Matzav

Israeli security forces have arrested four residents of the Beit Safafa neighborhood in Yerushalayim who are accused of supporting the Islamic State terror organization (ISIS) and stockpiling weapons in preparation for what they called “the great war at the end of days” against Jews.

The Shin Bet security agency, working with the Yerushalayim District Police’s central investigative unit, launched a joint investigation in recent weeks following suspicions that the four men, all in their twenties, were affiliated with ISIS. Acting on intelligence from the Shin Bet, Jerusalem police detectives and Border Police officers arrested the suspects, who have been held for questioning with their detention repeatedly extended by court order.

According to findings from the investigation, the four suspects actively consumed large quantities of ISIS propaganda online, including gruesome videos and execution footage from the group’s battle zones abroad. Inspired by the material, they began planning to acquire military gear and weapons to prepare for what they described as “the great war at the end of days” targeting Jews.

Before their arrest, the suspects had already begun gathering supplies and had purchased a handgun. During interrogation, one of them reportedly admitted, “This is for the great war. I will use the gun against Jews or anyone who is not Muslim.”

During a search of one suspect’s property, investigators found a pistol hidden inside a chicken coop along with additional military equipment. The seized items were taken for forensic examination.

Upon completion of the investigation, prosecutors determined that there was sufficient evidence to charge two of the suspects. A prosecutor’s declaration has been filed against them, and indictments are expected soon. The other two remain in custody as the investigation continues.

In a joint statement, the Shin Bet and Israel Police reaffirmed their commitment to “continue acting with all security forces to thwart terrorism and protect the citizens of Israel.”

Israeli officials have reportedly approached senior members of the Trump administration, asking Washington to reassess the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey — a move reflecting growing Israeli concern over Ankara’s accelerating military buildup.

According to a report by i24 News, the Israeli representatives urged their American counterparts to review, and potentially revoke, the agreement enabling Turkey to acquire the U.S.-made stealth aircraft. The appeal comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Turkey, whose regional ambitions have expanded sharply in recent years.

Israel, which has long sought to maintain its qualitative military edge in the Middle East, views the F-35 as a cornerstone of its air superiority. Turkish acquisition of the same platform is seen in Jerusalem as a potential threat to that strategic advantage.

Thus far, Washington has not issued a definitive response to Israel’s request. However, based on the administration’s recent defense dealings, observers believe it is unlikely that the Trump White House will cancel the transaction.

For Israel, the issue underscores a broader concern: balancing its regional deterrence with the shifting alliances and rearmament efforts of neighboring powers — particularly a resurgent Turkey.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu took sharp aim at French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, condemning his praise of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas during their recent meeting in Paris. Macron had referred to Abbas as a “prince of peace,” a label Netanyahu said could not be further from the truth.

“To bring in such a person, embrace him and say you’re the prince of peace is the opposite of reality – it’s false,” Netanyahu told Australian journalist Erin Molan on her podcast. “You cannot build peace on falsehoods. Sooner or later, these falsehoods crash on the rocks of Middle East reality.”

Netanyahu went on to outline what he described as the grim facts behind Abbas’s leadership, pointing to the Palestinian Authority’s continued policy of compensating terrorists and their families. “The reality is that the Palestinian leader Abbas, who was feted right now in Paris, pays terrorists to kill Jews. The more Jews they kill, the more they get paid. They take care of their families,” said Netanyahu.

Though the Palestinian Authority later rebranded the payments as “welfare support” and transferred them to an “independent” foundation, Abbas himself has repeatedly pledged to continue the program, stating he would not reduce it by “a single penny.”

The Israeli leader also highlighted Abbas’s decades-long rule—now stretching 21 years into what was originally a four-year term—and the ongoing glorification of terrorism in Palestinian media and education. “My advice to Macron is: learn the facts, stick to the facts, stick to realities and don’t try to escape it,” Netanyahu said. “When you look at the facts, the force for peace, the force for stability, the force for progress, is not the Palestinian Authority, but Israel.”

During his meeting with Abbas earlier in the week, Macron announced that France would help the Palestinian Authority draft a constitution for a future state. He explained that a joint committee would address “all legal aspects: constitutional, institutional and organisational.”

“It will contribute to the work of developing a new constitution, a draft of which President Abbas has presented to me, and will aim to finalise all the conditions for such a State of Palestine,” Macron declared.

