Matzav

Assuta Hospital in Tel Aviv’s Ramat Hachayal neighborhood has launched a new underground medical facility designed to hold roughly 200 patients, aiming to guarantee uninterrupted treatment during times of heavy missile fire.

The subterranean complex is intended to serve as a receiving center for patients transferred from public hospitals that lack sufficient fortification, allowing medical services to continue even under serious security threats.

Alongside the underground expansion, Assuta Medical Center Ramat HaHayal continues to operate reinforced above-ground operating rooms. During Operation Rising Lion, patients were moved to these protected surgical suites to undergo extended and complicated procedures.

Until now, the Ministry of Health’s standard policy during emergencies has been to shut down private medical institutions. However, insights gained from the Swords of Iron War and Operation Rising Lion prompted a reassessment of that approach.

Over the past two months, teams have worked intensively to equip the underground levels with the necessary infrastructure, including systems for medical gases, electricity, and communications, enabling a rapid shift to full inpatient hospitalization if required.

Dr. Shani Brosh, Head of the Medical Division at Assuta Medical Centers, emphasized: “In the past month or two, there has been very intensive activity. An agreement was signed, a contracting company was appointed, and infrastructure for medical gases, electricity, and communications was built to allow a move to underground complexes on the day of an order. Today, the infrastructure is in place and can accommodate about 200 hospitalized patients on behalf of other hospitals that do not have fortification.”

Assuta Medical Centers CEO Gidi Leshet said the project reflects a broader effort to strengthen Israel’s emergency preparedness. “Maintaining continuity of care as part of the health system’s emergency framework is a national mission, and part of our purpose – and we are proud to take part in its implementation.”

{Matzav.com}

Following circulating claims that the state intends to take control of rooms located above the tefillah areas at the gravesite of the Tanna Rav Shimon bar Yochai in Meron, the so-called “Committee of Five,” which oversees management of the holy site, issued an official public statement this evening rejecting the allegations and outlining its plans for the space.

The committee, which operates with the guidance and blessing of leading Torah authorities, addressed reports suggesting it planned “to transfer the roof of the tomb to government control,” firmly dismissing the assertions. In its letter, the body stated unequivocally that “there is no truth to these claims, and they are baseless rumors being spread by interested parties.”

The statement further explained that the rooms in question “were built with supreme sanctity by the holy Rav Avraham Galanti, may his merit protect us, and were originally designated for Torah study and prayer for the use of all who come to the holy site of Meron.” According to the committee, the initial purpose of these rooms was to serve the broader public of worshippers and learners visiting the sacred location.

However, the committee noted that in practice, “these rooms are currently held by a number of individuals for lodging and family hospitality purposes, and at times are even rented out to others for overnight stays.” It emphasized that such use is inconsistent with both the original intention of the space and the needs of the wider public.

In light of the growing number of mispallelim and the increasing demand for additional davening areas, the committee stated that its request is “to return the rooms to public possession so that they may be used for Torah and tefillah for the benefit of all visitors to the site.”

Concluding its letter, the committee expressed regret over the spread of misinformation, writing that “we regret that interested parties are spreading falsehoods and rumors that have no basis, misleading the public and harming unity surrounding the management of the holy site.”

The committee stressed that it will continue to act “with responsibility, transparency, and while preserving the sanctity of the kever of Rav Shimon bar Yochai, may his merit protect us,” for the benefit of the entire public.

The Knesset’s Health Committee has sounded the alarm over fruits and vegetables brought into Israel from the Palestinian Authority, citing data showing that a significant portion of tested produce contains prohibited pesticides associated with severe health risks, including cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

At a recent session led by MK Limor Sohn Har-Melech, committee members reviewed figures indicating that approximately 15,000 tons of agricultural goods from the Palestinian Authority enter Israel annually. Testing conducted between 2015 and 2022 revealed that between 27% and 40% of sampled produce exceeded permitted pesticide thresholds, with contamination rates increasing over time.

Dr. Ziva Hamma of the Ministry of Health outlined the findings in detail. According to the data presented, 50% of cucumber samples, 49% of tomato samples, and 66% of hot pepper samples were found to be contaminated. Particularly troubling was the discovery that 14% of samples contained neurotoxic organic phosphorus compounds, substances known to endanger fetal and infant development and to elevate the likelihood of Parkinson’s disease. In addition, 13% of the produce tested contained a combination of more than five different pesticides in a single item, creating potential harm to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.

Although existing rules mandate that imported produce be held until laboratory results confirm compliance with safety standards, the committee heard that contaminated goods were frequently released to the market before testing was completed. Amos Zuarets, the Health Coordinator for the West Bank, acknowledged that the Civil Administration had placed greater emphasis on preserving shelf life and supporting the Palestinian economy than on health protections — a policy he said shifted only after the events of October 7. He indicated that within eight months, a new policy will ensure that all produce is withheld from sale until it receives confirmed clearance from safety tests.

