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President Trump is set to sign executive orders on Monday targeting sanctuary jurisdictions and offering strong backing to police officers and departments accused of misconduct.

Trump has advocated stripping financial support from cities and states that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, and the new orders will increase that pressure.

According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, one of the executive actions regarding sanctuary jurisdictions “direct[s] the attorney general [Pam Bondi] and also [Homeland Security Secretary] Kristi Noem… to provide a list of sanctuary cities in which local officials are not complying with this federal order and are not complying with federal immigration laws,” she said during a morning press briefing.

In addition, the order gives Bondi the authority to initiate lawsuits — both civil and criminal — against state or municipal officials who block “criminal or immigration law enforcement.”

The signing comes just three days after federal agents took Wisconsin judge Hannah Dugan into custody, accusing her of obstructing justice and helping an illegal immigrant avoid capture after a court hearing related to battery charges.

The Trump team has already taken legal action against New York and Chicago over their defiance of federal immigration law.

“It’s quite simple,” Leavitt emphasized on Monday. “Obey the law, respect the law, and don’t obstruct federal immigration officials and law-enforcement officials when they are simply trying to remove public safety threats from our nation’s communities.”

Another executive order Trump will sign focuses on boosting “law and order” initiatives by empowering the federal government to “pursue legal action against state or local officials obstructing criminal or immigration law enforcement,” according to a summary of the plan.

This second directive lays out additional steps, including a Justice Department mandate to “create a mechanism to provide legal resources and indemnification for officers facing unjust expenses from official duties, including pro bono assistance.”

It also directs the federal government to “increase surplus military assets for local law enforcement” — reversing restrictions placed under Democratic leadership — and demands a comprehensive review of “federal consent decrees, out-of-court agreements, and post-judgement orders that hinder law enforcement, and make modifications as needed,” potentially reshaping police operations in cities accused of systemic racial bias.

Other initiatives in the order call for racial discrimination investigations to rely on “direct evidence, not statistical disparities,” and instruct federal prosecutors to prioritize cases involving “violent crimes, drug trafficking, and recidivists with illegal firearms.”

{Matzav.com}

The New Jersey State Department of Transportation (DOT) will begin a key new phase of road improvement work along Route 9 in Lakewood, NJ this evening, April 28th.

The current area of focus, as part of the ongoing “Indian Head Project,” will be on and around Route 9 between Route 88 and 3rd Street, in both directions. Road closures and detours in that area are expected to begin Monday evening through early morning hours. These closures will continue on a nightly basis for the duration of this project, currently estimated to last approximately six months.

This phase of improvement work will focus on improving water drainage, as well as adding a variety of lane enhancements to speed up traffic flow on that busy stretch of road.

Additionally, the State is scheduled to begin, in the near future, improvement work on Route 9 between John and Pine Streets, with southbound traffic detoured via Martin Luther King Boulevard. (The Northbound lane in this area is expected to remain open.)

South Lakewood residents will also welcome the installation of new traffic signals within two months at the intersections of Route 9 and Oak Street, and Route 9 and Broadway. Extensive infrastructure work to prepare these intersections for the signals has already been completed.

Lakewood Township officials are working closely with the State (which has jurisdiction over Route 9) to ensure that road improvement work will proceed efficiently, while minimizing inconvenience to Lakewood motorists, and properly informing residents of their plans.

While the State initially planned to close all lanes of Route 9, in both directions (between Route 88 and 3rd Street), during improvement work, the Township requested that they modify the plans, as it would have posed a major inconvenience to Lakewood residents. The State agreed to leave a minimum of one lane open in each direction at all times.

Additionally, Township officials are working with the State to avoid closures, as much as feasible, on Lag Ba’omer (Thursday, May 15th) and during the busy shopping days ahead of the Shavuos holiday. Similarly, Township officials are working with the State to schedule some of the most intense road work during the Bain Hazmanim/Summer vacation season, when fewer vehicles are on the roads.

“Route 9 traffic has for long been a major challenge for Lakewood residents and businesses,” says Mayor Ray Coles, “and we are grateful that the State is taking real action on this matter, while working with us to minimize traffic disruptions during this period. Although Route 9’s traffic issues won’t be fully solved, we anticipate that residents will see a substantial improvement once this project is completed.”

“The State recognizes the importance that improving Route 9 has for Lakewood’s safety and quality-of-life,” says Assemblyman Avi Schnall, who represents Lakewood in Trenton. “Thankfully, this longtime priority is now a reality on the ground and we will continue working to ensure that Lakewood’s needs are optimally met.”

