Matzav

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu released a video message on his X account Tuesday evening to dispel widespread online rumors claiming he had died, appearing alongside U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who confirmed the prime minister’s condition.

During the recorded meeting, Huckabee relayed that he had been sent to personally verify Netanyahu’s wellbeing, saying, “Mr. Prime Minister, I want you to know the President asked me to come and make sure you were okay.”

Netanyahu responded directly to the speculation, stating, “Yes, Mike. Yes, I’m alive.”

Huckabee added that he had confirmed the situation himself, remarking, “I checked that, and I’m happy to see that. But he wanted to make sure because, you know, you guys get along too well,”

The conversation then shifted to recent Israeli operations targeting senior Iranian figures, with Netanyahu using the moment to allude to ongoing efforts against the regime. He said, “I know, and we shake hands with five fingers in each hand, you know. But I have to tell you, I’m alive, but I have this card. And yeah, don’t read it. So it’s a punch card. Today I erased two names on the punch cards, and you see how many more to go on this batch.”

Emphasizing the continued campaign, Netanyahu concluded with a blunt statement regarding Iran’s leadership: “We’re wiping them out.”

{Matzav.com}

A recent federal court decision may entitle millions of Americans to receive tax refunds after determining that late penalties were improperly imposed during the COVID-19 emergency period.

Under Section 7508A(d) of the tax code, filing deadlines are required to be delayed when a federal disaster is declared, with the postponement lasting for the duration of the emergency plus an additional 60 days.

In a ruling issued last November in Kwong v. United States, the US Court of Federal Claims expanded the understanding of this provision, concluding that federal tax deadlines should have been pushed off for the entire span of the pandemic—from Jan. 20, 2020, through May 11, 2023—along with an extra 60 days.

As a result of that interpretation, deadlines for filing taxes for the years 2019 through 2022 should have been extended until July 10, 2023. This means that taxpayers who submitted returns before that date but were assessed late penalties or fees could now qualify to recover those amounts.

Although the IRS is expected to challenge the decision, individuals and businesses have only a limited period to act. Those who believe they were affected are encouraged to review their filings promptly and determine whether they are eligible to seek a refund.

According to USA Today, anyone—whether an individual filer or a business—who incurred penalties or interest on late tax submissions between Jan. 20, 2020, and July 10, 2023, may be entitled to reimbursement.

One example cited is Western Digital, a company specializing in digital storage, which filed a lawsuit against the federal government in February seeking to recover part of the $53.6 million it paid in taxes in August 2023.

The company contends that it should not have been charged nearly $21 million in interest because its filings occurred during the period covered by the disaster-related extensions.

The deadline to submit a claim for a refund is July 10, 2026.

Generally, refund requests are subject to a statute of limitations of three years from the time a return is filed or two years from when the tax is paid, whichever period is longer.

Based on the November ruling, the adjusted filing deadline would have been July 10, 2023. Applying the three-year window means that taxpayers have until July 10, 2026, to submit claims, according to the report.

To determine eligibility, taxpayers should review their records to see whether any penalties or interest were applied during the pandemic period, or consult with a tax professional to examine their filings.

Taxpayers can obtain their transcripts through the IRS website, request copies by mail online, or call the agency at 800-908-9946 to receive them.

These transcripts can then be used to submit a claim for relief, either directly or through a tax advisor acting on the taxpayer’s behalf.

When filing, taxpayers or their representatives should note that the submission is a protective claim connected to the Kwong v. United States case, which allows the claim to remain pending while the legal process, including any appeals, continues.

{Matzav.com}

Joe Kent, who served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, stepped down from his position on Tuesday, stating that he could not continue in the role while supporting the Trump administration’s military campaign against Iran.

In a message posted on social media, Kent explained his decision, writing that he “cannot in good conscience” support the war effort. He further argued that Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

Kent, who had been confirmed to the post last July by a 52-44 Senate vote, led the agency responsible for evaluating and identifying terrorist threats to the United States.

Before joining President Donald Trump’s administration, Kent had mounted two unsuccessful bids for Congress in Washington state. His background also includes extensive military service as a Green Beret, with 11 deployments, followed by work at the CIA.

His confirmation drew sharp criticism from Democrats, who highlighted his associations with controversial right-wing figures and promotion of conspiracy-related claims.

During his 2022 congressional campaign, Kent compensated Graham Jorgensen, identified as a member of the Proud Boys, for consulting services. He also maintained close ties with Joey Gibson, who founded the Christian nationalist group Patriot Prayer, and received backing from a range of right-wing activists.

At his Senate confirmation hearing, Kent declined to clearly reject claims that federal agents played a role in instigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, as well as assertions that Trump defeated former President Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

Lawmakers also questioned Kent about his involvement in a Signal group chat used by members of Trump’s national security team to exchange sensitive military information.

Despite the controversy, Republicans pointed to Kent’s national security credentials in supporting his nomination, emphasizing his background in both military and intelligence roles.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a speech on the Senate floor that Kent had “dedicated his career to fighting terrorism and keeping Americans safe.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel will continue its campaign against Iran’s leadership, indicating that additional actions are planned following the recent elimination of key figures in the regime.

His remarks came in response to the reported killing of senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani and the head of the Basij forces, which he described as part of Israel’s broader effort to weaken Tehran’s grip on power.

In a statement, Netanyahu detailed the operation and its targets: “”This morning, we eliminated Ali Larijani. Ali Larijani is the boss of the Revolutionary Guards, that group of gangsters that effectively runs Iran. Alongside him, we also eliminated the commander of the Basij – they are the gangsters’ assistants who are terrorizing the population in the streets of Tehran and other Iranian cities. We are operating there as well; operating from the air with Air Force jets and UAVs.”

