June
Former Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer died at 81, dominating morning coverage. The White House announced delivering a nuclear proposal to Iran while an IAEA report revealed Tehran possesses uranium for ten bombs.

Mid-morning brought an information warfare episode when Palestinian sources claimed 30 deaths at Gaza aid distribution centers. International outlets reported the allegations as fact while Israeli media spent hours producing video evidence to refute the claims. The IDF later stated no firing occurred at civilian aid sites.

Israeli forces eliminated a Hamas commander responsible for killing 21 soldiers in January 2024. IDF Chief Zamir ordered expanded Gaza operations, declaring Hamas was "losing control."

By evening, following intense military pressure and diplomatic efforts, Hamas announced readiness for immediate indirect negotiations to resolve "points of contention" in the ceasefire framework. A Houthi missile was intercepted over central Israel during Shavuot, while FBI investigated an attack on pro-Israel demonstrators in Colorado.
A firebomb attack on pro-Israel hostage demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado dominated morning coverage, with casualty counts rising from six to eight wounded including a Holocaust survivor. The FBI identified the attacker as Mohammed Sabry Soliman, who shouted "Free Palestine" while throwing Molotov cocktails at weekly awareness marchers. By evening, federal hate crime charges were filed.

Domestic violence consumed Israeli headlines as nine people died in five days. A murder-suicide in Bat Yam featured a nine-hour rooftop standoff ending when the suspect jumped to his death after killing his partner. Two men died in a car explosion in Jaljulia, with media outlets criticizing government silence on the violence wave.

Iran rejected Trump's nuclear proposal after five negotiation rounds, calling it "one-sided" for prohibiting uranium enrichment on Iranian soil. Yemen fired its second missile in 48 hours, intercepted over central Israel. Hamas negotiations continued with reports of possible flexibility, though significant gaps remained over Gaza control and ceasefire duration.
Three Givati Brigade soldiers were killed by explosives in northern Gaza's Jabaliya, their names released as Staff Sergeants Lior Steinberg, Ofek Barhana, and Omer Van Goldin. The incident occurred when their vehicle hit a device in what the IDF identified as a large minefield containing dozens of bombs.

Netanyahu's corruption trial reached a critical phase as cross-examination began, with prosecutors revealing he said "I don't remember" 1,788 times during police questioning. The proceedings included courtroom drama as his defense lawyer interrupted and the judge instructed Netanyahu to listen to questions about gifts, including a "Bugs Bunny doll."

The ultra-Orthodox coalition crisis escalated beyond deadlines, with parties threatening to withdraw from government over the military draft law. Reports emerged that Goldknopf was instructed to announce his resignation by week's end.

Evening brought the first rocket fire from Syria since Assad's fall, with two rockets landing in the Golan Heights. A simultaneous Houthi missile from Yemen was intercepted over central Israel, marking a rare two-front barrage.
Netanyahu's coalition government reached collapse as ultra-Orthodox rabbinical leaders severed all communication with the Prime Minister over military draft legislation. By morning, both major Haredi parties—United Torah Judaism and Shas—decided to support dissolving the Knesset after failed negotiations with Speaker Edelstein.

The crisis deepened when leaked recordings revealed Netanyahu's admission that he fired Defense Minister Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Halevi specifically to advance ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions. "When the Defense Minister and Chief of Staff are against you, you can't move forward," Netanyahu told a rabbi in March.

Reserve Staff Sergeant Alon Farkas, 27, was killed in fighting in Gaza's Shejaiya neighborhood, continuing the war's toll. The US vetoed a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution while Iran's Supreme Leader rejected American nuclear proposals. Netanyahu's evening meeting with Edelstein yielded claims of "bridging gaps," though ultra-Orthodox parties remained committed to government dissolution.
The IDF retrieved bodies of American-Israeli hostages Judith Weinstein and Gadi Haggai from Khan Yunis after 608 days, following intelligence from interrogated Hamas prisoners. Their final recordings from October 7th dominated morning coverage, including Judith's desperate call for help after her husband was shot.