Macron also lauded Abbas as a “partner for peace,” asserting that he has “consistently” condemned terrorism, including the Hamas atrocities of October 7. However, Abbas has yet to publicly denounce the massacre in Arabic.

Just weeks earlier, France spearheaded an initiative alongside Britain, Canada, and Australia to formally recognize a Palestinian state—drawing sharp criticism from both Israel and the United States. Washington and Jerusalem warned that such unilateral recognition amounts to rewarding Hamas rather than promoting genuine peace.

For years, the Palestinian Authority has pushed for countries to recognize “Palestine” in order to sidestep direct negotiations with Israel. While several nations have followed suit, these gestures remain largely symbolic, carrying little tangible diplomatic consequence.

{Matzav.com}

Russia has introduced its own draft resolution on Gaza to the United Nations Security Council, setting up a direct confrontation with the United States over how to shape the postwar future of the territory. The American-backed plan, which supports President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace framework, calls for a two-year transitional governing body and an international stabilization force to oversee recovery and security efforts.

Washington’s proposal, formally distributed last week to the 15-member Council, has already received backing from several key regional players. But Moscow quickly moved to challenge it, presenting an alternative version it described as being “inspired by the US draft” while offering what it claims is a more “balanced, acceptable, and unified approach toward achieving a sustainable cessation of hostilities,” according to a note circulated by Russia’s UN delegation.

The Russian document, reviewed by Reuters, mirrors parts of the American initiative but deliberately leaves out mention of the “Board of Peace,” the transitional administrative council envisioned by the United States. Instead, it asks the UN Secretary-General to explore possible options for a multinational stabilization force to operate in Gaza — a move seen by diplomats as Moscow’s attempt to reposition itself as a mediator in the conflict’s aftermath.

The United States, however, urged Council members to stay the course and adopt its resolution without delay, warning that further divisions could undermine the tenuous calm on the ground. “Attempts to sow discord now – when agreement on this resolution is under active negotiation – has grave, tangible, and entirely avoidable consequences for Palestinians in Gaza,” a US mission spokesperson said. “The ceasefire is fragile and we urge the Council to unite and move forward to secure the peace that is desperately needed.”

President Donald Trump has personally urged Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to take decisive steps toward normalizing relations with Israel, according to a report published Thursday by Axios. The conversation, which took place last month but had not been publicly disclosed, followed the Gaza peace summit in Egypt and marked one of the most direct appeals yet from the White House to the Saudi leader.

A senior U.S. official familiar with the call told Axios that Trump informed MBS he had successfully brought the Gaza war to an end and now expected Riyadh to advance toward formal relations with Jerusalem. In response, MBS reportedly expressed readiness to engage with the Trump administration on the issue. The Saudi embassy in Washington declined to comment on the report.

The White House views the upcoming Trump-MBS meeting as an opportunity to move closer to a normalization deal, though officials admit the two sides remain divided on several key points. U.S. diplomats hope the visit will generate enough goodwill to restart the process, which has been stalled since the Gaza war erupted.

For years, Saudi officials have maintained that recognition of Israel would depend on progress toward a Palestinian state. “We did all the things you asked for. Now, there are things President Trump wants, like normalization with Israel. So how are you guys going to move now in this direction?” a senior U.S. official summarized Washington’s stance.

Before Hamas’ October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel, normalization between Jerusalem and Riyadh seemed within reach. But after the attack and subsequent war in Gaza, the Saudis froze discussions, arguing that conditions were no longer suitable for rapprochement.

Trump, however, remains optimistic. In an interview last month, he reiterated his confidence that the Abraham Accords would soon expand to include additional Arab nations. “I hope to see Saudi Arabia go in, and I hope to see others go in. I think when Saudi Arabia goes in, everybody goes in,” the President said.

Sources told Axios that some of Saudi Arabia’s earlier demands have now been addressed and that Trump intends to present MBS with a U.S. security pledge during his Washington visit. While short of a formal defense treaty, the commitment could serve as a stepping stone toward one.

Trump administration officials also highlight that the final provisions of their Gaza peace framework include language suggesting a route to eventual Palestinian statehood. The plan notes that if the Palestinian Authority “faithfully” carries out reforms during Gaza’s rebuilding, there may arise “a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood,” along with a U.S.-led initiative to create “a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.”

A former U.S. official with close ties to the Saudi leadership told Axios that MBS is likely to demand firm, visible commitments from Israel to justify any deal to his domestic audience, where public anger over the Gaza conflict remains high.

