Israel News Today: Trump Halts Israel Aid, Shin Bet Upgrades Eisenkot Security, and IDF Indicts Soldiers Over Gaza Conduct

Three significant stories are shaping Israel's political and security landscape on 3 November 2026: US President Donald Trump has announced that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to stop American financial aid to Israel; the Shin Bet has upgraded security arrangements for opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot following threats against him; and the IDF's military legal chief has confirmed that a "fair number" of soldiers have been indicted over conduct in Gaza.

Trump Says He and Netanyahu Agreed to End $4 Billion Annual US Aid to Israel

In a Fox News interview reported by Arutz Sheva, President Trump stated that he and Netanyahu "agreed that we would give Israel $4 billion a year, and we made a deal months ago that we would stop paying them." Maariv's Hebrew reporting characterised Trump as saying the payments amounted to waste. The announcement, if implemented, would represent a significant shift in the long-standing US–Israel financial relationship. No Israeli government response to Trump's remarks had been published in the sources available at the time of writing.

For diaspora communities, particularly in the United States, this development raises immediate questions about the durability of the US–Israel alliance under the current administration, and about what diplomatic understandings may have been reached privately between the two governments.

Shin Bet Unit 730 to Take Over Eisenkot's Security Following Threats

Following what multiple sources describe as serious incitement against Yashar party chairman and former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot — including protesters shouting "traitor" outside his home and an unvetted woman entering his residential building — the Shin Bet has conducted a security assessment and transferred responsibility for his protection to its Unit 730, the body responsible for guarding senior Israeli officials. According to the Jerusalem Post, Ynet, and Arutz Sheva, the new arrangements take effect from tomorrow, replacing the private security firm that had been assigned to him only a week and a half ago.

The escalation in threats against Eisenkot comes amid a charged post-election atmosphere. This development follows yesterday's reporting on right-wing protesters targeting Eisenkot outside his home.

Post-Election Coalition Negotiations: Eisenkot Backed by Opposition, Haredi Parties Hold the Key

The Change Bloc's five party leaders met in Herzliya ahead of presidential consultations and agreed to back Eisenkot for the mandate to form a government. According to Arutz Sheva, Together party chairman Naftali Bennett said after the meeting: "We have no time. We need to act." Bennett added that the bloc must act urgently to replace Netanyahu's government.

However, a Jerusalem Post analysis concludes that Israel's haredi parties could be decisive in determining which coalition is formed. Maariv reports that the path to a coalition likely runs through the haredi parties, with potential compromises required on the conscription law — a point Netanyahu seized upon, accusing the opposition of hypocrisy for exploring talks with the haredi parties, calling it "outrageous." Netanyahu's remarks were reported by Arutz Sheva.

Meanwhile, Zehut leader Moshe Feiglin told President Herzog he would recommend Netanyahu to form the government, while simultaneously calling for a new round of elections over what he described as irregularities in the vote count, according to both the Jerusalem Post and Arutz Sheva. The Jerusalem Post also reports that Democrats party head Golan met with Joint List leaders ahead of opposition coordination talks, with both sides pledging to work toward a "government of change."

IDF Confirms Soldiers Indicted Over Gaza Conduct

In Israel latest news on military accountability, the IDF's military legal chief has revealed that a "fair number" of soldiers have been indicted over their conduct in Gaza, the Jerusalem Post reports. The military had not clarified the volume or nature of the indictments at press time, with the legal chief noting they could range from violent crimes to theft to violations of rules of engagement. The disclosure is notable given sustained international scrutiny of IDF conduct throughout the Gaza campaign.

Jenin Rocket Network Uncovered, Six Indicted

Israeli security forces uncovered a rocket network in Jenin in which suspects admitted to testing and improving rockets, obtaining explosives, and receiving bomb-making information from abroad, the Jerusalem Post reports. Six individuals have been arrested and indicted in connection with the cell's activities.

