Daily Wednesday, 13 May 2026

[58953] Tensions with Iran, Political Storm, and Trump's Visit to China

409,993 Views 171 Channels 219 Messages May 13 1h TG

Security and Policy

Iran and the Region: Regional tension is mounting after it was published that Iran has rehabilitated most of its missile sites in the Strait of Hormuz, and set strict conditions for negotiations, including the lifting of sanctions. At the same time, Tehran executed a citizen accused of spying for the Mossad. Reports also indicate a halt in Iranian oil exports due to a leak, and earthquakes in the Tehran area. On the diplomatic front, secret visits by the heads of the Mossad and the Shin Bet to the United Arab Emirates were reported.

The Northern Front and Gaza: The Air Force intercepted UAVs and carried out strikes in Lebanon, while the parties prepare for a round of political talks expected to begin on Thursday. In the Gaza Strip, IDF forces eliminated Azzam al-Hayya, the son of senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya.

Judea and Samaria and the IDF: Finance Minister Smotrich and thousands of worshippers entered Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, accompanied by calls to renew the Jewish presence at the site. Within the IDF, a disciplinary incident caused an uproar after the Chief of Staff sent Nahal combat soldiers to military prison for wearing a patch with the inscription "Moshiach".

Netanyahu's Trial and the Plea Bargain Storm: The hearings of the PM's testimony in the Thousand cases continue to be shortened at his request, while he harshly attacks the State Attorney's Office in the courtroom. President Herzog hinted at contacts for a plea bargain, but the Attorney General expressed reservations about conducting the negotiations under the auspices of the President's Residence.

Election Preparations: The political system is preparing for elections that may take place in September or October. Yair Lapid is considering a union with Naftali Bennett, and senior figures, including Ehud Barak and Haredi representatives, are calling for early elections. The Shin Bet is advancing special preparations to prevent forgery and internal interference in the integrity of the elections.

Legislation: The Constitution Committee continues to advance a law to establish a national-state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7, despite harsh criticism from the opposition regarding the appointment mechanisms in the commission.

Crime and Accidents: Arab society is bleeding again with the murder of a man in Shefa-Amr. In Tel Aviv, a doctor and social media star was stabbed in his home and is in moderate condition. Another development was recorded in the Eyal Golan affair, as the police are expected to summon the complainant for questioning under warning after the singer filed a complaint of extortion. Additionally, three severe accidents involving children were recorded across the country (falling on an escalator, being hit by an agricultural vehicle, and being run over).

Health and Education: Magen David Adom is issuing an urgent call for blood donations, especially for those with blood type O. In the field of education, the government announced a massive investment of over a billion shekels in a national pilot to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the education system starting this summer.

USA and China: President Trump landed in Beijing accompanied by senior CEOs and is demanding the opening of the Chinese market to American corporations. Concurrently, China published "red lines" clarifying that human rights and democracy issues are not open for discussion.

Additional Events: Russia announced a successful test of the new 'Sarmat' intercontinental ballistic missile. In the US, it was revealed that fired twins deleted 96 government databases, and in Mexico, they are dealing with CNN reports of a secret CIA assassination campaign against drug cartels. In the UK, political tension within the Labour Party surrounding the status of PM Starmer.

Eurovision 2026: Optimism in the Israeli delegation – singer Noam Batan jumps to fourth place in the global betting tables.

Sports: A particularly busy day including the match of the season in the Premier League between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa, a Euroleague quarter-final with Panathinaikos, and the Italian Cup final.

Archaeology: A joint international operation led to the return of rare Hasmonean-era coins that were smuggled to the US back to the Israel Antiquities Authority.