The "Qatargate" scandal dominated headlines as Netanyahu advisor Jonathan Aurich was rearrested alongside a former Mossad official. Investigators claimed they received "hundreds of thousands of dollars" from Qatar during the war, with suspicions the Qatari intelligence operated them using code words. A judge initially ordered Aurich's release, criticizing investigators for conducting an unfocused probe, but later reversed the decision.
Defense Minister Katz threatened to strike Tehran "as we did to the Houthis," while Trump announced he would proceed with Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear program without requiring normalization with Israel - a reversal of Biden-era policy portrayed as abandoning Israeli interests.
Officials confirmed only 21 hostages are definitely alive, with serious concerns for three others - identified as Israeli soldier Tamir Nimrodi and two foreign nationals from Thailand and Nepal.
Teachers reached an agreement with the Treasury, reducing planned salary cuts while continuing their protest.