Matzav

Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the wife of Gavin Newsom, said the recent exits of two high-profile women from Donald Trump’s administration point to what she described as a broader trend affecting women in Republican leadership circles.

Her remarks focused on Pam Bondi, whom Trump announced on April 2 would step down to take a private-sector position, and Kristi Noem, who Trump said on March 5 would leave her role to serve as a special envoy for The Shield of the Americas. In her place, Markwayne Mullin was selected to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

In a video posted to Instagram, Jennifer Newsom said it was “no surprise to me that the first two prominent people pushed out of this administration were women.”

She further argued that women aligned with conservative leadership are supported only so long as they “serve the interests of the patriarch at the top.”

Expanding on her criticism, she stated: “There’s no secure place inside this hand picked patriarchal body that systemically disrespects, devalues, and discriminates against women and girls, and this is where complicity comes in, because when you align yourself with that value system, with a leader who has publicly devalued women, degraded them and been found liable of abusing women.”

She added that while women in such roles may appear to wield influence, their standing is ultimately fragile, saying their power is temporary and “ultimately they will come for you.”

Newsom concluded: “No woman is safe in Trump’s Republican Party unless she has enough wealth or the ability to buy her own job security and safety. So my friends, regardless of your political affiliation, you might wanna wake up and see this for what it truly is. It’s a war on all women.”

Separately, commentary from John Nolte revisited Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s broader views on gender, noting that she prefers the term “first partner” rather than traditional titles, describing it as more inclusive.

He also referenced her past remarks about parenting, including: “I’ve given our boys dolls, even if they tear the head off,” explaining that she wants them to learn “that care and caregiving is not just an activity that’s reserved for women, but that it’s also an activity that is a responsibility of men.”

Nolte further cited her approach to reading with her children, stating: “If I’m reading a book and the protagonist is male, I just change ‘he’ to ‘she,’” as part of her effort to ensure her sons “to see that women can be the center of the story.”

He additionally pointed to her broader perspective on gender roles, quoting her as saying: “We’re all kind of in a place in history maybe where recognizing what’s ultimately deconstruct gender roles and ultimately be human.”

Nolte also referenced earlier comments in which she said she had taken her children on visits to Republican-led states so they could observe firsthand what she described as “racism, sexism, and bullying.”

{Matzav.com}

The sudden removal of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and Gen. David Hodne has caught senior military leaders off guard, sparking concern within defense circles about the potential impact on ongoing operations in Iran and future efforts to modernize the Army.

The two generals are the latest in a string of high-ranking officers dismissed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a wave of changes that has significantly altered the makeup of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, intelligence agencies, and key combat commands.

According to U.S. officials, George’s firing was driven by personal tensions rather than any substantive disagreement over the Army’s strategic direction.

One official described the decision bluntly, saying the dismissal during wartime was “insane.”

Hodne, who had recently been appointed to lead the Army’s Transformation and Training Command (T2COM), had been tasked with speeding up the development and deployment of new technologies. The initiative stemmed from the Army Transformation Initiative, an effort George had helped spearhead.

Critics within the defense establishment questioned the rationale behind the move, with one official saying, “This doesn’t feel like a very strong, self-assured decision.”

The firings come at a particularly sensitive moment, as elements of the 82nd Airborne Division are deploying to the Middle East and the Army continues to play a central role in air and missile defense operations.

Highlighting the timing, another U.S. official said, “Here is a four-star general who is actively working to get equipment and people into theater — to protect U.S. forces — and you fire him? In the middle of a war?”

Just weeks earlier, George had emphasized the importance of boosting weapons production in light of the Iran conflict, stressing the need for faster manufacturing across the board.

“This gets back to how we build this stuff faster,” he said. “And we’re talking about this with everything — not just interceptors. Every missile. Everything that we’re doing.”

In the wake of George’s departure, Gen. Christopher LaNeve has stepped in as acting Army chief. LaNeve previously served as an aide to Hegseth and more recently as the Army’s vice chief of staff, a position that became vacant following the abrupt retirement of Gen. James Mingus.

Meanwhile, the future of T2COM remains uncertain. As of Friday morning, the command’s website still listed Hodne as its leader, reflecting the sudden nature of the transition.

LaNeve has reportedly expressed concerns that the Army may be advancing reforms too aggressively, with one official noting he has questioned whether the service is moving “too fast and too far.”

The Trump administration has appealed a federal judge’s order to halt the construction of President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom, arguing in an emergency motion that pausing the $400 million project would raise national security risks.

The motion, which was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, argues that U.S. District Judge Richard Leon’s “shocking, unprecedented, and improper injunction” to stop construction would imperil Trump, his family and White House staff. The administration asked for Leon’s order to be stayed pending appeal and said it would seek emergency relief from the Supreme Court if necessary.