Netanyahu's coalition crisis intensified as ultra-Orthodox parties prepared for what they termed a "fateful" meeting. The Attorney General announced plans to send 55,000 additional draft notices to ultra-Orthodox men in July, prompting protests where notices were thrown into toilets. By evening, the Council of Torah Sages announced support for dissolving the Knesset.

Controversy erupted over Netanyahu's authorization of weapons transfers to Gaza militias fighting Hamas, including groups allegedly linked to ISIS. His office confirmed rather than denied the claims, despite the program operating without security cabinet approval.

The day concluded with IDF strikes on Hezbollah drone factories in Beirut after evacuation warnings, while a Houthi missile was intercepted over Jerusalem during a right-wing rally outside the Supreme Court.
Four IDF soldiers died when a booby-trapped building collapsed in Khan Younis after they entered to clear it at 06:05. Staff Sergeant Chen Gross and Sergeant Major Yoav Revor were among the dead, with five others wounded. The incident prompted military analysts to question operational logic, noting Hamas has learned IDF procedures and begun professionally booby-trapping structures.

Netanyahu claimed "significant progress" in overnight draft negotiations with Knesset Speaker Edelstein, though ultra-Orthodox parties disputed any advancement. United Torah Judaism cooled to the announcement while Shas accused them of false denials, deepening the coalition crisis that began with yesterday's rabbinical decision to dissolve the Knesset.

The IDF conducted extensive strikes on Hezbollah drone production facilities in Beirut's Dahieh district, the most significant since the ceasefire. Iran ordered thousands of tons of ballistic missile materials from China, potentially enabling 800 missiles. The Gaza Humanitarian Fund closed all aid distribution centers indefinitely, citing security concerns.
The IDF successfully recovered Thai hostage Nattapong Pinta's body from Rafah in a joint operation with Shin Bet, two days after retrieving American-Israeli hostages. The 26-year-old agricultural worker, kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, leaves behind a wife and seven-year-old son in Thailand.

Media coverage then shifted to investigating whether Mohammed Sinwar's body was found among ten terrorist corpses in tunnels beneath Khan Younis' European Hospital. By evening, Hamas escalated psychological warfare by releasing a photograph of hostage Matan Zangauker receiving a blood transfusion, claiming IDF forces were besieging his location and threatening his life after 610 days in captivity.

The military also eliminated Asaad Abu Shakriya, head of the Salafi terror group responsible for murdering the Bibas family. Names of two additional soldiers killed in yesterday's Khan Younis building explosion were cleared for publication: Staff Sergeant Tom Rotstein and Sergeant Major Uri Yehonatan Cohen, bringing the total fatalities to four.
The government unanimously approved Justice Minister Levin's proposal to bypass standard procedures and fire Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara through a new ministerial panel process. Baharav-Miara boycotted the cabinet session and declared the decision "unlawful," with petitions filed against it within minutes.
The IDF officially confirmed recovering Mohammed Sinwar's body from tunnels beneath Khan Younis' European Hospital, built with European funding. Hamas documents allegedly proving financial connections to Qatar were also discovered.
A 14-year-old was critically wounded in Rishon LeZion when teenagers experimented with a parent's gun. Israeli forces prepared to intercept Greta Thunberg's flotilla approaching Gaza, with authorities allegedly jamming GPS systems that showed the vessels at Jordan's airport instead of their actual location.
Ultra-Orthodox parties threatened to dissolve the Knesset by Wednesday unless draft law agreements are reached, while the Treasury demanded budget cuts of 30 billion shekels annually starting 2026.
Israeli naval forces intercepted the Gaza-bound flotilla carrying activists associated with Greta Thunberg early Monday morning. Shayetet 13 commandos took control of the vessel "Madeline" without resistance after activists reported white substance being sprayed on deck. The Foreign Ministry dismissed the operation as a concluded "selfie yacht" media show, with Defense Minister Katz ordering October 7 footage to be screened to the detained activists.
Following yesterday's government decision to fire Attorney General Baharav-Miara, she was formally summoned to appear before the ministerial dismissal committee on June 17th. Minister Regev warned the High Court against intervening in the process.
A tragic shooting in Tiberias killed 21-year-old Daniel Aslan, a former Kfir Brigade soldier, in a case of mistaken identity during a criminal dispute. The family of kidnapped soldier Matan Zangauker released brutal footage of his October 7th abduction to pressure the government. Netanyahu spoke with Trump about Iran's expected rejection of nuclear proposals, convening a security meeting afterward.
The IDF released its investigation into Kibbutz Erez on October 7th, revealing that while the military failed in its mission, 12 armed residents prevented a massacre when 15-20 Hamas terrorists penetrated the community. The findings dominated morning coverage across all outlets.

