18:13⇢Zini's Anti-Hostage Deal Comments Exposed
The newspapers report on the contentious appointment of Major General David Zini as Shin Bet chief, with legal experts predicting the Supreme Court will issue an interim order against the appointment, citing Netanyahu's conflict of interest (13tv). Zini has reportedly opposed hostage deals in closed military discussions, calling the conflict "an eternal war" (n12, Times). Media also covers IDF preparations for a multi-front war amid Iran nuclear deal negotiations (Ynet), and expanded ground operations in Gaza with preparations to deploy thousands more troops (Walla, Mako). Other coverage includes criticism of the Supreme Court for allowing Palestinian "starvation" (Haaretz) and analysis of Trump's expectations from Israel (Israel Hayom).17:01⇢Netanyahu Defends Zini's Shin Bet Appointment Citing Pre-October 7 Warnings
The newspapers extensively report on Major General David Zini's controversial appointment as Shin Bet chief. Netanyahu defended the appointment, emphasizing that Zini had warned about a potential ground invasion six months before the October 7 massacre (INN, now14, Srugim). Former IDF Chief Eisenkot published an open letter urging Zini to decline the appointment (Maariv). If Zini refuses, his planned IDF discharge will be canceled (Kan). Other coverage includes the fifth round of Iran nuclear talks concluding with limited progress (Jerusalem Post, Times), a new Gaza aid mechanism to separate Hamas from civilians (n12), and hostage Idan Alexander's escape from a collapsed tunnel after an IDF strike shortly before his release (Ynet).15:00⇢Fifth Iran Nuclear Talks Begin Amid European Pressure
The newspapers report on the fifth round of US-Iran nuclear talks beginning in Rome amid pessimism from Tehran and pressure from Washington (13tv, Jerusalem Post). This comes as Trump has reportedly placed constraints on Israel while leaving the hostage issue for Israel to handle alone (Haaretz). Netanyahu has praised Major General David Zini, calling him "sharp, straight and clear," as his Shin Bet appointment moves forward despite controversy (INN, walla). European countries continue diplomatic pressure against Israel, with warnings of further steps to come (Israel Hayom, n12). Israeli-Syrian meetings are reportedly taking place, possibly related to the Abraham Accords (Kan).12:03⇢Netanyahu's "Deception Operation" Against Defense Establishment Exposed
The newspapers extensively report on Netanyahu's credibility crisis surrounding Major General David Zini's appointment as Shin Bet chief. New details reveal Netanyahu's "deception operation" against the defense establishment (Maariv, Haaretz, Kan, n12). Zini will resign from the IDF as the appointment moves forward (now14). Defense Minister Katz has banned former Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan from reserve duty over controversial Gaza statements (Times, Kipa, walla, INN). Newspapers also report on Iran nuclear negotiations potentially collapsing, with Iran issuing an ultimatum to Trump (Mako, Jerusalem Post). Other coverage includes the return of Yaron Lishinsky's body, killed in the Washington DC terror attack (Israel Hayom), and a story about a police officer who eliminated 13 terrorists on October 7 before later dying by suicide (Ynet).10:07⇢Zini Resigns From Military Following Shin Bet Appointment Crisis
The newspapers extensively report on the controversy surrounding Major General David Zini's appointment as Shin Bet chief. Following a meeting with IDF Chief of Staff Zamir, Zini agreed to resign from the military (13tv, Haaretz, n12, now14, Kipa, Mako, Walla). Zamir issued a stern rebuke emphasizing that communication with political leaders requires his approval. Defense Minister Katz took disciplinary action against former MK Yair Golan, barring him from reserve duty and military bases after controversial statements about Gaza (INN, Kan, Srugim). Meanwhile, media scrutinizes Netanyahu's evolving narrative about October 7 (Davar, Maariv, Ynet) and questions whether his Shin Bet appointment can be implemented despite legal obstacles (Israel Hayom, Times, Jerusalem Post).08:29⇢IDF Chief Dismisses Shin Bet Appointee Over Unauthorized Negotiations
The newspapers extensively report on IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir dismissing Major General David Zini from the military following Zini's appointment as Shin Bet chief by Netanyahu (Davar, Haaretz, Jerusalem Post, Kan, Maariv, Mako, n12, now14, Srugim, Ynet, Kipa). Reports indicate Zamir summoned Zini for a disciplinary meeting after discovering he had conducted negotiations with Netanyahu without Zamir's knowledge or approval. In an official statement, Zamir emphasized that "any communication with political leadership requires the Chief of Staff's approval." Netanyahu responded with an unusual statement saying the new Shin Bet chief "will not be involved in the Qatar-gate affair."07:32⇢IDF Chief Forces Shin Bet Appointee To Resign
