Today, the Army once again issued the grim announcement, beginning with the terrible words “Hutar Le’pirsum” (“authorized for publication”). This time, it marked the death of one soldier—Sergeant Yisrael Natan Rosenfeld (20)—who was killed during an operation in a building in Jabaliya, northern Gaza, an area the IDF has now re-entered for the fourth time.
As long as Israeli forces remain in Gaza, these tragic announcements will likely continue. Another high-ranking Hamas terrorist was reportedly eliminated, but overall, the renewed offensive appears to have yielded little strategic gain in Gaza. The destruction mounts, but tangible progress remains elusive.
Roughly 20 Israeli soldiers have been killed in this latest phase—alongside uncounted Gazan casualties. Israel may have scored an overwhelming tactical victory in Iran, but after three months of fighting in Gaza it has yet to achieve any meaningful objectives. Worse still, 50 hostages remain trapped in the tunnels under Gaza.
TRUMP ESCALATES CALLS TO END NETANYAHU TRIAL, SUGGESTS U.S. AID AT RISK
For the second time in recent days, Israelis awoke this morning to another post from President Donald Trump—this time, a far more forceful call to halt the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In his latest post, Trump claimed that the ongoing prosecution is hindering Israel’s efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.
Trump went even further, issuing what many interpreted as a veiled threat. Noting that the United States provides Israel with billions in defense assistance, Trump implied that continuing Netanyahu’s trial could jeopardize that support. The message suggested that prosecuting Netanyahu risks undermining the very alliance Israel relies on for military and strategic backing.
Trump’s post came after Prime Minister Netanyahu requested a two-week delay in his testimony at the end of last week. Netanyahu claimed that recent developments in security and defense made it impossible for him to appear in court this week.
Two points are worth noting. First, this stage of the trial marks the beginning of the most critical phase—the cross-examination—i.e., where Netanyahu will be questioned about inconsistencies between his past and present statements. It is the phase Netanyahu has sought to avoid from the outset.
Second, Netanyahu has repeatedly delayed the trial proceedings, which have now dragged on for five years—with no end in sight. While some of the delay stems from missteps by the attorneys and judges, the primary cause has been Netanyahu’s persistent stalling tactics. Unsurprisingly, the judges were not particularly sympathetic to Netanyahu’s sudden request for another postponement.
Tel Aviv Diary is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Following Trump’s post—which Netanyahu welcomed, rather than rejected as improper interference in internal judicial matters—Netanyahu today requested a special closed-door hearing with the court. Not only did the Prime Minister appear in person, but he also brought with him the heads of Military Intelligence, the Mossad, and the National Security Council, all to testify as to why he is too busy this week to appear in court. After hearing their statements, the judges granted Netanyahu a one-week postponement of his testimony.
WHAT UNEXPECTED SURPRISE MIGHT WE SEE THIS WEEK?
The major question many Israelis are now asking is this: Is a significant security event expected this week that the public has not yet been told about? One theory is that Israel may be preparing a major strike against the Houthis in Yemen, now that operations against Iran appear to be on hold—at least for now.
The Houthis, meanwhile, have continued to fire missiles at Israel. The most recent attempt occurred Saturday morning and was intercepted without incident. A missile fired Friday morning landed in the Saudi desert. The Houthis remain a persistent threat, and it seems increasingly likely that Israel will be forced to respond. That response may be planned for this week—but for now, we simply don’t know.
Of course, observers note that rumors of further military action could all be a ploy by Prime Minister Netanyahu to further delay his trial. A one-week postponement, followed by a high-profile visit to Washington to meet President Trump—tentatively slated for next week or the week after—would push the case right up to the courts’ summer recess. Once the recess begins, the trial could be pushed off the docket for months, or even longer.
Meanwhile, on Friday President Trump said he expects negotiators to clinch a deal and impose a Gaza ceasefire as soon as next week. In a second follow-up post this morning, Trump went further, explicitly urging Israel to “end the war and bring the hostages home”—a clear directive that runs counter to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s stated public stance.
Whether the two leaders are coordinating their actions—or merely staging political theater—remains impossible to know.
Speaking this evening at Shin Bet (Shabak) headquarters, Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered the following statement to the staff:
We faced an immediate threat to our existence—two deadly threats to our survival. You have done a very, very good job in identifying their advantages, the targets, and in carrying out a highly vital thwarting operation. But both offensively and defensively, you are breaking new ground. I just saw [the systems] and was truly amazed by the technology.
I want to inform you that, as you surely know, many opportunities have now opened up. As a result of this victory, many, many opportunities. First and foremost, to rescue the hostages. Of course, we also need to resolve the issue of Gaza, to decisively defeat Hamas, and I believe we will achieve both objectives.
