Overnight: Israel - Netanyahu scraps 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 Scraps Shin Bet Chief Pick After 24 Hours

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reversed his choice of Vice Admiral Eli Sharvit as the new Shin Bet chief just 24 hours after announcing it on March 31, 2025. Sharvit, a 36-year Navy veteran and former Israeli Navy head, was set to replace Ronen Bar following the October 7, 2023, fallout. Netanyahu had praised Sharvit’s record, including five years leading naval operations against Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon, strengthening defenses with advanced ships and radar, and stopping terror groups’ sea smuggling.

But coalition allies objected, citing Sharvit’s 2023 protests against Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul and his support for a rejected Lebanon deal. After a late-night meeting, Netanyahu told Sharvit he’d look at other candidates. Opposition leader Benny Gantz slammed the move, saying, “Netanyahu puts politics over security.” The Shin Bet remains without a new head.

Qatargate Scandal Widens with Leak Allegations

Two of Netanyahu’s top aides, Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, arrested Sunday in the Qatargate affair, face growing scrutiny. Police now suspect Urich passed classified information to Jay Footlik, a U.S. lobbyist for Qatar, alongside earlier fraud and bribery charges tied to Qatari funds influencing Israeli media. Authorities want a nine-day detention extension, but Urich’s lawyer, Amit Hadad, calls it baseless and won a court order lifting a gag—pending a 24-hour police appeal window. Netanyahu testified for an hour yesterday, not as a suspect, clarifying his aides’ actions. The case continues to shake his administration.

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Operative in Beirut

Overnight, Israeli fighter jets, guided by Shin Bet and Mossad, hit Beirut’s Dahieh district, killing Hassan Ali Mahmoud Bdair, a Hezbollah member tied to Iran’s Quds Force Unit 3900. The IDF says Bdair was planning an imminent attack on Israeli civilians with Hamas. Lebanon reports three dead, seven injured, calling it a ceasefire violation, while Israel insists it was a necessary strike. Meanwhile, the U.S. hit 27 Houthi targets in Yemen after a drone was downed, and in Gaza, a rocket aimed at Sderot was intercepted as the IDF ordered Beit Hanoun evacuations.

NFL Eyes Game in UAE

The NFL is considering a regular-season game in the UAE, possibly Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Executive Peter O’Reilly confirmed strong fan interest yesterday, though no final decision has been made. Teams like the Rams, 49ers, and Commanders hold marketing rights there, building on 2024 games in Brazil and Europe.

Hostage Family Aid Passed, Protests Met with Force

The Knesset approved a law today granting up to 30,000 shekels, plus medical and psychological support, to families of returned hostages. Last night, police clashed with protesters and MK Naama Lazimi outside the Knesset, prompting Yair Lapid to accuse authorities of shielding the government at democracy’s expense.

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!