President Trump once again tapped into his pool of allies from Fox News on Thursday, selecting “The Five” co-host Jeanine Pirro to take on the role of interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
“Jeanine is incredibly well qualified for this position, and is considered one of the Top District Attorneys in the History of the State of New York,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “She is in a class by herself.”
“Congratulations Jeanine!”
Earlier in the day, Trump withdrew the nomination of Ed Martin for the same role after key Republican senators raised concerns and declined to back his appointment.

The United States has decided to no longer insist that Saudi Arabia formally recognize Israel as a precondition for advancing discussions on civilian nuclear cooperation, according to two individuals familiar with the matter, speaking to Reuters just days before President Donald Trump is scheduled to travel to the region.
This marks a significant policy shift by Washington, signaling its willingness to ease a key demand that has long tied nuclear discussions to broader diplomatic recognition. Under Joe Biden’s administration, nuclear cooperation was closely linked to normalization with Israel and Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of a formal security alliance with the U.S.

President Trump renewed his push for a month-long truce between Russia and Ukraine on Thursday, following a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump said he remained “committed to securing Peace,” even after recently indicating he might step back from mediating between the two countries.
“Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue,” Trump, 78, posted to Truth Social. “The U.S. calls for, ideally, a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations.”
“If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions,” he added.

At the Israeli Knesset, a solemn gathering titled “The Journey of His Life – From Buchenwald to Yerushalayim” brought together a powerful mix of lawmakers, soldiers, and civilians to hear Rav Yisrael Meir Lau share the gripping and miraculous story of his survival through the Holocaust.
“The defeat of the Nazis was possible only because the entire world stood united against them,” Rav Lau said. “Alongside our gratitude to the Creator, we must thank His emissaries — notably the Soviet Union, which sacrificed more than all, including around a quarter of a million Jews who fought in the Red Army. We owe thanks also to Britain, the United States, and all those who opposed Nazism.”

Israel’s top fire official, Chief Fire Officer Eyal Caspi, has issued an urgent directive prohibiting all bonfires and outdoor flames throughout Israel, citing unusually high temperatures and dry conditions that dramatically raise the danger of widespread blazes.
This sweeping restriction will be enforced beginning Thursday and will extend through Shabbos, May 18. It includes Lag Ba’omer festivities and covers all open-air locations. The order forbids bonfires, the burning of garden debris, and any maintenance or construction work that could generate sparks or flames.

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued another sharp critique of Israel, suggesting that its continued military campaign in Gaza may be violating international humanitarian law, according to a report from Anadolu.
During a joint press briefing in Paris alongside newly instated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Macron emphasized the deepening crisis in Gaza. He declared, “ignoring humanitarian law and maintaining the situation in Gaza is not acceptable.”
He drew attention to the disparity in global reactions to different conflicts, saying, “We cannot have double standards. We stand for the right of the Ukrainian people to sovereignty. We must do the same when it comes to Gaza.”

Despite growing frustration among the general public over the lack of answers regarding tickets and transportation to Meron for Lag Ba’omer, preparations on the ground are already well underway ahead of the hilula of Rav Shimon bar Yochai.
Photographer A. Eisenbach traveled to Meron early and captured striking images of the fully prepared “Area 89” compound, one of the primary sites of the annual gathering.
This year, Area 89 will host a series of major lighting ceremonies. Among them will be the renowned mashpia Rav Elimelech Biderman, as well as various admorim and rabbanim.

Joe Biden acknowledged that he holds himself accountable for Donald Trump reclaiming the presidency and sharply criticized Trump’s leadership since returning to office.
In his first live television appearance since leaving the presidency, Biden was interviewed on “The View” and was directly asked whether he bears any responsibility for Trump’s win.
“Yes, I do, because, look, I was in charge and he won, so I take responsibility,” Biden responded.
Reflecting on Trump’s time back in office, Biden didn’t hold back, asserting that Trump “has done, quite frankly, a very poor job in the interest of the United States of America.”

Palestinian Authority head Mohammad Mustafa accused Israel of intentionally creating a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, placing direct blame on the Jewish state during a press conference held in Ramallah.
Referring to Israel as “the occupying power,” Mustafa alleged that it was responsible for a prolonged state of starvation in Gaza and deliberately preventing the flow of humanitarian assistance to civilians.
He demanded that the United Nations, and in particular its Secretary-General, act without delay by invoking Article 99 of Chapter 15 of the UN Charter. This clause allows the Secretary-General to alert the Security Council to any issue that could pose a threat to global peace and stability.