{Matzav.com}

A senior Israeli official told the press on Monday that Israel has refused an Egyptian proposal for a five-year ceasefire with Hamas in exchange for the release of all the hostages, he told the press on Monday. “Ideas are being floated by some Arab countries, such as a ceasefire for five years,” the official said. “There is no chance that we will agree to a truce with Hamas that will only allow it to rearm, rehabilitate itself, and continue its war against Israel with greater intensity.” Hamas is open to the proposal but absolutely refuses any suggestion of the terror group laying down its arms. The official added that Israel has shown military restraint since the end of the ceasefire in the hopes of reaching a hostage release deal. “The reason we didn’t launch an intense war at the end of the ceasefire, but only a gradual one, was to preserve chances for a hostage deal,” he said. “We want to exhaust every effort to return the hostages, and this is what influences our military operations. We’re still trying to exhaust efforts for a deal, but our patience is finite.” The official also criticized Qatar’s role in the negotiations, saying:  “At this stage, the Qataris have had a negative influence on the negotiations.” The official also admitted that the plan by US President Donald Trump to relocate Gazans is not progressing as was hoped in Israel. “We have requests from Western countries that are asking to get their citizens out. For example, Canada approached and said that there are family members who want to get out. Our principle is to facilitate the exit of those who want to leave of their own free will when there are countries that want to absorb them.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Agudath Israel is outraged by several ordinances recently passed and others that are being contemplated by the City of Linden designed to prevent Orthodox Jews from moving there, in line with the mayor’s recent comments to “keep our community from being taken over by guys with big hats and curls.” These discriminatory measures represent a blatant attempt to marginalize religious and minority communities under the guise of land-use regulation.

“The recent ordinances target specific populations under the guise of ‘zoning regulation,’ raising serious concerns about discrimination and exclusion and potentially violate federal and state statutes that guarantee religious liberty and equal treatment under the law,” Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office, said in a statement.

Agudath Israel calls on the Linden City Council to revoke these ordinances and to engage in an open, honest, and respectful dialogue with all community members. We also urge state and federal authorities to investigate and ensure that the rights of all residents are safeguarded.

Additionally, we are appalled by reports that members of the Orthodox Jewish community were barred from entering a recent meeting of the Linden City Council in what appears to constitute a clear violation of New Jersey’s Open Public Meetings Act that guarantees the public’s right to attend meetings of governing bodies. At the April 18, 2025 Special Meeting of the Linden City Council, which was held at the Susan Hudak Auditorium in Linden High School, dozens of residents were barred from entering the building.

“Orthodox Jews, like all New Jersey residents, have every right to engage in the democratic process. Any attempt to exclude them—or any group—from doing so is unacceptable – especially when it is committed by those who are tasked with upholding the rule of law,” Schorr added.

Agudath Israel will continue to strongly defend our communities against these discriminatory practices and will pursue all appropriate avenues — legal and otherwise — to protect the freedoms that every citizen deserves.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu testified at his criminal trial on Monday, downplaying the significance of any cigars or champagne he received, saying it was minor compared to the vast supply owned by billionaire Hollywood producer, onetime confidant, and current state’s witness Arnon Milchan.

The defense is nearing completion of testimony for Case 1000, known as the “Illegal Gifts” case. Once these testimonies conclude, proceedings for Case 2000 will commence, followed by the prosecution’s cross-examination. In Case 1000, Netanyahu is accused of promoting legislation that would have benefited Milchan, allegedly receiving cigars and champagne valued at thousands of shekels in return.

The charges also allege that Netanyahu ordered Shlomo Filber—who was the Communications Ministry’s director-general in 2015 and who later turned state’s witness—to assist Milchan with regulatory challenges, specifically regarding a merger between media outlets Reshet and Keshet, where Milchan was contemplating an investment.

During his testimony, Netanyahu said that their friendship ended after Milchan was questioned by police in December 2016. On Monday, he firmly denied being involved in linking Filber and Milchan or facilitating any conversations between them. “I had no way to influence it,” he stated.

According to the indictment, Netanyahu abruptly assigned Filber to lead the Communications Ministry and then allegedly directed him to explore ways to assist Milchan. The indictment further claims Milchan and Filber were in contact after Filber’s appointment, with Netanyahu supposedly seeking to tighten his grip over Israeli media.

