🛡️ IDF DRILLS MULTI-FRONT DEFENSE SCENARIOS IN JUDEA AND SAMARIA: The IDF’s Menashe and Judea Regional Brigades completed large-scale exercises this week focusing on complex scenarios, developments in northern Samaria and the defense of communities.
Forces simulated rapidly developing incidents occurring simultaneously in communities, along roads, in the seam zone and deeper within the area, testing their ability to respond quickly and effectively to multiple events. Commanders practiced decision-making under uncertainty and mass-casualty scenarios while coordinating with local authorities, Border Police, Israel Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Magen David Adom and additional security bodies. The exercise also included cooperation between special Ground Forces units and the Israeli Air Force. The IDF said the drills were planned in advance as part of its 2026 training program.
🇮🇱 RETURN TO FOUR NORTHERN SAMARIA COMMUNITIES COMPLETED: The return to the four northern Samaria communities evacuated during the Disengagement has been completed, with the first families moving this morning to Kadim, the last of the four communities.
⚠️ KATZ WARNS ERDOGAN AS TURKEY DENIES PRESENCE AT SYRIAN AIRBASE: Defense Minister Israel Katz said: "Erdogan is dragging Turkey into dangerous adventures in Syria. Israel will not allow any entity to threaten its security. It is preferable for Erdogan to continue delivering empty, delusional speeches against Israel in the Turkish Parliament rather than testing Israel's resolve to defend itself".
Turkey’s Defense Ministry responded: "We state that there was no Turkish military delegation present at the Abu al-Duhur Air Base prior to or during Israel's attack on the base. For the peace and stability of both Syria and the region, it is imperative that Israel cease such reckless attacks and comply with its obligations under international law".
⚓ ISRAELI OFFICIALS REPORT GROWING TURKISH NAVAL ACTIVITY: Israeli security officials told Channel 12 that Turkish Navy ships have recently approached Israeli Navy vessels several times in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea, in what they described as an 'attempt to demonstrate presence and power'.
"The Israeli security establishment is following with great concern the growing presence and activity of the Turkish naval fleet in the Eastern Mediterranean following the recent incidents in international waters," the sources added.
🗳️ RABBI YITZHAK YOSEF EMERGES AS SHAS SPIRITUAL LEADER: Sources close to Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef say that during his meeting with Aryeh Deri this morning, Rabbi Yosef was appointed the party’s spiritual leader, 13 years after the death of his father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.
The decision carries significant political implications because Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef recently said there is a possibility that Shas could support Gadi Eisenkot for prime minister. Deri’s position, however, is clear, and he has publicly stated that Shas will support Netanyahu.
During the meeting, Deri told Rabbi Yosef: “We ask Maran the Rabbi to continue leading in the tradition of his father, Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory, and to guide all the representatives.” Rabbi Yosef will provide the party’s spiritual leadership in accordance with his father’s legacy, while Deri will continue to lead its political side.
Following a string of controversial remarks, Rabbi Yosef also struck a more conciliatory tone during the meeting, saying: “Torah study and the soldiers need to go hand in hand.”
🔁 Know someone who should see this? Forward it.
🌐 Full updates & discussion: https://www.israelrealtime.com