He explained that Israel’s strategy is aimed at eroding the regime’s stability over time. “We are undermining this regime in the hope of giving the Iranian people an opportunity to remove it. It will not happen all at once, and it will not happen easily. But if we persist, we will give them the chance to take their destiny into their own hands.”

Netanyahu also pointed to close coordination with the United States in confronting Iran, describing ongoing joint efforts. “At the same time, we are helping our American friends in the Gulf. I spoke at length with President Trump on this matter yesterday. There is cooperation between our air forces and navies, between myself and President Trump and his staff. We will assist both through indirect attacks, which create immense pressure on the Iranian regime, and through direct actions. There are many more surprises. ‘By stratagems, you shall make war.’ We will not reveal all the stratagems here, but as I told you, there are many.”

Highlighting what he sees as the key to success, Netanyahu stressed the role of resolve at every level. “The most important thing for winning a war is determination: Determination, determination, determination. The determination of the leaders, the determination of the commanders, and the determination of the people. We are determined to win, and we will achieve these goals.”

Turning to the Israeli public, he urged citizens to remain confident and not be swayed by pessimism. “I ask you to simply ignore the ‘channels of gloom.’ We are achieving historical milestones. With G-d’s help, we have reached a point where, after October 7, when we were on the brink of an abyss, we are now a formidable power, almost a global one, fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with our friend, the global superpower. This is already a massive achievement in the face of all the threats coming our way. What other country has these capabilities? They are all under attack. Who else has these strengths of ours – the alliances, the IDF, the Air Force, and a strong nation? So, stay strong.”

He concluded by pledging continued government support for citizens affected by the ongoing situation. “We will also help you. Regarding everything related to compensation, I have instructed that the framework be presented to you and that it be expanded. We will help the North, and we will help everyone in need, just as we did previously in Operation Rising Lion and during COVID-19. We will do it even more vigorously this time,” he concluded.

{Matzav.com}

Health officials are sounding the alarm over a growing public health concern in New York City, where dangerous, drug-resistant infections — often referred to as “superbugs” — are becoming increasingly difficult to control and treat.

Among the most troubling is Candida auris, a highly resilient fungus that can persist on surfaces even after routine cleaning, often resists commonly used antifungal medications, and has the potential to cause deadly bloodstream infections.

Since its initial identification in New York in 2016, cases of Candida auris have continued to climb. In the past year alone, the state recorded 623 confirmed infections in patients who became ill, along with 849 additional cases involving individuals who tested positive but did not develop symptoms.

Research published last year found that the New York–New Jersey metropolitan region accounts for nearly one-fifth of all Candida auris cases in the United States. Investigators attributed much of the increase to extensive travel and commercial connections with South Asia, where the fungus is more widespread.

Candida auris is only one piece of a broader and growing problem. Medical professionals are increasingly concerned about a surge in highly resistant bacteria, often described as “nightmare bacteria,” driven in large part by the misuse and overprescribing of antibiotics.

“When somebody has a viral illness, they have a respiratory cold, [an] antibiotic [will] have zero benefit to them, but will have more potential toxicity, both in terms of side effects and reactions, but also in the development of resistance,” Dr. Aaron Glatt, professor and chair of the Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau, told The Post.

“The entire opportunity here is for people to use the antibiotics appropriately.”

Antibiotics remain essential tools for treating bacterial infections such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and bacterial pneumonia. However, they are ineffective against viral illnesses like colds, influenza, COVID-19, and most sore throats, and their misuse contributes significantly to the rise of resistant organisms.

Bacteria become resistant primarily through natural genetic changes, and once resistance develops, these traits can spread between different bacterial strains, compounding the problem.

Global data underscores the severity of the issue. The World Health Organization reported last fall that one out of every six bacterial infections no longer responds to standard antibiotic treatments. Between 2018 and 2023, resistance rates increased steadily, rising by an estimated 5% to 15% each year.

The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation, as many patients with mild or moderate illness were unnecessarily treated with antibiotics, accelerating the development of resistance.

“It’s a combination of patients requesting … antibiotics when they don’t need them,” Glatt said. “It’s also incumbent upon physicians to say, ‘No, this disease is not treated with an antibiotic.’”

Despite the concerning trend, experts note that Candida auris does not pose a major risk to the average person. The fungus is most commonly transmitted in healthcare settings such as hospitals and nursing homes.

“It is not something that is of great concern to the typical person on the street,” Glatt said, “but it is especially concerning for patients from nursing homes and … patients who receive multiple antibiotics and are very sick themselves and they’re immunocompromised.”

There are some positive developments. New medications have shown promise in combating certain resistant bacteria, including strains like E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

At the federal level, lawmakers are working to address the growing threat. Bipartisan legislation known as the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act, first introduced in 2020 and recently brought back for consideration, aims to incentivize the development of new antibiotics.

The proposal introduces a subscription-style payment system, in which pharmaceutical companies would be compensated based on the value and innovation of their drugs rather than sales volume, with the goal of stabilizing the market and encouraging research.

“This Netflix model says the government will pay the pharmaceutical [companies] a flat fee for the access to these antibiotics, no matter how much is used or not,” Glatt explained.

“This way, the pharmaceutical industry would be adequately reimbursed with [research and development] that they do,” he continued, “and at the same time, if the drug gets used a lot, it won’t be as expensive.”

{Matzav.com}

Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) said that Tucker Carlson should be prosecuted if investigators determine he acted against U.S. interests by working with Iran’s regime, escalating a growing controversy surrounding the former television host.