Netanyahu defended his actions, saying, “What interested me at the time was introducing range into the Israeli journalism sphere. We saw this yesterday [with coverage of the affidavit against Shin Bet Ronen Bar]. It is a monolith that hides things from people and serves as a massive danger to democracy. When you provide one narrative [only], that’s dangerous,” he said.

Israeli TV’s three major networks—Channels 11, 12, and 13—extensively aired reports on Netanyahu’s affidavit throughout much of Sunday afternoon and evening.

During the hearing, defense attorney Amit Hadad questioned Netanyahu about accusations that he encouraged Milchan to buy into Israeli news companies to gain editorial control.

Netanyahu responded that while he did care about the overall issue of media influence, he did not have a specific interest in Milchan’s plans. “Personnel is policy,” Netanyahu said in English.

He also blasted any suggestion of meddling in Milchan’s financial dealings as “absurd,” punctuating his rejection by adding, “This is crazy,” in English.

“I took two meetings with him, like I would with anyone else,” Netanyahu added, brushing off any notion of impropriety.

The indictment claims that between 2011 and 2016, Netanyahu accepted cigars valued at approximately NIS 267,254 (about $75,000) and champagne worth NIS 184,448 (around $52,000).

Hadad probed Netanyahu’s cigar consumption habits to test the plausibility of the charges. Netanyahu dismissed the prosecution’s assertion that he smoked five to six cigars daily as “crazy.”

“I smoke one cigar over the course of two days… I have no time otherwise,” Netanyahu explained.

The defense highlighted Netanyahu’s earlier police statements, where he said he personally paid for cigars his staff bought for him, aiming to dismantle the prosecution’s claim that the gifts formed a “supply line” of luxury goods. “There was no supply line” of cigars and champagne, Netanyahu insisted.

Netanyahu said that when Milchan visited, two to four times per year, he would casually offer cigars. “He would bring a box of cigars, open it up, and say, ‘Take, Bibi, take one.’”

When interrogated, police challenged Netanyahu, asking why the sheer cost of these gifts hadn’t raised red flags for him.

On Monday, Netanyahu mocked the line of questioning, comparing it to trivial concerns. “Asking how many cups of coffee you drink in your life, or how long your nails get… They [the prosecution] have nothing,” he said.

Netanyahu further testified that no receipts were ever given to him, implying that the gifts were too minor to require formal documentation. Hadad also revealed that during interrogations, police claimed to have receipts but refused to show them.

“That’s convenient, isn’t it?” Netanyahu remarked, adding, “When you’re trying to incriminate an innocent man, facts don’t matter.”

Growing increasingly animated, Netanyahu exclaimed, “You blew up the numbers [of money spent on cigars]! What are we sitting here for – bribery for basic press releases, and fraud and breach-of-trust for cigars? This is what we are wasting precious time for, stealing time from both the State and the judges!”

Netanyahu insisted that Milchan’s generosity wasn’t unique to him, pointing out that others also benefited from Milchan’s cigar stash. “Milchan had cigars in his basement for everyone – guests of his even said so – not just for me… When you’re framing someone, you need to know what you’re doing,” he charged.

Hadad later presented a video from an award ceremony in 2008, where Milchan was honored with a cigar as recognition “for your extensive contribution to the cigar industry.” When asked to comment, Netanyahu said the tribute suited Milchan perfectly. “This is what he does. To come and say that what he has in his various homes is all designated for me is ridiculous and so removed from reality. How can this be believed, let alone the basis for a charge? It’s ridiculous.”

Addressing the champagne allegations, Netanyahu joked that Milchan practically “swam in champagne,” and said that his wife, Sara, only received a small portion as a gift.