Despite active negotiations, U.S. officials caution that it is too early to know whether MBS’ upcoming White House visit will produce a breakthrough. For now, Washington’s message is clear: the administration has met many Saudi conditions — and it is looking for Riyadh to take the next step.

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

LISTEN:

​​For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.

LISTEN:

In a powerful psak issued Thursday evening, leading poskim and rabbonim from the Chug Chazon Ish circle — led by Rav Moshe Sternbuch — declared unequivocal opposition to the government’s emerging draft legislation, which includes enlistment targets for the chareidi community.

The poskim ruled that it is forbidden to agree to any law that would mandate the enlistment of yeshiva students, even those who are not learning diligently, stating, “Even if, through this, many of the yeshiva students who are indeed learning would be saved from the draft, one may not push off one soul for another.”

Their statement continued: “There must be a firm demand for a ‘Torah Student Status Law’ that exempts anyone whose Torah is his occupation, as was the case in earlier generations. But there must not appear, Heaven forbid, any clause in the law that obligates any chareidi individual to enlist in the army.”

The letter, signed by leading poskim of the Chug Chazon Ish school of thought, stated: “They are preparing to legislate a draft law for yeshiva students — to compel those ‘not learning enough’ to join the army, with the condition that this will be done with chareidi approval. It is absolutely clear that agreeing to such legislation is forbidden.”

The ruling cites the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah 157:13) and the Pischei Teshuvah quoting the Noda BiYehudah: “Even if there are certain wayward and frivolous youths, we are not authorized to render a judgment of life and death, and Heaven forbid to hand them over to be completely driven away from the congregation of Israel.”

The psak concludes with a reiteration of its call: “It is imperative to insist upon a law establishing the status of yeshiva students, exempting all those whose Torah is their occupation — as was done in previous generations. Yet no provision whatsoever should exist that would compel any chareidi Jew to enlist in the army.”

Dr. Sherman Silber, the world-renowned fertility expert and director of the Infertility Center of St. Louis in Missouri, visited Eretz Yisroel this week for an in-depth halachic consultation with senior posek Rav Moshe Shternbuch.

Dr. Silber, celebrated internationally for his pioneering surgical techniques and groundbreaking treatments for infertility, sought rabbinic guidance on new medical methods he has recently developed. During the meeting, which lasted over an hour, the professor outlined in detail the complex medical processes and raised numerous halachic questions related to their implementation.

Rav Shternbuch listened attentively, probing each aspect of the procedures to gain full clarity before issuing his halachic opinion. The posek then shared his rulings and clear guidance on the matters presented.

Deeply impressed, Dr. Silber expressed admiration for the rov’s sharpness and clarity, and the meeting concluded with warm blessings and a mutual commitment to continue collaboration for the benefit of Klal Yisroel.

Later, Dr. Silber held a comprehensive discussion at Beis Horaah Yad HaRamah, addressing additional halachic issues regarding innovative fertility treatments. He met with Rav Mattisyahu Deutsch, Gaavad of Ramat Shlomo and president of the Yad HaRamah Center for Medicine in the Light of Halacha. Their longstanding connection dates back to the days of Rav Deutsch’s father-in-law, Rav Moshe Halberstam zt”l, leading posek and member of the Eida HaChareidis. Together they reviewed the topics at length, emphasizing that only strict adherence to halacha and the traditions passed down from the ziknei hahoraah ensures true siyata diShmaya and success in healing.

During his stay in Israel, Dr. Silber also conducted private consultations at Yad HaRamah, offering medical advice and direction to numerous individuals with warmth and compassion.

{Matzav.com}

In a moving ceremony at Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo, habochur Ariel Shamai — who recently completed a prison term for refusing to report to the IDF — received an extraordinary letter of chizuk from gedolei Torah.

The event, attended by hundreds of bnei hayeshiva, was marked by deep emotion as Shamai was presented with the letter written by the Gedolei Yisroel to strengthen and bless him for his steadfast devotion to Torah. The letter was encased in a beautifully carved parchment scroll, adorned and mounted on wooden Atzei Chaim, displayed inside an elegant glass box.

The letter bore the signatures of many of the generation’s foremost gedolei Torah: Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rav Moshe Sternbuch, Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, Rav Berel Povarsky, Rav Don Segal, Rav Yitzchok Yosef, Rav Avraham Salim, Rav Reuven Elbaz, and the roshei yeshiva of Ateres Shlomo, Rav Chaim Feinstein and Rav Chaim Mordechai Ausband.