“Time is of the essence!” Justice Department lawyers wrote, saying that the planned 90,000-square-foot addition to the White House is being designed to defend against “hostile attacks via drones, ballistic missiles, bullets, biohazards” and other potential threats to the president. They also argued that Trump has the authority to build the ballroom, disputing Leon’s ruling that the project requires congressional approval.

The tone of the administration’s 27-page filing – particularly its first five pages – departs from the usual style for federal appellate briefs, which typically focus on legal arguments. Instead, the language closely resembles Trump‘s charged remarks and social media posts about the ballroom, which the president has identified as a personal priority. The appeal invokes the “American Patriots” who have made donations for the project, lists various materials being used to construct it and repeats Trump’s frequent boasts that the project is under budget and ahead of schedule.

“No taxpayer dollars are being used for the funding of this beautiful, desperately needed, and completely secure (for national security purposes) ballroom,” the Justice Department lawyers wrote, defending Trump’s decision to solicit private donations. Leon said that Trump was attempting an “end-run” around Congress by relying on private funding.

The White House said it was “confident” that it would win the case on appeal.

“The DOJ’s brief filed last night in the DC Circuit highlights the extraordinary errors and the unprecedented overreach represented by the lower court’s injunction,” spokesman Davis Ingle said in a statement.

The three-judge panel set to hear the appeal is Patricia Ann Millett, an Obama appointee; Bradley Garcia, a Biden appointee; and Neomi Rao, a Trump appointee.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, charged by Congress with helping to preserve historic buildings, sued to block the project in December. The nonprofit has argued that Trump was wrong to tear down the White House’s East Wing last year and begin building his ballroom without going through necessary federal reviews and obtaining authorization from Congress.

Trump has repeatedly derided the organization, and his administration has continued to pursue plans to build the ballroom. The National Capital Planning Commission, a federal agency that reviews major construction projects in Washington and is led by Trump allies, on Thursday voted to approve the now-stalled project.

Leon, an appointee of President George W. Bush, on Tuesday sided with the National Trust and ruled that the project must be authorized by Congress to continue. He also dismissed the Trump administration’s claim that halting the project would create national security risks.

“Please! While I take seriously the Government’s concerns regarding the safety and security of the White House grounds and the President himself, the existence of a ‘large hole’ beside the White House is, of course, a problem of the President’s own making,” Leon wrote. Still, he stayed his order for two weeks and ruled crews could continue construction necessary to ensure the safety and security of the White House.

Trump and the National Trust are arguing over what the judge’s ruling permits.

Hours after Leon issued his decision, Trump shrugged off the order to halt construction while taking questions from reporters in the Oval Office. The president said the two-week grace period Leon provided to wind down construction was unnecessary because the judge also gave an indefinite exception for “actions strictly necessary to ensure the safety and security of the White House and its grounds, including the ballroom construction site, and provide for the personal safety of the President and his staff.”

Trump said the proposed building’s security features met that standard, ticking them off for reporters: bulletproof glass, a “drone-proof” roof, bomb shelters, hardened telecommunications, a secure HVAC system and “very major medical facilities.”

“We have all of these things, so that’s called ‘I’m allowed to continue building,’” he said.

The National Trust disagrees. On Wednesday, the group filed a motion asking Leon to spell out that his exception does not allow Trump to continue building the ballroom structure simply because it has security features. The judge has not yet ruled on that motion.

(c) 2026, The Washington Post · Dan Diamond, Jonathan Edwards 

Israel’s Health Ministry reported Sunday that 6,833 injured individuals have been evacuated to hospitals nationwide since the launch of Operation “Shaagas HaAri,” with 138 patients currently hospitalized in varying conditions.

According to the update released at 7:00 a.m., the current hospital census includes 2 patients listed in critical condition, 14 in serious condition, 26 in moderate condition, and 93 in light condition. In addition, two individuals are hospitalized for anxiety-related conditions, and one more patient is undergoing medical evaluation.

The figures reflect continued operational activity and the ongoing demand on the healthcare system. Over the past 24 hours alone—from 7:00 a.m. the previous day until Sunday morning—108 additional injured individuals were admitted to hospitals.

Among those treated in the past day, two were listed in moderate condition, 105 in light condition, and one suffering from anxiety. All received immediate medical care and were admitted according to the severity of their injuries.

The Health Ministry urged the public to avoid unnecessary visits to hospital emergency rooms, advising that routine or non-urgent medical issues should be directed to urgent care centers operated by the health funds. Only complex or life-threatening cases should be brought directly to hospital emergency departments.

Officials said the guidance is intended to reduce strain on emergency rooms and allow hospitals to focus on the most serious cases, while maintaining readiness for ongoing emergency situations. The healthcare system continues to operate under wartime protocols, with daily situation assessments conducted in coordination with the Home Front Command.

Hospitals across the country remain on high alert for mass-casualty incidents, while also continuing to provide routine medical services where possible. Authorities emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity of care while ensuring the safety of both patients and medical staff.