Israel conducted its first naval strike against Yemen's Hodeidah port using missile boats rather than aircraft, marking a tactical shift. Hours later, the Houthis retaliated with a ballistic missile that was intercepted, with debris falling near Jerusalem.

Netanyahu announced "significant progress" in hostage negotiations while cautioning it remained "too early to raise hopes." However, reports emerged that Trump explicitly told Netanyahu to end the Gaza war and removed military action against Iran from consideration, despite Netanyahu's arguments about Iran stalling tactics.

Britain led five countries in imposing sanctions on ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, prompting US criticism of the move. A 14-year-old boy died after being accidentally shot by a friend in Rishon LeZion, while climate activist Greta Thunberg was deported after her flotilla attempt.
Morning coverage dominated with IDF investigations into October 7th battles at Moshav Yakhini, revealing security teams lacked proper weapons while civilians fought eight terrorists for hours. The military's failures contrasted with heroic resistance that prevented larger casualties.

The coalition crisis reached its peak as opposition parties confirmed they would submit Knesset dissolution bills over the ultra-Orthodox draft dispute. Netanyahu announced he was "sick" and canceled his court testimony while making last-minute efforts to prevent government collapse. Knesset Speaker Edelstein refused to negotiate with Haredi parties until they withdrew dissolution threats.

By evening, ultra-Orthodox parties appeared to fold under pressure. Senior rabbinical figures instructed their representatives to prepare for delaying the dissolution vote by a week, with sources suggesting the immediate crisis had passed.

The day concluded with the IDF recovering bodies of hostage Yair Yaakov and another victim from Khan Younis after 614 days, while Argentina's president promised to move his embassy to Jerusalem in 2026.
Netanyahu's coalition survived dissolution by 61-53 votes after ultra-Orthodox parties withdrew their threats following Speaker Edelstein's announcement of draft legislation "understandings." The reprieve came at a cost - Housing Minister Goldknopf resigned on orders from the Ger Rebbe, claiming coalition agreements weren't upheld.

Simultaneously, reports emerged that Israel completed preparations for striking Iran within days without American assistance. The International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran in violation of nuclear commitments for the first time in 20 years. Iran responded by launching military exercises targeting "enemy movements" and threatening retaliation with "hundreds of missiles."

Trump's intervention complicated strike plans, stating he was "close to an agreement" with Iran and didn't want Israel to interfere. American officials warned of mass casualties from Iranian retaliation while restricting US staff movement in Israel. Netanyahu appointed a temporary Shin Bet chief as the current head's term expired amid the crisis.
13.06.2025
Friday

Israel Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites

Israel launched Operation "Lion's Den" against Iran shortly after midnight, executing the strike that had been postponed since April. The operation targeted nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, while eliminating Iran's military leadership including Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, Revolutionary Guard Commander Hussein Salami, and reportedly Quds Force Commander Ismail Qaani.

