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Air raid sirens blared across northern and central parts of Israel shortly after 12:40 a.m., as Iran launched a wave of missiles aimed at Israeli territory.

The Israel Defense Forces issued a statement confirming that interception measures were being deployed to counter the incoming projectiles. “Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. The public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice,” the IDF stated.

The military added a strict advisory for civilians, emphasizing that shelter should not be exited until officially instructed. “Leaving the protected space is only permitted following an explicit directive. Continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command,” the statement continued.

Initial estimates suggest that approximately 20 missiles were involved in this latest offensive.

Early reports noted that at least one missile struck in the Sharon area, though further details were still being verified.

{Matzav.com Israel}

During a shiur on Monday night, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein delivered guidance steeped in Torah, sensitivity, and heart. Speaking in the Beis Knesses HaMerkazi of Ramat Elchanan in Bnei Brak, the Rosh Yeshiva addressed pressing halachic questions that have arisen in recent days amid ongoing rocket attacks.

During the shiur, a participant shared a striking account: a southern shul had been entirely burned down in a missile strike—except for the Aron Kodesh and the Sifrei Torah. Rav Zilberstein responded with sobering candor: “Why was the shul destroyed? I’m embarrassed to tell you why. There were people there who spoke divrei beitailim in the beis haknesses… If there were no idle or negative words spoken, the shul wouldn’t have fallen. It would have brought down the one who fired the rocket! But if it collapsed, it was destroyed by those speaking lashon hara and empty talk. Not by the Arabs with their bombs.”

As the shiur progressed, a warning was issued about an imminent siren and the tzibbur was instructed to move to the shul’s underground shelter. Rav Zilberstein offered perspective: “It’s not right to say we’re ‘leaving’ the beis haknesses. We’re not leaving—we’re just moving locations. This isn’t just a shelter. It’s a beis haknesses. A place of Torah and tefillah. The shiur continues—it’s still a beis haknesses, not just a basement.”

Once in the shelter, Rav Zilberstein resumed the shiur: “We came here to learn—we didn’t come here to hide. We simply haven’t finished yet. So we’ll continue.”

Rav Zilberstein addressed further wartime questions, including whether one should recite Hamapil before going to sleep amid sirens. His answer: “You should say Hamapil, because your berachah can bring them down. You’re stronger than they are. You say Hamapil—they don’t. They’re trying to destroy Jews. We’re invoking the Ribbono Shel Olam.”

Another question was raised: If one is woken up by a siren after alos hashachar, may he return to sleep or must he first daven? Rav Zilberstein replied, “You can’t go back to sleep. Now it’s time for Krias Shema and tefillah. After that, you can sleep.”

Toward the end, Rav Zilberstein gave heartfelt words of encouragement: “I want to bless you, my dear and beloved ones. No other nation in the world does this during sirens. The other nations talk politics or debate Trump. Only one nation, when there’s a siren, gathers in shuls and learns Torah. There’s no nation like this one. Mi ke’amcha Yisroel, goy echad ba’aretz—there’s nothing like it.”

He concluded with a personal and touching piece of advice: “You need to buy something for your wife. Why? Because she was alone during the sirens. She suffered. She waited alone. You need to show her you understand that she endured this because of us. Buy something small—a treat, a little gift—something to let her know you appreciate her pain and are there for her.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Lebanon’s president and prime minister said Monday that their country must stay out of the conflict between Israel and Iran because any engagement would be detrimental to the small nation engulfed in an economic crisis and struggling to recover from the latest Israel-Hezbollah war. Their remarks amounted to a message to the Lebanese Hezbollah terror group — an ally of both Iran and the Palestinian terror Hamas group in Gaza — to stay out of the fray. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam spoke during a Cabinet meeting Monday that also discussed the Iran-Israel conflict and the spike in regional tensions over the past four days. Information Minister Paul Morkos later told reporters that Aoun urged all sides in Lebanon to maintain calm and preserve the country’s stability. For his part, Salam said Lebanon should not be involved in “any form in the war,” Morkos added. Hezbollah, funded and armed by Iran, has long been considered Tehran’s most powerful ally in the region but its latest war with Israel also saw much of Hezbollah’s political and military leadership killed in Israeli airstrikes. Since Israel on Friday launched strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear program and top military leaders, drawing Iran’s retaliatory ballistic missiles at Israel, the back-and-forth has raised concerns that the region, already on edge over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, would be plunged into even greater upheaval. (AP)

