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Podcaster Joe Rogan said many supporters of President Trump feel let down by the ongoing war with Iran, describing the conflict as “insane” and questioning how it fits with the president’s earlier campaign promises.

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, Rogan suggested that the military action has left some of Trump’s backers uneasy because they believed he would avoid new foreign conflicts.

“Well, it just seems so insane, based on what he ran on. I mean, this is why a lot of people feel betrayed, right?” Rogan said during the latest episode of his podcast. “He ran on, ‘No more wars,’ ‘End these stupid, senseless wars,’ and then we have one that we can’t even really clearly define why we did it.”

Concerns about the war potentially expanding into a lengthy military commitment have also surfaced among several Republican lawmakers. Some members of the GOP have warned that the United States could risk becoming tied down in another prolonged overseas conflict after spending two decades fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Last week, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) cautioned that the current operation against Iran could evolve into what he described as another endless war, urging Trump supporters to remain attentive.

“I would say stay concerned,” Burchett told a reporter after being asked if he had a message for Trump supporters. “I mean, be concerned. Be vigilant. Hold our feet to the fire. Keep us honest on that issue.”

Public opinion surveys indicate that many Americans expect the confrontation with Iran to continue for some time. A recent Quinnipiac poll found that nearly three-quarters of respondents believe the fighting will last months or longer.

According to the survey, 71 percent of voters said they expect the war to continue for “months,” “about a year” or “longer than that.”

President Trump, however, offered a much more optimistic timeline earlier this week, suggesting that the conflict is nearing its conclusion.

“This was just an excursion into something that had to be done. We’re getting very close to finishing that too,” Trump said during a press conference Monday.

Trump’s remarks came only days after he made clear that the United States would settle for nothing less than “unconditional surrender” from Iran’s leadership.

{Matzav.com}

A small island in the Persian Gulf that is only about one-third the size of Manhattan has become a focal point in discussions about how the conflict with Iran could unfold, as analysts say its control could dramatically affect Tehran’s finances and influence President Trump’s strategy toward the regime, the NY Post reports.

Kharg Island sits roughly 16 miles from Iran’s coastline in the Persian Gulf. Because of its exposed position, experts say it could be difficult for Iran to defend while also being relatively easy for adversaries to isolate — factors that have reportedly attracted attention from planners within the administration.

“Kharg Island handles roughly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. Take it out, and this means cutting off the military budget in addition to pulling the plug on the basic services that keep Iranian society functioning,” said Mohammed Soliman, a senior fellow at the DC-based Middle East Institute.

Soliman explained that even a temporary disruption of activity on the island could send shockwaves through Iran’s economy and internal stability.

“Losing Kharg for even a few weeks will create a security and societal crisis in Iran at the same time. Tehran doesn’t get to choose which one to deal with first,” said Soliman, author of “West Asia: A New American Grand Strategy in the Middle East.”

“The revenue shortfall would run into the billions monthly. You’d see the currency collapse further, inflation spike, subsidies buckle, and this will add more pressure on the country with no quick way to stop the bleeding.”

According to a source familiar with administration thinking, the question surrounding a move to seize the island is less about whether it will happen and more about the timing, given its strategic importance in the wider conflict.

The source said the Israel Defense Forces would prefer to capture the island sooner, while American commanders are believed to favor continuing strikes against Iran’s offensive capabilities before turning attention to Kharg.

Under that approach, taking control of the island would occur only after Iran’s military power had already been severely weakened, allowing the move to deliver maximum strategic pressure on the regime.

Although Iranian oil exports face heavy American sanctions, most crude shipped from Kharg ultimately ends up in China.

Since the war began on Feb. 28, oil shipments moving through the Persian Gulf have slowed dramatically. The disruption has rattled global markets, prompting sharp fluctuations in trading as Trump attempts to encourage commercial vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz by offering a new reinsurance plan along with U.S. naval escorts.

JP Morgan warned in a statement Monday that “a direct strike [on Kharg Island] would immediately halt the bulk of Iran’s crude exports, likely triggering severe retaliation in the Strait of Hormuz or against regional energy infrastructure.”

Axios was the first to report that Washington was considering a mission aimed at capturing Kharg Island.

Former administration official John Ullyot, who previously served in defense roles including at the National Security Council during Trump’s first term, said the island’s central role in Iran’s economy could provide the United States with major leverage.

Ullyot described the prospect of a military operation to take the island as a risky move that could nonetheless deliver major strategic benefits.

A US raid to capture Kharg would be “high-risk, high-reward,” Ullyot said.

“To take such a high percentage of the Iranian oil supply off the table would cripple the regime and would also give the US, as it has in Venezuela, a big say on where Iran’s oil supply would go,” he said.

“This is the whole source of their economy.”

Since launching the war with Iran, Trump has frequently pointed to events in Venezuela, telling audiences how he removed dictator Nicolas Maduro and replaced him with vice president Delcy Rodriquez, who later agreed to direct oil exports toward the United States and allow American companies into the country’s energy sector.

Ullyot said Trump appears aware of the dangers that come with occupying territory inside Iran itself, suggesting that large numbers of American troops may not be necessary because of Kharg Island’s geographic position.

“One option would be to do a naval blockade of the island,” he said.