Iran retaliated with multiple missile barrages totaling approximately 200 projectiles. The first wave of 100 drones was intercepted outside Israeli borders, but subsequent missile attacks penetrated air defenses, striking Tel Aviv and surrounding areas. Casualty reports climbed throughout the evening from initial reports of five wounded to over 60 injured, with one woman killed and two critically wounded.

The exchange continued for nearly 24 hours, with Israel conducting follow-up strikes on Iranian airports, ports, and military installations while Iranian missiles triggered nationwide alerts. Home Front Command repeatedly ordered civilians into shelters as the most significant direct military exchange between the countries unfolded.
Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles across multiple waves throughout the night, killing seven Israelis including 73-year-old Yisrael Aloni, Yevgenia Blinder, Etti Cohen Engel, and three women in Tamra near Haifa. The barrages targeted central and northern Israel, with direct hits in Ramat Gan and Rishon LeZion despite air defense interceptions.
Israel responded with unprecedented strikes deep inside Iran, with Netanyahu claiming "serious damage" to nuclear facilities. The IDF declared "the path to Tehran has been paved," announcing Israeli drones now patrol the Iranian capital "24 hours a day" and that over 70 aircraft operated freely in Iranian airspace. Israeli forces eliminated senior Iranian commanders including the Revolutionary Guards intelligence chief.
The exchange expanded beyond Iran as Israel simultaneously targeted the Houthi military leadership in Yemen. By evening, Iran launched a second major barrage of 100 missiles at northern Israel while Israeli jets bombed oil depots in Tehran, with Defense Minister Katz declaring "Tehran is burning."
Iran launched its second coordinated missile assault shortly after midnight, killing 11 Israelis across Tamra, Bat Yam, and Rehovot. The attack completely destroyed a residential building in Bat Yam, trapping dozens initially feared dead. Throughout the day, rescue operations narrowed the search from 35 missing to 3-7 people as bodies were recovered, including two children aged 8 and 10.
Israel responded with unprecedented strikes 2,300 kilometers deep into Iran, hitting Mashhad Airport and Tehran's nuclear headquarters. Netanyahu confirmed eliminating Iran's Revolutionary Guard intelligence chief while reports emerged that Trump vetoed Israeli plans to assassinate Khamenei. By afternoon, Iran launched additional missile barrages targeting Haifa and southern cities, injuring another 9 people and bypassing early warning systems.
The exchange escalated beyond direct strikes as Israeli forces reportedly used car bombs to assassinate at least 14 nuclear scientists in Tehran, while Home Front Command ordered civilians near shelters as evening approached, anticipating further Iranian retaliation.
Iran's overnight missile barrage killed eight Israelis in direct hits on residential buildings in Petah Tikva, Bnei Brak, and Haifa. The attack marked the deadliest Iranian strike on Israeli civilians, with casualties including 94-year-old Blina Ashkenazi and three workers at the Bazan oil refinery.
Israel responded by crippling Iran's nuclear program. The IAEA chief confirmed all 15,000 centrifuges at Natanz were destroyed or severely damaged. Israeli forces bombed Iran's state television during a live broadcast, with footage showing the presenter fleeing as explosions rocked the Tehran studio.
By afternoon, Iran desperately sought negotiations through intermediaries, with Trump confirming Tehran wanted to discuss de-escalation. Netanyahu held his first press conference since the war began, declaring Israel controls Tehran's skies and refusing to rule out assassinating Khamenei. Iran launched three additional smaller missile barrages throughout the day, all intercepted or landing in open areas. Trump concluded the evening by ordering all residents to evacuate Tehran immediately.
Iran launched ten separate missile barrages throughout the night and day, firing over 100 projectiles that killed three civilians - married couple Yaakov and Dasi Blu in Petah Tikva, and Staff Sergeant Nave Leshem in Gaza. The attacks marked a shift from massive volleys to sustained "dripping" tactics, with missiles hitting Herzliya and other central areas.