MK Amit Levi sharply rebuked both government ministries and the Civil Administration, arguing that lenient enforcement over the years contributed to avoidable illnesses. He called on members of the public who believe they were harmed to seek accountability and cautioned that the problem may be compounded by an increase in unsupervised smuggling of agricultural products.

In response to the concerns, the Ministry of Health and the Civil Administration outlined a series of corrective steps. These include establishing a digital registry of authorized farmers, conducting inspections in the fields before goods cross into Israel, expanding sampling at border crossings, and imposing substantial fines on those who violate regulations.

Concluding the session, Sohn Har-Melech issued a direct appeal to consumers: “Nearly half of imported produce is contaminated with substances that threaten health, yet some prioritize profit over the safety of Israeli citizens. Check carefully where your fruits and vegetables come from and choose supervised Israeli produce.”

{Matzav.com}

The White House seized on Team USA’s dramatic Olympic hockey victory over Canada to take a swipe at former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, reviving a past social media post after the Americans captured gold.

In a thrilling overtime finish at the Milan Cortina Winter Games on Sunday, the United States defeated Canada 2-1 to claim its first men’s Olympic hockey gold medal in 46 years. The winning goal came off the stick of Jack Hughes, who sealed the victory in overtime and ended the decades-long championship drought.

Following the triumph, President Donald Trump placed a congratulatory call to the team to mark the achievement.

The celebration extended beyond the ice. The official White House X account resurfaced a message Trudeau had posted last year after Canada defeated the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off. At the time, Trudeau had written, “You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game.”

On Sunday, the White House reposted that statement and paired it with an image of a bald eagle standing atop a Canadian goose, signaling a pointed response to the earlier remark.

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III also weighed in, sharing Trudeau’s previous message alongside a photo of himself holding an American flag and adding the caption, “We took your game.”

Hughes scored the decisive goal after receiving a cross-ice pass from Zach Werenski, sending the crowd in Milan into a frenzy and thrilling viewers across the United States who tuned in early Sunday morning.

Speaking after netting the game-winner, Hughes expressed pride in representing the country. “This is all about our country right now.”

“I love the USA,” he said. “I’m so proud to be American today.”

“I love my country; I love my teammates,” he added.

“That’s American hockey right there,” said Hughes.

“That’s a great Canadian team, but this means so much. We are such a team.”

Among those in attendance was FBI Director Kash Patel, who watched the game from the stands in Milan and later joined the team in its postgame celebration. Patel, an avid hockey enthusiast and amateur player himself, took part in the locker room festivities.

Video circulating online shows Patel celebrating with the players, drinking and spraying beer before pounding on a table and having a gold medal placed around his neck.

Patel later addressed media attention over his presence in the locker room, posting on X: “For the very concerned media — yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys — Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth,” Patel wrote.

{Matzav.com}

The Israeli Competition Authority announced Monday that it plans, pending a formal hearing, to levy a financial penalty of NIS 109,623,501 against El Al over alleged violations of competition law.

In addition to the corporate fine, the authority is weighing personal sanctions ranging from NIS 449,000 to NIS 548,000 against two senior executives at the airline.

According to the regulator, El Al declined to allow Arkia to use its aircraft maintenance hangars, despite a long-term agreement under which Arkia leases those facilities from El Al. Beginning in August 2024, amid the “Iron Swords” war, El Al repeatedly rejected Arkia’s requests for access. The authority said the justifications provided were inadequate and that the airline conveyed the impression that the existing agreement remained in effect, even as access was denied.

El Al holds a dominant position in Israel’s passenger aircraft hangar sector and competes directly with Arkia on numerous international routes. During the war, as many foreign carriers curtailed flights to and from Israel, domestic airlines became the primary players in the market. The authority noted that blocking Arkia’s access to hangars could have led to flight delays or cancellations, forced the leasing of replacement aircraft, and exposed the company to financial losses and reputational damage — expenses that might ultimately have been passed on to travelers.

The regulator stated that El Al’s conduct amounted to an unreasonable refusal to provide a service within a market in which it holds monopoly power, constituting an abuse of that status in breach of the Economic Competition Law. Before any final determination is made, El Al and the two executives will be given the opportunity to present their case at a hearing.

El Al pushed back against the allegations in a statement, saying: “We disagree with the claims in the authority’s letter. El Al always acts according to the law, including competition law. We are convinced no wrongdoing occurred. Throughout the war, El Al assisted other Israeli airlines far beyond legal requirements, out of solidarity and commitment to passengers, and continues to provide services-including hangars-to Arkia wherever possible.”

{Matzav.com}

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu used a special Knesset session Monday evening to deliver a stern warning to Iran’s leadership, declaring that any direct attack on Israel would trigger a response beyond anything Tehran could anticipate.