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HY’D: A third victim of the Iranian missile attack that struck a high-rise building in Petach Tikvah in the pre-dawn hours of Monday morning was identified as Daisy Yitzchaki, 85. Two more victims of the missile strike on the Bazan oil refinery in Haifa were also identified: Uri Levy, 58, and Igor Fradkin, 50. The two men, along with the previously identified victim, Dani Avraham, worked at the refinery. Levy, z’l, a resident of Haifa, left behind his wife, three children, and a granddaughter. Fradkin, z’l, a resident of Kiryat Ata, left behind three children.

The IDF announced on Tuesday that it has finalized operational plans to launch a strike on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow nuclear facility, pending a green light from Israel’s leadership.

Up until now, military officials have avoided giving direct answers about whether a strike on Fordow was imminent. They have, however, issued explicit denials in response to recent false reports suggesting that Fordow had already been attacked.

The Fordow site is considered Iran’s most critical nuclear installation and remains untouched by Israeli forces. Its location beneath a mountain makes it particularly difficult to penetrate.

While Israel does not possess the massive 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs that the U.S. has in its arsenal, it has long pushed Washington to take direct action against the site.

Despite lacking those specific munitions, the Israeli Air Force has developed alternative strategies to inflict serious damage on Fordow. These include dropping multiple 2,000- or 5,000-pound bombs repeatedly on the same location to potentially trigger structural collapse.

In addition to Fordow, the IDF has indicated that it could complete the destruction of Iran’s most vital nuclear infrastructure within the coming week.

The Israeli military has broken down Iran’s nuclear capabilities into three categories of targets: the scientists driving the program, the enrichment sites themselves, and the supporting command and logistics infrastructure.

So far, the IDF has already hit dozens of Iranian nuclear-related locations, including major installations at Natanz and Isfahan, both of which are key hubs second only to Fordow.

{Matzav.com Israel}

A hurricane warning was issued Tuesday for a portion of southern Mexico as Tropical Storm Erick gained strength in the Pacific Ocean, forecasters said. The National Hurricane Center said Erick was expected to rapidly intensify and become a hurricane by late Tuesday or early Wednesday. The cyclone was centered about 285 miles (460 kilometers) southeast of Puerto Ángel, Mexico, on Tuesday morning. The tropical storm had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph), the Miami-based center said. It was moving west-northwest at 9 mph (15 kph) and forecast to approach the coast by late Wednesday. A hurricane warning was in effect from Puerto Ángel to Punta Maldonado in coastal southern Mexico. The hurricane watch stretches west of Punta Maldonado to Acapulco and east of Puerto Ángel to Bahías de Huatulco. A tropical storm watch was posted east of Puerto Ángel to Salina Cruz. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected in the area, and preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion, according to the NHC advisory. Heavy rainfall up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) was forecast for parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero with lighter amounts in Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco states as well as parts of El Salvador and Guatemala. The rainfall may produce flooding and mudslides, the center said, and storm surge could produce coastal flooding. (AP)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered an emphatic endorsement of Israel’s military campaign targeting Iran, declaring that Israel is carrying out a task on behalf of the global community. Speaking in an interview with ZDF, Merz warned that unless Iran backs down from its pursuit of nuclear weapons, its nuclear infrastructure could face total obliteration. He also stressed that Israel cannot be expected to accomplish this alone.

“This is the dirty work Israel is doing for all of us. We are also victims of this regime. This mullah regime has brought death and destruction to the world,” he stated.

Merz pointed out that Israel’s recent military actions had dealt a major blow to Iran’s regime, particularly in terms of its nuclear program. He implied that the damage inflicted might be irreversible, and that Iran may not regain its prior influence or capability. At the same time, he affirmed Germany’s willingness to support any future diplomatic initiatives, should Iran show openness to negotiations.

The Chancellor’s remarks reflect an unusually bold endorsement of Israel’s defense efforts from the head of a prominent European government.

Posting to social media on Sunday, Merz wrote, “Israel has the right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens. Iran’s nuclear weapons program is an existential threat to the State of Israel.”

