Storm hits Cyprus, political contacts of Ardan and Zelekha, and riots in Qusra
An unusual storm that hit Cyprus caused flight disruptions for many Israelis. Gilad Erdan and Yaron Zelekha are in talks to form a new political force. Two men were killed in a car accident in the Galilee. A soldier was arrested for extortion on TikTok while impersonating a minor. Security forces are investigating clashes in Samaria. Additionally, a deadly drone attack in Kyiv and a coup attempt in Niger have been reported.
Unusual storm in Cyprus causes flight disruptions
Extreme and unseasonal weather hit Cyprus, causing severe flight disruptions with at least seven planes diverted to alternative airports due to flooding, hail, and strong winds. The winter system, which was also felt in Lebanon, is moving toward Israel and will bring rain, thunderstorms, and hail tonight, primarily in the north, but also in the center and coastal plain. Winds are expected to gust up to 70 km/h, with a risk of localized flooding. While the storm led to the cancellation of Marina Maximilian's performance at Ariel Sharon Park, the system is expected to weaken by Sunday afternoon, with a warming trend forecast ahead of the new school week on Tuesday.
Erdan and Zelekha in talks to establish a "single political force"
In the political arena, Gilad Erdan and Yaron Zelekha are conducting advanced negotiations to establish a joint political framework ahead of the next elections. This move comes amid significant shifts on the political map and attempts by various actors to formulate governing alternatives outside the establishment parties. The parties are exploring cooperation to create a centrist-statist alternative.
Coup attempt in Niger: rebels attack airport and presidential palace
Young officers in Niger launched a coup attempt against the country's military junta. Rebels attacked the airport in the capital, Niamey, briefly seized the national television station, and advanced toward the presidential palace amid heavy gunfire. The local Minister of Defense and government officials confirmed that security forces managed to suppress the rebellion, restore control over sensitive sites, and return calm to the capital, which has faced instability since the previous coup in July 2023.
Serious suspicion: soldier from Bat Yam extorted minors on TikTok
Police arrested a young soldier from Bat Yam on suspicion of operating a fake TikTok profile. By impersonating a 16-year-old, he contacted minors to collect sensitive material and extort them with threats of distributing personal recordings. The investigation was launched following complaints filed with the fraud unit.
Clashes in Samaria: riots in Qusra
Security forces have launched an investigation following renewed riots in the village of Qusra in Samaria. Reports indicate that rioters barricaded themselves at the site, leading to clashes with Palestinian residents in which a Palestinian woman sustained light-to-moderate injuries. IDF forces called to the scene confiscated vehicles belonging to those involved and are working to locate additional suspects.
Ukraine: dozens killed in deadly Russian drone attack
Internationally, at least 37 people were killed in a massive Russian drone attack that struck a warehouse and civilian infrastructure in the suburbs of Kyiv. The severe attack caused widespread destruction, and emergency services are working to locate missing persons under the rubble. This is one of the most significant strikes in the Kyiv area in recent times.
Deadly day on the roads: 3 killed in two accidents
Two men in their 30s were killed today (Saturday) and another person was seriously injured in a two-vehicle collision on Route 854, near the settlement of Lapidot. Rescue forces pronounced the two men dead at the scene. The third injured person was evacuated to the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya in a confused state. Two hours later, a 93-year-old man was killed in a multi-car accident at the Ra'anana junction.
