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Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu arrived Monday at the Tel Nof Airbase, accompanied by Defense Minister Yisroel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, where he observed firsthand the ongoing air operations.

While addressing the troops, Netanyahu expressed deep appreciation for the Israeli Air Force’s efforts. “On behalf of the people and the State of Israel, you are doing amazing things. The IAF controls the skies of Tehran. That changes the entire campaign,” he declared, commending their achievements and strategic dominance.

He outlined the broader mission objectives, stating, “We are on the way to achieve our two goals: eliminating the nuclear threat and eliminating the missile threat. When we control the skies of Tehran, we hit these targets, the enemy’s targets, in contrast to the criminal Iranian regime, which targets our civilians and comes to kill our children and women. We tell the civilians in Tehran: ‘Evacuate’ – and we are taking action.”

Netanyahu continued with high praise for those executing the missions. “We are on our way to victory, and this is thanks to our heroic pilots. Our amazing ground crews are also doing an amazing job. I salute you, all citizens of Israel salute you, and I wish to tell you: many in the world salute you and are amazed by you.”

He concluded his remarks by sharing a note of encouragement and faith: “This is a basic part of the hope that we will achieve victory. Thank you, and with G-d’s help, we will do and succeed, and continue until victory.”

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz also addressed the personnel, reflecting on the weight of the decision to strike Iran. “When the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, and I needed to decide whether to attack Iran, and such decisions are not easy, we knew one thing, and that tipped the scale: that when the decision is made, we have whom to rely on – you. We now see what you lead together, and what’s happening in the sky over Tehran, so we see that we were right. We have whom to rely on. The entire State of Israel, and the entire nation of Israel, trusts you and tells you: thanks and keep going.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Roughly 24 hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a blistering assault on Iran, Israel’s opposition was scheming to bring down his government. Now, just days into the ongoing operation against Iran, the opposition has closed ranks behind the effort, suspending months of bitter criticism against Netanyahu and his handling of the war in Gaza. It’s a sharp about-face for a constellation of parties that have criticized Netanyahu throughout the war for what they have charged is his politically motivated decision-making. “It’s not the right moment to do politics,” opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid told The Associated Press on Monday in his first international media interview since the start of the operation against Iran. The latest conflict began when Israel launched an assault on Iran’s top military leaders, uranium enrichment sites and nuclear scientists that it said was necessary to prevent its longtime adversary from getting any closer to building an atomic weapon — which Israel says would pose an existential threat. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful. Lapid spoke just days after he called from the dais of the Israeli parliament for an election to oust Netanyahu. “Yes, this government needs to be toppled, but not in the midst of an existential fight,” Lapid said. And that fight has become personal. His son’s home was damaged in an Iranian strike, although no one was there at the time except for house pets. “We didn’t rally behind the government,” Lapid said from his party office in Tel Aviv. “We rallied behind the necessity to operate on the moment that was inevitable.” Lapid, a former television anchorman and one-time boxer, entered politics in 2013. He became caretaker prime minister briefly in 2022, as part of a deal with another party. He didn’t succeed in forming a coalition in an election held shortly after, which returned Netanyahu to power. Lapid said that the politics were irrelevant now, because striking Iran was “the right thing to do.” “Binyamin Netanyahu is a bitter political rival,” said Lapid. “I think he’s the wrong person to lead the country. But on that, he was right.” (AP & YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Congressman Mark Green, Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee & Founder/Ceo Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce    In a significant demonstration of faith-based diplomacy and unity, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a Congressional Breakfast on Capitol Hill, with Congressman Mark Green, Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, serving as the event’s honorary host. The event brought together an impressive array of leaders from the U.S. Congress, foreign governments, religious institutions, the business sector, and civil society to engage in meaningful dialogue on today’s pressing political challenges. Renowned for his strong commitment to democratic values and national security, Congressman Mark Green, a decorated combat veteran, physician, and statesman, set the stage with an opening address that struck a chord across political and international lines. “At a time when democracies face existential threats from authoritarian regimes, gatherings like the Congressional Prayer Breakfast remind us of the power of faith to unite people across borders. Our commitment to liberty, to moral leadership, and to standing with our allies—like Israel and Ukraine—is rooted not only in policy, but in principle,” Congressman Green declared, reinforcing the need for moral clarity amidst global unrest.   The breakfast, co-hosted by the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and the Institute for Democracy and Development “PolitA,” focused on safeguarding the Jewish community from domestic threats and combating global terrorism and extremism. Discussions emphasized the importance of moral clarity, faith-based diplomacy, and unified action in addressing these issues, reflecting the shared concern for democratic integrity and global security. Duvi Honig, Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, echoed these sentiments, calling for consistency and accountability in international alliances. “Peace begins with common sense—poshut seykhl,” Honig asserted. “When we advocate to politicians, especially regarding votes at the UN, we must demand accountability and consistency. If you claim to share our democratic and moral values, do not vote against us. We feel betrayed when allies take actions that contradict those values.”   Kateryna Odarchenko, head of the Institute for Democracy and Development “PolitA,” discussed the Mishkan—the sanctuary constructed from modest materials—to illustrate how purpose can elevate effort. She highlighted that it’s not the grandeur of institutions that matters, but the integrity of their foundations.  Three panels discussed the overlap of faith, governance, and humanitarian recovery. The initial panel looked into the ethical aspects of peacebuilding in Israel and Eastern Europe. The next panel focused on how religious institutions tackle humanitarian crises and uphold family and national identity. The final panel examined long-term strategies for reconstructing societies after war, emphasizing justice, economic revitalization, and democratic collaboration.   In highlighting the necessity for global unity in tackling environmental issues, John Herbst, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, emphasized the importance of forming moral alliances to counter the geopolitical threats posed by authoritarian regimes. He noted that the security challenges arising from countries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are threatening to the democratic world.     The Congressional Breakfast and Luncheon not only fostered dialogue on the protection of the Jewish community and the fight against extremism but also underscored the power of faith and commerce in strengthening international relationships.   By bringing together influential figures from various sectors, the event served as a poignant reminder that issues of national and global concern can be addressed effectively through collaboration rooted in shared values, showcased a dedication to fostering a future where faith, diplomacy, and commerce converge to support peace and security worldwide.  

