Avishai Levi z&#8221;l, 46, a Sefardi singer and paytan, was sadly killed Friday in a tragic accident on Adoniyahu HaCohen street in Yerushalayim.



According to reports, the fatal accident occurred while Avishai Levi was working as a driver. Witnesses at the scene said he had stepped out of his vehicle to remove suitcases from the trunk when he noticed the car beginning to roll backward. He ran toward the door in an attempt to put the car in park and was tragically crushed against a poll near the door of the vehicle.



 United Hatzalah medical teams responded to the scene and performed resuscitation efforts on the victim, who had sustained severe injuries in the collision. Despite their efforts, he was later pronounced dead at the scene.



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His name was cleared for publication a short time before Shabbos, after he was identified at the hospital by family members.



Avishai z&#8221;l was born in Tverya on 14 Av, 1980, to his father R&#8217; Eliyahu Levi and his mother Mrs. Rut. He grew up in Yerushalayim, where his exceptional musical talent stood out starting from a young age. He began his career at age 7 as the lead soloist of the legendary children&#8217;s choir &#8220;Perachei Yerushalayim&#8221; between 1987–1989.



 Further details, including levaya arrangements, will be published as they become available. 



Yehi Zichro Baruch



 This is a developing story. Belaaz will update as more information is confirmed.

TRAGEDY: Singer and Paytan Avishai Levi z”l, 46, Killed in Horrific Accident

A frum woman was pulled from her car after it overturned on the Belt Parkway on Thursday, Tisha B&#8217;Av, as she drove from the Five Towns to Brooklyn — and her first two requests of the frum boys who rescued her were a tichel to cover her hair and a psak on whether she could drink during the fast, one of the men on scene told Belaaz.



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Pinchas, who runs a Tisha B&#8217;Av program for bochurim, tells Belaaz he was driving into Brooklyn when the vehicle ahead of him flipped. He and the friend traveling with him quickly pulled over, exited and removed the woman from the car, which had begun smoking by the time they reached her.







The woman told them she was frum and FIRST asked whether they had a Tichel to cover her hair.



Pinchas said he was not driving his own car that day. He had taken his mother&#8217;s Tesla and did not know what was inside it.



&#8220;Maybe — it&#8217;s my mother&#8217;s car,&#8221; he told her, according to his account to Belaaz.



But when he checked the back of the Tesla, he found none other than a tichel.



He handed it to her, and after covering her hair, the woman asked her second question: whether she was permitted to drink water on the taanis.



&#8220;Who thinks of that?&#8221; Pinchas said in the conversation with Belaaz. &#8220;Most people get out of a crash and they&#8217;re like, &#8216;Give me a Powerade.&#8217; She goes, &#8216;I need a tichel. Am I allowed to drink?&#8217; I thought it was one of the most beautiful things I could have ever heard.&#8221;



The rescue was recorded in full. Pinchas usually drives his own vehicle, and the footage exists only because he had borrowed his mother&#8217;s car that afternoon. He shared the video exclusively with Belaaz.



Clean — there are no actual typos. Two small edits worth making:



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Pinchas said he was only on the Belt Parkway at that moment because he was running late. He runs a Tisha B&#8217;Av program that encourages bochurim to take on the fast, picking them up for the final hours of the day and spending them together before breaking the taanis as a group. He had delayed his departure that afternoon to sit with one more bochur he was trying to be mekarev to join the program.



That conversation put him on the road later than planned — and directly behind the car that flipped. In the right place at the right time.



The program still went ahead that evening as scheduled. Pinchas rented an escape room for this year&#8217;s event, he said.



Pinchas recounted the incident to Belaaz in a conversation and shared the footage with Belaaz.

FOOTAGE: Woman Rolls Over on the Belt on Tisha B’Av. Her First Request: A Tichel  and a Psak to Drink

A delegation from the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States met on Monday with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Lusail Palace, where they offered condolences following the passing of the Emir’s father and expressed appreciation for Qatar’s support of the Jewish community and its visitors, Belaaz is told.



Iran&#8217;s Rabbi Yehuda Gerami told Belaaz that he, Rabbi Mendy Chitrik, chairman of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States, and Rabbi Eliyahu Chitrik, the son of Mendy, who is the Chabad emissary serving Qatar, visited the Emir to convey their condolences on behalf of the organization.



Speaking with Belaaz, Rabbi Gerami said: “There was a meeting with the Emir of Qatar, and as rabbis of the Union of Rabbis in Islamic States, I and Rabbi Chitrik, and his son, who is a Chabad Shliach in Qatar, went to the Emir to comfort him on the death of his father.&#8221;



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Rabbi Chitrik told Belaaz: &#8220;We have been received very, very warmly by His Highness the Emir. Together with us was Rabbi Eli Chitrik, who is the Rabbi of the Jewish community in Qatar; Rabbi Gerami, the Chief Rabbi of Iran; Rabbi Uzan, the Chief Rabbi of Nigeria. We had discussion about Jewish life in the Muslim world, in Qatar, and how we can live together as human beings in this beautiful stretch of land that we all call home. Rabbi Chitrik added: &#8220;It was very, very encouraging, and we&#8217;re looking forward to continuing this engagement with the government and the authorities to benefit the Jewish community of Qatar, which is a numbers about 300 people or more.&#8221; During the meeting, Rabbi Mendy Chitrik thanked Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for warmly receiving the delegation together with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. He expressed gratitude for the Emir’s support in ensuring that Jewish life can continue to flourish in Qatar and for allowing Rabbi Eliyahu Chitrik to serve the Jewish community and the many Jewish visitors who come to the country.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full text-left"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="599" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-28979" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-1.jpg 900w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Rabbis meeting with the Emir and the Prime Minister</figcaption></figure>

Iranian and Turkish Rabbis Lead Delegation to Visit Qatar’s Emir, Offer Condolences on Father’s Death: “Received Very, Very Warmly”

Each time U.S. President Donald Trump threatens renewed strikes on Iran and later backs down, Israel has already spent hundreds of millions of shekels preparing for a possible regional war, according to a report published Tuesday by Calcalist. The newspaper described the pattern as Trump’s “TACO”—“Trump Always Chickens Out.”



Israel cannot assume that each threat will end in another reversal. Trump recently said the United States had come close to launching a major operation against Iran. “We were ready to go,” he said. “It was going to be a massive attack.”



Preparations begin within hours of indications that fighting could resume. The IDF urgently calls in Air Force pilots, technicians and ground crews, prepares aircraft, replenishes supplies and raises the readiness of air-defense systems against possible Iranian missile barrages. Intelligence units and Home Front Command search-and-rescue teams are also activated.



Tens of thousands of reservists may be summoned as the military moves troops, weapons and equipment and reinforces the northern front and Israeli positions in Lebanon. Israel must also prepare for the possibility that renewed fighting with Iran could trigger a wider escalation involving Hezbollah.



Calcalist said the latest episode resembled approximately five previous alert cycles since Trump halted the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran on April 8. The estimated military cost of the second Iran war rose from NIS 39 billion in mid-April to NIS 51 billion by early August. Around 65,000 reservists are now serving each day, compared with a planned ceiling of approximately 40,000.



The Defense Ministry is seeking an additional NIS 40 billion and owes Israeli defense companies more than NIS 15 billion. Trump later suspended the planned attack and said Iran was prepared to negotiate, but Tehran denied that direct talks had been scheduled, leaving Israel at risk of paying for another full mobilization even if no strike follows.

Each Trump ‘TACO’ Costs Israel Hundreds of Millions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing attacks from opposition leaders and figures on the right after reportedly abandoning legislation freezing the arrest of Charedi draft dodgers. Netanyahu said in a closed meeting that the temporary measure had failed to increase enlistment and would not return under the next government, according to N12’s Amit Segal.



The remarks mark a sharp reversal. On July 15, Netanyahu defended the law as harmless and dismissed criticism as “false propaganda.” He now says he wants to form a broad national government after the October election and pass a comprehensive enlistment law meeting the IDF’s needs. “Anyone who is not studying Torah will enlist — or go to prison,” he said.



Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the announcement a “pathetic spin,” accusing Netanyahu of blocking Charedi enlistment while ignoring warnings from the military and reservists. Gadi Eisenkot said, “The public will not buy the new spin, which stems from fear of the polls,” accusing Netanyahu of advancing a “disgraceful draft-evasion law” only two weeks earlier.



Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman said Netanyahu was “continuing to deceive everyone and trying to divert the conversation from his failures.” He added: “One thing is certain — he has no government without the draft dodgers.”



Former Likud MK Dan Illouz, who left the party after opposing the legislation, said Netanyahu “thinks the public is stupid.”



Former minister Gilad Erdan, who is reportedly preparing a new right-wing party, said voters would no longer accept promises on either enlistment or unity. “We will not sit in anyone’s narrow government,” he said. The disputed law passed the Knesset on July 14 but was frozen by the Israeli Supreme Court, which is reviewing claims that its final version improperly bypassed a required first-reading stage.

Netanyahu Faces Backlash After Reversing Course On Charedi Draft Arrest Law

Dr. Anthony Fauci repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during a heated Senate hearing Wednesday examining the origins of COVID-19, federal funding for risky coronavirus research and the handling of pandemic-era government records. The former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director refused to answer dozens of questions from Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul.



Paul has spent years investigating whether federal funding passed through EcoHealth Alliance to the Wuhan Institute of Virology and supported research that increased the capabilities of bat coronaviruses. Fauci has consistently denied that the work met the relevant definition of gain-of-function research or that he misled Congress. The precise origin of COVID-19 remains unresolved.



The investigation has increasingly focused on whether officials concealed or destroyed federal records connected to the pandemic and the origins debate. David Morens, a longtime senior adviser in Fauci’s agency, was indicted earlier this year on charges related to allegedly concealing, destroying and falsifying government records. Fauci has not been charged in that case.



Fauci said he believed Paul had called him before the committee to obtain statements that could support a prosecution. He accused the senator of an “obvious obsession with calling for my prosecution” and said Paul wanted him “behind bars.” Fauci then repeatedly responded: “On the advice of counsel, I respectfully declined to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.”



Paul argued that former President Joe Biden’s broad 2025 pardon of Fauci should remove any legal exposure involving his earlier government service. He warned that there would be “repercussions” for Fauci’s refusal to testify. The hearing became more confrontational when Paul ordered security to remove Fauci attorney David Schertler after he repeatedly interrupted the proceedings.

Fauci Pleads Fifth As Senate Probes COVID Origins And Deleted Records

President Donald Trump is growing increasingly frustrated over the failure to end the war with Iran, as senior administration officials remain divided over whether further military escalation would produce a clear strategic outcome, NBC News reported Thursday.



“The president is exasperated. I don’t think he believed it was going to be this difficult to get the Iranians to agree to a deal,” an unnamed Trump ally told NBC. A U.S. official said the administration had achieved “a series of tactical victories” but was now “facing a strategic defeat without clear policy guidance or a decision about where this is going.” Trump reportedly erupted and yelled expletives during a meeting with his national security team last week.



White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied that the outburst occurred. “This is false. The president has a great team whom he trusts, and everyone on the team knows he’s the final decision-maker,” she said. Leavitt added that Trump was “locked and loaded to keep punishing Iran” after Tehran allegedly violated the June memorandum of understanding and renewed attacks on U.S. forces and shipping.



NBC reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu support increased military pressure, while Vice President JD Vance and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine have questioned what another major campaign would accomplish. Caine has reportedly warned about the continued depletion of U.S. munitions stockpiles. Netanyahu was not believed to have directly pressed Trump for further escalation during their Washington meeting this week.



Trump maintained a confrontational stance Wednesday after Iran launched missiles toward American forces in Jordan. “We’ll be hitting them hard. They are going to get a beating,” he told Fox News. The prolonged conflict and its impact on gas prices have also increased concern among Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.

Trump Reportedly ‘Exasperated’ As Advisers Split Over Iran War Strategy

On the yahrzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe&#8217;s father, Harav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, a memorial plaque was unveiled at the Kyiv detention center where he was imprisoned 86 years ago by the Soviet regime solely for serving as a Rav and Jewish leader ● The historic tribute was made possible through the efforts of Chief Rabbi of Kyiv, Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, who also serves as Chief Rabbi of Ukraine&#8217;s Prison Service ● The prison commander participated in the ceremony and expressed regret for the grave injustice inflicted upon him



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A remarkable chapter of Jewish history came full circle on Monday, 20 Menachem Av, the yahrzeit of the renowned gaon and mekubal, Harav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson zt&#8221;l, father of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, as an official memorial plaque was dedicated at Kyiv&#8217;s Lukyanivka Detention Center — the very prison where he was incarcerated under the Soviet regime for his unwavering commitment to Judaism.



The dedication marks a moving act of historical recognition, taking place exactly 86 years after Harav Levi Yitzchak was arrested and imprisoned simply because he courageously continued to serve as a Rav and strengthen Jewish life despite relentless Communist persecution.



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The memorial became a reality following extensive efforts by Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, Chabad shliach and Chief Rabbi of Kyiv, who also serves as Chief Rabbi of Ukraine&#8217;s Prison Service. Working together with his son, Rabbi Ariel Markovitch, a Chabad shliach in Kyiv who oversees Jewish activities throughout Ukraine&#8217;s prison system, the two spent many months coordinating with prison authorities to ensure that the site where Harav Levi Yitzchak suffered for his faith would receive permanent recognition.



The dedication ceremony was attended by the commander of the detention center and his deputy, who joined Rabbi Markovitch in unveiling the commemorative plaque.



During the ceremony, the prison commander expressed deep regret over the injustice committed against Harav Levi Yitzchak, acknowledging that he had been imprisoned despite having committed no crime other than being a Jewish rabbi and spiritual leader.



He described the imprisonment as a painful chapter in history that deserves to be remembered and preserved for future generations.



The memorial plaque recounts the story of Harav Levi Yitzchak&#8217;s arrest and imprisonment and also features one of his own reflections from that difficult period.



In addition, the prison received a copy of Nitzotzei Levi Yitzchak, a volume based on the Torah teachings of Harav Levi Yitzchak. The book will remain in the prison&#8217;s library, where it will be available for the benefit and use of Jewish inmates.



&#8220;There is profound significance in the fact that specifically on the yahrzeit of Harav Levi Yitzchak we have merited to establish a memorial at the very place where his freedom was taken from him simply because he was a Rav spreading Yiddishkeit,&#8221; Rabbi Markovitch said.



&#8220;This represents a historic rectification and an emotional closing of the circle. At the very place where the Soviet regime sought to silence the voice of Judaism, there now stands a permanent memorial telling the story of the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering mesirus nefesh of Harav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson zt&#8221;l, the father of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.&#8221;



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Historic Full Circle: Memorial Plaque Unveiled at Kyiv Prison Where the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Father Was Imprisoned

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and AIPAC traded attacks after the pro-Israel group signaled it could work against Democratic Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed in November, potentially benefiting Republican candidate Mike Rogers.



The dispute began after AIPAC celebrated 30 pro-Israel candidates who won primaries in five states and said more than 215 of its endorsed candidates had advanced to the general election. Referring to Michigan, the group said: “Our members remain determined to ensure that voters reject Dr. El-Sayed and his radical anti-Israel agenda in November.”



Axios reporter Andrew Solender described the statement as a signal that AIPAC planned to spend in support of Rogers. AIPAC did not formally announce an endorsement or specify planned spending, but its language suggested it could intervene against El-Sayed after heavily backing his Democratic primary opponent, Haley Stevens.



Ocasio-Cortez responded sharply on X. “I appreciate AIPAC proving it doesn’t belong in the Dem Party and especially our primaries,” she wrote. “From endorsing Jan 6th members to ensuring Congress remains in the hands of a 34-count felon, AIPAC is an org committed to undermining democracy at home and abroad. See you in November.”



AIPAC then accused Ocasio-Cortez of demonizing pro-Israel Americans and argued that its nearly seven million members include both Democrats and Republicans. The organization said it would continue supporting candidates who back a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and opposing what it called anti-Israel detractors. The clash comes after AIPAC and allied groups spent heavily to defeat El-Sayed in the Democratic primary, only for him to narrowly win the nomination for one of the country’s most closely watched Senate seats.

AOC, AIPAC Clash Over Possible Republican Support In Michigan Senate Race

Dutch opposition leader Geert Wilders concluded his visit to Israel on Monday with falafel in Jerusalem alongside Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan. Wilders, the leader of the Party for Freedom and a candidate for prime minister, used the trip to reiterate his support for Israel and Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.



Earlier Monday, Wilders met Defense Minister Israel Katz, with the two discussing Israel’s security challenges, the fight against terrorism and the importance of international alliances. Katz praised Wilders as a longtime supporter of Israel, saying, “Israel cherishes its true friends.” Wilders said Israel “is at the forefront of the free world’s fight against terrorism and radical Islam.”



Wilders also visited the family of Benayahu Melt HY&#8221;D during shiva at Chavat Gilad. Melt, a member of the local emergency response team, was killed in Friday’s shooting attack near the community. “Millions of people in Europe support you and feel your pain. You are not alone. The spirit can never be defeated,” Wilders told the family.



During the Samaria portion of the visit, Wilders toured Sa-Nur, a northern Samaria community evacuated and demolished during Israel’s 2005 disengagement and recently reestablished, alongside Dagan, and voiced strong support for renewed Jewish settlement in the area. “You are returning to resettle all of Samaria. This is the only way,” he said. The visit came shortly after the Dutch government moved against imports from Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria, placing Wilders in direct opposition to the policy.



Wilders also visited the Kotel, where he described himself as a friend of Israel. “I am proud to be a friend of Israel. Always have been and always will be,” he wrote. “So I come here not only in peacetime but also in times of terror and war.”

Geert Wilders Ends Israel Visit With Falafel After Samaria Tour

Kotel Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch has demanded that the Israel Museum transfer a rare Second Beis Hamikdash-era stone bearing the inscription “To the Place of Trumpeting” to the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. Its return would complete a wider campaign to bring four original Kotel stones back from government institutions and museums.



The stone was discovered near the southwestern corner of the Har HaBayis compound and is believed to have marked the location where a kohen sounded a trumpet to announce the beginning and end of Shabbos and Jewish holidays. The surviving Hebrew inscription reads “לבית התקיעה להב…,” translated as “To the Place of Trumpeting,” with the final word left incomplete.



Three other large stones have already been returned from the Knesset, the Defense Ministry’s Kirya headquarters and the President’s Residence. The stone displayed at the Israel Museum is considered the final and most historically recognizable artifact still awaiting transfer.



Rabinovitch and Israel’s chief rabbis have argued for years that stones originating from the Kotel should not remain on display elsewhere. “A stone from the Western Wall does not belong in the Knesset or anywhere else. Its place is among the stones of the Western Wall, stored beside the Western Wall,” Rabinovitch previously wrote. The Israel Antiquities Authority has also reportedly supported returning the stone to the Kotel area.



The Israel Museum lists the Israel Antiquities Authority as the owner of the artifact, while the museum serves as its custodian and exhibitor.

