Matzav

A growing controversy has erupted in the United Kingdom after a policy group within the Green Party, led by a Jewish politician, began examining a proposal that could ultimately lead the party to support a ban on non-medical bris milah—a move that would directly affect both Jewish and Muslim communities across Britain.

The Green Party’s Health Policy Working Group (HPWG), chaired by Zack Polanski, is reportedly considering recommendations that would restrict parents from authorizing irreversible surgical procedures on children unless they are deemed medically necessary. If adopted, the proposal could pave the way for the party to endorse prohibiting bris milah.

According to a report in The Spectator, the working group launched an internal consultation asking party members whether parents should be permitted to consent to “an irreversible surgical procedure on a child only when it is medically necessary.” Participants in the survey were specifically asked to share their views regarding bris milah.

The debate echoes a similar controversy that emerged in Iceland in 2018, when the country became the first in Europe to advance legislation banning non-medical bris milah. That proposal sparked fierce opposition from Jewish and Muslim leaders, who argued that such a measure would infringe on religious freedom. While the Icelandic initiative received broad political support, comparable proposals elsewhere in Europe have often been championed by nationalist parties, including Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Sweden’s Sweden Democrats.

The report states that the working group’s policy officer urged party members to participate in the consultation, writing that “this would be a huge help in ensuring that the Green Party has an up-to-date health policy from this autumn.” The party’s annual autumn conference is scheduled for September, when a number of controversial policy proposals are expected to be debated.

The British Jewish newspaper Jewish News warned that adopting such a policy could undermine the Green Party’s growing support among Muslim voters, a constituency in which the party has made gains in recent years. Observers also noted that the proposal could create political difficulties in areas with sizable Orthodox Jewish populations, including London’s Hackney borough, where the Greens have achieved notable electoral success.

A spokesperson for the Green Party stressed that the proposal is not currently official party policy. The spokesperson explained that the party’s working groups consist of members who independently develop and evaluate policy ideas, and that any proposal can become official party policy only if it is approved by delegates at a party conference vote.

For now, the consultation remains under review, but its mere consideration has already generated significant concern among religious communities and renewed a broader debate over religious liberty and parental rights in Britain.

{Matzav.com}

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is preparing to release a highly anticipated podcast interview with Hunter Biden on Friday, offering what appears to be one of Biden’s most extensive public appearances since his father left office.

Newsom previewed the conversation Thursday by posting a short teaser on X, where he playfully welcomed his guest as “Presidential candidate Hunter Biden.”

Biden immediately joined in the joke.

“Here’s the deal. I’ll run, but only as your VP,” he told Newsom.

Explaining his mock interest in the job, Biden quipped that the vice president’s residence “is a lot cooler” than the White House.

The exchange came after Newsom referenced remarks made by President Donald Trump, who recently suggested Hunter Biden “could do well” in a 2028 presidential campaign while criticizing controversial Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner.

“I had to give you a break for just one day,” Biden joked to Newsom, alluding to the nonstop discussion surrounding the governor’s own potential White House ambitions.

In the 13-second preview clip released ahead of the episode, Biden declares: “They gave me a stage and I’m going to use it.” He then rattles off the names of several public figures with whom he has sparred, including Tucker Carlson and President Trump.

The discussion also reportedly touched on Platner, who has faced scrutiny over allegations involving toxic personal relationships and a reported Nazi tattoo. According to Politico, Biden defended the embattled candidate during the interview.

“If that’s the standard by which we are going to judge people, particularly people in elected office,” Biden told Newsom, “then I don’t think we’re going to have many people in elected office.”

The teaser quickly drew criticism online, with detractors mocking Newsom’s decision to feature a guest whose personal history has often attracted controversy.

“That’s a whole Lotta crack on one podcast…call it the Escobar files!!!” one social media user wrote.

“Is he going to talk about how he did drugs at the White House?” another commenter sarcastically asked.

Since President Biden’s departure from office, questions have persisted about Hunter Biden’s activities and public profile. In recent weeks, however, he has become increasingly visible, suggesting a renewed willingness to engage in public and political discussions.

Earlier this month, Biden celebrated seven years of sobriety through a series of social media posts. After a lengthy absence from X, he resumed posting in May and has frequently addressed criticism tied to his past struggles with substance abuse, including his long-running battles with crack cocaine and alcohol.

Those addictions became central to legal troubles that culminated in his 2024 conviction for falsely completing a federal firearm-purchase form regarding his drug use. He was also accused of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. Both matters were ultimately resolved through a pardon issued by his father.

Other recent posts have focused on political and media controversies, including criticism of CNN anchor Jake Tapper over his memoir and attacks on plans by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump to redevelop an abandoned island off the Albanian coast.

Questions about Biden’s finances have also resurfaced. The California Post recently reported that he has been living in Southern California while facing debts exceeding $20 million. According to the report, that total includes roughly $15 million to $17 million owed to a prominent Washington legal team, approximately $5 million owed to longtime associate Kevin Morris, and another $1 million tied to a former art dealer.

Financial controversies have followed Biden for years. Reports have alleged that he spent millions of dollars on drugs, luxury clothing, prostitutes, and cosmetic dental work, expenditures that reportedly became a source of friction during divorce proceedings with his ex-wife.

He has also remained a political liability at times because of issues connected to his infamous laptop, which fueled years of scrutiny over alleged conflicts of interest involving Ukraine and cast a shadow over his father’s presidency.

Despite the controversies, Newsom appears unfazed by the criticism and may benefit from the attention generated by the interview. The California governor is widely viewed as a potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

Observers have increasingly pointed to Newsom’s podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom, as evidence that he is refining his public messaging and building a national profile ahead of any future campaign.

The show has amassed more than 250,000 YouTube subscribers and generated at least 10 million views. Individual episodes generally attract audiences ranging from tens of thousands of viewers to nearly 160,000.

One reason the podcast has drawn attention is Newsom’s willingness to host ideological opponents, including conservative commentators Charlie Kirk and Ben Shapiro, a strategy that has sparked criticism from some fellow Democrats.

Newsom has repeatedly rejected suggestions that the podcast is primarily a political vehicle, insisting that his motivation is personal growth rather than campaign preparation.

“I’m doing this selfishly because I want to learn. I want to get better in life, not just politics. And if I’m better in life, I’ll be better in politics,” the governor told Politico.