While the indictment cited 160 boxes of champagne as being delivered, Netanyahu downplayed the figure. “That is not even close to what I saw; I recall one box, and it was opened,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump made clear Sunday that he would not follow his predecessor’s practice of recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day in October, accusing Democrats of denigrating the explorer’s legacy as he pressed his campaign to restore what he argues are traditional American icons. Democrat Joe Biden was the first president to mark Indigenous Peoples Day, issuing a proclamation in 2021 that celebrated “the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples” and recognize “their inherent sovereignty.” The proclamation noted that America “was conceived on a promise of equality and opportunity for all people” but that promise “we have never fully lived up to. That is especially true when it comes to upholding the rights and dignity of the Indigenous people who were here long before colonization of the Americas began.” Trump on Sunday used a social media post to declare, “I’m bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes.” He said on his Truth Social site that “the Democrats did everything possible to destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation, and all of the Italians that love him so much.” The federal holiday, the second Monday in October, was still known as Columbus Day during Biden’s term, but also as Indigenous Peoples Day. That’s been a longtime goal of activists who wanted to shift the focus from commemorating Columbus’ navigation to the Americas to his and his successors’ exploitation of the indigenous people he encountered there. Though Trump has long objected to telling the country’s history through a lens of diversity and oppression, the holiday he seeks to restore to its primacy was added to the calendar as a nod to the country’s growing diversity. Columbus’ expeditions never landed on the North American mainland, let alone any of the places that would become the 50 states. But the native of Genoa became increasingly commemorated in the United States as Italian immigrants flocked to the country and politicians sought to win their support. Indeed, it was the lynching of 11 Italian-American immigrants in New Orleans in 1891 that led to the first Columbus Day celebration in the United States, led the following year by President Benjamin Harrison. President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated Columbus Day as a national holiday in 1934. Trump has long complained about Democrats tearing down statues of Columbus, a complaint he made again in Sunday’s post. In 2017, he spoke out against a review of the 76-foot-tall statue of the explorer in New York’s Columbus Circle that then-Mayor Bill de Blasio had ordered. It remains in place today, but other statues have been defaced or torn down. In 2020, Trump’s administration paid to restore a Columbus statue in Baltimore that was dumped in the harbor during protests against the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (AP)

An F-18 fighter jet and its tow tractor fell overboard from the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, injuring a U.S. sailor.

BREAKING: Rep. Shri Thanedar has filed to impeach President Trump, bringing forward seven articles of impeachment. “It’s time we impeach Donald J. Trump. The court said Kilmar Garcia must be allowed to return. Trump ignored the Constitution.”

Pres. Trump to sign executive order requiring commercial drivers to demonstrate proficiency in English “There’s a lot of communication problems between truckers on the road…We’re going to ensure that our truckers, who are the backbone of our economy, are all able to speak English.” – Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

CNBC: Is the price right to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve right now? Secretary Chris Wright: “Absolutely. We are refilling the Reserve now and we will continue to refill the Reserve the whole time I’m in office.”

SPRING VALLEY: Firefighters and other emergency personnel are at the scene of a fully engulfed vehicle fire at Jill Lane and Kearsing Parkway. No injuries were reported.

Chareidi demonstrators gathered on Monday outside the Tel Hashomer induction center to protest against the IDF’s efforts to enlist members of the chareidi community.

Footage shows activists sitting across the roadway, obstructing traffic, until police intervened and forcibly removed them.

The police issued a statement labeling the gathering “illegal,” although they emphasized that they “view the right to protest as a cornerstone of a democratic state and allow demonstrations as long as they are conducted within the law.”

They added, “However, the police will not allow any disturbances of public order, violations of freedom of movement, or behavior that may endanger public safety.”

Monday’s enlistment efforts were part of a special chareidi-focused day at Tel Hashomer, with the IDF attempting to draft two new companies into the Hashmonaim Brigade.

One company is set to include new draftees entering regular service, while the second will consist of reservists.

The army explained that this recruitment drive aims to offer chareidim opportunities within military service that accommodate their religious practices and lifestyle.

According to the military, the initiative will create an environment that allows soldiers to combine serious Torah learning with military responsibilities, enabling them to protect Israel while preserving their religious way of life.

Among those present to show support for the drafting of chareidim was Religious Zionist Party member Zvi Sukkot, who said, “They came to enlist and give their lives, and there are people here to humiliate and curse them.”

“I stand here on behalf of the majority of the Jewish people in the face of the disgrace that they are facing here. Shame!” Sukkot added.

Although approximately 10,000 draft notices were issued in the past two months, KAN reported that only 994 chareidim responded by presenting themselves at draft offices. Additionally, 2,491 are currently wanted on arrest warrants for failing to report, with travel bans placed against them to prevent them from leaving the country.

Nevertheless, these latest figures show some improvement compared to the previous three months, when only 367 chareidim complied with draft orders out of 7,014 notices sent, while authorities issued 2,473 arrest warrants and placed 446 travel restrictions.

Brigadier-General Shay Taib, head of the IDF Personnel Planning Branch, told Army Radio, “I would be happy if there was support from the other side [the wider chareidi community], but, unfortunately, we have yet to see any change.” He added, “We proposed imposing sanctions that affect the individual draft dodgers in their daily lives.”

