At a meeting of the Religious Zionism party, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launched a harsh verbal assault on the judicial system, singling out President of the Supreme Court of Israel, Justice Yitzhak Amit. "Yitzhak Amit is a violent megalomaniac who tramples democracy. The result will be that we will trample him," Smotrich said.

Smotrich also addressed the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying that as long as Ran Gvili was not back in Israel, the country could not move on to the next stage of the Gaza plan.

Judicial Authority: "A grave statement, threats against judges"

The Judicial Authority responded sharply to Smotrich's remarks, saying: "Statements that express threats against judges are not part of legitimate public discourse. This is an extremely serious statement whose sole purpose is to inflame violent and inciting rhetoric against the judiciary and its head, all the more so when such words are spoken by an elected public official."

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Malfunctioning traffic lights due to rain in Bnei Brak 

Following the rains, traffic lights at the intersection of Jabotinsky, Abuhatzeira, and Sokolov streets in Bnei Brak malfunctioned. Traffic congestion has formed at the location. Police recommend drivers use alternative routes. Police forces are on scene directing traffic.

Trees collapse in Acre following storm

Following the severe weather, trees have collapsed at several locations throughout Acre. Acre municipality crews are on the ground working to address the incident.

Water Authority reports Sea of Galilee level rose 2 centimeters in 24 hours

According to Water Authority measurements today, following the recent rainfall, the Sea of Galilee level has risen 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) in the past 24 hours and stands at -213.395 meters (-700 feet). The level remains 0.395 meters (1.3 feet) below the lower red line, and 4.595 meters (15.1 feet) remain to reach the upper red line.

Route 4 closed to traffic due to flooding

The second storm system that hit Israel this morning has led to flooding across the country. The Israel Police has updated that as of now, Route 4 has been closed to traffic. Police will provide updates on developments.

Second rainfall wave intensifies, Israel Meteorological Service issues red rainfall warning

Heavy rain fell at times today, accompanied by thunderstorms in the north and center of the country. Strong westerly winds have been blowing, especially across most of the country. Rain will spread throughout the day to the Negev. Flooding is feared in the coastal plain and lowlands. Flash flooding is feared in eastern streams.

Starting tonight and through Wednesday, rainfall will pause. The trend will change on Wednesday night, when another rainfall wave will pass over the country on Thursday. This rainfall wave will end by Friday. No rain is expected over the weekend; however, it will be extremely cold.

Flood danger feared

Today (Monday), rain fell at times, accompanied by thunderstorms in the north and center of the country. Strong westerly winds blew, especially in most parts of the country. Rain will spread throughout the day to the Negev. Flooding is feared in the coastal plain and lowlands. Flash flooding is feared in eastern streams. Snow fell on Mount Hermon ridges. Toward evening, the rain will weaken and decrease. Tonight is expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy. Local rain is possible, with drizzle in most parts of the country.

Earlier, authorities warned of severe flooding in cities and towns, along with a real danger of flash floods in major streams, including Nahal Hadera, Nahal Alexander, Poleg, the Yarkon River, the Ayalon River, and Nahal Sorek. Dozens of millimeters of rain are expected to fall within a few hours, an amount that could cause significant disruptions to road traffic.

Winds reaching speeds of 100 km/h

Alongside heavy rainfall, strong winds are expected, reaching 90-100 km/h (56-62 mph) along the coastal plain and 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph) in mountain areas. These winds could cause damage to property and infrastructure, including trees, power and communication lines, antennas, sheds, and unsecured objects. It is recommended to prepare in advance, secure objects on balconies, and avoid unnecessary risks. Haze is possible in southern Israel due to the winds.

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Before running over the 68-year-old man to death, the terrorist struck a 16-year-old boy with his vehicle near Beit She'an, lightly wounding him. Magen David Adom paramedics reported: "We found a 16-year-old boy lying on the sidewalk with injuries to his legs. He and bystanders informed us he had been struck by a vehicle. We administered medical treatment and transported him by ambulance to the hospital. His condition was light, and he remained fully conscious."