{Matzav.com}

The leadership of the Association of Hesder Yeshivas has issued a formal letter to heads of Hesder institutions across Israel, reiterating its opposition to mixed-gender combat service and clarifying its position regarding the enlistment of Hesder students into the IDF’s Armored Corps.

In the letter, members of the association’s council explained that following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the issue, they have been actively engaged in efforts aimed at preventing situations in which female combat soldiers serve alongside male soldiers committed to observing halacha.

The council said these initiatives have been coordinated with a broad spectrum of rabbinic leaders from the religious Zionist community, including roshei yeshiva of advanced Torah institutions and rabbanim who lead pre-military academies representing various segments of the national-religious public.

They noted that numerous discussions have been held in recent weeks, during which they consistently conveyed their belief that men and women serving together in frontline maneuvering combat units is incompatible with the religious commitments of soldiers who adhere to halacha.

Council members also stated that they remain in ongoing communication with senior IDF officials in an effort to create a framework that would allow observant soldiers to serve in the Armored Corps while maintaining their religious standards.

“We will make every effort to enable the enlistment of our students into the Armored Corps in the upcoming draft without harming their values,” they wrote.

The rabbis further sought to distance themselves from reports circulated in recent days, stressing that a letter publicized in the media concerning enlistment to the Armored Corps did not originate from the council and does not reflect its official position.

“The letter that appeared in the media in recent days regarding enlistment to the Armored Corps is not a letter from the council,” adding that the publication of such a letter contradicts their position.

The statement bore the signatures of the roshei yeshiva who serve on the Council of the Association of Hesder Yeshivas.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told a visiting group of Christian leaders that their backing of Israel is rooted in faith and biblical principles, not political considerations, as they gathered in Jerusalem for a conference dedicated to confronting rising antisemitism.

Addressing members of the International Christian Embassy during the emergency gathering, Huckabee emphasized that Christian support for the Jewish state is based on Scripture and God’s covenant with the Jewish people.

“The reason we stand with Israel is not political, but because of God’s promise to Abraham,” Huckabee said during remarks to members of the International Christian Embassy who are in Israel for an emergency conference focused on combating antisemitism.

Huckabee also highlighted Israel’s remarkable ability to withstand repeated threats from adversaries that vastly outnumber it in both population and military resources.

“The amazing thing is that a tiny, tiny country of 10 million people wins over and over again when its existence is threatened by those who have 10 times the population, many times the military budget. And yet, it not only survives. It thrives,” he said.

He attributed that success to what he described as a divine promise dating back nearly four millennia.

“So what’s the secret? The secret is that 3,800 years ago, God said to Abraham, I’m going to create a people. And you are him. And I’m going to put you where you belong, and I’m going to give you a purpose,” Huckabee added.

Responding to reports alleging hostility toward Christians in Israel, Huckabee said his own decades of experience in the country have painted a very different picture.

“I have been visiting this country for 53 years. I cannot think of a warmer welcome I could have received, not just from the government officials, but from the people on the streets and everywhere I go in this country,” he said.

Huckabee said he continues to be struck by the friendliness and acceptance he encounters throughout Israel despite being open about his evangelical Christian beliefs.

“I am amazed at the reception that people show me, knowing full well that I am an evangelical Christian who believes in the Bible. It does not offend people,” Huckabee added.

{Matzav.com}

Emergency crews and hazardous materials specialists were called to Yerushalayim’s Mekor Baruch neighborhood after four young children suddenly became ill, with initial concerns that exposure to a dangerous substance may have been involved.

The incident prompted a response from Israel Fire and Rescue Services after reports were received that several children had suffered dizziness and lost consciousness. A specialized hazardous materials monitoring team was dispatched to the scene to investigate the possibility that toxic substances may have played a role.

The four children—a one-year-old boy, a one-year-old girl, a three-year-old boy, and a three-year-old girl—were transported to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center after experiencing weakness and other symptoms.

Firefighters conducted tests inside the building where the incident occurred in an effort to determine whether any hazardous materials were present. Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the episode remain under investigation.

Hadassah Medical Center later reported that the children consist of two pairs of siblings, with each pair including a one-year-old and a three-year-old child. According to the hospital, the children had been playing in a garden near their residence before becoming ill.

Hospital officials said the children arrived at the pediatric emergency department exhibiting drowsiness, weakness, and signs of lethargy. Medical and nursing staff immediately began a series of examinations to determine the cause of their condition.

Doctors said all four children are now fully conscious and are being accompanied by their parents. They will remain hospitalized for observation while testing continues.

Magen David Adom said it first received a call at 5:52 p.m. reporting that two children had become ill near a residential building in the Mekor Baruch neighborhood. A second call was received at 6:39 p.m. reporting that two additional children at the same location were experiencing similar symptoms.

Paramedics treated the children at the scene before transporting all four to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. Authorities have not yet determined what caused the children to become ill, and the investigation remains ongoing.

{Matzav.com}

Francesca Albanese, a United Nations investigator who has frequently been accused of anti-Israel bias, is facing widespread condemnation after responding dismissively to the mother of a young woman murdered in Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

The controversy erupted after Sonja Bohl-Dencker, whose daughter was killed during the massacre, described feeling intense hostility toward Israel while attending an event in Berlin honoring Albanese. Her remarks drew attention in Germany and beyond, prompting a response from the UN official that quickly sparked outrage.

Bohl-Dencker’s daughter, Carolin Bohl, a 22-year-old German fashion student and model, was among those murdered by Hamas terrorists during the assault on Kibbutz Nir Oz.

In an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt, Bohl-Dencker recounted attending a film screening in Berlin in March at which Albanese was the central guest. She described the atmosphere at the gathering as deeply unsettling.

“I have never been in a room where I felt so much hatred,” Bohl-Dencker said. “Everywhere keffiyehs, terrible slogans and sheer hatred against everything connected with Israel.”

After a social media post highlighted the grieving mother’s comments, Albanese replied with a brief message that immediately ignited criticism: “Change medication.”

The remark attracted even greater scrutiny because of legal filings connected to Albanese’s own challenge against sanctions imposed by the United States. According to court documents submitted in that case, Albanese and members of her family sought medical treatment for conditions they said were brought on by the stress of the sanctions. The filings state that Albanese was treated for gastric ulcers, while her husband suffered from insomnia and severe anxiety.

Albanese has long been a polarizing figure because of statements critics say demonstrate a pattern of hostility toward Israel. Among the incidents drawing criticism were remarks delivered at an Al Jazeera conference that prompted rebukes from several European Union foreign ministers.