On Sunday, the High Court of Justice issued a conditional order giving the government and military until June 24 to explain why more chareidim have not been summoned to enlist and why no penalties have yet been enforced against those who evade the draft.

This court action comes at a time when Israel remains embroiled in a drawn-out war, with reservists stretched thin and facing exhaustion after a year and a half of nonstop mobilization and danger.

Government officials have set a target to enlist 4,800 chareidim annually, a figure they plan to increase significantly in the coming years.

The IDF has been tasked with creating specialized pathways for chareidi soldiers to serve in sectors such as the Air Force, Intelligence Corps, and front-line units. Building the frameworks will fall to the military, but supplying the manpower will be the responsibility of the chareidi community.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Rep. Elise Stefanik would enter the 2026 New York governor’s race as the clear Republican front-runner if she chooses to run, according to a new poll released Monday. The survey, conducted by GOP pollster Landon Wall with GrayHouse, found that 44% of likely Republican voters back Stefanik, compared to 7% for Rep. Mike Lawler and 5% for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. Another 44% of respondents were undecided. Stefanik, a member of the House GOP leadership and a favorite of former President Donald Trump, is far better known among Republican voters, with 56% viewing her favorably and just 9% unfavorably. In a hypothetical general election matchup, Gov. Kathy Hochul leads Stefanik 46% to 40%. Hochul holds similar slim leads over Lawler and Blakeman, but notably fails to reach 47% support in any matchup — a potential warning sign for an incumbent in a Democratic stronghold. The poll also showed Hochul’s approval rating underwater, with 36% of voters approving and 55% disapproving of her performance. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Ronen Bar, head of Israel’s Shin Bet security service, announced today that he will be stepping down from his position.

Speaking during a ceremony honoring the agency’s fallen heroes, Bar said, “As the head of the organization, I took responsibility” for the events of October 7.

During his remarks, Bar shared, “And now, on this special evening, symbolizing memory, heroism and sacrifice, I have chosen to announce the implementation” of accepting this responsibility, “and decided to end my role as head of the Shin Bet.”

Bar emphasized that his choices throughout his career have always been driven by deep devotion and allegiance to Israel. “The same is true tonight,” he added.

He openly acknowledged that the Shin Bet had “failed to give a warning” ahead of the October 7, 2023 massacre, when terrorists from Gaza breached the border and launched the deadliest assault in Israel’s history, resulting in over a thousand deaths and approximately 250 kidnappings.

Bar noted that after more than three decades of service, he intends to ensure a smooth leadership transition. “After 35 years of service, in order to allow for an orderly process of appointing a permanent replacement and professional overlap, I will end my position on June 15, 2025,” he stated.

The Israeli government had previously voted to remove Bar from his role last month, a move that stirred debate over whether Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s declared justification — a loss of trust — was adequate grounds for his dismissal.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar announced he will leave his position on June 15, Bar announced at the memorial event for fallen Shin Bet personnel at the Shin Bet headquarters on Monday. “After 35 years of service, in order to allow for an orderly process of appointing a permanent successor and ensuring a professional handover, I will conclude my role on June 15, 2025,” Bar stated.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker sharply criticized fellow Democrats on Sunday for not doing enough to oppose President Donald Trump, drawing a clear divide between himself and other high-profile Democrats seen as future presidential contenders. Pritzker delivered the keynote address at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner, the latest and most high-profile in a series of speeches this year. While Pritzker continued to attack Trump, he also focused on what he says are shortcomings in his own party, assailing Democrats for listening to “a bunch of know-nothing political types” instead of everyday Americans. Without naming names, he called out Democrats “flocking to podcasts and cable news shows to admonish fellow Democrats for not caring enough about the struggles of working families.” “Those same do-nothing Democrats want to blame our losses on our defense of Black people, of trans kids, of immigrants, instead of their own lack of guts and gumption,” Pritzker said. The second-term governor has yet to say whether he will run for that office again in 2026, but the billionaire Hyatt heir has been laying the groundwork for a potential presidential campaign for years. Notably, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, another high-profile 2028 contender, said on his podcast recently that the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador and detained at one point in a notorious megaprison, was a “distraction” from issues such as tariffs. Newsom also said on his podcast’s inaugural episode that he opposes biologically male athletes competing in women’s sports. Polling suggests immigration is Trump’s strongest issue and that a majority of Democrats also oppose trans participation in women’s sports. Pritzker on Sunday night said it was no time for Democrats to be in despair. “Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption, but I am now,” he said, stressing that the party “must castigate them on the soapbox and then punish them at the ballot box.” Pritzker has already spoken this year at the Human Rights Campaign’s Los Angeles dinner and is scheduled to headline a Minnesota Democratic dinner in June. He drew national attention in February when he used part of his joint budget and State of the State address to draw a parallel between Trump’s rhetoric and the rise of Nazi Germany. On Sunday, Pritzker again invoked his Jewish faith, criticizing Trump’s efforts to deport foreign students who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. He called on Trump to “stop tearing down the Constitution in the name of my ancestors,” a line that drew a standing ovation from the crowd. But Pritzker was also adamant in calling out the “do-nothing Democrats,” asserting that while the party “may need to fix our messaging and strategy, our values are exactly where they should be.” He added, “We will never join so many Republicans in a special place in hell reserved for quislings and cowards.” Lou D’Allesandro, who retired from the New Hampshire State Senate last year after five decades in public service and met Pritzker in Chicago years ago, said the Illinois governor “has all the ingredients to make it to the big time.” “He’s very quick on his feet, very gregarious,” he said. But any Democrat who wants to win in 2028 has their work cut out for them, he said. “They’ve got to reintroduce themselves to the grassroots,” he said. “They’ve got […]