The gedolim wrote to Shamai: “Rak chazak ve’ematz me’od lishmor la’asos kechol haTorah, lema’an taskil bechol asher teilech. We bless you with heartfelt sincerity and words of admiration and encouragement, to the precious and distinguished ben aliyah, a true warrior of Hashem and His Torah, the esteemed bochur Ariel Shamai, may he be blessed.”

The letter continued: “Fortunate are you for having merited to demonstrate your love for the holy Torah publicly. Fortunate are you, for all who see and hear of you declare, ‘Fortunate is he who toils in Torah; fortunate is his father, his mother, and his teachers.’ Fortunate are you for having sanctified the Name of Heaven through your sacrifice and joyful choice of the holy Torah.”

The gedolim further wrote: “Your pain is our pain, and it is preserved in the treasure house of the Holy One, blessed be He, Who says to His Heavenly retinue: ‘See My beloved sons whose anguish comes from their joyous devotion to Me.’ Surely, you will merit to grow in Torah all your life and become a true talmid chacham, fulfilling your pure aspiration to know all of Torah and to learn it always, undisturbed and with joy. May you soon merit a fitting match and build a faithful home in Israel, blessed with Hashem’s abundance, and see generations of upright, blessed descendants. Chazak chazak v’nischazek.”

{Matzav.com}

Elon Musk has unveiled yet another eyebrow-raising vision for the future — replacing prisons with robot chaperones. The Tesla CEO suggested that the company’s Optimus humanoid robots could one day be used to shadow and control the actions of ex-convicts, effectively eliminating the need for traditional incarceration.

At a recent Tesla shareholder meeting, Musk shared his latest concept, calling it a “more humane form of containment of future crime.” He described a world where convicted individuals are not confined in prisons but instead monitored by personal robotic guardians programmed to prevent any repeat offenses.

“You don’t have to put people in prisons and stuff,” Musk said. “If somebody’s committed crime, you now get a free Optimus and it’s just gonna follow you around and stop you from doing crime. But other than that you get to do anything. It’s just gonna stop you from committing crime, that’s really it.”

The announcement instantly ignited heated debate, with critics questioning both the practicality and morality of such an idea. Skeptics pointed out that Tesla’s Optimus prototypes have thus far demonstrated only rudimentary functions — such as simple movements and carrying light objects — far from the complex ethical decision-making required to handle human behavior.

“This shows a complete lack of understanding of criminology, the justice system, and frankly, basic human rights,” said Michael Johnson, a legal expert at the Brookings Institution. “The idea that a robot can somehow rehabilitate offenders better than comprehensive support programs is absurd. It comes across as a dystopian surveillance scheme more than anything else.”

Robotics specialists also expressed alarm at the potential for errors and misuse. “These robots simply do not have anywhere near the intelligence or physical capabilities to monitor, let alone restrain, human behavior,” said robotics engineer Sarah Chen. “The risks of false positives, bias, and misuse are immense. What happens when a robot misinterprets a benign situation as a crime? Who is liable?”

Beyond ethical concerns, investors raised doubts about Musk’s focus. Some shareholders questioned why the billionaire continues to float extravagant, sci-fi-like ideas instead of addressing production challenges and delivery targets at Tesla. The same meeting where Musk made his remarks also granted him a staggering $1 trillion compensation package.

Musk’s history of ambitious — and at times bizarre — concepts includes brain-computer interfaces, underground transport tunnels, and dreams of Martian colonies. Still, even longtime followers found this particular proposal startling, seeing it as a leap beyond even his usual boundary-pushing ideas. Whether the “robot parole officer” vision ever materializes remains to be seen, but for now, it’s another entry in Musk’s long list of futuristic provocations.

{Matzav.com}

With Israel’s state budget discussions for 2026 expected to begin soon, former chareidi ministers have made an unusual request to the Finance Ministry and other senior government officials, urging them not to overlook their ministries in the upcoming allocations.

According to a report in Ynet, members of Knesset from Shas who only recently left their ministerial posts reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Finance Ministry, asking that their former ministries not suffer from budget cuts now that they are no longer in the coalition. The plea comes amid concerns over the sweeping reductions that often accompany state budget negotiations, as the lawmakers seek not only to prevent cuts but even to secure expanded funding.

