Overnight Israel: Netanyahu’s Washington Visit, Haredi Draft Bill Moves Forward, Shin Bet Jewish Division In Major Hot Water

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially become the first foreign leader to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump since the announcement of sweeping American tariffs. His visit comes at a critical juncture, as Israel faces economic strain and mounting international scrutiny over its actions in Gaza.

Netanyahu landed in Washington late Sunday night after navigating a convoluted flight path designed to avoid countries likely to enforce the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him. Upon arrival, he was escorted to Blair House for urgent meetings with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

The primary focus of Netanyahu’s visit is negotiating relief from the 17% tariff imposed on Israeli exports under Trump’s reciprocal trade policy. The tariffs have sparked concern over their potential impact on Israel’s economy, which is already strained by 18 months of war in Gaza.

Later today, Netanyahu and Trump will deliver a joint address from the Oval Office, highlighting their strong partnership. Topics on the agenda include:

- Economic ties: Netanyahu aims to secure tariff relief while emphasizing Israel’s importance as a trade partner.

- Gaza conflict: The leaders will discuss military strategy and pressure mediators like Qatar and Egypt to assist in hostage negotiations.

- Iran’s nuclear threat: Netanyahu seeks deeper U.S.-Israel coordination against Tehran's ambitions.

Despite the warm reception from U.S. officials, protests erupted outside Blair House, with families of Israeli hostages demanding that Netanyahu prioritize their release over diplomacy. These demonstrations underscore growing frustration among Israelis over his handling of the hostage crisis.

IDF Prepares to Resume Humanitarian Aid to Gaza And Not Everyone Is On Board

In a surprising move, Ynet reported earlier today that the IDF is preparing to resume humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza in the coming weeks. This decision follows warnings from security officials about potential violations of international law if food, fuel, and medicine are not reintroduced soon.

The IDF clarified that aid will be strictly limited to civilians and will not benefit Hamas directly. However, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed strong opposition, declaring at the “People of Israel” conference: “Not even a grain of wheat will enter Gaza.” Smotrich criticized efforts to balance humanitarian needs with warfare, arguing that aid only strengthens Hamas indirectly.

Haredi Draft Bill Moves Forward Amid Controversy

Likud party spokesman Guy Levy announced plans to advance the long-delayed Haredi enlistment bill, reigniting debates over ultra-Orthodox participation in IDF service. While the army needs additional manpower, religious leaders argue that Torah study must remain protected as a cornerstone of Israel’s identity.

Recent data shows that while 10,000 draft notices were issued, only 205 Haredim enlisted last year, a stark contrast given that 66,000 eligible Haredi men have yet to serve. The bill aims to strike a balance between military needs and preserving religious values.

Jewish Residents in Judea/Samaria Demand Closure of Shin Bet Jewish Division

In Judea and Samaria, settlement leaders have called for the closure of the Shin Bet’s Jewish Division after leaked recordings revealed controversial practices by senior officers targeting radical settlers without evidence.

The recordings included remarks referring to suspects as “shmucks” and advocating detention without evidence.

Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned these actions as a “real threat to democracy” and promised an investigation into Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar’s role in overseeing such tactics.

In the recent 24 hours, even more recordings have been released showing how police were required to carry out arrests illegitimately on behalf of the Shin Bet. When Policeman Avishai Muallem refused, he was arrested on supposed “corruption” charges.

Iranian Militias Signal Willingness to Disarm

In an unexpected development, Iranian backed militias in Iraq have expressed willingness to disarm following warnings from U.S. officials about potential military strikes.

According to Reuters, several militia leaders have entered advanced negotiations with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly given these groups permission to make decisions necessary for avoiding conflict with the United States and Israel.

This could mark a significant shift in regional dynamics if these militias follow through on their promises.

As tensions rise across Israel and its neighboring regions, today’s developments highlight the delicate balance between diplomacy, security, and humanitarian concerns. Families of hostages remain at the forefront of public discourse, urging leaders to act decisively while navigating complex international pressures.