The true measure of the IDF’s worthiness in its mission to protect Israel hinges on its ability to bring back the hostages taken by Hamas, declared IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. He delivered these remarks during a ceremony at Mount Herzl on Monday, an event dedicated to honoring Israel’s fallen security personnel as part of Remembrance Day commemorations.

“We are fighting in order to build a more secure future, and a free state. It is our ethical obligation to return our hostages [held by Hamas] to their homes – this is the test of being the Israeli Defense Forces,” stated Zamir during his address.

Gathered alongside Zamir were the heads of the Mossad, Shin Bet, IDF Intelligence, the Israel Police, and senior officials from each of these vital security branches.

Although Zamir did mention the goal of achieving “victory”—signaling the defeat of Hamas—it was clear that the central theme of his speech was the moral imperative to retrieve the hostages.

It remained uncertain whether Zamir’s choice to place such emphasis on returning the captives was intended as a subtle critique of government factions appearing more willing to prioritize the ongoing offensive against Hamas over immediate hostage recovery, or if his focus simply reflected the solemn atmosphere of Mount Herzl and the nature of the memorial.

Zamir further proclaimed, “It is our obligation in the IDF to serve as a [national] conscience, to highlight the way forward and to act at all times, without hesitation…out of a sense of steady honesty, for the sake of unity, cohesiveness, and victory.”

Amid an ongoing and deeply personal struggle with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his expected resignation, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar was physically present at the memorial and shared thoughts with the audience through a recorded statement.

Bar was seen gazing intently at the memorial wall inscribed with the names of Shin Bet operatives who fell in the line of duty.

Reflecting on the profound losses, Bar emphasized that the sacrifices of these agents left an indelible mark both personally, given the close-knit nature of the organization, and professionally.

On the professional side, Bar explained that honoring the memories of the fallen drives Shin Bet operatives to maintain their highest level of vigilance “every day and every hour” in their battle against terrorism.

Despite his visible presence, Bar gave no outward indication of the political storm he is currently navigating—a fallout stemming from criticisms over the failure to predict Hamas’s October 7 attack and deepening rifts with Netanyahu over the prime minister’s confrontations with Israel’s judicial system.

Mossad Director David Barnea also participated in the Mount Herzl ceremony, delivering a pre-recorded message in which he affirmed the agency’s enduring bond with its fallen. As “we defend the security of our homeland” he said, “we salute our heroes, you who lost your lives for the homeland…We have pride in your and our strategic achievements…you will always be part of the family of the Mossad.”

Barnea continued, adding a note of determination: “we remember you with our [ongoing] activities and achievements…we will continue to act with cunning and with a readiness to sacrifice.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

WH Press Secretary: “Nearly 800 illegal aliens were arrested during the first four days alone. Operation Tidal Wave is a preview of what is to come around the country. Large scale operations employing state and local law enforcement partners to get criminal aliens off our streets.”

