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In an and unprecedented meeting, Slabodka Rosh Yeshiva Rav Dov Landau paid a visit on Thursday to the Belzer Rebbe at his residence in Yerushalayim.

The meeting marked the first time the two gedolei Torah had ever visited one another.

The visit took place in a warm and dignified atmosphere, with only a handful of close associates in attendance, including MK Yisroel Eichler. Also present was Rav Elyakim Stark, chairman of Belz’s Machzikei HaDas faction and one of the leading figures in the Belzer court, who has served on several occasions as the Rebbe’s personal emissary to Rav Landau.

During the meeting, the two gedolim reminisced about the great Torah leaders of previous generations. The Belzer Rebbe asked Rav Landau whether he had merited learning together with the Chazon Ish.

Rav Landau responded by sharing cherished memories from his youth, recalling how he had the privilege of spending time in the presence of Rav Aharon of Belz when the Belzer Rebbe spent a Shabbos in Bnei Brak. He vividly described the enormous crowds of thousands of chassidim who flocked to witness the Rebbe’s presence during that memorable visit.

As the conversation continued, it took on a more emotional tone as the two discussed the difficult situation facing Eretz Yisroel and the gezeiros threatening the Torah world.

Expressing his deep anguish, Rav Landau said, “We have nothing left but for the Rebbe and me, together, to let out a deep sigh from the depths of our hearts before the Creator of all, pleading that He have mercy and compassion upon His poor and destitute people.”

At the conclusion of the uplifting visit, the two gedolei Torah parted warmly, exchanging heartfelt brachos before Rav Landau departed.

The IDF has handed down severe punishments to the soldiers identified as the leaders of this week’s protest at the Sde Teiman military base, sentencing 14 members of the Givati Brigade’s Tzabar Battalion to 30 days in military prison and removing them from combat service.

The disciplinary action comes one day after dozens of soldiers and commanders staged a walkout from the base in protest, prompting a swift response from the military.

According to the IDF, the 14 soldiers deemed to have led the protest were each sentenced to 30 days in military prison. In addition to their jail terms, they will be permanently removed from combat duty and reassigned to non-combat roles.

Roughly 80 additional soldiers who left the base but later returned will not face imprisonment. Instead, they and their commanders will participate this Shabbos in a command-led educational and disciplinary program intended to reinforce military discipline, values, and the standards expected of IDF soldiers.

The investigation into the incident is still ongoing. Two additional soldiers identified as organizers of the protest reported overnight and will face disciplinary proceedings at a later date. Another soldier who has not yet appeared for his hearing will be dealt with separately once he reports.

The disciplinary hearings were conducted by Givati Brigade commander Col. Netanel Shamka.

The incident began Thursday when dozens of soldiers and officers from the Givati Brigade’s Tzabar Battalion walked out of the Sde Teiman base after leaving behind their weapons and absenting themselves without authorization.

According to reports, the protest was triggered by the battalion commander’s decision to destroy the battalion’s metal “pogim” plaques—symbols bearing the motivational slogans and traditions of the unit’s companies and platoons—which many of the soldiers viewed as an affront to the battalion’s identity and esprit de corps.

[Videos below.] A major outdoor concert at Sultan’s Pool in Yerushalayim featuring some of the biggest names in Jewish music was brought to an abrupt halt tonight after Israel Police ordered organizers to end the event, despite thousands of fans packing the venue for what had been billed as one of the summer’s premier musical performances.

The concert featured Mordechai Ben David, the Miami Boys Choir, Shmulik Sukkot, and a surprise guest appearance by Yaakov Shwekey, accompanied by an orchestra conducted by Yoily Dikman.

The unexpected shutdown stunned concertgoers, many of whom had traveled from across Israel and abroad to attend the event. The performance had been underway for more than two hours when organizers were instructed to stop the show.

In a statement posted during the event, organizers said that after “we made history with a one-time performance” and despite “many agreements reached in advance with the Israel Police,” they had originally been told the show could continue until at least 11:15 p.m.

According to the organizers, “The officer in charge in the field suddenly ordered the performance stopped at 11:00 p.m., contrary to the agreements.”

They added that “it’s disappointing to bring an end to a huge performance after two-and-a-half hours of a giant show and without allowing the audience to enjoy the final quarter-hour and the concluding segment planned with the police.”

Organizers told Matzav.com that they had expected the police to show greater flexibility, especially since, according to them, the event was nearing its conclusion.

Audience members reacted with disappointment as the music stopped before the planned finale.

As of tonight, Israel Police had not publicly responded to the organizers’ claims regarding the decision to end the concert early.

