Trump on Iran: "Regime Change"; IDF in Lebanon and the Ben Gvir Storm in Israel

The Campaign Against Iran and the Global Arena

• Regime Change in Iran: US President Donald Trump claims that Iran has experienced a "real regime change" with the disappearance of its top leadership and the neutralization of 82% of the country's missile facilities. Trump noted that the US will consider negotiations, but hinted that the next target might be Cuba. At the same time, Trump described the naval blockade on Iran as a "very profitable business" and compared the American activity to that of pirates. The Iranians condemned the remarks and saw them as an admission of piracy, while Tehran makes sure to update Moscow and Beijing on the contacts.


• International Implications: Trump notified Congress of the end of hostilities against Iran after 60 days, a step that sparked a legal debate with the Democrats regarding the War Powers Act. Due to disputes with Germany over the fighting, the US is withdrawing 5,000 troops from the country and imposing 25% tariffs on vehicles from the European Union. In addition, the Trump administration bypassed Congress to approve arms deals to the Middle East totaling $8.6 billion. Reports indicate that weapons and technological equipment intended for protesters in Iran remained in the hands of Kurdish forces in Iraq.

The Campaign in Lebanon (Operation "Lion's Roar")

• Expansion of the Maneuver: The IDF is intensifying its strikes in southern Lebanon with an emphasis on the Nabatieh envelope, while publishing evacuation warnings for villages north of the Litani River. The Hezbollah organization, for its part, continues to launch rockets and UAVs toward IDF forces in the area.


• Diplomatic Summit and Internal Situation: Reports raise that Trump is interested in hosting a meeting at the White House on May 11 between Netanyahu and Lebanese President Michel Aoun. At the same time, a storm is brewing in Lebanon over a satirical video (in the style of "Angry Birds") mocking Naim Qassem. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reports 2,659 dead since the beginning of the fighting, while the IDF notes the elimination of more than 1,800 terrorists.

Politics, Society, and Economy in Israel

• The Ben Gvir and Police Storm: The presence of senior Police and IPS officials at the 50th birthday party of Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sparked outrage. Naftali Bennett threatened to fire officers who act out of political motives, which drew a firm response from the Police Spokesperson's Office.


• Political Struggles: Mansour Abbas conditioned a renewed run of the Joint List strictly as a "technical block". The 'Otzma Yehudit' party caused a storm when it demanded the integration of Temple Mount studies in state education. Minister of Education Yoav Kisch attacked Channel 12 following a report on students failing in English, simultaneously with his drop to 20th place in the Likud primaries mock poll.


• Internal Security and Law: A violent incident occurred in the village of Jalud where masked settlers set fire to power lines. Opinions are divided as to whether suspects were arrested or escaped. In addition, a diplomatic achievement was recorded when Tennessee became the third American state to officially recognize Judea and Samaria.


• Consumerism: The Shufersal chain declared a boycott on receiving merchandise from "Tnuva" due to a planned price increase ahead of the holidays. The government is expected to approve the appointment of Yisrael Malachi as Director General of the Ministry of Finance.

Sports, Technology, and Weather

• Football: Beitar Jerusalem climbs to the top of the Premier League after a 3:1 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv, amidst harsh criticism directed at Maccabi's center-back, Heitor. Midfielder Sissoko received a direct red card that may end his season due to a violent incident.


• Technology: A new Israeli development adapts the artificial intelligence model Claude Code to local Hebrew with Israeli slang. Apple records sales peaks for the iPhone 17 but warns of price increases.


• Climate: The Sharav heatwave in Israel has broken. A rare optical phenomenon of "sun dogs" was observed in the country's skies, heralding the arrival of a significant cold front that will bring rain and even snow in the Hermon in the month of May.