A 37-year-old man sustained moderate injuries after being struck at the scene in Afula and was evacuated for treatment.

Magen David Adom medics described the scene where the 18-year-old woman was fatally stabbed: "The wounded woman lay on the roadside beyond the separation barrier, unconscious and suffering from penetrating injuries to her body. We administered medical treatment, but her condition was critical, and we were compelled to pronounce her death."

The terrorist – West Bank resident

The attacker, a resident of Qabatiya near Jenin, had been staying in Israel for several days illegally. Police confirmed that the suspect was neutralized near HaMeonot Junction in Afula by a civilian bystander. The neutralized terrorist, a West Bank resident, was evacuated to the hospital in moderate condition. Investigation of the case continues at all scenes.

Police said, "A short time ago, a report was received about a stabbing incident near Ein Harod, during which a woman was wounded and a vehicle that fled the scene toward the city of Afula. The suspect vehicle was stopped a short time ago near the city of Afula, and the suspect was neutralized. Northern District police officers are at the scene, and the circumstances of the incident are under investigation."

A security official reported that initial findings indicate an Israeli citizen had employed the terrorist for an undetermined period. Security authorities are examining when and how he crossed into Israel, and whether the employment was on a regular basis.

Various authorities initially assessed that the incident was criminal in nature, but it was later determined to be a terror attack.

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The suspect, Vadim Kupriyanov, an Israeli citizen in his 40s and a resident of Rishon Lezion, was detained by the Shin Bet security agency and Israel Police. Investigators said Kupriyanov was instructed by his handlers to purchase a car-mounted camera as part of the mission.

According to the investigation, over the past two months Kupriyanov was asked to carry out a range of security-related tasks. At the request of those directing him, he transferred various photographs taken in his city of residence and in other cities, in exchange for different sums of money.

On Thursday, following the conclusion of the investigation, an indictment will be filed against Kupriyanov at the Lod District Court by the Central District Attorney's Office.

Bennett responded in a post on his Instagram account, writing: "Iran's efforts to harm me will not stop me from my life's mission."

Bennett in Iran's crosshairs

Last week, an Iranian cyber group hacked into Bennett's smartphone and published a 141-page phone book that it claimed was taken from Bennett's personal device. Shortly afterward, the group released portions of private correspondence he had conducted over the years.

The hackers mocked the former prime minister in a message addressed to him, saying that despite his past claims of being a beacon of cybersecurity and presenting his expertise to the world, it was ironic that his iPhone 13 had fallen so easily into their hands. They derided what they described as his digital fortress as nothing more than a paper wall waiting to be breached.

Bennett later said the matter was being handled by the authorities, adding that Israel's enemies would do everything possible to prevent him from becoming prime minister again. "It won't help them," he said. "No one will stop me from acting and fighting for the State of Israel and the people of Israel."

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The decision came after Defense System Comptroller Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yair Valensky completed a comprehensive investigation at the defense minister's request regarding Col. Tishler in the context of the October 7 events, going beyond the investigations conducted and published to date. This included meetings and interviews with numerous officers, examination of source materials and recordings, and, after reviewing all findings, recommending approval of his appointment.

Additionally, following review of the updated report conducted according to the directive of Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Israeli Navy activity after publication of the Turgeman report (an internal IDF investigation), the defense system comptroller found no systemic or personal deficiencies related to Eyal Harel that could affect his candidacy for the position of Israeli Navy commander. He recommended approving the appointment, and the defense minister accepted his recommendation.

This fulfilled the defense minister's directives given exactly 30 days ago to examine the appointment of senior officers based on completion of investigations and updated reviews regarding the October 7 events before making decisions on the appointments.

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Rain is expected to resume as early as Saturday morning, with precipitation forecast for northern and central parts of the country. At the same time, the gradual drop in temperatures that began on Friday is expected to continue.

