While visiting Washington, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer may face pressure from the U.S. regarding a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

The key deadlock remains Hamas's demand for a permanent ceasefire versus Israel’s preference for a temporary halt that would allow future military action. U.S. officials reportedly want Israel to delay its "total destruction of Hamas" plans. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently shifted his priority toward rescuing Israeli hostages over Hamas's elimination.

A Jerusalem district court has suspended the corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing diplomatic and security considerations. The decision followed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s social media post criticizing the Israeli prosecution as “madness,” and warning that such actions are unacceptable given the billions in U.S. aid to Israel. Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support. The move has sparked controversy amid ongoing tensions in Israeli politics.

Tel Aviv, Israel – A recent survey reported by the BBC shows that 59% of Israelis want the ongoing war in Gaza to end immediately in exchange for the release of hostages. Furthermore, 49% believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the war for his own political gain.

Earlier in March, a truce led to the release of several hostages, but Netanyahu insisted on continuing the war—a move many critics labeled “political suicide.” Despite leading a 12-day war against Iran, Netanyahu’s approval ratings have not significantly improved. Analysts predict that his Likud party is unlikely to secure a parliamentary majority and may struggle to form a coalition.

Experts suggest the Prime Minister is facing a serious trust deficit with the public.

Israel has reportedly incurred nearly $3 billion in damages during its recent conflict with Iran, according to Bloomberg. Internal assessments indicate that Iranian missiles successfully penetrated Israeli defense systems during a two-week retaliatory barrage, causing significant damage to infrastructure. The attacks were part of Iran's “True Promise III” operation, during which the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched 22 missile strikes targeting Israeli cities.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has granted permission for Jewish settlers to engage in music, dance, and unrestricted movement within the Al-Aqsa compound in the West Bank. This decision directly violates long-standing agreements regarding the sacred site’s management. The move follows lobbying by several Jewish religious organizations that met with Ben-Gvir three weeks ago. During the meeting, he reportedly said, “I want the sound of music to echo throughout the entire Al-Aqsa compound,” intensifying tensions in the already volatile region.

An Israeli pilot who participated in bombing missions over Iranian nuclear and strategic sites has described Tehran as “a beautiful city from the sky.” In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, the anonymous pilot reflected on the intense operations: “The past few days felt like an entire year—filled with ups and downs, joy, and uncertainty.” He revealed that Israeli forces had long prepared for action against Iran, hoping it would never be necessary. Despite the dangers, including potential missile strikes near his home, he kept the mission confidential even from close family and friends.

An Israeli court has rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to postpone court hearings in his ongoing corruption trial.

Netanyahu’s legal team had sought a two-week delay, citing national security responsibilities following a 12-day conflict with Iran. However, the Jerusalem District Court ruled that the request lacked sufficient justification and declined to grant the delay.

The Prime Minister currently faces three separate corruption cases.

In the early hours of Friday, an Israeli airstrike hit a residential apartment building in Lebanon, killing one person and injuring 20 others. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack as a “clear violation of national sovereignty” and a threat to ongoing stability efforts.

Meanwhile, Israel continued its assault on Gaza, killing at least 36 people since dawn. Among the victims was a journalist in Gaza City's Tuffah neighborhood, killed in a drone strike.

Lebanon’s President has called for urgent international action to halt the attacks.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed that the country had considered targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during recent military escalations, but found no viable opportunity. When asked whether the U.S. had been consulted, Katz said, "We do not require U.S. approval for such actions." In response, Khamenei declared that Israel’s "fake Zionist regime has been defeated in war" and claimed Iran has "slapped the U.S. in the face."

The Israeli military has launched large-scale drills in the Jordan Valley, scheduled to run from Thursday morning until evening. According to an official statement, heavy military vehicle movement is expected throughout the day. The exercise comes just one day after a temporary ceasefire ended a two-week conflict between Israel and Iran, brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Notably, the United States also participated in a strike against Iran during the conflict.

Following 12 days of intense conflict with Iran, Israel is reportedly facing a critical shortage of weapons and ammunition, according to NBC News, citing three officials. The report noted that Israel is running particularly low on some vital weaponry. Despite years of U.S. military aid, Israel relied heavily on American assistance for missile defense and logistics during the Iranian assault.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel had secured a “historic victory” following the ceasefire, eliminating two existential threats: the potential destruction from nuclear weapons and the threat posed by Iran’s stockpile of 20,000 ballistic missiles. “Had we not acted, Israel's destruction would have been imminent,” he claimed. He thanked the U.S. military for a joint operation that, according to him, destroyed Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facility in Fordow. “We have dismantled Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Any future attempts will be met with the same resolve,” Netanyahu warned.

Israel’s tax authority has received approximately 38,700 compensation claims due to damage from Iranian missile attacks during the 12-day conflict. Claims include damage to 30,809 buildings, 3,713 vehicles, and 4,085 pieces of equipment and other assets. In central Tel Aviv alone, more than 24,932 claims were filed. Authorities expect more claims as assessments continue.

Brigadier General Effi Defrin, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), stated that the army remains on high alert despite the ceasefire. “Any violation of the ceasefire will be met with a strong response,” he said. Defrin emphasized that the public must continue to follow Home Front Command directives as threats still loom.

Following the alleged missile launch from Iran, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered the IDF to prepare for a harsh response targeting key regime sites in central Tehran. Gallant emphasized that Israel would not tolerate violations of the ceasefire.

Meanwhile, hardline political factions in Israel have called for a preemptive strike on Iranian territory.