“The fact that instead of stopping Israel, most of the world has armed, given Israel political excuses, political sheltering, economic and financial support … We who do not control large amounts of financial capitals, algorithms and weapons, we now see that we as a humanity have a common enemy.”

Following the backlash, Albanese denied that she had characterized Israel as humanity’s common enemy.

She later stated that she “never, ever, ever said ‘Israel is the common enemy of humanity,'” and described the allegations against her as “completely false accusations.”

Questions surrounding Albanese’s views on Israel have persisted for years. Critics frequently point to social media posts uncovered in 2022 in which she asserted that the “Jewish lobby” exerts control over the United States.

At the time, Albanese rejected claims that her comments about the “Jewish lobby” were antisemitic, arguing that they had been “mischaracterized.” Nevertheless, controversy surrounding her statements about Israel has continued.

Since the Hamas massacre of October 7, Albanese’s comments have drawn even greater attention. She argued that the attack should be understood within a broader “context” and portrayed it as a reaction to Israeli “aggression.”

Earlier this year, Albanese again provoked criticism when she accused Israel of systematically abusing Palestinians.

In late March, Albanese claimed that the world has given Israel “a license to torture Palestinians,” alleging that “torture has effectively become state policy” in Israel.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration announced Thursday that federal authorities have located approximately 146,000 unaccompanied migrant children who entered the United States during the Biden administration and were later placed with sponsors, while officials say close to 300,000 children have yet to be found.

The figures were revealed during a press briefing at the Justice Department in Washington by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Officials said the number of children successfully located has risen dramatically from roughly 22,000 identified last summer.

“We found 146,000 kids so far — 146,000 kids. We still have nearly 300,000 missing,” Mullin said.

Mullin sharply criticized the previous administration’s management of unaccompanied minors, arguing that failures in oversight and monitoring resulted in hundreds of thousands of children effectively disappearing after being released into the country.

“When we start digging into these cases, and you start hearing the absolute horrific things that took place underneath the Biden administration, either true neglect at best and criminal at worst, to allow 450,000 kids to go missing throughout this country,” Mullin said.

Administration officials said that more than half a million unaccompanied migrant children crossed the southern border and entered the United States during the Biden administration without a parent or legal guardian accompanying them.

After arriving in the country, the minors were placed under the supervision of the Department of Health and Human Services before eventually being released to sponsors residing in the United States.

The Trump administration has made tracking down those children a major priority, directing multiple federal agencies to work together to determine where they are living and whether they are being properly cared for.

Officials declined to offer specifics about the methods used to locate the 146,000 children or provide a timeline for finding those who remain unaccounted for. They also did not disclose additional details regarding the condition or circumstances of the children who have already been identified.

{Matzav.com}

A sophisticated cyber scam targeting supporters of Adirei HaTorah has been revealed after fraudsters created a deceptive look-alike website designed to solicit donations from unsuspecting members of the public.

According to Adirei HaTorah, the organization became aware on Wednesday of a targeted effort to impersonate the organization through a fraudulent website that closely resembled its official online presence. The fake site was reportedly used in conjunction with emails and text messages sent to potential donors in an attempt to redirect contributions.

Organization officials said they immediately launched an emergency response, working closely with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement authorities to contain the threat and protect the public.

“B’Siyata D’Shmaya, the fraudulent website has been successfully disabled and the payment processor has frozen the scammer’s account,” the organization said in a statement.

While the investigation remains ongoing, Adirei HaTorah emphasized that the breach appears to have been limited in scope. According to preliminary findings, the information accessed consisted only of certain names, email addresses, and phone numbers that were subsequently used to distribute fraudulent emails and text messages directing recipients to the fake website.

Officials stressed that there is currently no indication that the perpetrators gained access to the organization’s financial infrastructure, donor records, or sensitive payment information.

“Importantly, there are no indications that the malicious actor gained access to any of Adirei HaTorah’s financial systems or overall donor database, or that any financial information was compromised,” the statement noted.

The organization credited the rapid shutdown of the operation to the coordinated efforts of cybersecurity professionals, community members, and media outlets that quickly spread warnings about the scam.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the many professionals and community members who immediately stepped forward, worked tirelessly, and helped identify and shut down this scam within hours of its launch,” Adirei HaTorah said. “We are also grateful to the media outlets that helped responsibly publicize the warning and alert the public. Mi K’Amcha Yisrael.”

In light of the incident, Adirei HaTorah issued several reminders to help community members protect themselves from future fraud attempts.

The organization said that all official text messages will originate exclusively from the phone numbers 848-261-8251 or 732-800-1524. In addition, all official email correspondence will clearly identify Adirei HaTorah as the sender and will be distributed only through the organization’s authorized communication channels.

Donors were also urged to verify that they are visiting the organization’s official website, www.adireihatorah.com, before making any contribution.

Adirei HaTorah further advised anyone who receives a suspicious email, text message, donation request, or website link purporting to represent the organization not to engage with it and to report it immediately.

Despite the attempted attack, organization officials emphasized that critical systems remain secure and that additional safeguards are being implemented to strengthen protections going forward.

“We remain committed to safeguarding you and your information and will continue implementing additional security measures to help prevent similar incidents in the future,” the organization said.

{Matzav.com}

All are asked to daven and recite Tehillim on behalf of Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveitchik after he was rushed back to the hospital on Thursday amid his recovery from major heart surgery.

The sudden hospitalization has sparked widespread concern among thousands of talmidim, admirers, and members of the broader Torah community, who have been closely following the Rosh Yeshiva’s condition in recent weeks.

Rav Avrohom Yehoshua underwent a complex heart procedure last week following serious cardiac complications. After the surgery, there were signs of improvement, and just a few days ago he was discharged from the hospital to continue recuperating at his home in Yerushalayim.

However, concerns mounted on Thursday when the Rosh Yeshiva experienced a significant setback in his recovery. Sources close to the family reported that he began experiencing cardiac-related symptoms and was transported urgently to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Yerushalayim for immediate treatment.

The development came in the midst of what had appeared to be a promising rehabilitation process following the successful surgery.

Family members and those close to the Rosh Yeshiva are asking the public to continue storming the heavens on his behalf during this critical time.

His name for tefillah is Rav Avrohom Yehoshua ben Ettil.

{Matzav.com}

A new chapter in the ongoing tefillah campaign for the recovery of mekubal Rav Chizkiyahu Dov HaKohein Kook unfolded this week after one of his talmidim reported a striking dream in which the Rav allegedly asked that additional tefillos be offered on his behalf at Kever Rochel.