Beyond that, broader regional possibilities are opening up—almost all of which you are partners in. And I want to thank you, on behalf of the people of Israel, for your role in ensuring the eternity of Israel—no less. Thank you very much.
Rumors are swirling tonight about a sweeping agreement that might even include a peace treaty with Syria—but for now it remains unverified talk.
JEWISH EXTREMIST YOUTH ASSAULT SOLDIERS
A group of young Jewish extremist hooligans assaulted Israeli troops in the West Bank on Friday night. Here’s the IDF’s report on the incident:
During the night (Friday), IDF forces identified several Israeli civilians driving toward an area declared a closed military zone, near the village of Al-Mughayyir in the Binyamin Brigade sector. The forces moved in to disperse the gathering.
Upon their arrival, dozens of Israeli civilians threw stones at them and physically and verbally assaulted the soldiers, including the battalion commander. In addition, the civilians vandalized and damaged security force vehicles, and even attempted to run them over.
The security forces dispersed the gathering using crowd-control measures. Six Israeli civilians were arrested and transferred to the Israel Police for further handling.
The IDF and Israel Police condemn all acts of violence against security forces and will act resolutely against any attempt to harm personnel carrying out their duties to protect Israeli citizens.
The IDF and Israel Police will continue focusing on safeguarding public security while also enforcing the law and preventing any illegal activity.
Several veterans of the unit assaulted by the extremist youths—who note that not all of the assailants were settlers—released the following statement:
We are soldiers and commanders who formerly served in Battalion 7114, having spent many years in the Binyamin sector (the battalion is affiliated with the brigade and conducts its reserve duty there).
We share deep bonds of brotherhood and camaraderie with the soldiers and commanders of the battalion today. All of us served together for years, through long reserve duty periods, shoulder to shoulder—residents of Judea and Samaria, city dwellers, kibbutzniks and moshavniks, from the right and the left. We always stood proudly in service of the State and the people.
We are all shocked, outraged, and pained that even after the vital support the battalion received from the Chief of Staff and the Minister of Defense, a smear campaign against the battalion and its commander continues to be fueled—even by public figures and ministers.
We are confident that the weekend’s events are being thoroughly investigated and will continue to be. We are certain that what guides the battalion’s commanders is the truth, the laws of the State of Israel, and the orders of the IDF. They are currently on duty and unable to defend their name due to their operational responsibilities and IDF Spokesperson regulations—but we stand with them.
We stand united behind our comrades-in-arms and our former commanders, and we call on the legal authorities to bring the rioters to justice, and on public figures to cease the disgraceful campaign against the battalion and its commanding officer. — Petition: Standing Behind Battalion 7114
IDF Chief of Staff came to support the Brigade Commander.
At the same time, the brigade commander has come under a barrage of online abuse, including death threats, for his actions against the settlers. Late tonight, a group of ten settler youths entered the Arab village of Chizmah, wounded three Palestinians, torched a car and a house, and fled before troops could reach the scene.
The IDF released the following statistical summary of its actions in Iran during the 12-Day War:
Intelligence Leading to the Operation:
A covert program for producing nuclear weapon components, led by senior Iranian scientists.
Iran accelerated the program and reached the threshold of nuclear weapon production, pending a decision.
A plan to double the ballistic missile stockpile from 2,500 to 8,000 within two years.
A concrete plan to destroy Israel through a multi-front missile attack and ground invasion.
Preparation for the Operation:
Years of preparations, including covert missions.
In October 2024, during fighting with Hezbollah, it was decided to accelerate the operational plan for Iran.
Military Intelligence and the Air Force developed unprecedented long-range strike capabilities.
The plan targeted critical centers of gravity: nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, command and control, economy, and the military-industrial complex.
Total secrecy was maintained, enabling complete surprise.
Air Force Activity:
Over 1,500 sorties and 600 aerial refuelings.
Strikes on 900 targets, involving 1,500 components.
370 strikes conducted by fighter jets.
Assets Destroyed:
200 surface-to-surface missile launchers (about 50% of the stockpile).
80 surface-to-air missile launchers.
15 Iranian aircraft.
70 radar systems.
6 airfields.
35 missile production sites.
Dozens of army and security command posts.
Damage to the Nuclear Program:
Strikes on Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan – enrichment and conversion sites.
Destruction of critical uranium conversion equipment.
Strike on the Arak reactor to prevent future use.
Assassination of 11 senior nuclear scientists.
Destruction of thousands of centrifuges and R&D facilities.
Elimination Figures:
Over 30 senior Iranian security officials eliminated.
Hundreds of soldiers killed.
In the opening strike, the regime’s three top commanders were eliminated.
Missile Fire Toward Israel and Interceptions:
500 missiles launched – 86% intercepted; 36 direct hits.