“President Trump can essentially seize the island by having an aggressive blockade of the island, [which] he could use down the line to essentially make the Iranian oil supply subject to his call… It would also give him leverage to influence who would be, ultimately, the next leader or interim leader of Iran.”

Speaking Monday afternoon, Trump said he expects the conflict to conclude soon.

“I think you’ll see it’s going to be a short-term excursion,” the president said.

“So the rest is going to be a determination as to my attitude, along with the people in the Trump administration, what we want to do.”

{Matzav.com}

A public dispute between Sen. Ted Cruz and commentator Tucker Carlson intensified again this week as the two prominent conservative figures exchanged sharp criticism over Israel, antisemitism, and the war with Iran.

Speaking Tuesday at an antisemitism symposium in Washington organized by the Republican Jewish Coalition and National Review, the Texas Republican delivered a blistering attack on Carlson and vowed to confront the podcast host directly.

“I believe Tucker Carlson is the single most dangerous demagogue in this country,” Cruz said. He added that antisemitism has become increasingly visible on the political right in recent months. “I have seen more antisemitism in the last 18 months on the right than at any point in my lifetime,” Cruz continued. “It is being spread by loud voices, the most consequential of whom is Tucker Carlson.”

Cruz’s comments came days after Carlson mocked Cruz and others who rely on Israeli intelligence assessments during a recent episode of his podcast.

During the March 2 broadcast, Carlson ridiculed what he described as blind trust in Israeli intelligence. “No offense to Ted Cruz or all the other dumbos who are always saying, ‘we get all this actionable intelligence, it’s so important, we need [Israel] so desperately,’” Carlson said. “Really? Let’s evaluate the quality of that intelligence.”

The conflict between the two men reflects a broader divide among conservatives over U.S. policy toward Israel and Iran. Both figures host widely followed podcasts and are frequently mentioned as possible contenders in the 2028 presidential race, making their rivalry a potential preview of future political battles within the Republican Party.

Carlson, who remains one of the most influential voices in conservative media and maintains ties to the White House, is often discussed as a possible presidential candidate despite criticism from many Republicans. Cruz, who finished second to President Trump in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, is also viewed as a potential 2028 contender.

Asked Tuesday to respond to Cruz’s latest remarks, Carlson brushed off the criticism in a brief text message. “Pretty funny,” he said. “He’s running for president against me, which I find amusing since I’m not in the race.”

Cruz has repeatedly attacked Carlson in recent months, including over Carlson’s decision to host white nationalist Nick Fuentes on his podcast without challenging Fuentes’ claim that the “big challenge” to unifying the country is “organized Jewry.”

The Texas senator has suggested that opposing antisemitism and strengthening support for Israel could be key elements of a possible presidential campaign. Speaking at the symposium Tuesday, he warned that the political landscape could shift in troubling ways if voices like Carlson’s gain greater influence.

“I don’t want to wake up in five years and find myself in a country where both major political parties are unambiguously antisemitic,” Cruz said. “I think that is a real possibility, if Tucker and his minions prevail.”

The two men have clashed repeatedly over Middle East policy and have been sparring publicly for months.

In June 2025, Carlson invited Cruz onto an episode of “The Tucker Carlson Show,” one of the most widely streamed podcasts on Spotify. During the interview, the two argued intensely about Iran, with Carlson accusing Cruz of lacking knowledge about the country.

Carlson said Cruz didn’t “know anything” about “the country you seek to topple.”

Cruz fired back during the exchange, suggesting Carlson’s criticism of Israel echoed antisemitic arguments.

“You’re not talking about the Chinese, you’re not talking about the Japanese, you’re not talking about the British, you’re not talking about the French,” Cruz told Carlson. “You’re asking, ‘why are the Jews controlling our foreign policy?’ That’s what you just asked.”

After the interview aired, Cruz used his own podcast, “Verdict with Ted Cruz,” to defend his performance and criticize Carlson’s conduct, saying the commentator had gone “off the rails.”

Later in November, while addressing the Republican Jewish Coalition’s leadership summit in Las Vegas, Cruz escalated the rhetoric further by calling Carlson a “coward.” Speaking days afterward at a Federalist Society event in Washington, he said some Republicans hesitate to challenge Carlson publicly because “he has one hell of a big megaphone.”

At Tuesday’s symposium, Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas appeared to dismiss the influence of what he described as internet personalities promoting antisemitic views. Although he did not mention Carlson by name, Cotton referred to “so-called influencers” spreading such ideas and minimized their impact.

“They are not influential,” Cotton said. “They are at least not influential with Donald Trump, who continues to reject their kooky advice.”

Despite criticism from many Republican leaders, Carlson’s views about Israel have gained traction among segments of younger conservatives. Recent polling highlights shifting attitudes, with a Yale Youth Poll showing Americans under 35 significantly more likely than older generations to believe that U.S. Jews “have too much power.” A Pew survey last year also found that the share of Republicans under 50 holding unfavorable views of Israel increased from 35 percent to 50 percent over the previous three years.

When asked whether he might seek the presidency in 2028, Carlson responded with a quip aimed directly at Cruz.

“Only if it’s against Cruz.”