Earlier this week, MK Yaakov Margi announced that Shas supports the draft law proposal put forward by Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman MK Boaz Bismuth, revealing that the latest version of the bill was drafted in consultation with former minister Ariel Attias.

Margi’s comments stirred internal tension within the party, as Shas’s official stance until now had been that the party was waiting for the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah to decide on the issue. In an interview with Channel 99, Margi defended Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s decision not to advance the bill until there is full agreement among the chareidi factions.

“He’s waiting for us,” said Margi. “There’s the plan called the Bismuth outline, which we in Shas agree with. Some cynically say Ariel Attias wrote it—but it was a joint effort. It’s a complex proposal for anyone familiar with previous versions of the draft law.”

Margi added, “We expect the rabbonim of Degel HaTorah to express their views as well. I know that one rav (Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch) has already agreed, and the other (Rav Dov Landau) is expected to give his answer within a day or two. This process will help move the bill forward in committee.”

Following the stir caused by his remarks, Margi issued a clarification, saying: “The law regarding the status of bnei yeshivos is currently under discussion among the gedolei hador and no final decision has yet been made.”

{Matzav.com}

For three unforgettable days, the streets of France were filled with emotion, reverence, and song as Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, rosh yeshivas Slabodka, visited the country on a rare and historic mission of chizuk. From Paris to Rancy, thousands came out to greet him, lining the streets with flags, music, and tears of awe and joy.

The visit, which took place this week, was joined by Rav Simcha Shmuel Zaks, one of the senior roshei yeshiva of Slabodka.

Everywhere Rav Hirsch went, he was received with honor and enthusiasm. Children waved specially designed banners, bnei Torah filled the streets, and community leaders expressed profound excitement at welcoming a figure of such stature.

Organizers of the visit noted that preparations had been underway for weeks. “In the Talmudei Torah and schools, children were taught about the meaning of honoring Torah and how to greet a gadol b’Yisrael,” one committee member said. “Many of the rabbanim arranged private meetings with the Rosh Yeshiva to seek his daas Torah and guidance on communal issues.”

French police provided extensive security arrangements to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the events. At one point, during national celebrations marking the end of World War I on November 11, major Parisian arteries—including the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées—were closed to traffic. Yet, in a remarkable gesture of respect, French authorities opened the closed roads exclusively for Rav Hirsch’s motorcade.

Upon landing in France, the Rosh Yeshiva was greeted at the airport by prominent rabbanim, community leaders, and his talmidim. He then traveled under heavy police escort to his host, philanthropist R’ Joachim Cohen.

That evening, Rav Hirsch delivered the keynote address at a massive event marking the 80th anniversary of Yeshivas Aix-les-Bains. He spoke passionately about the obligation to raise boys to attend yeshivos kodesh and warned of the dangers of introducing secular studies. His words reverberated across the French Jewish community and became the central topic of discussion in batei midrash throughout the country. Later that night, a private dinner benefitting Yeshivas Slabodka was hosted by R’ Joachim Cohen.

The next morning, Rav Hirsch traveled to the Torah Center of Rancy, led by Rav Yitzchak Toledano. He was received in a moving kabbalas panim procession with Sifrei Torah and accompanied by hundreds of community members. He addressed parents about instilling Torah values in their children and later spoke to yeshiva ketana students about the love of Torah and how to attain it. During a special session with the melamdim, the Rosh Yeshiva fielded questions on chinuch and hashkafah, offering hour-long insights shaped by decades of leadership. A touching moment came when a young child presented him with a sealed envelope filled with personal kabbalos tovos—commitments to growth—from the local children in honor of his visit.

Rav Hirsch then attended a private dinner at the home of R’ Dov Kuriel in Rancy before heading to the main event of the day at the Yad Mordechai community in Paris, led by Rav Yitzchak Katz. Hundreds of children greeted him with song, and the Rosh Yeshiva blessed them warmly before addressing the avreichim and bochurim in the packed beis midrash, speaking about achieving closeness to Hashem. As he departed, hundreds followed him in joyous singing and dancing through the streets of Paris in a display of kavod haTorah that France had rarely seen.

Later that evening, he delivered a shmuess at Yeshivas Emes L’Yaakov, led by Rav Moshe Rotenberg, where he again inspired the bochurim to deepen their dedication to learning and avodas Hashem.