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu issued a warning Sunday, calling for the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure amid signs that US-Iran negotiations are gaining momentum. Speaking at the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) policy conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Israel could only accept a deal that strips Tehran of any capacity to enrich uranium. Anything less, he warned, would allow Iran to bide its time, waiting for an opportunity to sprint toward nuclear weapons capability once global attention fades. “Dismantle all of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. That is a deal we can live with,” Netanyahu said. Netanyahu said he has conveyed this position directly to President Donald Trump and remains in close contact with Washington. Yet signs of a growing rift are hard to ignore. Addressing reporters the same day, Trump struck a far more optimistic tone, claiming that negotiations were proceeding well and predicting a deal without the need for military action. “We’ll have something without having to start dropping bombs all over the place,” Trump said. The indirect talks, which concluded a third round in Oman over the weekend, aim to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon while offering Tehran relief from crushing US-led sanctions. A fourth round is expected in the coming days. Still, Israeli officials fear the US is racing toward what Jerusalem views as a “bad deal.” Reports indicate that Israel was informed of the renewed talks only hours before Trump made them public — and key Israeli demands appear to be sidelined at the negotiating table. Netanyahu insisted that the only acceptable model is one resembling Libya’s 2003 agreement, in which the country fully dismantled both its military and civilian nuclear programs. Anything short of that, he warned, would be a fatal mistake. Adding to Israel’s unease, American officials have sent mixed signals. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff initially suggested limiting Iran’s uranium enrichment, rather than eliminating it — before hurriedly walking back the statement under pressure. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that Iran could maintain a civilian nuclear program but only if it imported enriched uranium, as other nations do. Tehran continues to accelerate production of highly enriched uranium — inching dangerously close to weapons-grade levels — and develops its ballistic missile arsenal unabated. Iranian officials have repeatedly insisted that the right to enrich uranium is “non-negotiable.” Behind the scenes, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer has reportedly pressed US officials to consider deploying “bunker buster” bombs against Iran’s fortified nuclear sites if diplomacy fails. Trump, for his part, told Time magazine that while he would prefer a deal over conflict, he would not hesitate to lead a military strike if talks collapse: “If we don’t make a deal, I’ll be leading the pack.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

In a strong rebuke aired Monday on 103FM, Ilan Lotan, a onetime top official within the Shin Bet, publicly criticized agency head Ronen Bar and urged him to resign immediately.

“They turned the Shin Bet into an enemy of the people, even greater than Hamas and [Palestinian] Islamic Jihad,” Lotan charged, emphasizing that “the relationship between the Shin Bet and the prime minister is critical.”

Lotan expressed serious doubt over how Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and Bar could continue collaborating, given the mutual accusations between them, asserting that the only viable way to determine the facts would be through the establishment of a state commission of inquiry.

“I greatly appreciate Bar as a person, but he needs to announce his resignation,” Lotan continued.

“The relationship with the prime minister is critical — the issues are so sensitive. Just imagine them sitting in a work meeting on such sensitive matters. This elephant in the room must be removed,” he warned, suggesting that the unresolved tension makes effective communication impossible.

Lotan also shared that he has been hearing from active Shin Bet agents who conveyed to him their profound sense of disappointment and betrayal.

“As we speak, people are working all night to thwart terrorist attacks, and they hear these headlines in the news, and it’s a very painful feeling,” he said, describing the morale crisis among the operational teams.

Meanwhile, Likud MK Amit Halevi, speaking to 103FM on Monday, echoed the call for Bar’s departure, arguing, “Unfortunately, Bar is severely harming Shin Bet because he refuses to resign, and since then he has been doing everything to leave scorched earth behind at the Shin Bet.”

Halevi elaborated on the dysfunction, noting, “There can be no government without overall responsibility. But you also can’t treat that responsibility normally when all the officials are working against you, not reporting to you, and doing everything they can to prevent you from implementing your policies.”

He also remarked on the broader erosion of confidence in national institutions, commenting, “You won’t find much trust in a High Court that seeks to impose its values on all of Israeli society. Therefore, there is a great lack of trust.”

Taking aim at Bar’s recent legal maneuvers, Halevi stated, “Ronen Bar submitted affidavits to remain in office as part of his anti-democratic battle. In any democratic country, he would have been sent home. In Israel, due to the constitutional revolution that hasn’t happened,” he charged.

Concluding his remarks, Halevi reiterated the urgent need for a full investigation, declaring, “A state commission of inquiry must be established,” and emphasizing that it must delve into systemic issues that have been building up over an extended period.

{Matzav.com}