A group of Orthodox Jewish teachers in New York City has lost a legal challenge against the Department of Education after being denied time off to prepare for Pesach, marking the first time in decades that such requests were rejected.

The dispute began last year when the Department of Education declined to grant religious exemptions that would have allowed observant teachers to miss work in order to prepare their homes for the holiday. It was the first time since 1999 that the agency refused to approve those requests.

As a result, teachers who wished to spend the day performing the traditional Pesach preparations were required to use personal leave or vacation days.

In May 2025, twenty observant Jewish educators filed a formal grievance challenging the policy. They were informed in mid-February that their complaint had been denied.

The United Federation of Teachers is now considering whether to pursue the matter further by requesting an arbitration hearing.

In response to questions about the issue, the Department of Education defended its position.

“We respect the religious observances of all employees and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and operational needs,” the DOE told The Post.

Moshe Spern, president of United Jewish Teachers, pointed out that an arbitrator had ruled in 1999 that the Department of Education should permit religious observance days, and said requests for the Pesach preparation day had consistently been granted since that decision.

“The DOE and new Chancellor Samuels reaffirming an awful decision from last year is not only wrong but definitely borders on religious discrimination,” Spern alleged.

Commentator Tucker Carlson has drawn renewed attention after delivering sharp criticism of radio host Mark Levin and Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, accusing Levin of attempting to manufacture political consensus through repetition and suggesting that Huckabee may be acting under what he described as a kind of “spell” in his support for Israel.

Carlson’s remarks about Levin were made during an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show on February 26. His comments about Huckabee came earlier, during a separate interview on the Judging Freedom podcast with Judge Andrew Napolitano on December 17, 2025.

Clips from both interviews have recently resurfaced and are circulating widely on X, where users are sharing the segments amid a growing debate among conservative commentators over U.S. policy toward Israel, Iran, and the broader Middle East.

During his conversation with Megyn Kelly, Carlson spoke about the increasingly heated divide among conservatives on foreign policy issues, arguing that some figures attempt to shape political reality simply by repeating claims until they are accepted as truth.

Carlson said that “what people like Levin—whom I’m not attacking; I feel sorry for him because he’s clearly living in hell—are trying to do is a species of witchcraft,” explaining that in his view the tactic is straightforward: “you repeat something until it becomes true.”

He illustrated his point by describing the types of messages he believes are being repeated in the public discourse. According to Carlson, the argument is framed in slogans such as: “Khamenei must die. We’re going into war. We’re gonna knock off the government. This is good for us. Anyone who’s against it is an antisemite, a Nazi, should be expelled, Benedict Arnold, not allowed in the White House.” Carlson added that the strategy, as he sees it, is that “you keep repeating things that are untrue until they become true.”

Expanding on the idea, Carlson said he believes language itself can shape public perception. “You speak, and you create truth by speaking,” he said, adding, “In the beginning was the Word. There’s a holy power, a supernatural power, in words. Describing things is different from simply doing them.”

He continued by arguing that rhetoric can function almost like an incantation that creates a new political reality. “If you can talk reality into being, this is what an incantation is. This is what a spell is,” Carlson said. “It’s not spooky or crazy stuff—it’s the lived reality of every person. Say it, and it becomes true.” He concluded by questioning the strategic rationale behind the policy debate, saying that “nobody is making the case for how does this help The United States? How does this make us richer, safer, happier? Zero.”

Carlson also criticized former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, suggesting that some figures in Washington act more like paid advocates than independent voices. Referring to Pompeo, Carlson said that “shills like Pompeo—who are getting paid from who knows how many different groups to lie to you—come across as some moral voice.”

In his separate appearance on the Judging Freedom podcast, Carlson offered a broader explanation for what he sees as unusual political behavior in Washington, suggesting that it sometimes goes beyond ordinary political motivations.

Carlson said that “there’s something deeper. There’s almost a spell,” pointing specifically to Ambassador Mike Huckabee as an example. “Huckabee, for example—do you really think Huckabee is being threatened? I know Huckabee well. I’m sure you do, too. Nice man.”

Carlson said that when he observes Huckabee’s public comments, he finds them difficult to explain through conventional political reasoning. “What is this? I look at him and I see a man under a spell,” Carlson said, acknowledging that he expected criticism for the claim but insisting that he meant it seriously.

“There’s no practical, conventional explanation for some of this behavior,” Carlson said, adding that while he believes he understands the motivations of other political figures such as Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham, Huckabee’s position appears different to him.

“But Mike Huckabee? I think he is under a spell. He is not thinking clearly at all,” Carlson said.

Carlson pointed to Huckabee’s public statements about the importance of supporting Israel as an example. He cited a comment in which Huckabee warned that “God will destroy our country if we don’t support Bibi,” saying he found the remark difficult to understand.

Carlson said that when he hears such statements he wonders how someone would reach that conclusion, adding that in his view the explanation may be “more metaphysical than political.”

{Matzav.com}

The sun had already begun its slow descent this past Sunday when the first guests arrived at MetLife Stadium on Sunday evening. The massive complex in East Rutherford, NJ, usually the stage for roaring crowds and athletic spectacle, was transformed into something entirely different, an evening dedicated not to sports or entertainment, but to Torah. Inside, hundreds gathered for a historic and deeply moving tribute presented by Agudath Israel of America: the Taamei HaSugyos Daf Yomi Maggidei Shiur Appreciation Event, honoring those who deliver Daf Yomi shiurim every day and the wives who make that lifelong commitment possible.

