A key Knesset committee on Monday approved moving forward with legislation that would strengthen the authority of the Chief Rabbinate over the Kosel area, advancing the proposal to the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee in preparation for its first reading in the Knesset plenum.
The committee that will now handle the bill is headed by MK Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionism party, who has often worked closely with the chareidi parties on matters relating to religion and state.
The legislation, introduced by MK Avi Maoz of the Noam party, had already passed its initial stage last month. It seeks to address a recent High Court ruling that directed the government to proceed with plans to upgrade the separate area near the Kosel designated for non-Orthodox prayer.
Those plans trace back to an arrangement from roughly a decade ago, during the tenure of then-Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, which proposed the creation of a formalized space for pluralistic prayer at the site. That arrangement has remained largely stalled.
Under the current proposal, final authority over all sections of the Kosel, including the adjacent plaza used by non-Orthodox groups, would be placed in the hands of the two chief rabbis of Israel. The bill would also define any conduct at the site that runs contrary to their directives as a “desecration” of a holy place.
As written, the legislation stipulates that such a violation could carry a penalty of up to seven years in prison.
MK Maoz welcomed the bill’s progress, stating that it brings closer the goal of limiting the involvement of the High Court in matters relating to the Kosel. He said the move would return oversight of the site “to its natural and proper place, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, and will safeguard the sanctity of the remnant of our Holy Temple.”
The advancement of the bill, of course, prompted sharp criticism from leaders of Reform and other non-Orthodox movements, who argued that the legislation marginalizes large segments of world Jewry.
The radical, trouble-making group Women of the Wall, which advocates for expanded prayer rights at the site, also voiced strong opposition. “You have to rub your eyes in disbelief,” the organization said in a statement.
The bill had previously passed its preliminary reading in the Knesset by a vote of 56–47.
{Matzav.com}
North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un issued a stark warning over the weekend, declaring that the United States and South Korea would soon grasp the “destructive power of tactical nuclear weapon” [sic] following a major rocket test, according to state-run media.
Official outlets in Pyongyang released images from the launch, showing Kim observing the exercise alongside his young daughter, Ju-ae, who is believed to be around 12 years old. In recent months, Kim has repeatedly brought her to high-profile events, including a recent visit to a weapons facility. Intelligence officials in South Korea have assessed that she is being positioned as a future leader of the regime, where the ruling family is treated with near-religious reverence.
While the photographs highlighted the presence of Kim’s daughter, the written report from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) focused instead on the weaponry involved and the purpose of the test.
“The drill involved twelve 600mm-calibre ultra-precision multiple rocket launchers and two artillery companies,” KCNA explained, noting that the launch occurred on Saturday. Another government-controlled publication, Rodong Sinmun, reported that the rockets struck a target island in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) with what it described as “100 percent” accuracy. Kim indicated that the system is capable of delivering nuclear warheads.
“He said that the drill would expose the forces hostile to the DPRK, the enemies within the 420-km [about 260 miles] striking range, to uneasiness,” KCNA paraphrased Kim as saying, “making a signaling wave stronger than the aimed, and give them a deep understanding of the destructive power of tactical nuclear weapon.”
Kim characterized the weapon used in the test as both highly lethal and technologically advanced, calling it among the most sophisticated systems of its kind globally. He also signaled that similar exercises would continue on a regular basis.
“As I have already stated, our powerful attacking capability is, in effect, for defending ourselves,” Kim was quoted as saying. “It is because the most powerful attacking capability precisely means a reliable defense capability. It is, in the true sense of the word, a means of deterring war.”
He further warned that American and South Korean military facilities located within the system’s range would be unable to withstand such strikes. Analysts in South Korea echoed those concerns, pointing to the potential threat posed by the weapon system.
“It openly signals that major U.S. military air bases in South Korea, including those in Pyeongtaek, Osan, and Gunsan, fall within the strike range,” researcher Hong Min told the newspaper. “It also showcases North Korea’s ability to conduct ‘tactical nuclear saturation’ strikes to counter the combined air power of South Korea and the United States.”
Observers believe the latest demonstration is partially tied to broader global tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, which began on February 28 when President Donald Trump announced Operation Epic Fury. That campaign has resulted in the deaths of numerous senior Iranian figures, including “supreme leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and has significantly weakened Iran’s military posture. Although North Koreans are barred from accessing independent news sources, state media has covered developments in Iran, a longtime ally of Pyongyang, and recently issued a statement recognizing Mojtaba Khamenei as the new “supreme leader.”
“Regarding the recent official announcement that the Iranian Assembly of Experts has elected a new leader of the Islamic Revolution, we respect the right and choice of the Iranian people to elect their Supreme Leader,” the Foreign Ministry said.
Though Kim did not explicitly reference Iran during the rocket launch, he stressed the importance of convincing adversaries that any attack on North Korea would carry an unacceptable cost.
At the same time, there are indications of possible diplomatic movement. President Donald Trump reportedly reached out to South Korean officials last week, expressing interest in renewing dialogue with Kim. The two leaders previously met multiple times, including historic encounters that marked the first visit by a sitting American president to North Korea. After the conclusion of Trump’s term, Kim even sent a message of support following an assassination attempt against Trump in 2024.
