The unit, similar to the American government's National Security Agency in the Pentagon, is Israel's elite signal intelligence arm and has been credited with major successes in the ongoing war – including against Hezbollah and Iran – despite the major lapses during the run up to the Oct. 7.

The Hamas attempt to breach the unit came after an online cleaning services tender was posted for one of Unit 8200's facilities. Technical intelligence materiel seized in Gaza during later IDF activities revealed that Hamas had discovered this cleaning tender and used it as a potential pathway to access the Unit 8200 installation.

The tender was immediately put on hold and the IDF issued directives to strengthen protocols for military publications on public internet platforms.

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National Security Council Chairman Tzachi Hanegbi presented Israel's shared interests with Syria during a classified meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee last week, emphasizing the rationale behind pursuing normalized relations. The discussion detailed at length how the Syrian regime shares common interests with Israel and is taking a stand against Iran and the countries and terrorist organizations aligned with it.

This development came just hours after US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox News that additional countries were interested in joining the Abraham Accords. When asked whether Syria was among them, he neither confirmed nor denied.

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Hanegbi identified Syria and Lebanon as prime candidates for normalization agreements with Israel, building on the Abraham Accords model. His testimony confirms recent international media reports regarding direct Israeli-Syrian communications while exposing the scope of discussions that encompass both military and political spheres.

Responding to MK Merav Michaeli's call to capitalize on Iranian military setbacks for regional peace initiatives, Hanegbi explained that although Syrian leader al-Sharaa allegedly told French President Emmanuel Macron about maintaining only indirect dialogue with Israel, "the reality involves direct dialogue, daily communication across all governmental levels. I personally conduct these discussions with political representatives of their government. Israel and Syria share numerous common interests, particularly concerning Iran."

Lawmakers inquired about a potential Israeli withdrawal from the Syrian buffer zone currently under IDF control. Hanegbi indicated flexibility, stating, "If normalization occurs, we will consider this option."

When MK Amit Halevi questioned Military Intelligence assessments suggesting al-Sharaa maintains unchanged ideological positions, referencing his 2014 statement about reaching "Damascus next year, then Jerusalem," Hanegbi acknowledged ongoing evaluation, noting "we continue monitoring this. Al-Sharaa continues developing through his leadership experience."

Contacted by Israel Hayom for comment, Hanegbi refused to address the committee disclosures, declaring, "I will not respond to committee leaks. Such behavior embarrasses the institution and cannot allow free discussion, further diminishing the committee's authority. These reckless leaks from closed sessions constitute criminal violations and will discourage security organization leaders from providing comprehensive briefings. Should they invite me again to address the full committee, I plan to bring recent newspapers for discussion and utilize our important gathering to read headlines and editorial pieces aloud to my colleagues."

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Bennett, 53, was taken to the hospital after experiencing discomfort during physical exercise. At the hospital, he underwent a catheterization procedure and remains under observation and further treatment. Meir Medical Center reported that Bennett's condition is good.

Bennett, who is preparing a return to Israeli politics, announced about a month ago that he intends to run in the next election. Last Thursday, following a New York Times exposé about a planned Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities that was ultimately blocked by then-US President Donald Trump, Bennett responded: "The Begin Doctrine on nuclear weapons is to strike and destroy. That's what happened in Iraq and in Syria. The Netanyahu Doctrine is to threaten, threaten, threaten - and then leak that he intended to strike but wasn't allowed. It's another dangerous concept that must not blow up in our faces. There won't be another opportunity like this."

Catheterization is a minimally invasive medical procedure in which a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel or body cavity for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The most common type is cardiac catheterization, which enables doctors to examine coronary arteries, measure pressures in heart chambers, and identify blockages. In the event of a blockage, the vessel can be widened with a balloon or fitted with a stent.

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The case involves the suspected leaking of classified material by a reservist who previously held a senior position in the Shin Bet security agency, to journalists. He is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow for a remand hearing. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Shin Bet and the Police Internal Investigations Department (Machash). Authorities have confirmed that extraordinary investigative measures were used against the suspect, including an eight-day denial of access to legal counsel. The suspect had served in the Shin Bet for decades before retiring, and was called back to reserve duty following the October 7 attacks.

Investigators are also looking into suspicions that the Shin Bet officer leaked classified information to Amichai Chikli, a government minister.