For those who participate in Daf Yomi, the maggid shiur is more than a teacher. He is the steady voice that guides the journey through Shas, daf by daf, day after day. In shuls, batei medrash, offices, and conference rooms around the world, these maggidei shiur transform the pages of Gemara into living Torah.

Sunday night was dedicated to recognizing them, the pillars of the Daf.

The evening opened in a fitting tone of tefillah for Acheinu Bnei Yisroel. Rabbi Itche Rosenbaum led the assembled crowd in the recitation of Tehillim.

Serving as emcee was Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, Director of Torah Initiatives at Agudath Israel of America, who welcomed the audience and framed the unique nature of the gathering. He introduced Reb Shmuel Yosef Rieder, head of the Agudah Siyum Committee, who has been the leader in advancing Daf Yomi initiatives for four decades.

What followed was an experience unlike any other event. The dinner itself became a continuation of the learning, as each course was paired with a sugya in Shas. The concept reflected the theme of the evening — that Torah permeates every aspect of life, even the meal being served.

The first course, Machrozos Shel Dagim, was presented by Rav Avi Neuberger, who shared a shtickel Torah connected to the sugya.

The second course, Di Heilige Kurkevon, was presented by Rav Shlomo Cynamon, whose words combined depth with a sense of reverence for the sugya that inspired the dish.

Course three, Chatichos Basar Al Daf Shel Nachtumim, was presented by Rav Yitzchok Dovid Frankel.

For the fourth course, Hatmanah, Rav Noach Isaac Oelbaum shared insights that demonstrated how even the most intricate halachic discussion can carry practical meaning.

The fifth course, Zeicher L’Minchas Marcheshes, was presented by Rabbi Yossi Glieberman.

But the evening was not only about the sugyos. It was also about the individuals whose lives embody dedication to Torah.

The featured speaker of the night was Rav Uri Tiger. A special edition of his sefer, Zevach Pesach, had been published for the occasion and distributed to all those in attendance. His personal story fascinated the audience. Born into a secular family in Israel, he experienced a childhood much like that of many Israeli youths, attending public school and living a completely secular life. Yet from that unlikely beginning emerged a remarkable talmid chochom. Rav Tiger’s journey led him into the world of Torah learning, where he eventually developed a close relationship with Maran Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, becoming his personal chavrusah for fifteen years. His presence at the event at MetLife symbolized the transformative power of Torah, the way it can shape a life, redirect a path, and elevate a person beyond what might once have seemed possible.

Following his address, the assemblage was greeted by Reb Shloime Werdiger, Chairman of the Board of Agudath Israel of America. Speaking with deep appreciation, he reflected on the impact of Daf Yomi and the maggidei shiur who dedicate themselves to teaching it. He spoke about the countless hours invested by these maggidei shiur and the ripple effect of their work: thousands of lomdim who, through their guidance, are connected daily to the words of Chazal.

The program then moved into a fascinating panel discussion featuring three maggidei shiur: Rabbi Yekusiel Elimelech Friedman, Rabbi Barry Liebowitz, and Rabbi Yechezkel Hartman. Moderated by Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, the conversation addressed a number of compelling Daf Yomi-related questions, including tips for other maggidei shiur, the challenges of delivering a Daf Yomi shiur, the use of AI and animation in the presentation of a Daf Yomi shiur, and more. The panelists moments of inspiration and the quiet satisfaction of knowing that their shiurim are helping people connect to Torah in a deeper way.

Then came of the highlights of the evening.

Guests were invited outside into the stadium itself. Under the towering lights and vast screens of MetLife Stadium, attendees watched a special video presentation on the giant Jumbotrons, a tribute to the maggidei shiur and their wives. The images and messages displayed across the enormous screens turned the stadium into a canvas celebrating Torah learning.

For many, it was an emotional moment, seeing the quiet work of Torah teaching elevated onto one of the largest stages imaginable.

As the evening came to a close and the guests began to leave, one final gesture awaited the wives of the maggidei shiur. Each received a special Lucite gift containing a letter written and signed in their honor by all the members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah. It was a recognition that behind every maggid shiur stands a partner who shares in the sacrifice, the commitment, and the mission.

When the crowd finally dispersed into the night, there was a shared sense that something remarkable had taken place, a gathering that wove together Torah, gratitude, and celebration in such a creative and meaningful way.

At a stadium that usually echoes with the noise of competition, Sunday night was devoted to something far greater: honoring those who quietly dedicate their lives to Daf Yomi.

The maggidei shiur — and the wives who support them — truly are the pillars of the Daf, responsible collectively for millions upon millions of hours of limud haTorah. For one unforgettable evening, that dedication was brought into the spotlight, and the message was clear.

Torah is the real victory.

PHOTOS:

{Matzav.com}

A major change in the production of kugel under the supervision of Badatz Eidah Hachareidis has stirred discussion in the chareidi community after the kashrus committee announced that following Pesach it will no longer grant certification for kugel prepared in reusable aluminum pots. The decision comes amid concerns that the pots circulate without supervision. Rabbonim have given manufacturers time to prepare for the transition and have pointed to a producer who has already developed a suitable disposable pot solution.

