

After the interview aired, Cruz used his own podcast, “Verdict with Ted Cruz,” to defend his performance and criticize Carlson’s conduct, saying the commentator had gone “off the rails.”

Later in November, while addressing the Republican Jewish Coalition’s leadership summit in Las Vegas, Cruz escalated the rhetoric further by calling Carlson a “coward.” Speaking days afterward at a Federalist Society event in Washington, he said some Republicans hesitate to challenge Carlson publicly because “he has one hell of a big megaphone.”

At Tuesday’s symposium, Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas appeared to dismiss the influence of what he described as internet personalities promoting antisemitic views. Although he did not mention Carlson by name, Cotton referred to “so-called influencers” spreading such ideas and minimized their impact.

“They are not influential,” Cotton said. “They are at least not influential with Donald Trump, who continues to reject their kooky advice.”

Despite criticism from many Republican leaders, Carlson’s views about Israel have gained traction among segments of younger conservatives. Recent polling highlights shifting attitudes, with a Yale Youth Poll showing Americans under 35 significantly more likely than older generations to believe that U.S. Jews “have too much power.” A Pew survey last year also found that the share of Republicans under 50 holding unfavorable views of Israel increased from 35 percent to 50 percent over the previous three years.

When asked whether he might seek the presidency in 2028, Carlson responded with a quip aimed directly at Cruz.

“Only if it’s against Cruz.”

A group of Orthodox Jewish teachers in New York City has lost a legal challenge against the Department of Education after being denied time off to prepare for Pesach, marking the first time in decades that such requests were rejected.

The dispute began last year when the Department of Education declined to grant religious exemptions that would have allowed observant teachers to miss work in order to prepare their homes for the holiday. It was the first time since 1999 that the agency refused to approve those requests.

As a result, teachers who wished to spend the day performing the traditional Pesach preparations were required to use personal leave or vacation days.

In May 2025, twenty observant Jewish educators filed a formal grievance challenging the policy. They were informed in mid-February that their complaint had been denied.

The United Federation of Teachers is now considering whether to pursue the matter further by requesting an arbitration hearing.

In response to questions about the issue, the Department of Education defended its position.

“We respect the religious observances of all employees and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and operational needs,” the DOE told The Post.

Moshe Spern, president of United Jewish Teachers, pointed out that an arbitrator had ruled in 1999 that the Department of Education should permit religious observance days, and said requests for the Pesach preparation day had consistently been granted since that decision.

“The DOE and new Chancellor Samuels reaffirming an awful decision from last year is not only wrong but definitely borders on religious discrimination,” Spern alleged.

Commentator Tucker Carlson has drawn renewed attention after delivering sharp criticism of radio host Mark Levin and Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, accusing Levin of attempting to manufacture political consensus through repetition and suggesting that Huckabee may be acting under what he described as a kind of “spell” in his support for Israel.

Carlson’s remarks about Levin were made during an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show on February 26. His comments about Huckabee came earlier, during a separate interview on the Judging Freedom podcast with Judge Andrew Napolitano on December 17, 2025.

Clips from both interviews have recently resurfaced and are circulating widely on X, where users are sharing the segments amid a growing debate among conservative commentators over U.S. policy toward Israel, Iran, and the broader Middle East.

During his conversation with Megyn Kelly, Carlson spoke about the increasingly heated divide among conservatives on foreign policy issues, arguing that some figures attempt to shape political reality simply by repeating claims until they are accepted as truth.

Carlson said that “what people like Levin—whom I’m not attacking; I feel sorry for him because he’s clearly living in hell—are trying to do is a species of witchcraft,” explaining that in his view the tactic is straightforward: “you repeat something until it becomes true.”

He illustrated his point by describing the types of messages he believes are being repeated in the public discourse. According to Carlson, the argument is framed in slogans such as: “Khamenei must die. We’re going into war. We’re gonna knock off the government. This is good for us. Anyone who’s against it is an antisemite, a Nazi, should be expelled, Benedict Arnold, not allowed in the White House.” Carlson added that the strategy, as he sees it, is that “you keep repeating things that are untrue until they become true.”

Expanding on the idea, Carlson said he believes language itself can shape public perception. “You speak, and you create truth by speaking,” he said, adding, “In the beginning was the Word. There’s a holy power, a supernatural power, in words. Describing things is different from simply doing them.”

He continued by arguing that rhetoric can function almost like an incantation that creates a new political reality. “If you can talk reality into being, this is what an incantation is. This is what a spell is,” Carlson said. “It’s not spooky or crazy stuff—it’s the lived reality of every person. Say it, and it becomes true.” He concluded by questioning the strategic rationale behind the policy debate, saying that “nobody is making the case for how does this help The United States? How does this make us richer, safer, happier? Zero.”

Carlson also criticized former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, suggesting that some figures in Washington act more like paid advocates than independent voices. Referring to Pompeo, Carlson said that “shills like Pompeo—who are getting paid from who knows how many different groups to lie to you—come across as some moral voice.”