{Matzav.com}

GARDEN STATE PARKWAY: A bus traveling from Monsey to Boro Park via the Garden State Parkway was forced to stop near the i80 when its fire suppression system suddenly activated. The bus company has sent a second bus to transport the stranded travelers to their destination.

On Monday, June 16th the Senate Finance Committee released its text of the Big, Beautiful Bill. It includes a game-changing, $4 billion annual tax credit that will enable students to receive K-12 scholarships which can be used for private school tuition and other educational expenses. Most importantly, the Senate version makes the proposed scholarship tax credit permanent! “School Choice is here to stay,” said Rabbi Avi Schnall, Agudath Israel of America’s Director of Federal Education Affairs. “The proposed Educational Choice for Children Act will soon allow students in all 50 states to benefit from choosing the educational setting that best meets their needs.” “The Senate proposal provides the necessary stability so that parents and others are willing to invest in the long term education of our children,” added Rabbi A. D. Motzen, Agudath Israel of America’s National Director of Government Affairs. This expansion builds upon the House-passed bill that included a tax credit cap of $5 billion a year for four years. The Senate draft also made several other important improvements advocated by Agudath Israel and its coalition partners. “We are blessed with many school choice champions in Congress,” said Rabbi Yossie Charner Agudath Israel’s Director of Congressional Affairs. “Agudath Israel thanks Senators Bill Cassidy, Ted Cruz, and Tim Scott, who, along with Chairman Crapo and Senate leadership ensured that the Big, Beautiful Bill will leave a lasting legacy for many years to come.” Agudath Israel urges the House to adopt these Senate changes and make additional positive enhancements to the measure so that the final version is the biggest, and best bill possible to help our students and families.

NY TIMES: Iran has prepared missiles and military equipment for strikes on US bases in the Middle East if the US joins Israel’s war against the country, according to US officials.

Exit Plan May Involve Air or Sea Travel; Information Collection Underway

In a new development, Israeli authorities have begun preliminary preparations to assist foreign nationals who remain stranded in Israel due to the ongoing security situation.

While no official exit plan has yet been announced, Chaim V’Chessed has learned from sources that the developing arrangement may include evacuation by air or sea to a third country. At this stage, the government is focused on collecting data from those affected.

Tourists and other foreigners currently in Israel who wish to return to their home countries are encouraged to submit their personal details using this online form.

This move comes as part of broader efforts to support the large number of foreign nationals who have found themselves unable to leave the country following the closure of commercial air routes. Chaim V’Chessed will continue to monitor the situation closely and share verified updates as they become available.

{Matzav.com}

DISGRACEFUL: Roaring antisemite United States Representative Ilhan Omar says America is “one of the worst countries” on earth. She should go back to her home county (before she entered the USA illegally). Somalia, where it’s just blissful and great place to live.

When an Iranian missile slammed into this central Israeli city, Miryam was huddled inside the concrete safe room in her family’s apartment. Miryam was unscathed by the blast. But four people in the building next door were killed, and the explosion blew off the doors to the apartment and destroyed the kitchen and bathroom. “This was the scariest thing I’d ever experienced,” said Miryam, who spoke to AP on condition that her last name not be used because she serves in the military. “But the right thing is to attack Iran; I don’t want them to have this power over us.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long identified Iran as Israel’s greatest enemy, citing its hostile rhetoric and support for terror groups and its pursuit of nuclear weapons. After years of threats, Israel launched a surprise attack on Friday, killing Iranian military leaders and striking nuclear facilities in a blistering aerial assault. While no opinion polls have been released yet, the Israeli public — and even Netanyahu’s rivals in the opposition – appears to be lining up behind the military operation in these early days. Such sentiment was evident in Petah Tikva, a middle-class city outside Tel Aviv where many residents said they support the operation, even after the deadly blast. The Iranian missiles appear to be the strongest assault on Israel’s heartland since then-Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s Scud missile attacks during the first Gulf War in 1991. Residents in the area had packed suitcases, with some headed to stay with relatives and others to hotels paid for by the city. Idle teenagers sat among the wreckage staring at their ruined apartments. “I still don’t understand it,” said Eitan Tevel, 14, who spent an hour in the safe room of his sixth-floor apartment before emerging to see it damaged. Still, he said, he wants Israel to keep striking Iran. “If we don’t do it, many people will be killed,” he said. By mid-day, first responders in Petah Tikva were still assessing the damage and clearing buildings. Four complexes housing hundreds of families were impacted by the missile, which struck the side of one of the buildings and tore off the exterior. Windows and doors were blown off, with few cars in the vicinity unscathed. Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, visited the neighborhood, calling the attack “pure evil.” Shmuel Rosner, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, said that as bad as the missile attacks have been, people had expected even worse. “For many years we were told that when the day comes, we might have to spend days and weeks in bomb shelters and see thousands of buildings crash. That’s not the case,” he said. But he warned that if there is a sense that Israel is failing to achieve its objectives, support could quickly dwindle. Older residents in this hard-hit neighborhood said the strikes reminded them of the first Gulf War over 30 years ago. Israel had limited air defenses, and people feared a chemical attack by the Iraqi leader. Many remember carrying gas masks and sealing windows with tape and plastic. People now feel protected by Israel’s robust air defenses, but they also believe there’s more at stake in this conflict. “This is more scary,” said Nadav Shomron, 44, who remembers that war as a boy. […]