Distinguished guests included: Peter Huessy(president, GeoStrategic Analysis), Paolo von Schirach (president, Global Policy Institute; professor of Political Science and International Relations at Bay Atlantic University), Congressmen Chris Smith Chief of Staff Mary Mcdnoonan, Dina Shaikhislam (seasoned political and government relations consultant), H.E. Ambassador Dr. Tiffany Lancaster (UN Ambassador Special Envoy for Public Affairs), Shelby Magid (Deputy Director, Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center), Matt London (Researcher, Georgetown University’sCenter for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies), Ezra Friedlander (CEO, The Friedlander Group), Adam W. Schindler (Chief Digital Officer, America First Policy Institute), Anna Yabluchanska (Medical Aid Program Director, United Help Ukraine), and Yanina Volosna (attorney at law, LL.M, MBA).

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As Israeli airstrikes continue to target Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, Tehran has reportedly signaled an urgent interest in returning to the negotiating table regarding its nuclear program, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The report, citing sources from both the Middle East and Europe, reveals that Iran has reached out to Israel and the United States via Arab mediators, seeking to reduce tensions and resume diplomatic discussions—so long as the United States stays out of the ongoing military operations. Iranian representatives stressed to Arab officials the time-sensitive nature of their appeal, emphasizing the need to avoid further conflict escalation.

Israel’s air campaign has dealt a major blow to Iranian military assets, including the elimination of several high-ranking commanders, notably from the Islamic Republic’s air force leadership. However, its nuclear facilities have suffered relatively minor damage. Israeli defense officials are reportedly bracing for another two weeks of aerial strikes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s intention to dismantle Iran’s missile and nuclear programs through sustained military pressure. Though he stated that toppling the Iranian regime is not Israel’s official goal, he acknowledged that “it could happen” as internal weaknesses within Iran’s leadership become more apparent.

Despite the bombing campaign, Iran’s nuclear infrastructure remains mostly operational. Arab envoys suggest that Iran is calculating that Israel will eventually need to seek a diplomatic resolution. Iranian sources also expressed worry that if the U.S. joins the military effort, it could trigger more destructive strikes on critical facilities like the heavily protected Fordow site.

According to the Wall Street Journal, nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman have been pressing the U.S. to rein in Israeli military action. They warn that an escalation could jeopardize vital energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf and disrupt the stability of international oil markets.

Iranian leadership has hinted at the possibility of widening the conflict or advancing their nuclear activities if diplomatic progress remains elusive. Nevertheless, intermediaries report that Tehran has yet to propose any meaningful new terms, and diplomatic talks have remained dormant since the onset of Israel’s military offensive.