Miller’s comments came a day after Carlson claimed the Justice Department may soon bring charges against him for allegedly operating as an unregistered foreign agent. Carlson said the potential case stems from his communications with individuals in Iran before the war, which he believes were uncovered through government surveillance of his text messages.

The congressman said that if Carlson’s account is accurate and any wrongdoing rises to the level of treason, legal consequences must follow.

“Everyone has always known Tucker is in love with himself and happy to sell falsehoods for attention,” Miller posted on X. “The Left excels at this, when Tucker fully joined them it was just sad.”

He continued, “Now? Treason. If Tucker really worked with Iran against America’s interests, he is a traitor and should be prosecuted.”

As of now, no formal charges have been filed.

Carlson said in a video released Saturday that he was informed the CIA had recommended to the Department of Justice that he face prosecution based on his text messages in the period leading up to the Iran conflict. He did not specify who he had been communicating with or the content of those messages, but suggested that some within the intelligence community may be targeting him due to his positions regarding Israel.

“The CIA is preparing some kind of criminal referral against me, a crime report to the Department of Justice, on the basis of a supposed crime I committed,” Carlson said in his video explanation. “What’s that crime? Well, talking to people in Iran before the war. They read my texts.”

Carlson denied any wrongdoing.

Reports have indicated that Carlson had met with President Donald Trump in the period before the war and was among a small group urging caution and opposing military action against Iran, though the president ultimately moved forward with the strikes.

Since then, Carlson has sharply criticized the joint U.S.-Israel operation that resulted in the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials. He described the strikes as “absolutely disgusting and evil,” and argued that Operation Epic Fury was being “waged” solely for Israel’s benefit.

President Donald Trump later distanced himself from Carlson, making clear that he no longer considers him aligned with his political movement.

“Tucker has lost his way,” Trump told ABC’s Jonathan Karl on March 5. “I knew that a long time ago, and he’s not MAGA. MAGA is saving our country. MAGA is making our country great again. MAGA is America first, and Tucker is none of those things. And Tucker is really not smart enough to understand that.”

Trump has also rejected claims that the United States entered the conflict with Iran due to pressure from Israel, asserting instead that the decision was driven independently.

“If anything, I might’ve forced Israel’s hand.”

Carlson, for his part, suggested that elements within the U.S. intelligence community may be seeking to intimidate him through the threat of prosecution, saying the effort is meant to “humiliate and terrify” him with potential charges.

{Matzav.com}

Former Vice President Mike Pence said that President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran is intended to bring an end to a long-running conflict with Tehran, rather than ignite a new war.

Speaking during an appearance on NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday,” Pence argued that successive U.S. administrations have responded to Iranian aggression over many years, and that the current operation represents the culmination of those efforts.

“One administration after another has slashed at the tentacles of Iran that have taken violence to American forces, to American citizens, to our allies in the region, most especially Israel, and making that case that this isn’t about starting a war, it’s about finishing a war that’s nearly 50 years in the making,” Pence said during an appearance on NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday.”

Pence pointed to the origins of the conflict nearly five decades ago, when Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held American diplomats hostage for 444 days, marking a turning point in U.S.-Iran relations.

Iran’s current regime, which came to power in 1979, has remained a central focus of U.S. policy, particularly as the Trump administration carries out strikes under Operation Epic Fury.

The campaign has already dealt significant blows to Iran’s leadership. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during the initial round of strikes on February 28, and Vice President Vance has indicated that his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, may have been injured in subsequent attacks.

Pence suggested that the ongoing military pressure could open the door to internal change within Iran, especially following earlier waves of protests in which thousands were reportedly killed.

“We saw the threats this week, which to me sounded a lot like weakness by this regime, saying that they would treat anyone that took to the streets like those did in January as enemy combatants and had instructed their internal security to open fire,” Pence said of Iran’s warnings against large-scale demonstrations.

He continued by pointing to the regime’s history of violent repression and argued that weakening its capabilities could empower the Iranian people to act.

“Not surprising, they have murdered tens of thousands of their own people even in recent months. But I think hitting their military infrastructure and hitting their internal law enforcement security will then create the conditions where once degraded, the people of Iran would be able to step forward and reclaim their country. I think that’s step one,” he said of the military operation overseas.

Pence added that a renewed American presence in the Middle East, following the withdrawal from Afghanistan, would send a broader signal on the global stage.

He said it would “send a message” to Beijing, Moscow and “enemies of freedom around the world, that America remains the leader of all free nations.”

Israel’s Finance Ministry issued a statement rejecting claims that there are delays in compensation payments to individuals and businesses affected by Operation “Shaagat HaAri.”

The clarification followed widespread reports on social media alleging that the government had not yet delivered promised financial assistance to those impacted.

In response, the ministry stated that the reports are inaccurate and that the compensation framework is progressing as planned.

“Contrary to the reports, there is no delay in the compensation framework for businesses and employees for the days of ‘Shaagat HaAri.’”

Officials explained that the compensation plan must first go through the formal legislative process before payments can be issued.

“The compensation framework must go through primary legislation in the Knesset. The Finance Ministry and the Tax Authority will complete preparation of the bill within a few days and publish it for public comment. After that, it will be submitted to the Ministerial Committee for Legislation and then proceed to Knesset approval.”

The ministry added that teams are working intensively to move the process forward as quickly as possible, even while preparing the state budget.

“The Finance Ministry is working around the clock, alongside preparations of the state budget for the Knesset, to ensure the proposal is advanced and comes into effect in the shortest possible time.”

