The Israeli shekel strengthened significantly against the US dollar by 1.07% today, reaching its highest level in three and a half years with a representative rate of 3.23 shekels per dollar. This dramatic improvement comes primarily after S&P credit rating agency upgraded Israel's economic outlook from negative to stable, while rising global stock markets amid forecasts of ending the US government shutdown also contributed to this positive trend.
In a major development regarding fallen soldiers, the remains of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin were successfully returned to Israel after 11 years, bringing closure to one of the most painful chapters of Operation Protective Edge. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel never gave up on bringing Hadar home, acknowledging the tremendous suffering his family endured during this lengthy ordeal. Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz, who served as IDF Chief of Staff during the operation, declared that for him, Operation Protective Edge is finally over with Hadar's return.
Political tensions escalated as Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid launched a scathing attack on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, calling him "a disaster, a disgrace to Judaism, a shame to Zionism and a dangerous Jewish fascist." This criticism came after the arrest of Alex Yefremov for shouting "Kahanist" at Ben-Gvir during a degree ceremony. Meanwhile, MK Tali Gottlieb was removed from a Supreme Court hearing after calling security guards "Rottweilers" and telling Justice Yitzhak Amit "You disgraced the Supreme Court, shame on you."
Security developments continued across multiple fronts, with the IDF eliminating two militants who crossed the yellow line and approached Israeli forces operating in southern Gaza. Lebanese reports indicate a series of attacks in the southern part of the country, while the IDF successfully intercepted a drone attempting to smuggle three M16 rifles from the west. The military also began a three-day exercise called "Lion's Roar" in the West Bank to practice various escalation scenarios.
Corruption investigations intensified with the detention of Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David extended by four days in the "hand shaking hand" case. The court noted that the Histadrut appeared to be managed like a private business, with Bar-David admitting to receiving money from insurance agent Ezra Gabai after initially denying any financial connection. A senior Israeli football figure also testified to police regarding connections to the corruption scandal.
International diplomatic efforts focused on resolving the situation of approximately 200 militants trapped in tunnels in Rafah, with US officials pushing for a negotiated solution. Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Trump's envoy Jared Kushner to discuss disarming Hamas and ensuring the organization does not participate in governing Gaza. Any decisions regarding captured Hamas terrorists will be made in cooperation with the incoming Trump administration.
Various criminal incidents occurred throughout the country, including the arrest of a 27-year-old Tel Aviv man suspected of carrying out tasks for Iran in exchange for cryptocurrency, involving photographing locations including the Tel Aviv Museum and missile impact sites. Police also detained a daycare worker in Tel Mond suspected of harming a one-year-old infant, while four Ashdod residents were arrested for allegedly throwing a fragmentation grenade in Gan Yavne.