Speaking during a plenary debate convened by the opposition with 40 signatures, Netanyahu said Israel has made its position unmistakably clear to the Iranian regime.

“I have clarified and sent a message to the Ayatollah regime that if they make perhaps the gravest mistake in their history and attack the State of Israel, we will respond with force they cannot even imagine,” Netanyahu declared.

The prime minister stressed that the country is facing a volatile and sensitive period and urged unity rather than political infighting. He said Israel stands ready for any development and called on the public and political leadership to rally together, particularly as the holiday of Purim approaches.

He added, “We are in complex times, we are prepared for any scenario. This is not the time for debate. In those days, on the eve of Purim, as in this time, we need to close the ranks of the people and stand shoulder to shoulder. I am confident in our strength and in our warriors. When we stand together – we achieve great things. On the eve of Purim, we will stand together – and with God’s help we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded by addressing the prospect of a military confrontation with Iran, signaling that despite deep political divisions, he would support decisive action if necessary.

“There is a good chance that we are facing a campaign in Iran. If this campaign comes – and it must come – we will all put everything aside. All differences of opinion will be put into deep freeze, until the crisis passes. As in the past, I will mobilize for Israel’s PR and strengthen Israel’s international status. As with the previous attack, I will go wherever necessary, from CNN to the British Parliament, and tell them: ‘You know that I am the leader of the opposition, you know that Netanyahu and I are rivals, but Iran must be attacked with all force, the rule of the ayatollahs must be overthrown.'”

However, Lapid also delivered a pointed rebuke to Netanyahu over the October 7 massacre, arguing that the events of that day would ultimately define the prime minister’s legacy.

“What will define you in history is October 7th. I understand the attempt to write a different history – it won’t work, it doesn’t work that way.” He continued: “No success, no failure, will resonate in the national memory like the October 7th massacre. Let’s be clear – the word is massacre.”

Yisrael Beytenu chairman MK Avigdor Lieberman likewise directed sharp criticism at Netanyahu, branding him the “Prime Minister of October 7” and holding him personally responsible for the Hamas attack.

“This was a massacre on your watch,” Lieberman lashed out. “This is the most terrible massacre in the history of the state, and you are the main culprit in it.”

Lieberman also referenced Netanyahu’s written response to the state comptroller, contending that it omitted crucial decisions made years earlier. He pointed specifically to a 2014 cabinet meeting in which he says he urged decisive military action against Hamas.

“You wrote a 50-page answer, but you forgot about the cabinet meeting on November 13, 2014,” Lieberman recalled. “At that meeting, I demanded to begin a large-scale operation to eradicate Hamas, and you decided on a ceasefire over my head, and proposed a policy of arrangement and transferring money from Qatar to Hamas.”

He went on to cite his resignation as defense minister in 2018, which he said stemmed from similar disagreements over policy toward Hamas.

“On November 14, I resigned from my position and said that a ceasefire with Hamas is surrender to terrorism. I tried dozens of times to reach that protocol, and I was prevented from reaching it, but don’t worry – we will get there.”

Lieberman concluded by questioning the government’s handling of the current war effort and challenging its claims of success.

“What is happening now, where is the complete victory? Why is there reconstruction of the Gaza Strip? Why is the State of Israel providing electricity, water, fuel and trucks every week?”

{Matzav.com}

Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Lieberman directly accused Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of bearing primary responsibility for the October 7 massacre, describing him as “the main guilty party in [the October 7] massacre” and asserting that it was “the largest and most terrible massacre in the history of the Jewish people after the Holocaust.”

Lieberman delivered the remarks during a “40-signatures” debate in the Knesset plenum, a monthly parliamentary procedure that allows lawmakers to require the prime minister to appear and respond after collecting the necessary number of supporting signatures on a petition.

In his address, Lieberman criticized a 55-page document Netanyahu recently published outlining his responses to State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman as part of the comptroller’s now-suspended probe into the October 7 attack. Lieberman argued that the document left out key details, including a November 2018 cabinet meeting at which, he said, he had “demanded to begin a large-scale operation to eradicate the Hamas regime.”

According to Lieberman, Netanyahu omitted the episode from his testimony because “you want to escape from responsibility and rewrite history.”

Rather than pursuing decisive action at the time, Lieberman charged, Netanyahu chose to facilitate the transfer of Qatari funds to Hamas in an effort to maintain calm. He further claimed that in the period leading up to the assault, Netanyahu had sought “to increase the money that is transferred every month to Hamas in the Gaza Strip.”

Continuing his criticism, Lieberman said, “You created a zone of immunity for terrorists when you pledged never to attack Qatar again. Thanks to you, the Qataris won a defense agreement from the United States that no country in the world has.” He concluded with a pointed rebuke: “Where is the total victory? You promised us total victory, you brought total disgrace.”

