[53148] Dramatic assassination in Beirut, drama in Netanyahu's trial, and the dollar's plunge to a historic low

Regional tensions: Contacts with Iran and assassinations in Lebanon and Gaza

The Lebanese and Iranian arena:
In a dramatic 24 hours in the Middle East, the assassination of Hezbollah's Radwan Force commander, Malek Ballout, and his deputy was reported in a targeted strike by the Israeli Navy in the Dahiyeh in Beirut. At the same time, the IDF ordered the evacuation of 12 towns and villages in southern Lebanon, amid extensive strikes on military structures and a sequence of UAV and rocket launches by Hezbollah, which led to the activation of alerts in the community of Shtula.

Against the backdrop of the fighting, the US and Iran are approaching a framework agreement to end the fighting. President Donald Trump issued a one-week ultimatum to Iran to transfer its enriched uranium, and meanwhile approved the suspension of the "Project Freedom" operation in the Strait of Hormuz at the request of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. In response, Iran announced a return to "safe passage" procedures in the strait, but reported the interception of reconnaissance UAVs in the Qeshm Island area. Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke publicly with the President of the United Arab Emirates to express solidarity following Iranian attacks against the Emirates.

The fighting in the Gaza Strip:
The IDF continues to eliminate senior Hamas figures: Azzam al-Hayya, the son of senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya and a Nukhba operative, was assassinated in eastern Gaza City. In addition, Nassim Kalzani (Abu Majdi), a senior officer in the organization, was assassinated from the air in the Khan Yunis area. At the same time, Hamas rejected the American proposal for its disarmament, and unprecedented violent clashes were recorded in the Strip between the organization's operatives and the "Popular Forces" militia.

Politics, society and law in Israel

Netanyahu's trial and internal politics:
Prime Minister Netanyahu's testimony in court was unexpectedly interrupted after he received a secret envelope that forced him to leave the courtroom, amid reports of an urgent convening of the Political-Security Cabinet. In the political system, pressure from the ultra-Orthodox parties to pass the draft law is mounting, especially after Rabbi Hirsch withdrew his opposition. On the other hand, Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman launched a campaign under the headline "Must decide," set an ultimatum for full conscription without exemptions, and declared that he would not sit in a government under Netanyahu. Meanwhile, former minister Gilad Erdan confirmed that he is considering forming a new right-wing party that would not be dependent on the ultra-Orthodox parties.

Strategic economy and technology:
A historic milestone in the forex market: the US dollar exchange rate plunged to a 33-year low and traded around 2.91 shekels. Global oil prices also recorded sharp declines (Brent dropped to about $100) following the suspension of the American operation in the Strait of Hormuz. In the security-economic arena, it was published that Israel is supplying jet fuel to Germany, and Israeli defense companies are taking over European automotive plants to manufacture "Iron Dome" components on European soil.

Domestic news and personal security:
President Isaac Herzog issued a severe warning after the number of murder victims in the Arab society crossed the 100 mark since the beginning of 2026. Additional crime incidents included a double murder in Qalansawe and a brutal attack on an elderly man in Ashdod. In addition, a violent clash was recorded between military police and ultra-Orthodox individuals in Dimona over the arrest of a deserter.

World news

• Japan: For the first time since World War II, Japan deployed combat forces outside its borders to participate in an exercise in the Philippines simulating a conflict with China.


• United States: A jury in Texas sentenced to death a FedEx driver who murdered 7-year-old Athena Strand; Apple will pay a $250 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over deception regarding the performance of its artificial intelligence (Siri); the immigration agency ICE was changed to NICE as a branding move in the face of left-wing criticism.


• Europe: Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar strongly condemned the Belgian government for filing indictments against Jewish mohels; in Russia, scientists and physicists were sentenced to 12.5 years in prison on treason charges.