Naftali Bennett, the 13th Prime Minister of Israel, is currently receiving medical care following a health issue that arose during the night.
On Sunday morning, the former prime minister was admitted to Meir Medical Center, where doctors performed a catheterization procedure. According to an official update from the hospital, Bennett is recovering well and his condition is reported to be stable. He is expected to remain under observation and continue receiving care at the facility.
At 53 years old, Bennett previously led a diverse coalition government alongside Yair Lapid, bringing together factions from his Yamina party to Ra’am, the Arab party, totaling 61 Knesset members.
Earlier this month, Bennett declared his intention to return to politics and participate in the upcoming national elections. He has formally registered a new political faction, currently using the provisional name “Bennett 2026.”
{Matzav.com}
Yair Lapid, head of the opposition and leader of the Yesh Atid party, addressed the media on Sunday with a stark warning: he said that recent intelligence indicates the possibility of a politically motivated murder in Israel.
“I now want to warn, based on unequivocal intelligence information: we are on the way to another tragedy. This time it will come from within. The levels of incitement and madness are unprecedented. There will be a political assassination. Jews will kill Jews,” Lapid declared.
He further noted that the most serious threats are currently being directed at Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. According to Lapid, the Likud party escalated tensions by releasing a statement accusing Bar of weaponizing parts of the internal security agency. “The Israeli ruling party, the Likud, published an official statement stating, ‘Ronen Bar turned parts of the Shin Bet into the private militias of the deep state.’ Such a statement has consequences. They know exactly what it does to some of their supporters.”
Lapid issued a direct appeal to Prime Minister Netanyahu, urging him to take responsibility and intervene. “I call on the Prime Minister, stop it. It’s on you. Silence your ministers, your son in Miami, instead of backing up the incitement, back up the Shin Bet, the security forces, the establishments that keep this country alive. You won’t be able to say ‘I didn’t know.’ This time it won’t succeed. You do know, you are part of this, you have to stop this,” Lapid stated.
{Matzav.com Israel}A planned fundraiser featuring Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir at the Jewish Children’s Museum in Brooklyn was abruptly called off on Friday, not long after the event was first publicized.
The event, organized by Beis Shmuel Chabad—a Crown Heights shul—and intended to raise funds for Chabad of Hebron, was quickly removed from promotional sites after the Jewish Telegraphic Agency published a report about it. Attendees who had expressed interest were informed that the event would no longer take place.
Speaking to Haaretz, one of the event’s organizers attributed the cancellation to “unforeseen changes in the minister’s schedule.”
Beis Shmuel Chabad, which practices Chabad customs but is not officially tied to the global Chabad-Lubavitch movement headquartered in Crown Heights, and Chabad of Hebron, which is affiliated with the movement, did not provide comments regarding the cancellation when asked.
A representative for Chabad-Lubavitch stated that they were not aware of any additional meetings scheduled between Ben-Gvir and Chabad leadership during his visit to the United States.
The Brooklyn fundraiser had been among the few confirmed public appearances for Ben-Gvir on his first official visit to the U.S. Additional events featuring the minister are reportedly being coordinated by Shabtai, a Jewish group based at Yale University. According to Rabbi Shmully Hecht, Shabtai intends to host Ben-Gvir at events in New Haven, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and possibly in Washington, D.C.
Ben-Gvir’s visit is drawing intense attention due to his far-right political positions. Known for his admiration of Rabbi Meir Kahane, Ben-Gvir has previously been convicted of aiding a terrorist organization. His party, Otzma Yehudit, has generated controversy for its positions advocating the expulsion of “disloyal” Arabs, annexation of Judea and Samaria, and reestablishing Jewish communities in Gaza.
Ben-Gvir’s inclusion in Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s coalition at the end of 2022 triggered backlash from numerous American Jewish organizations and reportedly led the Biden administration to consider restricting his entry into the U.S.
Despite plans by his office for stops in New York, Washington, and Miami, several prominent American Jewish organizations informed JTA they would not engage with him during his tour.