Concluding the statement, officials emphasized that the current timeline is actually faster than in previous national emergencies.

“The timetable for preparing the framework for legislation is faster compared to previous events such as ‘Am KeLavi’ and ‘Cherevot Barzel.’”

Israeli aviation authorities have approved an increase in passenger capacity on certain flights in an effort to speed up the return of citizens still abroad, particularly those stranded in Bangkok, with the aim of completing the operation by the end of the week.

In a directive issued Tuesday, the Israel Airports Authority informed local airlines that, beginning the following day, narrow-body aircraft would be permitted to carry more passengers than previously allowed. The updated policy raises the cap from 100 travelers per flight to as many as 120.

As part of the ongoing effort, President Isaac Herzog visited Ben Gurion International Airport on Monday, joined by Israel Airports Authority Chairman Maj. Gen. (res.) Yiftach Ron-Tal, CEO Sharon Kedmi, and El Al CEO Levy Halevi.

During his visit, Herzog met with passengers who had just landed on a special El Al repatriation flight, personally welcoming them upon their arrival.

“We are very proud of the Israel Airports Authority and of all the activity taking place at Israel’s airport terminals. This is an especially challenging time, and I want to emphasize the civilian aspect-the return of Israelis home. Here is Israel’s main gateway, the place where Israeli citizens enter and exit, the gateway through which they come home.”

Reflecting on the broader significance of the effort, Herzog said, “This is an inspiring phenomenon-people want to come home, to enter Israel, and to bear the burden together, even amid shelling, sirens, shelters, reinforced rooms, and many threats. And yet, we overcome the challenges and succeed in doing so in an extraordinary way.”

[COMMUNICATED]

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact but, Chazal explained, the deed of Zevulun/the Sponsor is considered even greater than that of Yissachar, because without the support of Zevulun, Yissachar would not have had the wherewithal to study Torah undisturbed.”

It is well-known that when it comes to learning Torah, people who sponsor the learning, often do so, not just as a donation. By financially supporting specific Torah scholars, they enter into a binding, written, signed and sealed learning partnership pact whereby the Sponsor (the Zevulun) is deemed by Halacha as if he personally studied the Torah completed by the Scholar (the Yissachar). (See below.) 

Thus, those who support the Talmidei Chachomim at Shas Yiden via a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact merit a portion in every daf of the entire Talmud Bavli and associated texts that they study, and complete the entire cycle in the space of ONE year. Some of the Sponsors opt to continue sponsoring repeat cycles of Shas which accrue to them.

Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden, emphasized: The most mehudar Yissachar-Zevulun pact to support in our times is that offered by Shas Yiden – it comprises the entire Shas, Rashi and Tosfos – all in just one year!

Rav Chaim explained why this pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar. Chazal say that the highest level of learning is when one understands what he is learning b’iyun u’ve’amkus. However, even higher than that is when one remembers b’al peh all what he has learned. I have farhered the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim many times and can attest ZEI KENNEN SHAS (they know Shas)!

YES! YOU CAN MAKE

The Yissachar-Zevulun Pact in Halacha

The Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh De’ah Chapter 246 regarding the efficacy of the Yissachar-Zevulun Sponsorship Pact for the Zevulun (the Sponsor) states clearly:  It is deemed as if he (the one sponsoring the learning) himself learned all the Torah studied under the pact. 

All the learning under the Shas Yiden Yissachar-Zevulun Pact is yours בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in both This World and the World to Come)! Concerning this, the Netziv of Volozhin comments that in Olam Habah, the Zevulun sponsor will sit together with the Gedolei Torah of the past and merit to participate in their discussions and pilpulim on all the Torah learned.

Achieve Almost 7 million Mitzvos in One Year

The Vilna Gaon in Shnos Eliyahu Pe’ah 41 states that one should hold precious every word of Torah that he learns because each word is considered a mitzvah of its own. 

Thus, since in Talmud Bavli, Rashi and Tosfos there are 6,608,891 words, that translates into almost 7 million mitzvos accruing through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden. 

Official Shtar from Shas Yiden

Each Yissachar-Zevulun pact is confirmed by an official contract (shtar) from Shas Yiden specifying the learning of the entire Shas, and is witnessed by talmidei chachomim.

All who wish to enter into a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact for the entire Shas during ONE year should contact Shas Yiden to make arrangements: 718-702-1528.

The opportunity to complete the entire Shas has been a cherished way to honor family members and others as a prized achievement. It has also proven to be a source of comfort for mourners to obtain such a zechus for their dear ones during the year of mourning – a siyum of the entire Shas can be completed on the yahrzeit!

Yissachar-Zevulun Pact –

The legendary visionary and “Father of Yeshivos”, Reb Chaim of Volozhin, was the founder of the famous yeshiva in the town of Volozhin and the beloved talmid of the Vilna Gaon. 

Reb Chaim had an ongoing Yissachar-Zevulun pact with a local shoemaker – a man who was not learned but who dearly valued Torah learning. They had a ‘deal’ whereby the shoemaker would pay the monthly financial support needed for Reb Chaim and his family. For this financial support, the shoemaker would have an equal share in all Reb Chaim’s daily Torah study – both in the mitzvah of Torah study בעוה”ז and that the knowledge of the Torah learned would continue to be his בעוה”ב (in the World to Come).

One day the shoemaker passed away suddenly. During the shiva period, Reb Chaim was facing a perplexing halachic question and researched high and low for a solution. That night the shoemaker appeared to him in a dream and gave him the full solution that he sought. Reb Chaim was amazed and commented, “Azoi gich, Azoi Gich – So quickly, so quickly has he acquired the zchus and knowledge of the Torah that I have studied!”