A federal judge in Florida has ruled that the second volume of special counsel Jack Smith’s final report examining Donald Trump’s handling of classified materials at Mar-a-Lago will remain sealed and not be made public.

In a decision issued Monday, US District Judge Aileen Cannon determined that the portion of Smith’s report dealing with the classified documents investigation cannot be released. Cannon had previously dismissed the criminal case Smith filed against Trump prior to his return to office, and her latest ruling represents another legal victory for Trump in preventing the public disclosure of the special counsel’s conclusions.

Before departing his role in early 2025, Smith submitted a two-part final report to then-Attorney General Merrick Garland. The first volume, which focused on Trump’s alleged attempts to challenge the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, was made public before Trump reentered the White House. However, the second volume — addressing the classified documents case in South Florida — remained under seal following legal challenges brought by Trump and others charged in the matter.

In her 15-page opinion, Cannon wrote that “it is certainly not customary” for a prosecutor whose case was thrown out to later be allowed to “publicly disseminate large swaths of discovery generated in the case.”

She further stated, “The Court strains to find a situation in which a former special counsel has released a report after initiating criminal charges that did not result in a finding of guilt, at least not in a situation like this one, where the defendants contested the charges from the outset and still proclaim their innocence.”

Cannon, who ruled in 2024 that Smith’s appointment as special counsel was unlawful, criticized the preparation of the report itself, asserting that it ran counter to her prior orders ending the work of his office in connection with the classified documents investigation.

“The Court need not countenance this brazen stratagem or effectively perpetuate the Special Counsel’s breach of this Court’s own order,” she wrote.

At the same time, Cannon rejected a motion from two former co-defendants of Trump seeking to have the report destroyed altogether.

In response to the ruling, Trump’s personal attorney, Kendra Wharton, praised the decision, saying Cannon was correct to “permanently prohibit the release of Volume II of Jack Smith’s illegal report,” and adding that “all fruit of Smith’s poisonous tree should be treated accordingly and should never see the light of day.”

Despite the ruling, the question of public access to the second volume — often referred to as Volume II — remains the subject of ongoing appellate proceedings initiated by government transparency advocates.

One such organization, American Oversight, criticized Cannon’s decision, saying it “continues a troubling pattern of decisions that shield the president from public scrutiny and place secrecy above the public’s right to know.”

“American taxpayers funded this investigation, and they have a right to know what their government uncovered, particularly on matters of national security,” said Chioma Chukwu, the group’s executive director, in a statement.2

American military refueling and transport aircraft were seen at Ben Gurion Airport as Washington expanded its force posture across the Middle East during heightened tensions with Iran, Times of Israel reports.

The refuelers and cargo planes touched down at Israel’s primary international airport within the past 24 hours, according to flight activity observed in the area.

Israeli officials did not issue any statement regarding the presence of US military aircraft at the civilian airport. It remained unclear whether the planes were stationed there for an extended period or were making a brief stop as part of broader regional operations.

Data compiled by the Military Air Tracking Alliance, a group of roughly 30 open-source researchers who monitor military and government aviation movements, indicated that since mid-February more than 85 aerial refueling tankers and upwards of 170 cargo aircraft had entered the region. The influx came as US President Donald Trump weighed potential military steps concerning Iran.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said that any Iranian strike against Israel would amount to the gravest error in Tehran’s history, warning that Israel would retaliate with overwhelming force if attacked.

Addressing the Knesset plenum during a “40-signatures” debate, Netanyahu stated that Israel stood at an unprecedented position of strength. “The pact with the United States has never been closer,” he declared.

In what appeared to be a pointed signal to Iran, Netanyahu emphasized that his working relationship with US President Donald Trump was stronger than ever, and that cooperation between the Israel Defense Forces and the US military had reached new heights.

At the same time, he cautioned lawmakers that the country was navigating a complicated and demanding period. “we are in very complex and challenging times,” he said.

Referring directly to Tehran, Netanyahu warned that if the Iranian regime “makes perhaps the most serious mistake in its history,” and attacks Israel, “we will respond with strength that it can’t even imagine.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump sharply criticized the Supreme Court on Monday following its 6-3 decision last week invalidating his broad tariff program, ruling that he did not have authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose the sweeping trade measures.

In its Friday opinion, the high court overturned lower court decisions and concluded that IEEPA does not grant the president the power to enact tariffs, delivering a significant blow to a central element of Trump’s trade strategy.

Responding in a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump contended that the ruling could ultimately strengthen his hand in dealing with foreign governments, even as he denounced both the logic and tone of the majority opinion.

Trump wrote: “The supreme court (will be using lower case letters for a while based on a complete lack of respect!) of the United States accidentally and unwittingly gave me, as President of the United States, far more powers and strength than I had prior to their ridiculous, dumb, and very internationally divisive ruling.”