However, at least one additional private gathering involving Ben-Gvir and Jewish leaders in the U.S. is reportedly in the works. Ross Glick, a Jewish public relations executive and former member of the right-wing Zionist group Betar US, confirmed he plans to attend an event but declined to share any specifics and noted he is not involved in its planning.
Meanwhile, activists opposing Ben-Gvir’s visit welcomed news of the cancellation. Offir Gutelzon, a representative of the protest group UnXeptable, released a statement expressing satisfaction with the development.
“Our coalition against Ben-Gvir and Kahanism grows day by day,” Gutelzon said. “Itamar Ben-Gvir does not represent Judaism, Israel, or our community. He is beyond the pale.” A petition against Ben-Gvir’s U.S. tour, circulated by Gutelzon, has drawn signatures from several left-leaning Jewish groups as well as supporters of families of Israeli hostages.
{Matzav.com}Two yeshiva bochurim, both affiliated with prominent yeshivos, were detained at Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday as they attempted to fly out of Israel. Authorities stopped them due to active stay-of-exit orders that had been issued after the young men failed to appear at an IDF recruitment center as required.
Following their arrest, the pair was transferred to the IDF’s Tel Hashomer base, where a hearing on their status is expected to take place.
The Lemaancha organization, which provides support for yeshiva students facing conscription-related challenges, immediately informed senior chareidi rabbanim of the situation. Acting on the guidance of these gedolim, Lemaancha began assisting the detainees.
“We are closely, sensitively, and quietly accompanying the boys following the instructions from the rabbis,” the organization said in a statement.
In response to the arrest, Lemaancha cautioned the public not to rely solely on the Interior Ministry’s website to determine whether a travel ban is in effect.
“There are sometimes discrepancies between the various data systems,” the organization explained. “Refrain from arriving at sensitive locations, such as the airport, without conducting an in-depth inquiry beforehand.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
Tonight is known in many circles as “Rumpelnacht,” as the post-Pesach cleanup gets underway. With pots, pans and dishes all over the place and kitchenware being moved from here to there, the name “Rumpelnacht” has been found appropriate by some to describe the hectic atmosphere.
So as you “turn back over” from Pesach to chometz, Matzav.com wishes you bracha and hatzlacha and all the best to your families and loved ones.
We also wish you the customary Motzoei Pesach blessing of “ah gezunte zummer” and pray for only the best for all members of Klal Yisroel across the globe. May we all see yeshuos and refuos, collectively and individually, and may we see an end to the current difficult situation.
Next year in Yerushalayim, be’ezras Hashem.
{Matzav.com Newscenter}
Qatar’s top negotiator, Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, expressed growing concern over the stalled ceasefire talks regarding Gaza, warning in a statement to AFP that further delays could make the situation worse. “This is an urgent matter. There are lives at stake here if this military operation continues day by day,” Al-Khulaifi stated.
The Qatari government, in coordination with the United States and Egypt, played a key role in establishing a short-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas earlier this year. That arrangement ended in early March without any follow-up deal. After Hamas refused to prolong the truce and restricted the flow of aid, Israel resumed military activity on March 18.
According to recent accounts, Hamas turned down Israel’s proposal for a 45-day ceasefire that would have involved the release of 10 living hostages. Despite mounting international challenges, Al-Khulaifi affirmed that Qatar is still actively pursuing efforts to reestablish the ceasefire framework.
However, Qatar’s mediation has not been well received in all quarters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has raised doubts about Doha’s intentions, especially amid reports alleging that members of his inner circle accepted financial support from Qatar. The Qatari government has firmly denied these accusations, labeling them a “smear campaign.”
Al-Khulaifi responded directly to Netanyahu’s assertions, including claims that Qatar sponsors anti-American and anti-Zionist sentiment on U.S. university campuses. He refuted the charges, saying, “Everything we do is transparent.”