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Sirens are sounding, schools and jobs are shut, and families’ expenses are soaring while income has vanished. Our Rabbinic board has ordered a large crisis fund to keep food on tables and hope in hearts.

Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch has issued an urgent call to American Jews, requesting their tefillos for the safety and wellbeing of their brethren in Eretz Yisroel and to be nosei ol during this challenging and pivotal moment in history

The IDF issues a new evacuation warning in the southern Gaza Strip, slightly expanding a large no-go zone.

Senator Bernie Sanders took the unusual step Tuesday of stepping into New York City’s mayoral race, publicly backing Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist candidate aiming to lead the nation’s largest city.

This marks the first time Sanders has inserted himself into a Democratic mayoral primary in New York City. The Vermont senator issued a call for sweeping change just days ahead of the June 24 vote.

“At this pivotal and dangerous moment in American history, status quo politics is not good enough,” Sanders (I-Vt.) said in a statement.

He went on to tout Mamdani as a bold alternative to establishment candidates, saying, “We need new leadership that is prepared to stand up to powerful corporate interests and fight for the working class. Zohran Mamdani is providing that vision. He is the best choice for NYC mayor.”

Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman from Queens, embraced the endorsement enthusiastically, praising Sanders as a lifelong inspiration.

“Sanders was the ‘single most influential political figure in my life,’” Mamdani declared.

“As Mayor, I will strive to live up to his example by fighting for the working class every day and hopefully make Brooklyn’s own proud,” Mamdani posted on X.

Sanders’ nod follows an earlier endorsement from another high-profile progressive, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who also threw her weight behind Mamdani’s campaign.

With both Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez now behind him, Mamdani could gain ground against the race’s current front-runner, former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Mamdani’s campaign has been powered by an aggressive grassroots operation, with much of his base made up of younger, far-left white voters drawn to his unabashedly socialist message.

Sanders stayed out of New York’s 2021 mayoral contest, and in 2017, he only endorsed then-Mayor Bill de Blasio’s re-election bid a mere week before voting.

Meanwhile, Mamdani has faced pushback from the establishment. Just this week, the New York Times’ editorial board urged voters to reject Mamdani at the polls. “He seems to lack the political savvy and instinct for compromise that has made Senator Bernie Sanders, his fellow democratic socialist, an effective legislator,” the Times wrote.

{Matzav.com}

Kraft Heinz announced on Tuesday it will stop using artificial colors and dyes from products sold in the U.S. following sustained pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The food giant, which produces Kraft Mac & Cheese, Heinz Ketchup, Capri-Sun and many more products, said it will remove all artificial coloring from its products by 2027 and will not release any additional foods containing synthetic dyes in the interim.

“The vast majority of our products use natural or no colors, and we’ve been on a journey to reduce our use of (artificial) colors across the remainder of our portfolio,” said CEO Pedro Navio in a statement. The company previously removed artificial colors from its Mac & Cheese back in 2016. It comes following a previous FDA ban on red dye no.3 in January which banned its usage in food and beverages across America. It comes following direct pressure from Kennedy, who met with executives from a number of top food companies to pressure them into removing artificial dyes before the end of his term. The health secretary “made clear his intention to take action unless the industry is willing to be proactive with solutions,” Bloomberg reported at the time. Read more at CNN.

{Matzav.com}