In the words of Gedolei Torah:

Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden:

“In just ONE year, through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden, you can be zoche to the entire Shas forever – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in olam hazeh and olam habah).

“Moreover, whoever supports Shas Yiden is zocheh to fulfill both Yissachar-Zevulun and support of aniyei (the poor of) Eretz Yisroel in the fullest sense of the word.

“Those who support Shas Yiden will be saved from chevlei (the travails of) Moshiach – spiritually and materially, and will be zoche to have ehrlicher bonim u’vanos yir’eishomayim ”

Maran Hagaon Harav Dov Lando, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Slabodka:

“Who compares to the Shas Yiden? Incredible talmidei chachomim geonim who raised the bar in limud Hashas b’iyun u’v’amkus. Blessed are those who enter a Yissachar-Zevulun pact with them.”

Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Meilech Biederman, shlit”a:

 “Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden – best possible deal, and in just 1 year! 100% partnership! 100% Shas x 5 times! 100% Shisha Sidrei Mishna – בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב”

Sanzer Rebbe, shlit”a:

“A first in 2000 years of Jewish history! Until Shas Yiden, never a Torah institution where ALL the avreichim metzuyonim v’geonim know the entire Shas by heart”

Harav Yaakov Hillel, shlit”a:

“Therefore, the great mitzvah to support the efforts [of the Talmidei Chachomim] with generous donations in order that they should continue diligently with their studies to enhance the greatness of the Torah and its glory. 

ShasYiden.com

The IDF announced that a group of terrorists who had taken part in the October 7 massacre and were planning another imminent attack against Israeli forces were eliminated in a targeted strike.

According to the military, Israeli forces identified an armed terror cell from Hamas on Sunday that was preparing to carry out an attack against IDF troops operating in the Gaza Strip.

The IDF carried out a strike on the group, successfully neutralizing the threat.

Military officials later confirmed that several of those killed were directly involved in the October 7 massacre. The individuals were identified as Rami Ibrahim Harb and Musab Ziyaz Dara, both members of Hamas’ Nukhba unit who infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7 attacks and were actively planning additional terror operations against IDF forces in the immediate timeframe.

Also eliminated was Abd Muhammad Amtsi, a terrorist affiliated with the Popular Resistance Committees, an organization that operates in coordination with Hamas to advance terror activity.

Another operative killed in the strike was Taufik Khaldi, a member of Hamas.

In addition to those named, three other Hamas terrorists were killed in the operation.

The IDF stated that forces under Southern Command remain deployed in accordance with operational directives and will continue working to eliminate any immediate threats.

“IDF forces in the Southern Command are deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue to act to remove any immediate threat,” the military said.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said during a visit to the Northern Command that Israeli forces have eliminated more than 400 Hezbollah terrorists and are preparing to strengthen operations in the region with additional troops.

The visit, which was only cleared for publication afterward by the IDF, included Northern Command head Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo and other senior officers. Zamir toured the area, held a situational assessment, approved future operational plans, and met with division commanders involved in the fighting.

Speaking during the visit, Zamir emphasized that Iran remains the primary arena, noting that weakening the regime and its capabilities has a direct impact on Hezbollah as well.

“Iran is the main arena. Weakening the regime and its capabilities will weaken the entire radical axis, including the Hezbollah terrorist organization. The campaign against Hezbollah is another central front. Every blow to Iran’s military buildup and the Revolutionary Guards also harms Hezbollah’s weapons supply and funding. The impact of the strikes against the radical regime in Iran is also being felt in the campaign against Hezbollah.”

He added that in recent weeks, Israeli forces launched a targeted ground operation in southern Lebanon aimed at pushing threats away from the border and ensuring long-term security for residents of northern Israel.

“In the past two weeks, we initiated a focused ground operation in southern Lebanon with the goal of removing the threat from the border and ensuring long-term security for northern residents. Northern Command is conducting a determined campaign against Hezbollah, during which more than 400 terrorists have been eliminated so far, including senior figures in the organization.”

Zamir stressed that the military intends to continue intensifying its efforts until all objectives are achieved, while simultaneously strengthening defensive measures.

“We are determined to deepen the operation until all our objectives are achieved. At the same time, we are reinforcing our defenses and strengthening Northern Command with additional forces. Hezbollah is currently fighting a war for its very existence. It is paying a heavy price for entering this conflict, and the pressure on it will only increase.”

Concluding his remarks, the chief of staff praised the troops for their efforts and underscored the need to remain focused on eliminating threats and protecting Israeli communities.

“In the past week, the forces in Northern Command have been operating with determination and strength—I greatly appreciate that. Now we must focus on removing threats, strengthening the defense of the communities, and continuing to intensify the damage to Hezbollah.”

{Matzav.com}

At a joint press briefing in Jerusalem on Tuesday with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar addressed the recent killing of two senior Iranian figures, presenting the strikes as part of a broader effort to counter regional threats posed by Tehran.

“Last night, the IDF took out Commander of the Basij Gholamreza Soleimani, and his deputy and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani,” Sa’ar said.

He continued by asserting that their removal also benefits Iranian civilians, pointing to their roles in suppressing dissent. “the Iranians are also safer without them,” he said.

Brilliant speech by @gidonsaar – take a listen.