A marked escalation is forecast for Sunday. The first half of the day is expected to be very rainy, with intense downpours, isolated thunderstorms and a heightened risk of flooding in the central and southern coastal areas, the central highlands, Samaria and the Jerusalem hills. Flash floods are also expected in the Judean Desert, along Dead Sea wadis and as far south as the northern Negev.

Rainfall focus on central and southern Israel

According to meteorological models, the heaviest rainfall totals are expected in central Israel, including the coastal plain, the central highlands, Gush Etzion and the Hebron area, as well as parts of the Jordan Valley.

In cities such as Ashdod and Yavne, some scenarios predict unusually high cumulative rainfall of about 100 to 150 millimeters (roughly 4 to 6 inches). Similar amounts may be recorded along the central coast, the central lowlands and the central highlands, significantly increasing concerns about serious flooding.

By contrast, rainfall totals in northern Israel are expected to be lower at this stage. In the area between Netanya and Atlit and in inland parts of the north, forecasts point to about 30 to 60 millimeters (around 1 to 2.5 inches). Similar amounts are expected in Tiberias, the Golan Heights and the Kokhav HaYarden area.

In Haifa and the Carmel Ridge, forecasts are even lower, at just 10 to 30 millimeters (less than 1.2 inches). However, heavier rainfall of about 80 to 100 millimeters (3 to 4 inches) may accumulate in the Upper Galilee and around Nahariya. Forecasters note that additional rain systems are expected early next week, at least through Tuesday, which could improve overall rainfall totals in the north.

Forecast for the coming days

Wednesday: Partly cloudy to clear. The Mediterranean Sea will be calm to slightly choppy. The Sea of Galilee and the Red Sea will be calm.

Thursday: Partly cloudy to clear, with no significant change in temperatures. Strong easterly winds are expected in the northern mountains and Samaria during the morning.

Friday: Partly cloudy with a slight drop in temperatures. Light drizzle to localized light rain is possible in the north and along the coastal plain.

Saturday: Intermittent rain in the north and central regions, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms. Local rain is possible in the northern Negev. Temperatures will drop slightly again, mainly in the mountains and inland areas.

Monday and Tuesday are expected to be very cold, and the rain, as noted, may continue.

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"After the Simchat Torah massacre, the government and the security establishment were obligated to draw lessons and prepare appropriately for defense in all arenas," Englman stated regarding his decision to conduct an audit on the Jerusalem area's readiness for terror incidents and various security risks. "The deficiencies in the report are disturbing and must keep the political and security leadership awake at night," he added.

In practice, the comptroller's office conducted the audit between 2024-2025, covering many diverse components. For example, the areas of responsibility of the relevant bodies were examined, led by the Border Police Jerusalem periphery unit; reference threats and scenarios in the sector were detailed; the effectiveness of operational responses in the area was examined; and breaches in the barrier along the border were identified. Operational concepts with deficiencies were also examined, including the lack of synchronization among the numerous bodies operating in the sector and the misalignment of crossing infrastructure with population growth.

However, the report noted that the audit was completed before the murderous terror attack at Ramot Junction in September, in which six people were killed.

Command and control

One of the fundamental issues examined in the comptroller's report on this matter is the command and control of the various bodies located in the sector and operating at the crossings. According to the audit, for 20 years, the Israel Police has managed the various crossings without formulating a relevant operational concept that establishes the rules, principles, and methods of operation at the crossings.

It also emerged that there is a lack of clarity regarding the subordination of the Border Police Jerusalem periphery unit to the Judea and Samaria District of the police, and that the fact that the body operates, de facto, under four different arms (Central Command, Jerusalem District in the police, Judea and Samaria District in the police, and Border Police commander) has not been examined for 22 years and creates confusion and difficulty in operating forces in the sector. In general, it emerged that the multitude of forces in the sector (including Border Police, the IDF, the police, and civilian security guards) leads to operational gaps in the activities of the bodies.