For many years, members of the kashrus committee of Badatz Eidah Hachareidis have grappled with the issue of the well-known kugel pots used to prepare Yerushalmi kugel served at kiddushim and simchos throughout the community.

These pots are regularly delivered to kiddushim and events on weekends and later returned to the manufacturer. However, the pots often circulate widely before being retrieved, raising concern that they may be used in kitchens that are not under proper supervision. Such use, rabbonim warned, could create serious kashrus concerns.

In recent months, the kashrus committee of Eidah Hachareidis announced an end to the use of aluminum pots. A kugel manufacturer has since developed a new solution in the form of specially designed disposable pots intended for kugel production.

Kugel producers have welcomed the move, as it eliminates the logistical challenge of collecting pots from shuls and removes the need to employ workers to wash them. The main technical difficulty that had to be overcome was ensuring that heat reaches the upper portion of the pot. If the top of the kugel does not cook properly, it can spoil, raising the question of whether a disposable pot could provide adequate heat distribution.

Matzav.com has learned that a letter sent to manufacturers during the month of Kislev by the kashrus committee of Eidah Hachareidis explained the issue in detail. The letter addressed all producers and distributors of Yerushalmi kugel and discussed the ongoing problem of kugel pots remaining behind at event venues.

The letter explained that for several years the kashrus concerns surrounding these pots had repeatedly been discussed by rabbonim. After events, the pots are often left behind in various places, creating ongoing concerns about their handling and use.

Over the years, rabbonim together with the leadership of the kashrus committee attempted numerous solutions, but these ultimately proved impractical. In recent years, Rabbi Aharon Moshe Kubitschek of the Maadentchik company agreed to take on the challenge. After considerable investment and several trials, he succeeded in developing a disposable pot capable of baking an entire kugel, which rabbonim determined to be a workable solution.

Following an examination of the costs involved in development, production, and import, an agreement was reached to sell the pots to kugel manufacturers for 10.5 shekels per pot for a full kugel, with the hope that larger production volumes in the future would reduce the price.

As a result, rabbonim ruled that all kugel producers must stop purchasing reusable pots and instead order only disposable ones. Pots currently in use may still be used after the fact until the upcoming Shavuos, but after that date kugel may no longer be sold in reusable pots.

During the transition period, manufacturers were instructed to continue following the previous guidelines when using remaining reusable pots. These include making an effort to collect the pots immediately after use and checking returned pots to ensure they were not used for other purposes and were not washed improperly.

The directive stresses that the rule applies in every case, whether the kugel is being delivered to a shul, a simcha hall, a public venue, or a private home. Any deviation from these instructions, even if it occurred unintentionally, must be reported to the supervising mashgiach for further guidance.

{Matzav.com}

A special women’s gathering will take place this evening, March 10, at Tiferes Bais Yaakov Hall on Oak Street in Lakewood, bringing together women interested in learning more about life in out-of-town kollel communities.

The event, organized under the auspices of Ichud Hakollelim, will provide an opportunity for attendees to hear firsthand from women who moved beyond the Lakewood area to help build Torah communities across the country.

The keynote address will be delivered by Rav Sholom Kamenetsky, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Philadelphia. Rav Kamenetsky will address the importance of strengthening Torah communities throughout the United States and spoke about the growing need for families willing to relocate in order to establish and support kollelim in developing communities.

The event will also feature an address from Rav Kamenetsky’s daughter, Mrs. Rochel Baum, principal of I.S. Kosloff Torah Academy High School in Philadelphia. Mrs. Baum will share personal reflections from the years she spent living in Berlin, Germany, together with her husband, the rosh kollel, Rav Yaakov Baum.

A live panel discussion will follow, featuring women currently living in out-of-town kollel communities. Panelists will discuss their experiences adjusting to new cities, building supportive networks, and helping establish vibrant Torah homes far from the major centers of the Torah world.

The evening will include time for networking, allowing participants to connect with representatives and families from a number of out-of-town communities, including Cleveland, Denver, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Waterbury, Baltimore, Dallas, and Miami.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed Tuesday that its latest missile barrage targeted American military staging areas in the Gulf as well as what it described as “hidden missile launchers in Bnei Brak.”

The unusual allegation was reported by Kan News Middle East correspondent Roi Kais and appeared in the IRGC’s official summary of what it described as the 34th missile barrage carried out during the current war.

According to the statement, Iran launched a range of missiles during the attack, including Ghadr, Emad, and Fattah missiles, along with hypersonic Kheibar missiles.

The IRGC asserted that the strikes were directed at what it called “staging areas for American soldiers” at Al Dhafra Airbase in the United Arab Emirates and the Al Juffair naval base in Bahrain. The statement also listed Israeli targets, including Ramat David Airbase and the civilian airport in Haifa.

Kais said the Iranian claim about Bnei Brak appeared to be part of an attempt to rationalize attacks that have struck civilian population centers in Israel. According to his analysis, the reference to supposed military targets inside the city was likely meant to justify the regime’s missile fire toward heavily populated areas.

