SOFREP Evening Brief: Hegseth Under Scrutiny for Sharing Airstrike Details in Unauthorized Chat, Russian Strikes Kill Civilians During Putin’s Easter Ceasefire

Good Evening! End your day informed with SOFREP’s evening roundup. Here are the latest developments in defense and global affairs for Monday, April 21, 2025. Shin Bet chief accused Netanyahu of misusing the agency for political gain. Hegseth is under investigation for leaking airstrike details in an unauthorized chat. The US Army is on track to meet 2025 recruiting goals early. Drones caused most near-misses with aircraft last year, prompting Federal Aviation Administration concerns. Russia broke its Easter ceasefire with deadly strikes. VP Vance and PM Modi advanced US-India trade and defense talks. Indonesia and China agreed to boost maritime security cooperation.

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Shin Bet Chief Accuses Netanyahu of Misusing Security Agency for Personal Gain

Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to politicize the internal security agency for personal and political purposes.

In a sworn affidavit submitted to Israel’s Supreme Court, Bar said Netanyahu made improper demands, including a request to identify and surveil anti-government protesters and their financial supporters, and an order to follow Netanyahu, not the courts, in the event of a constitutional crisis.

Bar also revealed that he resisted pressure to sign a document that would bar Netanyahu from testifying in his corruption trial under the pretext of national security. He stated his refusal was to protect the Shin Bet’s “professional independence” and prevent compliance with “improper orders.”

Netanyahu’s office dismissed the affidavit as “full of lies,” accusing Bar of deflecting from his own failures, particularly around the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which the Shin Bet failed to prevent.

Netanyahu has consistently shifted blame to security officials over the incident while resisting calls for a formal government investigation into the intelligence breakdown.

The conflict escalated after Netanyahu attempted to fire Bar last month, citing a breakdown in trust. Critics say the move was aimed at derailing a Shin Bet investigation into potential links between Netanyahu’s office and Qatar, which has played a key mediating role in the ongoing Gaza conflict. The Israeli Supreme Court has since frozen the dismissal pending legal review.

The standoff highlights a growing internal crisis in Israel’s leadership as political interference allegations rock its top security institutions amid ongoing war and widespread public dissent.

Defense Secretary Hegseth Under Scrutiny for Sharing Airstrike Details in Unauthorized Chat

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing renewed scrutiny after reports revealed he used a second unauthorized Signal chat to share details of a March airstrike on Houthi militants in Yemen.

According to The New York Times and confirmed by sources to the Associated Press, the chat—titled “Defense ‘ Team Huddle”—included Hegseth’s wife, brother, and 11 others.

This second Signal group mirrored content from a previous thread shared among Trump administration Cabinet members, including sensitive operational information such as warplane launch times. The Defense Department does not authorize the use of Signal for classified communications.

Critics, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, are calling for Hegseth’s removal, citing risks to US servicemembers and potential breaches of classified protocols. The Pentagon’s acting inspector general is investigating the matter, following a bipartisan request from Senate Armed Services Committee leaders.

White House and Pentagon officials dismissed the allegations, attributing the leaks to disgruntled former staff. Both entities deny that any classified data was shared.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell labeled the reports as sabotage efforts by recently fired personnel.

The controversy comes amid internal upheaval at the Pentagon. Four officials tied to Hegseth, including aides Dan Caldwell and Darin Selnick, were removed from their roles last week amid the ongoing leak investigation. Former Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot also resigned.

Calls are mounting for Hegseth to publicly account for his actions. Lawmakers are demanding answers regarding his judgment and ability to safeguard national security communications.

US Army on Track to Hit 2025 Recruiting Target Early, Driven by Delayed Entries and Prep Courses

The US Army is on pace to meet its fiscal 2025 recruiting goal months ahead of schedule, marking a major turnaround after years of shortfalls. As of last week, the Army had signed up 51,837 new recruits—85% of its 61,000 target—with five months remaining in the fiscal year, according to a recent service data obtained by Military.com.

Approximately 14,000 of those recruits come from the delayed-entry program (DEP), consisting of individuals who enlisted last year but are only now shipping out to basic training. Even without factoring in DEP numbers, the Army’s recruitment efforts are outpacing last year’s performance.

By this time in 2024, the service had reached just 63% of its goal.

The recruiting surge follows the implementation of the Future Soldiers Preparatory Course, which helps applicants meet body fat and academic standards. In 2024, one in four new soldiers participated in the prep courses. Army leadership credits the program with significantly expanding the pool of eligible recruits, especially as only 23% of Americans aged 17 to 24 currently meet enlistment criteria due to rising obesity rates and poor academic performance.