The development follows Monday night’s massive tefillah gathering at the Kosel HaMaaravi, where gedolei Yisroel, talmidim, and members of the public gathered to cry out for the recovery of the renowned Tiveria tzaddik.

According to the talmid, who served as the chazzan during the gathering at the Kosel, Rav Kook appeared to him in a dream later that night.

The talmid recounted that the Rav thanked him for the uplifting tefillos that had been recited but requested that a similar tefillah gathering be held at Kever Rochel as well.

According to the account, Rav Kook indicated in the dream that he remains in need of continued rachamei Shamayim and has not yet emerged completely from danger. He therefore asked that additional tefillos be organized at Kever Rochel.

Following the widely discussed dream, Rav Kook’s talmidim announced that a public tefillah gathering would be held at Kever Rochel for his complete recovery. Participants are being urged to add tefillos for Rav Chizkiyahu Dov ben Shoshanah HaKohein and include him among the other ill members of Klal Yisroel.

The renewed tefillah initiative comes as family members continue to report both encouraging developments and ongoing concerns regarding the Rav’s condition.

As previously reported, during a recent interview on the program Hafuch Al Hafuch with Rav Moshe Ben Lulu, Rav Gedaliah Kook shared an extensive update on his father’s medical status. He described significant improvement over recent weeks after a prolonged and difficult medical ordeal that had deeply concerned the Rav’s many followers.

According to Rav Gedaliah, several major bodily systems that had ceased functioning have resumed operation. “The kidneys have resumed functioning, dialysis has been removed, and breathing has returned independently for much of the day.”

At the same time, he emphasized that one critical concern remains.

“We need great miracles regarding the Rav’s consciousness,” he said.

While there have been notable signs of improvement, Rav Kook has not yet regained full consciousness. Family members report that he occasionally appears to respond slightly to beloved niggunim or particularly emotional tefillos, but that the road to full recovery remains uncertain.

His followers continue to call upon the public to intensify tefillos and acts of merit on behalf of Rav Chizkiyahu Dov ben Shoshanah HaKohein for a complete and speedy recovery.

{Matzav.com}

Jerry Seinfeld delivered a brief but pointed response Wednesday night after an anti-Israel social media personality confronted him outside Madison Square Garden following the Knicks’ dramatic NBA Finals victory.

The 72-year-old comedy icon was making his way through the crowd after Game 4 when influencer FinesseFave approached him with a microphone and camera, attempting to draw him into a political exchange.

“What up, Seinfeld? What up? Can we get a ‘Free Palestine’?” said the streamer, FinesseFave, sticking a mic in the face of the Jewish actor and writer.

Seinfeld laughed at the request and responded with a short remark before continuing on his way.

“It doesn’t exist,” he said, before walking away.

Matzav.com cannot post the actual clip because it contains profanities.

The video quickly spread online after FinesseFave posted it to his TikTok account, where he has approximately 180,000 followers.

FinesseFave later shared the video with his 180,000 TikTok followers, along with the caption, “Clown hasn’t been relevant in decades anyway.”

The encounter was the latest in a string of confrontations involving Seinfeld amid ongoing anti-Israel demonstrations and activism directed at public figures who have voiced support for Israel.

One notable incident occurred in May 2024, when Seinfeld delivered the commencement address at Duke University.

In May 2024, he was booed, and dozens of students walked out as the comedian gave the commencement speech at Duke University.

Just weeks afterward, another disruption took place during one of his stand-up performances in Virginia.

Two weeks later, he was interrupted on stage by an anti-Israel protester who jumped up and yelled, “Free Gaza” during a standup show in Norfolk, Virginia, TMZ reported.

Audience members quickly turned against the protester, loudly supporting Seinfeld as security moved to restore order.

The audience responded by booing the heckler and chanting, “Jerry! Jerry!” as another bystander got the protester in a headlock before security ushered the man out.

Seinfeld responded from the stage with characteristic sarcasm.

“This is exciting. I like this. I like a little Jew hate to spice up the show,” Seinfeld joked darkly from the stage as the heckler was evicted.

Although the protester was removed, interruptions reportedly continued throughout the evening.

The show continued, but protesters interrupted Seinfeld a further eight times throughout the 90-minute set.

The comedian has also been confronted several times in New York City during the past year.

Seinfeld has also faced abuse on the streets of his native New York, with two high-profile incidents in 2025.

One episode took place outside Radio City Music Hall, where a content creator appeared to ask for a photograph before turning the interaction into a political stunt.

In February 2025, an influencer asked Seinfeld for a selfie outside Radio City Music Hall, before instead recording himself saying “Free Palestine” while filming the comedian.

Seinfeld declined to engage.

Seinfeld responded by saying, “I don’t care about Palestine,” before walking away.

A few months later, another activist targeted him as he departed Madison Square Garden following a Knicks playoff game.

And while leaving the Garden after a Knicks game in May 2025, a vile protester filmed themselves telling Seinfeld he supports the genocide of babies in Gaza.

The comedian answered with a quick one-liner before getting into his vehicle.

“Only you,” Seinfeld quipped, as he got into his car.

Demonstrators have also appeared outside several of Seinfeld’s live performances this year.

His standup shows have faced continual picketing this year, with protesters branding him a “genocide apologist” ahead of his appearance in Aurora, Illinois, in January, as the Jamia Times reported at the time.

Wednesday’s confrontation came after Seinfeld watched one of the most memorable games in Knicks history from celebrity row at Madison Square Garden.

Seinfeld, star of the eponymous iconic ’90s sitcom, was sitting on celebrity row at Madison Square Garden as the Knicks completed a record 29-point comeback against the San Antonio Spurs to take a 3-1 lead in the series.

With the victory, New York moved within one win of ending a championship drought that stretches back more than five decades.

The Knicks are on the brink of their first NBA Championship since 1973 if they beat the Spurs in Texas on Motzoei Shabbos, with tipoff at 8:30 p.m.

{Matzav.com}

A major US surveillance authority is on the verge of expiring after lawmakers failed Thursday to advance a temporary extension, setting off a high-stakes confrontation between Congress and President Trump over his decision to install Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.

The breakdown has raised the possibility that Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, one of the government’s most important foreign intelligence tools, could lapse when it expires at midnight Friday. The dispute centers on Trump’s refusal to nominate a permanent replacement to lead the nation’s intelligence community.