The scope of the conflict has widened, with attacks now targeting energy infrastructure, resulting in civilian deaths and amplifying global concern. President Donald Trump, who initially showed reluctance to back military engagement, later voiced his support for Israel’s actions, saying, “I think it’s time for a deal, and we’ll see what happens, but sometimes they have to fight it out.”

As the situation continues to unfold, international leaders are urging all sides to halt the violence and re-engage in serious negotiations.

{Matzav.com}

An exposé by the U.S. newspaper The Wall Street Journal claims to reveal details of the sophisticated covert operation Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency executed in advance of attacking Iran.

The operation involved a multi-year effort to smuggle hundreds of explosive-equipped drones into Iranian territory through commercial channels while positioning trained operatives near air defense installations and missile launch facilities.

The Mossad’s teams neutralized dozens of missiles before launch, creating conditions that enabled the Israeli Air Force’s F-35 aircraft to operate with impunity, explaining the surprisingly limited scope of Iran’s retaliatory response.

Before the advanced F-35 fighter jets arrived to target Iran’s nuclear facilities and military command structure, a less sophisticated but equally effective technological threat had already infiltrated the Islamic Republic and established positions to clear the operational path.

Israel dedicated months to smuggling components for hundreds of quadcopter drones equipped with explosives—using suitcases, commercial trucks and shipping containers—alongside ammunition designed for unmanned platform deployment, according to the Journal’s comprehensive investigation.

Compact teams equipped with sophisticated technology established positions near Iran’s air defense installations and missile launch complexes. When Israeli operations commenced, some teams engaged air defense systems while others targeted missile launchers during their preparation phases.

 

Securing air superiority

The operation provides crucial context for understanding the constrained nature of Iran’s response to Israeli attacks. It also demonstrates how commercially available technology is transforming modern warfare and creating unprecedented security challenges for nation-states.

The Mossad’s operation aimed to neutralize threats to Israeli combat aircraft and disable missile systems before they could target Israeli population centers. Operatives on the ground struck dozens of missiles before their launch during the opening hours of the offensive.

The IAF simultaneously concentrated heavily on air defense and missile systems during the campaign’s initial phase.

Iran eventually fired approximately 200 missiles toward Israel across four separate salvos on Friday and overnight into Saturday, resulting in casualties, injuries and significant property damage.

Israel had anticipated a substantially more severe response, according to Sima Shine, a former senior Mossad intelligence officer who directs the Iran program at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University.

“We expected much more,” Shine said. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t receive much more today or tomorrow.”

The strikes against Iranian air defenses proved decisive, enabling Israel to rapidly establish aerial dominance.

70 fighter jets for more than two hours 

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin reported on Saturday that Israel struck targets in Tehran overnight using 70 fighter jets that maintained operations for more than two hours within Iran’s airspace.

“This represents the deepest operational distance we have achieved so far in Iran,” Defrin said. “We established aerial freedom of action.”

An advisory from Iranian intelligence services distributed on Saturday through state newspapers, including the Revolutionary Guard-affiliated Tasnim news outlet, warned citizens to monitor possible Israeli use of pickup trucks and cargo vehicles for drone launches.

Israel systematically integrates ambitious intelligence operations as fundamental components of its military strategy. It initiated the autumn campaign against Hezbollah with an operation that caused thousands of pagers and communication devices carried by terrorist operatives to detonate simultaneously.

Israel also demonstrated that its agents achieved deep penetration into Iran. Last summer, Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh by infiltrating a bomb into his quarters at a Revolutionary Guard facility in Tehran and detonating it during his attendance at the new Iranian president’s inauguration ceremony.

Preparations spanning multiple years

Throughout the current campaign, Mossad operations inside Iran encompassed hunting for leadership targets in Tehran.

Drones represented a consistent element of Israel’s Iranian operations. In 2022, agents deployed explosive-laden quadcopters to attack an Iranian drone manufacturing facility in the western city of Kermanshah. The following year, they used drones to target an ammunition production facility in Isfahan.

The Mossad initiated preparations for the current drone operation years in advance. It possessed intelligence regarding Iran’s missile storage locations, but required positioning to attack them, considering the country’s vast size and distance from Israel.

The Mossad imported the quadcopters through commercial channels, frequently utilizing unknowing business partners. Field agents collected the munitions and distributed them to operational teams. Israel trained team leaders in third countries, who subsequently trained their respective teams.