The suspect, who was arrested on April 9, is suspected of abusing his access to Shin Bet systems during his tenure to pass classified information to unauthorized individuals. Due to the severity of the allegations, a legal order was initially issued barring him from meeting with his attorney, although that restriction has since been lifted.

The joint investigation by Machash and the Shin Bet is focused on the extraction of sensitive information from agency systems and its transfer to unauthorized parties.

The detained Shin Bet officer has filed an appeal against the extension of his detention. In the appeal, the suspect argued: "The measures taken against me are entirely disproportionate and, in fact, completely excessive."

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At the heart of the case is the suspected leak of classified information from Israeli security agencies. However, no further details about the affair may be disclosed at this time.

According to a statement from Israel's State Attorney's Office, a sweeping gag order has been imposed: "A gag order has been issued on every detail of the case under investigation by Machash, including the very existence of the order."

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The primary goal of the visit is to create cracks in the wall of the International Criminal Court in The Hague - cracks that could lead to the cancellation of the international arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. In Israel, it is believed that the move would run counter to the policy of the European Union and the Rome Statute, to which Hungary is a signatory.

The friendship between Orbán and Netanyahu, their shared anti-liberal conservative worldview, and the strong bilateral relations between the two countries helped facilitate the visit and advance efforts to block anti-Israel moves within the European Union.

During the prime minister's visit, Reuters reported that Hungary had officially announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court in The Hague. With this move, Hungary becomes the only EU member state that is not a party to the court.

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Initial examinations have included a working meeting and the exchange of lists containing approximately 20 Jewish prisoners between the pardons departments at the Justice Ministry and the President's Office.

The review follows appeals from Knesset members, rabbis, political activists, and right-wing organizations to the justice minister and president. These groups requested creating what they termed "balance and equality" by releasing Jewish security prisoners in parallel with the Palestinian prisoner releases occurring under the agreement to return the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

The clemency requests and lists encompass about 20 prisoners, but sources said the President's Office and Justice Ministry plan to examine each case individually. The assessment indicates that even if sentence commutations or pardons are granted, they would only be implemented after prisoners express remorse and receive favorable security opinions from the Shin Bet.

Similar actions have precedent. In 1999, on the recommendation of then-Justice Minister Tzachi Hanegbi, President Ezer Weizman reduced the sentences of seven Jewish security prisoners. Those receiving reductions included Ami Popper, Yoram Shkolnik, and the Kahalani brothers – all convicted of nationalist murder or attempted murder against Palestinians.

Hanegbi stated at the time, "When easing and releasing sentences imposed on Arab prisoners, we cannot ignore the Jewish prisoners who committed the 'terrible acts' following the severe confrontation between us and the Palestinians."

Knesset member Naama Lazimi from the Labor party criticized the president for considering such a move, saying: "In the name of 'sacred balance' the president has officially recognized the phenomenon of Jewish terror for the first time, and in the same breath gave support and backing to this phenomenon. This is a dangerous legitimization that undermines the rule of law and morality and works against stateliness and the institution of the presidency."

Her party colleague, Knesset member Gilad Kariv, echoed these concerns: "It's not enough that this failed and dangerous government allowed murderous and cursed terror organizations to slaughter Israelis, now they want to release Jewish terrorists into Israeli society. Security? Governance? A government of blood."

Knesset member Itamar Ben Gvir from the Otzma Yehudit party offered a different perspective: "Nothing will whitewash the reckless surrender deal signed by the Israeli government, which includes releasing thousands of murderous terrorists from prisons, a dramatic increase in allowing logistical aid to Hamas, and IDF forces withdrawing from the vast majority of the Gaza Strip – which allows Hamas to rebuild itself. All this while the government has complete American backing to rain hell on Hamas if all our hostages are not released immediately."

"I call on the prime minister and ministers to come to their senses and return immediately to a total war of annihilation against Hamas. Only this way will we return all our hostages without abandoning state security at outrageous prices, and only this way will we achieve complete victory," Ben Gvir added.

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The delicate negotiations surrounding the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement showed signs of progress Thursday, as mediators worked intensively to prevent the deal's collapse just 48 hours before Saturday's crucial deadline.

Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported Thursday morning that talks between Hamas delegates and Egyptian intelligence officials in Cairo had yielded positive results, with sources indicating agreement on key issues that could enable the continuation of hostage releases while ensuring Israeli compliance with humanitarian commitments.

