OVERNIGHT ISRAEL: Druze Attacked in Syria, Monkey Smuggling, & Netanyahu Fights Hard in Court

Druze Targeted in Syria, Monkey Trade Busted, and Netanyahu Fights Back in Court

Druze in Syria Face Religious Violence After Prophet Muhammad Audio Leak

In Syria, at least 13 people were killed in violent clashes between Druze gunmen and Sunni Muslim militants in the suburb of Jaramana near Damascus.

The fighting began after a voice recording circulated online that appeared to insult the Prophet Muhammad. The Druze cleric accused of making the recording, Marwan Kiwan, denied it, saying it was a fake clip meant to stir conflict.

It worked. Sunni militias didn’t wait for confirmation. They retaliated with full force, including images showing fighters in combat gear holding rifles and traditional swords, a disturbing symbol used in Islamist executions.

The Druze community, a peaceful religious minority with a long history in Syria, was dragged into the violence.

In contrast, Israeli Druze live integrated lives. They serve in the IDF, wave Israeli flags proudly, and are known for their incredible pita and za’atar. Across the border, though, they’re fighting to survive in a conflict they didn’t start.

Netanyahu Fights Back in Court, Disputes Witness Claims

In Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu continues his legal battle in his long-running corruption trial.

This week, he directly challenged testimony from key witness Hadas Klein. She claimed Netanyahu personally answered a call at his residence. He denied that ever happens, saying all calls are screened and transferred by his office staff.

Netanyahu also called out a detail in her testimony where she claimed billionaire Arnon Milchan gave earrings to Sara Netanyahu. According to him, this is impossible because Sara doesn’t even have pierced ears.

He accused Klein of personal and political bias, saying she actively protests against him. In response, Klein posted a photo online holding an Israeli flag and wrote that she will never fly the Qatari flag, referencing recent reports of Netanyahu aides working with Qatar.

Meanwhile, court officials are debating whether to move Netanyahu’s hearings back to Jerusalem. The Tel Aviv courthouse has bombproof rooms. Jerusalem doesn’t. So why move him? That question remains unanswered.

Police Rescue Another Monkey from Animal Smugglers

In northern Israel, police discovered a monkey tied up in a bathroom during a raid in Tuba-Zangariyye.

This is the 39th green vervet monkey rescued since March as part of a broader crackdown on illegal animal smuggling.

The monkey was transferred to the Nature and Parks Authority for treatment. Authorities say the illegal wildlife trade includes not just monkeys, but lions, exotic birds, and lemurs. Most of the cases have been tracked to Arab towns in the north.

Government Pushes Pay Raise for Ministers as Public Struggles

While many Israelis are struggling to pay rent and buy groceries, the government is discussing a salary hike for ministers and Knesset members.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the move “criminal” and “disgraceful.” He asked how leaders could talk about raising their own pay while Israelis can barely make it through the month.

With the war ongoing and hostages still in Gaza, the timing couldn’t be worse.

Instead of lowering taxes or helping families, the government is prioritizing its own bank accounts.

Shin Bet Chief Resigns Over October 7

Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet, announced he will step down in the coming months.

He has accepted personal responsibility for the failure to prevent the October 7 Hamas attack. President Isaac Herzog called it the right decision and urged the country not to drag Israel’s internal security agencies into politics.

The Shin Bet’s job is to protect Israeli citizens. If it fails at that, there has to be accountability. Bar’s exit is just the beginning.

US Demands UPenn Revoke Transgender Sports Awards

In the United States, the Education Department has given the University of Pennsylvania ten days to revoke women’s sports awards from transgender athletes or face legal consequences.

The Trump administration says UPenn violated Title IX by allowing biological males to compete in female sports categories.

UPenn says it followed NCAA rules. The Biden White House already pulled $175 million in funding from the school and filed similar lawsuits in other states.

The debate is fierce. The right says men don’t belong in women’s sports. The left says trans women are women.

Trump’s stance is clear. He’s told schools to reverse course or lose federal money.

Final Thoughts:

Another day, another round of chaos around the world. From religious violence in Syria to political theater in Israel to strange bathroom monkey rescues.

But behind the headlines, the bigger question remains. Where are we heading as a people?

In Israel, faith still guides millions. But when you take God out of the picture, what’s left? Just a fight for survival. A world without purpose, without boundaries, without truth.

So yes, watch the news. But also check in with your soul. Because whoever you think runs the show ..... it isn’t us.

This has been Overnight Israel.

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