Teams observed as Iran deployed missiles, then engaged them before they could be positioned for launch.

The Mossad understood that trucks transporting missiles from storage to launch sites represented a critical bottleneck for Iran, which possessed four times more missiles than transport vehicles. Teams eliminated dozens of trucks and continued operations deep into Friday.

The operations and their public disclosure create another significant impact, Shine explained. “No one in Iran’s senior leadership can be certain they are not known to Israeli intelligence and will not become a target,” she said. “It’s not merely the damage inflicted but the psychological anxiety it generates.”

Originally published by Yisroel Hayom. 

{Matzav.com} 

French authorities ordered black partition walls erected around some Israeli defense industry exhibits at the Paris Air Show, a move denounced by Israel’s Defense Ministry, which demanded an immediate reversal. A French appeals court had ruled Friday against activist groups who sought to block Israeli companies from participating in the show due to the war in Gaza. The Paris Air Show, held at Le Bourget north of Paris, is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious events for the aerospace and defense industry. The black walls appeared overnight ahead of the show’s opening Monday, visually isolating Israeli booths from dozens of other international exhibitors. The Israeli Defense Ministry said the move followed a last-minute demand from organizers to remove offensive weapons systems from display — a request they rejected. “The French are hiding behind supposedly political considerations to exclude Israeli offensive weapons from an international exhibition — weapons that compete with French industries,” the ministry said in a statement Monday, calling the action “ugly and improper.” A French official said the decision came from the General Secretariat for Defense and National Security, under the prime minister. The official spoke to AP on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the details. The official said Israeli exhibitors were told weeks in advance that they couldn’t exhibit certain types of equipment, and that the walls were erected as a last resort when five of them didn’t comply. Four others did and are allowed to exhibit. The official did not elaborate on what kind of equipment was not allowed, or why. Prime Minister François Bayrou officially opened the air show Monday, visiting several stands, and was expected to give a news conference later in the day. Sylvain Pavillet, a lawyer working with the air show organizers, said the final decision on which countries are allowed to exhibit lies with the French government, not the show itself. “We are not a state. We are a commercial company,” he told the Associated Press. The president and CEO of Israeli company IAI, Boaz Levy, said it has exhibited at the Paris Air Show for decades and had received authorizations to display its equipment. ‘’Last night, after our booth was set up and ready for the show, we were asked to remove some of our systems from the booth. We tried to negotiate with them, but it seems these orders came from the highest levels in Paris,” he said in a statement. ‘’This morning, when we arrived at our booth, we were shocked to find out that we were blocked by black walls built overnight.” (AP)

POTUS: “I’d say Iran is not winning this war. They should talk — and they should talk immediately before it’s too late.”

Additional footage of the fire at the Iranian State Broadcasting building in Tehran after it was struck by the IDF.

In a powerful display of achdus and achrayus for the olam hatorah in Eretz Yisroel, Harav Dovid Cohen shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron, visited Baltimore on Sunday as part of a major fundraising campaign for Keren Olam Hatorah. Keren Olam Hatorah has taken upon itself the tremendous burden of filling the gap left by devastating cuts in Israeli government funding to yeshivos and kollelim, with the visit aiming at galvanizing the Baltimore kehilla to join this historic effort. The day began with Shacharis in Lakewood, followed by a short flight to Baltimore where Rav Dovid shlit”a was greeted by local askanim. The first stop was a private breakfast meeting hosted by R’ Avi Bernstein, where Rav Dovid shared sobering updates about the situation in Eretz Yisroel and the critical role that American Jewry must play. From there, the Chevron rosh yeshiva visited the home of a noted baal tzedaka, followed by a well-attended event at the home of Gil Horwitz, co-hosted by Avi Bernstein and Jacob Slone. Rav Dovid delivered divrei chizuk, urging attendees to become Yissachar-Zevulun partners in the Torah of Eretz Yisroel. The visit to Baltimore continued with stops at local yeshivos and kollelim – including Ner Yisroel, the Yeshiva and Mesivta of Baltimore, and Kehillas Derech Chaim (Rabbi Gross’ shul) – where Rav Dovid was mechazek kehilla members and provided unparalleled insight into the olam hatorah of Eretz Yisroel. As Rav Dovid returned to the airport, one could sense that his visit, albeit brief, had left an indelible impact, with a tremendous amount of money raised and pledged to Keren Olam Hatorah and the entire kehilla reinvigorated in their support for lomdei torah in Eretz Yisroel. The next stop for Keren Olam Hatorah is in Chicago on Monday, with the participation of Harav Dovid Cohen shlit”a, Harav Yosef Harari-Raful shlit”a, Harav Malkiel Kotler shlita, and Harav Yisroel Neuman shlit”a. Following meetings with local philanthropists in Chicago on Monday morning, the delegation of gedolim will attend a community-wide kabbolas panim at K’hal Ohr Yissachar (Chodorov), 6336 N. Lincoln Avenue, at 7 PM. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Iranian naval commander Gen. Reza Abbasi delivered a harsh assessment of Israel’s military prowess during an interview aired on Iran’s Channel 1, asserting that Israel cannot compete with Iran on the battlefield. His remarks, translated by Memri TV, painted a picture of a vastly superior Iranian force.