Another aspect regarding command and control relates to the police's lack of governance "in a certain area" in the Jerusalem periphery. The report does not specify which area, but it can be assumed that it refers to Kfar Aqab in northern Jerusalem, where the police simply cannot enforce the law. According to the report, "the failure to implement the police's responsibility leads to a lack of governance and lack of municipal services, when the lack of governance damages the police's ability to enforce and act when its intervention is required."

It was also written that when there is activity in the place, it is often accompanied by disturbances and shooting at the forces securing the police, and that there is "the ability of Palestinians to pass from the territories into the area. Some of them hold blue identity cards that allow free movement in the territory of the State of Israel, which they exploited to carry out terror attacks in the state's territory, and the lack of a basic response constitutes a security risk to citizens of the State of Israel."

It should be noted that Kfar Aqab is under the municipal responsibility of the Jerusalem municipality, which invests almost no resources in the area, while security responsibility is in the hands of the IDF. In practice, only in recent weeks did Kfar Aqab's local leadership approach the Jerusalem municipality to discuss solutions to various municipal problems within its jurisdiction, but it is unknown whether the meeting will help in the complex reality at the site.

Additional deficiencies were recorded in the training of Border Police soldiers that is not suitable for activity at the crossings, in the frequent turnover of crossing commanders which creates "difficulty in continuity of functioning and instructions," in the shortage of weapons among police forces in the sector, as well as in the fact that there is no central body in Israel whose purpose is to handle all land crossings that are not international.

The operational response

The conclusions raised in this part of the audit should keep decision-makers awake at night, no less.

According to some of them, until the October 7 massacre, the Jerusalem District police did not formulate relevant reference scenarios for the sector regarding mass infiltration, which, in practice, damaged the district's readiness and the readiness of the Border Police Jerusalem periphery unit for escalating terror incidents.

Only in August 2024, almost a year after the Simchat Torah massacre, did the preparation of the said order by the Jerusalem District police and the Border Police Jerusalem periphery unit finish. Even then, the order did not include operational instructions defining how to prepare for a scenario of infiltration from multiple points along the seam line, although the Shin Bet assessed that the Palestinians feel they have the ability to cross at the crossings easily and without real risk.

It also emerged that on the Palestinian side of the points where the barrier exists (which extends for 61% of the border), there are buildings built above the wall as well as piles of earth waste, which allow easy stone throwing and throwing of firebombs.

Another unusual conclusion that emerged in this chapter is that, during 30% of the audit time, the Border Police Jerusalem periphery unit's order of battle was allocated to tasks "not directly related" to routine security along the barrier.

Among these tasks are the forces' handling of disturbance incidents in the Judea and Samaria territories, escorting detainees, and reinforcing police forces in the Jerusalem District. According to the comptroller, "This fact, alongside the 11.5% gap in the police roster compared to the standard, raises concern regarding the ability of the Border Police Jerusalem periphery unit to meet the tasks assigned to it within the framework of its responsibility for the Jerusalem periphery area. Continued failure to meet routine security tasks endangers the residents of Jerusalem and allows threats to enter Israeli territory."

The report presents a clear example of this, revealing that during five months, the recording of alerts by IDF female observation soldiers' operations rooms about infiltration incidents in the Jerusalem periphery sector stood at hundreds and was significantly higher than the recording of Border Police alerts, which stood at only dozens and raises concern regarding the method of intelligence collection and creation by the Border Police.

Incidentally, regarding IDF female field-observers, it was written that "despite the threat from the Judea and Samaria sector, there has been no change in the concept of locating IDF collection operations rooms in the Jerusalem periphery sector, and they remain near the seam line. This reality, even after October 7, when female field-observation soldiers who stayed at an outpost near the Gaza border were killed and kidnapped, may put the female observation soldiers in the Jerusalem periphery sector at risk."