Paper Urges Army to Expand Recruiting Pool

Young People With Some College Could Be Untapped Demographic#ReadMore: https://t.co/Ml8X0y7kKz@USAREC #AUSAorg #AUSA #USArmy #college #school #recruiting pic.twitter.com/yer1PzYUnB

— Assn. of the US Army (@AUSAorg) April 21, 2025

Despite the program’s success, Army officials are reportedly considering limits on prep course enrollments. A service spokesperson stated no final decision has been made, but the course is regularly evaluated to match the Army’s evolving needs.

In addition to prep programs, the Army has made administrative improvements to speed up enlistment processing, reducing delays that previously led many potential recruits to drop out of the pipeline.

The progress has been touted by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as evidence of a cultural shift. Trump claimed at a recent White House event that the surge reflects a renewed patriotic spirit since his reelection.

However, some Army officials have voiced concern that the administration’s rhetoric could alienate minority and female recruits—key demographics for the force. In 2024, Black Americans accounted for nearly 25% of new Army recruits, despite comprising only 14% of the US population, while female enlistment has remained steady even amid broader recruiting challenges.

Drones Account for Surge in Near-Collisions with Commercial Aircraft, FAA Under Pressure

Drones were involved in nearly two-thirds of reported near midair collisions with commercial aircraft at America’s 30 busiest airports last year, according to an analysis by the Associated Press Monday.

The incidents included a November case near San Francisco where a drone passed within 300 feet of an airliner’s cockpit and a close call in August near Newark where a drone nearly clipped a departing jet’s wing.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s voluntary Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) recorded the highest drone-related near-miss rate since 2020. Since the first reported case in 2014, drones have been responsible for 51% of near misses in the past decade.

Experts say these encounters, often occurring during takeoffs and landings, pose a growing threat to passenger safety.

Despite regulations banning drones from flying near airports without prior FAA authorization, enforcement remains limited. The FAA requires registration and tracking for drones over 250 grams, and has begun testing counter-drone systems including jamming technologies, microwaves, and lasers. Still, aviation experts argue the agency must do more—such as mandating automated “geofencing” systems to prevent drones from entering restricted airspace.

DJI, the largest consumer drone manufacturer, previously included mandatory geofencing but discontinued the feature in January, citing logistical burdens from processing over one million authorization requests last year.

An Associated Press analysis of an aviation safety database reveals that drones last year accounted for nearly two-thirds of reported near midair collisions involving commercial aircraft taking off and landing at major U.S. airports.https://t.co/1Yb81Zfkt4

— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) April 21, 2025

Authorities have begun prosecuting violators. In December, Boston police arrested two men for flying near Logan Airport. In another case, a drone collided with a wildfire-fighting aircraft in California, forcing it out of service. The operator, who pleaded guilty to federal charges, had lost control of the drone after flying it 1.5 miles into restricted airspace.

With drone ownership exceeding one million in the US, safety officials warn that voluntary compliance is no longer enough. Calls are growing for stricter federal enforcement and accountability before a fatal incident occurs.

Russian Strikes Kill Civilians During Putin’s Easter Ceasefire, Ukraine Reports Thousands of Violations

Russian forces killed three civilians and wounded three others in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region during a 30-hour Easter ceasefire unilaterally declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian officials said Monday.

Despite the announcement, Ukraine reported continued attacks across multiple regions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of violating the ceasefire more than 2,900 times, including 96 ground assaults, 1,800 artillery strikes, and hundreds of drone operations. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s policy of a “mirror” response—returning fire only when attacked.

Now, after Easter, the whole world can clearly see the real issue — the real reason why the hostilities continue. Russia is the source of this war. It is from Moscow that a real order must come for the Russian army to cease fire. And if there is no such firm Russian order for… pic.twitter.com/jS9cTiRQqd

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 21, 2025

The Russian Defense Ministry countered with its own accusations, claiming Ukraine violated the ceasefire 4,900 times and asserting that Russian troops held their positions without offensive action.

Putin said hostilities resumed after the ceasefire expired at midnight Sunday, and accused Ukraine of trying to “seize the initiative” by demanding broader peace efforts. He reiterated conditions for a longer ceasefire, including an end to Western arms shipments and Ukraine’s mobilization—terms Kyiv rejects.

Putin confirmed that the “Easter truce” was not resumed by Russia.

He also predictably blamed Ukraine for an alleged “5,000 ceasefire violations.”

“Kyiv is trying to seize the initiative, to talk about expanding the framework in terms of time and objects of targeting, we must… https://t.co/oCIq82H6XB pic.twitter.com/9rSHyV0KOc

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) April 21, 2025

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow remains open to peace talks and is engaging with the US, though no proposals have been confirmed. President Donald Trump, when asked about recognizing Crimea as Russian territory, said more details would follow in coming days.

Zelenskyy, in talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of multinational meetings in London, called for an “unconditional ceasefire” as the first step toward lasting peace, blaming Russia for prolonging the conflict.

Overnight Monday, Russia launched three missiles and 96 Shahed drones across Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force said it downed 42 drones and jammed 47 mid-flight. In Dnipropetrovsk, drone strikes caused fires at civilian sites. Additional attacks damaged infrastructure in Cherkasy and wounded four civilians in the Donetsk region.