The development comes at a critical juncture, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scheduled to conduct a situational assessment at the Israeli Defense Forces' Southern Command amid growing tensions over the deal's implementation. According to Palestinian sources familiar with the negotiations, mediators have secured an initial Israeli commitment to fulfill humanitarian obligations, including the entry of essential supplies and equipment into Gaza.

Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif Al-Qanoa emphasized the terror organization's interest in maintaining the ceasefire while criticizing what he termed "threatening language" from Israeli and American leaders. Meanwhile, Saudi media reported that mediators have urged all parties to avoid provocations that could jeopardize the agreement's progress.

The Qatari channel Al-Araby confirmed Thursday that trucks carrying tents had begun entering northern Gaza through the Zikim crossing, marking a tangible step in the humanitarian aspects of the agreement.

Egyptian officials have reportedly rejected any forced displacement plans for Gaza residents and expressed commitment to the territory's reconstruction, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Cairo has also emphasized the importance of maintaining regular medical evacuations and ensuring the agreed-upon volume of aid deliveries continues to reach the enclave.

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The visit follows an invitation from Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, who conducted a diplomatic visit to Paraguay several months earlier.

A formal welcoming ceremony unfolded at the Knesset plaza, where President Peña arrived with a high-level delegation, including the parliament president, cabinet ministers, and additional lawmakers. The delegation participated in a meaningful signing ceremony in the Chagall State Hall, followed by press statements and a photo session, before meeting with Ohana in his office.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog hosted President Peña earlier in the day, opening with heartfelt remarks. "We are honored to host you and your wife here in Israel. Your arrival comes at a time when the Israeli public, people, and nation have endured and continue to endure an extraordinarily challenging, painful, and agonizing period. We have suffered the loss of our sons and daughters while 100 hostages remain captive in Gaza's tunnels."

In response, President Peña expressed his gratitude, stressing that he was "accompanied by a large and diverse delegation, including Congressional representatives from Paraguay. This demonstrates our support for Israel during these challenging times. But believe me, Mr. President, this was something we needed to do for ourselves. It represents a moral imperative from the Paraguayan people, and we carry with us the heart and spirit of over six million Paraguayans who feel deeply connected to the people of Israel. For us, this truly marks a historic turning point."

Speaking before the Knesset, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the assembly and said: "To the families of the hostages, our distinguished guests, and especially President Peña, my dear friend, and his wife Leticia – along with the esteemed Paraguayan delegation including the Speaker of the House – your significant visit, Mr. President, during our existential war fought on seven fronts against those seeking our destruction, merits exceptional recognition. During this conflict, we were deeply moved by your declaration that 'we will always stand with Israel, regardless of the cost – because this is the right side of history.'"

Netanyahu continued, adding that "taking a moral position isn't always the easy choice. Many turn away, many choose silence, thinking, 'this isn't our fight.' As a courageous, proactive leader, you chose engagement over indifference, and history will remember those who stood with Israel in its darkest hour. Our struggle is the struggle of all free nations.

"We face ruthless enemies, fanatics, barbarians. They attacked us with unspeakable brutality over a year ago. Their heinous crimes defy human description, and even the terrible footage only captures a fraction of these atrocities – the worst since the Holocaust. We are imposing severe consequences for their aggression, dismantling their infrastructure.

"Mr. President, the enduring friendship between Paraguay and Israel gains new significance today through your presence and this courageous alliance. Years ago, Paraguayan passports helped save hundreds, perhaps thousands of Jews from Nazi Germany, including my late father-in-law's family members. Shmuel Ben-Artzi found refuge in Paraguay when he fled.

"We face ruthless enemies, fanatics, barbarians. They attacked us with unspeakable brutality over a year ago. Their heinous crimes defy human description, and even the terrible footage only captures a fraction of these atrocities – the worst since the Holocaust. We are imposing severe consequences for their aggression, dismantling their infrastructure," Netanyahu said.

"President Santiago, dear friend, Israel stands at the heart of the Middle East. In this wild and turbulent region, we remain steadfast in our mission. We draw strength from our past, act decisively in the present, and work to shape the future. Your visit will strengthen the growing bonds between Paraguay and Israel. Together, we can achieve remarkable things.

"We admire the energy and experience you've brought to rejuvenate Paraguay toward a promising future. Israel eagerly seeks to assist you; we believe in sharing the fruits of progress with our friends rather than keeping them for ourselves.

"We will continue to defend ourselves resolutely against those who seek our destruction. Israel will persist in dismantling the terror networks of the Iran-led axis of evil."

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