When the comptroller's office addressed the barrier structure itself, it emerged that there is no barrier at all for tens of miles. "Palestinians can enter Israeli territory without any control or inspection, risking Israeli residents," it was written, alongside presenting grim data indicating the entry of thousands of illegal residents each year through the breaches.

"There is a danger of terror incidents because threats can infiltrate through the openings into Israeli territory and Jerusalem. The barrier does not manage to provide the required defensive response, and the lack of agreement between the Defense Ministry and the National Security Ministry regarding the party bearing budgetary responsibility for upgrading the barrier perpetuates the problem and endangers Israeli residents."

Inspection, security, and infrastructure alignment

The audit's findings on inspection, security, and infrastructure alignment also raised quite unusual conclusions. Among other things, it was found that the reduction of the military police soldiers' order of battle in June 2023 led to a situation where the "Erez" battalion of the corps could perform, in practice, about 69% of its tasks – a fact that significantly damaged the battalion's operational activity.

In fact, from that month onward, there was an additional reduction in the battalion's order of battle, widening the mismatch between the tasks the battalion was required to perform and what it could actually accomplish. The manpower shortage led to lane closures and a "bottleneck" at the crossing entrance. Similarly, incidentally, in the blue police activity. According to the comptroller, "in light of the lack of appropriate infrastructure and shortage of manpower, the police struggles to inspect vehicles at the crossings at the required level," while waiting times and congestion pose a safety risk to inspectors and those waiting to cross.

It also emerged that the defense minister and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) agreed on granting entry permits to Palestinians during the Ramadan period without taking into account the police's ability to enforce these numbers. "According to the police, it was a partner in the discussions, but its recommendations are not taken into account in decision-making," according to the comptroller. The inspection during Ramadan revealed that the infrastructure at the Rachel, Qalandiya, and Zeitim crossings does not allow the entry of all worshippers within the defined six-hour timeframe, and that the congestion poses a real danger to life. According to the comptroller, beyond the danger to life, this is "a reputational damage to the State of Israel as allegedly not allowing freedom of worship within its borders."

Interestingly, the comptroller also noted to the Transportation Ministry, which decided to widen the road adjacent to the Tunnels Checkpoint without examining the impact of the move, that this contributed to the creation of "bottlenecks" at the crossing.

Implementation of government decisions

The comptroller noted that government decisions made over the years regarding the barrier were not brought for discussion at the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet, "although two decades have passed since their approval." Among other things, successive governments did not discuss the decision to civilianize several crossings, did not implement the decision to transfer authorities from the IDF to the police in several areas, and did not ensure that the Shin Bet would be the body responsible for professional guidance regarding passenger and luggage inspection at all crossings, except those for which the IDF is responsible.

"The responsibility for correcting the deficiencies detailed in this report lies primarily with the prime minister, defense minister, national security minister, chief of staff, police commissioner, Central Command commander, Jerusalem District commander, and Border Police commander – each party at its level," the comptroller concluded.

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Feldstein first described the incident during an interrogation on November 7, 2024, but at the time refused to identify the person who had met with him and informed him about the investigation. He told investigators that it involved "a very senior figure, a crazy Pandora's box that would affect everyone, and it is really dangerous to say." When asked whether the person was a military officer, Feldstein replied: "Not a military man, one of the most powerful people in the country."

It is important to note that Feldstein gave this version only once during questioning and did not repeat it afterward. He also told investigators that the same "senior figure" arrived accompanied by two or three security guards who did not hear the content of the conversation.

According to Feldstein, the figure in question, whom he has now identified as Braverman, promised that he could silence the leak in his own way. When investigators pressed him to explain what he meant, Feldstein asked: "Do you know what the poison machine is?" He said that "they," referring to the Prime Minister's Office, "threw him to the dogs," and that he feared physical harm to himself and his family. He added that both he and his father had received messages warning him not to speak.