At the same time, the Health Ministry is promoting awareness of urgent care services offered by the health funds, which provide faster and more accessible treatment for non-emergency cases. The public is encouraged to use these services in order to preserve hospital capacity for critical situations.

Across Israel, tefillos continue for a refuah shleimah for all those injured and for the safety of IDF soldiers and civilians.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli officials are working on a framework to gradually resume educational activities, with the Home Front Command and the Education Ministry examining guidelines that would allow schools and early childhood programs to reopen under strict safety conditions.

According to reports aired this morning on Kan News, private daycares and preschools may be permitted to resume operations after Pesach even in areas classified as “orange” zones, where security risks remain elevated.

As part of the proposed plan, the Home Front Command is considering a unified standard allowing between 15 and 30 children to be present in a certified protected space under adult supervision, though the exact number has not yet been finalized.

In areas experiencing heavier rocket fire, educational activities would be required to take place inside a protected area that meets official safety standards rather than merely near one. In other orange-designated areas, activities could be held adjacent to a protected space, provided all children can quickly enter it when needed.

The plan would enable the reopening of private preschools and daycare centers, though officials acknowledge it may not fully address the needs of all families.

The same guidelines are expected to apply to the broader education system for children over the age of three, with schools and kindergartens potentially resuming activity as early as this coming Thursday. Under the proposal, groups of up to 30 children, supervised by an adult, would be allowed either inside or in close proximity to a certified protected area, depending on local municipal decisions.

{Matzav.com}

A petition has been filed with Israel’s High Court of Justice demanding that authorities permit large-scale tefillah gatherings at the Kosel, even during the ongoing war, arguing that current restrictions unfairly limit religious worship.

The petition, submitted by the “Emes L’Yaakov B’Yisroel” organization through attorney Natan Rosenblatt, is directed against the State of Israel, the Home Front Command, and Israel Police. It claims that fundamental rights—including freedom of religion, equality, and human dignity—are being severely violated.

The petitioners argue that strict limitations have been imposed specifically on davening at the Kosel, including in protected areas such as covered sections and the Kosel tunnels, while other types of gatherings are still permitted.

According to the filing, this constitutes clear discrimination, as public and private transportation continues to operate, demonstrations are allowed, and other gatherings are approved, while prayer—particularly at a regulated and protected site—is significantly restricted.

The petition states that this situation “causes serious harm to public trust and the rule of law.”

Petitioners further stress that during wartime, when many citizens—including families of soldiers—seek to daven for safety and an end to the conflict, public prayer should be facilitated rather than limited.

A central issue raised in the petition is the traditional Birkas Kohanim held during Yom Tov.

The petition argues that there is no substantial security obstacle to allowing broader prayer gatherings, noting that the Kosel complex includes advanced protected areas, such as indoor halls and tunnels, capable of safely accommodating large numbers of people.

It also proposes practical measures such as crowd regulation, dividing participants into designated areas, and supervision, which could allow for safe gatherings without infringing on basic rights.

The filing relies on recent High Court rulings stating that even during emergencies, a balance must be maintained between security needs and fundamental rights, and that limitations must not be excessive.

According to the petitioners, if the right to protest in open areas is protected even during sensitive times, then certainly freedom of worship—especially in protected locations—must also be safeguarded.

The petition asks the court to order the state to:

• Allow davening at the Kosel around the clock
• Open all protected areas, including the Kosel tunnels
• Enable large-scale Birkas Kohanim gatherings in covered spaces
• Avoid imposing restrictions not based on concrete security needs
• Ensure equal treatment between prayer and other types of gatherings

In addition, an urgent request for an interim order has been filed, seeking to allow such tefillah gatherings to take place in the coming days, even before a final ruling is issued.

The petition concludes by stating that “at this difficult time, when an entire nation seeks to pray for peace, it is unreasonable that access to the central place of prayer should be restricted,” emphasizing that the state’s role is not only to safeguard security, but also to enable citizens to exercise their rights, including freedom of worship, in a fair and balanced manner.

Rav Shmuel Rabinowitz, rov of the Kosel and mekomos hakedoshim, has called on the Israeli Home Front Command to reconsider current restrictions limiting access for mispallelim at the Kosel following a recent High Court ruling regarding public gatherings.

In a letter addressed to Home Front Command chief Major General Shay Klapper, Rav Rabinowitz requested a reassessment of the guidelines governing entry to the Kosel plaza.

At the opening of his letter, Rav Rabinowitz expressed appreciation for the work of the Home Front Command, writing: “At the outset, I would like to express deep appreciation for your dedicated work and that of your personnel. The responsibility for protecting the home front and safeguarding every individual is a sacred mission, and on behalf of the entire Jewish people, I thank you for the devotion and professionalism that saves lives each and every day.”

