⌨US deployment of two Patriot and one THAAD missile defense systems to Israel dominated morning reports amid Iran tensions. By midday, leaked recordings of the Shin Bet's Jewish Division head emerged, revealing he allegedly ordered arrests of West Bank settlers without evidence, calling them "shmucks" and referring to Border Police as "Phalangists." The official suspended himself pending investigation.
The controversy escalated when Netanyahu, en route to Washington for urgent meetings with Trump about tariffs, blocked Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar from investigating the matter, claiming Bar was "involved." The Attorney General responded that Bar maintains full authority during his remaining tenure.
Foreign Minister Katz revealed intercepted documents showing Hamas requested $500 million from Iran in 2021 "for Israel's destruction." By evening, Hamas launched its largest rocket barrage in months, firing 10 rockets toward southern Israel, injuring three in Ashkelon, prompting residents to question victory claims after living under fire for 18 months.