Investigators sought to assess the credibility of his account and asked whether there was any documentation of the meeting. Feldstein replied that there was none, no cameras and no record of a security badge transfer. A source familiar with the investigation said this version was not thoroughly examined, as Feldstein changed his account several times.

In a response issued on behalf of Netanyahu's chief of staff, Tzachi Braverman, it was stated: "Feldstein is lying and inventing stories that never happened. Feldstein's claim that the chief of staff offered to intervene in or influence the investigation is another false fabrication. The chief of staff has no influence, and cannot have any influence, over ongoing investigations. Feldstein was offered a position as a spokesperson. For that purpose, he was sent for a security suitability check, which he failed, and his candidacy was immediately disqualified."

The statement added: "The chief of staff learned of the investigation only when it was reported in the media, and only then did he first learn of the connection between Feldstein and Rosenfeld. The chief of staff did not know Rosenfeld, never met him, and had no connection to him whatsoever."

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These are no longer general statements but hard IDF figures. Four years ago, about 800 officers competed for roughly 400 lieutenant colonel positions, a ratio of two candidates per job. Recently, only about 500 officers have been competing for the same number of posts, a ratio of about 1.25 candidates per job. The troubling implication is that nearly anyone who wants to reach the rank of lieutenant colonel, the rank held by battalion commanders and branch heads in the IDF, gets it. Positions are filled, but the army has little real ability to choose who fills them because demand is so low.

A rapid climb through the ranks

The problem begins at the lower officer ranks of captain and major, where the largest share of high quality officers are leaving. According to IDF data, the acute shortage of majors has forced the military to promote captains to major after just a year and two months, or at most a year and a half, simply to fill positions. In the past, the average time to advance from captain to major was about three and a half years.

As a result, officers who reach the rank of major and assume the heavy responsibilities that come with it arrive less prepared, and "burn out" more quickly. Many choose not to continue with the demanding military lifestyle and instead leave for civilian jobs that are usually easier and often better paid.

Some argue that the IDF is exaggerating when it warns of a manpower crisis. But the figures published here, together with previously reported departure numbers, show the crisis is real and serious. The long term damage is clear. As high quality commanders leave, their best subordinates often follow, and the army as a whole gradually becomes mediocre.

If the career service becomes mediocre, the implications for Israel's security and the IDF's ability to win wars are enormous. The career army is the cornerstone of both the reserves and the conscript force. If parents know that their son's commander is average rather than excellent, they will be far less eager to send him to combat service.

Months ago, the IDF's Personnel Directorate rolled out a plan to retain career soldiers, including housing benefits, bonuses and expanded support for service members and their families. The plan has run into obstacles created by the state, including ongoing threats to career soldiers' terms of service and a continued negative public discourse about their conditions.

Senior IDF officials are particularly frustrated that despite a High Court of Justice deadline for legislation on so called chief of staff pension supplements, the Knesset is dragging its feet. The delay is largely due to objections from a single lawmaker, MK Amit Halevi.

Hundreds seeking to leave

As previously reported, the lack of legislation has already prompted more than 500 officers to submit requests for immediate discharge. In the meantime, the military is trying to delay their departures, arguing that it will manage to resolve the issue with the Knesset.

Halevi argues, among other things, that young career officers do not stay because of pensions but for other reasons. Even if that is partly true, there is no doubt that younger career soldiers see the repeated hits to senior officers' pay and the public rhetoric of recent years portraying career soldiers as draining public funds. They understand that while career service once provided economic security, that is no longer the case.

Add to this the heavy workload, harsh conditions, risk to life and family pressure, and the picture becomes clear. Without a meaningful change in public discourse and genuine recognition of career service, lasting damage will be done, with consequences that will also be felt in the outcomes of future IDF wars.

The IDF hopes that housing benefits, bonuses, incentives and expanded family support will halt and even reverse the trend. But as long as the state fails to grasp the urgency of the situation and take meaningful steps to show respect for those who serve, including ending the disparaging rhetoric, it is doubtful that the reality on the ground will change.

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