He went on to reference the High Court ruling that directed authorities to allow large-scale gatherings for protests and demonstrations, while restrictions at holy sites—including the Kosel—have remained unchanged.

“I cannot understand why the right to protest is perceived as more important or more urgent than the right to pray,” Rav Rabinowitz wrote. “The Kosel is the beating heart of the Jewish people. Especially now, when our soldiers are fighting with great courage and under significant danger, the public needs to come to the holiest place that remains to us since the destruction of the Temple.”

Rav Rabinowitz argued that if the current security situation permits large public gatherings elsewhere, it should also allow for tefillah at the Kosel. “If the security reality allows hundreds of people to gather in public squares for protest, then all the more so Jews should be allowed to gather at the Kosel plaza!”

In closing, he called on authorities to revisit the restrictions and enable access for those wishing to daven, stating: “I ask that the guidelines be reexamined and that the faithful public be allowed to come to the Kosel and pray for the peace of our people, our land, and our soldiers, at least under the same conditions in which other gatherings are permitted. And even more so. Especially in these days, we must not forgo prayer, the source of strength and hope for all of us.”

{Matzav.com}

Rav Yitzchok Yosef, former chief rabbi and head of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, sharply criticized a recent High Court ruling during his weekly shiur, drawing widespread attention after making forceful remarks about the judges in connection with their decision on protest limits in Tel Aviv.

Speaking at Yeshivas Or Hachaim in Yerushalayim, Rav Yosef addressed the court’s ruling on the number of participants permitted at demonstrations and strongly denounced the judges.

“Heretics and wicked people, Hakadosh Boruch Hu will destroy them, will kill them,” he said, as members of the audience responded, “Amen.”

At the end of the shiur, Rav Yosef clarified his earlier statement, stressing that he was not calling on anyone to take action, but rather referring to punishment from Heaven. “I did not mean that you should destroy them — Hakadosh Boruch Hu will give them the punishment.”

The remarks come amid ongoing public and political reaction to the High Court’s decision, which has sparked strong criticism in various circles.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch also condemned the ruling, stating: “The Supreme Court, in an outrageous, irresponsible, and reckless decision. The decision of the Supreme Court to allow a large-scale demonstration in Habima Square, contrary to the instructions of the Home Front Command and the police, is irresponsible interference that endangers public safety. To do this during wartime and hastily during Shabbat is detached and arrogant conduct. Instead of respecting norms and the professional judgment of the security authorities, the Supreme Court has given backing to a group of anarchists who are seeking chaos during a war.”

Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni also responded to the judiciary’s statements regarding considerations of “pikuach nefesh,” saying: “I suggest, therefore, appointing the Chief Rabbi as president of the Supreme Court. He at least understands the sensitivity and complexity involved in ruling on matters related to Shabbos and the sacred values of the Jewish people — matters in which even the greatest rabbis exercise great caution. In contrast, there are those who allow themselves to make far-reaching decisions, including harming the sanctity of Shabbos, based on detached and irresponsible considerations. This is not just a mistake. It is a deep disrespect for the tradition of Israel and the feelings of the public.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel is waiting for a green light from President Donald Trump to move forward with possible strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, according to Reuters, with the operation potentially set to begin as early as the coming week.

According to Reuters, Israeli officials are prepared to expand their list of targets to include key economic and strategic assets tied to the Iranian regime, pending approval from Washington.

The timing comes as Trump intensifies pressure on Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, while Israeli officials signal there is no intention of slowing the current military campaign. According to assessments in Israel’s political and defense leadership, targeting Iran’s production, energy, and supply systems could be the decisive phase of the war.

Officials in Israel are now describing the target set as a combination of weapons manufacturing facilities and critical economic infrastructure. The goal, according to reports, is not merely to strike isolated sites but to disrupt Iran’s entire “value chain”—from raw materials and production lines to the electricity, fuel, and logistical systems that sustain the broader network.

At the same time, Trump has continued to issue warnings to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported that he has threatened a sharp escalation if Tehran does not reopen the waterway within 48 hours, as discussions in Washington and Jerusalem intensify over broader attacks on the regime’s energy sector.

The heightened tensions are also affecting other fronts. Israeli defense officials are on alert for attempts by the Houthis to expand their attacks, whether by air, sea, or other means. Following recent launches from Yemen—including a ballistic missile, a drone, and a cruise missile targeting Israel—the military is preparing for efforts aimed at dividing Israel’s focus and opening an additional southern front.

As part of that preparation, Israel has increased its readiness in the Red Sea. Naval deployments have been reinforced, coordination between the navy, air force, regional commands, border police, and law enforcement has been tightened, and alert levels have been raised amid concerns over potential attacks on vessels or coastal targets.

Security officials believe that creating such pressure is a central objective of the Houthis—forcing Israel to stretch its defensive resources and contend with multiple fronts while its primary focus remains on Iran.