The newspapers extensively report on a crisis within the IDF command structure after Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced that Major General David Zini will leave military service following his appointment as the next Shin Bet chief (13tv, INN, Israel Hayom, Jerusalem Post, Kan, Mako, n12, Ynet, Walla, Kipa). Reports indicate Zamir summoned Zini for a disciplinary meeting after discovering Zini had conducted negotiations with Netanyahu without Zamir's knowledge. The IDF Chief emphasized that "any communication with political leadership requires prior approval." In Gaza, Israeli strikes reportedly killed 16 Palestinians overnight according to Hamas sources, while the IDF claims it struck 75 targets (Times).06:49⇢IDF Chief Summons Shin Bet Appointee For Secret Negotiations
The newspapers extensively report on tensions between IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Major General David Zini following Zini's appointment as Shin Bet chief (Israel Hayom, Kan, Mako, n12, Ynet, Kipa). Reports indicate Zamir summoned Zini for a clarification meeting after learning Zini had been conducting negotiations with Netanyahu without his knowledge, and was only informed of the appointment minutes before the public announcement. Other coverage includes criticism that the Jerusalem Ministry is neglecting East Jerusalem education issues (Davar), claims that Zini's appointment is designed to please Netanyahu's messianic base (Haaretz), and concerns about Qatar funding the Syrian government and Lebanese army (Walla).05:24⇢Zini's Pre-October Warning Emerges As Netanyahu Faces Criticism
The newspapers extensively report on new details about the Washington terrorist attack that killed two Israeli embassy workers (13tv, INN, Israel Hayom, Times). The attacker, Elias Rodriguez, reportedly ensured his victims were dead, saying "this is for Palestine," and intended to shoot more people but his weapon jammed. Meanwhile, media focus on the controversy surrounding Netanyahu's appointment of Major General David Zini as Shin Bet chief (Jerusalem Post, Kan, Maariv, now14, Ynet, Kipa, walla). Reports reveal Zini had warned about serious deficiencies in Gaza Division's preparedness for a surprise attack in a classified March 2023 report, calling the October 7 failure "crazier than Yom Kippur War."04:04⇢Third Yemeni Missile Intercepted Over Central Israel
The newspapers extensively report on a missile launched from Yemen toward central Israel being successfully intercepted for the third time in two days (13tv, INN, Israel Hayom, Kan, n12, Ynet). Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, Gush Dan and Sharon regions with no casualties reported. Other coverage includes a Jerusalem Post report on Palestinian clans considering joining the Abraham Accords following October 7, and a Mako story about a hostage who served food to other captives while wearing a mask to hide his identity. Meanwhile, Yemen has reportedly sent a message to the US that the ceasefire strengthens the Houthis (Kan).01:36⇢Yemeni Missile Intercepted Over Central Israel
The newspapers extensively report on a missile fired from Yemen toward central Israel which was successfully intercepted (INN, Israel Hayom, Kan, Mako, n12, now14, Ynet). Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, Gush Dan, Sharon and Shfela regions, marking the third such attack in two days. No casualties were reported and flights at Ben Gurion Airport were temporarily halted. In other news, Netanyahu has appointed IDF Major General David Zini as the new Shin Bet chief despite court rulings against it (Jerusalem Post). Additionally, reports cover the Washington shooting suspect who told police he "did it for Gaza" (Times).20:00⇢Netanyahu Defies Legal Counsel With Shin Bet Appointment
The newspapers extensively report on Netanyahu's appointment of Major General David Zini as the next Shin Bet chief, defying the Attorney General's directive that claimed conflict of interest (13tv, Davar, Jerusalem Post, Kan, Maariv, Mako, n12, now14, Times, Ynet, Walla, Haaretz, INN, Israel Hayom, Srugim, Kipa). This follows yesterday's Supreme Court ruling that Netanyahu's dismissal of current Shin Bet head Ronen Bar was illegal. Attorney General Baharav-Miara was reportedly not updated about the appointment and stated there are concerns about a "flawed appointment process." Media also reports that Zini's brother is closely associated with a billionaire who is close to Netanyahu, and that Netanyahu previously described Zini as "too messianic" for a senior position.