Kotel Rabbi Demands Return Of Second Beis Hamikdash Trumpeting Stone

An IDF investigation released Wednesday detailed how Maj. Yuval Ezra HYD and Capt. (res.) Benyahu Melt HYD rushed toward armed terrorists during a deadly clash near the Palestinian village of Tell in Samaria. Both were killed while fighting at close range and helping protect dozens of Israeli hikers, as the probe also identified serious operational and medical failures.



The hike began at 5:30 a.m. from Har Bracha and passed through Areas B and A without prior coordination with the IDF. The military had received indications that a hike was planned but did not know its route or timing, and said organizers did not cooperate with attempts to obtain details. A lookout identified the group at 7:27 a.m., shortly before clashes broke out between Israelis and Palestinians.



The confrontation escalated when two terrorists seized the rifle of Dvir, the security coordinator of Havat Gilad. A gun battle lasting one minute and 40 seconds followed, involving fire from the stolen weapon, Melt, Ezra, a platoon commander and two soldiers. Four terrorists were killed and two were wounded.



Ezra fired two rounds before he and terrorist Farouk Ramadan shot each other at point-blank range. Ezra was struck in the head and killed, while Ramadan was critically wounded. The IDF concluded that Melt was killed by terrorist fire but could not rule out that he was also struck by Israeli troops, partly because no autopsy was conducted.



The probe also found that Melt was left critically wounded near the terrorists’ bodies while military medics evacuated Ezra and Dvir. An Israeli civilian medic eventually treated him. The IDF described Melt’s actions as “exceptional heroism and conduct worthy of recognition.” Police are examining possible criminal conduct by the hike’s organizers, while IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered new guidance after two off-duty soldiers joined the hike. Zamir also posthumously promoted Melt to captain.

IDF Probe Details Ezra And Melt’s Heroic Charge During Deadly Samaria Attack

Menachem Kolodetsky, a frum Israeli journalist, was verbally targeted in an antisemitic confrontation on MonxH while on vacation near the Austria-Germany border, close to Salzburg. 



&#8220;I was on vacation in Austria, near the border with Germany, near Salzburg,&#8221; Kolodetsky told Belaaz. &#8220;I was in a store, buying a Coke there. While I was paying, some antisemite came over and asked me if I was from Israel. I said, &#8216;Yes.'&#8221;



According to Kolodetsky, the man then began shouting &#8220;Free Palestine&#8221; and accused Israelis of supporting Hamas.



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 When Kolodetsky left the store, he said the man approached him again. Kolodetsky recorded a selfie video to document the encounter as the man continued making accusations, telling him Israel &#8220;is not your country&#8221; and accusing Israelis of &#8220;murdering babies in Gaza.&#8221;



 &#8220;I told him that on October 7th, it was Hamas who started it — that on October 7th, you murdered babies,&#8221; Kolodetsky said.



 The man then told him &#8220;Go Israel, get out of here,&#8221; speaking, Kolodetsky said, with visible hatred and apparent agitation.



 Kolodetsky noted the incident occurred just days after a separate antisemitic attack in Schladming, Austria, in which a Jewish man was shot after an argument reportedly broke out over a hotel.

Frum Journalist Targeted in Antisemitic Confrontation Near Austria-Germany Border, Speaks to Belaaz

Two Israeli soldiers were killed (and others wounded) in an explosion involving an improvised explosive device in a booby-trapped building in the area of Majdal Selem in southern Lebanon. The IDF has responded with strikes.



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 The Gush Etzion Regional Council announced his death of Harel Birenstock hy&#8221;d, 34, with deep sorrow, noting he was the son of Shlomo and Yonat Birenstock of Neve Daniel and the grandson of Nechama Birenstock of Efrat is survived by his wife, brother, and sisters. 



Condolences were extended to his parents, wife, siblings, and family. 



The soldiers were operating when they were struck by an explosive device planted inside the booby trapped building.



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IDF Reservist Harel Birenstock, 34, of Nokdim in Gush Etzion, has been identified as one of the IDF soldiers killed this morning

An indictment was filed today in the Lod District Court against the suspect in the murder of Rav Amos Guetta zt&#8221;l, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Rebbi Yitzchak Chai Taib in Netanya, who was murdered earlier this month at age 75. 



According to the indictment, the suspect arrived at the Rav&#8217;s home in the early morning hours and asked to pray beside his bed. After being granted access to the room, he drew a knife and stabbed the Rav multiple times as he lay in his bed. The Rav&#8217;s attendant attempted to intervene and was lightly injured in the struggle. The suspect fled the scene, leaving behind the knife used in the attack, and was apprehended a short time later following a police manhunt.



 During interrogation, the suspect showed no remorse for his actions and referred to the Rav as a &#8220;false messiah.&#8221; When asked if he regretted what he had done, he responded: &#8220;I&#8217;m sorry I didn&#8217;t tear out his main artery with my teeth.&#8221; 



The indictment charges the suspect with aggravated murder, causing severe injury under aggravating circumstances, and illegal possession of a knife. The State has requested he remain in custody through the duration of legal proceedings.

Indictment Filed in Murder of Rav Amos Guetta zt”l; Suspect Showed No Remorse in Interrogation

Toronto police are investigating damage at two locations of Kiva’s, a Jewish-owned bakery chain, after one branch was struck by gunfire and another had a window smashed early Sunday. No injuries were reported in either incident.



Officers responded at 8:12 a.m. to the Kiva’s location near Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue West, where investigators found evidence that shots had been fired into a window. Police received a second call around 8:30 a.m. about damage at another Kiva’s location near Bathurst Street and Steeles Avenue West, but found no evidence of gunfire there.



Investigators believe the damage occurred overnight and are examining whether the incidents are connected. Toronto police’s Hate Crime Unit and Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force are involved, though authorities have not formally confirmed an antisemitic motive. Residents were told to expect an increased police presence while the investigation continues.



“We understand that this is concerning for those that work and live in this area, especially members of the Jewish community, and we have all the resources available to thoroughly investigate this matter,” Duty Insp. Scott Bradbury said.



Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said the incidents had “shattered” the community’s sense of security. Adam Minsky, president of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, said residents who frequent the bakeries were “incredibly shaken.” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow called the incidents “targeted attacks” that were “vile” and “unacceptable,” adding, “I will always stand with Toronto’s Jewish community against antisemitism.”

Toronto Police Probe Gunfire, Damage At Two Jewish-Owned Bakeries

A historic wooden shul has been reconstructed in Siberia, reviving a remarkable chapter of the region&#8217;s Jewish heritage.



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The original shul, built in 1905 in the town of Zima, was dismantled in 2016 after falling into disrepair. Using archival photographs and historical records, the Taltsy Museum rebuilt it with funding from the Russian government and in close cooperation with Rabbi Aharon HaKohen Wagner of Irkutsk under the guidance of Russia&#8217;s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Berl Lazar.



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Dedicated on Tu B&#8217;Av, the reconstructed shul now welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, preserving the legacy of Jewish life in Siberia for future generations.



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Ancient Siberian Shul Rebuilt After More Than a Century

President Trump announced that the Board of Peace reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, calling it &#8220;a monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY.&#8221;



 Trump said the agreement is &#8220;a critical step towards Gaza finally being governed by a new Palestinian government,&#8221; while &#8220;Israel will have the security it deserves, with Gaza no longer used as a base for terror attacks.&#8221;



 He added that as disarmament is completed, &#8220;Israeli forces will withdraw, and the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza being safe for its residents and its neighbors.&#8221;



 Trump thanked Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye &#8220;for their important efforts,&#8221; and credited &#8220;my outstanding team, whose tireless work made this historic breakthrough possible.&#8221; He warned: &#8220;The threat that emerged from Gaza on October 7 will NOT be allowed to rebuild!&#8221;



 Trump closed: &#8220;CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL ON THIS AMAZING DEVELOPMENT, THAT EVERYBODY SAID COULD NEVER BE ACHIEVED!&#8221;

TRUMP: Historic Gaza Disarmament Agreement Reached

President Donald Trump is meeting separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, before the three leaders attend a memorial service for the late Senator Lindsey Graham in Washington. The meetings come as the United States weighs its next steps in both the Ukraine war and the confrontation with Iran.



Trump’s closed-door meeting with Zelensky is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Zelensky said his “number-one priority” is securing anti-ballistic defenses and strengthening strategic cooperation with Washington. He is expected to seek additional air-defense capabilities as Ukraine continues facing Russian missile attacks.



Trump is scheduled to meet Netanyahu at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. The talks are expected to focus heavily on Iran, with Israeli officials reportedly planning to present new intelligence about Tehran’s military and nuclear recovery efforts, including evidence that centrifuges were recently moved to the secretive Pickaxe Mountain facility.



Netanyahu is expected to argue that the activity shows Iran is using negotiations to buy time rather than seriously abandoning its nuclear ambitions. The leaders may also discuss the broader direction of the Iran conflict, Gaza, regional security arrangements and potential diplomatic agreements with Arab countries.



Trump, Netanyahu and Zelensky will later attend Graham’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, where Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks. Graham, who died on July 11, was one of Washington’s most prominent supporters of both Israel and Ukraine and had recently visited Kyiv to promote tougher sanctions against Russia.

Trump To Hold Netanyahu, Zelensky Meetings Before Graham Memorial

The United States and Israel are preparing for a potential major escalation in the conflict with Iran, with officials considering a joint bombing campaign targeting key Iranian energy infrastructure, according to multiple U.S. sources cited by CBS News.



The possible operation would represent a shift from previous strikes focused primarily on military targets toward direct attacks on economic and operational infrastructure, including refineries, power plants, fuel storage facilities, and parts of Iran’s electricity grid.



The escalation follows the collapse of a previous U.S.-brokered truce and memorandum of understanding. Fighting resumed in early July after Iranian forces carried out attacks targeting maritime shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting President Donald Trump to warn that future attacks on commercial vessels could lead to strikes on major Iranian infrastructure.



U.S. officials have discussed the possibility of carrying out and concluding the strikes over the weekend before global financial and energy markets reopen Monday. The goal, according to sources, is to reduce the potential impact on crude oil prices and limit broader economic disruption.



The proposal reportedly faced internal debate at the White House, with some political advisers expressing concerns about possible consequences, including rising fuel prices and international market instability.



The potential campaign would focus on Iran’s critical energy network, including power plants, oil refineries, fuel storage sites, and electricity infrastructure.



U.S. officials say the strategic goal would be to weaken Iran’s ability to support military operations, disrupt logistics, and reduce financial resources available to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).



A former U.S. military official told CBS News that targeting energy infrastructure could affect Iran’s ability to provide services and maintain government operations.



Israeli and American officials have been coordinating on possible military options. The operation would mark Israel’s return to major offensive operations after it paused attacks during the previous ceasefire period.



However, an Israeli official told CBS News that Israel was not aware of a decision to restart full military operations and had not been asked to join any new U.S. strikes against Iran.



President Donald Trump discussed the strike plans during a cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday, but sources said he had not yet issued final authorization.



Trump told reporters: “We’ll be hitting them very hard. At some point, they’re going to say, ‘We just can’t take it anymore.’”



When asked about diplomacy, Trump said: “I think we just want to win.”



Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the department would not comment on specific targets before a final presidential decision but confirmed that U.S. forces were prepared.



“The Department of War is locked and loaded, ready to execute the President’s directives at a moment’s notice,” Parnell said.



The potential strikes come as U.S. forces maintain a heightened posture in the Middle East, with military assets positioned to respond if ordered.



No final decision has been announced, and officials emphasized that plans remain under review.

REPORT: U.S. And Israel Prepare Possible Major Strikes On Iran’s Energy Infrastructure

Belaaz spoke with a crew member involved in evacuating a skilled nursing home in the path of the Spokane wildfires.



 &#8220;In 45 minutes we were able to evacuate 111 residents from a skilled nursing home,&#8221; he told Belaaz. &#8220;The fire was burning homes around the corner and time was of the essence. Many residents were wheelchair-bound and oxygen-dependent. Some of the employees lost their own homes to the fire, yet they stayed throughout the whole evacuation process.&#8221;



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 The three fires burning across Spokane County, together called the Spokane Complex, have so far burned more than 10,000 acres and destroyed an estimated 700 structures, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate as over 900 firefighters battle the flames.



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 As reported earlier, Aaron Farinacci, 37, has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson for allegedly starting the Old Trails Fire, the largest of the three blazes at over 3,600 acres. He is being held on $1 million bond and is expected to appear in court Tuesday.



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Belaaz Footage: Spokane Wildfires Rage as Suspect Held on $1M Bond

A Chabad Chasid serving in the IDF’s Chashmonaim Brigade was seriously wounded after he was accidentally shot by another soldier during an incident involving his unit.



According to initial reports, the soldier sustained serious injuries after a firearm was discharged unintentionally by a fellow soldier. Military Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the incident, including suspected mishandling of the weapon.



The injured soldier’s name for Tehillim and Tefillah is Chaim Yisrael ben Yonit Yael. The public is asked to daven for his full recovery and a refuah sheleimah.

Chabad Chasid Serving in in IDF Seriously Wounded in Accidental Shooting Incident

IDF Duvdevan special forces, guided by the Shin Bet, arrested a terror suspect in the Old City area of Shchem (Nablus) overnight Monday going into Tuesday.



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 According to an IDF statement, soldiers from the elite Duvdevan Commando Unit raided the area following intelligence provided by the Shin Bet on the suspect&#8217;s whereabouts.



 The suspect is affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad and was acting to advance terror activities, the army said. He was also previously linked to the &#8220;Lions&#8217; Den&#8221; terror network, a Nablus-based cell that Israeli security forces have successfully worked to dismantle in recent years.

FOOTAGE: Duvdevan Forces Arrest Islamic Jihad Terror Suspect in Shchem

Bar Asraf hy&#8221;d, 30, was found dead Shabbos evening at the grave of Liron Barda hy&#8221;d, his childhood best friend who was murdered by Hamas terrorists at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023.



Asraf was discovered at the cemetery in Elkana, located in the Shomron. His sister Lihi told Israeli news outlet Walla that the family found him after growing concerned when he ran off alone to a place they knew he often visited to feel close to Barda. Magen David Adom responded to the scene.



Barda, 26, worked as bar manager at the Nova festival in Re&#8217;im. According to her father and multiple reports, she had the chance to flee when the attack began but chose to stay and give first aid to the wounded until she was tragically murdered herself.



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Family members describe Asraf and Barda as having been &#8220;soulmates since childhood.&#8221; Asraf reportedly tried to reach Re&#8217;im during the attack to get to her but was turned back before arriving, then spent three days with her family awaiting news of her fate.



In the nearly three years since, Asraf remained close with the Barda family, visiting regularly, bringing her mother flowers.



His family says he had appeared happy in the days before his death, including at his brother&#8217;s wedding just three days earlier, and is asking that his struggle and the broader toll on those close to Nova&#8217;s victims, not only direct survivors be recognized. &#8220;The friends of those who were murdered are also victims of the tragedy,&#8221; his family said. Yehi Zichro Baruch. 



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If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text the Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline at 988. In Israel, ERAN&#8217;s hotline is 1201. Amudim offers confidential crisis support for the Jewish community at: 646-517-0740.

TRAGIC: Nearly Three Years After October 7, Best Friend of Slain Nova Victim Found Dead at Her Grave

On Tuesday, Congressman Mike Lawler joined Camp HASC’s annual bipartisan roundtable alongside Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Tom Engels, highlighting the organization’s more than 50 years of service to children and young adults with special needs and disabilities.



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 In a statement to Belaaz, Lawler praised Camp HASC for providing a life-changing summer experience that combines exceptional medical care, therapy, education, and recreation, allowing campers to thrive in a supportive environment.



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 “I was honored to join Camp HASC today for its annual bipartisan roundtable alongside HRSA Administrator Tom Engels,” Lawler tells Belaaz.



 “For more than 50 years, Camp HASC has provided children and young adults with special needs and disabilities a life-changing summer experience, combining exceptional medical care, therapy, education, and recreation in an environment where every camper can thrive. I also had the opportunity to tour the camp and see firsthand the incredible impact it has on campers and their families. Thank you to everyone at Camp HASC for your hospitality and for the extraordinary work you do each and every day.”



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Lawler Praises Camp HASC’s Decades of Support for Children With Special Needs During Visit

Iran said Monday that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and insisted that Washington cannot dictate when the fighting ends. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said there had been no change in the shipping situation despite a pause in attacks between Iran and the United States.



“We have never allowed, and will not allow, the United States to determine the timing of the war,” Baghaei said. “We will defend ourselves whenever our interests require it, and we will certainly use diplomatic tools whenever we feel it is appropriate.”



Baghaei rejected reports that Tehran had resumed negotiations with Washington. “We currently have no negotiations with the United States,” he said, adding that Iran was instead holding discussions with Oman over arrangements for vessels passing through the strategic waterway. Qatar and Pakistan are also working to revive broader indirect diplomacy between the two sides.&nbsp;



The remarks came after the United States and Iran paused attacks following nearly two weeks of escalating strikes. Washington described the lull as an opportunity for diplomacy, while Tehran said it would suspend retaliatory attacks as long as the U.S. bombing pause remained in place.



Baghaei also threatened a response to a Ukrainian attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea. Iran said the strike caused an explosion that killed one sailor and wounded another. Ukraine said it had targeted vessels used to carry military cargo between Iran and Russia.&nbsp;

Iran Says Hormuz Remains Closed, Rejects Direct U.S. Talks

Israel&#8217;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview on political commentator Gadi Taub&#8217;s podcast &#8220;Shomer Saf&#8221; that the temporary law freezing arrests of yeshiva Bochrim didn&#8217;t succeed&#8221; and will not be renewed in the next government.



According to Netanyahu, &#8220;After the elections we will establish a broad national government that will immediately pass a full draft law that meets the IDF&#8217;s needs.&#8221; The prime minister added a pointed message regarding those not studying in yeshivas: &#8220;Whoever doesn&#8217;t learn Torah will enlist — or go to jail.&#8221;



The remarks came as Israel&#8217;s Supreme Court, sitting as a panel of nine justices, was hearing petitions against the constitutionality of the arrest-freeze law, which had frozen arrests of Charedi draft evaders until November 30.



Reactions came quickly. United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yitzhak Goldknopf said the comments &#8220;only confirm what was clear to us from the start — the prime minister has no intention of resolving the status of yeshiva students and does not plan to advance a draft law, which is why we left the government.&#8221; Yisrael party chairman Gadi Eisenkot criticized from the opposite direction: &#8220;Netanyahu continues to disrespect the public. The public won&#8217;t buy the new spin.&#8221;

Netanyahu, in Podcast Interview: “Whoever Doesn’t Learn Torah Will Enlist — Or Go to Jail”

Reports indicate progress toward implementing the Gaza agreement, with Hamas officials expected to issue an official statement soon. Peace Council officials said the process will take time, with all military activity in Gaza set to halt under the deal.



The plan includes Hamas disarmament, which U.S. officials said could begin within weeks, while Israel remains skeptical that Hamas will abandon its weapons. Police weapons would reportedly be handed over first, followed by the removal of heavy weapons.



