Israel faces mounting political turmoil and security challenges as government officials prepare to discuss controversial plans for Gaza occupation while violence erupts across multiple locations. Einav Tzangauker, mother of hostage Matan Tzangauker, has called for public protests outside the Cabinet meeting that will address Gaza occupation plans, describing the situation as "critical for the state's future." She accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of exploiting families' pain and sabotaging hostage deals, urging citizens to join demonstrations in Jerusalem to prevent what she sees as a dangerous escalation.
Democrats party Chairman Yair Golan strongly condemned the Gaza occupation proposal, warning it would result in the death of all remaining hostages and hundreds of soldiers. Speaking to Ynet studio, Golan argued that the Israeli Defense Forces would bear the entire burden of managing Gaza, creating devastating security, international, and economic consequences. He called for citizens to shut down the economy in resistance, stating that the government already disregards the rule of law and shouldn't be waited upon by the Attorney General or Supreme Court.
Violent incidents have erupted across Israel, with multiple stabbing attacks reported in different cities. In Rishon Lezion, a woman around 60 and a man around 57 were seriously injured from stab wounds on Jerusalem Street, with paramedics evacuating them to Shamir Hospital. A separate stabbing incident in the same city left a man in his 30s with moderate to serious injuries, who arrived independently at the police station before being evacuated to Sheba Hospital. Additionally, two foreign nationals in their 30s and 40s were seriously and moderately wounded in a stabbing attack in Ofakim, requiring evacuation to Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva.
The security situation has been further complicated by military operations on multiple fronts. The IDF confirmed striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including weapons storage facilities, launchers, and infrastructure used for rehabilitating terrorist operations. Syrian media reported Israeli attacks near Jableh, south of Latakia in northern Syria, while Lebanese sources claimed Israeli drones prevented rescue teams from operating after airstrikes in southern Lebanon.
Domestic criminal incidents have also shocked the nation, with police arresting a 34-year-old Tiberias resident who uploaded a video claiming he had raped several women throughout his life. The suspect will appear before the Tiberias Magistrate's Court for a detention hearing. Meanwhile, traffic accidents continue to claim lives, with a 37-year-old motorcyclist killed in a collision on Highway 4 near Yavne interchange.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a focal point of international attention, with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Hacoby announcing plans to expand American aid operations. The Gaza Humanitarian Fund currently operates four distribution centers, primarily in the southern Strip, but plans call for increasing to 16 centers operating 24 hours daily. However, actress and activist Natalie Dadon, who toured Gaza distribution areas, accused the UN of failing to coordinate aid collection and distribution, claiming supplies are "rotting in the sun" while Israeli families struggle.
International diplomatic efforts continue with mixed results. President Donald Trump announced plans for 100% tariffs on imported chips, while reports suggest the Trump administration intends to dramatically reduce human rights criticism of Israel in State Department reports. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated the U.S. now has better understanding of Russia's conditions for ending the Ukraine war following Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
The hostage crisis remains central to Israeli concerns, with families of captives marching around the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, demanding government action. Danny Elgart, whose brother Itzik was murdered in Gaza captivity, revealed receiving video evidence of his brother's final days, describing him as "very thin, frightened and confused" and understanding he would likely never survive. Israel has identified new dialogue between the Red Cross and Hamas regarding aid delivery to hostages, marking what officials call a "significant change" in the Red Cross's approach.
Domestic political tensions continue to escalate, with demands for criminal investigations against Communications Minister Shlomo Karai for allegedly instructing ministry staff to ignore Attorney General directives. The ultra-Orthodox community has mobilized following arrests of yeshiva students who failed to respond to draft orders, with Lithuanian stream leader Rabbi Dov Landau's office declaring that "Israel has declared war on Torah students" and promising an "unprecedented global struggle" in response.