Apart from its Gaza involvement, Qatar has also been active in other diplomatic initiatives. Al-Khulaifi highlighted secret talks in Doha that contributed to calming tensions near the mineral-rich area of Walikale in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also mentioned that Qatar is working with the U.S. on efforts in Syria, including discussions about increasing civil servant salaries as part of stabilization measures.
{Matzav.com Israel}
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under increased scrutiny after it was revealed that he allegedly shared classified military information related to operations in Yemen through a private Signal group chat, according to a CNN report. The group reportedly included his wife, his brother, and his attorney—individuals who may not have had the appropriate security clearances to receive such information.
CNN cited three sources familiar with the situation who confirmed that this messaging group was used as an unofficial backchannel to discuss planned strikes against Houthi targets.
The revelation has further deepened concerns about Hegseth’s judgment, particularly during a period when his leadership is being questioned. Recently, Hegseth removed several high-level staff members, including Dan Caldwell, his chief adviser; Darin Selnick, the deputy chief of staff; and Colin Carroll, who served as chief of staff to the deputy secretary of defense.
John Ullyot, who previously served as Hegseth’s press secretary, condemned the situation in a comment obtained by CNN. “It’s been a month of total chaos at the Pentagon. From leaks of sensitive operational plans to mass firings, the dysfunction is now a major distraction for the president — who deserves better from his senior leadership,” he said.
Unlike another chat previously used by Hegseth to coordinate with other Cabinet officials on defense strategies—which is now being investigated by the Pentagon’s acting inspector general—this newer group functioned independently and continued to operate via Hegseth’s personal device even after his confirmation.
Similar to the earlier chat, this group also contained information related to military action against Houthi forces. Its existence was exposed when The Atlantic mistakenly received classified communications intended for internal national security personnel. The mix-up occurred due to a blunder by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who accidentally added an unintended recipient.
Though the presence of Phil Hegseth and Tim Parlatore—both of whom are employed within the Department of Defense—raised relatively few concerns, questions have been directed at the inclusion of Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer, who does not have an official government role. Reports suggest she had been present at confidential meetings early in Hegseth’s tenure. Whether every participant in the group chat had the necessary clearance remains uncertain.
{Matzav.com}
A press event in the Oval Office featuring President Trump ended abruptly on Friday when a young girl suddenly fainted, prompting immediate action from White House staff to clear out members of the media.
“Everybody out, please move,” a staffer instructed on the live video feed that was shared with reporters, after a child related to Dr. Mehmet Oz collapsed during the event.
“No photos!” was the follow-up directive given to the press by the aide.
Just moments before, Dr. Oz, age 64, had been officially sworn in as the new head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Following the ceremony, President Trump began fielding questions from reporters on a range of topics.
The girl who lost consciousness was later identified by People and TMZ as 11-year-old Philomena, Dr. Oz’s granddaughter.
During the Q&A, Trump had been emphasizing the importance of preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities. He also took aim at the media and Democrats for what he described as ignoring serious allegations, including domestic abuse and MS-13 ties, involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia — a man deported to El Salvador by the administration in a move that drew backlash from Democratic lawmakers.
As the incident unfolded, Trump approached to check on the young girl while reporters were swiftly escorted out of the room.
“A minor family member fainted during Dr. Oz’s swearing in ceremony in the Oval Office,” said a White House official in a short statement. “We are happy to say she is OK.”
{Matzav.com}
In a breathtaking demonstration of kavod haTorah, throngs of Yidden converged on the home of the Slabodka rosh yeshivah, Rav Dov Landau, over Chol Hamoed for the minhag of hakbalah pnei rabo.
The event, held on Tuesday of Chol Hamoed, became a gathering of Torah and inspiration, drawing tens of thousands to Bnei Brak and bring broadcast to countless others via live streams.
From the early afternoon hours, the streets surrounding the rosh yeshivah’s home were filled with eager participants, standing in reverence and anticipation. The event featured a majestic maamad of kavod haTorah.