A technocratic local government is being prepared as a proposed alternative to both Hamas and the &#8216;Palestinian&#8217; Authority. Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would take place in phases according to a timetable, while the conditions required for implementation are expected to be published within two weeks.

REPORT: Gaza Agreement Implementation Plans Take Shape

After nearly a decade during which EL AL’s safety video starring Lior Suchard accompanied passengers and became one of the airline’s most recognizable brand assets, EL AL is launching a new series of safety videos created using a unique technology being utilized for the first time and featuring Gal Gadot, Rotem Sela, Deni Avdija and Lior Raz, among the most successful Israeli stars worldwide. The videos will be screened on all EL AL flights beginning in August.



In recent years, airline safety videos around the world have evolved into major productions. Rather than relying on standard instructional videos, airlines are incorporating creativity, humor and global celebrities to capture passengers’ attention, increase engagement with safety instructions and encourage them to watch the video from beginning to end. EL AL’s new safety video series was created with the same approach and with the goal of transforming the safety briefing into a modern passenger experience designed for 2026.



In a first-of-its-kind initiative, EL AL integrated advanced AI technology into the production of its new safety video series, creating an innovative and dynamic content platform. As part of the initiative, approximately 10 different videos were produced and tailored to specific destinations. Instead of presenting a single safety video across all flights, passengers will enjoy a changing viewing experience in which visual elements vary according to the destination, while selected flights also include destination-specific recommendations.



The technology enables EL AL to create multiple versions of its safety video, refresh and adapt content over time, incorporate new stories for different destinations and continue enhancing the customer experience in the years ahead while increasing passengers’ attention to critical safety messages.



The initiative was produced in collaboration with Samsung and integrates Samsung Galaxy devices and Galaxy AI technology as an integral part of both the storyline and the visual language of the videos.



Levy Halevy, EL AL CEO: &#8220;We are proud to continue bringing our customers one of the most advanced travel experiences in the world. The new safety video series combines creativity, technology and high-quality content, allowing us to communicate important safety messages in an innovative and relevant way while joining a standard now embraced by the world’s leading airlines. The decision to feature Israeli stars who have achieved success on the international stage reflects EL AL’s values of excellence, innovation and Israeli pride, while adding another layer of connection to Israel and the story we bring to the world.&#8221;



Kenny Rozenberg, one of EL AL’s controlling shareholders: &#8220;EL AL continues to strengthen its position as a global airline that adopts the most advanced standards in the aviation industry and brings them to its customers. This initiative reflects the way we view EL AL: an airline that leads through innovation, remains connected to its roots and proudly represents Israel wherever it flies. As an Israeli airline, it is important for us to continue showcasing the Israeli spirit, innovation and excellence that define who we are.&#8221;

After Nearly a Decade: EL AL Launches New Safety Videos Featuring Advanced, First-of-Its-Kind Technology Starring Gal Gadot, Rotem Sela, Deni Avdija and Lior Raz, Joining the Global Trend That Has Turned Airline Safety Videos Into Flagship Productions

The New York Times reports that Yesterday, Marine One, carrying President Trump, came within 0.8 miles laterally and 700 feet vertically of an Envoy Air passenger jet near Reagan National Airport.



The FAA is investigating the incident, which officials say involved communication issues between the helicopter crew and air traffic controllers.

Marine One Close Call With Passenger Jet While Carrying President Trump

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The Hamas terror groups claimed on Monday it has agreed to the Witkoff proposed ceasefire deal to release 10 hostages in two phases and establish a 70-day temporary ceasefire, followed by negotiations for a permanent ceasefire with US guarantees, a source told Reuters.



However, White House Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff swiftly rejected Hamas’s claim. In an interview with Walla reporter Barak Ravid, he called the group’s response “disappointing and completely unacceptable.” 



Witkoff clarified that Israel supports a temporary ceasefire deal involving the release of half the living and half the deceased hostages, which would lead to “substantive negotiations” for a permanent ceasefire under his oversight. “That deal is on the table. Hamas should take it,” he said.

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MORE FROM BELAAZ

Hamas Claims Agreement to Witkoff Ceasefire; US Envoy Denies, Pushes Deal

Former President Joe Biden has sharply reduced his public schedule while undergoing treatment for Stage 4 prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, according to a Washington Post report published Sunday. Eighteen months after leaving the White House, the 83-year-old now spends most of his time with relatives, longtime friends and former aides.



People close to Biden said the treatment appears to be working, but the illness and accompanying procedures have left him visibly frail and frequently exhausted. Biden said earlier this month that his treatment was going “really well,” while his office declined to answer detailed questions about his daily routine, medical care or prognosis.



Unlike several recent former presidents who established large foundations or maintained active public schedules, Biden has kept a limited profile. His foundation expects to raise roughly $11 million by the end of 2027, far below the amounts typically associated with major presidential libraries. His days are reportedly organized around treatment, family and efforts to shape his legacy.



Biden is scheduled to release a memoir, Promise Me, America, on November 17, two weeks after the midterm elections. Some Democratic advisers fear the book tour could revive questions about his age and fitness that dominated the end of his 2024 campaign. Democratic strategist Sawyer Hackett said candidates were still working to overcome “the political damage he left behind.”



The controversy may intensify after Biden dropped his effort to block the release of recordings and transcripts from interviews used in Special Counsel Robert Hur’s classified-documents investigation. Hur previously described Biden as “a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” a phrase that became central to Republican attacks and Democratic concerns over his decision to seek a second term.

Biden Keeps Limited Schedule While Undergoing Treatment For Stage 4 Cancer

A lighter moment is surfacing from President Trump&#8217;s Oval Office meeting with five Holocaust survivors two weeks ago.



According to new details shared with Belaaz, Trump turned to one of the survivors, seated in a particular chair, and told her &#8220;You know who sat in that chair you are sitting in? Putin.&#8221;



Without missing a beat, the elderly survivor with young energy, stood up and asked &#8220;which chair did netanyahu sit in? — she wanted to sit there instead. The room, including President Trump and Jared Kushner, broke into laughter.



The funny moment added a warm postscript to the visit, which included a moving, candid discussion where the survivors shared their experiences during the Holocaust, offered Trump a traditional Bracha, and each received a presidential coin from his desk before departing, as reported by Belaaz.

Holocaust Survivor to Trump: “Where’s Netanyahu’s Chair?” — Oval Office Moment Draws Laughter

A massive fire broke out overnight Friday at the Tziyun complex of the Chabad Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya, in Hadiach, Ukraine, causing extensive damage to the main beis medrash and the hachnasas orchim facilities run by Chabad shliach Rabbi Shneur Deitsch.



 Local firefighters battled the large blaze for hours before bringing it under control, preventing what could have been an even greater tragedy.



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 B&#8217;chasdei Shomayim, there were no injuries.



 Ukrainian police have opened an investigation into the cause. Two leads are being examined: a possible electrical short in the building&#8217;s wiring, or a possible link to the war and the sensitive security situation in the region amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.



 The Tziyun complex, Kever of the Baal Hatanya, the founder of Chabad Chassidus, serves as a spiritual hub year-round, hosting thousands of mispallelim, visitors, and refugees from across Ukraine and around the world, with a full hachnasas orchim operation providing meals, lodging, and Tfilos.



 Rabbi Deitsch and community leaders have begun assessing the damage as they plan reconstruction, with hopes of restoring the beis medrash and hachnasas orchim as soon as possible.

Fire Destroys Beis Medrash at Baal HaTanya’s Tziyun in Ukraine

Yuval Kogan, the 4-year-old boy who went missing Thursday near Hof Hofit Beach in Ashkelon, was Baruch Hashem located alive and well Friday afternoon after more than a day of intensive searching. 



 The search effort drew hundreds of police officers, volunteers, Border Police fighters, rescue units, and citizens from across the country, with the Shin Bet assisting as well. Police Commissioner Rav-Nitzav Dani Levi ordered police academy cadets deployed to reinforce search teams in the field.



 Yuval was ultimately found by a civilian who had come to the area to join the search. The man said he hadn&#8217;t even intended to reach the spot where the child was found, he had taken a wrong turn en route to Nitzanim Beach when he suddenly noticed the boy standing beneath a tree.



 Overcome with emotion, he said: &#8220;I took a wrong turn, and suddenly I see the boy standing under a tree. Hashem is in this world. Thank G-d. This is a child who brought the whole country to its feet.&#8221; He added a call to the public: &#8220;Everyone should say a perek of Tehillim or Mizmor L&#8217;Todah. We did this together, with unity and ahavat chinam.&#8221;



 The commander of the Southern District said agter the child was located: &#8220;The actual distance was shorter than it seemed. The boy walked toward what he thought was home. During the night he fell asleep, and woke up in the morning. He&#8217;s a smart child who stayed in a shaded spot, which is likely what saved him. When he heard the horses approaching, he went toward them and called out — that&#8217;s how he was found.&#8221;



 Earlier Friday, Yuval&#8217;s mother, Dina Kogan, had appealed to the public to join the search, telling Ynet: &#8220;We&#8217;re in critical hours and my child&#8217;s life is in danger. This may be an abduction. Shin Bet and police alone aren&#8217;t enough — the whole country needs to be on its feet.&#8221;



 According to details released, Yuval was last seen Thursday at 12:50 p.m. near Hof Hofit Beach while walking with his father. His father, Dmitry (Dani) Kogan, said he lost eye contact with him for a few minutes and was unable to locate him afterward. Police launched the search operation shortly after being called, which concluded Friday with the child&#8217;s safe recovery.

After 24 Hours of Searching: 4-Year-Old Yuval Found Alive — Emotional Footage

Early Friday, Ukraine launched a record-setting wave of hundreds of long-range drones targeting Russian territory across multiple regions. 



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The strikes hit oil depots, energy infrastructure, military airfields, and logistics hubs deep inside Russia, including areas around Moscow.



The large-scale drone swarms are believed to be aimed at overwhelming Russian air defense systems, causing flight disruptions and forcing temporary airport closures in several regions.

UKRAINE LAUNCHES RECORD DRONE SWARM

Sen. Ted Cruz is predicting that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will run for president in 2028, warning Republicans not to assume her progressive politics make her unelectable. “Some Republicans are cheering that our opponents are crazy. I’m not,” Cruz said.



A recent University of New Hampshire poll placed AOC at 22% among likely Democratic primary voters, narrowly ahead of former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 21%. Every other prospective candidate remained in single digits. Her support rose from 14% in October 2025 to 22% in July, while California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris both lost ground.



AOC is also well positioned to inherit the movement built by Sen. Bernie Sanders, who would be 87 in 2028. She already has national name recognition, a powerful fundraising network, an energized online base and a clear message centered on health care, housing, economic inequality and taxing the wealthy.



Republicans may believe that message is too socialist to win. Cruz’s warning is that voters struggling with housing, medical bills and daily costs may still support her if they believe the political establishment has no better answer. Asked whether democratic socialism could lead toward communism, AOC replied: “We can’t even raise the minimum wage. Do they really think communism is going to happen?”



A crowded Democratic field could also work in her favor. Buttigieg, Newsom, Josh Shapiro, Mark Kelly and other mainstream candidates may divide moderate voters while AOC consolidates the progressive left. Democrats united behind Joe Biden to stop Sanders in 2020, but there is no guarantee that one clear establishment alternative will emerge in 2028. Cruz could still be wrong, but dismissing AOC’s chances may prove to be the mistake he is warning against.

Ted Cruz Warns Republicans Not To Dismiss AOC’s 2028 Chances

Large-scale search operations are underway in Ashkelon after a 4-year-old Chareidi boy, Yuval Kogan, went missing Thursday afternoon, on Tisha Bav, near Chof Hofit Beach, in an area just north of the city. 



Father recounted in his police interview: &#8220;I turned my head and I didn&#8217;t see him — he just disappeared.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="526" height="647" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1616058.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-28872" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1616058.jpg 526w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1616058-244x300.jpg 244w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 526px) 100vw, 526px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: IL Police Spokesperson</figcaption></figure>



Police say Kogan was last seen around 1:00 p.m. local time, reportedly on a walk with his father, before losing contact. Ashkelon police station commander Superintendent Eldad Eliashiv said the call to police came from the boy&#8217;s father, and that the child had gone missing in an open area north of the city.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="613" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1616071.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-28871" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1616071.jpg 900w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1616071-300x204.jpg 300w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1616071-768x523.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: IL Police Spokesperson</figcaption></figure>



The Shin Bet has joined the search effort alongside officers from Israel Police&#8217;s Southern District. Shin Bet&#8217;s involvement is notable, as usually the agency&#8217;s core mandate is counter-terrorism and internal security, and its participation in a missing-child case often signals that authorities have not ruled out abduction or hostile involvement, rather than treating this as a simple case of a toddler wandering off. Police have not publicly specified the reason for Shin Bet&#8217;s involvement.



 Search teams include police aerial units, marine police, volunteers, police diving units, and additional emergency and rescue personnel, conducting extensive sweeps along the coastline and surrounding area in an effort to locate the child and ensure his safety. 



Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam arrived at the search site, and the municipality said its emergency rescue unit &#8220;Magen,&#8221; along with municipal inspection and enforcement teams, are conducting intensive searches alongside police. 



Police describe Kogan as thin-built, with brown hair, last seen wearing a green shirt.



Anyone with information is asked to call Israel Police at 100, or the Ashkelon police station directly at 08-6771440. 



Klal Yisrael is asked to daven for the safe and speedy return of Yuval. 



Belaaz will continue to update as more details emerge.

Shin Bet Joins Search for Missing 4-Year-Old Chareidi Boy Last Seen at Ashkelon Beach

President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is close to deciding whether to launch a “massive attack” on Iran, potentially larger than the strikes carried out during Operation Epic Fury. “I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it,” Trump told Axios.



Trump did not give a deadline for the decision. Two U.S. officials said no final call has been made and no new military orders have been issued, despite the president’s statement that American forces are prepared for a new operation.



Trump said Israel “would join in two minutes if I ask them to,” but added that “we don’t need anybody” to carry out the attack. He also said there would be “consequences” for Israel joining the strikes, without elaborating.



The president said Iran wants negotiations but is not currently prepared to accept a deal. “They haven’t received enough pain yet,” he said. Two regional sources familiar with mediation efforts said Iran’s leadership has not accepted the latest proposal, with one saying, “We are trying, but the Iranians are not being helpful.”



The warning comes as the United States has intensified attacks over the past 12 days in an effort to halt Iranian strikes on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has continued escalating, while Iran-backed Houthis have renewed attacks on Saudi ships in the Red Sea. Trump warned that further Houthi attacks would lead Washington to hold Iran responsible and said “major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves.” Oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel amid the widening crisis.

Trump Nears Decision On “Massive” New U.S. Attack Against Iran

Adolf Hitler’s birthplace in Braunau am Inn officially reopened Wednesday as an Austrian police complex, part of a government effort to end the building’s appeal as a destination for neo-Nazis. Around 50 officers will work at the site near the German border, which will house both the local police station and the Braunau district police command.



Austria debated the building’s future for years. Officials feared that leaving it empty would preserve its symbolic value, while turning it into a museum could attract even more visitors because of its connection to Hitler. Demolition was also rejected over concerns that it could appear to erase history. Police will now actively operate from the building rather than simply guard it.



“Today’s police, our Austrian federal police, are the exact opposite of the symbolism associated with this place,” Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said. “Our police stand for democracy and the rule of law.” Parts of the complex will also be used for human-rights training, while a memorial stone outside will remain in place.



Austria spent approximately €20 million renovating the building and making it less recognizable. The ochre-yellow exterior was painted white, arched windows were replaced and the facade was extended upward. Construction debris was secretly disposed of to prevent extremists from collecting pieces as Nazi memorabilia. The site continued to attract far-right visitors in recent years, including four Germans who left white roses there in 2024, with one woman allegedly performing a prohibited Hitler salute.



Critics say Austria went too far in making the site ordinary and failed to create a substantial educational component. “A unique historical opportunity was missed to use the birthplace of history’s greatest mass murderer in a lasting and historically responsible way,” said Eveline Doll of the local Diskurs Hitlerhaus initiative.

Hitler’s Birthplace Reopens as Austrian Police Station to Deter Neo-Nazi Pilgrimages

US President Donald Trump will travel to Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday to attend the dignified transfer of four American service members killed in incidents linked to the war with Iran. Their flag-draped caskets will return to American soil as the conflict’s military, financial and political costs continue to rise.



First Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, were killed or believed killed after Iranian missiles and drones struck living quarters at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on Friday. All three served in US Army air-defense units.



Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, was killed Sunday during the controlled detonation of a downed Iranian attack drone at Erbil Air Base in Iraq. The Pentagon classified Swinton as killed in action, although the circumstances of the incident remain under investigation. Another service member suffered minor injuries.



The war has now killed 18 US service members and injured more than 450 troops. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers this week that the conflict has cost at least $37.5 billion, a figure that includes some anticipated expenses through the end of September. The Pentagon separately said that 100 service members had been injured since July 7 and that 96% had already returned to duty.



Pressure on the administration is growing as lawmakers from both parties question the war’s objectives and duration. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 79% of Americans expect the conflict to continue for an extended period, while only 37% approve of the US strikes. Rising oil and gasoline prices have also increased concerns among Republican strategists ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Trump To Attend Dover Transfer As Four US Troops Return From Iran War

New York Knicks center, NBA star and champ Karl-Anthony Towns, joined a special evening Monday night at Reserve Cut in Manhattan in support of Chazaq, the organization dedicated to giving every Jewish child the opportunity to receive a Torah education.



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 Towns addressed the crowd with warmth, telling attendees it was &#8220;an honor to be able to play for y&#8217;all.&#8221;



 The dinner featured a siyum, along with divrei chizuk and divrei Torah offered by several speakers throughout the evening.



 Victoria Zirkiev, President of Chazaq&#8217;s Women&#8217;s Division, told Belaaz in a statement: &#8220;This was A special evening which featured Karl-Anthony Towns of the NY Knicks in support of Chazaq and its incredible work.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="765" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1566033.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-28823" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1566033.jpg 900w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1566033-300x255.jpg 300w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1566033-768x653.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Victoria Zirkiev with Karl Anthony Towns</figcaption></figure>



&#8220;The dinner had a special siyum with many speakers offering words of Chizuk and Torah&#8221;, Mrs. Zirkiev added.



 Chazaq&#8217;s work spans after-school programs, community outreach, and efforts to help families transition their children from public school into yeshiva. Through these initiatives, the organization continues to strengthen Jewish identity and build a stronger future for the next generation of Yiddishe Children.



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WATCH: NBA Star Karl-Anthony Towns Headlines Chazaq Fundraiser Dinner

<kbd>By Jamie Geller</kbd>



I did not expect to hear the word joy so many times while making a film about grief.



In 2025, twenty Jews were murdered in antisemitic attacks outside of Israel. More than 800 severe antisemitic incidents were documented around the world. It was the deadliest year for Jews living outside Israel this century, and so I started working on a film to document it. When I began, I assumed I already understood the shape of that year. I did not. It took sitting across from the people who lived through it to see the pattern that had been there all along.



