The day began with reports of Syrian President al-Shara confirming direct talks with Israel, demanding withdrawal from territories captured after Assad's fall. Concurrently, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the closure of the IDF radio station, Galei Tzahal, by March 2026, citing its impact on war efforts.
By late morning, US President Trump formally requested President Herzog to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling the case as "political and unjustified." This development became the dominant story, overshadowing other news.
In the afternoon, the IDF Chief of Staff strongly condemned settler violence in the West Bank, calling it a "red line" crossed by a "criminal minority." Later, reports emerged about a high-ranking police officer under investigation for breach of trust and abuse of power, suspected of intervening in a sensitive investigation.