South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who met with Trump at the White House on Friday, said the topic of North Korea featured prominently in their discussions.
“I maintain a good relationship with Kim Jong-un. I am curious whether the chairman wants to engage in dialogue with the U.S. or with me,” Kim Min-seok said that Trump told him during the meeting, which reportedly included in-depth discussions on North Korea.
The prime minister said he encouraged continued engagement, emphasizing the value of maintaining open lines of communication.
“I maintain a good relationship with Kim Jong-un. I am curious whether the chairman wants to engage in dialogue with the U.S. or with me,” Kim Min-seok said that Trump told him during the meeting, which reportedly included in-depth discussions on North Korea.
He added that South Korea’s leadership views Trump as uniquely positioned to advance peace efforts on the peninsula.
“the only leader and peacemaker who can resolve the Korean Peninsula issue is President Trump.”
Trump’s interest in diplomacy comes as he weighs a potential visit to China in the coming weeks. Reports have suggested a possible trip to Beijing between March 31 and April 2, though Chinese officials have not confirmed any such plans. On Sunday, Trump indicated that the visit could be postponed, citing frustration over China’s lack of action in addressing Iran’s threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later downplayed those concerns, saying any change in schedule would not be tied to geopolitical demands.
“if the meetings are delayed, it wouldn’t be delayed because the president demanded that China police the Strait of Hormuz.”
“If the meeting, for some reason, is rescheduled, it would be rescheduled because of logistics,” he added.
China’s Foreign Ministry did not directly respond to Trump’s remarks during its regular briefing on Monday. However, officials addressed questions about whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio—who is under Chinese sanctions—would be permitted to join the trip.
“The sanctions target Mr. Rubio’s words and deeds when he served as a U.S. senator concerning China,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, indicating that Beijing would not prevent Rubio from entering the country.
{Matzav.com}
President Donald Trump on Monday pushed back against suggestions that the United States should begin looking for a way to de-escalate its ongoing confrontation with Iran, dismissing remarks made by adviser David Sacks urging a strategic withdrawal.
Sacks, a venture capitalist who advises Trump on matters related to artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, raised the idea during an appearance on the “All-In” podcast late last week, roughly two weeks after the fighting began.
“We should try to find the off-ramp,” he said, adding, “This is a good time to declare victory and get out.”
He cautioned that continuing the conflict could spiral into dangerous territory, warning of “frightening scenarios,” including the possibility of Israel “contemplating using a nuclear weapon,” which he described as “truly catastrophic.”
Although Israel has never officially confirmed possessing nuclear weapons, it is broadly assumed to have such capabilities.
Trump was questioned about Sacks’ comments during a press briefing following a meeting with the board of the Trump-Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The exchange was broadcast live on Newsmax and its streaming platform, Newsmax2.
“No, he hasn’t. Israel wouldn’t do that. Israel would never do that,” Trump said.
He went on to acknowledge that some believe the U.S. could disengage after dealing a significant blow to Iran’s capabilities, describing that viewpoint as one of several approaches under consideration.
“There’s a theory. You pounded them to hell, and you could just leave now, and it’ll take 10 years for them to build back, not nearly what they have right now. And I guess that’s another theory,” he continued.
Still, Trump made clear that his goal is a more decisive outcome—one that would prevent future administrations from having to revisit the issue.
“But we want to have it ended so that another president doesn’t have … look, for 47 years, no president was willing to do what I’m doing, and they should have done it a long time ago. It would have been a lot easier. There’s no president that wanted to do it,” Trump said.
He added that previous leaders were aware of the situation but chose not to act, recounting a private conversation with one former president who expressed regret.
“And yet every president knew. I’ve spoken to a certain president who I like, actually — a past president, former president. He said, ‘I wish I did it, I wish I did it.’ But they didn’t do it. I’m doing it.”
Trump declined to reveal the identity of that individual, explaining his reasoning with a final remark.
“I can’t tell you that. I don’t want to embarrass him. It would be very bad for his career, even though he’s got no career left.”
{Matzav.com}
President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the United States could, at a moment’s notice, eliminate Iran’s primary oil export infrastructure on Kharg Island, emphasizing that such a move would require only “just one simple word.”
The remarks followed a U.S. strike late Friday targeting Iranian military assets on the small island, located roughly 15 miles off Iran’s northern coast in the Persian Gulf.
Speaking after a meeting of the Trump-Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts board, Trump explained that while American forces inflicted widespread destruction, they intentionally avoided damaging the island’s oil facilities, leaving them intact for potential use by a future regime.
“As you know, we attacked Kharg Island and knocked it … literally destroyed everything on the island except for the area where the oil is,” Trump said in remarks that aired live on Newsmax and the free Newsmax2 streaming platform. “I call it the pipes. We left the pipes.
“We didn’t want to do that, but we will do that. We can do that on five minutes’ notice; it will be over. But for purposes of someday rebuilding that country, I guess we did the right thing. But it may not stay that way. Just one simple word, and the pipes will be gone, too. But it will take a long time to rebuild that.”
