The morning began with optimism about hostage negotiations, as drafts were exchanged between Israel and Egypt while Trump claimed "we're getting close." This momentum was quickly overshadowed when 250 reservists from Intelligence Unit 8200 joined Air Force personnel in demanding policy changes to prioritize hostage return.
Netanyahu responded harshly, calling signatories "disconnected, anarchistic pensioners" and "weeds," threatening immediate dismissal. The Air Force commander echoed this position, stating protest "has no place during wartime."
By afternoon, focus shifted to Ron Dermer's controversial appointment as lead negotiator, with CNN reporting his role had caused "significant slowdown" in hostage talks. Hostage families demanded "a deal or resign."
Iranian politics entered the picture with reports that senior officials had warned Khamenei to allow US nuclear talks or risk regime collapse.
The day concluded with Hapoel Tel Aviv's historic EuroCup basketball victory, providing a rare moment of national celebration.