In his separate appearance on the Judging Freedom podcast, Carlson offered a broader explanation for what he sees as unusual political behavior in Washington, suggesting that it sometimes goes beyond ordinary political motivations.

Carlson said that “there’s something deeper. There’s almost a spell,” pointing specifically to Ambassador Mike Huckabee as an example. “Huckabee, for example—do you really think Huckabee is being threatened? I know Huckabee well. I’m sure you do, too. Nice man.”

Carlson said that when he observes Huckabee’s public comments, he finds them difficult to explain through conventional political reasoning. “What is this? I look at him and I see a man under a spell,” Carlson said, acknowledging that he expected criticism for the claim but insisting that he meant it seriously.

“There’s no practical, conventional explanation for some of this behavior,” Carlson said, adding that while he believes he understands the motivations of other political figures such as Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham, Huckabee’s position appears different to him.

“But Mike Huckabee? I think he is under a spell. He is not thinking clearly at all,” Carlson said.

Carlson pointed to Huckabee’s public statements about the importance of supporting Israel as an example. He cited a comment in which Huckabee warned that “God will destroy our country if we don’t support Bibi,” saying he found the remark difficult to understand.

Carlson said that when he hears such statements he wonders how someone would reach that conclusion, adding that in his view the explanation may be “more metaphysical than political.”

{Matzav.com}

The sun had already begun its slow descent this past Sunday when the first guests arrived at MetLife Stadium on Sunday evening. The massive complex in East Rutherford, NJ, usually the stage for roaring crowds and athletic spectacle, was transformed into something entirely different, an evening dedicated not to sports or entertainment, but to Torah. Inside, hundreds gathered for a historic and deeply moving tribute presented by Agudath Israel of America: the Taamei HaSugyos Daf Yomi Maggidei Shiur Appreciation Event, honoring those who deliver Daf Yomi shiurim every day and the wives who make that lifelong commitment possible.

For those who participate in Daf Yomi, the maggid shiur is more than a teacher. He is the steady voice that guides the journey through Shas, daf by daf, day after day. In shuls, batei medrash, offices, and conference rooms around the world, these maggidei shiur transform the pages of Gemara into living Torah.

Sunday night was dedicated to recognizing them, the pillars of the Daf.

The evening opened in a fitting tone of tefillah for Acheinu Bnei Yisroel. Rabbi Itche Rosenbaum led the assembled crowd in the recitation of Tehillim.

Serving as emcee was Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, Director of Torah Initiatives at Agudath Israel of America, who welcomed the audience and framed the unique nature of the gathering. He introduced Reb Shmuel Yosef Rieder, head of the Agudah Siyum Committee, who has been the leader in advancing Daf Yomi initiatives for four decades.

What followed was an experience unlike any other event. The dinner itself became a continuation of the learning, as each course was paired with a sugya in Shas. The concept reflected the theme of the evening — that Torah permeates every aspect of life, even the meal being served.

The first course, Machrozos Shel Dagim, was presented by Rav Avi Neuberger, who shared a shtickel Torah connected to the sugya.

The second course, Di Heilige Kurkevon, was presented by Rav Shlomo Cynamon, whose words combined depth with a sense of reverence for the sugya that inspired the dish.

Course three, Chatichos Basar Al Daf Shel Nachtumim, was presented by Rav Yitzchok Dovid Frankel.

For the fourth course, Hatmanah, Rav Noach Isaac Oelbaum shared insights that demonstrated how even the most intricate halachic discussion can carry practical meaning.

The fifth course, Zeicher L’Minchas Marcheshes, was presented by Rabbi Yossi Glieberman.

But the evening was not only about the sugyos. It was also about the individuals whose lives embody dedication to Torah.

The featured speaker of the night was Rav Uri Tiger. A special edition of his sefer, Zevach Pesach, had been published for the occasion and distributed to all those in attendance. His personal story fascinated the audience. Born into a secular family in Israel, he experienced a childhood much like that of many Israeli youths, attending public school and living a completely secular life. Yet from that unlikely beginning emerged a remarkable talmid chochom. Rav Tiger’s journey led him into the world of Torah learning, where he eventually developed a close relationship with Maran Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, becoming his personal chavrusah for fifteen years. His presence at the event at MetLife symbolized the transformative power of Torah, the way it can shape a life, redirect a path, and elevate a person beyond what might once have seemed possible.

Following his address, the assemblage was greeted by Reb Shloime Werdiger, Chairman of the Board of Agudath Israel of America. Speaking with deep appreciation, he reflected on the impact of Daf Yomi and the maggidei shiur who dedicate themselves to teaching it. He spoke about the countless hours invested by these maggidei shiur and the ripple effect of their work: thousands of lomdim who, through their guidance, are connected daily to the words of Chazal.