Trump has continued to back Pulte, who currently serves as a federal housing finance regulator, despite criticism that he lacks the qualifications traditionally associated with the intelligence post. Democrats have argued that they will not support a renewal of the surveillance authority unless Trump withdraws Pulte and submits a permanent nominee for Senate consideration.

Efforts to pass a short-term extension collapsed in the House, where nearly all Democrats joined a number of Republicans in voting against the proposal. Attention now shifts to the Senate, although prospects for salvaging the measure before the deadline appear increasingly uncertain.

If the authority expires, intelligence agencies could face new restrictions on their ability to monitor foreign targets overseas. The timing is particularly sensitive as the United States prepares to host World Cup events and approaches celebrations marking the country’s 250th anniversary.

“We can’t let them extort us,” Trump said of Democrats.

The president has defended his decision to keep Pulte in the role temporarily and has asked lawmakers for additional time to select and confirm a permanent intelligence chief. Trump has also indicated that he wants Pulte to begin reducing the size and scope of intelligence agencies.

As the deadline approaches, both parties have accused the other of jeopardizing a surveillance program that many national security officials regard as critical to protecting the country.

“We’re going to ask every member here to do the right thing,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. “We cannot allow that to go dark.”

Democratic leaders formally announced their opposition to the extension, arguing that Pulte’s background does not satisfy statutory requirements calling for substantial national security experience.

“The apparent motivation for his elevation is the demonstrated willingness of Bill Pulte to search government databases for alleged dirt on President Trump’s chosen political enemies,” Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and the leadership team said in a joint statement. They said there is a path to reauthorizing FISA, “but it will require enacting meaningful reforms.”

Republican lawmakers have spent much of the week pressing Trump to move quickly on a permanent nominee. Despite those efforts, the president has maintained that he requires additional time to complete the selection process.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Republican leaders have “made our views known” to the White House.

The vacancy arose following the departure of Tulsi Gabbard. Trump has said he is evaluating five potential candidates for the position.

According to Johnson, the White House views Pulte’s tenure as a temporary assignment focused on restructuring the intelligence bureaucracy.

Johnson said the president has made it very clear that Pulte will serve a “very short term — a sort of renovation role” to help the Office of the Director of National Intelligence be “renovated and downsized.”

That explanation has done little to ease concerns among House Democrats.

In a letter to Trump, Intelligence Committee Democrats led by Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes described Pulte as a “uniquely poor choice” even for an interim appointment.

Critics from both parties have cited not only Pulte’s lack of intelligence experience but also actions taken during his tenure at the Federal Housing Finance Agency. He has been associated with criminal referrals tied to allegations of mortgage fraud involving several public officials whom Trump has publicly criticized, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, Sen. Adam Schiff, and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook.

“He has distinguished himself only as someone who will do or say anything to stay in your good graces,” Himes and the other lawmakers wrote, “qualities that are precisely the opposite of what our nation needs.”

Section 702 gives agencies including the CIA, NSA, and FBI authority to collect communications involving foreign targets located outside the United States without obtaining traditional warrants.

Although privacy concerns have led lawmakers in both parties to push for restrictions over the years, Congress had recently appeared close to agreement after negotiators developed a bipartisan compromise to renew the authority.

One of the architects of that compromise, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, said the controversy surrounding Pulte has now become a major obstacle to passage.

Warner said Pulte’s appointment to replace Gabbard is “a live hand grenade” disrupting the process.

The Virginia Democrat has proposed allowing the surveillance authority to continue temporarily only if Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas serves as acting chief during that period.

Meanwhile, Republican Sens. Tom Cotton and Chuck Grassley warned the administration that the surveillance authority may soon expire and urged officials to prepare accordingly.

The administration should prepare “for a potential significant gap in foreign intelligence collection,” they wrote in a letter.

Following widespread criticism of Pulte’s temporary elevation, Trump indicated last week that he does not intend to nominate him permanently. Nevertheless, opponents continue to insist that Pulte should be removed immediately and replaced by a nominee who can win Senate confirmation.

Despite that pressure, Trump announced Tuesday that Pulte would assume the acting role sooner than originally planned, beginning June 19.

Among the names being discussed as a possible permanent replacement is Pete Hoekstra, the US ambassador to Canada and a former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. According to a person familiar with the discussions, the White House has contacted Hoekstra about the position and conversations remain ongoing.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Tim Kaine believes momentum is building behind an effort to require President Trump to end US military involvement in Iran, saying he is nearing the number of Republican votes needed to pass a war powers resolution in the Senate.

The Virginia Democrat said supporters of the measure are encouraged by recent developments and believe they may soon secure enough bipartisan backing to move the legislation forward. The proposal seeks to halt American participation in a conflict that has now entered its 15th week.

“We think we can have a narrow win,” Kaine said. “I don’t have one absolutely pinned down, but I think I’m close.”

The legislation relies on the War Powers Act of 1973, a law designed to limit prolonged military engagements without congressional approval. If enacted, it would direct the president to withdraw US forces from the conflict absent specific authorization from Congress.

Kaine and other Democrats contend that lawmakers, not just the White House, should have a decisive voice in determining whether American troops remain engaged in hostilities involving Iran.

The effort has already attracted support from four Republican senators. Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana voted to advance the measure out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Despite those gains, supporters face an uphill climb.

Even if the resolution passes the Senate, it would still have to clear the Republican-controlled House before reaching President Trump’s desk. Trump would be widely expected to veto the measure, creating another major obstacle.

To override a presidential veto, the Constitution requires two-thirds support in both chambers of Congress—a threshold that currently appears far out of reach.

Many Republicans continue to strongly support Trump’s approach toward Iran and oppose any effort to constrain the administration’s military options.

Sen. John Cornyn argued that now is not the moment to reduce pressure on the Iranian regime.

“I want President Trump to finish the job,” Cornyn told The Hill. “I’m very dubious about any agreement that you’d get with this radical regime because they won’t abide by it.”

Cornyn also expressed skepticism that Tehran would honor future commitments, warning against allowing Iran to retain strategic leverage over the Strait of Hormuz or maintain access to enriched uranium that could eventually support a renewed nuclear weapons effort.

Other Republican senators have characterized the proposal as more symbolic than substantive.

Sen. Todd Young of Indiana questioned what advocates of the resolution envision happening if American forces are ordered to leave the region immediately.

“All I can think of are the dangers associated with immediate withdrawal,” Young said.