“He had a $10 million price on his head in the US, we did it for free any how” – referencing Ali Larijani

The part where he turns to the Estonian Minister and says:

“We still haven’t seen anything from Mojtaba, wouldn’t you… pic.twitter.com/0e7QgnYr46

— Kosher (@koshercockney) March 17, 2026

Expanding on their records, Sa’ar described both men as key enforcers of internal repression. “The Basij, under Soleimani’s command, was responsible for the brutal repression of the Iranian people seeking their freedom. Soleimani was under US and EU sanctions for his role in repressing Iranians. Larijani was also under US sanctions, for the same reason, with a 10 million dollar prize on his head. We did it for free, anyhow. Our actions are weakening its repression mechanism. The regime can only be toppled by the Iranian people. Yet without external help, the Iranian people can’t liberate themselves,” Sa’ar said.

Sa’ar characterized Iran as a central destabilizing force worldwide. He referred to the regime as “the number one source of regional and global instability,” and accused it of exporting “extremism, terror and bloodshed” since 1979.

He further outlined Iran’s network of allied militant groups across the Middle East. According to Sa’ar, Tehran has established “a proxy network of terror states across the region,” including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen.

Discussing recent violence, Sa’ar claimed the regime intentionally targets civilians. He pointed to specific incidents, stating that it “deliberately attacks civilian populations,” including what he described as a strike near a major Christian site in Jerusalem. “Yesterday, it hit by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem,” he said, adding that he spoke with the Patriarch to express solidarity.

He also cited attacks affecting both Muslim and Jewish communities, referencing “a Mosque on Ramadan” in the village of Zarzir and “a synagogue in Beit Shemesh, killing 9 Jews.”

Turning to Iran’s military capabilities, Sa’ar said ongoing efforts by Israel and the United States are aimed at dismantling key components of Iran’s strategic arsenal. “Israel and the United States are taking out Iran’s nuclear program,” he said, along with its missile infrastructure and broader military production capacity.

He emphasized that these threats extend beyond Israel. “These don’t just threaten Israel, but also other countries in the Middle East and Europe,” he said, adding that such operations would “directly impact European security for the better.”

Sa’ar also warned about disruptions to global shipping routes, attributing them to Iranian-backed forces. He described the situation as “modern piracy,” stating, “The Houthis… crippled the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea,” and added, “Now, the Iranian regime is blocking international shipping and the flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz.”

He cautioned that if left unchecked, these tactics could spread to other parts of the world.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a recent interview with Israeli outlet i24NEWS that Russia is providing Iran with drone technology, as tensions rise following Iranian warnings that Ukraine has become a “legitimate target” due to its support for Israel.

Addressing the threats from Tehran, Zelensky made clear that such messages do not intimidate him or his country.

“We are not afraid of such messages; we have been living with messages like this every day for the past four years,” the president said.

During the interview, Zelensky also discussed the evolution of Iranian drone capabilities, arguing that the weapons being used today are significantly different from those deployed earlier in the war.

“It is impossible to compare the ‘Shahed’ from the beginning of the war to the ‘Shahed’ of today. In 99% of cases, the ‘Shahed’ has been used against Ukrainian civilians,” he said, adding that he is “certain” Russia is supplying Iran with Shahed-type drones.

Zelensky pointed to physical evidence, saying that components recovered from a drone strike in the Middle East indicate Russian involvement in their production.

“We saw several components from one of the ‘Shahed’ drones that struck a country in the Middle East. These were Russian components, so we know the Iranians did not manufacture it,” he said.

In recent days, Iran escalated its rhetoric, warning Ukraine that it has become a legitimate military target because of assistance it has provided to Israel.

Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, wrote on X that Ukraine’s actions have placed it directly in the conflict.

“By providing support to the Israeli regime through drones, the collapsing Ukraine is effectively involved in the war. According to Article 51 of the UN Charter, this has made its entire territory a legitimate target for Iran.”

The warning followed comments earlier in the week from Zelensky, who confirmed that Ukraine had sent interceptor drones, along with teams of experts and operators, to Jordan in order to help defend U.S. bases in the country.

Separately, reports indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu has sought to arrange a conversation with Zelensky regarding potential cooperation between Israel and Ukraine in countering Iranian drone threats.

Three individuals turned themselves in to authorities following a brutal daytime attack outside a San Jose restaurant that left two Israeli-American men injured and sparked widespread concern within the community.

Police identified the suspects as Ramon Akoyans, 18, Roma Akoyans, 20, and Bruneil Chamaki, 32. All three surrendered to the San Jose Police Department on Monday, about a week after the alleged assault took place outside Augustine, located in the Santana Row area.

The incident, which occurred in broad daylight and is being investigated as a possible hate crime, was captured on video and quickly spread online. Footage aired by KTVU shows three individuals dressed in black shirts repeatedly striking a person lying on the ground.

“The victims alleged that the suspects used antisemitic language during the altercation,” police said last week.

According to accounts shared by community leaders, the victims were attacked without warning. “While they were waiting for their table, three people came up to them out of nowhere and knocked one of the victims out cold and then three of them jumped on top of the other victim,” Jewish Silicon Valley CEO Daniel Klein told KTVU. Both of the victims are Israeli-American men, and one was reportedly knocked unconscious during the attack.

Authorities acknowledged the public reaction and emphasized their commitment to a careful investigation. “We recognize the community’s concern about this incident and appreciate the patience shown as investigators worked methodically to ensure the case was handled thoroughly and correctly,” the San Jose PD wrote on X. “Those responsible for this violent crime will be held accountable.”

The investigation is ongoing, with San Jose police continuing to coordinate with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office as the case proceeds.

{Matzav.com}

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The IDF announced Tuesday that Israeli forces carried out a targeted airstrike near Tehran a day earlier, killing Ali Larijani, a top Iranian national security official who had effectively assumed leadership of the regime’s operations. According to the IDF, the mission was executed by the Israeli Air Force based on detailed intelligence and specialized operational coordination.