{Matzav.com}

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz disclosed during a cabinet meeting Tuesday that security officials have begun investigating how the date of Israel’s opening strike against Iran was leaked to Channel 12.

The issue surfaced after ministers raised concerns about the apparent disclosure of sensitive operational information, questioning how details surrounding the timing of the attack became public.

Journalist Moti Kastel reported on Channel 14 that several ministers pressed the matter during the meeting, expressing alarm that such a serious breach had not been publicly addressed sooner.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch voiced particular frustration over the situation.

“I don’t understand how it could be that someone leaked the exact date of the attack to Channel 12 and it’s passing by in silence? How could this be?”

Kisch warned that the leak could have created significant risks for Israel’s military operation.

He added, “The presenters and production team were in the studio, made up and ready. This could have leaked and endangered the State of Israel and the entire campaign.”

Responding to the concerns, Katz told the ministers that the matter is already under investigation by the defense establishment.

“This is not passing by in silence. The head of security in the defense establishment has opened an investigation, and it is currently underway.”

{Matzav.com}

A dramatic development unfolded Tuesday in Bnei Brak when an inspector from Israel’s Ministry of Education arrived at Ponovezh Yeshiva L’Tzeirim on Rechov Harav Meltzer and delivered an immediate closure order, claiming that operating the yeshiva during wartime places the talmidim at risk. The yeshiva administration is expected to appeal the decision.

According to reports, the inspector came to the yeshiva building earlier in the day carrying an official order directing that the institution cease operating. The action was taken after authorities determined that the yeshiva continued functioning despite wartime restrictions issued by the government.

The order states that the closure was issued under the authority granted by Section 35(a) of the law governing unique cultural educational institutions. It instructs that Ponovezh Yeshiva, located at 5 Rechov Harav Meltzer in Bnei Brak and operated by the Ponovezh Yeshiva organization, must be shut down.

Officials explained that the order follows emergency measures declared at the start of the war. On February 28, 2026, the Defense Minister declared a special emergency situation on the home front, and that declaration went into effect the same day. As a result, Home Front Command issued national defensive guidelines that included a ban on gatherings throughout Israel as well as an explicit prohibition on educational activities.

Authorities wrote that failure to comply with those directives creates a real danger to the safety of students and staff. Operating an educational institution during wartime in violation of the Civil Defense Law of 1951 and against official instructions, the notice states, puts those present in danger.

The order also notes that on March 5, 2026, representatives from the enforcement division of the Ministry of Education conducted an inspection and found that the yeshiva was operating despite the wartime directives. Officials wrote that the continued activity was taking place contrary to the guidelines and posed a risk to the safety and security of both talmidim and employees.

According to the document, the closure order took effect immediately upon being delivered. The decision was issued in Yerushalayim, and those affected have the right to file an administrative appeal with the Yerushalayim District Court sitting as a court for administrative matters.

The notice further states that the closure will remain in force unless it is revoked either by the ministry’s director-general or by the court.

Leaders at the yeshiva reacted angrily to the move, claiming that religious institutions are being singled out for enforcement. They pointed out that shopping malls and other public venues continue operating as usual while yeshivos are being shut down, arguing that the decision reflects selective enforcement directed against Torah institutions.

{Matzav.com}

As Israeli and American forces continue targeting key sites across Iran under Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury, Israeli government officials believe the aerial assault phase of the campaign may conclude in the near future. However, they say the broader effort to topple the Iranian regime could take much longer and will ultimately depend on action from within Iran itself.

Senior ministers told Kan News that although the joint Israeli-American strikes are expected to wind down soon, the next phase will largely depend on internal developments inside Iran. “It may take about a year for the Iranian regime to fall,” ministers told Kan News. According to the officials, the joint Israeli-US strikes are expected to conclude soon, and then the center of gravity will move to the civilian sphere. “The work afterwards will be that of the Iranian people. Iran is a big country, and changing a regime that murders its protesters is a very complex task.”

Officials also pointed to several obstacles that could hinder internal opposition efforts, chief among them the Iranian regime’s sweeping restrictions on internet access.

The near-complete shutdown of online connectivity imposed since the start of the war has severely limited the ability of observers to assess conditions on the ground and has also made it far more difficult for protesters to organize and communicate.

Security officials said that at present, the circumstances necessary for a large-scale uprising have not yet fully developed. As a result, they indicated that military operations will continue in the coming days in an effort to further weaken the regime’s key institutions and centers of authority.

{Matzav.com}

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine outlined the progress of U.S. military operations against Iran during a briefing, saying American forces have struck thousands of targets and are continuing to dismantle the country’s military infrastructure as the conflict enters its tenth day.

Opening the briefing, Hegseth described the broader context of the confrontation with Iran and accused the regime of decades of violence through regional proxies while pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities.

“Our generation understands this fight. For 47 years, these barbarians have been murdering your guys, our guys, via their proxies. Now they are racing toward a nuclear bomb. They have murdered thousands of my brothers. President Trump will not allow this now. Not ever. As they are cowards, they fire missiles from schools and hospitals, because they know their military is being targeted.”

Hegseth continued by asserting that Iran is increasingly isolated and losing ground in the conflict.