They did not come for us at random moments. They came for us on our holidays.



A terrorist attacked Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, while worshippers prayed and fasted. Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were murdered that morning. Melvin was the first Jewish man killed in the United Kingdom for being Jewish in 80 years. Gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, killing fifteen people, among them a girl who had just turned ten, a Holocaust survivor, and a rabbi. And during the war between Israel and Iran, a ballistic missile struck a residential building in Haifa on the fourth day of Passover, killing four members of the Gershovitz family.



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Yom Kippur. Hanukkah. Passover. While we were praying. While we were lighting candles. While we were celebrating. This has been something that has happened in Israel several times: the Yom Kippur War, October 7th, now it is spreading to the Diaspora.



As the person behind Aish&#8217;s Tisha B&#8217;Av documentary While We Were Celebrating, I traveled to three continents this year to sit with the people who lived through each of these attacks, and with the families they left behind. I went in bracing myself for grief. I have made enough films and sat with enough loss to know what to expect. What I found instead has not left me since.



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Karen Cravitz told me she was the one who encouraged her husband Melvin to leave for synagogue early that Yom Kippur morning, because that is simply what you do on the holiest day of the year. She has spent every day since turning that decision over in her head, a decision made entirely out of love and faith. Yoni Finlay was holding the synagogue doors shut to keep the terrorist out when a police bullet struck him in the chest and passed through his body into his friend Adrian, who was standing right behind him. And Rabbi Daniel Walker described his congregation to me as a reserved, quiet English crowd that does not usually dance on Friday nights. That next Friday, they danced.



In Sydney, Sheina Gutnik told me about her father, Reuven Morrison, who ran toward the gunmen at Bondi Beach and used his own body as a shield, saving dozens of lives before losing his.



Through the grief, through the funeral, through the memorial service that followed, Sheina lit Hanukkah candles. All eight nights. She told me she was not going to be the one to let the light go out. That message really moved me in ways I cannot explain.



Chavi Israel recounted how she threw herself over her baby, Meir, the moment the shooting started, trying to protect him and trying somehow not to suffocate him at the same time. She told me it was Reuven who saved both their lives.&nbsp;



Yonatan Frank, a soldier who had come to Australia from Gaza days earlier, and wanted to go to the beach, found himself unarmed in the middle of a massacre and ran toward it anyway. Yonatan helped Chavi&#8217;s sister-in-law and her baby reach a waiting car that had arrived to rescue them. Eleven people ended up crammed into a car built for five. Chavi, Meir, Yonatan, and eight strangers who were suddenly not strangers at all. Once they were safe, they lit Hanukkah candles to keep the light alive.



In Haifa, Professor Lena Sagi told me about her neighbors, the Gershovitz family, who were found after an eighteen-hour search through what had been their home. Lena had lost everything but her life that night, the Gershovitz family weren’t as lucky. Lena told me that she later danced at her daughter&#8217;s bat mitzvah. Alex Gershovitz, Vladimir&#8217;s brother, still cannot speak about his family without his voice catching. In the same moment that he described himself to me as a secular Jew, he looked me in the eye and said that he believes God has a plan.



I sat with each of these people separately. Different continents, different languages, different circumstances. None of them knew what the others had said, yet every single one of them told me the same thing, completely unprompted.



They did not want to talk to me about their pain. They wanted to talk to me about joy. Not in spite of what happened to them, but because of it.



They chose to speak now, ahead of Tisha B&#8217;Av, because they understand what that day means to the Jewish world. It is our most reflective moment, the day we sit with our losses across history. None of these people are asking to be pitied. They are asking to be heard; they are asking us to understand our mission to live.&nbsp;&nbsp;



This is nothing new for us. It runs through our history like a current, from the Inquisition to the pogroms to the Holocaust to October 7th, to Manchester, to Bondi, to Haifa. Our enemies have tried to extinguish our flame in every generation, and in every generation, the answer has been the same.



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Live more Jewishly. Live more joyously. Celebrate again. That will be the ultimate victory over our enemies.



This Tisha B&#8217;Av, as we sit on the floor and mourn what we have lost, I am sure that I will keep hearing Karen, Sheina, Chavi, and Lena in my head, asking this of me. I did not write their message. I am only carrying it, but now I am not making simple assumptions; I too am listening.



—&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;



While We Were Celebrating, the Aish Original Tisha B&#8217;Av documentary film, premieres worldwide on July 22. It is free to watch. Register at <a href="http://aish.com/9av">aish.com/9av</a>. To arrange a community screening, visit <a href="http://9av.aish.com/groupscreening">9av.aish.com/groupscreening</a>. For more information email <a href="mailto:9avfilm@aish.com">9avfilm@aish.com</a>

Honoring the Tragedies That Befell Us While We Were Celebrating 

Hamas spent years building operational networks across Europe that allegedly prepared attacks against Jewish, Israeli and Western targets, according to an investigation published by Switzerland’s Neue Zürcher Zeitung. The suspected infrastructure stretched from Greece and Cyprus to Germany, Austria and Denmark, involving sleeper cells, weapons caches and explosives training.



The latest case emerged in June, when Greek authorities arrested a 37-year-old Egyptian man of Palestinian origin in Crete. Police reportedly found chemicals, a precision scale and equipment potentially usable for making explosives at his Athens apartment. Investigators linked him to Palestinians arrested in Cyprus and suspect the cell considered attacking an Israeli cruise ship that regularly docks in Greece.



Separate but overlapping investigations uncovered an alleged weapons network centered on Germany. Suspects reportedly moved at least 13 handguns, an AK-47 and more than 900 rounds of ammunition through Scandinavia, Germany and Austria. German prosecutors said one group had selected a target for an attack around October 7, 2025, and recorded a video claiming responsibility, although authorities have not disclosed the target.



The alleged infrastructure predates Hamas’ October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel. A Berlin court in March sentenced four Hamas members to prison terms of between four-and-a-half and six years for involvement in European weapons depots. Investigators traced caches to Bulgaria and Denmark, suspected another in Poland, and said operatives had examined potential targets including Israel’s Berlin embassy and the U.S. Ramstein Air Base.



Hamas denied connections to the suspects and maintained that its armed campaign is limited to Palestinian territory. Terrorism expert Hans-Jakob Schindler rejected that denial, citing alleged personal links between suspects and senior Hamas figures in Lebanon. “Hamas’ weakness is not necessarily good news for Europe,” he warned, arguing that pressure on the terrorist organization in Gaza could increase its incentive to seek global attention through attacks abroad.

Report: Hamas Built European Cells for ‘Second October 7’ Plot

Israeli intelligence assesses that Iran transferred thousands of uranium-enrichment centrifuges into a deeply buried tunnel complex known as Pickaxe Mountain, located roughly a mile south of the Natanz nuclear site, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing Israeli and U.S. officials.



 The transfer reportedly took place last fall, in the months following the June 2025 strikes on Iran&#8217;s nuclear infrastructure carried out under Operation Midnight Hammer.



 Satellite imagery from late June 2026 shows vehicle activity at tunnel entrances carved into the mountain, which Iran refers to internally as Mount Kolang. The tunnels are believed to sit several hundred feet underground, a depth that would make the site far harder to damage in an airstrike than Iran&#8217;s previously targeted facilities.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="828" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1544768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-28810" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1544768.jpg 900w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1544768-300x276.jpg 300w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1544768-768x707.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Satellite image from the end of June.</figcaption></figure>



 The site has not been made available to International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors, and Iran has not disclosed its activity there, fueling concern that Tehran is positioning itself to resume enrichment even after the damage inflicted on Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan last year. U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly named Pickaxe Mountain as a possible target, telling a radio interviewer the site was a candidate for further military action, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pressed for continued pressure on Iran&#8217;s weapons program.



 Officials briefed on the intelligence caution that the full contents of the tunnel complex remain unverified, and that striking a target buried so deep would likely require specialized munitions or repeated strikes.

Israeli Intelligence: Iran Relocated Thousands of Centrifuges to Fortified Mountain Tunnels Near Natanz

A second potential parah adumah calf has been born in the Golan Heights, the National Institute for Red Heifer Research announced Tuesday, roughly five weeks after another candidate was discovered. 



The calf was born in the herd of Shay Givon, the institute’s cattle specialist, who also identified the previous calf. No identification tag was attached to its ear, in order to avoid creating a possible blemish. “I feel that we are living in a historic period,” Givon said, adding that he has received inquiries from Jews across Israel and abroad since the earlier birth.



However, the new calf was born alongside a male twin, creating a separate halachic question. In cattle, female calves born with male twins can develop a condition known as freemartinism, in which shared hormones affect the female’s reproductive system. The calf may appear entirely normal externally while having an internal congenital abnormality.



Rabbi Azaria Ariel, who heads the institute’s beis medrash, said approximately 20 rabbis will examine whether such a hidden condition would disqualify the animal. “There is a question over whether a congenital defect that is not external or visible on the cow’s body disqualifies its unblemished status, both regarding offerings generally and the parah adumah specifically,” he said. The institute plans to bring its conclusions to leading poskim.



Under halacha, the ashes of a qualifying parah adumah are required to purify people from impurity caused by contact with the dead, a necessary step for renewed Beis Hamikdash service. Neither of the two recent calves has yet been declared halachically valid. The earlier calf also remains under review because an ear tag was attached shortly after its birth.

Second Potential Parah Adumah Calf Born in Golan Ahead of Tisha B’Av

The IDF and Shin Bet announced Sunday that they had eliminated Adham Ibrahim Sha&#8217;aban Nasman, y&#8221;sh, Head of the Operations Department of Hamas&#8217; Gaza City Brigade, in a strike over the weekend in the Gaza City area. Nasman&#8217;s terror record spanned years of planning and directing attacks against Israel. In recent years he served as a Nukhba battalion commander, and it was in that capacity that he commanded and directed the infiltration of Gaza City Brigade terrorists into Israeli territory during the October 7th massacre — one of the masterminds behind the murderous assault that shook Klal Yisroel to its core. Throughout the war, Nasman was directly involved in holding numerous hostages captive, among them Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, Ziv and Gali Berman, Eitan Mor, Matan Angrest, and Omri Miran — names that became etched into the hearts of Jews around the world as their families davened and fought for their return. The terrorist held a string of senior roles within Hamas&#8217; terror apparatus over the years, including Intelligence Officer of the Gaza City Brigade and Commander of the Al-Shati Battalion, positions from which he planned and executed numerous attacks against IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians. The IDF and Shin Bet noted that in recent months, Nasman had been working to train new terror operatives for the Gaza City Brigade and to advance the production and distribution of weapons to its battalions — part of an ongoing effort by Hamas to rebuild its military strength in direct violation of the ceasefire agreement currently in place. IDF troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in the region in accordance with the agreement and will continue operating to remove any emerging threats.

IDF, Shin Bet Eliminate Hamas Terrorist Behind Oct. 7 Infiltration of Gaza City, Holding of Multiple Hostages:

UTJ Chairman MK Yitzchak Goldknopf visited the military Prison 10 and called for an end to the arrest of Yeshiva Bochurim.



Goldknopf said: “It’s impossible to witness the suffering of prisoners who ask, ‘Why do we deserve to sit in prison? Just because we learn Torah?'&#8221;

Goldknopf Calls for End to Arrests of Yeshiva Bochurim:

Amid reports of the MOU resuming, a senior U.S. official told Israeli media that President Donald Trump is focused on making Iran pay for MOU violations, actions in the Strait of Hormuz, and the deaths of American soldiers in Jordan.



The official added that while Iran will be held accountable, the U.S. remains committed to reaching a peace deal through ongoing negotiations.

US: Iran Must Pay, Peace Talks to Continue:

Israeli exports reached a record $169 billion in 2025, surpassing both earlier forecasts and the previous all-time high, according to figures released by the Foreign Trade Administration at the Economy Ministry. The total exceeded the projected $165 billion and topped the previous record of more than $166 billion set in 2022.



The increase came despite the war, continued security challenges and lower exports to parts of Europe. High-tech, software, and research and development led the growth, helping offset weaker performance in traditional industries including chemicals and pharmaceuticals.



Asian markets also played a growing role. Israeli exports to India rose by about 7%, while increases were recorded in Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand and Japan. Exports to Serbia jumped by roughly 33%, and the Economy Ministry plans to open a new economic mission there during the coming year.



Economy Minister Nir Barkat said the figures showed the continued strength of Israeli industry. “These numbers prove the strength of Israel’s economy and its entrepreneurial spirit. Despite all the crises, the world continues to choose Israeli innovation.” Barkat said the government aims to increase Israeli exports to $1 trillion within two decades.



Israel currently operates 55 economic missions around the world. Those offices helped advance approximately $1.2 billion in export deals during 2025, according to the ministry. Five additional missions are expected to open in Miami, Buenos Aires, Athens, Belgrade and Addis Ababa, bringing the total to a record 60.

Israeli Exports Hit Record $169 Billion As Tech And Asian Markets Drive Growth

Large wooden roof beams burned during the destruction of First Beis Hamikdash-period Yerushalayim have been uncovered in the City of David, archaeologists announced Monday. The beams were found at the Givati Parking Lot excavation in a destruction layer associated with the Babylonian conquest of Yerushalayim in 586 BCE.



Excavation director Dr. Efrat Bocher said the beams likely supported the roof of an internal courtyard before collapsing during the fire. “It appears that these beams, which were probably used to roof an internal courtyard in a First Temple-period building, collapsed onto the building’s floor during the destruction,” she said. “We believe that plaster covering the walls melted during the fire, covered the charred wooden beams and helped preserve them so exceptionally.”



The discovery is considered unusual because wood rarely survives in Israel with a substantial number of visible growth rings. Dr. Johanna Regev of the Israel Antiquities Authority said the thick beams could allow researchers to narrow the dating of the building and its destruction to approximately 10 years. Scientific analysis remains underway, and researchers have not yet independently confirmed the exact year the beams burned.



The beams were found inside a large First Beis Hamikdash-period structure whose purpose remains unknown, though archaeologists believe it may have served an important public or administrative function. Excavation directors Dr. Yiftah Shalev and Prof. Yuval Gadot said the evidence shows the building “was deliberately burned and collapsed all at once.”



Residents later returned during the Persian period, blocking the ruined section while continuing to live elsewhere in the structure. Archaeologists believe part of the destruction may have been deliberately preserved as a place of memory. The building previously yielded a seal impression reading “Natan-Melech, Servant of the King,” a name also appearing in the Sefer Melachim.



Announced shortly before Tisha B’Av, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said: “On the eve of Tisha B’Av, this discovery reminds us that our connection to Yerushalayim is not only one of faith, but also of history, archaeology and national memory. Our responsibility is to continue uncovering the truth, preserving it and proudly passing it on to future generations.”

Burned First Beis Hamikdash-Era Roof Beams Found in Yerushalayim Destruction Layer

France on Sunday commemorated the 84th anniversary of the Vel d’Hiv roundup, the largest mass arrest of Jews carried out in the country during World War II, as authorities condemned the vandalism of a Paris plaque honoring a family that saved a Jewish child.



Vel d’Hiv refers to the July 1942 operation in which French police arrested thousands of Jews and confined many of them inside Paris’s Winter Velodrome before deportation to Nazi concentration and death camps. The damaged plaque honored a couple and their daughter who rescued a 13-year-old child and were later recognized by Israel as Righteous Among the Nations.



“To attack the Righteous is to desecrate the entire universe,” Deputy Defense Minister Alice Rufo said. “The plaque will be restored. Their memory remains undiminished. In the face of antisemitism, in all its forms, the Republic will not yield an inch.”



More than 4,500 French police officers were mobilized for the roundup on July 16 and 17, 1942, with arrests continuing until July 20. A total of 13,152 Jews were seized, including thousands of children, and sent through transit camps before deportation to Nazi camps.



The operation was carried out under the collaborationist Vichy government after Nazi Germany occupied France. France did not formally acknowledge the state’s responsibility until 1995, when President Jacques Chirac apologized for the role of French authorities.

France Marks Vel d’Hiv Roundup After Rescuers’ Memorial Is Vandalized

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview that Iran cannot be pressured through threats or incentives, claiming the country has shown that the United States and Israel are not “superpowers” and are not invincible.



Araghchi said Iran resisted demands to end its nuclear enrichment program and accused its adversaries of turning to war after failing to achieve their goals through negotiations.



He claimed Iran remained standing after the 12 day war, saying the government did not collapse and that the public supported the system.



Araghchi also said the strike that killed former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was made possible by a security breach inside Iran that has still not been resolved.

Araghchi: Iran Cannot Be Threatened or Forced Into Concessions

The Israeli government has reportedly launched a roughly $50 million campaign to improve its standing in the United States as American support declines following the wars in Gaza and Iran, according to a Wall Street Journal investigation. The effort, led in part by former Trump campaign adviser Brad Parscale, forms part of a broader Israeli public-diplomacy push reportedly budgeted at approximately $730 million.



The campaign uses conservative media advertising, influencer outreach, social-media content and AI-assisted text conversations. It also includes the creation of pro-Israel websites designed to appear in search results and influence how artificial-intelligence chatbots answer questions about Israel.



Millions of Americans reportedly received messages from supposed representatives named Emma, Sarah or John, who identified themselves as members of a group called “Friends for Peace.” Beth Surdut, one recipient, said the exchange appeared artificial. “I said to him, ‘I don’t think you’re a real person’ — and he tried to persuade me to think that he was.” Asked whether Friends for Peace was a real organization, Parscale responded: “What do you define as a real organization?”



The effort has focused heavily on younger conservatives, evangelical Christians and MAGA-aligned audiences. Parscale also serves as chief strategy officer at Salem Media, a major conservative Christian media company, although Salem and Parscale have denied that hosts were paid to deliver Israeli government talking points.



The report said the campaign comes as polling shows a sharp deterioration in Israel’s image among Americans, particularly younger voters. A recent Pew survey found 60% of Americans viewed Israel unfavorably, while only 37% held a favorable opinion. Parscale’s team says major AI platforms have begun drawing from its websites, but it has not publicly released evidence demonstrating the campaign’s effectiveness.

Israel Reportedly Launches $50 Million U.S. Campaign To Rebuild Support And Shape AI

A group of Israeli travelers was attacked this week at a remote campsite in northern Mongolia after an intoxicated man allegedly approached them with an ax and shouted “Heil Hitler” after hearing them speak Hebrew.



One Israeli suffered a broken jaw and was flown back to Israel for medical treatment, while the rest of the group was evacuated from the area.



Local authorities condemned the attack and offered the Israelis the option to file a police complaint. The incident occurred in a remote region of northern Mongolia and was described as unusual for a country generally viewed as friendly toward Israeli visitors.