He maintained that the decision highlighted other authorities he believes he can still use, stating, “For one thing, I can use Licenses to do absolutely ‘terrible’ things to foreign countries, especially those countries that have been RIPPING US OFF for many decades, but incomprehensibly, according to the ruling, can’t charge them a License fee – BUT ALL LICENSES CHARGE FEES, why can’t the United States do so?”

Trump continued, “You do a license to get a fee! The opinion doesn’t explain that, but I know the answer!”

Addressing tariffs again, Trump argued that the ruling leaves intact other forms of trade penalties and enforcement tools. He wrote, “The court has also approved all other Tariffs, of which there are many, and they can all be used in a much more powerful and obnoxious way, with legal certainty, than the Tariffs as initially used.”

He directed sharp criticism at the majority of the justices while praising three members of the court, declaring, “Our incompetent supreme court did a great job for the wrong people, and for that they should be ashamed of themselves (but not the Great Three!).”

Trump broadened his critique beyond trade policy, suggesting the court could rule in ways he believes would benefit foreign nations. He claimed, “The next thing you know they will rule in favor of China and others, who are making an absolute fortune on Birthright Citizenship, by saying the 14th Amendment was NOT written to take care of the ‘babies of slaves,’ which it was as proven by the EXACT TIMING of its construction, filing, and ratification, which perfectly coincided with the END OF THE CIVIL WAR.”

He added, “How much better can you do than that? But this supreme court will find a way to come to the wrong conclusion, one that again will make China, and various other Nations, happy and rich.”

Despite the legal setback, Trump signaled he intends to continue pursuing his trade agenda, concluding, “Let our supreme court keep making decisions that are so bad and deleterious to the future of our Nation – I have a job to do.”

The court’s ruling on tariffs triggered fresh volatility in global markets and left U.S. trading partners seeking answers about the administration’s next move.

{Matzav.com}

Hamas will be given an ultimatum to disarm “in the coming days,” and if it refuses, Israel will receive international legitimacy and U.S. backing to act on its own, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Monday.

The Israel Defense Forces “is already preparing for this and drawing up plans,” Smotrich told the Kan Reshet Bet radio station. He added: “At the political level, we have held several discussions to refine those plans.”

Smotrich said that if Hamas fails to accept the ultimatum, the IDF would reconquer Gaza beyond the ceasefire-instituted Yellow Line, under which the Israeli military already controls around half of the Strip.

“There are currently two or three alternatives that we are examining to determine which is the most appropriate,” the Cabinet minister said.

Israel has “not given up on destroying Hamas,” he said, explaining that Israel is merely giving U.S. President Donald Trump “a chance to do it his way” before returning to fighting in the enclave.

Asked about Trump’s intention to deploy an International Stabilization Force to Gaza, Smotrich said the foreign troops would if necessary leave “very quickly and allow the IDF to enter,” adding that the move would only be taken in full coordination with the Trump administration.

However, the minister emphasized, the Jewish state is not expecting foreign soldiers to be deployed to the Gaza Strip anytime soon.

“In the end,” Smotrich predicted, the Israel Defense Forces “will conquer the Gaza Strip and establish Jewish settlement there.”

Trump told the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace on Thursday he believes Hamas will lay down its weapons under his plan, warning that the terrorist organization will be “very harshly met” if it refuses to do so.

Several senior Hamas leaders, including Khaled Mashaal and Musa Abu Marzouk, have rejected key parts of Trump’s peace plan in recent weeks, including disarmament, despite having agreed to the terms in October.

“The war in Gaza is over,” the U.S. president said. “Hamas has been, I think, they’re going to give up their weapons, which is what they promised. If they don’t, it’ll be, you know, they’ll be harshly met, very harshly met.”

A new Palestinian police force

The Board of Peace’s high representative for the Gaza Strip, Nickolay Mladenov, told the meeting that a new Palestinian police force will “ensure that all [terrorist] factions in Gaza are dismantled and all weapons are put under the control of one civilian authority.”

Mladenov, who is set to meet with the European Union’s top diplomats on Monday, stressed that reconstruction would only begin after the “demilitarization and decommissioning of all weapons in Gaza.”

Under Trump’s plan, reconstruction is envisioned to start in the Strip’s southernmost city of Rafah, where 100,000 homes are to be built for 500,000 people, in addition to $5 billion in infrastructure.

Soldiers from the IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade completed operations to secure the area along the Yellow Line in Rafah following some three months of continuous counter-terror raids in the area, the army said on Monday.

The troops, working with the Yahalom elite combat engineering unit, killed “dozens” of terrorists hiding underground while dismantling “hundreds” of infrastructure sites, including a terror tunnel complex approximately 0.6 miles long that contained hideouts and weapons.

The IDF is “operating in the area in accordance with the ceasefire framework and will continue to operate to secure the area along the Yellow Line and remove any immediate threat,” the military added.