On Tuesday morning, Rav Hirsch davened Shacharis at the Baba Sali beis haknesses in Paris and offered brief words of chizuk after tefillah. His final stop was at the Union des Orthodoxes community, under the leadership of Rav Frankfurter and Rav Fedida, where once again the crowds filled the streets, singing and dancing in joy and reverence. From there, the Rosh Yeshiva departed for the airport, concluding a journey that left an indelible mark on the hearts of French Jewry, a visit they will indeed never forget.

{Matzav.com}

In a sweeping reversal of energy policy, the Trump administration announced Thursday that it is reopening millions of acres in Alaska’s Arctic region for oil and gas exploration—land that had been sealed off under President Biden’s restrictions.

A statement released by the administration confirmed the move, declaring that it had finalized a rule eliminating Biden’s 2024 order that blocked development across 13 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. The official notice is set to be published in the Federal Register on Friday.

The National Petroleum Reserve—spanning roughly 23 million acres—was originally established in 1923 by President Harding as a backup fuel source for the U.S. Navy. Over the decades, it has become a political flashpoint, with Democrats arguing for environmental protection of its wilderness areas while Republicans have pushed for increased domestic production.

The Trump administration defended its decision as a necessary step toward revitalizing Alaska’s economy and fortifying the nation’s energy independence. “By rescinding the 2024 rule, we are following the direction set by President Trump to unlock Alaska’s energy potential, create jobs for North Slope communities and strengthen American energy security,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a written statement.

Thursday’s action marks the culmination of a process that began earlier this year when the administration first proposed rolling back the Biden-era rule. With this latest announcement, that proposal now becomes official policy—signaling a decisive shift back toward energy expansion in the Arctic.

{Matzav.com}

California officials have announced plans to invalidate 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses issued to immigrants, after state authorities admitted the expiration dates extended beyond the drivers’ legal residency in the United States. The decision marks a sharp reversal following months of federal criticism and renewed scrutiny over how states handle licensing for noncitizens.

The controversy reignited after a deadly Florida crash in August involving a tractor-trailer operator who was in the country illegally and made an illegal U-turn, killing three people. The case drew national attention and prompted the Trump administration to demand accountability from California and other states that allow undocumented residents to obtain commercial licenses.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the state’s move proves that California “acted improperly,” despite its earlier defense of its procedures. “After weeks of claiming they did nothing wrong, Gavin Newsom and California have been caught red-handed. Now that we’ve exposed their lies, 17,000 illegally issued trucking licenses are being revoked,” Duffy said. “This is just the tip of iceberg. My team will continue to force California to prove they have removed every illegal immigrant from behind the wheel of semitrucks and school buses.”

Governor Gavin Newsom’s office responded that all the affected drivers had valid federal work authorizations at the time their licenses were issued. While initially declining to explain the revocations, the governor’s office later said the affected licenses violated a California statute requiring that expiration dates align with the end of a person’s legal stay in the country.

Newsom’s spokesperson Brandon Richards fired back at Duffy over his public accusations. “Once again, the Sean ‘Road Rules’ Duffy fails to share the truth — spreading easily disproven falsehoods in a sad and desperate attempt to please his dear leader,” Richards said.

The issue of licensing immigrants gained added urgency following multiple fatal truck crashes in Texas, Alabama, and California involving drivers who were not authorized to be in the U.S. Those incidents have intensified scrutiny over who is permitted to operate commercial vehicles nationwide.

Earlier this fall, Duffy announced tighter national restrictions on noncitizen eligibility for commercial driver’s licenses, accusing six states of issuing them to ineligible applicants. California was the first to face sanctions after an audit was completed, while reviews in other states were delayed due to the federal shutdown.

As part of the enforcement push, Duffy revoked $40 million in federal transportation funds from California, arguing that the state had failed to enforce English proficiency rules for truck drivers. He warned Wednesday that another $160 million could be withheld if California fails to cancel every improperly issued license and bring its system into full compliance.

The new federal guidelines introduced in September now make it far more difficult for immigrants to obtain commercial licenses. Only holders of H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 visas—representing temporary agricultural, temporary nonagricultural, and investment workers—will qualify. States must verify immigration status through a federal database, and licenses will be valid for no more than a year or until the visa expires, whichever comes first.

Out of 200,000 noncitizen commercial drivers nationwide, only about 10,000 will still qualify under these new rules. The rest may keep their licenses only until they are due for renewal, as the restrictions are not retroactive.