The opening remarks were delivered by Rav Yosef Efrati, rav of Beis Medrash Emunas Eish. He spoke passionately about the halachic obligation to visit one’s rebbi on the regel, stating, “ברגע שאדם בא לבית רבו, ושומע דברי תורה זה ודאי חיוב גמור – when a person comes to his rebbi’s home and hears divrei Torah, it is certainly a complete obligation.”
Rav Itamar Garbuz, rosh yeshivah of Orchos Torah, addressed the crowd as the rosh yeshivah entered.
As the central part of the gathering commenced, Rav Dov Landau delivered stirring words about the importance of Ohalai Torah, praising the current yeshivah world as something he was unsure existed even in the days of Rav Hai Gaon. He then led an electrifying rischa d’Oraysa, engaging in complex halachic discourse with other roshei yeshivah, dissecting sugyos with clarity and depth.
Following the event, a long line of attendees passed by the rosh yeshivah to receive his brachah and greet him personally, a procession that lasted well over an hour.
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מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
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מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
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מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
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מעמד “ריתחא דאורייתא” והקבלת פני רבו במעונו של הגר”ד לנדו (צילום: דניאל נפוסי)
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הקבלת פני רבו אצל הגאון רבי דב לנדו (צילום: יצחק ורדי)
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הקבלת פני רבו אצל הגאון רבי דב לנדו (צילום: יצחק ורדי)
New York City Mayor Eric Adams responded strongly to criticism over recent immigration enforcement activity in the city, asserting that “ICE is not a criminal organization.” His remarks come in the wake of a major federal operation that led to the arrests of more than 200 undocumented immigrants, many of whom were found to have committed serious crimes after entering the U.S. unlawfully.
“ICE is not a criminal organization. ICE is a law enforcement organization,” Adams said, as reported by NBC4 New York. “I cooperate with law enforcement organizations on public safety.”
Last week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, working alongside other federal entities, carried out a sweeping operation across the New York City area. Authorities detained 206 individuals without legal immigration status, including several with past convictions for violent or drug-related crimes, according to the report.
“New York is much safer today because of the hard work of ICE and our law enforcement partners,” said acting ICE Director Todd Lyons in a statement. “Throughout this enhanced enforcement operation, we targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most crime-infested neighborhoods in and around the city of New York. Our efforts resulted in 206 arrests in just one week.”
Speaking to Fox News, Adams, who is seeking another term in office, rejected the notion that ICE should be vilified. “One of the big mistakes that’s being made in some parts of the far-left philosophy is that ICE is a criminal organization. They are not, they are part of our law enforcement community,” he said. “We have to get bad, dangerous people off our streets.”
Fox News also shared specific details from ICE about the backgrounds of some of those taken into custody during the operation. Of the 206 individuals apprehended, 121 were either convicted of or currently facing charges including homicide, assault, arson, immoral offenses, drug trafficking, and weapons violations.
Among those arrested was 58-year-old Adnan Paulino-Flores, a Mexican national living illegally in the U.S., who had been previously charged with sexually abusing someone unable to consent and engaging in non-consensual sexual contact.
Another individual, Jaime Gustavo Quizpi-Romero, a 51-year-old Ecuadorian national, had a record that included assault with a weapon, strangulation, and inflicting serious bodily harm.
The head of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in New York praised the joint effort, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding communities. “The success of this enhanced operation highlights the resolve of ICE and our federal partners in keeping our country safe from violent criminal aliens.”
Lyons reiterated ICE’s commitment to public safety: “Throughout this enhanced enforcement operation, we targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most crime-infested neighborhoods in and around the city of New York. ICE remains dedicated to our mission to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from communities throughout this great nation.”
{Matzav.com}
The community of Petach Tikvah is mourning the petirah of one of its most beloved and respected residents, Rabbi Tzvi Mordechai Radlich z”l. He was 68.
His levayah was held this afternoon, Erev Shevi’i shel Pesach, at the Segulah Cemetery in Petach Tikvah.