Abbasi took direct aim at Israeli leadership, referring to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu as a “lunatic,” and claimed that he is “in no position to withstand Iran’s armed forces.” He boasted that only a small portion of Iran’s true military strength has been disclosed so far.

Highlighting Iran’s long-term military planning, Abbasi said the Islamic Republic possesses “very high capabilities” and is carefully monitoring the readiness of its adversaries. “We have been training for this for 26–27 years,” he declared, suggesting the country has been preparing for a confrontation over decades.

Abbasi also emphasized Iran’s ability to fight across various arenas. “We can confront the enemy on different fronts,” he stated, adding that both the air force and ground units maintain “very high capabilities, and we are waiting to see the situation of the enemy.”

{Matzav.com}

The Israeli Air Force carried out a targeted airstrike on the offices of Iran’s state broadcaster, IRIB, in Tehran earlier today. Video captured the precise moment of the strike, with footage showing the anchor fleeing the studio in panic. Prior to the attack, the IDF issued an evacuation warning for the area surrounding IRIB’s headquarters in Tehran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated a short while ago, “The Iranian propaganda and incitement mouthpiece is on its way to disappear.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

[COMMUNICATED]

EMERGENCY CAMPAIGN: HELP ISRAELI FAMILIES NOW. Led by Harav Zev Leff Shlit”a

As Iran launches attacks and war rages in Israel, families are suffering — both from the frontlines and the financial fallout.​ The Giving A Hand / נותן יד Fund, under Harav Zev Leff Shlit”a, is delivering urgent aid to families of soldiers and others in crisis. 

We must act now. Families are desperate​.​ 

Donate now and bring relief during this critical time. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Israel recently dealt a major blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, causing significant destruction at key nuclear development sites. Among the targeted locations were the Natanz and Isfahan facilities, and the extent of the impact seems to be more severe than earlier assessments suggested.

At Natanz, satellite images and reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reveal that around 14,000 centrifuges located beneath the surface were lost due to a disruption in the facility’s power supply.

The attack at Natanz caused the collapse of a large enrichment facility above ground, along with extensive damage to associated power systems and support operations. The IAEA noted that the loss of electrical infrastructure had a devastating effect on the subterranean centrifuges.

In Isfahan, key components of Iran’s uranium conversion process sustained heavy damage. The site’s conversion plant and the facility responsible for manufacturing fuel plates were hit hard, with no fewer than four major buildings reportedly reduced to rubble. Despite the destruction, radiation levels are said to remain within acceptable safety thresholds.

Meanwhile, the Fordow site experienced relatively light damage, primarily affecting buildings located on the surface. The critical centrifuge arrays buried deep underground, protected by layers of rock, remained untouched. The IAEA verified that the fortified subterranean enrichment halls showed no signs of impairment.

Fordow continues to serve as Iran’s most protected enrichment center. Although some surface-level assets were struck, the underground infrastructure—which includes operational centrifuges and enrichment systems—was not affected. This means that Iran retains the ability to resume the production of weapons-grade uranium at that facility if it makes that decision.

{Matzav.com}

Due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, Israeli airspace remains closed to all passenger aircraft. It is now confirmed that this closure will remain in place at least through the end of this week, with no clear timeline for reopening.

This prolonged closure has left many Israeli travelers stranded abroad, while numerous visitors currently in Israel are unable to depart the country.

For those seeking to leave Israel, various alternative travel routes have been discussed, including:

• Travel by sea to Cyprus
• Land travel via Jordan or Egypt

However, each option presents significant logistical, legal, and safety hurdles. None have yet emerged as a practical, proven solution. In addition, a wave of misinformation and fraudulent schemes – including offers of fake boat tickets to Cyprus – has added to the public’s confusion and concern.