Israelis Attacked at Remote Mongolia Campsite, One Suffers Broken Jaw

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A new Channel 12 poll found that 23% of Israelis say they or a family member are considering leaving the country if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reelected, while 68% said they are not considering leaving.</li>



<li>The poll also showed continued opposition to coalition legislation passed this week, with 67% of respondents saying they oppose the laws and 21% expressing support.</li>
</ul>

Poll: 23% Consider Leaving Israel:

A 28 year old man was arrested in Antwerp after allegedly threatening Jewish residents with a hammer, knocking a man’s hat off and shoving passersby in the city’s Jewish quarter.



Belgian soldiers stationed to protect Jewish institutions intervened, restrained the suspect and held him until police arrived. No injuries were reported.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/dsc_5404.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-28763" srcset="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/dsc_5404.webp 900w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/dsc_5404-300x200.webp 300w, https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/dsc_5404-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure>



Police said the suspect is known from previous offenses, including public nuisance and drug related incidents. The increased security presence in Antwerp follows a rise in antisemitic incidents across Europe.

Man Threatens Antwerp Jews With Hammer, Arrested by Belgian Soldiers

Iran has reportedly launched a ballistic missile toward a U.S. base in Saudi Arabia for the first time early Saturday morning, marking a very significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Saudi Arabia is expected to respond. 



Iran also attacked Bahrain and Kuwait.

Iran Launches First Ballistic Missile at U.S. Base in Saudi Arabia in Major Escalation

A 90-year-old extreme left-wing activist arrived at Tomer Farm (Chavat Tomer) in the Alminiya area of Gush Etzion in order to film the farm.



 He argued with a local teenage boy who was there, then got into his vehicle and drove off, lightly striking the boy.A local woman (a resident of the place) approached the car to question him and understand what he wanted.



 The man continued driving, hit her as she held on, and dragged her several meters. She sustained light injuries.



The 90-year-old suspect was detained for questioning at the police station, and his vehicle was seized. Security forces are investigating the incident.

90-Year-Old Man Hits Teen Boy and Drags Woman in Car Incident at Tomer Farm, Gush Etzion – Motive Under Investigation

Early Friday morning, the Israeli Knesset voted 62–0 to approve a party financing amendment, dissolving the 25th Knesset and setting Israel’s next election for October 27.



Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana closed the final plenum session, saying Israel is entering an election campaign marked by debate and disagreements, but urged Israelis to remember that “despite all differences, we are not enemies, but partners.”

Knesset Dissolves, Israel Heads to October 27 Election:

Michael Katz hy&#8221;d, 82, from Haifa, passed away on Wednesday, from wounds sustained during an Iranian missile strike on Haifa during Operation Roaring Lion. 



Katz had been critically injured in the attack three months earlier. HY”D.

SAD NEWS: Haifa Resident Dies From Injuries Sustained in Iranian Missile Attack:

Israel and Lebanon agreed to establish two pilot zones in southern Lebanon to test Lebanese army control and efforts to remove Hezbollah weapons.



The U.S.-mediated plan includes Lebanese forces taking responsibility for security, with implementation verified by a third party. Officials described the talks as positive, with further discussions expected.

Israel and Lebanon Agree on Pilot Zones for Hezbollah Disarmament:

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) is introducing legislation to restrict entry to the U.S. from 39 countries across the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean, citing national security concerns and visa overstays.



The bill includes countries such as Iran, Syria, Yemen, Cuba, and Venezuela, and would also restrict entry for individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority-issued documents.

Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Bill to Expand Visa Restrictions:

President Trump hosted five Holocaust survivors in the Oval Office on Tuesday, in a meeting Belaaz has learned was arranged over an extended period by the Nachas organization before finally coming together.



Among the five survivors was Mrs. Blau of Borough Park, who spoke with Belaaz following the visit and described an experience she called deeply moving.



Mrs. Blau said that aside from the President, she was especially thrilled to meet his son in law Jared Kushner during the visit, and marveled at the Oval Office itself, calling it beautiful.



Describing the officials she met, she said with a smile that Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks &#8220;like a little boy,&#8221; adding that President Trump was &#8220;even better looking in real life.&#8221;



The president was in good spirits throughout the meeting, according to Mrs. Blau.



At one point, one of the other survivors mentioned that four children urgently needed to fly out for special medical treatment but lacked the funds to do so. The family had reached out to the White House for help. Mrs. Blau recounted that the president turned to one of the survivors and asked who she thought had covered the cost. &#8220;It was me,&#8221; he told her.



The survivors were asked by the president to describe what they had endured, and he asked them how they had managed to survive. Mrs. Blau reflected on the extensive Secret Service presence and the security involved simply in reaching the Oval Office, saying she was struck by the process.



For Mrs. Blau, the visit to the Oval Office itself was the highlight of the day. She recalled telling the president that he should always keep Israel in his thoughts, to which he responded, &#8220;Of course, of course, Madam.&#8221;



Mrs. Blau says that each of the five survivors was presented with a presidential coin taken from the Oval Office desk before they departed. Asked what she planned to do with hers, Mrs. Blau laughed and said she wasn&#8217;t sure yet, noting simply, &#8220;It&#8217;s not a Rebbishe coin.&#8221;



All of the survivors were given brachos for health and long life by the White House staff, including the president.

Belaaz Exclusive: Holocaust Survivor Describes Moving Oval Office Meeting With President Trump

Fourteen years ago today, the Torah world lost Hagaon Harav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt&#8221;l, widely regarded as the Posek Hador for the Litvishe Torah world.



Born in Lithuania in 1910, Rav Elyashiv immigrated to Eretz Yisrael together with his parents and grandparents in 1922, settling in Yerushalayim&#8217;s Meah Shearim neighborhood. He received his early Torah education from his father and his grandfather, the Ba&#8217;al HaLeshem, and later learned under Harav Zalman Reuven Bengis zt&#8221;l of the Edah Charedis and Harav Shimshon Aharon Polonsky zt&#8221;l, the Tepliker Rav. He went on to marry Rebbetzin Sheina Chaya, daughter of Harav Aryeh Levin zt&#8221;l, the famed &#8220;father of the prisoners.&#8221; The Rebbetzin was niftar in 1994.



Rav Elyashiv began his rabbinic career around 1948 as rav of Ramleh. Two years later, he was appointed a dayan on Yerushalayim&#8217;s District Court, and later served on the Chief Rabbinical Court, stepping down from that post in 1972. In 1989, at the request of Hagaon Harav Elazar Shach zt&#8221;l, he joined the leadership of Degel HaTorah. Following the petirah of Hagaon Harav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt&#8221;l in 1995, Rav Elyashiv became the address for psak throughout the Litvishe world, and in 2001, after Rav Shach&#8217;s own petirah, he took on the leadership of the litvishe community at large.



Among his 12 children was a daughter, Batsheva a&#8221;h, who married Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky zt&#8221;l.



Rav Elyashiv was niftar in 2012 at the age of 102. More than 250,000 Yidden from around the world attended his levaya in Yerushalayim.

Fourteen Years Since The Petirah Of Hagaon Harav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Zt”l

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, one of the most outspoken supporters of Israel in the U.S. Congress, died Saturday evening at the age of 71 after what his office described as a brief and sudden illness.



A statement issued by Graham&#8217;s communications director on X confirmed his passing and said, &#8220;Senator Graham&#8217;s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.&#8221;



Emergency crews responded to Graham&#8217;s South Carolina home Saturday night following reports of a cardiac arrest, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News. Images reviewed by the network showed paramedics transporting an individual from the residence by stretcher as police and fire personnel remained on the scene.



A Lifelong Advocate for Israel



Throughout his Senate career, Graham became one of Israel&#8217;s most dependable champions on Capitol Hill, consistently backing military assistance, strengthening U.S.-Israel ties, and advocating for firm action against Iran and regional terrorist organizations. He was a frequent visitor to Israel and regularly defended the country&#8217;s security policies during times of conflict.



His support for Israel remained a defining feature of his foreign policy positions, earning him recognition as one of the Jewish state&#8217;s closest allies in Washington.



Final Overseas Visit Focused on Ukraine



Just one day before his death, Graham met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, where the two discussed Ukraine&#8217;s air defense requirements and legislation aimed at increasing sanctions on Russia.



During the visit, Graham argued that combining stronger sanctions with continued military support could pressure Moscow into negotiations.



&#8220;The road to ending this ⁠war, the road to peace, passes through Beijing more than it does (through) Washington, Kyiv, or Moscow,&#8221; Graham told ​reporters at Kyiv&#8217;s Mykhailivska Square. &#8220;China has ​an oversized influence. I&#8217;d like them to use their influence for the good of the world.&#8221;



He added, &#8220;I don&#8217;t believe (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is there yet, but it wouldn&#8217;t take much to get him there.&#8221;



From Trump Critic to Trusted Ally



Graham served as one of the Republican Party&#8217;s most recognizable figures in the Senate, representing South Carolina for more than two decades. Although he initially emerged as a vocal critic of Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, he later became one of the president&#8217;s closest allies and strongest defenders in Congress.



His influence extended across national security, judicial appointments, and foreign affairs, where he often took a hawkish stance on global conflicts.



Military Service and Political Career



Born in Central, South Carolina, in 1955, Graham grew up helping his parents operate a restaurant and pool hall. He became the first member of his family to graduate from college before serving as an Air Force lawyer and later with the South Carolina Air National Guard.



Graham entered Congress after winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994, representing South Carolina&#8217;s 3rd Congressional District. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and secured reelection in 2008, 2014, and 2020.



At the time of his death, Graham was unmarried and lived in Seneca, South Carolina.



His passing marks the end of a decades-long political career defined by conservative leadership, an assertive foreign policy agenda, unwavering backing for Israel, and a prominent role in shaping Republican national security policy.

Lindsey Graham, One of Israel’s Strongest Allies in Congress, Dies at 71 Following Sudden Illness

Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California said this weekend that IDF soldiers joined local Jewish residents in blockading his vehicle for over an hour during a visit to Yehuda and Shomron earlier this week, and called on the Israeli government to prosecute those involved.



Speaking with CNN on Saturday, Khanna said the incident occurred after he visited an elementary school that he said had been destroyed by extremists from the area. He described young men brandishing M4 rifles, circling his vans, cursing at his group in Hebrew and Arabic, and blockading the vehicles while filming and laughing.



Khanna said he and his team contacted the U.S. Embassy and waited for IDF soldiers to arrive. When four soldiers reached the scene, Khanna claimed they sided with the local residents rather than intervening on his behalf, telling his security detail they didn&#8217;t care that an American congressman was involved.



The IDF disputed the characterization of its soldiers&#8217; conduct, saying in a statement that troops were dispatched to the scene upon receiving the report, quickly dispersed the Israeli civilians, and reopened the blocked road. The IDF said its soldiers did not take part in blocking the road.



Khanna said he and his team were ultimately freed after communication between the U.S. Embassy and a senior Israeli official, and that both the embassy and the Israeli government had been notified of his trip in advance.



The visit comes amid a rise in tensions in Yehuda and Shomron, including an incident Saturday in which Israeli Police arrested four local residents following an altercation with CNN and other journalists in the area.



Khanna, a progressive lawmaker considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has been sharply critical of Israel&#8217;s conduct of the war in Gaza. He said he sought to visit the region to see the situation firsthand, and that he intends to press the White House and State Department for information on how the Israeli government plans to handle the IDF soldiers involved.

Rep. Khanna Claims He Was Blockaded By Jewish Residents And IDF Soldiers In Yehuda And Shomron

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, escalated his campaign against Sen. Mitch McConnell on Saturday, demanding the 84-year-old Republican reveal his undisclosed medical condition amid growing questions about his ability to continue serving.



In a post on X, Beshear drew a parallel to his past calls for transparency about former President Joe Biden&#8217;s health, saying he was now asking McConnell to do the same and provide voters with an update. He urged the senator to end the speculation and simply explain what&#8217;s going on.



The comments follow a formal letter Beshear sent McConnell on Wednesday, requesting a full health update on behalf of constituents he said are increasingly concerned about the senator&#8217;s wellbeing and capacity to hold office.



McConnell has been absent from the Senate for three weeks after being hospitalized in early June for a condition his office has declined to detail or provide a timeline on. Leaked emergency dispatch audio from a June 14 call indicated he was found unconscious at his home and may have suffered a heart attack. His wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, traveled to China shortly afterward, with her office saying his condition did not require her immediate return to the U.S.



Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Majority Whip John Barrasso both said they have spoken with McConnell at length about Senate business in recent weeks. President Donald Trump, asked about McConnell&#8217;s condition aboard Air Force One Wednesday, said he had no idea how the senator was doing.

Gov. Beshear Ramps Up Pressure On McConnell To Disclose Health Condition

Harav Yitzchak Yosef shlita, Shas leader and former Sefardi Chief Rabbi, launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his weekly shiur Motzoei Shabbos, declaring flatly that there is &#8220;no chance&#8221; the premier will ever return to a life of Torah observance.



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video height="590" style="aspect-ratio: 1080 / 590;" width="1080" controls src="https://api.belaaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/202724.mp4"></video></figure>



Rabbi Yosef opened his remarks by lamenting the spiritual state of the country, saying Israel remains a secular state rather than a religious one, and that while some public figures have done teshuvah, others clearly never will.



He then singled out Netanyahu directly and asserting there was no possibility of him becoming observant. In a surprising twist, Rav Yosef suggested that National Unity chairman Gadi Eisenkot might be more likely to embrace a return to Torah observance.

Rav Yitzchak Yosef: Netanyahu Will Never Do Teshuvah, But Eisenkot Might

A frum family in Adelaide, South Australia was targeted in an antisemitic attack over Shabbos, with offenders slashing the tires of vehicles at the property and spray-painting swastikas and antisemitic slurs across the home, according to News Corp Australia. The homeowner&#8217;s name is Rosti Sverdlov.



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Details of the attack remain limited, though it fits into a broader and deeply troubling pattern of antisemitic incidents that have plagued Australia&#8217;s Jewish community since the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023. A report by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry documented 1,654 anti-Jewish incidents across Australia between October 2024 and September 2025 alone, on top of over 2,000 incidents the year before.



South Australia has not been spared from the wave of hatred. In one recent incident, Nazi swastikas were found carved into trees in Adelaide&#8217;s Veale Park, while in another, a passerby shouted abuse and taunted a congregant heading into shul in the city.



The attack on the Sverdlov family adds to a string of incidents nationally that have included arson attacks on synagogues, vandalism of Jewish-owned businesses, and assaults on visibly Jewish men and boys, prompting Australian Jewish leaders to repeatedly call on federal and state governments to step up protections for the community.

Jewish Family’s Adelaide Home Targeted In Antisemitic Attack On Shabbos

The United States carried out a third round of strikes on Iran within the past week Saturday night, after Iran&#8217;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz and then declared the strategic waterway closed until further notice. Axios reported, citing an unnamed US official, that the strikes hit targets near the strait.



CENTCOM said the strikes began at 7:15 p.m. Eastern time, hours after the IRGC targeted the M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship. The attack caused significant damage to the vessel and ignited an onboard fire, with one crew member reported missing. Britain&#8217;s UKMTO maritime security agency reported damage to the rear of the ship.



CENTCOM said Iran had been given another chance to abide by the memorandum of understanding governing the fragile ceasefire but again failed to do so, and that the US was imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Tehran&#8217;s ability to threaten commercial shipping. The strikes were ordered directly by President Donald Trump, the command said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was blunter in a post on X: &#8220;Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay.&#8221;



Iranian state media reported hearing explosions across a string of coastal areas near the strait, among them Bushehr — the site of an Iranian nuclear power plant — as well as Asaluyeh and Chabahar. Three blasts were reportedly heard in Bandar Abbas, which faces the strait directly, and two in Sirik, with explosions also reported on Qeshm Island.



Iran&#8217;s Revolutionary Guards navy said earlier Saturday that it had fired a warning shot at a vessel attempting to use what it called an unapproved route, and that the ship subsequently halted. In response, the IRGC declared the strait closed to all traffic until Washington ends what it termed its regional interference, warning that any attempt by the US to use the closure as a pretext for further action would draw a severe response.



The exchange marks the latest collapse of the ceasefire framework that has governed the Iran war since a memorandum of understanding was reached in June. That truce extended an earlier April ceasefire and set the stage for talks aimed at ending the US-Israel war on Iran that began in late February, with Washington lifting a naval blockade in exchange for Tehran reopening Hormuz. The arrangement has unraveled repeatedly in recent days: after three commercial vessels were struck in the strait on July 6-7, the US carried out a major wave of strikes on more than eighty Iranian targets, including dozens of IRGC boats, and Washington moved to reimpose oil sanctions it had waived weeks earlier.



Even as the latest strikes were underway, diplomatic efforts had reportedly been continuing. Oman had drafted a tentative proposal for managing traffic through Hormuz, with a southern route open to free passage and a northern route near Iran&#8217;s coast requiring Tehran&#8217;s permits but no fees, according to CNN. Iran&#8217;s Foreign Minister discussed the proposal with his Omani and Turkish counterparts even as the ministry separately condemned the American strikes as a violation of the truce.



Neither side has signaled a near-term path back to negotiations. Iran&#8217;s chief negotiator has said in recent days that the strait will only remain open on Tehran&#8217;s terms, not under what he called American threats, while Trump has warned Iran it will face escalating consequences for any further attacks on shipping.

US Strikes Iran Again After IRGC Attacks Ship, Shuts Strait of Hormuz

A man who filmed himself accusing an Orthodox Jewish man of &#8220;killing babies&#8221; and threatening to break his jaw has been sentenced to 16 months in prison.



Shafiq Rahman, 48, of Slough, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated common assault, using threatening words to provoke violence, and criminal damage over the April incident on Elliman Avenue. He was sentenced Friday at Reading Crown Court, with a district judge previously calling the attack &#8220;a pure hate crime.&#8221;



Video filmed by the victim, a man in his 20s identified only as Moshe, showed Rahman accusing him of &#8220;killing babies in Palestine,&#8221; threatening to break his jaw, and knocking a phone from his hand while repeatedly cursing and calling him a &#8220;dirty Jew.&#8221; Moshe, who was wearing a black yarmulke at the time, said he had been thinking only of survival during the confrontation.



&#8220;What were you thinking going out like this, in England, as a visible Jew?&#8221; he recalled asking himself afterward, adding that the incident left him feeling unsafe.



The case comes amid a string of recent antisemitic attacks across the UK, including the sentencing of two men who traveled to Clapton Common to film themselves abusing a Jewish man for TikTok content.

Man Jailed 16 Months For Antisemitic Attack On Orthodox Jew In Slough, UK

The fourth day of Tyler Robinson&#8217;s preliminary hearing in the assassination of Charlie Kirk brought some of the most condemning testimony yet, as prosecutors played a recorded interview with Robinson&#8217;s former roommate and introduced DNA results tying Robinson to the murder weapon, and presented text messages exchanged between the two men in the hours after the September 10, 2025 shooting at Utah Valley University.



Robinson, 23, faces several charges including aggravated murder, a capital offense, in Kirk&#8217;s killing outside a &#8220;Prove Me Wrong&#8221; event in Orem. The hearing, now in its fifth day Friday, will determine whether prosecutors have shown sufficient probable cause to send the case to trial.



