Israel

Political source assures that the military's readiness for war is "almost complete," but warns that it might be compromised down the line if soldiers and officers continue to skip out on reserve duty.

The prime minister's son shares a post on social media written by a right-wing journalist, which criticized Halevi for failing to crack down on reservists skipping out on duty in protest of the judicial reform.

The overnight Tuesday explosion is the third to occur in the area in the past two and a half months alone, with authorities warning unless the government deals with the matter, more explosions – and casualties – will occur.

Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich harshly criticized for failing to prevent the demolition. Sources close to Smotrich say move could not be prevented as buildings were built either on private Arab land or on state land without permit.

During weekend call, the PM slams IDF's top brass for "compromising deterrence," to which Chief of Staff Halevi responds that he has to sound the alarm on combat worthiness because, "I can't stand idly by." Officers believe only a clear statement on the fate of judicial reform will end declining readiness.

"Unfortunately, the pursuit of equality and pluralism ends when it comes to the needs of the ultra-Orthodox, Arab and religious publics," Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman laments.

In February, following the terrorist attack in Neve Ya'akov, the government announced that nine communities in Judea and Samaria would get official status. Although some progress has been made, on the ground things appear to be stuck fast. The IDF stresses that "once the staff work has been completed for each of the settlements, the orders will be signed."

Israel Hayom can reveal that a previously unknown discussion between the Accountant General Department’s officials and members of the Finance Ministry's legal counsel was aimed at undoing a decision by former Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked to transfer tens of millions of shekels to the coffers of Jewish municipalities in Judea and Samaria.

Security officials also concerned over rise in the number of Jewish terrorists who are not organically linked to the so-called “hilltop youth” or extremist groups. "There is a system in the area in which they come to create friction, agitate, and try to provoke the Palestinians. It creates tensions that shouldn't exist," a Shin Bet official says.

Language whiz Mikhail Iomdin, who moved to Israel a mere year and a half ago and speaks Hebrew fluently, brings home a bronze medal.