The dispute reflects a broader debate in Congress over its constitutional authority regarding military action. As the conflict has continued beyond the 60-day period referenced in the War Powers Act, lawmakers have increasingly questioned the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch.

Opponents of the resolution, however, argue that limiting the president’s authority during an active international confrontation could weaken America’s position and send the wrong signal to adversaries.

The debate unfolds as Trump continues to increase pressure on Tehran through a combination of military operations, economic measures, and diplomatic demands. The president has repeatedly warned Iranian leaders that they will “pay the price” if they continue delaying negotiations.

For now, Democrats appear to be making incremental gains in their effort to build bipartisan support. Nevertheless, Trump’s strategy toward Iran continues to command significant support among Republicans who believe maintaining maximum pressure remains the most effective way to protect US interests and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump announced Thursday that he has called off planned military strikes against Iran after receiving what he described as a finalized proposal from Tehran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching formal nuclear negotiations.

In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said the Iranian proposal had received approval from the country’s top leadership and that diplomatic efforts had reached a critical breakthrough.

“Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening,” he said.

Trump added that negotiations had progressed to the point where all major participants had agreed to the core framework and final details of the arrangement.

“Discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others. The Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalized — Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly.”

The announcement followed a report first published by The New York Post indicating that Iran had delivered a final draft agreement to Qatari mediators on Wednesday evening.

His announcement came after The NY Post first reported Iran had submitted a final draft of an agreement to Qatari mediators on Wednesday night.

Later Thursday, Trump told The Post that the long-anticipated understanding with Tehran was essentially complete and that the remaining details were largely procedural.

President Trump on Thursday told The Post the long-awaited agreement to begin nuclear negotiations with Tehran is “all wrapped up,” following his announcement that he had called off planned strikes on Iran.

“It’s pretty much all wrapped up,” he said in a brief phone call with The NY Post.

The development marks a dramatic shift after weeks of military escalation and growing speculation that the United States could target Iran’s strategic Kharg Island energy hub. Instead, attention has now turned toward a diplomatic process that could reopen negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program while preserving the existing US naval blockade until a final agreement is signed.

It comes after we first reported Iran had finalized and submitted a draft memorandum of understanding to Qatari mediators on Wednesday night.

{Matzav.com}

President Trump dramatically raised the stakes in the conflict with Iran on Thursday, declaring that the United States could take control of Kharg Island — the critical hub through which most Iranian oil exports pass — while also signaling uncertainty about whether such a move would ultimately occur.

In a Truth Social post issued Thursday morning, Trump suggested the US could seize Kharg Island and other key energy assets as military operations against Iran intensified for a third consecutive night following the downing of an American Apache helicopter.

“At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela,” Trump wrote on Truth Social after 8 a.m.

“The United States will be hitting Iran… VERY HARD TONIGHT.”

Less than an hour later, however, Trump appeared to leave the door open to other options during an interview on “Fox & Friends,” declining to commit to such a dramatic military step and leaving Tehran uncertain about Washington’s intentions.

“I don’t know that America has the stomach for it, to be honest with you. You’re gonna make a fortune, but I don’t know that America has the stomach,” Trump told the TV program.

“I think they’d like to see us come home, but we did it with Venezuela. Venezuela has worked out great for everybody.”

Since April 13, US naval forces have maintained a blockade around Iran’s ports. American officials argue that Iran’s oil distribution system depends heavily on infrastructure that continuously routes crude oil to Kharg Island, making it difficult for Tehran to halt those flows.

Trump acknowledged that public support for a ground operation may be limited even as he emphasized America’s military advantage while seeking to pressure Iran into finalizing a peace framework.

“I’m not sure the country has the appetite” for a land mission — despite saying there could be one as he tries to strong-arm Iranian officials to finalize a memorandum of understanding to end the war.

“They are finished. We can walk in there tomorrow,” Trump taunted on Fox.

“We could take soldiers. I don’t want to have boots on the ground, but if I wanted to, we could put a small group of soldiers and take over the whole place. They’re finished.”

The president also suggested that his willingness to reach an agreement has diminished as the conflict has dragged on.

“I’d like to get a deal now less than three or four weeks ago.”

The recent shootdown of a US Apache helicopter by an Iranian drone has complicated diplomatic efforts, although officials on both sides continue to indicate that negotiations remain underway. Sources familiar with the discussions say there is broad agreement in principle that Iran would ultimately dismantle its nuclear weapons program.

Even as talks continue behind the scenes, Iranian leaders have maintained a confrontational public stance. Senior officials sharply criticized the latest round of American airstrikes, which resumed despite a cease-fire that had held uneasily for roughly two months.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tweeted Tuesday: “Leave our region if you want to be safe. History of the Persian Gulf has many chapters on dire fates of intruding outsiders.”

Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament and a top peace negotiator, wrote: “We prefer the language of diplomacy, but we speak other languages far more fluently. Break your commitments, and we’ll switch to what we speak best. You ride the horse you saddled!”

Although Trump has previously considered striking Kharg Island during Operation Epic Fury, he has thus far stopped short of targeting the heart of Iran’s petroleum industry, viewing its long-term economic viability as an important factor in any postwar settlement.

American attacks resumed Tuesday night after the helicopter was shot down over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran retaliated by launching missiles toward US military installations in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait.

The two sides had been operating under a fragile cease-fire reached on April 8, but Trump dismissed that arrangement Wednesday evening, calling it “the most violated cease-fire in the history of the world.” He subsequently ordered military operations to resume, accusing Iran of repeatedly testing American restraint.

During the pause in fighting, Iran disrupted commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, causing concern among global energy markets because roughly 20% of the world’s seaborne oil supply passes through the strategic waterway.

In response, Trump directed the US military to impose a naval blockade aimed at increasing economic pressure on the Iranian regime.

According to US Central Command, American forces intercepted another vessel Wednesday night that attempted to breach the blockade, marking the third such confrontation this week.

Officials said the tanker, operating in the Gulf of Oman, repeatedly ignored commands issued by US military personnel before being disabled.

CENTCOM reports that nine vessels have been disabled since the blockade began, while 135 ships have been diverted from restricted areas. At the same time, 42 humanitarian shipments have been allowed to proceed.

Trump also touted what he described as a major success in protecting international oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Today, I am pleased to announce that this effort has resulted in more than 100 MILLION Barrels of Oil making its way through the Strait, and into the Open Market,” Trump crowed on Truth Social. “More than 200 Commercial Ships have safely traveled through the Strait. This wildly successful effort is because the UNITED STATES of AMERICA CONTROLS the Strait of Hormuz — NOT Iran.”