On Sunday, the 188th Armored Brigade’s combat team killed a terrorist who crossed the Yellow Line in southern Gaza and approached them “in a manner that posed an immediate threat,” the IDF said on Monday.

“Immediately after the identification, the soldiers eliminated the terrorist in order to remove the threat,” according to the army, which described the attempt to cross the truce line as “yet another violation.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News on Dec. 30 that a different future for the Gaza Strip was still possible “if we disarm Hamas, whether with an international force or by any other means, adding, “If it can be done the easy way, fine. And if not, it’ll be done another way.”

The Palestinian terrorist organization, which murdered some 1,200 people, primarily Jewish civilians, during its Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border assault, still has around 20,000 operatives and 60,000 rifles, Netanyahu revealed.

“That’s what disarmament means—got to take all these rifles, take them away from them, and break up those terror tunnels that they have, still hundreds of kilometers of terror tunnels,” the premier told Fox News.

Mashaal, during a speech at an anti-Israel conference in Istanbul on Dec. 6, said that Hamas would not lay down arms, declaring that “a thousand statements are not worth a single projectile of iron.” JNS

New York City awoke today to a standstill after a powerful bomb cyclone blanketed the region with heavy snowfall, leaving roads buried and more accumulation forecast before the storm moves out later in the day.

Snow continued to fall before sunrise, with Staten Island reporting more than 13 inches, Mott Haven in the Bronx measuring a foot, and both Flatbush and Washington Heights recording over 11 inches, according to the latest figures released by the National Weather Service.

In neighboring New Jersey, Freehold in Monmouth County — situated squarely in the storm’s path — saw totals reach 19 inches, Fox Weather reported.

The snowfall intensified early Monday, pounding areas from New York through Massachusetts at rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour.

The National Weather Service described travel as “nearly impossible.”

“The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds will continue to produce blizzard conditions along the Northeastern Seaboard,” the weather service said Monday. “Sharply reduced visibility will make travel extremely treacherous across these areas.”

The system, officially designated Winter Storm Hernando, is forecast to keep dropping snow through much of Monday, with some parts of the tri-state region potentially reaching 20 inches before the storm tapers off later in the evening.

Powerful wind gusts reaching up to 60 miles per hour accompanied the blizzard, cutting electricity to more than 250,000 residents along the East Coast, including upwards of 100,000 customers in New Jersey alone.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency covering all five boroughs, Long Island, and multiple additional counties across the state.

Officials in New Jersey implemented a statewide emergency declaration as well.

New York City streets were largely deserted except for sanitation trucks and plows after a travel ban — issued through an emergency cellphone alert Sunday night — took effect at 9 p.m. and is set to remain in place until noon Monday.

Public transportation throughout the region has been heavily disrupted. All NJ Transit operations were halted, while the Long Island Rail Road and New York City subway system reported cancellations, delays, and altered service, agency officials said.

Air travel was also severely impacted nationwide. According to flight tracking service FlightAware, more than 5,500 flights were scrapped on Monday, and an additional 9,000 experienced delays. Airports serving New York City and Boston were among the hardest hit.

The storm prompted the closure of New York City public schools, marking what Mayor Zohran Mamdani described as the “first old-school snow day since 2019” following criticism over a remote-learning decision during the previous storm.

With the city still dealing with fallout from its last major winter weather crisis, officials mobilized additional workers to assist with snow removal. Some crews began shoveling late Sunday to get ahead of the initial wave of accumulation, Mamdani said.

A blizzard warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Monday.

{Matzav.com}

A major development has shaken the Sephardic Torah world: the historic Yeshivas Reishis Chochmah in Yerushalayim, founded nearly six decades ago, will close its bochurim division at the end of the current zman. The decision was made following consultations with rabbanim, and the yeshiva’s building is expected to operate exclusively as a kollel for married avreichim going forward.

In an official statement released Sunday, the yeshiva’s administration announced: “After careful consideration and consultation with rabbanim, it was decided that the yeshiva will continue in its current format only for kollel avreichim, and the bochurim division will conclude at the end of the present term.”

The dramatic move marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Sephardic Torah world, after decades of harbotzas haTorah.

Yeshivas Reishis Chochmah is among the most veteran institutions in the yeshiva landscape and has long been regarded as a cornerstone in the building of the Sephardic Torah world in Eretz Yisroel. It was founded approximately 60 years ago by Rav Shabtai Aton zt”l, a member of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah, and is remembered as one of the first Sephardic yeshivos established aside from Porat Yosef. Over the decades, it produced thousands of talmidim who today serve with distinction as rabbanim, dayanim, and marbitzei Torah throughout the country.

Despite its distinguished reputation, recent years have presented serious challenges. Considerable efforts were made to preserve the honor of the Yerushalayim institution and to breathe new life into it. In recent years, the rabbanim, together with the rosh yeshiva, attempted to restore the yeshiva to its earlier stature, but the complex reality ultimately proved decisive.