The 17,000 California drivers affected by this week’s action were issued licenses before these new standards took effect. Each has been notified that their credentials will be invalid within 60 days.

Duffy said earlier audits revealed major irregularities—about a quarter of the 145 reviewed licenses in California should never have been approved, with some remaining active years after a driver’s work permit expired.

Newsom’s office maintains that the state acted according to guidance from the Department of Homeland Security when the licenses were first granted, insisting that California followed federal recommendations in good faith.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump announced that the lavish new $300 million White House ballroom will be funded “100% by me and some friends of mine,” highlighting a blend of personal generosity and support from influential allies.

The White House disclosed the names of 37 contributors, featuring an eclectic mix of donors — from cryptocurrency tycoons and major corporations to charitable foundations, financiers, and sports team owners. The roster also included familiar figures in Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump resides.

Among those on the list were two major figures tied to Israel — longtime Trump supporter Miriam Adelson and Israeli-American businessman Isaac Perlmutter, both of whom have backed Trump and Republican causes for years.

Adelson, who controls the Adelson Family Foundation devoted to strengthening Israel and the Jewish people, has long been a close confidante of Trump. During his recent visit to Israel, Trump singled her out while addressing the Knesset, recalling her influence in his 2017 decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. He also noted that she and her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, were among the most frequent White House guests during his presidency.

“Look at her sitting there so innocently. She’s got $60 billion in the bank,” Trump quipped, referring to the billionaire philanthropist and majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks.

Isaac Perlmutter’s contribution was made through the Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Foundation, which operates out of Lake Worth Beach near Palm Beach. The foundation focuses on health care, social justice, and cultural projects. The Perlmutters, known for their philanthropy and ties to Trump, have previously donated to his campaigns and affiliated political committees. Perlmutter, the former chairman of Marvel Entertainment, has been a key supporter of Trump’s initiatives over the years.

The donor list featured some of the world’s largest tech companies, including Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft — all of which contributed $1 million each to Trump’s inauguration. Top executives from these firms have recently met with Trump to discuss his push for domestic manufacturing and artificial intelligence development. Palantir Technologies, co-founded by Peter Thiel, was also among the contributors, a company that has long benefited from lucrative federal contracts.

Crypto firms like Coinbase, Ripple, and Tether also made appearances on the list, reflecting the industry’s growing alliance with Trump as his administration works to relax digital asset regulations and integrate cryptocurrency leaders into advisory roles.

Donations also came from heavyweights in other sectors: defense contractors Lockheed Martin and Booz Allen Hamilton; industrial giant Caterpillar; energy company NextEra Energy; and Union Pacific, whose massive $85 billion merger with Norfolk Southern has Trump’s support. Individual donors included Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman, oil magnate Harold Hamm, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers co-owners Edward and Shari Glazer.

However, the White House acknowledged that the released list was incomplete. Some known contributors — such as Carrier Group, which pledged an HVAC system, and Nvidia, whose CEO Jensen Huang confirmed a donation — were not yet listed.

Officials have not revealed specific donation amounts, and most companies declined to discuss their contributions when contacted by the Associated Press. A senior White House official, speaking anonymously, said that the donor list has continued to expand since October but that several corporations prefer to remain unnamed until disclosure is legally mandated. The official added that no foreign entities or individuals are involved in the funding.

{Matzav.com}

For the first time in the city’s history, the flag of Palestine will be raised outside Toronto City Hall on November 17, following an official request from the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) to commemorate Palestine’s Independence Day, which falls on November 15.

Bashar Alshawwa, a Toronto-based Palestinian activist, described the occasion as a hopeful milestone. “It’s a symbolic move to raise the flag. But I believe this will encourage other parties and institutions, individuals inside Canada, to join the journey for human rights and equality and justice regarding the issue of Palestine,” he said.

According to Mayor Olivia Chow’s office, the event was approved through standard city procedures. Her press secretary, Braman Thillainathan, clarified that “City Council provided city staff the authority to manage the public flagpole booking process based on policy approved by council in 1999.” He emphasized that neither the mayor nor council voted on the request, which was handled administratively by the city’s protocol office.

City officials stressed that the act of flying a flag does not signal political endorsement. “The use of the City’s courtesy flagpole neither implies nor expresses support for the politics or policies of nations and/or organizations but raises the flag in recognition of those citizens or members that have made the request,” a spokesperson said in an emailed statement. They added that the city routinely raises national flags on recognized occasions, anniversaries, and commemorative days, as long as those nations are acknowledged by the federal government.