Additional Key Takeaways:

– Russian occupation officials continue efforts to surveil and securitize occupied Ukraine. The increased surveillance and securitization of occupied Ukraine are likely intended to encourage self-censorship and facilitate Russian occupation authorities’…

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) April 21, 2025

The developments further underscore the fragility of ceasefire initiatives as heavy fighting continues across Ukraine’s front lines.

Vance, Modi Advance US-India Trade and Security Talks Amid Tariff Pressure

US Vice President JD Vance met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, launching high-level discussions on a pending bilateral trade agreement and reinforcing strategic cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting, held at Modi’s residence, came as India seeks to avert US tariffs and deepen its role as a counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific.

The talks followed US President Donald Trump’s partial 90-day pause on global tariffs, including a baseline 10% tax on most imports. India, facing potential exposure in several key sectors, hopes to secure a deal before the pause expires. Both sides “welcomed significant progress” on trade negotiations and laid out a roadmap for continued talks, according to official statements.

The US is India’s largest trading partner. Both governments have set an ambitious target of more than doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. The Trump administration views this partnership as critical to limiting China’s economic influence and advancing its Indo-Pacific strategy.

In addition to trade, the two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in energy, defense, and strategic technologies. They also agreed to stage joint counter-terrorism exercises and coordinate on cyber and transnational threats.

India continues to play a key role in the US-led Quad alliance with Japan and Australia, aimed at countering China’s regional expansion.

Vance’s visit marks a continuation of President Trump’s diplomatic engagement with India, following Modi’s earlier visit to Washington to reignite ties after Trump’s return to the White House.

Despite public alignment, India remains targeted by US tariffs. Trump has labeled India a “tariff abuser,” and hit it with a 26% levy—some of which remains active. India’s government is pressing for relief, particularly for sectors like agriculture, medical equipment, and auto components.

Vance, on a four-day trip to India, is blending diplomacy with personal engagements. Accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their children, the family visited cultural landmarks including the Akshardham temple and are scheduled to tour the Taj Mahal and Amer Fort.

Vance is also set to deliver a speech in Jaipur, where he may detail trade plans further.

India’s strategic relevance continues to grow. The country is embedding more US military hardware into its armed forces and is expected to sign a 10-year defense cooperation framework later this year.

Talks are also underway with Elon Musk’s companies, as India eyes greater investment in satellite internet and electric vehicles.

Officials on both sides view the current negotiations as pivotal for anchoring long-term geopolitical and economic alignment between the world’s largest democracies.

Indonesia, China Pledge Maritime Security Cooperation Amid South China Sea Tensions

Indonesia and China agreed Monday to deepen maritime cooperation, emphasizing security and law enforcement collaboration in the South China Sea, where territorial friction continues to simmer near Indonesia’s Natuna Islands.

The agreement followed the first joint meeting of the countries’ foreign and defense ministers in Beijing.

While neither side directly mentioned the disputed Natuna area, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated both countries committed to enhancing security cooperation “in a comprehensive and sustainable way.”

China and Indonesia held the first Ministerial Meeting of their Joint Foreign and Defense Dialogue in Beijing.

This is the first ministerial-level “2+2” dialogue mechanism China has established globally, marking the beginning of a new chapter in strategic mutual trust and… pic.twitter.com/WxXdF6s7dn

— Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) April 21, 2025

A new memorandum of understanding between the two coast guards focused on maritime safety and law enforcement.

Indonesian suspicions persist over China’s activity near the Natuna island group, which lies within Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone but is also partially included in China’s sweeping “nine-dash line” territorial claim over the South China Sea.

Chinese Coast Guard vessels have previously escorted fishing boats into these waters, prompting increased Indonesian naval patrols and garrison expansions in the region.

The security agreement builds on earlier commitments made during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s 2023 visit to Beijing, where both sides pledged “joint maritime development” without affecting sovereignty claims. Monday’s discussions added plans for future joint counter-terrorism drills and increased communication between defense establishments.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin echoed China’s emphasis on regional security, stating both countries aim to confront terrorism, violent extremism, and cyber threats together. They also acknowledged rising concerns over transnational crime affecting citizens in the region.

The talks occurred amid ongoing concerns about China’s strategy in the South China Sea, where it engages bilaterally with nations to avoid multilateral opposition, while continuing militarization of artificial islands despite previous assurances to the contrary.

China and Indonesia’s economic partnership has continued to grow, with China becoming Indonesia’s largest trading partner and a major investor in Belt and Road infrastructure projects, including the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail and a large floating solar farm in West Java. However, disagreements persist over project pricing and timelines.

Indonesia is also opening a new consulate in Chengdu to reinforce ties with China’s southwestern region, further anchoring its complex relationship with Beijing amid ongoing maritime disputes.

Sources: News Agencies