“Their military is defeated, and their economy is lost. It’s over for Iran!”

Despite repeated assertions from the White House that an agreement is within reach, significant obstacles remain. Chief among them is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, much of which is believed to be stored deep underground in fortified facilities.

Experts estimate that Iran possesses roughly 1,000 pounds of uranium enriched to 60% purity, placing it only a short technical distance from weapons-grade material.

The country is also believed to maintain substantial reserves of uranium enriched to lower levels, including large quantities at 20% purity and below.

The Iranians claimed to have enough 60% enriched uranium to manufacture 11 nuclear bombs, special envoy Steve Witkoff claimed shortly after the start of Operation Epic Fury, Feb. 28.

{Matzav.com}

Iran fired a new wave of missiles at three key American partners in the Middle East early Thursday, escalating regional tensions after US forces carried out another round of military strikes against Iranian targets.

The Islamic Republic launched attacks toward Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, marking the second consecutive day that those countries have come under fire following American military action against Tehran.

All three nations host US military personnel and facilities. While Iranian missiles were aimed at areas connected to American operations, no US service members were reported injured.

According to a military source who spoke with The Post, US Central Command successfully intercepted the incoming threats and prevented any strikes from reaching American installations.

Jordanian authorities said their air defenses shot down 20 Iranian missiles headed toward a region where US troops are stationed. No casualties were reported.

Kuwait temporarily shut down its airspace as a precautionary measure for several hours, though officials did not provide details regarding any possible damage.

In Bahrain, officials reported limited civilian impacts from the attack. The Interior Ministry said debris from interception efforts damaged homes and vehicles and injured an 11-year-old girl.

The missile barrage followed a major overnight US military operation. According to US Central Command, American forces conducted roughly four hours of strikes that concluded shortly before sunrise in Iran.

CENTCOM said the operation focused on degrading the regime’s “military surveillance capabilities, communication systems and air defense sites.”

A source familiar with the campaign said the strikes concentrated on radar installations and missile facilities located along Iran’s coastline.

Residents reported hearing blasts in several locations, including Tehran, Bandar Abbas, and other areas near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard later acknowledged damage to multiple sites, saying a manufacturing facility, a military installation, and a Guard base outside Tehran had been struck.

During the operation, President Trump told Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst that the US military launched 49 Tomahawk missiles against targets inside Iran. He also said American aircraft struck radar networks and air-defense positions around the Persian Gulf.

Trump further asserted that Iranian officials had privately appealed for the bombing campaign to stop while he monitored developments from the White House Situation Room. He warned that the attacks would intensify if Tehran failed to accept a US-backed peace framework, pledging to “bomb the s— out of them tomorrow night.”

Although Trump has repeatedly indicated that a diplomatic breakthrough may be within reach, the latest exchange of attacks has underscored how far apart the two sides remain on several key issues.

One of Washington’s primary demands is that Iran surrender its stockpile of nearly 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium. US officials believe much of the material remains hidden in underground facilities following last year’s strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.

Iran has refused to relinquish the uranium reserve and is simultaneously seeking sanctions relief. Tehran is also demanding access to frozen financial assets before any final agreement is completed, a proposal Trump has rejected.

Another major sticking point involves Hezbollah. Iranian officials insist that any settlement ending the conflict must also halt fighting between the Lebanese terror group and Israel, a condition Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has refused to accept.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continued behind the scenes. A Qatari delegation that had been conducting mediation talks in coordination with the United States departed Tehran on Thursday morning, according to an official familiar with the negotiations who spoke anonymously.

Pakistan also weighed in on the growing crisis, expressing alarm over the escalation and urging both Washington and Tehran to honor the cease-fire that officially took effect on April 8.

That cease-fire has been repeatedly tested in recent weeks. Speaking to Yingst on Wednesday night, Trump described it as “the most violated cease-fire in the history of the world.”

{Matzav.com}

The Pentagon was placed under lockdown Thursday after building safety systems detected a potential air-quality threat, prompting officials to order workers in the affected area to shelter in place while emergency crews investigated the situation.

Emergency responders from Arlington County Fire and EMS were dispatched to the military headquarters after what authorities described as a hazardous materials incident. The agency announced the response in a message posted on X.

“ACFD units, including our Hazardous Materials Team, are currently operating at the Pentagon in support of PFPA’s Hazmat Team during a hazardous materials incident,” it said.

According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, the alert was triggered after internal monitoring systems identified an issue involving the building’s air quality, leading officials to take precautionary action.

“The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants,” Parnell said. “Those systems have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance.”

He emphasized that established emergency procedures were immediately activated while authorities worked to determine the source and severity of the concern.

“The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants,” he added.

The Pentagon, regarded as one of the most heavily protected government facilities in the United States, is equipped with extensive safeguards designed to identify airborne threats and prevent contaminants from spreading throughout the structure.

Its distinctive five-sided layout, consisting of multiple concentric rings connected by hallways, enables officials to isolate specific sections of the building while allowing the remainder of the facility to continue operating. This design helps protect the approximately 26,000 people who work there without requiring a full evacuation.

As investigators seek to determine what caused Thursday’s alert, attention has turned to the Pentagon’s advanced detection and containment infrastructure, known as Pentagon Shield, which was developed over many years.

The Pentagon Shield initiative was created in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks as part of a broader effort to defend the nation’s largest government office complex against chemical, biological, and radiological dangers.

According to publicly available technical documents, the system relies on an extensive network of sensors combined with computer-based modeling technology to identify potentially dangerous airborne substances and monitor their movement throughout the building.

“Building ventilation systems can be adjusted in real time to minimize air infiltration,” researchers wrote in a 2007 overview of the program.

Should a hazardous material be detected, officials can rapidly modify airflow patterns, seal off specific areas, and restrict the movement of air between corridors, reducing the likelihood that contaminants spread beyond the affected zone while emergency personnel assess the threat.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

Three kedoshei elyon had one common concept when it came to learning Torah – they were the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar 1696-1743) when he came to Eretz Yisroel; the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto 1707-1746) when he lived in Padua, Italy;  and Hagaon, Harav Chaim Volozhiner, (1749-1821) the famous talmid of the Gaon of Vilna.

They each had a yeshiva with ‘around-the-clock’ Torah learning, 24-hours a day, so that there would be no minute when the sound of Torah learning would not be heard in this world. The 24-hour period would be divided into shifts, and as one ended the next would begin.