Trump cut short his G7 summit participation, demanding Iran's "unconditional surrender" rather than negotiations. He rejected ceasefire proposals while American F-22, F-35 and B-2 aircraft deployed to the Middle East. CBS reported Trump was actively considering joining Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Israel eliminated Iran's second military chief within four days and announced plans to complete their target objectives within one week, including the Fordow facility. Home Front Command canceled advance missile warnings as Iranian leadership reportedly went into hiding. Netanyahu scheduled an exclusive television interview as Israeli jets conducted extensive strikes on Tehran and Isfahan.
Iran launched 25 missiles in two overnight barrages, with no casualties reported as most were intercepted. Israel responded with 50 fighter jets targeting Iran's centrifuge production facilities and the Revolutionary Guard's university in Tehran, marking direct strikes on nuclear infrastructure.
Trump revealed Iran had offered to visit the White House for negotiations but he rejected the overture, demanding "unconditional surrender" and telling them it was "too late to talk." Iran denied making such an offer while Khamenei warned against US military intervention.
Home Front Command eased civilian restrictions for the first time since the war began, allowing gatherings up to 30 people. Within 90 minutes, Iran fired another small missile barrage, forcing renewed alerts across central Israel.
Israeli officials expressed confidence that US participation is imminent, with senior sources stating "it's not if, but when" America joins the campaign. Staff Sergeant Setu Halfon was killed by sniper fire in Gaza.
Iran launched its heaviest missile barrage yet, firing 25-30 projectiles that directly struck Soroka Hospital in Beersheba and multiple locations across Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon. The hospital attack represented the first direct hit on a major Israeli medical facility, leaving 6 critically injured and over 200 total casualties. Iranian missiles used new cluster warhead technology that dispersed multiple bombs over wide areas.
Defense Minister Katz escalated rhetoric by explicitly calling for Khamenei's assassination, comparing him to Hitler. Netanyahu publicly rebuked these statements as "harmful remarks not reflecting government position."
Iran launched a second wave of 15 missiles toward northern Israel hours later, mostly intercepted. Israeli forces retaliated by striking Iran's Arak nuclear reactor for the first time.
The White House announced Trump would decide within two weeks whether to join Israeli strikes, disappointing Israeli officials who expected quicker American involvement. Direct diplomatic conversations between US envoy Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi were revealed for the first time since the war began.
Iran launched three separate missile barrages throughout the day, escalating from overnight drone attacks to a major daytime assault. The morning attack struck Beersheba with a 300-kilogram missile, causing property damage and five light injuries, one day after the Soroka Hospital strike.
Israeli media reported the assassination of a senior Iranian nuclear scientist in central Tehran, struck by a drone in his apartment after being relocated for security reasons. The targeted killing marked Israel's direct targeting of nuclear program personnel.
Iran's largest daytime barrage followed at midday, firing 20-30 missiles nationwide that wounded 45 people in Haifa, including three critically. A 51-year-old woman died of cardiac arrest during the sirens.
Trump explained his two-week ultimatum to Iran, saying "maybe they'll come to their senses" while noting Israel was "doing well." Israeli cabinet approved four war objectives, with Chief of Staff Zamir declaring readiness for "prolonged campaign" as media reported 5 million people had fled Tehran.
Iran launched another nighttime missile barrage of 5 projectiles toward central Israel, all intercepted with debris causing a building fire in Holon. Israel immediately retaliated by striking Tehran, Isfahan, and eliminating three Revolutionary Guard commanders, including Said Izadi who coordinated Hamas funding.
A widespread Iranian drone attack followed in the morning, with one achieving the first direct hit on an Israeli residential building in Beit Shean since the war began, though no casualties occurred. Israeli strikes significantly damaged centrifuges at Isfahan's nuclear facility.
Media reported Khamenei designated three successors fearing assassination, while six American B-2 bombers deployed to Guam carrying bunker-penetrating bombs capable of striking Iran's underground Fordo facility.
The day concluded with diplomatic tension as Israel informed the Trump administration it would not wait two weeks for his decision and threatened to strike Fordo independently. Vice President Vance reportedly expressed anger during tense phone calls, accusing Israel of "dragging America into war."