The program then moved into a fascinating panel discussion featuring three maggidei shiur: Rabbi Yekusiel Elimelech Friedman, Rabbi Barry Liebowitz, and Rabbi Yechezkel Hartman. Moderated by Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, the conversation addressed a number of compelling Daf Yomi-related questions, including tips for other maggidei shiur, the challenges of delivering a Daf Yomi shiur, the use of AI and animation in the presentation of a Daf Yomi shiur, and more. The panelists moments of inspiration and the quiet satisfaction of knowing that their shiurim are helping people connect to Torah in a deeper way.

Then came of the highlights of the evening.

Guests were invited outside into the stadium itself. Under the towering lights and vast screens of MetLife Stadium, attendees watched a special video presentation on the giant Jumbotrons, a tribute to the maggidei shiur and their wives. The images and messages displayed across the enormous screens turned the stadium into a canvas celebrating Torah learning.

For many, it was an emotional moment, seeing the quiet work of Torah teaching elevated onto one of the largest stages imaginable.

As the evening came to a close and the guests began to leave, one final gesture awaited the wives of the maggidei shiur. Each received a special Lucite gift containing a letter written and signed in their honor by all the members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah. It was a recognition that behind every maggid shiur stands a partner who shares in the sacrifice, the commitment, and the mission.

When the crowd finally dispersed into the night, there was a shared sense that something remarkable had taken place, a gathering that wove together Torah, gratitude, and celebration in such a creative and meaningful way.

At a stadium that usually echoes with the noise of competition, Sunday night was devoted to something far greater: honoring those who quietly dedicate their lives to Daf Yomi.

The maggidei shiur — and the wives who support them — truly are the pillars of the Daf, responsible collectively for millions upon millions of hours of limud haTorah. For one unforgettable evening, that dedication was brought into the spotlight, and the message was clear.

Torah is the real victory.

PHOTOS:

{Matzav.com}

A major change in the production of kugel under the supervision of Badatz Eidah Hachareidis has stirred discussion in the chareidi community after the kashrus committee announced that following Pesach it will no longer grant certification for kugel prepared in reusable aluminum pots. The decision comes amid concerns that the pots circulate without supervision. Rabbonim have given manufacturers time to prepare for the transition and have pointed to a producer who has already developed a suitable disposable pot solution.

For many years, members of the kashrus committee of Badatz Eidah Hachareidis have grappled with the issue of the well-known kugel pots used to prepare Yerushalmi kugel served at kiddushim and simchos throughout the community.

These pots are regularly delivered to kiddushim and events on weekends and later returned to the manufacturer. However, the pots often circulate widely before being retrieved, raising concern that they may be used in kitchens that are not under proper supervision. Such use, rabbonim warned, could create serious kashrus concerns.

In recent months, the kashrus committee of Eidah Hachareidis announced an end to the use of aluminum pots. A kugel manufacturer has since developed a new solution in the form of specially designed disposable pots intended for kugel production.

Kugel producers have welcomed the move, as it eliminates the logistical challenge of collecting pots from shuls and removes the need to employ workers to wash them. The main technical difficulty that had to be overcome was ensuring that heat reaches the upper portion of the pot. If the top of the kugel does not cook properly, it can spoil, raising the question of whether a disposable pot could provide adequate heat distribution.

Matzav.com has learned that a letter sent to manufacturers during the month of Kislev by the kashrus committee of Eidah Hachareidis explained the issue in detail. The letter addressed all producers and distributors of Yerushalmi kugel and discussed the ongoing problem of kugel pots remaining behind at event venues.

The letter explained that for several years the kashrus concerns surrounding these pots had repeatedly been discussed by rabbonim. After events, the pots are often left behind in various places, creating ongoing concerns about their handling and use.

Over the years, rabbonim together with the leadership of the kashrus committee attempted numerous solutions, but these ultimately proved impractical. In recent years, Rabbi Aharon Moshe Kubitschek of the Maadentchik company agreed to take on the challenge. After considerable investment and several trials, he succeeded in developing a disposable pot capable of baking an entire kugel, which rabbonim determined to be a workable solution.

Following an examination of the costs involved in development, production, and import, an agreement was reached to sell the pots to kugel manufacturers for 10.5 shekels per pot for a full kugel, with the hope that larger production volumes in the future would reduce the price.

As a result, rabbonim ruled that all kugel producers must stop purchasing reusable pots and instead order only disposable ones. Pots currently in use may still be used after the fact until the upcoming Shavuos, but after that date kugel may no longer be sold in reusable pots.

During the transition period, manufacturers were instructed to continue following the previous guidelines when using remaining reusable pots. These include making an effort to collect the pots immediately after use and checking returned pots to ensure they were not used for other purposes and were not washed improperly.

The directive stresses that the rule applies in every case, whether the kugel is being delivered to a shul, a simcha hall, a public venue, or a private home. Any deviation from these instructions, even if it occurred unintentionally, must be reported to the supervising mashgiach for further guidance.

{Matzav.com}