Thursday&#8217;s proceedings opened with Judge Tony Graf declining a request from an attorney representing Kirk&#8217;s widow, Erika Kirk, to have every piece of evidence displayed in open court. Graf said he would continue using a tiered approach, weighing each exhibit separately for admission, in-courtroom display, and broadcast to the public. A media attorney pushed for maximum transparency, while Robinson&#8217;s defense accused the Kirk family&#8217;s legal team of dragging out proceedings with matters unrelated to the evidence itself.



Utah State Bureau of Investigation agent Brian Davis then played the long-awaited video interview with Lance Twiggs, Robinson&#8217;s former roommate, portions of which were redacted. Twiggs told investigators that roughly a month before the shooting, Robinson had asked to borrow a Dremel tool, saying he wanted to engrave bullets ahead of a family hunting trip. Twiggs said he later confronted Robinson in person, who confirmed the shooting was real and appeared visibly shaken. Twiggs also said Robinson generally discussed politics in the context of the Trump administration and current policy debates.



Text messages between the pair, recovered from Twiggs&#8217; phone, were read into the record. In the exchange, Robinson confirmed to Twiggs that he was responsible for the shooting, telling him he could no longer tolerate Kirk&#8217;s rhetoric. He described plans to retrieve the rifle he&#8217;d left behind at the scene, expressed concern about a police vehicle stationed nearby, and worried about fingerprints on the weapon. He later informed Twiggs he intended to surrender to authorities voluntarily.



A Discord channel tied to Robinson under the username &#8220;tyler/ikum&#8221; was also entered into evidence, along with a photograph of a handwritten note Twiggs found under Robinson&#8217;s keyboard the night of the shooting — a note that was inadvertently broadcast to media during the proceedings before officials caught the error.



Sergeant Jennifer Faumina of the Utah State Bureau of Investigation, who oversaw the crime scene, testified that a bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel was recovered from bushes near campus, along with a fired cartridge casing and three unfired rounds bearing engraved messages. Search warrants executed at Robinson&#8217;s residence turned up a Dremel tool and bits, ammunition, shoes matching surveillance footage, a cartridge marked &#8220;test shot,&#8221; and multiple shooting targets. DNA testing on the rifle, cartridges, and Dremel tool all returned results implicating Robinson as a likely contributor.



A defense witness, ATF forensic examiner Samantha Carner, testified that while she conducted toolmark and rifling analysis on the recovered bullet fragments, the quality and quantity of the markings were insufficient to either conclusively link or exclude them from the recovered firearm.



Judge Graf ultimately decided not to issue closing arguments Friday as originally scheduled, instead asking both sides to submit written briefs on whether probable cause has been established, with oral arguments now set for September 1.

Explosive Testimony, DNA Evidence Mark Day Four Of Tyler Robinson Preliminary Hearing

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani&#8217;s administration is facing criticism over a city map highlighting immigrant neighborhoods that omits longstanding Jewish, Italian, and Irish communities despite their historic role in shaping the city.



The map, titled &#8220;New York City Immigrant Enclaves,&#8221; was promoted by the administration in May and features 30 neighborhoods representing communities including Yemeni, Pakistani, Egyptian, Palestinian, Chinese, Korean, Albanian, Colombian, Dominican, Ecuadoran, Indian, Haitian, Polish, and others.



Critics argue the map overlooks some of New York&#8217;s best-known historic immigrant neighborhoods, including Little Italy and longtime Irish and Jewish communities that played a major role in the city&#8217;s growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.



Queens Councilwoman Joann Ariola criticized the omissions, telling the New York Post that the administration appeared to have excluded Jews, Italians, and Irish residents from its depiction of the city&#8217;s immigrant heritage.



“They were able to get a Little Bhod-Tibet in there, but what about the original ‘Little neighborhood,’ Little Italy?” Ariola asked. “And what about areas like Woodlawn, in the Bronx, which are home to plenty of Irish immigrants? Do the Irish and Italians not count for the Mayor’s office?”



State Assemblyman Kalman Yeger also criticized the map, accusing the mayor of excluding the Jewish community.



“Mr. Mamdani’s erasing Jews is an essential part of his brand. No surprise.”



Joseph Scelsa, founder of the Italian American Museum on Mulberry Street, called the omission “a terrible mistake.”



“Italian-Americans are still a major population in New York City. To not recognize where Italian-Americans came from and settled is a terrible mistake. I don’t understand why Little Italy isn’t included. I hope it’s an oversight,” Scelsa said.



Jewish author Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt also criticized the map in a post on X, writing, “The Mayor’s Office made a map of NYC’s immigrant enclaves: Little Africa, Little Poland, Little Palestine. But they just couldn’t figure out how to represent 11% of the city. Couldn’t decipher where the Jews are from.”



Other critics, including Manhattan Institute writer Christopher Rufo and former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, also questioned the administration&#8217;s decision, with Pratt accusing City Hall of “deliberate subversion.”



Responding to the criticism, the mayor&#8217;s office said the map was designed to highlight neighborhoods with large foreign-born populations rather than religious communities.



The administration said the map “does not highlight religious groups,” adding that the project focuses on “neighborhoods in New York City that have substantial foreign-born populations from regions and countries around the world.”



City Hall also noted that the immigrant enclave initiative began under former Mayor Eric Adams and said additional neighborhoods will be added in the coming months.

Critics Slam Mamdani Administration’s Immigrant Map for Excluding Jewish, Italian, and Irish Communities

Around 200 Jewish communal leaders, advocates and local officials gathered Wednesday night in Brooklyn for an Agudath Israel of America legislative reception, held amid growing concern over antisemitism in New York City.



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Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Agudah&#8217;s new Washington office director, said the event underscored the value of relationship-building in advocacy work, noting that lawmakers need to know their communities in order to properly represent them.



The program honored elected officials who have taken a firm stance against Jew-hatred, with New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and City Comptroller Mark Levine each receiving &#8220;mezuzah&#8221; awards for their work on behalf of the Jewish community.



Levine, who is Jewish and previously chaired the City Council&#8217;s Jewish Caucus, said the gathering came at a difficult moment for the city&#8217;s Jewish community and offered a chance to show unity. He has been a vocal defender of Israel against calls, including from within City Hall, for New York City to boycott the Jewish state, and called Wednesday for stronger education initiatives and better tracking and prosecution of hate crimes. He affirmed that the community is &#8220;not going anywhere.&#8221;



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Menin, another Jewish elected official, whose relatives survived the Holocaust, called the current rise in antisemitism &#8220;shameful and unconscionable,&#8221; pointing to recent vandalism incidents in Brooklyn and Queens, and highlighted Council efforts including buffer-zone legislation around houses of worship and schools. A companion bill establishing buffer zones around schools was vetoed by Mayor Mamdani after passing without a veto-proof majority.



Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudah&#8217;s director of New York government relations, detailed recent legislative wins during the program at Brooklyn Square Rooftop, including $243 million in state mandated services funding for non-public schools, more than $150 million for school and institutional security, statewide 50-foot buffer zones around houses of worship and schools, and the Mezuzah Protection Act. He also praised Governor Kathy Hochul&#8217;s plan to opt New York into the federal scholarship tax credit program once regulations are finalized. &#8220;With antisemitism on the rise amidst increasing demonization of the Jewish community, it is gratifying to know we still have good friends in elected office standing up for us,&#8221; Silber told Belaaz.



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Assemblyman Lester Chang, a Republican whose district includes parts of Brooklyn&#8217;s Orthodox community, attended to show solidarity, citing longstanding ties between the Chinese and Jewish communities. Chang recalled that his January 2025 resolution calling for the state to recognize an &#8220;Oct. 7 Remembrance Day&#8221; was blocked in committee by non-Jewish Democrats, failing by a single vote after what he described as last-minute committee reshuffling.



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Agudah NYC Event Draws Broad Crowd of Officials, Community Leaders to Rally Against Rising Antisemitism

New York City failed to crack the top five in Travel + Leisure’s annual ranking of the best U.S. cities, landing in eighth place despite its global reputation as one of the country&#8217;s premier travel destinations.



According to the magazine’s annual Best Cities awards, which are based on reader voting as part of its long-running World’s Best Awards, Santa Fe, New Mexico, claimed the No. 1 spot, while Charleston, South Carolina, finished second after topping last year&#8217;s list.



New York earned an overall score of 88.5, trailing several smaller destinations that readers praised for their charm, culture, and hospitality.



Santa Fe, home to just over 90,000 residents and nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, was recognized for its thriving arts community, acclaimed food scene, and appeal as a year-round destination. The city is also known for its distinctive Pueblo-style architecture and historic central plaza.



The plaza, designated as a National Historic Landmark, continues to serve as a cultural and commercial center where local artisans display and sell handcrafted works.



The city is also home to the San Miguel Chapel, widely believed to be the oldest church in the United States.



The article jokingly noted, “(Presumably, votes were counted and travel completed before it was revealed that wild rats in Santa Fe country tested positive for the plague — just saying.)”



Charleston, which slipped one place to second, still received strong praise from readers and earned an overall score of 87.3.



Readers highlighted the South Carolina city&#8217;s “excellent restaurants,” “Southern hospitality,” and “beauty and history.”



Charleston has also continued attracting new residents. In 2025, it recorded the highest net migration per capita in the nation, gaining nearly 80 new residents for every 10,000 people already living there.



Southern destinations continued to dominate the rankings, with Savannah, Georgia, placing third and New Orleans finishing fourth.



Chicago ranked as the highest-rated large city, coming in fifth overall.



Travel + Leisure contrasted Chicago with New York, writing, “Chicago’s got something for everyone. It’s a big city that’s not quite as crowded and fast-paced as New York, but still filled with more things to do than you’ll have time,” the editors explained.



Fort Worth, Texas, claimed sixth place, followed by Honolulu in seventh, narrowly edging out New York by just 0.06 points.



Despite its ranking, the publication emphasized New York’s enduring appeal, stating, “Whatever it is you’re looking for, you can find it in New York.”



Even so, recent surveys suggest the city&#8217;s tourism image has weakened. One study found New York ranked second only to Las Vegas among destinations American travelers most regretted visiting, with 9% saying they wished they had skipped the trip.



Tourism has also yet to fully recover, with New York City still below its pre-pandemic visitor levels earlier this year.



Although it missed out on the top spot in the travel rankings, New York recently earned the title of America&#8217;s “most sinful” city, surpassing Las Vegas due to its abundance of nightlife venues and high number of sexually transmitted infection cases.



Travel + Leisure&#8217;s Top 10 U.S. Cities for 2026



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Santa Fe, New Mexico</li>



<li>Charleston, South Carolina</li>



<li>Savannah, Georgia</li>



<li>New Orleans, Louisiana</li>



<li>Chicago, Illinois</li>



<li>Fort Worth, Texas</li>



<li>Honolulu, Hawaii</li>



<li>New York City</li>



<li>Alexandria, Virginia</li>



<li>Greenville, South Carolina</li>
</ol>

Travel + Leisure Readers Rank NYC Eighth Among America’s Best Cities as Santa Fe Takes Top Spot

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Israeli aid delegation working in earthquake-stricken Venezuela, saying the team is not only helping the country recover from last month&#8217;s devastating earthquakes but is also restoring diplomatic ties nearly two decades after Caracas severed relations with Israel.



In a video message to the delegation&#8217;s leadership, Netanyahu told the head of the mission and IDF Home Front Command chief of staff, Elad Edri, along with Israel&#8217;s ambassador-designate to Mexico, Yoed Magen, who is heading the delegation&#8217;s civilian component, that their work is showing both the Venezuelan government and its people the true character of the State of Israel.



The delegation has spent the past 10 days operating in several earthquake-hit areas at the request of the Venezuelan government, assessing damaged buildings and assisting with reconstruction. After meeting with Venezuela&#8217;s infrastructure minister, the Israeli team also drew up a national reconstruction plan that was approved by acting President Delcy Rodriguez.



Netanyahu noted the significance of the outreach given the history between the two countries: Venezuela cut diplomatic ties with Israel over the 2008-2009 Gaza war, and under then-President Hugo Chavez became one of Israel&#8217;s most vocal critics during the war sparked by Hamas&#8217;s October 7, 2023 invasion.



Israel has voiced hope for improved relations with Caracas since the U.S. captured then-President Nicolas Maduro in January and backed Rodriguez&#8217;s rise to power. Edri said in the video that the delegation is proud to represent Israel, working day and night alongside the Venezuelan government&#8217;s Infrastructure Ministry, and noted the team has also connected with the local Jewish community, describing a warm reception from both officials and residents.

Netanyahu Praises Israeli Delegation In Venezuela: ‘Rebuilding Relations’ After 17-Year Rift

The White House on Thursday said President Trump&#8217;s decision to switch from the new Qatari-donated Air Force One back to the original presidential aircraft for his flight home from Turkey on Wednesday was a deliberate security tactic rather than a response to any specific threat.



White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said the new plane is fully equipped with advanced security systems designed to protect the president and his staff, and that the administration uses every tool available, including distraction and misdirection, to counter threats against Trump.



The explanation came after Trump said Thursday that he is at the top of Iran&#8217;s &#8220;kill list,&#8221; a claim he made shortly before boarding the older Air Force One for the return trip to the U.S. from the NATO summit in Turkey.



The White House did not say whether any specific intelligence prompted the switch, and officials continued to deny that physical security concerns were behind the decision.

White House: Air Force One Swap Was ‘Distraction’ To Protect Trump

The Gerrer Chasidus world was shocked Thursday evening after Reb Yidel Toib, 77, one of the chassidus&#8217;s veteran and well-known baalei kriah, collapsed during a shiur held in the main Beis Medrash of the Gerrer shul on Yirmiyahu Street in Yerushalayim. He was niftar a short time later.



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MDA responders, together with United Hatzalah, were rushed to the scene and immediately began CPR, in front of the many people present in the beus medrash at the time. Sadly, despite their efforts, Reb Yidel passed away.



Reb Yidel was related by marriage to the family of the Pnei Menachem of Gur zy&#8221;a, and several of his sons today serve as marbitzei Torah and askanim within the Gerrer community.



For close to a quarter of a century, he delivered the daf yomi shiur in Gur&#8217;s main beis medrash, earning a reputation as a serious talmid chacham. Beyond that, he headed Kollel Polin for over thirty years, a position the Pnei Menachem personally asked him to assume.

BDE: Noted Baal Koreh Niftar After Collapsing During Shiur In Gerrer Beis Medrash

As relentless missile and drone attacks batter Ukraine&#8217;s capital, leaving dozens dead and thousands in distress, Kyiv&#8217;s Jewish community has mobilized an extensive humanitarian operation. Led by Chief Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, volunteers are distributing food, water, clothing and essential supplies to Jews and non-Jews alike who have been affected by the bombardments



Kyiv, Ukraine&#8217;s capital, has endured one of its most devastating waves of bombardment since the outbreak of the war. In recent days, large-scale missile and drone attacks have struck residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure, claiming dozens of lives and leaving many more wounded.



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The scale of the destruction prompted city authorities to declare an official day of mourning, while rescue teams continue searching through the rubble for survivors and victims.



In a statement to Belaaz, Rabbi Markovitch said: 



&#8220;Over the past week, we’ve gone to sleep to the sound of explosions and woken up again and again to the noise of incoming missiles. It certainly hasn’t been easy. But when you’re able to help a Jewish man put on tefillin for the first time in his life, or bring a bag of food and clothing to someone whose home was destroyed and who breaks down in tears from gratitude, your entire perspective changes.&#8221;







Alongside the emergency services, JCC Beit Menachem Kyiv community has mobilized to provide assistance to those affected. Under the leadership of Kyiv&#8217;s Chief Rabbi and Chabad shaliach, Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, community volunteers have launched a broad humanitarian relief effort to aid residents whose lives have been upended by the attacks.



Over the past several days, volunteers have been distributing food, bottled water, clothing, medications, essential supplies and other basic necessities to families whose homes were damaged, as well as to the elderly, the needy and anyone requiring immediate assistance, regardless of their religion. In addition to providing material aid, volunteers are offering practical support and guidance to families left without help in the wake of the devastation.



&#8220;At a time when the air raid sirens scarcely stop, our responsibility is to be here for every person in need,&#8221; Rabbi Markovitch said. &#8220;We are distributing food, water, and essential supplies, strengthening families and giving them hope. Our mission is to bring light precisely during these darkest moments for the people of Ukraine in general, and for the residents of Kyiv in particular.&#8221;

Amid Deadly Wave of Bombardments in Kyiv, Jewish Community Launches Major Relief Effort

The IDF announced that its Administration for the Search of Missing Soldiers has determined the burial location of a soldier whose grave had been unknown since 1948. Cpl. Yaakov Zarihen Hy&#8221;d was found to have been buried in a mass grave in Kiryat Anavim alongside seven other IDF fallen who took part in the convoys of Operation Harel in 1948.



The IDF said his burial site had remained &#8220;unknown&#8221; for decades, and that the investigation to locate it took approximately 15 years before it was finally resolved.

IDF Locates Burial Site Of Soldier Missing Since 1948, Buried In Mass Grave With 7 Others

President Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday that he would grant Kyiv a license to manufacture its own Patriot air-defense missiles, joking, &#8220;This way, you can&#8217;t complain that we&#8217;re not giving them enough.&#8221;



&#8220;One of the things I think we&#8217;re going to be talking about today, a little birdie told me this, about the fact that we&#8217;ll give them the right to make Patriots,&#8221; Trump said ahead of his closed-door meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey.



Patriot missiles have long been in short supply, and Ukraine&#8217;s stockpile has now grown critically low, forcing Kyiv in recent days to allow Russian missiles to strike the capital without interception. On Sunday alone, Russia fired a barrage of 23 missiles at Ukraine, none of which were intercepted due to the shortage, according to Ukrainian officials. At least 22 people were killed and 56 injured in those strikes.



Trump estimated that Ukraine could be up and running with domestic Patriot production by the fall. &#8220;We&#8217;ll show them how to do it. It&#8217;s very complex, actually, but it&#8217;s — you&#8217;ll figure out the complexity quickly, and we&#8217;re talking about that,&#8221; he said, adding that the American company that manufactures the missiles is currently building four plants and that &#8220;all of our companies will be able to do this in two to three months.&#8221;



The president also reflected on his improved relationship with Zelensky, referencing their contentious Oval Office meeting in February 2025, during which Trump told the Ukrainian leader he didn&#8217;t &#8220;have the cards.&#8221; Speaking Wednesday, Trump said, &#8220;We&#8217;ve actually developed a good relationship! Hard to believe, right? From the Oval Office to now.&#8221;



The war has pushed Ukraine to rapidly expand its own defense industry, which is now capable of producing long-range missiles and drones able to strike deep into Russian territory. Kyiv has long sought a license to produce Patriot missiles domestically amid the global shortage and reportedly feels confident it can scale up production quickly once the necessary approvals are finalized.

Trump Says He’ll Give Ukraine The Right To Produce Patriot Missiles

Tzedek Association announced three significant advocacy updates this week, spanning federal prison conditions and reproductive healthcare policy.