Over 1,000 UAVs launched – 99% intercepted; only one hit its target.
28 Israeli fatalities, 25 seriously wounded.
Operational Results:
The nuclear program was severely damaged – 90% enrichment capability neutralized for a prolonged period.
As of now, the ability to produce a nuclear weapon core has been destroyed.
Major disruption of the weapons development axis – through elimination of scientists, infrastructure, and expertise.
Severe blow to the missile production industry – loss of thousands of future missiles.
Destruction of the air defense array – granting Israel aerial freedom of action in Iranian skies.
BUSINESS
Otterize
Israeli cybersecurity unicorn Cyera has acquired cloud security specialist Otterize for tens of millions of dollars, marking the company's third Israeli acquisition as it builds toward becoming the world's largest data security platform. The deal brings Otterize's intent-based access control technology for managing non-human identities in cloud environments into Cyera's expanding portfolio, following recent acquisitions of Shape AI and Trail Security. Founded in 2022 by former MuleSoft CTO Uri Sarid and his co-founders, Otterize had raised $11.5 million from prominent investors including Index Ventures and angel investors from companies like Shopify, Snyk, and GitHub.
The acquisition comes during a period of remarkable growth for Cyera, which recently completed a $540 million Series E funding round that brought its total funding to $1.3 billion and valuation to an estimated $6 billion. Cyera co-founder and CTO Tamar Bar-Ilan emphasized that the deal represents both a strategic technology play and a statement of resilience, noting that completing major acquisitions during wartime demonstrates Israeli tech companies' determination to continue growing despite geopolitical challenges. With an estimated $250 million invested in Israeli acquisitions to date, Cyera is positioning itself at the center of cloud data protection by combining advanced data security capabilities with automated identity management solutions.
Today we’ll travel down to the stunning Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, located along the western shore of the Dead Sea, is one of Israel’s most remarkable natural and historical sites. Nestled between the barren cliffs of the Judean Desert and the salt-laden waters of the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi is a rare desert oasis, home to an abundance of fresh water, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife. The reserve encompasses several perennial springs, including Nahal David and Nahal Arugot, whose waters give life to a vibrant ecosystem amid the arid landscape. Managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, it is not only a destination for nature lovers and hikers but also a place of immense archaeological and biblical significance.
Ein Gedi’s historical roots run deep. The area is mentioned multiple times in the Bible, most notably in the Book of Samuel, where it serves as the dramatic backdrop for David’s escape from King Saul. Archaeological remains within the reserve include a Chalcolithic temple dating back over 5,000 years and the remnants of a Jewish village from the Second Temple period.
The ancient synagogue at Ein Gedi, discovered in the 20th century, contains a mosaic floor with inscriptions that shed light on the community’s values, economy, and adherence to purity laws. The area was known in antiquity for its production of balsam, a highly prized plant extract used in perfumes and medicines.
Ecologically, Ein Gedi is unparalleled in the region. The reserve is a haven for desert wildlife, including Nubian ibexes, hyraxes, foxes, and over 200 species of birds. Towering cliffs and deep canyons provide shelter and nesting grounds for raptors and other rare avian species. The springs create microclimates that support tropical and Mediterranean vegetation, such as acacia trees, reeds, and various ferns—an astonishing sight in the heart of the desert. Hiking trails of varying difficulty wind through the reserve, leading visitors past waterfalls, ancient ruins, and scenic outlooks with sweeping views of the Dead Sea.
Visiting Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is like stepping into a different world—one where desert cliffs and parched earth suddenly give way to waterfalls, shady canyons, and flourishing vegetation. Arriving early in the morning, before the desert heat fully sets in, you will begin your walk along the trail that follows Nahal David, one of the reserve’s main streams. Almost immediately, you will be struck by the contrast: ibexes picking their way across sunlit rocks, birds darting through the air, and the soft rush of water flowing past reeds and fig trees.
The path leads you through a series of small waterfalls and natural pools where hikers pause to cool their feet. Though the sun was strong, the cliffs offered pockets of shade, and the steady breeze coming off the water made it feel surprisingly comfortable. One of the highlights was David’s Waterfall—a tall, narrow cascade hidden deep within a narrow gorge. Surrounded by green ferns and the scent of wild herbs, it was easy to imagine why the biblical David might have chosen this place as a refuge from King Saul.
Climbing higher, you will reach a lookout point that offered an extraordinary view of the Dead Sea shimmering below and the red mountains of Jordan rising in the distance. From that vantage, Ein Gedi felt both timeless and alive, as if nature, history, and legend were still unfolding together in real time. Along the way, signs pointed to archaeological remains: the foundations of ancient terraces, an early synagogue, and even remnants of a perfume industry that once made Ein Gedi famous across the Roman world.