Industry analysts note that any direct strike on Kharg Island’s oil infrastructure would effectively shut down a vast portion of Iran’s crude exports, cutting off a major revenue stream. The island is capable of handling approximately seven million barrels of oil per day and serves as a central export hub, particularly for shipments heading to countries like China.
Kharg Island has played a pivotal role in Iran’s oil operations for decades. Its development began in the early 1950s, when pipelines first connected mainland oil fields—starting with the Gachsaran field—to the island, establishing it as a key export terminal.
Further expansion followed, with storage facilities constructed beginning in 1956 and a major pipeline completed in 1959. By 1960, a deep-water terminal was operational, enabling large oil tankers to load crude directly offshore.
During the height of Iran’s oil expansion in the 1960s and 1970s, Kharg Island underwent significant upgrades through cooperation between the U.S.-based Amoco and the National Iranian Oil Company. By the early 1970s, it had grown into the country’s largest oil export terminal and one of the most significant offshore facilities worldwide.
Although Iranian officials have warned of severe retaliation if their oil infrastructure is attacked, Trump dismissed those threats, asserting that Tehran does not currently possess the capability to follow through.
He further claimed that since the launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, Iran’s offensive actions have dropped sharply, with ballistic missile activity reduced by 90% and drone operations down by 95%.
Trump also addressed ongoing efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy supplies, noting that U.S. operations are progressing as planned after the destruction of most Iranian mine-laying vessels.
According to Trump, American forces have eliminated more than 30 such ships in recent days, effectively dismantling Iran’s ability to deploy naval mines. While acknowledging that Iran could attempt to use alternative vessels, he cautioned that doing so would carry severe consequences.
“If they do it, it’s a form of suicide,” Trump said, adding he is pressing European and other Western nations to send peacekeeping forces into the region to ensure the shipping lane remains clear.
{Matzav.com}
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By Rabbi Berach Steinfeld
Bnei Yisroel were redeemed from Mitzrayim on Pesach. The Ramban, in his psicha for Chumash Shemos, says that galus will not end until Bnei Yisroel return to their place and to the “maalos” of their avos (forefathers.) When Bnei Yisroel left Mitzrayim, they left the house of slavery, but they were still considered in galus because they were in the midbar and not in their own land. When they arrived at Har Sinai and made the mishkon, they reached the maaleh of the avos. Only through the defeat of the yetzer hora will they reach true “cheirus.” This is the milchama that is brought down in Chovos Halevavos in Shaar Yichud Hamaaseh, Perek Heh. He recounts a story of a chassid who met an army returning from winning a war on the battlefront. The army had conquered a tough enemy and gained spoils of the war. The chassid told them, “You just returned from winning the small war. Now you need to prepare yourself to win the big war, which is the milchama of the yetzer hora.” We will be zoche to Eretz Yisroel only when we beat the yetzer hora. It is important for us to realize that it is not “kochi ve’otzem yadi” that provides for our success. Eretz Yisroel is called the land of Israel not because it is a name of a place, but rather because of the people living there. Klal Yisroel are mashpia on the place and not that the place is mashpia on Klal Yisroel. We mentioned before that part of redemption is that Klal Yisroel needs to reach the “maaleh” of the “avos.” To help us understand this we will explain why Avrohom Avinu was called Avrohom “Ha’ivri.” The Midrash Rabba explains that the reason he was called Ivri was because the whole world was on one side, and he was on the other side. Avrohom Avinu was the only person who believed in Hashem during his time. His belief did not waver even though he was alone in that belief. This is what true “emuna” is all about. We see similar language used when Yona responded to the question about who he was. He answered by saying, “Ivri anochi.” We must realize that strengthening our emunah in Hashem is the work that needs to be done during the month of Nissan to arrive at true cheirus. Reb Yehuda would say the ten makkos in the code “detzach adash be’achav” to help remember them because the makkos are so integral to our emunah. The ten makkos correspond to the ten maamoros with which Hashem created the world. They also correspond to the Aseres Hadibros, the foundation of our faith. The makkos were set in place to counteract Pharaoh’s proclamation of “li yeori vaani asisini”(the river is mine I created it.) We need to constantly remember that everything is provided byHashem and from Hashem. May we be zocheh to the true cheirus by the coming of Moshiach speedily in our days!President Donald Trump offered an unusual public assessment of French President Emmanuel Macron, saying he would rate the French leader “an 8 out of 10” while discussing relations with European allies.
Trump made the remarks while speaking about his interactions with Macron and cooperation with European leaders, offering a mix of praise and humor as he evaluated the French president’s performance.
“Yeah, I have spoken to him,” Trump said. “He’s been, on a scale of 0-10, I’d say he’s been an 8.”
Trump added that while Macron had done well overall, he was not perfect, joking that perfection was not expected given the challenges of leading France.
“Not perfect — but it’s France. We don’t expect perfect,” Trump said.
The remarks came as Trump discussed ongoing diplomatic engagement with European leaders and coordination with allies on international issues. Trump has maintained a sometimes complicated relationship with Macron, alternating between praise and criticism during various international disputes.
{Matzav.com}