Diplomacy

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar delivered a stark warning to his counterparts in the United Kingdom, France, and several other nations, amid growing international momentum toward unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. In response to a summit led by French President Emmanuel Macron and scheduled to take place in New York next month, Jerusalem has issued fierce objections, denouncing the initiative as a "moral distortion and a reward for terrorism." Sa’ar stated unequivocally: "Unilateral moves against Israel will be met with unilateral Israeli measures."

Officials in White House tell Israeli counterparts that reports of possible arrival of vice president incorrect and he is expected to return to the US on Monday.

The dealmaker diplomat and Krav Maga fighter, speaking with The Atlantic, fends of criticism, saying he is "a truth teller." When asked why Israel was not part of the direct Hamas negotiations, he answers: "The president is the president, and I follow his orders."

The harsh rebuke from Jerusalem followed Macron's interview with TF1 television, where the French leader delivered some of his strongest criticisms yet of Israel's military operations.

Hamas sources informed the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat that an assistant to United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steven Witkoff met with Hamas officials in Qatar during Saturday and Sunday, including senior political bureau member Khalil Al-Haya.

Despite Israel's historical reluctance to utilize this channel, it ultimately proved crucial in securing the Israeli-American soldier's release, officials note.

The Israeli prime minister landed in Budapest this morning, invited by his Hungarian counterpart. The main objective of the visit: to drive a wedge into the International Criminal Court, and the international arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu and Gallant.

Although Israel has noticed a spike in troop levels in recent months in Sinai, the new concern is over much less reversible measures: infrastructures being built in the peninsula.

Earlier, CBS News reported that multiple insiders revealed Thursday that discussions are underway about whether Stefanik should step back from the nomination, given the party’s razor-thin control of the House.