Overnight: Israel - Netanyahu’s Shin Bet Pick and Qatargate Arrests 

Welcome to Overnight Israel, the news show designed for Americans who want the real, unfiltered updates from the ground in Israel—while they were sleeping. From escalating military operations in Gaza and tensions in Judea and Samaria to political upheaval and international reactions, here’s everything you need to know to start your day informed.

As Americans wake up, the news cycle in Israel has already been in full swing. Overnight Israel is here to give you the latest updates, breaking down the biggest stories from Jerusalem, Gaza, and beyond. Whether it's military operations, political shakeups, or global reactions, we bring you the JUICE —just the essential facts, no fluff.

Netanyahu Picks Sharvit for Shin Bet

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tapped Eli Sharvit, a 36-year Navy veteran and former Israeli Navy head, as the new Shin Bet chief, replacing Ronen Bar after the October 7, 2023, fallout. Netanyahu praised Sharvit’s track record - five years leading naval operations against Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon, bolstering defenses with advanced ships and radar, and thwarting seaborne weapons smuggling by terror groups. The announcement came today from the PM’s office, ending a selection process that narrowed seven candidates to one.

Not everyone’s on board. Opposition leader Benny Gantz of National Unity called for a pause, citing a pending court ruling on Bar’s firing legality, though he lauded Sharvit’s experience and character. Gadi Eisenkot, ex-IDF Chief of Staff, backed Sharvit fully, highlighting his decisive leadership and strategic wins. Avigdor Liberman, however, questioned Sharvit’s fit, noting his lack of Arabic or intelligence background, asking, “Why him?” Yair Golan of the Democrats worried Sharvit might bend to Netanyahu’s will, especially as Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara today ordered Netanyahu to testify on Qatargate. Still, objections focus on timing, not the man himself.

Sharvit’s Past Protest Raises Eyebrows

A twist emerged from Ynet: in March 2023, Sharvit protested in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul, which aimed to shift power over judges to politicians. His stance then clashes with the PM’s current agenda, leaving observers puzzled about Netanyahu’s choice, especially as reports today say he’s reconsidering Sharvit after Opposition Leader Yair Lapid requested Sharvit delay taking office until Qatargate clears.

Terror Guys Nabbed in Nablus

In Judea and Samaria, Shin Bet and police arrested six Nablus men overnight. Evidence seized included an M-16 rifle, an explosive device, and $60,000 in cash, linked to Hamas cells in Turkey - ironic as Qatargate probes Qatar’s Hamas ties.

Netanyahu Aides Arrested in Qatargate

In Jerusalem, two of Netanyahu’s key aides, Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, were arrested today in the “Qatargate” scandal. Police and Shin Bet allege they took cash to push pro-Qatar narratives in Israeli media while serving in the PM’s office. Feldstein, previously charged with leaking IDF secrets, and Urich, tied to a 2022 Qatar World Cup PR gig via Yisrael Einhorn, face scrutiny under a court gag order limiting details. As of an hour ago, Netanyahu cut short his corruption trial to testify to Lahav 433 about it, not as a suspect, but to clarify his aides’ actions. Lapid noted Likud’s defense skipped denying the Qatar cash, saying it happened “during wartime.” The arrests deepen political turbulence around Netanyahu.

Dead Man Washes Up on Haifa Beach

A man in his 60s washed ashore dead at Haifa’s Meridian Beach yesterday, the second drowning there in two days after a man in his 50s died Saturday night. Cause and identity remain unclear, casting a somber mood over Israel’s northern coast.

Monkey Caught in Tiberias

Police in Tiberias found a monkey locked in a warehouse, the 23rd captured recently in a suspected smuggling ring peddling exotic animals. Previously concentrated in the Negev, the operation’s reach now extends north. The Nature and Parks Authority took the monkey for care, probing its origins - Africa, Asia, or a botched pet deal?

Brooklyn Crash Victims Coming Home

A Jewish mother, Natasha Saada, and her daughters, Diana and Debra, killed Saturday in a Brooklyn crosswalk crash, will be buried in Jerusalem’s Har HaMenuchot cemetery. The driver, with 93 traffic violations, faces manslaughter and assault charges. Brooklyn and Israel mourn together.

World Leaders Meeting Up

Greece’s PM met Netanyahu in Jerusalem yesterday to discuss security against Iran and terror, plus trade and energy deals. Netanyahu heads to Hungary Wednesday to meet Viktor Orban, who dismisses an ICC warrant against the PM: convenient timing as he juggles Qatargate testimony today. In the U.S., Trump plans a mid-May Saudi Arabia trip, his first abroad this term, per Axios sources, signaling Middle East priorities.

Trump Threatens Iran, Erdogan Stirs Trouble

Trump told NBC yesterday, “If Iran doesn’t make a nuclear deal, I’ll bomb them like never before,” escalating prior warnings and touting past tariff successes from 2019. Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei vowed a “strong counterattack” with hidden missiles. Most Iranians, fed up with the regime, see this as reckless posturing.

More Trump Moves and World Bits

Trump gave TikTok’s Chinese owners until April 5 to sell or face a U.S. ban, citing security risks for 170 million users. He also teased a third-term run to NBC, dodging constitutional limits with vague “methods.” At Columbia University, grads tore up diplomas protesting a Hamas-linked deportation case, pointless drama, critics say. In Myanmar, a 7.7-magnitude quake killed 1,700; Israel’s medics are among the first aiding the overwhelmed nation.

Final Thoughts from Jerusalem

Israel’s night was packed. Sharvit’s Shin Bet nod and Qatargate arrests signal shifts: Netanyahu’s lawyer Amit Hadad even ducked out of court to handle aide Urich, while protests, terror busts, and a Tiberias monkey add intrigue. With hostages still in Gaza, the nation balances internal upheaval and external pressures.

Stay with us on Overnight Israel for the most up-to-date and unfiltered coverage of what’s happening on the ground.

See you tomorrow!