After days of Israeli threats to act independently, Trump announced at midnight that American forces had struck three Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan using B-2 bombers and 182 tons of ordnance. The operation, codenamed "Midnight Hammer," represented the largest B-2 attack in US history.
Iran retaliated within hours, firing 30 missiles across Israel that wounded 86 people in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Nes Ziona. The strikes marked Iran's first major response to direct American involvement.
By noon, Defense Secretary Hegseth declared Iran's nuclear program "destroyed," though Israeli sources suggested Iran had evacuated uranium from Fordow beforehand. Assessment reports conflicted on the actual damage to the underground facilities.
Netanyahu signaled the war's potential conclusion, stating Israel was "close to completing objectives" and would not continue beyond requirements. Trump directly challenged Iran's leadership, asking why the regime shouldn't be replaced if it cannot make the country "great again."
Iran launched its longest missile barrage since the war began, firing waves of missiles at Israel for 35 minutes while simultaneously striking US bases in Qatar and Iraq. The attack followed Israel's unprecedented daytime assault on Tehran, which destroyed 15 Iranian fighter jets and targeted symbolic regime sites including Evin prison and the Fordow nuclear facility.
Iranian media reported 200 munitions struck Tehran as Israeli forces hit Revolutionary Guard headquarters and state television buildings. The coordinated Iranian response targeted the Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar with 10 missiles, nine of which were intercepted.
Trump dismissed Iran's retaliation as "very weak" and thanked Tehran for advance warning. By evening, he announced Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire beginning at 7 AM, though Iranian officials immediately denied the agreement. The announcement came after Iran signaled willingness to return to diplomatic negotiations.
Trump announced a ceasefire at 1 AM following his previous day's destruction of Iran's nuclear program, but Iran immediately violated the agreement by firing missiles at Israel hours before the 7 AM deadline. A direct hit on a residential building in Beersheba killed four people, including 18-year-old soldier Eitan Zaks, his mother Michal, and his girlfriend Noa Boguslavsky.
Israel prepared massive retaliation, but when Iran fired additional missiles three hours after the ceasefire began, Trump intervened dramatically. He publicly ordered Israeli pilots to return home, telling Israel "don't drop those bombs" and expressing particular anger at Israeli actions. Following a tense phone call with Netanyahu, Israel scaled back its planned assault to a single symbolic strike on an Iranian radar installation.
Israeli media described officials as "stunned" and "embarrassed" by Trump's intervention. The Home Front Command lifted all restrictions nationwide, allowing schools to reopen after the 12-day conflict. Netanyahu declared "historic victory" while Trump suggested he might collect on this favor during future Gaza negotiations.
Seven IDF combat engineers from Battalion 605 were killed when a Hamas militant attached explosives to their armored vehicle in Khan Younis, marking the war's heaviest single-day military loss. The attack occurred while the unit waited for air support, with investigations revealing the militant climbed onto the vehicle and threw the device inside.
Trump dominated headlines by claiming Israeli agents confirmed "complete destruction" at Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, contradicting earlier U.S. intelligence assessments. Iran officially acknowledged "severe damage" to its nuclear sites for the first time. Trump announced upcoming meetings with Iranian representatives next week.
Israeli Chief of Staff Zamir revealed ground commando forces operated covertly inside Iranian territory during recent operations. The White House unusually released an Israeli Atomic Energy Committee assessment confirming Fordow is "non-operational." Trump also demanded an end to Netanyahu's corruption trial, calling it a "witch hunt."
Trump intervened dramatically in Israeli domestic affairs by demanding the cancellation of Netanyahu's corruption trial, calling it a "witch hunt" and declaring Netanyahu a "war hero." Coalition members rallied behind the intervention while opposition leaders criticized the American interference. Netanyahu thanked Trump for the "moving support" and requested a two-week trial delay citing "international developments."
Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei emerged from his week-long bunker hideout to deliver a recorded statement claiming victory over America, insisting Iran "delivered a harsh blow to the US." His absence had sparked power struggles within the Iranian regime.
Pentagon officials revealed operational details of the Fordow nuclear facility strike, explaining how bombers targeted ventilation shafts covered with concrete. Behind the scenes, secret negotiations reportedly continue to end Netanyahu's trial through plea agreements or general amnesty. Israeli media suggests Trump is coordinating both trial cancellation and Gaza ceasefire as a comprehensive package deal.
Israeli courts rejected Netanyahu's attempts to delay his corruption trial testimony, dismissing both his initial request and a second petition that included a classified envelope and detailed schedule. Judges ruled there was "no justification" for postponement despite Netanyahu's claims of urgent state duties following Trump's public intervention demanding trial cancellation.
The IDF released comprehensive statistics from Operation "Am Kalvia" against Iran, revealing over 1,500 air sorties targeting 900 sites and destroying 80% of Iranian missile systems. Military intelligence confirmed Iran's uranium enrichment capability to 90% was neutralized for an extended period.
Chief of Staff Zamir signaled from Gaza that Israel approaches defined operational objectives, stating Iran's defeat has "potential to advance our goals in Gaza." Trump claimed he "saved Khamenei from an ugly death" while predicting a Gaza ceasefire "within the next week," suggesting coordinated pressure on both fronts as his administration seeks comprehensive regional agreements.
The day began with a Houthi missile launch from Yemen, intercepted without casualties, marking the first such attack since the recent Iran ceasefire. Simultaneously, Iran held mass funerals for 60 officials, rejecting international monitoring. Internal tensions escalated in Israel as West Bank settlers attacked IDF soldiers, prompting strong condemnation from military leadership and Netanyahu. As the day progressed, focus shifted decisively back to Gaza ceasefire efforts. Trump intensified pressure on Netanyahu for a deal, predicting progress within the week, while Qatar and Egypt expressed optimism. The IDF Chief of Staff signaled that the Gaza operation is nearing its objectives and exhaustion, warning political leadership about risks to hostages from continued ground maneuvers. This amplified calls from renewed hostage rallies for an immediate resolution, with families emphasizing severe suffering in captivity.
The day's Israeli headlines began with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s intensified demands to end Prime Minister Netanyahu's corruption trial, consistently linking its continuation to stalled Gaza hostage negotiations and warning of US aid implications. This external pressure directly preceded a pivotal development: Netanyahu's confidential court appearance, where senior security chiefs, including the heads of Mossad and Military Intelligence, provided sensitive information that successfully prompted judges to postpone his trial sessions for the week. Concurrently, news broke of the tragic death of Sergeant Israel Natan Rosenfeld in northern Gaza, a significant military casualty that subsequently gained prominence. By evening, Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly redefined war priorities, stating that recent "victory" created "many opportunities" for hostage rescue, now explicitly the foremost objective, alongside reports of ongoing Israel-Syria normalization talks as part of broader regional diplomatic opportunities.
Israeli media extensively covered violent settler protests in Binyamin, where an IDF security facility was vandalized and torched in the morning. This escalated into a major domestic crisis, with the Shin Bet investigating, and top political and military officials condemning the "violent and anarchic" actions, while the Chief of Staff warned of anarchy. Concurrently, Gaza war discussions persisted, with Hamas rejecting Israeli demands, leading to stalled ceasefire talks. Military officials, however, asserted the IDF neared Hamas's breaking point, advocating against a premature ceasefire. By late afternoon, a significant political development emerged as Gadi Eisenkot announced his resignation from the National Unity Camp and the Knesset, becoming a dominant headline. Discussions on a potential Netanyahu visit to Washington for a Gaza deal also gained prominence towards the evening.
Israel Live Headlines