In recent days, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has reached out to collect information about U.S. citizens currently in Israel who are seeking to leave. This is a preliminary effort to assess the scale of the situation, and no concrete evacuation plans have been announced at this time.

Separately, our colleagues at Amudim are actively exploring the possibility of charter flights out of nearby countries. As part of this effort, Amudim is collecting information from U.S. citizens who are in Israel and hoping to depart. Click here to access the Amudim form.

In coordination with this initiative, Chaim V’Chessed has arranged for the information submitted via Amudim’s form to also be shared with the U.S. Embassy, in order to support the Embassy’s data collection on American citizens currently in Israel.

Therefore, filling out this form may be beneficial, even if no concrete travel option is yet available.

Please note:

• This form is only for U.S. citizens holding valid U.S. passports.
• Submitting your information does not constitute registration for a flight or evacuation, and does not guarantee assistance.

We understand the anxiety this situation continues to cause. Chaim V’Chessed remains in close contact with relevant parties and is committed to sharing accurate updates as new developments emerge.

For the latest updates, follow www.chaimvchessed.com or click here to subscribe to updates.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. officials have now confirmed to Fox News that the Nimitz and her Carrier Strike Group are being redeployed from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East, due to the escalating war between Israel and Iran.

As Republican senators consider President Donald Trump’s big bill that could slash federal spending and extend tax cuts, a new survey shows most U.S. adults don’t think the government is overspending on the programs the GOP has focused on cutting, like Medicaid and food stamps. Americans broadly support increasing or maintaining existing levels of funding for popular safety net programs, including Social Security and Medicare, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. They’re more divided on spending around the military and border security, and most think the government is spending too much on foreign aid. The poll points to a disconnect between Republicans’ policy agenda and public sentiment around the domestic programs that are up for debate in the coming weeks. Here’s the latest polling data on how Americans view federal funding: Most want Medicaid and SNAP funding increased or kept as is Many Americans see Medicaid and food assistance programs as underfunded — even as Congress proposes significant cuts to Medicaid and food and nutrition assistance programs — and few say “too much” money is going to these programs. About half of U.S. adults say “too little” funding goes to Medicaid, which is a government health care coverage program for low-income people and people with certain disabilities. Nearly half, 45%, say food and nutrition assistance programs like food stamps, SNAP or EBT cards are underfunded, according to the poll. About 3 in 10 U.S. adults in each case say those programs are receiving “about the right amount” of funding, indicating that most Americans likely do not want to see significant cuts to the two programs. About 2 in 10 say Medicaid is overfunded, while about one-quarter say that about food assistance programs. Republicans are especially likely to say “too much” is spent on food and nutrition assistance programs when compared with Democrats and independents — 46% of Republicans say this, compared with about 1 in 10 Democrats and independents. When it comes to Medicaid, fewer Republicans, about one-third, say the government is spending “too much.” Many believe Medicare, Social Security and education are underfunded About 6 in 10 Americans say there is not enough government money going toward Social Security, Medicare or education broadly. But Democrats overwhelmingly think “too little” money is allocated to these areas, while Republicans are happier with the status quo. Very few think Medicare, Social Security and education are getting “too much” funding. Only about 1 in 10 Republicans say this about either Medicare or Social Security. Roughly one-quarter of Republicans say too much is spent on education. When it comes to Social Security, about half of Republicans say “too little” is spent, compared with about 7 in 10 Democrats. Americans are divided on money for border security and the military Americans are more divided on whether the government is devoting too much money to the military or border security. About 3 in 10 say the government is spending “too much” on the military, while a similar share say the government is spending “too little.” Close to 4 in 10 say the government is spending “about the right amount.” Republicans are much less likely to say “too little” is being spent on border security than they were before Trump took office again in January. Now, 45% of Republicans say “too little” is being spent, down […]

New satellite imagery shows damage from IDF strikes against the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities, and a missile production site in Shiraz.

National Unity party leader Benny Gantz put on Tefillin this morning at the scene of the attack in Haifa.

After three days of closed airspace left tens of thousands of Israelis stranded abroad, Israel’s Transportation Ministry has announced a temporary solution: two emergency rescue cruises will depart from Cyprus to bring citizens back home.

