Israeli president since 2021, veteran politician
President Donald Trump has confirmed he angrily confronted Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recent phone call over Israel's strikes in Lebanon, saying he told Netanyahu to stop. Trump has insisted the pair still have a strong relationship while US-mediated talks with Iran are continuing and fighting in Lebanon remains active.
A series of drive-by shootings near Kochav Yair and nearby towns has left a man dead and multiple others injured. Police killed a suspected gunman from Tayibe; a second suspect was arrested after making statements. The incident follows a pattern of violence in northern Israel and heightens security concerns near the West Bank.
Parliament’s impeachment committee has resolved to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent interdict to halt its work on the Phala Phala report. Ramaphosa seeks to revive the report’s legal status after a Constitutional Court ruling, while the committee and key parties push forward. The High Court will consider orders to pause parliamentary proceedings as the process resumes.
Somaliland has opened diplomatic ties with Israel since recognition in 2025. Leaders are meeting in Jerusalem to expand security, economic, and technological cooperation. An embassy has opened in Jerusalem, and talks focus on deepening strategic collaboration and regional stability.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has said federal agents have contacted friends, former staff and donors tied to him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and has accused President Donald Trump of ordering a politically motivated investigation as he considers a 2028 presidential run. Multiple outlets report the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California has been handling separate inquiries that began with local whistleblower tips, including probes into the first partner’s taxes and former chief of staff Dana Williamson, who pleaded guilty to federal charges.
The opening ceremony of the Maccabiah Games is underway in Jerusalem as Israel marks 1,000 days since the Hamas attacks. Organizers highlight resilience while ongoing security concerns loom over the event.
The Times of Israel, Axios, Al Jazeera and other outlets report on a forthcoming White House meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, as they reaffirm shared goals on Iran. Trump has publicly asserted control over talks while Netanyahu emphasizes a strong US-Israel alliance. A NATO summit and ongoing ceasefire negotiations frame the context for possible joint actions and strategy.
Senator Lindsey Graham has died at 71 after a "brief and sudden illness," his office has said. Graham had just returned from a visit to Kyiv and had met President Volodymyr Zelensky. Officials say a preliminary medical examiner found an aortic dissection; South Carolina's governor will appoint a temporary replacement ahead of November's elections.
Israel’s president has spoken of a dream for peace with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing rapprochement and direct talks with U.S. support. In a Riyadh interview and separate comments, he discusses broader regional goals, including potential ties with Lebanon and Syria, and notes concerns about Iran and the Gaza war.
Several sources report that more than 4,000 Israeli settlers have stormed the Al-Aqsa compound on Tisha B’Av, with far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entering under heavy police protection. Palestinian officials say restrictions barred many worshippers; officials warn the move could threaten the status quo and spur regional tensions.
The Board of Peace has outlined a framework for phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, conditioned on Hamas disarmament. Netanyahu has raised concerns, while Trump praises disarmament moves. The dispute signals continued U.S.-led mediation as regional actors respond to changes in the plan.
The European Broadcasting Union has updated Eurovision rules. Winners will be ineligible to host if armed conflict, sensitive geopolitical situations or regional instability affect security; the EBU can commission independent security assessments and appoint alternative hosts. The minimum competitor age rises to 18 and backing-track rules have been clarified for 2027.
Australia has pressed Israel for justice for Zomi Frankcom and six World Central Kitchen colleagues killed in Gaza in April 2024. Israel has decided not to prosecute those involved, citing serious failures but no criminal misconduct. Australia warns this falls far short of accountability and says it will pursue all avenues, including legal options, while consulting the Frankcom family.
Israel has warned it will intensify strikes and treat kites, balloons and drones the same after several unarmed kites crossed into southern Israeli communities from Gaza. Hamas has denied responsibility; Gaza authorities have urged parents to stop children flying kites. The UN rights office has called threats of expulsions "outrageous."
King Haakon VIII has given his first televised address a day after his father, King Harald V, has died at Oslo University Hospital. Haakon has thanked the public for large crowds at the palace, pledged to defend Norway’s constitution when he takes the oath before parliament on Tuesday, and announced a period of national mourning ahead of a yet-to-be-set funeral date.
The Shin Bet has confirmed a significant threat to Yair Netanyahu and has extracted him and his security team from Florida, returning them to Israel. Netanyahu has claimed Iran targeted one of his sons, prompting international security actions and ongoing scrutiny of the case.
Finn Joughin, a London-based activist, has been detained by Israeli settlers in Umm al-Kheir while protecting Palestinians from attacks. He has been moved for questioning and is slated for deportation; authorities say the investigation is ongoing as violence by settlers surges in the West Bank.