Born on the 12th of Shevat in 1952 to his father R’ Yosef z”l and his mother Mrs. Chana a”h, Rabbi Radlich built a life of Torah, chessed, and integrity. Together with his devoted wife, née Marmelstein, he established a home rooted in Torah values in Petach Tikvah, where he gained recognition as a successful accountant. Yet to him, his profession was merely a vehicle—melachto ara’i veToraso keva—as he pursued a life dedicated to tzedakah and chessed.
Rabbi Radlich was a distinguished member of the Avi Ezri – Mishkan Shmuel kehillah, under the leadership of the renowned posek Rav Ben Tzion HaKohen Kook. He stood out for his deep reverence for talmidei chachamim, his unwavering emunah and bitachon, and his refined character. With a kind smile and gentle demeanor, he treated every person with dignity, never seeking recognition for his many acts of chesed.
A man of deep humility and bitachon, Rabbi Radlich served as the nosi of Kollel Avreichim Petach Tikvah, led by his son-in-law, Rav Shmuel Abramovsky. His support for Torah was constant and generous, and his home was a beacon of warmth and giving.
He leaves behind a beautiful family who continue in his path.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com}
Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi weighed in Friday on the latest developments between Washington and Tehran, as the two nations prepare to resume discussions over a potential nuclear agreement.
Diplomats from both countries are set to meet this weekend in Rome to explore the possibility of reviving the deal.
“These nuclear talks will not bring peace to the Middle East,” Pahlavi said in a statement. “This regime does not negotiate in good faith. It uses diplomacy as a tactic — to buy time, ease pressure, and tighten its grip on power.”
Pahlavi argued that the negotiations, even if pursued with the best of intentions, would end up empowering a collapsing regime. “However well intentioned, these nuclear talks will throw a lifeline to a crumbling dictatorship and prolong its export of terror and chaos. The Islamic Republic is at its weakest point in 46 years. Its leadership is fractured. Its economy is in free fall. Its people are rising. In just the past few weeks, protests have erupted again across the country. Change is already happening. This is not the time to rescue a dying regime.”
He concluded his remarks with a call to Western powers to reject the current rulers in Iran and instead back the Iranian people. “I urge the United States and its allies in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy to stand with the people of Iran. Make a deal with the people of Iran, not a deal with the extremists in Tehran.”
{Matzav.com}
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu denied a request to allow Jordanian helicopters to transport Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas directly from Ramallah to Damascus.
As a result of the decision, Abbas had to make his way to Jordan by vehicle, crossing through the Allenby Bridge, before continuing on to Syria via helicopter from Jordanian territory.
Abbas touched down in Damascus around midday, marking his first trip to the Syrian capital in nearly two decades. During the visit, he is scheduled to hold a meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa al-Jolani.
{Matzav.com}
President Trump took aim at Senator Chris Van Hollen on Friday, ridiculing the Maryland Democrat after photos surfaced showing him with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who is accused of being a member of the MS-13 gang, during a visit to El Salvador. The White House also condemned the encounter, calling it “disgusting.”
“Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland looked like a fool yesterday standing in El Salvador begging for attention from the Fake News Media, or anyone. GRANDSTANDER!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social early Friday morning.
The controversy was sparked after El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele released images on Thursday showing Van Hollen alongside Abrego Garcia, who was recently deported to El Salvador and imprisoned despite a pending legal case surrounding his removal.
The Biden administration, in coordination with the White House press team, also criticized the Democratic senator for the meeting.
“Chris Van Hollen has firmly established Democrats as the party whose top priority is the welfare of an illegal alien MS-13 terrorist,” the White House said in a statement to The Post. “It is truly disgusting. President Trump will continue to stand on the side of law-abiding Americans.”
President Bukele, who earlier in the week stated he would not cooperate with U.S. requests to send Abrego Garcia back, mocked the meeting, suggesting that the pair had been “sipping margaritas” together during their interaction.
Van Hollen shared his own update online, confirming he had indeed visited with Abrego Garcia and describing it as the purpose of his trip.
“Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return,” he wrote in a post on X.
Abrego Garcia had been living in Maryland with his wife and children before he was among a group of 260 alleged gang members sent to El Salvador’s high-security facility last month.
Having fled El Salvador at age 16, Abrego Garcia was granted protection in 2019, allowing him to remain in the U.S. He has never been arrested or convicted of a crime.
The U.S. Supreme Court has now ordered the Trump administration to arrange for Abrego Garcia’s return, after government officials admitted his deportation had stemmed from a bureaucratic mistake.
Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi released evidence this week claiming Abrego Garcia was a documented member of MS-13 in 2019, holding the gang rank of “Chequeo” and going by the street alias “Chele.”
His legal team has pushed back, rejecting the Justice Department’s assertion that he has any affiliation with the gang. Even though the administration has acknowledged an error in his removal, the White House maintains he should not be allowed to come back to the United States.
{Matzav.com}
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that the United States could soon abandon its push for a negotiated resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict if meaningful progress isn’t achieved in the immediate future.
Speaking in Paris after a full day of intensive meetings involving U.S., Ukrainian, and European leaders, Rubio described the talks as productive, noting that they laid the groundwork for a potential roadmap to peace.
French officials indicated that another round of discussions in the same format is being scheduled to take place in London in the coming days. Rubio said he may participate and that the meeting is anticipated early next week.
″We are not reaching a point where we need to decide whether this is even possible or not,″ Rubio told reporters as he left the French capital.
Despite ongoing attempts by the Trump administration to mediate a truce between Russia and Ukraine, fighting continues, and Rubio emphasized that a decision needs to be made “in a matter of days whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks.”
Thursday’s high-level summit in Paris marked the first instance since President Donald Trump took office that senior representatives from the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe came together to discuss resolving the war. The gathering took place amid growing concern in Europe over Trump’s perceived willingness to engage more closely with Moscow.
Rubio, along with presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, has been at the forefront of the administration’s diplomatic outreach. Multiple negotiation sessions have already taken place in Saudi Arabia, and according to Rubio, Witkoff has had three separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
While President Trump has advocated for a comprehensive ceasefire—an idea Ukraine supports—Moscow has declined to agree. Russia is demanding an end to Ukraine’s military mobilization and a halt to Western weapons deliveries, conditions Kyiv has outright rejected.
{Matzav.com}
President Donald Trump indicated that the back-and-forth tariff escalation between the United States and China may be winding down, and he suggested that a resolution regarding TikTok could be postponed.
“I don’t want them to go higher because at a certain point you make it where people don’t buy,” Trump told reporters at the White House when discussing tariffs.
“So, I may not want to go higher or I may not want to even go up to that level. I may want to go to less because you know you want people to buy and, at a certain point, people aren’t gonna buy.”
Trump’s latest remarks hinted at a softening approach toward the blanket tariff increases that had rattled financial markets since their rollout on April 2. While the administration had imposed 10% duties on most incoming products, it held off on further hikes to allow room for potential deals.
Despite that, the administration still raised tariffs on Chinese exports, now reaching a cumulative 145%, after Beijing responded with its own economic measures. China later stated that it “will not respond” to a “numbers game with tariffs,” suggesting it was not planning to escalate further.
Trump mentioned that Chinese officials had reached out after the tariffs were enacted, and he expressed hope that a trade resolution might be within reach.
Even though the two governments are maintaining communication, sources told Reuters that high-level discussions that could pave the way for an agreement have been mostly lacking.
Pressed for details, Trump declined to elaborate on the nature of the negotiations or whether Chinese President Xi Jinping was involved directly.
Trump has extended several deadlines for ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to sell off its U.S. assets. On Thursday, he acknowledged that any deal regarding the app might be postponed until broader trade discussions are concluded.
“We have a deal for TikTok, but it’ll be subject to China so we’ll just delay the deal ’til this thing works out one way or the other,” Trump said.
{Matzav.com}