In the end, Rosh Yeshiva Rav Ben Zion Aton decided that the yeshiva would close its bochurim division at the end of the current zman, with the intention of continuing its Torah legacy on the premises through a kollel for avreichim alone.

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri is estimating that elections for the 26th Knesset will take place around mid-Elul, close to their originally scheduled date, despite the escalating political crisis surrounding the draft law and the status of yeshiva students.

During a conversation with rabbanim in Tiveriah, where Deri spent this past Shabbos, the Shas leader said he believes the elections will be held in the middle of the month of Elul, meaning they would be advanced by only about one month.

In the Knesset, coalition officials are reportedly inclined to set the elections at least a week before Rosh Hashanah, in order to allow the tens of thousands of people who travel to the kever of Rav Nachman in Uman to vote before departing.

The date currently being discussed within the coalition — and the one Deri himself is said to favor — is Tuesday, September 1, approximately a week and a half before Rosh Hashanah.

It was also noted that Deri returned to Yerushalayim together with the Rishon Letzion, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, who traveled back by helicopter in order to arrive in time at the Yazdim shul to deliver his weekly shiur.

During Shabbos, in remarks before dozens of leading halachic authorities, Deri said: “In this generation we have merited the leadership of the Rishon Letzion. May it be the will of Heaven that we continue to merit his leadership, along with the important Torah works that have been accepted throughout the Jewish world.”

Thousands of bnei Torah packed the Armonot Chen halls in Bnei Brak last night for the major “Romamtnu L’Dorot” gathering,  an event marked by a powerful display of kavod haTorah. Yet the most moving moment of the evening did not take place on the main stage, but rather behind the scenes — in the kitchen.

A photograph obtained this morning captured Rav Dovid Cohen, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Chevron and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, seated quietly in a corner of the Armonot Chen kitchen. There was no seat of honor and no prepared table, just a simple plastic chair positioned near beverage carts and stacks of dishes. Amid the bustle of preparations, the rosh yeshiva was seen deeply immersed in learning, completely detached from the surrounding commotion.

Sources told Matzav that his presence in the kitchen was not due to a lack of space, but rather reflected a deliberate act of humility and sensitivity. When Rav Cohen arrived at the entrance to the hall, he was informed that three prominent rabbanim were in the midst of delivering a central Torah panel.

In his characteristic modesty, the rosh yeshiva was concerned that his entrance into the main hall would prompt the audience to rise in his honor and applaud, thereby interrupting the speakers and diverting attention from the rabbanim currently addressing the crowd. To avoid diminishing their kavod, he asked to enter through a side kitchen door instead.

For nearly half an hour, Rav Cohen remained in the kitchen, waiting until the panel concluded. Sitting on a simple chair, he utilized the moments to learn with the diligence for which he is well known.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Ben Zion Mutzafi was asked about the issue of vaccinations and about those who claim that it is forbidden to vaccinate. He responded firmly: “Vaccinate — do not play with the lives of infants.”

Rav Mutzafi, one of the leading Sephardic halachic authorities, called on the public not to pay attention to rumor-mongers and to make sure their children are vaccinated. He made these remarks in response to questions sent to him about vaccinations, against the backdrop of the deaths of several unvaccinated children from the chareidi community due to measles.

The Question: “Hello, honorable rabbi, may he live long. There are many opinions regarding vaccinations for children. Some Torah scholars and some doctors say to vaccinate and bring sources, and some say not to vaccinate and also bring sources. What does the rabbi say?”

The Response: “Many idle words have been written. The danger is great and one must vaccinate. Do not play with the lives of infants.”

The Question: “Hello to the honorable rabbi. I stopped taking my one-year-old son to the well-baby clinic to receive vaccinations because I am concerned. I have heard that there are negative effects from vaccines.”

The Response: “When you withhold vaccinations from him, you are endangering his life. Everyone does this, and that is how epidemics are prevented.”

As previously reported, a six-year-old child who had not been vaccinated against measles passed away last night at a hospital, the Health Ministry announced.

According to the ministry, the child was brought to the hospital in critical condition, and doctors were forced to declare his death after prolonged resuscitation efforts. The Health Ministry stated in this context that “Vaccination and arriving in time to receive medical treatment can save lives.”

This case joins reports of 15 additional deaths from the disease, the overwhelming majority of them children and infants who had been healthy and had no prior underlying medical conditions but had not been vaccinated against the virus.

The Health Ministry reiterated that “Measles can be prevented through an effective and safe vaccine — one that saves lives.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli military police arrested a chareidi yungerman in the early hours of Monday morning at his home in Be’er Sheva after he failed to respond to multiple draft notices and did not report to the induction office.