Despite the growing threat from the south, Israeli officials continue to emphasize that Iran remains the central arena of the conflict. The outcome of operations there, they say, will determine whether the war continues as a prolonged campaign or shifts into a broader and more decisive phase.

The message emerging from Israel is increasingly clear: As long as Iran continues to use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage and does not change course, Israel is preparing to escalate rather than pause. The anticipated approval from Trump could mark the beginning of a new stage in the conflict, one aimed directly at the economic core of the Iranian regime.

Bnei Brak’s chief rabbi and city officials are calling on residents to stay away from missile impact zones after dozens of strikes in the city and repeated disruptions caused by onlookers interfering with emergency response efforts.

Following numerous incidents in which curious residents gathered at impact sites—hindering rescue teams assisting families whose homes were damaged and, in some cases, putting themselves in danger—Rav Chaim Yitzchok Eizik Landau issued a public appeal urging the public not to approach the scenes.

On Motzaei Shabbos Chol Hamoed, Rav Landau released a recorded message addressed to all city residents, stressing the obligation to follow Home Front Command directives and warning against gathering near impact areas due to the serious risks involved. City officials also called on parents to ensure their children stay away from these dangerous locations.

During the most recent Shabbos, there were also reports of disturbances by fringe individuals directed at emergency responders, police forces, and even the mayor himself as they worked at the various impact sites.

In response to the ongoing situation, a joint meeting was held at Bnei Brak City Hall, bringing together municipal leadership and Israel Police officials to address the growing problem of crowds forming at strike locations. During the meeting, Mayor Chanoch Zeibert played Rav Landau’s recorded message.

Mayor Zeibert delivered a firm message on behalf of the city’s rabbonim, emphasizing that, according to their guidance, it is strictly forbidden to go to or gather at impact sites. He warned that aside from the immediate and real danger to life, such gatherings obstruct emergency and rescue personnel and can delay critical life-saving operations.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli security forces rescued three women in their 20s and a two-year-old child from Jericho after they entered the Palestinian Authority-controlled city during a Pesach outing, authorities said.

The operation was conducted by police from the Civil Coordination and Liaison unit in the Judea and Samaria District, working together with the Civil Administration. Following the rescue, the women were taken in for questioning.

Police said they were alerted after receiving information that the group had entered the area. Forces quickly located them inside the city and carried out the extraction. Jericho is under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction, and Israeli citizens are barred by law from entering.

After being brought back into Israeli territory, the women told authorities they had gone there for a holiday trip and were unaware of the danger involved. They were later transferred to the Maaleh Adumim police station for further questioning.

Police stressed that entering Palestinian Authority-controlled areas is both illegal and poses a significant risk to life. Authorities noted that the incident concluded without injuries and that all individuals were safely brought out.

President Donald Trump has formally asked Congress to allocate $152 million to begin redeveloping the former Alcatraz prison, advancing his plan to bring the infamous island facility back into operation.

The funding request, included in the White House’s proposed 2027 budget, is intended to finance the initial phase of transforming the San Francisco Bay site into what officials are calling a “state-of-the-art secure prison facility.”

Trump has been advocating for reopening Alcatraz since last year, framing the move as part of a broader push for tougher crime policies.

In a previous social media post, he called for a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt” facility to house the country’s most dangerous offenders.

The proposal is part of a wider Justice Department budget that prioritizes prison expansion and law enforcement resources, though any such plan would require congressional approval to move forward.

According to Axios, citing administration officials, constructing a new “supermax” facility on the island would likely require building from the ground up, with total costs estimated at around $2 billion.

Originally opened in 1934 as a federal penitentiary, Alcatraz gained a reputation as one of the most secure prisons in the United States due to its remote island location and the powerful currents surrounding it.

The prison housed a relatively small inmate population, including notorious figures such as Al Capone.

Its place in American history was cemented following a dramatic 1962 escape by three prisoners, an event that later inspired the film “Escape from Alcatraz.”

The facility was shut down in 1963 after officials concluded that maintaining it was too expensive.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons determined that operating costs were nearly triple those of other federal prisons, largely because all supplies—including fresh water—had to be transported to the island.

Since the early 1970s, the site has been overseen by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, becoming a major tourist destination that attracts more than one million visitors each year.

The White House maintains that redeveloping Alcatraz would help modernize the federal prison system and provide additional capacity for housing high-risk inmates.

Opponents of the plan have raised concerns about both its feasibility and cost, pointing out that significant infrastructure upgrades would be required to make the island suitable for modern use.

Federal agencies have already conducted preliminary feasibility studies to evaluate whether a new correctional facility could be built there, though no final determination has been made.

Any effort to proceed is expected to face political hurdles, given competing budget priorities and the island’s current role as a historic site and major tourist attraction.

WATCH:

President Donald Trump announced late Saturday night that a U.S. fighter pilot who had been missing after being shot down in Iran has been successfully rescued following a complex military operation.

“WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History,” the president posted on Truth Social.

The search effort had stretched on for nearly three days after the aircraft went down Friday during military operations over Iran, leaving the pilot stranded behind enemy lines.

During the search, Iranian officials publicly offered a reward for anyone who could capture and deliver the pilot alive, according to a state television announcement. Throughout that time, the White House provided few updates on the mission.

In his statement, Trump said the rescued pilot, described as “incredible” and “who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel,” was now “SAFE and SOUND!”

“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour, but was never truly alone because his Commander in Chief, Secretary of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and fellow Warfighters were monitoring his location 24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue,” the president wrote.

“At my direction, the U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him.”

Trump added that although the pilot suffered injuries when the aircraft went down, “will be just fine.”

Israel is beginning to slightly relax emergency aviation restrictions at Ben Gurion Airport, raising the number of outbound passengers allowed per flight to 80, even as missile threats and security concerns continue to heavily limit air travel.

The adjustment, set to take effect tonight, was coordinated between the Israel Airports Authority and the Home Front Command. It marks a modest easing of the stricter wartime rules that had capped departures at just 50 passengers per flight, aside from a limited number of humanitarian cases.

Despite the change, the overall system remains tightly controlled. Under the current framework, only one departure and one arrival are permitted each hour, although incoming flights are allowed to land at full capacity. These restrictions were introduced following renewed Iranian threats and heightened pressure from defense officials to minimize risks around the airport.

The disruption to Israel’s aviation sector has extended into neighboring countries as well. Arkia attempted to reroute operations through Aqaba and Taba, but faced setbacks when Jordanian authorities altered their policy and denied approvals for certain flights, stranding passengers and forcing cancellations.

Meanwhile, El Al has warned that its outbound capacity has dropped dramatically, operating at roughly 5% of its usual volume. The airline has urged authorities to expand operations through Ramon Airport in the south, while continuing to run a limited schedule to major destinations such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Paris, Rome, and Athens.

While the latest move offers a small increase in travel capacity, Israel’s airspace remains under significant constraints, with airlines continuing to navigate a combination of security directives and regional instability.

The tzibbur is asked to be mispallel for a refuah shleimah for Rav Shmuel Yosef Fishbain, the longtime beloved rov of White Lake, New York, who has served the kehillah for more than five decades.

Rav Fishbain is currently hospitalized and is reported to be in stable but critical condition.

Those saying Tehillim are asked to daven for Rav Shmuel Yosef ben Miriam Devorah.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that Vice President J.D. Vance will take the lead in combating fraud across the United States, declaring he will now serve as the administration’s “fraud czar.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said fraud in the U.S. “is massive and pervasive” and emphasized that Vance’s new responsibilities would play a key role in shaping the country’s future. He added that “the job he will be doing, in conjunction with many great people within the Trump Administration, will be a major factor in how great the future of our Country will be.”

“We will call him the ‘FRAUD CZAR,’” Trump continued, “and his focus will be ‘EVERYWHERE,’ but primarily in those Blue States where CROOKED DEMOCRAT POLITICIANS, like those in California, Illinois, Minnesota (Somalia beware!), Maine, New York, and many others, have had a ‘free for all’ in the unprecedented theft of Taxpayer Money. The numbers are so large that, if successful, we would literally be able to balance our American Budget.” The President did not offer evidence for these assertions.

The vice president’s office pointed to an Executive Order signed by Trump on March 16 that created a federal anti-fraud task force aimed at coordinating efforts to combat misuse of government funds. The order states that the group will “coordinate and accelerate a comprehensive national strategy to stop fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs, including programs administered jointly with State, local, tribal, and territorial partners,” and names Vance as its chairman.

Vance convened the task force for the first time last week in a closed-door meeting. Ahead of the session, he indicated that tackling fraud would require coordination across multiple levels of government, describing it as a “a whole-government approach.”

“This is not just the theft of the American people’s money,” Vance said, according to The Associated Press. “It is also the theft of critical services that the American people rely on.”

Addressing fraud has become a central pillar of Trump’s second-term agenda, with the administration focusing particular attention on certain states. Minnesota has been a repeated target, with federal childcare funding frozen and more than $250 million in Medicaid funds temporarily suspended amid allegations of misuse. Trump has also cited those claims in defending stepped-up immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis.

California has also been a major focus. In his Friday post, Trump stated that “raids have already started in L.A.” A day earlier, federal authorities announced the arrest of eight individuals accused of involvement in healthcare fraud schemes in and around Los Angeles. That same day, the White House’s rapid response account on X highlighted that Vance’s task force had suspended more than 200 hospice and healthcare providers in the state.

Officials in both Minnesota and California have pushed back, saying their governments have long worked to combat fraud. They also pointed to past pardons issued by Trump to individuals convicted of fraud-related offenses.