“Iran stands alone and they are badly losing. On day 10, we are winning. Our standards are the same as my previous report here. We will destroy their missile stockpiles and their ability to make them. Destroy their navy and their ability to make nuclear missiles forever.”

He added that the campaign is being carried out to fulfill the objectives set by President Trump.

“As President Trump declared, we will not let that happen again. Those days are dead. We are winning and accomplishing the president’s objectives. This is our job.”

Gen. Dan Caine then addressed the sacrifices made by American service members during the war and emphasized that those who lost their lives will not be forgotten as operations continue.

Speaking about the ongoing campaign, Caine said that U.S. forces are expanding their attacks deeper into Iran’s defense and industrial infrastructure.

“We are continuing our mission – going deeper into Iran’s military and industrial base, to ensure peace in years to come.”

He reported that thousands of targets have already been struck during the campaign.

“Today we struck more than 5,000 targets, GPS penetrating weapons. We also struck drone factories, and of course, our regional partners continue to intercept. Our strikes mean we made significant progress in missiles out of Iran.”

Caine also detailed efforts aimed at crippling Iran’s naval capabilities.

“We are making significant progress in destroying the navy. We struck and sank an Iranian ship and continue to target other ships. We focus on centers of gravity to prevent them from continuing one-way attacks. This is gritty and tireless work and I am proud of our forces. They are a world-class team.”

He praised the troops carrying out the mission, emphasizing their dedication and professionalism.

“These are dedicated young people who are doing the work that we need them to do.”

Caine concluded his remarks by acknowledging the difficulty of the ongoing mission and paying tribute to those serving in uniform.

“Our work continues. It continues to be difficult. Please keep our forces in your thoughts. I remain deeply humbled by the 2.8 million members of the forces, as well as the memories of the fallen.”

Hegseth also issued a warning directed at Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, cautioning him against advancing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

He said that Khamenei “would be wise to heed the words of our President not to pursue nuclear weapons.”

When asked how long the operation might last, Hegseth responded that the United States currently holds a strong strategic position and that the final timeline will be determined by President Trump.

He noted that the U.S. was “in a very strong place, giving the President a lot of options,” and clarified that “we haven’t stated how long it would take. Our will is endless. Ultimatly the President gets to determine the end state of those objectives. But what he said continuously is that this is not endless, it’s not protracted; the President has set a very specific mission to accomplish.”

Addressing questions about differences between American and Israeli targets, particularly Israeli strikes on Iranian fuel depots, Hegseth stressed the close cooperation between the two allies while noting that each country maintains its own objectives.

“Israel has been a very strong partner in this effort. Where they’ve had different objectives, they’ve pursued them, and we’ve stayed focused on ours. But what Iran has felt is the power of the world’s two most powerful air forces.”

He added that American operations were not aimed at those fuel facilities.

“That wasn’t our objective.”

Hegseth also responded to critics within the United States who oppose the military operation, saying the administration is acting decisively and independently.

“The President has made it clear that we’re not getting pulled in any direction, we’re leading. The President is leading, he’s determining where we want to go, what the outcome will be.”

He acknowledged that many Americans remain wary after years of U.S. involvement in conflicts across the Middle East, which he said had often drawn the country into prolonged wars.

Discussing Iran’s attacks against other countries in the region, Hegseth called the moves a strategic miscalculation that exposed the regime’s desperation.

He described the attacks as a “big mistake on Iran’s part” and said they “expose who they really are.”

He added that while the U.S. had considered such retaliation possible, Iran’s actions ultimately strengthened cooperation between Washington and its regional partners.

“I can’t say that we anticipated that that’s exactly how they would react, but we knew it was a possibility. I think it was a demonstration of the desperation of the regime then and now, that they still think their pathway out is to try to alienate their Arab partners even more, who instead came to us, and were willing to go on the offense and have given us access to fly over them.”

According to Hegseth, the situation has fostered a new level of regional collaboration.

He said this has created “a new partnership that will continue making the region the way that President Trump did with the Abraham accords.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced Tuesday evening that Israel’s state budget will be rushed through approval with major changes to reflect the financial burden of the war, including the cancellation of certain benefits previously slated for the public.

In a joint statement, the two leaders explained that the revised budget will prioritize a substantial increase in defense spending, redirecting resources toward the war effort while eliminating several programs that had been intended to benefit citizens.

Minister Smotrich explained: “Against the backdrop of the existential war we are waging to destroy the Iranian axis of evil, we are now convening for the immediate passage of the state budget, at the center of which will be the required addition to the defense budget to finance the war.”

He added, “In order to succeed in this mission, we are now setting aside issues that are in dispute and are not appropriate during wartime. We are putting aside the Draft Law, which will not be advanced at this time, as well as several reforms around which we have not yet reached broad agreement. War is a time for unity and national responsibility, and I thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, and all members of the government and the coalition.”

Smotrich said that quickly approving the budget is essential both for the military campaign and for the country’s long-term economic direction.

He further stated: “Passing the budget immediately will allow us, with God’s help, to win the war, provide better services to Israel’s citizens in many areas, establish a new regional order in the Middle East with the State of Israel as a regional and global power at its center, and place Israel on a path of accelerated growth, development, and prosperity in the coming years. Together, Mr. Prime Minister, we will, with God’s help, win the war and win in the economy.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu echoed the need for extraordinary wartime spending, emphasizing that the ongoing conflict requires significant financial resources.

