Israel News for 4-1-2025
News Update
The IDF, acting on Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence, eliminated a senior Hezbollah terrorist with links to Iran, in an overnight airstrike in Beirut’s Dahieh district. The terrorist, Hassan Ali Mahmoud Bdeir, had “recently operated in cooperation with the Hamas terrorist organization, directed Hamas terrorists, and assisted them in planning and advancing a significant and imminent terror attack against Israeli civilians,” according to a joint statement issued by the security services.
The IDF warned residents in northern Gaza to evacuate, after a rocket was fired at Sderot from the area earlier today. The rocket was intercepted over Sderot. Most of Rafah has already been evacuated and troops are operated there to search for and destroy remaining Hamas infrastructure.
Prime Minister Netanyahu announced today that he is reversing his decision to appoint former Navy commander, Admiral Eli Sharvit, as the head of Shin Bet, after announcing his appointment yesterday. The reversal comes under heavy pressure and criticism from political allies and hardliners, because of Sharvit’s participation in anti-government protests as well as his public criticism of President Trump’s climate policies. U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham wrote in a post, “The statements made by Eli Sharvit about President Trump and his polices [sic] will create unnecessary stress at a critical time. My advice to my Israeli friends is change course and do better vetting.”
Israel is participating in Greek sponsored air force drills that include planes from Qatar and the UAE. The U.S., France and Spain are also participating.