President Donald Trump signaled Tuesday that he is still pursuing a diplomatic resolution with Iran rather than another round of military action, even as he emphasized that the United States retains the ability to inflict devastating damage on the Islamic Republic if necessary. His comments, delivered just hours before meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, also included a pointed remark suggesting he does not need updates from the Israeli leader about developments inside Iran.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News before his White House meeting with Netanyahu, Trump addressed concerns surrounding the Iranian nuclear facility known as “Pickaxe Mountain,” where Israeli intelligence reportedly believes Tehran has transferred uranium enrichment centrifuges. The president dismissed the importance of the site, saying, “It’s not a big deal.”

Asked whether Netanyahu had informed him about Iranian activity at the facility, Trump brushed aside the suggestion with a sharp response directed at the prime minister.

“I don’t need Bibi to tell me that. I know exactly what’s going on there.”

Trump went on to underscore America’s overwhelming military capabilities, saying the United States could rapidly cripple Iran’s infrastructure by targeting bridges, electrical facilities, and other key assets. Despite that, he stressed that military action is not his preferred course.

“I want to avoid that. I’m not interested in doing it,” he said.

The president also asserted that Tehran is once again interested in negotiations with Washington following the recent conflict.

“Iran wants to talk. There’s a chance we’ll make a deal,” Trump said, adding that Iranian officials sought a halt to U.S. military operations and expressed interest in returning to the negotiating table after the latest fighting.

Trump’s remarks came only hours before Netanyahu was scheduled to present updated intelligence on Iran’s nuclear program and the regime’s efforts to restore its military capabilities. The Israeli leader is expected to urge the president not to place too much confidence in diplomacy alone as Tehran works to rebuild.

Still, Trump’s public comments indicate that, at least for the moment, he remains focused on pursuing negotiations and maintaining diplomatic pressure rather than launching another large-scale military campaign against Iran, while continuing to emphasize that the military option remains available if circumstances change.

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A young boy miraculously escaped without injury after being struck and run over by a moving vehicle in Bnei Brak in what witnesses described as an extraordinary act of Divine protection.

The frightening incident occurred at the intersection of Kahaneman Street and Kibbutz Galuyot Street as the child was crossing the road alongside his older sister, who was pushing a baby stroller.

tHE boy’s yarmulke suddenly fell off his head while the siblings were in the middle of the crosswalk. Without warning, the child turned back toward the center of the roadway to retrieve it.

At that very moment, a vehicle entered the intersection and struck the child before continuing forward, passing directly over him.

Bystanders rushed to the scene, fearing the worst after seeing the car drive over the young boy.

To the amazement of everyone present, the child got up on his own moments later and appeared to be completely unharmed. Witnesses described the incident as nothing short of miraculous.

Emergency responders were called to the scene to examine the child, who, according to sources, did not suffer any apparent injuries despite the terrifying ordeal.

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{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio forcefully defended Muslim socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a contentious appearance on Fox News Monday, echoing Mamdani’s attacks on Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and declaring that Netanyahu is “literally a war criminal.” The remarks add to the growing political firestorm over Mamdani’s repeated calls to have the Israeli leader arrested if he visits New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September.

During the interview, de Blasio acknowledged the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre in southern Israel, in which approximately 1,200 people were murdered, but argued that Israel’s military response in Gaza had exceeded what he considered justifiable. He insisted, “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” while making clear that he supports Mamdani’s criticism of Netanyahu.

De Blasio’s comments come just days after Mamdani released a video announcing that his administration had examined whether New York City possessed the legal authority to arrest Netanyahu during a potential September visit. After consulting with city attorneys, Mamdani acknowledged that the city has no such authority, though he nevertheless continued referring to the Israeli premier as a “war criminal” and urged the federal government to enforce the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant instead.

The controversy stems from Mamdani’s long-standing campaign pledge to seek Netanyahu’s arrest should he enter New York City. Although he has since conceded that municipal officials cannot carry out such an arrest, the issue has sparked nationwide debate and drawn sharp responses from leaders across the political spectrum.

President Donald Trump weighed in on the dispute last week, making clear that Netanyahu would be protected during any visit to the United States. Trump declared that the Israeli prime minister “will not be arrested” while on American soil, directly rejecting Mamdani’s position.

The escalating feud has also prompted a public exchange between Mamdani and Netanyahu. After Mamdani recently declared that Netanyahu is “not welcome” in New York City, the Israeli prime minister vowed to travel to New York regardless and dismissed the accusations against him, describing the International Criminal Court’s allegations as baseless while accusing Mamdani of encouraging hostility through his rhetoric.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Israel has categorically rejected the allegations, calling the ICC politically motivated and lacking jurisdiction over Israeli officials. The United States likewise does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction over American or Israeli nationals.

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{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Griff Jenkins publicly addressed comments made by a guest during yesterday’s broadcast after conservative radio host Sid Rosenberg repeatedly referred to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a “terrorist,” prompting an on-air clarification from the network.