Netanyahu added: “We are in a campaign against a cruel enemy that seeks to destroy us. We had to launch this campaign. But it costs a lot of money. Therefore we are required to allocate a special budget during the war-tens of billions of shekels-to support the defense budget and the war effort.”

{Matzav.com}

The White House said Tuesday evening that the United States will not tolerate any disruption to maritime traffic in the Middle East, warning that attempts to block the movement of oil or goods through key waterways will draw a severe military response.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued the statement amid rising tensions in the region, stressing that Washington is determined to safeguard the free passage of shipping lanes that are critical to global energy supplies.

Leavitt said the United States is taking action to ensure that energy resources continue to reach the country and its allies without interference.

“The United States and all our allies can receive their energy needs. President Trump will not allow rogue Iranian terrorists to strop the freedom of navigation and the free flow of energy,” Leavitt said.

She also warned Tehran against attempting to obstruct shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important maritime routes for global oil shipments.

“If they (Iran) do anything to stop the flow of oil or goods within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the world’s most powerful military 20 times harder than they have been hit thus far,” she threatened.

Leavitt also addressed concerns about rising fuel costs, acknowledging that the conflict has led to higher prices but saying the situation is expected to stabilize once military objectives are met.

She added that “the increase in gas prices is temporary and in the long term prices will fall. Once the military goals are achieved, we will live in a world where Iran can no longer threaten.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Transportation Ministry has launched an investigation after approximately 90 yeshiva bochurim departed on a flight to Poland, reportedly in violation of Home Front Command restrictions. The probe follows media reports that the group traveled to attend the yahrtzeit of Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk.

Ben Gurion Airport turned into a scene of turmoil on Monday after hundreds of passengers found themselves stranded at check-in counters following sudden changes to passenger limits. While El Al had received special approval the previous day to board up to 200 passengers on some flights, the permitted number was reduced again Tuesday morning to just 50 passengers. The abrupt reversal sparked widespread frustration among travelers who arrived at the airport only to discover they could not board their flights. Ground staff reported scenes of passengers losing their composure, and in some cases confrontations occurred between police and frustrated travelers.

Amid the chaos, reports circulated online that about 90 talmidim from Yeshivas Oryasa in Yerushalayim had managed to depart for Poland ahead of the yahrtzeit of Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk, which is the night of the 21st of Adar.

Following the report, Transportation Ministry Director General Moshe Ben Zaken instructed the head of the Airports Authority to conduct an urgent investigation and submit findings within 24 hours.

The development raised questions in several media outlets, particularly on the political left, about how such a large group was allowed to board a flight under the strict wartime limitations.

In response to the growing controversy, the Transportation Ministry issued a sharply worded statement emphasizing that airlines are not permitted to board more than 100 passengers on departing flights, in accordance with directives from the Home Front Command and the security establishment.

“We demand that airlines comply with the regulations and ensure passenger safety,” the ministry said.

While government authorities and airline officials debate the rules, hundreds of travelers remained stranded at closed check-in counters at Ben Gurion Airport in what many described as a day that turned from a rescue operation into a transportation fiasco.

{Matzav.com}

Iran’s cyber campaign has reportedly reached an unusual target — an Israeli wafer factory. In a radio interview, the manager of the Menamim wafer factory said Iranian hackers attempted to create panic by circulating old security footage online as part of psychological warfare.

During a conversation on the radio program Zman Avir, host Menachem Toker spoke with Tom Marcus, manager of the Menamim factory and a fourth-generation member of the family business, after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they had taken control of the company’s systems.

“A friend sent me screenshots from a reserve-duty WhatsApp group,” Marcus said. “An Iranian cyber group posted that they had taken control of a Zionist factory that produces for the Zionist army and had halted production.”

Initial concerns quickly subsided when it became clear that the claims were based on recycled material. Marcus explained that the images circulating on social media accounts with millions of followers were taken from a breach of the factory’s security cameras that had occurred roughly two and a half years ago.

“We realized this was psychological warfare,” Marcus said. “We’re continuing production at full speed. They didn’t find anything in our computers. We don’t have state secrets — maybe only the family recipe.”

Toker, known for his humorous style, suggested half-jokingly that the Iranians might be attempting to weaken Israel through its snack supply. “If the guys don’t snack on wafers, Israel will lose,” he said.

The factory, located in the Haifa Bay area, sits in a region considered strategically sensitive. Marcus, however, said with a smile that it was hard to believe the facility would be considered a real military target.

Despite the tense moment, Marcus said he remains confident in Israel’s resilience — and in the factory’s closely guarded recipe.

By the end of the interview, Marcus even turned the incident into a marketing opportunity. “My wife said we should turn the lemon wafer into lemonade,” he joked, referring to the unexpected publicity the long-standing brand received after appearing on the Revolutionary Guards’ social media accounts.

While Iranian operatives were busy promoting old security footage, workers at the Menamim factory were already focused on preparing for Pesach and continuing large-scale production of what Marcus jokingly called Israel’s “national weapon” — the Israeli wafer.