Earlier this year, Vance revealed plans to create a new Justice Department position focused specifically on fraud investigations, reporting directly to him and the president. Weeks later, Trump selected Colin McDonald for the role of Assistant Attorney General for National Fraud Enforcement. McDonald was officially sworn in on Wednesday by Vance.

A growing number of international airlines have extended or expanded cancellations of flights to and from Israel as the security situation continues to deteriorate, with some carriers suspending service for months and others postponing a return indefinitely.

Dozens of airlines have announced updated timelines since the outbreak of the war, citing safety concerns. United Airlines has halted its U.S.–Tel Aviv route through September 7, according to a report by Ynet.

Air Canada has likewise extended its suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv until September 7. Delta Air Lines announced it will not resume service to Tel Aviv until at least September 5, and has also postponed the launch of its planned Boston route indefinitely.

The Lufthansa Group said its airlines—including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines—will suspend flights to Tel Aviv through May 31. Eurowings and Lufthansa Cargo have extended their suspensions until April 30.

Low-cost carrier Wizz Air said it will not operate flights to Israel through April 20. Greece’s Aegean Airlines has suspended flights to Tel Aviv until April 30, while British Airways has canceled its service through May 31. Flydubai has also pushed its suspension through the end of April.

Italy’s ITA Airways announced it will not resume flights until April 10. Iberia Express, part of the IAG group, has canceled all Tel Aviv flights through late March.

LOT Polish Airlines confirmed all flights to Tel Aviv are canceled through May 31. Air Baltic has also suspended flights through the same date. Spain’s Air Europa has halted service until May 3, while Greece’s Sky Express suspended flights through March 31.

Air France has canceled flights to Tel Aviv through April 19, and KLM has suspended operations until late March. Romania’s Animawings has also canceled flights through March 31.

Additional cancellations include Flydubai flights through late March, Air India through March 31, and Ethiopian Airlines through April 16. Norwegian Air has delayed its planned return to Israel until June 15, according to Ynet.

Etihad Airways has suspended flights until April 16, while Air Seychelles has canceled service through April 30. TAP Air Portugal has halted flights until May 1. EasyJet has announced it will not operate flights to Tel Aviv at all during the upcoming summer season.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump unveiled a proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027 on Friday, marking one of the largest military spending requests in decades and underscoring his focus on strengthening U.S. armed forces.

The major increase in Pentagon funding had been signaled even before the U.S.-led war with Iran began. At the same time, the proposal calls for a 10% reduction in non-defense spending, with certain responsibilities shifted to state and local governments.

“President Trump promised to reinvest in America’s national security infrastructure, to make sure our nation is safe in a dangerous world,” wrote Budget Director Russell Vought.

The president’s budget blueprint reflects policy priorities but does not carry legal authority. While it outlines the administration’s goals, Congress ultimately controls federal spending decisions and frequently modifies or rejects such proposals.

The White House plan is meant to serve as a guide for lawmakers as they craft appropriations bills to fund the government. Vought discussed the proposal with House Republicans during a private call on Thursday.

Ahead of a national address on the Iran war, Trump emphasized that military readiness remains his top concern, setting the stage for a likely clash with lawmakers over spending priorities.

“We’re fighting wars. We can’t take care of day care,” Trump said at a private White House event Wednesday.

“It’s not possible for us to take care of day care, Medicaid, Medicare — all these individual things,” he said. “They can do it on a state basis. You can’t do it on a federal.”

The proposal includes a series of key funding initiatives and cuts.

Among them, the administration seeks to bolster immigration enforcement by eliminating refugee resettlement funding, maintaining current levels for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and expanding detention capacity using prior increases in Department of Homeland Security funding, including space for 100,000 adults and 30,000 families.

The plan also calls for a 13% funding boost for the Department of Justice to target violent crime and what the administration describes as migrant-related offenses.

Another provision includes a $10 billion allocation within the National Park Service for “construction and beautification” projects in Washington, D.C.

The budget would increase funding for aviation safety by $481 million to support hiring more air traffic controllers.

It also proposes canceling more than $15 billion in funding from a previous bipartisan infrastructure law, including money for renewable energy programs, and reducing support for environmental justice initiatives and climate-related grants through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The plan includes a 19% cut to the Department of Agriculture, reductions to certain university grants, a 13% decrease for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and roughly a 12% cut to the Department of Health and Human Services, including reductions to programs that assist low-income households with heating costs.

The White House framed many of the cuts as targeting programs that direct federal resources to low-income communities.

For instance, the proposal would eliminate Community Services Block Grants, which fund programs such as job training, financial counseling, and housing assistance. The administration said these funds have been “hijacked by radicals” to promote equity initiatives and green energy policies.

The plan also seeks to cut $106 million from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, which it claims has “pushed radical gender ideology onto children.”

Republican leaders in Congress praised the proposed increase in military spending, arguing it is necessary to maintain U.S. global military superiority amid rising threats.