The controversy arose during a discussion about an apparently disturbed man who allegedly stabbed two people on Manhattan’s Upper West Side earlier this week while shouting “Allahu Akbar.” The panel was discussing concerns about rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment when Rosenberg launched into a blistering attack on Mamdani.

Later in the program, Jenkins returned to the issue and emphasized that the term used by the guest should not be treated casually.

“We know there are heated feelings around this war last hour, while discussing the role anti-Israel is playing in the rise of antisemitism, one of our guests labeled New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a quote, terrorist. Now that word carries an extremely serious meaning, it should not be used freely and its important we distinguish between strong political criticism and factual allegations.”

Earlier in the segment, Rosenberg argued that attempting to reason with Mamdani was futile before escalating his criticism.

“Look, these people are very nice people, but trying to talk to Mayor Mamdani is is like trying to talk to the IRGC.

“This guy is a terrorist. That’s the bottom line, I’ll say it. You don’t want to say it, I’ll say it. He’s a terrorist, he’s a jihadist. He hates the Jewish people. He hates America. He hates the Italian people, he hates the Irish people, he hates the German people, unless you’re Muslim, Mayor Mamdani has no use for you. He is a horrible person.

“He maybe has perpetrated the worst American and Jewish hate in the history of this country. Those two people stabbed the ore day on the Upper West Side of New York City, that blood is on his hands. That blood is on your hands, Mayor Mamdani.

“We’ve got to find a way to get this guy out of here.”

As Rosenberg continued, Jenkins attempted to moderate the exchange, cautioning that the description of the mayor had gone too far.

“I think you may be a bit over your skis in calling him, in labeling him a terrorist and you’re probably going to be flagged for that.”

Rosenberg, who also referred to Mamdani as a “low life” during the discussion, immediately challenged Jenkins’ objection, responding simply, “Why?”

Following the broadcast, Rosenberg defended his comments on X, posting video of the exchange and making clear that he was not backing away from his remarks.

“The comments that had FOX apologize for me TWICE after my appearance early this morning. I 100% stand by my assertions! 100%!” he wrote.

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{Matzav.com}

A remarkable twist brought a happy ending Friday to the search for 4-year-old Yuval Kogan, who disappeared near the beaches of Ashkelon, after a Breslover chassid searching on horseback accidentally took a wrong turn and stumbled upon the missing child standing beneath a tree.

The child, who had been missing since Thursday afternoon, was found alive and unharmed after an intensive overnight search involving hundreds of emergency personnel and volunteers.

The man who located Yuval was identified as Noam Simchi, a Breslover chassid from Ashdod. Simchi had joined the search effort Friday morning, riding his horse in an attempt to help cover the difficult terrain surrounding the Ashkelon coastline.

Recalling the dramatic moment, Simchi said he had never intended to reach the location where the boy was eventually found.

“I took a wrong turn with the horse on the way to the beach, and I saw the child standing under a tree,” Simchi said emotionally. “He looked at me. Thank G-d. Say Mizmor L’sodah. Thank Hashem.”

The search for Yuval began Thursday at approximately 1:00 p.m. after the boy disappeared in the sand dunes between the cliffs and the shoreline north of Ashkelon.

According to reports, Yuval had been on a family outing with his father and sisters. At one point, he wandered toward a bush in the dunes to explore. After just three or four minutes during which his family lost sight of him, he had vanished.

Over the next 24 hours, hundreds of emergency responders raced against the clock to locate the child. Volunteers from ZAKA, Israel Police, Magen David Adom, rescue divers, and numerous other emergency organizations searched by land, sea, and air.

Authorities deployed drones, off-road vehicles, and specialized technological equipment as crews combed the challenging landscape.

Search teams faced particularly difficult conditions. The area where Yuval disappeared is an undeclared beach with no lifeguards or breakwaters and includes steep cliffs, expansive sand dunes, and open coastline, making the search especially complex.

Aryeh Blumenfeld, commander of the ZAKA 360 Ashkelon unit, praised the volunteers’ determination following the successful rescue.

“After a full day of searching by ZAKA 360 volunteers, the child was found safe and sound. I want to thank all of the volunteers who worked in the field and never gave up until he was found,” Blumenfeld said.

During the search, Israeli President Isaac Herzog personally called Yuval’s mother, Dina Kogan, to express his concern and support. Herzog told her he was in close contact with Israel Police Commissioner Daniel Levy and Shin Bet Director David Zini regarding the ongoing search efforts.

Before her son was found, Dina Kogan, a pediatrician, voiced fears that her son’s disappearance might involve something more serious than a child who had simply become lost.

“I am worried they are searching in the same place. I am afraid this may be a kidnapping,” she said. “I want additional forces beyond the police and the Shin Bet. I want everyone mobilized. These are critical hours. Everyone needs to be on their feet—this is a matter of life and death.”

With Yuval now safely reunited with his family, relief has spread throughout Israel after a search that captivated the nation.

{Matzav.com}