Israeli Politics Roiled by Ex-Military Secretary's Interview; Iran Missile Capabilities Remain

Former Prime Minister's Office head Tzachi Braverman admitted under investigation that he altered the time recorded for a call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his then-Military Secretary Avi Gill on the morning of October 7. The admission came in the wake of an interview given by Gill, which caused a political storm. Braverman's actions were discovered during an investigation launched in November 2024, which found evidence that Braverman had requested to collect protocols exactly as Gill had described in his interview. The police have gathered sufficient evidence to indict Braverman, but a decision from the prosecution is still pending.

The interview with Avi Gill has ignited a political firestorm. National Unity Party Chairman called on the Attorney General to investigate potential criminal offenses by the Prime Minister. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated that Netanyahu should resign immediately, while Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman urged the Attorney General to launch an investigation into "treason." Netanyahu, in response, shifted blame, claiming Gill knew about the impending attack and chose not to alert the Prime Minister at the time.

Meanwhile, a report indicates that Iran has maintained its missile and drone production capabilities despite ongoing attacks from the United States and Israel. According to Bloomberg, Tehran can still produce and develop new missiles and drones, and rapidly replenish its arsenal if conflict resumes. Western sources estimate Iran possesses a significant stockpile of ballistic missiles and anti-ship weapons, with Russia reportedly supplying Iran with missiles.

In other news, one of the "heroes" of a recent Flydubai flight incident, where an Omani hijacker attempted to crash the plane, shared new details. Assaf Radwan, an Israeli passenger, recounted the events, including the suspicious behavior of flight attendants. Six passengers are credited with thwarting the hijacking attempt, ensuring the safe landing of all 174 individuals on board.

Separately, Houthi rebels have threatened Saudi oil fields. Amidst escalating Saudi airstrikes in Yemen, a Houthi official warned Saudi Arabia to focus on its airports and oil facilities, specifically mentioning the Ghawar oil field. The official also threatened any nation joining the conflict and vowed to block maritime traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb strait and the Red Sea.

In sports, Israeli judoka Raz Hershko lost her semi-final match at the World Championships in Baku to South Korea's Lee Hyun-ji. Hershko will now compete for the bronze medal in the over 78 kg category. She had previously secured impressive victories, including one over Olympic champion Beatriz Souza.