The Bureau of Prisons officially began launching its new inmate tablet initiative today, a development Tzedek called a &#8220;tremendous step forward.&#8221; The organization expressed gratitude to BOP Director William Marshall and Deputy Director Josh Smith for their leadership on the initiative, noting that Tzedek representatives met with Director Marshall on Monday in Washington, D.C., where they said they saw firsthand his &#8220;genuine desire to continue moving the Bureau in a positive direction.&#8221;



 &#8220;The rollout of inmate tablets marks a meaningful step toward strengthening family connections, expanding access to educational opportunities, and improving rehabilitation throughout the federal prison system,&#8221; Rabbi Moshe Margaretten, President and Founder of Tzedek Association told Belaaz. &#8220;We are grateful to Bureau of Prisons leadership for making this initiative a reality and are honored that Tzedek had the opportunity to advocate for this important improvement. Every positive step that helps prepare individuals for a successful return to their families and communities benefits not only those incarcerated, but society as a whole.&#8221;



The tablets are expected to substantially improve conditions for incarcerated individuals and their families. Most notably, the devices will allow inmates to participate in video calls with loved ones, giving parents what Tzedek described as a &#8220;priceless opportunity&#8221; to see and interact with their children face-to-face. Unlike phone calls, which are constrained by limited minutes, the video calling feature will be available with unlimited minutes during designated periods of the day. The tablets will also provide access to First Step Act programming, educational materials, and digital books, allowing incarcerated individuals to use their time for learning and preparation for reentry into society. Tzedek said it was proud to have played a role in encouraging the initiative and commended the BOP for bringing it to fruition.



With this summer&#8217;s extreme heat, Tzedek also reported continued progress on its campaign to expand air conditioning access inside federal prisons. Following its earlier donation of air conditioning units to the Otisville Federal Correctional Institution, the organization said it is now working with the BOP to expand air conditioning to additional housing areas at Otisville and to other facilities nationwide. Tzedek is also working to donate ice machines and ice boxes to provide relief during periods of extreme heat. These efforts were among the topics discussed in Monday&#8217;s meeting with Director Marshall, alongside First Step Act implementation issues and furlough expansion. Tzedek said it remains committed to improving &#8220;the health, safety, and dignity of those in federal custody.&#8221;



Separately, Tzedek announced it submitted comprehensive comments this morning to the Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services regarding the Administration&#8217;s proposed &#8220;Excepted Fertility Benefits&#8221; rule, which the organization said has the potential to expand access to affordable fertility treatment for millions of Americans. Tzedek&#8217;s submission strongly supports the proposal while offering recommendations to ensure necessary fertility treatments remain a central component of the final rule, to encourage broader participation by insurance companies, and to maximize meaningful access for couples struggling with infertility. The organization credited its Advisory Board, particularly Dr. Kaylen Silverberg and Dr. Joshua Klein, along with Alan Hahn, Esq., for their expertise in preparing the submission.

Tzedek Association Announces Major Wins: BOP Tablets, Prison Air Conditioning Expansion, and Federal Fertility Benefits Advocacy

Iran&#8217;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced early Wednesday that its naval and aerospace units carried out a joint missile and drone assault on American military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, marking a dangerous new escalation just over a week after a ceasefire had appeared to take hold.



In a statement carried by state broadcaster IRIB, the IRGC said its forces struck 85 targets at what it called key US military facilities in the two Gulf states, including the US Fifth Fleet headquarters at Bahrain&#8217;s Salman Port and the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. The IRGC also claimed to have downed a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over southern Iranian territory. Al Jazeera



The Kuwaiti army confirmed on X that its air defense systems were actively intercepting missile and drone attacks, though it did not specify the point of origin. The army noted that any explosions residents might hear were the result of its defense systems neutralizing the incoming threats, not the strikes themselves landing.



The overnight Iranian barrage came in direct response to a wave of American strikes hours earlier. US Central Command announced it had hit more than 80 targets inside Iran, describing the operation as an immediate response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM said the strikes targeted air defense systems, command-and-control networks, coastal radar sites, and antiship missile capabilities, with more than 60 IRGC small boats also hit. The command added that its forces remain postured to hold Iran accountable should the two sides&#8217; agreement continue to be violated.



Iran&#8217;s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the regime&#8217;s top joint military command, condemned the American strikes as a &#8220;blatant act of aggression&#8221; and vowed a &#8220;crushing response,&#8221; while asserting that Tehran will not permit outside interference in the Strait of Hormuz. The command maintained that the only secure route for commercial vessels and oil tankers through the waterway is the one Iran itself designates.



Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, writing on X, listed a series of what he termed violations of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding by Washington: alleged interference with Iranian arrangements in the Strait, renewed threats of further strikes, the reimposition of oil sanctions, continued strikes on southern Iran, and ongoing actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. He declared that &#8220;the era of bullying and extortion is over&#8221; and that Iran &#8220;won&#8217;t fold.&#8221;



Air raid sirens sounded across both Bahrain and Kuwait as the Iranian strikes unfolded, with Bahraini authorities urging residents to seek shelter immediately.



The exchange represents one of the most serious ruptures yet in the fragile framework that had briefly quieted the region, and comes as diplomatic efforts elsewhere continue — including a reported White House invitation to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to visit Washington later this month to advance the separate US-brokered framework between Israel and Lebanon.

Iran Strikes US Bases In Bahrain And Kuwait As  Ceasefire Frays; CENTCOM Announces 80 Iranian Targets Hit

The United States Central Command announced Tuesday that American forces have launched a series of strikes against targets in Iran, citing the need to impose costs on Tehran for attacking civilian shipping vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.



In a statement, CENTCOM said the strikes were carried out in direct response to Iranian attacks earlier this week on three commercial vessels passing through the strait, an international waterway critical to global energy trade. Among the affected ships were tankers flagged by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. CENTCOM described Iran&#8217;s conduct as &#8220;unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire,&#8221; and said the U.S. response was meant to protect civilian crews operating in the waterway.



Footage circulating Tuesday showed extensive U.S. Air Force activity over the strait as the strikes on southern Iran got underway, underscoring the scale of the operation.



The tanker attacks mark the latest breach of the memorandum of understanding Iran signed with Washington in June, under which Tehran committed to ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels through Hormuz. Since the deal was signed, shipping traffic through the strait has picked up, though it remains well below prewar levels, with many vessels opting for a southern route near Oman&#8217;s coast under U.S. Navy protection. Iranian forces have repeatedly targeted ships using that route, saying vessels must instead obtain permission to travel through corridors approved by Tehran.



Following the tanker attacks, the U.S. Treasury Department moved to revoke a waiver that had permitted Iran to sell oil and petrochemicals abroad, cutting off a significant revenue stream negotiated as part of the recent talks. A U.S. official said the ceasefire arrangement with Iran &#8220;is entirely performance-based,&#8221; adding that Iran would only see benefits from the deal &#8220;if they exhibit good behavior,&#8221; and warning that Tehran&#8217;s actions in the strait &#8220;will be met with consequences.&#8221;



President Trump has said the U.S. will &#8220;finish the job&#8221; should a lasting agreement with Iran fail to materialize. Iran&#8217;s foreign minister has said Tehran will not return to the negotiating table if American threats continue.

US Launches Strikes On Iran After Attacks On Commercial Tankers In Strait Of Hormuz

The U.S. Department of the Treasury&#8217;s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has revoked General License X, the sweeping authorization issued on June 21 that had permitted the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian-origin crude oil, petrochemical products, and petroleum products. 



Effective July 7, the license is replaced by newly issued General License X1, titled &#8220;Revocation and Wind Down of June 21, 2026 Authorization for the Production, Delivery and Sale of Crude Oil, Petrochemical Products, and Petroleum Products of Iranian Origin.&#8221;



General License X had been issued as part of the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the United States and Iran on June 17 following Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran. The license marked one of the broadest rollbacks of Iran sanctions in decades, authorizing transactions ordinarily incident to Iranian oil production and sale, including dollar-denominated payments, vessel operations, insurance, and shipping — relief that outside analysts estimated could unlock several billion dollars for Tehran from stranded crude inventories.



The license had been set to run through August 21 as part of a 60-day negotiating window between Washington and Tehran, with further sanctions relief contingent on Iran&#8217;s compliance with the MOU&#8217;s terms, including progress on nuclear issues and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. As with all OFAC general licenses, GL X remained subject to amendment or withdrawal at any time at the administration&#8217;s discretion.

Treasury Revokes Iran Oil Sanctions Waiver, Begins Wind-Down

Reb Ezra Unger, a 36-year-old real estate entrepreneur from Boro Park, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire Arkia, Israel&#8217;s budget carrier, with the goal of transforming it into a fully Shabbos-observant operation. The report originated with Kikar Shabbat and quickly spread through Chasidish business circles in the United States given Unger&#8217;s background and rapid rise.



Unger, a Vizhnitz and Bobov Chasid who was raised in Monsey and learned at the Vizhnitz Kiryat Yishmiya yeshiva. He later married into the family of the Rimanover Rebbe and initially settled in Yerushalayim before building his real estate career.



Unger&#8217;s path to wealth reportedly began while he was learning in kollel, when he started selling baked goods to fellow yungerleit to help support his family. That venture led him into brokering deals, and he eventually drew capital from early backers who believed in him, paving the way for his entry into the New York City real estate market, where he built a reputation for closing major transactions.



A family member told Kikar Shabbat that Unger&#8217;s motivation for pursuing the airline purchase is rooted in a desire to end Chillul Shabbos. The relative said Unger had grown increasingly troubled by the widespread Shabbos violations across Israel&#8217;s aviation industry, often taking place in view of Jewish children, and that this concern is what drove him toward the acquisition.



Should the deal be finalized, Arkia would become the second-largest Chasidish-owned airline in the world, behind Challenge Airlines, which is owned by Belgian businessman Reb Itzik Falk. Details on the purchase price and the terms of Shabbos observance under the new ownership have not been made public.

Frum Boro Park Man in Advanced Talks to Purchase Israeli Airline Arkia

Speculation over the health of former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell intensified dramatically on Monday after conservative activist Laura Loomer and independent journalist Desirée Townsend both claimed the 84-year-old Kentucky Republican has been declared brain dead, though the claims have not been confirmed by McConnell&#8217;s office, his family, or any medical source.



Loomer, a prominent Trump ally sometimes described as the president&#8217;s &#8220;loyalty enforcer,&#8221; wrote on X that a &#8220;high level source close to the White House&#8221; told her McConnell &#8220;is officially brain dead&#8221; and &#8220;not coming back.&#8221; Townsend, who has been reporting from outside the hospital, said she had heard the same information from her own sources for days, adding that McConnell&#8217;s Capitol Police security detail remained stationed at the hospital as of Monday afternoon. Neither claim has been independently verified, and McConnell&#8217;s office has not responded to the assertion.



McConnell has not been seen publicly since June 14, when he was found unconscious at his Washington home and given CPR by emergency responders after an apparent cardiac arrest, according to EMS dispatch audio. His staff waited until June 22 to issue any public update, saying only that he would not be voting that week. Since then, his office has repeatedly declined to answer basic questions about his condition, treatment, or prognosis, saying only that he is &#8220;continuing his recovery&#8221; and &#8220;working closely&#8221; with staff on Senate business while Congress is out of session. The most recent statement, issued July 2, said McConnell &#8220;appreciates the outpouring of support&#8221; and &#8220;continues to improve.&#8221;



A neighbor near McConnell&#8217;s Capitol Hill home told Townsend that she witnessed him being taken away by paramedics on June 14 but has seen no activity at the residence since. No family members, including his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, have reportedly come or gone from the home during that time. Chao, 73, traveled to Beijing just three days after her husband&#8217;s hospitalization and met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, drawing further scrutiny; she has made no public comment on his condition.



McConnell&#8217;s daughter Porter, 48, who had been an outspoken critic of her father&#8217;s politics on social media, has since deleted her X account amid the swirling speculation.



Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on June 15 that he had not personally spoken with McConnell but claimed the senator was &#8220;clearly dialed into what&#8217;s going on&#8221; in the chamber. McConnell has not cast a Senate vote since June 11; the Senate is out of session until July 13.



Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat weighing a potential 2028 presidential bid, has said McConnell&#8217;s office has not communicated with him regarding the senator&#8217;s condition — notable given a Kentucky law passed two years ago requiring an immediate special election, rather than a gubernatorial appointment, should a sitting senator die in office.



McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in American history, had already announced before his hospitalization that he would not seek reelection in 2026. His final months in office had been marked by a string of health scares, including several on-camera episodes in which he froze mid-sentence, a series of falls that led him to begin using a wheelchair, and an eight-day hospital stay in February for what his office described as flu-like symptoms.

Questions Surrounding Mitch McConnell’s Health Intensify as Trump Ally, Journalist, Claim He’s ‘Brain Dead’

Democratic Senate leaders and several of Graham Platner&#8217;s most prominent backers withdrew their support for his Maine Senate campaign on Monday after a woman came forward with allegations that he severely assaulted her in 2021. Platner has denied the claim.



Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said in a joint statement that Platner should &#8220;immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate.&#8221; The committee said it would no longer back his campaign financially if he remains on the ballot.



A wave of senators followed, including Elizabeth Warren, Ruben Gallego, Mark Kelly, Elissa Slotkin, Jon Ossoff, Cory Booker and Adam Schiff, all calling on Platner to leave the race. Rep. Ro Khanna, who had appeared alongside Platner at a rally last month, said he was withdrawing his endorsement as well. The Democratic National Committee, Senate Majority PAC, VoteVets, Our Revolution and End Citizens United also pulled their support.



The woman, identified as 41-year-old Jenny Racicot, told reporters that Platner came to her Maine home and assaulted her. Platner has denied the allegation, saying in a video posted online that he is weighing the &#8220;political reality&#8221; the report will bring to his campaign.



This marks a sharp shift from how Democrats responded to Platner&#8217;s earlier controversies, including offensive past social media posts, a since-covered tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, and previous allegations of abusing women.



Under Maine law, if Platner withdraws before July 13, the state party can select a replacement candidate by July 27. Several Democrats, including Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and former public health official Nirav Shah, are reportedly being contacted as potential replacements. Sen. Bernie Sanders, one of Platner&#8217;s highest-profile supporters, has not yet commented.

Democratic Leaders Abandon Nazi-Tattoo Sporting Graham Platner Amid Abuse Allegations

&#8220;Gan HaOr,&#8221; a new park designed and fully accessible for children with special needs, was dedicated Sunday in Beitar Illit at the special child center of the &#8216;B&#8217;lev Echad&#8217; organization.



The dedication ceremony drew Rishon L&#8217;Tzion Hagaon Harav David Yosef, MK Rabbi Yisrael Eichler, public figures, and the organization&#8217;s leadership. Also on hand were &#8216;B&#8217;lev Echad&#8217; founder and CEO Rabbi Dovid Weitman, and the donor behind the project, businessman Tom John Or-Paz, who initiated and funded the park&#8217;s construction, together with his father, Dedi. 



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Joy was visible on the faces of everyone present as the children who will use the park took it in for the first time.



The park is exclusive to &#8216;B&#8217;lev Echad&#8217; and was designed from scratch with special-needs children and wheelchair users in mind — not a single attraction retrofitted after the fact, but an entire park planned down to the last detail.



&#8220;Gan HaOr&#8221; adds to &#8216;B&#8217;lev Echad&#8217;s&#8217; year-round work for families of sick and special-needs children, on weekdays, Shabbosos, Yamim Tovim, and vacations. The organization built its special child center on the understanding that afternoon hours, Erev Shabbos, and Yom Tov are often the hardest times for these families. The center offers music, fitness, art, and woodworking clubs, a painting program, a snoezelen room, a large playroom, and life-skills programs.



Rav Yosef told the crowd: &#8220;In the past, parents used to hide these special children away. Today, in places like this, they&#8217;re treated like royalty.&#8221; He blessed the organization&#8217;s leadership and the donor for making full accessibility possible.



&#8216;B&#8217;lev Echad&#8217; also runs a broad support network for families year-round: hundreds of volunteers visit the sick in hospitals nationwide, the organization hosts special events for children and families, and it runs respite stays, hospitality, and special Shabbosos for children nearly every week, plus Yamim Tovim and vacations.



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‘B’lev Echad’ Launches New Initiative: ‘Gan HaOr’ Dedicated With Rabbanim And Public Figures

A large crowd gathered this week to celebrate the engagement of the great-granddaughter of the preeminent Breslov leader, Hagaon Harav Yaakov Meir Shechter shlita, held in an atmosphere of great simcha and excitement.



The kallah is the daughter of Rav Nachman Dovid Heiman, and the granddaughter of the son of Harav Nassan Yitzchok Shechter. Family members, talmidim, and close associates arrived to take part in the simchah and to offer their brachos to the families.



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Especially moving moments were recorded when Harav Yaakov Meir Shechter shlita joined in the singing, uplifted in spirit, encouraging the assembled crowd to rejoice in the simchah shel mitzvah. Later in the event, he read the tenaim with great feeling before the excited participants.



Photo credit: &#8220;Charedim Yerushalayim&#8221;

Large Crowd at Engagement of Great-Granddaughter Of Harav Yaakov Meir Shechter

President Donald Trump on Monday marked the launch of the new Trump Accounts investment program for children as he rang the opening bells of the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq from the Oval Office, highlighting an initiative created under Republicans&#8217; 2025 tax and spending package while continuing to tie his presidency to stock market performance.



Trump has increasingly pointed to stock market gains as evidence of his economic policies, urging Americans to pay closer attention to their retirement investments ahead of the November midterm elections.



“It’s going to go up — I think the market’s going to go through the roof,” said Trump after formally launching the start of trading.



According to a June survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 33% of U.S. adults approve of Trump&#8217;s handling of the economy.



The White House event also marked the rollout of Trump Accounts, which are designed to allow children to invest in stock market index funds.



Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the program is intended to help expand stock market participation, noting that millions of Americans currently have no direct exposure to equities and therefore do not benefit from market gains enjoyed by many wealthier households.

Trump Marks Opening of New ‘Trump Accounts’ for Kids While Ringing Wall Street’s Opening Bell

Although huge crowds filled the streets of Tehran for the funeral of Iran&#8217;s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday, analysts and even senior Iranian officials cautioned that turnout should not be viewed as proof of widespread support for the Islamic Republic.



“If anyone’s thinking this is a litmus test for the popularity of the Islamic Republic, history tells us otherwise. It’s a funeral, and Iranians do funerals very well,” Ali Ansari, a professor of modern history at Scotland&#8217;s University of St. Andrews told the Times of Israel on Monday.



Reuters spoke with several attendees who said they came out of curiosity or because of religious tradition rather than political loyalty to the regime.



“My attendance does not mean that I am pro-regime, this big event happened in my country and I wanted to witness history,” said Hamidreza, a 63-year-old retired teacher from Tehran who requested that his last name not be published.



Reuters said it could not independently verify the size of the crowd, although drone footage appeared to show hundreds of thousands of mourners.