Israel-Bound Plane Forced to Land in Bulgaria After Bomb Threat

A plane travelling from Israel was forced to make an emergency landing in Bulgaria after a bomb threat was received by email, the Jerusalem Post reports. Counter-terrorism units examined the aircraft for explosive devices, according to Bulgarian Interior Minister Secretary General Lyubomir Nikolov, as cited by the BTA news agency. No further details about passengers or the outcome of the search were available in the sources at the time of writing.

IDF Commanders Recount Eight Months of Fighting in Lebanon

Arutz Sheva reports that IDF commanders have spoken publicly about their experience over eight months of fighting in Lebanon, describing battles fought, tunnel networks uncovered, and an advance to the Beaufort ridge. The account adds detail to the picture of Israel's sustained military operations in Lebanon's south.

Shabbat Chayei Sarah in Hebron: IDF Deploys for Tens of Thousands of Visitors

Tens of thousands of Israelis are expected to travel to Hebron and the Cave of Machpelah this weekend for Shabbat Chayei Sarah, Maariv reports. The IDF is reinforcing troop deployments along movement routes and at key sites, and both the IDF and Shin Bet are operating to prevent terror attacks during the event. For diaspora visitors who make the annual pilgrimage, and for those watching from abroad, the security deployment reflects the enduring sensitivity of the site.

Netanyahu Corruption Trial: Mandelblit Stands Firm on Indictment Authorisation

In the ongoing Netanyahu corruption trial, former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit insisted under cross-examination that he had personally authorised the charges against the prime minister, the Jerusalem Post reports. Netanyahu's defence had challenged the authenticity of the signature on the indictment, arguing it was copied from an earlier document. Mandelblit rejected that characterisation.

New Jewish Agency Chairman Appointed

David Heller has been appointed chairman of the Jewish Agency Board of Trustees, replacing Mark Wilf who completed four years in the role, Maariv reports. Heller, described as a senior figure in American Jewry, is expected to focus on strengthening ties with diaspora communities and on rebuilding communities in Israel's north and south. For diaspora readers, this leadership transition at one of the central institutions linking world Jewry to Israel is worth following.

Suspected Ebola Cases in Israel

Maariv's breaking news desk reported that two patients in Israel have been placed in isolation at hospitals amid suspected Ebola cases. No further details were available in the sources at the time of writing, and the report should be treated with caution until confirmed by health authorities.

Sources

• Jerusalem Post – Shin Bet Unit 730 to take over Eisenkot's security
• Jerusalem Post – Feiglin calls for dissolution of Knesset, recommends Netanyahu
• Jerusalem Post – Israel-bound plane forced to land in Bulgaria after bomb threat
• Arutz Sheva – Trump says he reached deal with Netanyahu to stop $4 billion Israel aid
• Arutz Sheva – Netanyahu slams opposition talks with haredi parties
• Jerusalem Post – IDF has indicted a 'fair number' of soldiers over Gaza conduct
• Jerusalem Post – Israel uncovers Jenin rocket network, six indicted
• Jerusalem Post – Hezbollah-appointed Lebanese official welcomed in Syria
• Arutz Sheva – Shin Bet's Unit 730 to begin securing Eisenkot
• Arutz Sheva – Feiglin to recommend Netanyahu, demands new elections
• Arutz Sheva – IDF commanders reveal details of eight months inside Lebanon
• Arutz Sheva – Zehut requests separate consultation meeting with President
• Arutz Sheva – Change Bloc meeting concludes; Bennett urges urgency
• Jerusalem Post – Eisenkot gets opposition backing, leaders vow emergency government
• Jerusalem Post – Haredi parties hold key to Israel's next government
• Jerusalem Post – Democrats head Golan meets Joint List leaders
• Jerusalem Post – Mandelblit insists he approved Netanyahu indictment
• Ynet – Eisenkot to receive full Shin Bet protection from tomorrow
• Maariv – Shabbat Chayei Sarah in Hebron: IDF at peak readiness
• Maariv – David Heller appointed Jewish Agency Board of Trustees chairman
• Maariv – Suspected Ebola cases: two patients in isolation at Israeli hospitals