A landmark peace framework between Israel and the PLO, 1993–95
Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir on suspicion of torture and kidnapping after he posted a video mocking bound flotilla activists detained by Israeli forces on May 18. France and other European states have opened or signalled probes, banned Ben‑Gvir and are weighing EU sanctions.
Multiple reports confirm that Israeli officials have advanced plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, including thousands of new homes and infrastructure. The push is led by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and could reshape settlement footprint, raising tensions with Palestinians and drawing international condemnation.
Opposition figures have not criticized Israel’s wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran; they challenge the government’s conduct and its alignment with the United States, while warning of growing regional threats. Bennett, Lapid and Eisenkot are among the leaders who argue Israel must fight better even as they acknowledge public support for anti-Iran and anti-Hezbollah campaigns.
Israel's Knesset has passed the first reading of a bill to establish a six-member investigative commission. The vote is part of a broader push amid ongoing protests marking 1,000 days since the October 7 attacks. Opposition lawmakers have boycotted the measure, calling for an independent state commission of inquiry.
The United States has launched a broad campaign to isolate the International Criminal Court, aiming to weaken its authority and deter investigations involving American personnel. Rubio argues the ICC threatens U.S. sovereignty, while allies face pressure to withdraw or face penalties. Several ICC officials have already faced sanctions.
The ICC oversight body is set to vote on Karim Khan’s fate after allegations of misconduct toward a female aide. Khan has denied wrongdoing; the UK Bar Standards Board and US sanctions have added pressure as the Assembly of States Parties prepares for a special session at the UN on July 24.
Palestinian banks face a critical disruption as Israel’s Discount Bank and Bank Hapoalim plan to terminate correspondent banking services with Palestinian institutions this autumn, threatening imports, exports, and essential services amid a broader financial crisis and withheld Palestinian revenues.
UNESCO has placed Sebastia in the West Bank and five Mount Amel castles in southern Lebanon on the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger, citing ongoing conflicts. Israel opposes the move, calling it politicisation, while Palestinian and Lebanese officials celebrate protections amid tensions.
Multiple mosques in the northern West Bank have been set ablaze in what authorities describe as a wave of settler violence. Officials say two Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers have died in the broader clashes surrounding Tal and surrounding villages.
Residents in Masafer Yatta and West Bank villages have reported repeated settler attacks, property damage and soldiers escorting or standing by during incidents. Witnesses have described settlers grazing livestock in homes' gardens, arson, and assaults near mosques. Humanitarian groups have recorded high demolition and displacement rates since October 2023.
Settlers have returned to Kadim, north of Jenin, with around 30 pioneer families arriving under military escort. The reopening follows the 2005 disengagement and signals a broader push to revive four northern West Bank settlements, amid a wider surge in settlement activity under Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government. Palestinian residents fear displacement as tensions rise alongside new outposts and tenders in nearby areas.
Rival Fatah factions and allied Palestinian groups are engaging in talks ahead of November legislative elections. Meetings in Egypt and in the Alamein region aim to bridge rifts within Fatah and coordinate broader opposition to the PA leadership, including potential cooperation with Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Dahlan’s Reform Current. The developments come as Abbas’s circle seeks to present a united front while preparing for a contested election landscape.