Analysts estimate the Iranian regime maintains a loyal ideological base of roughly 15% to 20% of the country&#8217;s 93 million people, citing election results in which hardline candidates have consistently drawn that level of support. In the 2024 presidential election, hardline candidate Saeed Jalili received about 13.5 million votes.



The funeral marked Iran&#8217;s first burial of a supreme leader since 1989, when Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was laid to rest following the Islamic Revolution. Khamenei, who was killed on February 28, was buried months later because of the war, allowing authorities time to organize an elaborate state funeral.



The ceremonies also marked the first major public gatherings since the end of the recent war, which supporters of the Islamic Republic viewed as an existential conflict.



“If we do not respect our leaders, the world will not respect us,” said Houshang Dabiri, 51, who traveled from Shiraz to attend the funeral.



A senior Iranian source acknowledged that those attending did so for different reasons, including religious obligation, support for the government, and participation in state-organized public demonstrations.

Analysts: Massive Funeral Crowds Don’t Necessarily Reflect Support for Iran’s Regime

Israel’s cabinet voted unanimously not to recognize decisions by a media regulator the Supreme Court allowed to keep operating, escalating into a direct confrontation between the government and the court.



The dispute centers on the Second Authority Council, which regulates Israel’s commercial television and radio broadcasters. Several members resigned, leaving the council below the minimum number required by law. The Supreme Court ruled on June 17 that the outgoing council could continue working for now, despite the missing members.



Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Justice Minister Yariv Levin brought the government proposal. The cabinet said it would not recognize “any decision, approval, appointment or action” by the council as long as it does not meet the legal threshold. Karhi said, “The judges of the High Court are not the Knesset, and intoxication with power does not give authority to erase an explicit threshold condition from the law.”



Opposition leaders warned the move crosses a dangerous line. President Isaac Herzog said, “Noncompliance with a court ruling is a red line that must not be crossed under any circumstances.” Opposition leader Yair Lapid said a government that does not accept a High Court ruling becomes “an illegal government whose rulings and decisions we will not accept.”



For the coalition, the case is another example of judges overriding a clear law passed by elected officials. For the opposition, it is something far more dangerous: a government announcing that it can decide which Supreme Court rulings count. That is why the dispute immediately reopened the same fears that drove Israel’s 2023 judicial reform protests.

Israeli Government Refuses To Recognize Supreme Court Ruling On Media Regulator

Newly published Army Radio documents show Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar launched the October 7 massacre believing Hezbollah would join and turn the attack into a wider regional war against Israel.



According to the documents, Hamas did not plan the attack as a Gaza-only war. Sinwar believed Hezbollah and Iran were prepared to join a multi-front campaign, including rocket fire and a major ground assault from Lebanon into the Galil.



Hamas had spent years trying to pull Hezbollah and Iran into a future war with Israel. During Operation Guardian of the Walls in 2021, Hezbollah reportedly helped Hamas with intelligence efforts in Beirut, together with Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran.



By 2023, Sinwar was telling Hamas leaders that Hezbollah and Iran had moved past the trauma of the 2006 Lebanon War. He described a broader war as a “realistic scenario that can be achieved.”



But Hamas intelligence also understood that Hezbollah still had a “psychological barrier” from 2006. Hezbollah feared the cost of a full war with Israel, even as Sinwar believed the shock of October 7 would force the entire axis to enter the fighting.



At 6:29 a.m. on October 7, Sinwar sent Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah a message apologizing for the surprise and asking him to join immediately with rockets and a major ground attack. Hezbollah opened fire only the next day, drawing Israel into a northern front, but did not send Radwan forces into the Galil that morning.

New Documents Show Sinwar Expected Hezbollah To Turn October 7 Into Regional War

Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is facing a hit-and-run charge after authorities say he struck an unoccupied parked vehicle in Napa County on Friday before leaving the scene.



According to the Napa County Sheriff&#8217;s Office, a witness in Yountville called 911 at approximately 2:30 p.m. after reportedly seeing a man driving a convertible collide with a parked car.



Investigators said the witness reported that the driver briefly stopped following the collision before driving away. Deputies later located the disabled convertible a short distance from the crash site, where it was blocking a roadway. Authorities identified the driver through his license as 86-year-old Paul Pelosi.



According to the sheriff&#8217;s office, Pelosi told investigators he realized he had struck something but was unsure what it was and continued driving.



&#8220;He drove the car until his car became disabled and was no longer to continue driving,&#8221; the sheriff&#8217;s office said in a statement.



Authorities said a preliminary alcohol screening found no evidence that Pelosi had consumed alcohol.



The sheriff&#8217;s office said Pelosi was not taken into custody.



Investigators said the case will be forwarded to the Napa County District Attorney&#8217;s Office for review and possible prosecution.



&#8220;A California DMV re-evaluation referral form will be submitted to DMV, which is common for elderly drivers,&#8221; the sheriff&#8217;s office said.



Attorney information for Paul Pelosi was not immediately available, and neither he nor former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had publicly commented on the incident as of Saturday.



The incident comes nearly four years after Paul Pelosi survived a violent attack inside the Pelosis&#8217; San Francisco home. In October 2022, an intruder broke into the residence while he was asleep, striking him multiple times with a hammer and leaving him with a fractured skull that required surgery.



The attacker, David Wayne DePape, was convicted in federal court in 2023 on assault and attempted kidnapping charges and received a 30-year prison sentence.



A year later, DePape was also convicted on five state charges and sentenced to life in prison.

Paul Pelosi Faces Hit-and-Run Charge After Alleged Crash Into Parked Vehicle in Napa County

The lone member of New York City&#8217;s Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) who opposed the city&#8217;s newly approved rent freeze says the policy could gradually leave aging rent-stabilized buildings in worse condition by reducing the revenue landlords rely on for repairs and capital investments.



Arpit Gupta, who also serves as an associate finance professor at New York University&#8217;s business school, said he is concerned the freeze one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani&#8217;s signature campaign promises could make it increasingly difficult for property owners to cover essential operating expenses.



&#8220;It&#8217;s a little bit of a slow burn,&#8221; said Gupta, an associate finance professor at New York University’s business school. &#8220;The risk is that the buildings do go under more distress. There are a variety of responses. One is &#8230; deferred maintenance, which will worsen the physical conditions of buildings.



&#8220;There are other avenues of distress, like going behind on mortgage payments, insurance payments, eventually property taxes, which leaves the property to be transferred in ownership to a bank or to the city, possibly for a tax lien sale.&#8221;



Following the board&#8217;s June 25 vote, RGB Chair Chantella Mitchell appointed by Mamdani earlier this year acknowledged that landlords have experienced sharp increases in property taxes and insurance costs but maintained that most owners &#8220;remain able to meet rising costs.&#8221;



Gupta, who joined the board after being appointed by former Mayor Eric Adams in 2022, said he does not dispute that many landlords remain financially stable.



Instead, he argues that the impact varies significantly across the city&#8217;s housing stock. Older rent-stabilized buildings that depend almost entirely on regulated rental income, he said, face far greater financial pressure than newer developments with mixed-income revenue streams.



The latest policy goes beyond previous rent freezes approved during former Mayor Bill de Blasio&#8217;s administration, when rent increases were suspended three times for one-year leases only in 2015, 2016 and 2020. The current measure freezes rents on both one- and two-year leases beginning Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027, affecting roughly one million rent-stabilized apartments.



Because of the timing of those lease terms, some landlords may be unable to increase rents until as late as September 2029.



Gupta believes a citywide rent freeze is an overly broad solution to the affordability crisis. He said a better approach would provide direct assistance to low-income tenants while allowing financially stressed buildings to continue receiving modest rent increases.



&#8220;About 30% of the tenants in rent-stabilized housing make six figures or more. At the same time, many individuals in market-rate housing are below the poverty line,&#8221; Gupta said. &#8220;So, to have a system that provides so many benefits for one sector of the housing stock while completely leaving out the market-rate tenants whose rents might actually go up because of the dynamics of freezing one part of the housing stock means that we have an incompletely targeted program.&#8221;



Gupta also pointed to existing city programs that freeze rents for qualifying senior citizens and people with disabilities, arguing that similar protections should instead be expanded to include low-income residents regardless of whether they live in rent-stabilized housing.



Another concern, Gupta said, is that the policy may encourage some landlords to keep apartments vacant rather than rent them out.



Data reported by Gothamist in early June showed that more than 57,000 rent-stabilized apartments sat vacant in April 2025. State housing officials noted that the figure does not necessarily represent long-term vacancies because some units were in the process of being prepared for new tenants.



Gupta contends, however, that many apartments remain empty because owners cannot recover renovation costs under current rent regulations, a problem he believes could become even more pronounced under the latest rent freeze.



Many property owners trace their financial challenges back to the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act, which eliminated the &#8220;vacancy bonus&#8221; that previously allowed landlords to raise rents by up to 20% after a tenant moved out. Owners argue the change reduced their ability to finance renovations before re-renting apartments.



Despite his opposition to the rent freeze, Gupta said he understands the reasoning behind his fellow board members&#8217; votes and acknowledged that many tenants continue to struggle with housing costs despite previous efforts to limit rent increases.



&#8220;In the five years I’ve been on this board … we have set rents below our estimate of building cost increases, we have set rents below CPI and we&#8217;ve even set rents below wage growth in the city,&#8221; Gupta said.



Even with those lower increases, the board&#8217;s own income and affordability study found that New York City&#8217;s spending on one-time programs to cover tenants&#8217; unpaid rent climbed from $102 million in 2022 to $555.8 million by 2025.



That same report also found that 62% of eviction cases last year involved buildings containing rent-stabilized apartments, a statistic supporters cited in favor of implementing the rent freeze.



Although Gupta opposed the final decision, he said he does not believe Mayor Mamdani&#8217;s appointments predetermined the outcome. The mayor selected six of the board&#8217;s nine members earlier this year, and each voted in favor of freezing rents.



&#8220;From my understanding, the administration did not direct or try to influence the vote directly,&#8221; Gupta said. &#8220;My fellow board members tell me that they were independently appointed.



&#8220;What I also hear from board members who joined is that in the vetting process, as they were entering the board, they weren&#8217;t asked or pressured on their position on the rent freeze,&#8221; Gupta said.



Former board member Christina Smyth, another appointee of former Mayor Adams who resigned before the vote, offered a different assessment. In a public letter posted on social media, she argued that the board had been &#8220;rebuilt,&#8221; was no longer a &#8220;fact-finding body&#8221; and that it was &#8220;required to deliver a rent freeze.&#8221;



Looking ahead, Gupta said his greatest concern is that the current policy may become permanent, noting that Mamdani campaigned on a pledge to &#8220;freeze the rent every year I’m in office.&#8221;



&#8220;I&#8217;ve had many discussions with other members of the board, and I&#8217;ve asked, ‘If you vote for the rent freeze now, what are the conditions under which you would vote for rental increases?’&#8221; he said.



Gupta said he has yet to receive a definitive answer. While some board members told him they intend to review future economic data before making additional decisions, he remains uncertain whether future rent increases will ever be approved.



&#8220;I&#8217;m not sure whether all the board members believe that&#8217;s the future or if maybe the future is just more freezes. Freeze after freeze for four years, as Mamdani campaigned on. That&#8217;s a very different picture.&#8221;



Fox News Digital said it asked Rent Guidelines Board Chair Chantella Mitchell whether she viewed the rent freeze as a temporary policy and about concerns that it could place additional financial strain on some rent-stabilized buildings. According to the report, Mitchell declined to comment beyond the statement she released following the board&#8217;s vote.

NYC Rent Board Dissenter Warns Freeze Could Trigger Long-Term Housing Decline

“He’s still AWOL.”



Iran’s newly installed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has reportedly been prevented from attending the funeral of his father, former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, amid fears that Israel could target him if he appears in public.



Mojtaba had requested permission to carry out funeral rites over his father’s body as the late ayatollah is scheduled to be buried in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9, marking the conclusion of a multi-day state funeral.



However, security officials rejected the request, according to two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members who spoke to the New York Times.



Intelligence and security assessments inside Iran reportedly warn that Israel could attempt another assassination if Mojtaba Khamenei exposes himself, even for a highly symbolic public appearance.



As a result, officials have reportedly instructed him to remain completely concealed and to avoid any form of public signaling. Security sources have even gone so far as to say he should not reveal himself “in any way, even to the extent of releasing his voice,” according to Mohammad Hossein Khoshvaght, a relative cited by Iranian media.



The younger Khamenei has not been seen or heard from publicly since the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28, which killed his father, his wife, and his teenage son.



Since then, his presence has been limited to written statements or brief messages released through state media and social media platforms.



His prolonged disappearance has fueled speculation and mockery inside Iran, where some have nicknamed him the “cardboard ayatollah,” a reference to the fact that his image rather than his physical presence has become the primary way citizens encounter him.



He is widely believed to be hiding in a fortified underground bunker, a location that has reportedly evaded even U.S. and Israeli intelligence efforts.



He also did not attend a recent memorial ceremony for his wife, Zahra Hadad-Adel, held in Tehran, though it remains unclear whether he intended to appear.



“US intelligence assessed Mojtaba Khamenei as “probably gay” and briefed President Trump to that effect, The Post reported back in March.”



Despite his absence, large-scale mourning events for Ali Khamenei have continued, including a major public viewing in Tehran where hundreds of thousands gathered to pay respects.



The late leader’s body was displayed in the capital’s Grand Mosalla courtyard, drawing massive crowds as part of the ongoing state funeral proceedings.



Iranian officials have not publicly commented on Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence from the ceremonies or on the security restrictions surrounding him.

Iranian Security Bars Embattled Leader Mojtaba Khamenei From Father’s Funeral Over Assassination Fears

President Donald Trump kicked off the nation&#8217;s 250th Independence Day celebration Friday with an address at Mount Rushmore that began by praising America&#8217;s exceptionalism before shifting to a politically charged message centered on what he described as the growing danger of communism.



&#8220;Communism is a mortal threat to American liberty,&#8221; he said from Mount Rushmore. &#8220;It is the greatest threat to our country, including World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor or even 9/11.&#8221;



Although Trump has delivered similar remarks in recent speeches, the setting made this address particularly notable. Speaking at a national monument honoring four former U.S. presidents, his comments contrasted with the traditionally bipartisan and unifying Independence Day speeches previously delivered by presidents such as Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan.



The president&#8217;s remarks also echoed themes associated with the anti-communist Red Scare of the 1950s, a period marked by investigations, blacklists and the persecution of individuals accused of communist ties in government, entertainment and other sectors.



Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, delivered his own Independence Day speech, portraying the United States as a nation filled with contradictions while continuing to pursue its founding ideals &#8220;working each day towards the perfection in which it was conceived.&#8221;



Trump&#8217;s appearance concluded a holiday eve that was also dominated by an intense heat wave affecting much of the eastern United States. Officials urged those taking part in Fourth of July festivities to remain hydrated and seek relief in air-conditioned spaces when necessary.



Extreme temperatures forced changes to several holiday events. Philadelphia canceled its Salute to Independence parade, while Washington&#8217;s Great American State Fair temporarily closed during the afternoon before reopening later in the day. The Capitol Fourth concert ultimately proceeded with performances by Patti LaBelle, Trace Adkins and appearances by members of the Artemis II space mission, followed by fireworks over George Washington&#8217;s Mount Vernon. A separate Independence Day parade scheduled for Saturday in Washington was canceled.



By Friday afternoon, large crowds had gathered on the National Mall for the Great American State Fair. Visitors watched military flyovers, purchased food and drinks, and searched for shade while enduring sweltering conditions, many dressed in red, white and blue despite the oppressive heat.



Glenn Brooks, who received a presidential pardon from Trump for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, said he was &#8220;thankful to be participating in this grand event.&#8221;



The nationwide Independence Day celebration reaches its peak Saturday with fireworks displays, neighborhood gatherings and cookouts across the country. Trump is also scheduled to deliver another address on the National Mall before a fireworks display organizers describe as one of the largest in the nation&#8217;s history.



While much of the country endured dangerous heat, residents of the Pacific Northwest experienced far cooler weather, with temperatures in the 60s and occasional light rain.



In Seattle, soccer fans preparing for Monday&#8217;s World Cup matchup between the United States and Belgium enjoyed the mild conditions. Nearby in Issaquah, 31-year-old Megan Kurowski took her dogs to a local park before work and looked ahead to the evening&#8217;s festivities, including a possible paddleboard outing to watch the fireworks.



&#8220;Everyone&#8217;s just, from what it seems, been pretty excited about celebrating 250 years,&#8221; she said.



This year&#8217;s anniversary arrives during a period of deep political divisions, giving Americans both an opportunity to celebrate the nation&#8217;s history and reflect on the country&#8217;s current political climate.



Speaking in New York, Mamdani avoided mentioning Trump by name but appeared to challenge the president&#8217;s rhetoric during his address.



&#8220;For generation after generation, we have been told that when the world has sent its people to our shores, it has not sent its best,&#8221; Mamdani said in an apparent reference to a common criticism from Trump. &#8220;Those ideals upon which our nation was built, they are strong enough to endure any authoritarian regime, but only if we reach for them.&#8221;



The milestone celebration has also highlighted competing efforts to organize national events. Freedom 250, a group aligned with the White House, coordinated many of the festivities in Washington, while the bipartisan America250 commission organized celebrations in cities nationwide, including ceremonial ball drops and a concert in Los Angeles.



An April survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about four in ten American adults said they felt proud about the country&#8217;s 250th anniversary, while roughly three in ten described themselves as excited.



In Topeka, Kansas, auto technician Joe Fuqua-Bejarano reflected on what he believes defines the United States, saying resilience not politics is the country&#8217;s greatest strength.



&#8220;We&#8217;ve just all got to find unity somewhere, whether that&#8217;s in laughter or perseverance, and keep everybody cool,&#8221; he said from the fireworks stand where he is doing a booming business as a side hustle.



Christina Zhou, a 25-year-old research assistant from Cambridge, Massachusetts, said she planned to focus her attention on her local community during the holiday.



&#8220;It feels a little bit more like within our own personal control,&#8221; she said.



Jerry Chin of Newcastle, Washington, said he had not realized the country was marking its 250th anniversary and planned to spend the holiday quietly at home with his wife and their dogs, which become frightened by fireworks.



&#8220;America&#8217;s a great place, but there are some concerns,&#8221; he said.



Chin said healthcare and politics remain major worries for him and his wife.



&#8220;We&#8217;re Democrats, so kind of given up hope,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Just feel that it is the way it is. I don&#8217;t know if there could be change.&#8221;



At the National Archives in Washington, visitors toured the Rotunda to view the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights while also escaping the extreme temperatures outside.



Among them was Michael Dresdner, 60, who traveled from West Orange, New Jersey, with his wife, Cindi, 57, and a group of roughly two dozen people to take part in the America 250 celebrations. He said the fact that members of the group represented different political viewpoints gave him optimism about the future of the country.



&#8220;We are all here, and we all love America,&#8221; he said.

Hamas Claims Agreement to Witkoff Ceasefire; US Envoy Denies, Pushes Deal

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