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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-04-21 at 11:04
HEADLINES
Netanyahu’s Alleged Abuse Sparks Democracy Crisis
Israel’s Gaza Toll Rises Amid Ongoing Military Strikes
Israel Bars French Lawmakers Over Palestinian Support
The time is now 07:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today in Israel, tensions remain high across multiple fronts amid ongoing security concerns and political upheaval. The Israeli government continues to grapple with a serious legal and security crisis following the release of a sworn affidavit by the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar. The affidavit alleges that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pressured Bar to use the security agency against political opponents and protesters, and that Netanyahu sought to manipulate investigations and security measures for personal and political gain. The Prime Minister’s Office swiftly dismissed the affidavit as false, emphasizing that Bar’s term as Shin Bet chief ended with a government decision, and called for him to vacate his position immediately to prevent further security risks.
The political fallout is intense, with opposition figures warning that these revelations threaten Israel’s democracy and security. Yair Lapid and Yair Golan have accused Netanyahu of attempting to undermine democratic institutions and use the security services for personal political advantage—claims rejected and condemned by Likud officials who insist that governance must adhere to the law. Protest groups continue their demonstrations, condemning what they describe as an attempt to turn Israel into a dictatorship, and calling for the Prime Minister’s resignation.
On the security front, the situation in Gaza remains dire. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that in the last 24 hours, 39 Palestinians have been killed and 69 wounded, amid ongoing Israeli military operations. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, a young girl was severely injured after falling from a height in a Jerusalem educational institution, and a 32-year-old motorcyclist was injured in Ashkelon. Security concerns persist as Hamas and other militant groups continue to threaten Israeli civilians.
Israel’s military has also revealed details of the toughest detention wing in the country, holding 84 of the most dangerous Nukhba terrorists captured during the recent conflict, as well as elite Hezbollah fighters from Lebanon. Conditions are harsh, with prisoners confined in underground cells with minimal amenities, a reflection of Israel’s efforts to contain and deter the most lethal terrorists involved in recent hostilities.
In economic news, the Israeli stock indices are experiencing significant declines amid the political turmoil, with the Tel Aviv 35 and 125 indices falling over 1%, and the Israeli shekel weakening against major currencies. The uncertainty has also impacted the currency market, with the shekel losing value against the dollar and euro.
International developments include Israel’s decision to bar entry to a delegation of 27 left-wing French lawmakers and local officials, citing security concerns and their support for Palestinian causes. This move has sparked controversy and accusations of suppression of pro-Palestinian voices.
Meanwhile, in Australia, UN official Francesca Albanese has come under scrutiny after it emerged that her recent trip, which included meetings with pro-Palestinian groups and advocacy against Israeli policies, was funded in part by organizations with alleged ties to Hamas. The UN has acknowledged external funding for Albanese’s travel but has yet to fully clarify the nature and sources of this support.
In other domestic news, a 60-year-old worker in Kiryat Ata was injured in a workplace accident, and a manhunt continues for a missing person in Safed amid fears for his safety. Additionally, a court extended the detention of a police officer accused of pedophilia.
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Published on 3 weeks, 5 days ago