Larijani had long been regarded as one of the most experienced and influential figures within Iran’s leadership and maintained a close working relationship with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei over many years.

After Khamenei’s elimination, Larijani emerged as the central authority within the regime, taking charge of its military and strategic efforts against Israel and other countries in the region.

In his capacity, Larijani was responsible for overseeing Iran’s national security apparatus, including coordinating its global activities and maintaining ties with allied elements within the broader regional network.

During the latest wave of unrest inside Iran, Larijani played a leading role in enforcing the regime’s crackdown, directing harsh suppression efforts and personally supervising a deadly campaign against demonstrators.

The IDF stated that his killing is part of a broader campaign that has already resulted in the deaths of numerous high-ranking Iranian officials during Operation Roaring Lion, dealing another significant setback to Tehran’s ability to plan and execute hostile actions against Israel.

He was also deeply involved in shaping Iran’s national security direction, including direct participation in key strategic matters such as the country’s nuclear program.

Following widespread reports of his death, a message appeared on Larijani’s official Telegram account claiming that a statement would soon be released. Shortly afterward, the account posted a handwritten note prepared for a naval funeral, but made no mention of the assassination reports and offered no confirmation that he remains alive.

After a missile fragment struck Rechov Yerushalayim in Bnei Brak, thousands of residents rushed to the scene, creating a massive crowd that quickly became the most striking aspect of the incident. Beyond the physical damage, the overwhelming number of onlookers—far greater than usual—drew widespread attention.

Photos from the area showed clear destruction, but in a city known for its distinct character, it was the surge of curious residents that stood out most. While such gatherings are not uncommon in Bnei Brak, many said this time the scale appeared to break previous records.

To understand the phenomenon, local personalities described reactions that ranged from humor to discomfort. Some noted that the behavior reflects a deeply rooted cultural pattern within the city.

Despite the jokes, observers stressed that Bnei Brak is a city that consistently provokes strong reactions. Its intensity, constant movement, and unpredictability shape how residents respond to unfolding events.

On the ground, however, emergency responders described a far more difficult reality. The sheer volume of people created major obstacles for rescue and medical teams attempting to operate effectively.

Efi Feldman, head of the United Hatzalah branch in Bnei Brak, said the situation quickly became unmanageable as crowds poured into the area.

“When there are no schools or structured frameworks, the situation spirals out of control. Everyone who is outside ends up heading in the same direction. As time passed, the streets became so crowded that we had to use barriers to create controlled zones for medical and emotional care.”

He explained that although the number of injured was relatively small, the emotional toll was severe, particularly for families who lost their homes in an instant.

“Thank God there were only a small number of injuries, but entire families lost their homes in a single moment and had to pack up their lives into bags. When thousands of people are standing around watching you at your most vulnerable moment—it is extremely difficult.”

Feldman urged the public to act with greater responsibility in the future, emphasizing both safety and basic human dignity.

“Beyond the fact that staying in a protected area saves lives, I ask people to think about mutual respect. When someone sees a family being evacuated to a hospital or taken from their destroyed home to temporary housing and just stands there watching—it is a lack of respect. Everyone needs to ask themselves what matters more: their curiosity or ‘love your fellow as yourself.’”

Others pointed to a deeper cultural explanation for the phenomenon. Chilik Rosenberg, who leads guided tours of Bnei Brak for secular visitors, said the answer lies in the community’s intense appreciation for life.

“People in Bnei Brak truly love life. Not everyone in the world experiences life with that kind of intensity. Every event excites them, and they immediately come to experience it fully.”

He added that visitors are often surprised by the city’s nonstop energy, even late at night.

“Secular visitors are surprised to discover that Bnei Brak is the real city that never stops. At midnight, the city is still full and alive. Today, unlike in the past, Tel Aviv is no longer a nonstop city—it’s quiet at night.”

Rosenberg concluded that being a Bnei Brak resident reflects a lifestyle rooted in Torah, vitality, and a deep sense of belonging.

“It means living at the center of things, in a stronghold of identity. It gives children a sense of rootedness and connection.”

{Matzav.com}

A key Knesset committee on Monday approved moving forward with legislation that would strengthen the authority of the Chief Rabbinate over the Kosel area, advancing the proposal to the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee in preparation for its first reading in the Knesset plenum.

The committee that will now handle the bill is headed by MK Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionism party, who has often worked closely with the chareidi parties on matters relating to religion and state.

The legislation, introduced by MK Avi Maoz of the Noam party, had already passed its initial stage last month. It seeks to address a recent High Court ruling that directed the government to proceed with plans to upgrade the separate area near the Kosel designated for non-Orthodox prayer.

Those plans trace back to an arrangement from roughly a decade ago, during the tenure of then-Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, which proposed the creation of a formalized space for pluralistic prayer at the site. That arrangement has remained largely stalled.

Under the current proposal, final authority over all sections of the Kosel, including the adjacent plaza used by non-Orthodox groups, would be placed in the hands of the two chief rabbis of Israel. The bill would also define any conduct at the site that runs contrary to their directives as a “desecration” of a holy place.

As written, the legislation stipulates that such a violation could carry a penalty of up to seven years in prison.

MK Maoz welcomed the bill’s progress, stating that it brings closer the goal of limiting the involvement of the High Court in matters relating to the Kosel. He said the move would return oversight of the site “to its natural and proper place, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, and will safeguard the sanctity of the remnant of our Holy Temple.”