As part of the emergency plan, Transportation Minister and cabinet member Miri Regev reached an agreement Sunday evening with businessman Moshe Mano, head of Mano Maritime, to launch two rescue sailings from Cyprus. According to a Channel 12 News report, the agreement was reached following discussions about utilizing maritime routes to repatriate Israelis amid the ongoing airspace closure prompted by attacks on Iran. So far, only the two initial voyages have been confirmed, and no registration details or official forms have been released yet.

Earlier in the day, Arkia CEO Oz Berlovitz issued a direct plea to the prime minister, security officials, and the transportation minister, urging immediate government intervention. He warned of a rapidly escalating aviation crisis caused by the closure of Israeli airspace.

“There are about 200,000 Israelis stuck abroad — including hundreds of doctors, medical personnel, soldiers on emergency reserve call-up orders, patients, and small children without their parents — with no way to return home,” Berlovitz said.

Despite the situation, Berlovitz emphasized that Israeli airlines, including Arkia, are fully prepared, with aircraft and crews waiting in nearby countries, ready to take off as soon as clearance is granted.

“Since the airspace was closed due to the security escalation, tens of thousands of Israelis remain stranded without a practical solution or a clear path home,” Berlovitz stated. “The current framework, which permits only two landings per hour during daylight hours, is far from a real solution. At that pace, bringing everyone home could take weeks — or even longer.”

He concluded by calling on decision-makers to treat the situation as a national emergency. “The current outline doesn’t reflect the reality on the ground. I urge leaders to revise it immediately and establish a wide-scale air bridge to bring Israeli citizens home without delay.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

When missile alerts sound across Israel in the still hours before dawn, it’s no accident. Iran has consistently chosen nighttime for its missile attacks, a decision that goes far beyond mere darkness. This timing is rooted in calculated military logic, technical limitations, and a desire to disorient the enemy.

Dr. Itay Gal explored this issue in a fascinating analysis published in the Jerusalem Post, shedding light on the rationale behind these nocturnal offensives.

Though it may seem obvious that night provides cover, the reasons for striking after sunset extend beyond simple concealment. There are multiple overlapping factors at play—some mechanical, others strategic, and all serving a broader goal of intimidation and surprise.

One of the most important technical considerations is that missiles, unlike airplanes, cannot draw oxygen from the air to ignite their engines. Instead, they must carry both the fuel and a separate oxidizing agent onboard, enabling combustion even at high altitudes where oxygen is virtually nonexistent.

This necessity creates two distinct missile types: those fueled with liquid propellants and those using solid fuel—each with unique capabilities and vulnerabilities.

Iran’s arsenal of long-distance missiles—like the Shahab models—typically depends on liquid fuel. Preparing these weapons for launch involves a complicated and time-consuming process. Two separate storage tanks, one for fuel and another for the oxidizer, must be filled precisely. The procedure is dangerous and demands a fixed launch location and support personnel, leaving the missile exposed for long stretches.

This fueling stage is also the most opportune moment for enemies to detect and strike. Surveillance satellites and high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft pose a significant threat. To mitigate this, Iran generally carries out fueling and related preparations at night, when reduced visibility hampers aerial tracking.

Shorter-range systems, such as the Fateh-110 or Zolfaghar, utilize solid fuel. These missiles are factory-loaded with a blend of fuel and oxidizer, allowing for rapid deployment. They can be launched from mobile units without requiring on-site fueling, making them far more agile and harder to target in advance.

However, solid-fuel rockets lack flexibility once launched. Their engines cannot be throttled down or shut off after ignition—what’s lit must fly. The benefit is speed and readiness, while the drawback is inflexibility.

People often wonder why missile engines need built-in oxidizers. The answer lies in the altitudes at which these weapons travel. Whereas jet engines pull oxygen from the air, ballistic missiles rise so high into the atmosphere—sometimes hundreds of kilometers—that oxygen is either insufficient or entirely absent. These rockets must therefore be entirely self-contained in their propulsion systems.

Ultimately, Iran’s preference for nighttime strikes is a calculated tactic. It accounts for the mechanics of its missile technology, the strategic advantage of stealth, and the psychological toll on civilians suddenly awakened by sirens and explosions.

By combining different missile types, varying launch platforms, and the cloak of night, Iran seeks to amplify its operational resilience and sow fear—even if the missiles themselves don’t always hit their targets.

In modern warfare, when a missile is fired can be just as impactful as where it lands.

{Matzav.com Israel}