“America is facing the most dangerous global environment since World War II,” said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala.

Democrats, however, sharply criticized the proposal, warning that it prioritizes defense while slashing essential domestic programs.

“This budget represents ‘America Last,’” Boyle said.

The proposal comes as the federal government continues to run annual deficits approaching $2 trillion, with total national debt exceeding $39 trillion.

Roughly two-thirds of the government’s estimated $7 trillion annual spending goes toward entitlement programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, which continue to grow due to demographic trends.

The remaining portion of the budget is typically divided between defense and domestic programs, each receiving close to $1 trillion, making them the central battleground in congressional budget debates.

Trump’s broader fiscal agenda has also been shaped by last year’s major tax and spending package, which included at least $150 billion for defense over several years and $170 billion for immigration enforcement efforts through the Department of Homeland Security.

The administration is relying on Republican majorities in Congress to advance its spending priorities, particularly defense funding, as it did previously.

The proposal outlines that $1.1 trillion of defense spending would go through the standard appropriations process, requiring bipartisan support, while $350 billion would be passed through budget reconciliation, allowing Republicans to approve it with a simple majority.

The release of the budget comes as lawmakers remain deadlocked over current funding levels and Department of Homeland Security appropriations, with Democrats pushing for changes to immigration enforcement policies that Republicans oppose.

Amid the ongoing stalemate, Trump announced Thursday that he would sign an executive order to ensure that Department of Homeland Security employees who have gone unpaid during the prolonged partial government shutdown—now in its 49th day—receive their salaries.

In his first budget after returning to office last year, Trump sought sweeping reductions in federal spending, aligned with efforts led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to shrink the size of government.

However, despite aiming for a significant reduction in non-defense spending, Congress ultimately kept those expenditures largely unchanged.

Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, strongly criticized the latest proposal.

“Trump wants to build a ballroom—I want to build more affordable housing, and only one of us sits on the Appropriations Committee,” Murray said.

New York City is seeing a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents even as overall crime, including murders, has dropped to historic lows, according to new data released Thursday by the NYPD.

Through the first three months of the year, 54 homicides were recorded across the five boroughs—the lowest figure since record-keeping began in the early 1990s and below the previous first-quarter low of 60 set in 2018, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said while presenting the latest crime statistics.

“Citywide, major crime dropped with over 1,400 fewer reported crimes compared to 2025, murders and shootings reached their lowest levels ever recorded for a first quarter, and our public housing developments had the safest start to the year for gun violence in history,” Tisch said.

“These results are driven by our precision policing strategy to go after guns, take down violent gangs, and put officers on foot posts where they are needed most,” she added.

Despite those gains, hate crimes rose sharply. Confirmed incidents increased from 128 in the first quarter of 2025 to 143 during the same period this year, marking an 11.7% jump. Of those, 78 were classified as anti-Jewish incidents, accounting for 55% of all reported hate crimes.

The largest percentage increase was seen in anti-Muslim incidents, which rose to 12 cases this year compared to just five during the same timeframe last year, a 140% increase.

“The hate crimes that we are seeing really vary across the board,” Tisch told reporters Thursday. “It could be something an act of violence. It could be drawing a symbol on a wall, like, for example, a swastika.”

Tisch also said the department is changing how it reports such incidents, introducing separate categories for reported hate crimes and those confirmed through investigation.

“What I can tell you is that the NYPD has released this month the gold standard for data about hate crimes,” Tisch said. “We’ve done this in consultation with experts in the field, and that is data about reported crimes and data about confirmed crimes.”

Elsewhere in the report, officials noted an increase in reported rapes, with 523 cases this year compared to 475 last year. Tisch attributed part of the rise to a 2024 change in state law that broadened the legal definition of rape.

Overall major crime across the city declined by 5.3% in the first quarter of 2026, with 25,582 incidents reported compared to 27,003 during the same period last year.

Tisch said subway crime saw an early spike at the start of the year but later stabilized.

“I believe in January and February, we did see an uptick in crime on our subways,” she said. “I believe a significant portion of that was related to adjustments that we made in our ejection strategy based on the Code Blue, based on the cold temperatures that we are seeing.

“We ended the quarter down, actually 1% in subway crime,” she added. “So we had a very good month of March. We basically brought crime fall in all categories in transit, and again, once the weather normalizes and we can go back to our normal ejection strategy in transit.

“We also added 150 officers to transit at the end of February, and those officers, I think, also made it.”

Crime in public housing also declined, dropping 7.2% so far this year.

The data further showed a 28% drop in murders, nearly a 21% decline in burglaries, and reductions in grand larceny, robberies, auto theft, and retail theft—including an 18.2% decrease in the Bronx.

“The stories of these numbers in aggregate is one of remarkable progress,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Thursday. “They speak to an NYPD using every lever at its disposal to deliver a safer New York City to all who call it home.”