Israel

Israel's Diplomatic-Security Cabinet approved the deployment of the multinational Board of Peace force in Gaza, despite opposition from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Israeli officials were not surprised that US President Donald Trump did not launch an intensified round of strikes over the weekend, but Israel remains prepared both defensively and offensively. Despite what appears to be close coordination with the US, there are concerns that cooperation between the two countries needs to be strengthened. Netanyahu’s last White House visit came two weeks before the attack that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. 

The remains of Shimon and Rivka Herzl, the grandparents of the visionary of the Jewish state who helped shape his Zionist outlook, are expected to be brought from Belgrade in the coming days and reinterred beside him on Mount Herzl. The burial ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 5, marking 77 years since Theodor Herzl was laid to rest in Jerusalem.

A volunteer search team found the boy safe and well. His mother spoke to him for the first time in a video call, saying emotionally, “Yuvi, Mommy is waiting for you.” He told the volunteers who found him, “I lost Dad.”

Israel has raised its alert level to its highest point amid concerns that fighting with Iran could resume, although the security establishment would prefer to maintain US military pressure and the blockade on Tehran. Alongside preparations for another possible campaign, fears are also mounting that an Iranian miscalculation could trigger a sudden regional escalation.

Israel’s security cabinet will convene Friday, reflecting the country’s heightened vigilance ahead of the United States’ next moves against Iran: “Trump will decide whether Israel enters the campaign, which could escalate at any moment.” Iran has also reportedly raised its alert level to the highest degree.

Police are asking for the public’s help in locating 4-year-old Yuval Kogan, who has been missing since the afternoon and was last seen near Hofit Beach in the city. Search operations are being conducted simultaneously from the air, sea and land. Police say all possible lines of investigation remain open.

Israeli military officials prepare for all scenarios while evaluating US strikes and weighing potential targets across Iran.

Heavy to extreme heat will be felt across much of Israel on Wednesday and Thursday, with Thursday expected to be the hottest day of the week. Temperatures will fall on Friday and return to seasonal norms, with stable conditions continuing through Saturday and into the beginning of next week.

Israel is preparing for the possibility that the campaign against Iran will expand and include Jerusalem if US strikes intensify. Diplomatic-Security Cabinet officials stress that conditions have not been met yet, but the Israel Defense Forces is prepared for any scenario, and Israel will respond forcefully if attacked.