"I don't think we should be bombing foreign countries on behalf of other foreign countries, when they have their own nuclear weapons and massive military strength," the legislator wrote.

Rabbi Abraham Cooper and Pastor Johnnie Moore, who recently met with Syria’s foreign minister in New York, are expected to visit Damascus to present a set of 15 questions aimed at evaluating the country’s direction under its new regime. Israel is one of the central topics on the agenda.

The IDF is preparing to step up military pressure on Hamas in a bid to free the hostages and topple the terrorist organization from power. The Israeli army says Hamas still has operational capabilities, with at least two functioning brigades.

A 4.0-magnitude earthquake was felt in Tehran and surrounding areas on Saturday, as reports emerged of an explosion at a power station and a fire at a cardboard factory. Residents told opposition sources they heard a blast moments before the tremor. Iranian authorities remain silent; the extent of the damage and any connection between the incidents is unclear.