The advancement of the bill, of course, prompted sharp criticism from leaders of Reform and other non-Orthodox movements, who argued that the legislation marginalizes large segments of world Jewry.

The radical, trouble-making group Women of the Wall, which advocates for expanded prayer rights at the site, also voiced strong opposition. “You have to rub your eyes in disbelief,” the organization said in a statement.

The bill had previously passed its preliminary reading in the Knesset by a vote of 56–47.

{Matzav.com}

North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un issued a stark warning over the weekend, declaring that the United States and South Korea would soon grasp the “destructive power of tactical nuclear weapon” [sic] following a major rocket test, according to state-run media.

Official outlets in Pyongyang released images from the launch, showing Kim observing the exercise alongside his young daughter, Ju-ae, who is believed to be around 12 years old. In recent months, Kim has repeatedly brought her to high-profile events, including a recent visit to a weapons facility. Intelligence officials in South Korea have assessed that she is being positioned as a future leader of the regime, where the ruling family is treated with near-religious reverence.

While the photographs highlighted the presence of Kim’s daughter, the written report from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) focused instead on the weaponry involved and the purpose of the test.

“The drill involved twelve 600mm-calibre ultra-precision multiple rocket launchers and two artillery companies,” KCNA explained, noting that the launch occurred on Saturday. Another government-controlled publication, Rodong Sinmun, reported that the rockets struck a target island in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) with what it described as “100 percent” accuracy. Kim indicated that the system is capable of delivering nuclear warheads.

“He said that the drill would expose the forces hostile to the DPRK, the enemies within the 420-km [about 260 miles] striking range, to uneasiness,” KCNA paraphrased Kim as saying, “making a signaling wave stronger than the aimed, and give them a deep understanding of the destructive power of tactical nuclear weapon.”

Kim characterized the weapon used in the test as both highly lethal and technologically advanced, calling it among the most sophisticated systems of its kind globally. He also signaled that similar exercises would continue on a regular basis.

“As I have already stated, our powerful attacking capability is, in effect, for defending ourselves,” Kim was quoted as saying. “It is because the most powerful attacking capability precisely means a reliable defense capability. It is, in the true sense of the word, a means of deterring war.”

He further warned that American and South Korean military facilities located within the system’s range would be unable to withstand such strikes. Analysts in South Korea echoed those concerns, pointing to the potential threat posed by the weapon system.

“It openly signals that major U.S. military air bases in South Korea, including those in Pyeongtaek, Osan, and Gunsan, fall within the strike range,” researcher Hong Min told the newspaper. “It also showcases North Korea’s ability to conduct ‘tactical nuclear saturation’ strikes to counter the combined air power of South Korea and the United States.”

Observers believe the latest demonstration is partially tied to broader global tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, which began on February 28 when President Donald Trump announced Operation Epic Fury. That campaign has resulted in the deaths of numerous senior Iranian figures, including “supreme leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and has significantly weakened Iran’s military posture. Although North Koreans are barred from accessing independent news sources, state media has covered developments in Iran, a longtime ally of Pyongyang, and recently issued a statement recognizing Mojtaba Khamenei as the new “supreme leader.”

“Regarding the recent official announcement that the Iranian Assembly of Experts has elected a new leader of the Islamic Revolution, we respect the right and choice of the Iranian people to elect their Supreme Leader,” the Foreign Ministry said.

Though Kim did not explicitly reference Iran during the rocket launch, he stressed the importance of convincing adversaries that any attack on North Korea would carry an unacceptable cost.

At the same time, there are indications of possible diplomatic movement. President Donald Trump reportedly reached out to South Korean officials last week, expressing interest in renewing dialogue with Kim. The two leaders previously met multiple times, including historic encounters that marked the first visit by a sitting American president to North Korea. After the conclusion of Trump’s term, Kim even sent a message of support following an assassination attempt against Trump in 2024.

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who met with Trump at the White House on Friday, said the topic of North Korea featured prominently in their discussions.

“I maintain a good relationship with Kim Jong-un. I am curious whether the chairman wants to engage in dialogue with the U.S. or with me,” Kim Min-seok said that Trump told him during the meeting, which reportedly included in-depth discussions on North Korea.

The prime minister said he encouraged continued engagement, emphasizing the value of maintaining open lines of communication.

“I maintain a good relationship with Kim Jong-un. I am curious whether the chairman wants to engage in dialogue with the U.S. or with me,” Kim Min-seok said that Trump told him during the meeting, which reportedly included in-depth discussions on North Korea.

He added that South Korea’s leadership views Trump as uniquely positioned to advance peace efforts on the peninsula.

“the only leader and peacemaker who can resolve the Korean Peninsula issue is President Trump.”

Trump’s interest in diplomacy comes as he weighs a potential visit to China in the coming weeks. Reports have suggested a possible trip to Beijing between March 31 and April 2, though Chinese officials have not confirmed any such plans. On Sunday, Trump indicated that the visit could be postponed, citing frustration over China’s lack of action in addressing Iran’s threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later downplayed those concerns, saying any change in schedule would not be tied to geopolitical demands.

“if the meetings are delayed, it wouldn’t be delayed because the president demanded that China police the Strait of Hormuz.”

“If the meeting, for some reason, is rescheduled, it would be rescheduled because of logistics,” he added.

China’s Foreign Ministry did not directly respond to Trump’s remarks during its regular briefing on Monday. However, officials addressed questions about whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio—who is under Chinese sanctions—would be permitted to join the trip.

“The sanctions target Mr. Rubio’s words and deeds when he served as a U.S. senator concerning China,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, indicating that Beijing would not prevent Rubio from entering the country.

{Matzav.com}