Torah-24

A “Torah-24” Center has been opened in Yerushalayim and the Nasi is Maran Sar Hatorah, Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l.

Under ONE ROOF, from 6:00 am – 6:00 am, 10 kollelim fill successive learning shifts. Each kollel focuses on a specific area of in-depth Torah study. The “Torah-24” Kollelim include: Boker (Gemora), Yerushalmi, Bavli, Zeraim-Taharot, Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Erev (Gemora), Chatzos- Zohar/Kabbolah, Erev Shabbos (Chumash / Medrash b’iyun). 

Already there are 52 avreichim metzuyonim, and a large number of candidates are vying for the remaining slots in the kollelim. All the avreichim are required to take rigorous monthly tests.

Endorsements & Letters

Endorsements include Maranan Hagaonim shlit”a: Harav Gershon Edelstein, Harav Berel Povarsky, Harav Shimon Badani, Harav Dovid Cohen, Harav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Harav Chaim Feinstein, Harav Shimon Galai, Harav Shraga Shteinman.

Letters of support-encouragement have been received from Maranan Hagaonim, shlit”a: Hamekubal Harav David Bazri, Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Elimelech Biderman, Hamekubal Harav Yaakov Meir Schechter, Harav Moishe Sternbuch, Harav Yitzchak Tuvia Weiss.

For more “Torah-24” information click on: www.torah-24.com or call 718-766-5022

As protests continue over the detention of bnei yeshivah and demonstrators arrested at recent anti-draft rallies, two personal stories have emerged that supporters say highlight the human toll of the ongoing arrests.

One of the detainees, R’ Nosson Start, a Breslover avreich, was informed while in custody that his first child had been born. Start was arrested during a protest held outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Noam Solberg in Alon Shevut and has remained behind bars since his arrest.

According to information obtained by the news outlet Emes, the new father received the news of his son’s birth while still in detention.

Family members and supporters say that despite the joyous occasion, authorities did not approve his release. They claim that either the court or the Israel Prison Service refused to allow him temporary freedom, leaving him to celebrate the birth of his firstborn while incarcerated.

A second case involves another detainee from the same protest who was scheduled to celebrate his vort Tuesday evening at the old Beis Yaakov Hall. Because he remained in custody, he was unable to attend the event, and family members were forced to postpone the celebration.

Meanwhile, legal proceedings related to the protests continue.

Earlier in the day, the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court extended the detention of three suspects accused of involvement in a break-in at the Beit Shemesh police station, ordering that they remain in custody until Thursday.

Two of the suspects acknowledged participating in the protest but denied taking part in any break-in. A third suspect, Meir Rabinovitz, son of mekubal Rav Gamliel Rabinovitz, denied any involvement whatsoever and reportedly requested that investigators examine his cellphone location data in an effort to prove he was at home when the incident occurred.

Attention is now turning to today’s court hearings, when 51 of the 65 individuals arrested that night are expected to appear once again before a judge after spending a full week in detention.

The court is expected to decide whether to extend their incarceration further or release them under various conditions.

{Matzav.com}

A major legal challenge was filed Thursday morning with Israel’s Supreme Court against new eligibility requirements in the government’s subsidized housing program, Dira B’Hanachah, with petitioners arguing that women and children are being unfairly penalized because of a spouse’s military status.

The petition, submitted against the Israeli government, the Israel Land Council, and the Ministry of Construction and Housing, marks the latest battle over policies affecting families of draft-eligible chareidi men.

Filed by attorney Rivka Dagan on behalf of the organizations Emes L’Yaakov B’Yisrael and Shmurah, the 352-page petition includes an urgent request for a temporary injunction that would block implementation of the new rules before the program’s eleventh lottery round. Registration for that lottery is currently scheduled to close on June 22, 2026.

At the heart of the case is a decision by the Israel Land Council conditioning a married woman’s eligibility for discounted housing on the military status of her husband if he is classified as draft-eligible and has not resolved his military status.

Petitioners: Women Are Being Treated as Extensions of Their Husbands

The organizations behind the petition argue that the policy constitutes a serious violation of equality principles and undermines the independent legal status of married women.

According to the filing, the decision treats a woman “as an appendage of her husband” rather than as an independent legal entity. The petition further argues that the policy effectively creates a “marriage penalty” imposed exclusively upon married women.

The petitioners contend that a single, divorced, or otherwise unmarried woman would remain eligible for the housing benefits without restriction, while marrying a man with a particular military status automatically disqualifies her from receiving the same assistance.

Reliance on Personal Responsibility Principle

The petition cites numerous legal precedents in an effort to demonstrate that Israeli courts traditionally uphold the principle of personal responsibility, even in cases involving far more serious matters.

Among the examples cited are tax-law rulings in which the Supreme Court recognized the right of spouses to establish separate financial arrangements and receive tax benefits independently of one another.

The petitioners argue that if the legal system preserves the separate legal identities of spouses in tax matters, it should certainly do so when dealing with access to affordable housing.

Comparison to Terrorist Home Demolition Cases

In one of the petition’s more unusual arguments, the organizations compare the policy to judicial rulings involving the demolition of terrorists’ homes.

The petition notes that even in national security cases, courts generally require an individualized examination of the impact on family members who played no role in the underlying conduct. The petitioners therefore argue that there is no justification for imposing a broad economic sanction on a wife and her children because of the actions or status of her husband.

Claims of Hasty Decision-Making

The petition also argues that the policy was adopted too quickly and without sufficient professional review.

According to the filing, the decision was approved less than a month after a Supreme Court ruling on the issue and was implemented without a comprehensive evaluation of its potential consequences.

The petition further claims that professional officials within multiple government ministries warned in advance about problems associated with the measure.

According to the organizations, the Finance Ministry acknowledged that the purpose of the policy was to reduce household income as a form of pressure, while the Economy Ministry cautioned against harm to third parties. The Ministry of Construction and Housing itself allegedly warned that denying eligibility under the new rules could face serious legal challenges in court.

Request for Immediate Relief

As part of the legal action, the organizations are asking the Supreme Court to issue an immediate interim order allowing women to register for the eleventh housing lottery without being subject to the new restrictions.

They are also requesting that the registration deadline be frozen until the legal dispute is resolved.

As an alternative, the petition proposes creating an individualized review process that would allow women to establish independent eligibility—including through proof of separate financial arrangements—rather than being automatically disqualified based solely on their spouse’s military status.

{Matzav.com}