According to reports, military police officers arrived at the residence before dawn. After identifying the avreich, they immediately placed him under arrest and transferred him to a military prison. An arrest warrant had been issued against him due to his failure to comply with enlistment orders that had been sent to his home.

Following the arrest, the yungerman’s family contacted the Tzeva Shachor system. However, by the time activists were alerted, there was no way to prevent the arrest, as he had already been taken from the house.

Attorney Shlomo Haddad, who represents yeshiva students detained in similar cases, was dispatched to assist the arrested yungerman.

In a statement, the Notnim Gav organization said in part: “The military police arrested a kollel avreich for the crime of learning Torah at his home in the city of Be’er Sheva. The family contacted the Tzeva Shachor system after the arrest.”

“The attorney Shlomo Haddad on behalf of the organization is handling the case. The family is also receiving response and support from the organization,” the statement added.

{Matzav.com}

A fresh round of negotiations between the United States and Iran is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, Oman’s foreign minister announced Sunday, shortly after Iran’s chief diplomat indicated he anticipated meeting U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff at that time.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi confirmed the development in a social media post, saying he was pleased to announce it was moving ahead “with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal.” Oman has played a mediating role in the indirect discussions over Iran’s nuclear program and helped facilitate the most recent session held in Geneva last week.

The White House did not immediately respond to the announcement.

In an interview broadcast Sunday on CBS, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there was still a “good chance” of reaching a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear dispute and emphasized that the talks are focused solely on that issue.

The Trump administration has sought significant concessions from Tehran and has expanded the American military footprint in the Middle East to levels not seen in decades.

President Donald Trump cautioned Friday that limited military action against Iran remains an option, even as Araghchi said at the time that Tehran expected to present a draft agreement within days.

Speaking to CBS, Araghchi stated that Iran was continuing to prepare its proposal and reiterated that the country maintains a right to enrich uranium. He also noted that during the latest talks on Friday, U.S. representatives had not demanded zero enrichment, a position that differs from statements American officials have made publicly.

Both sides have indicated they are ready for military confrontation should diplomacy collapse over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Shortly after Oman confirmed the upcoming talks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on social media that “recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor U.S. actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario.”

Washington has maintained that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons or even retain the capacity to produce them, and has insisted that uranium enrichment cannot continue. Iranian officials have consistently argued that negotiations should address only the nuclear file and have claimed that enrichment activities ceased following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.

Although Tehran asserts that its nuclear efforts are for civilian purposes, the United States and other governments believe the program could ultimately be directed toward weapons development.

Diplomatic efforts have remained stalled for years after Trump withdrew the United States in 2018 from the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. Since that withdrawal, Tehran has declined to engage on broader American and Israeli demands that it curb its missile program and end support for armed proxy groups.

News of the renewed talks comes amid fresh unrest inside Iran. Witnesses reported new anti-government demonstrations as university students in Tehran and another city gathered near memorials honoring thousands killed during a crackdown on nationwide protests roughly six weeks ago.

Iran has quietly finalized a €500 million weapons agreement with Russia to obtain thousands of advanced shoulder-fired missiles, part of a broader push to restore its air-defense network after it was badly damaged during last June’s war with Israel, The Financial Times reported Sunday.

According to the report, the deal was concluded in Moscow in December and calls for Russia to supply 500 Verba launchers along with 2,500 9M336 missiles over a three-year period. The Verba platform is considered one of Russia’s more sophisticated short-range air-defense systems and is designed to intercept cruise missiles, low-altitude aircraft, and drones.

The Verba is a portable, infrared-guided missile system that can be operated by small, mobile units, enabling forces to deploy scattered defensive positions without depending on fixed radar sites that could be targeted. Leaked documents cited in the report indicate that deliveries are expected to begin in 2027, though some units may arrive earlier.

Tehran reportedly sought the systems in July, shortly after the 12-day confrontation with Israel, during which Iran’s integrated air-defense array was significantly weakened. The damage allowed Israel’s air force to achieve air superiority across wide areas of Iranian territory. Efforts to restore that infrastructure have faced difficulties, leading Iran to turn to Moscow for support.

Analysts view the agreement as an attempt by Russia to reinforce its relationship with Iran following criticism that Moscow did little to assist Tehran during the conflict. A former senior US official suggested that Russia could be looking to repair ties in order to preserve Iran as an important regional partner, despite its inaction during the fighting.

Military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran has deepened in recent years as both governments contend with mounting Western pressure tied to their regional policies and broader geopolitical positions.

In April, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During the visit, Araghchi delivered a message from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei emphasizing the importance of closer ties between the two countries.

Shortly afterward, Putin signed legislation passed by Russia’s parliament aimed at expanding cooperation between Moscow and Tehran in multiple areas, including security and defense.

Iran has also been pursuing the purchase of advanced Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, though Iranian officials have expressed dissatisfaction with delays in completing that transaction.

{Matzav.com}