The development follows a major foreign policy shift announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who recently confirmed at the United Nations General Assembly that Canada now recognizes the State of Palestine — a move later confirmed to Toronto officials by Global Affairs Canada. Carney’s statement aligned Canada with several Western nations, including the United Kingdom and Australia, that have recently made similar declarations ahead of renewed UN discussions about peace between Israel and Hamas.

Alshawwa credited the federal government for making the Toronto event possible. “We need to remember that, without the brave historical step by the Canadian government led by Mr. Carney, recognizing the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the Palestinian state, is the reason why we’re celebrating such a huge move,” he said.

ICJP lawyer Shane Martinez emphasized the symbolic weight of the upcoming ceremony. “I think it is quite significant to Palestinians across Canada and particularly in Toronto,” he said. “Visibility is something that’s particularly important. Anti-Palestinian racism is carried out in large part through attempts to erase Palestinian identity, erase Palestinian voices and ensure that they don’t have a place in society, that they’re stigmatized, that they’re tabooed, that they’re othered and sometimes that their existence is denied altogether,” he continued. “It’s really a statement as to Palestinian resilience in the face of oppression, in the face of unprecedented oppression by Israel.”

{Matzav.com}

After weeks of uncertainty, the body of 73-year-old Meni Godard, Hashem yikom damo, who was murdered and abducted from his home in Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, has been identified and returned to Israel for burial in a Jewish grave.

The identification was completed by the National Center of Forensic Medicine in coordination with the Israel Police and the IDF Rabbinate. Following confirmation of his identity, IDF representatives delivered the devastating news to his family Thursday evening. Godard leaves behind four children and seven grandchildren.

Born and raised along Israel’s coast, Meni followed in the footsteps of his father, Yaakov, who worked as a lifeguard. He moved to Kibbutz Be’eri at age 14 to join his sister Shmuela, and later served in the IDF’s Armored Corps reconnaissance unit, fighting bravely during the Yom Kippur War.

Throughout his life, Meni was known as a warm-hearted, generous man who cared deeply for others. Within the kibbutz, he filled many roles, including managing the community pool for years. Yet, those who knew him say he regarded his family as his greatest accomplishment—his children Gal, Bar, Mor, and Goni, and his beloved grandchildren.

On the morning of October 7, Meni and his wife Ayelet hid in their safe room as terrorists overran Kibbutz Be’eri. When their home was set on fire, the couple fled—but gunmen ambushed them outside. Meni was murdered and taken to Gaza. Ayelet managed to hide in nearby bushes for several hours before she too was killed.

As of Thursday night, three murdered hostages remain held in Gaza: Dror Or, Ran Gweili, and Suthisak Rinthalak.

In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bringing all hostages—living and deceased—home for proper burial:
“The government and all of Israel’s security and intelligence services are determined and working tirelessly to bring back all our hostages and the bodies of those who were killed for burial in their homeland. The Hamas terror organization must uphold its commitments to the mediators and return them as part of the agreed framework. We will not compromise on this, and we will not rest until every last hostage is brought home.”

{Matzav.com}

The BBC has issued an apology to President Trump following his threat of a billion-dollar lawsuit over a deceptively edited segment from his January 6, 2021 speech — but the network made clear it will not be paying any damages.

A BBC representative confirmed the outreach, saying, “Lawyers for the BBC have written to President Trump’s legal team in response to a letter received on Sunday.”

In addition, the network’s chair, Samir Shah, sent a personal note to the White House expressing regret directly to Trump. “BBC chair Samir Shah has separately sent a personal letter to the White House making clear to President Trump that he and the corporation are sorry for the edit of the president’s speech on 6 January 2021, which featured in the program,” the spokesperson said.

The broadcaster also stated that the contested program will not be returning to its channels. “The BBC has no plans to rebroadcast the documentary Trump: A Second Chance? on any BBC platforms.”

The disputed footage appeared in a “Panorama” documentary that aired last October. According to The Telegraph, citing a whistleblower, the program “materially misled viewers” by cutting and rearranging parts of Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally speech to make it appear as though he had encouraged the Capitol riot.

Trump’s legal team demanded the network retract the documentary and threatened to sue for $1 billion if it failed to do so.

Despite apologizing, the BBC is holding its ground financially. “While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim,” the spokesperson said.

{Matzav.com}