Israel’s next defense minister will have to rebuild the IDF, address a military manpower crisis, repair strained relations with the US and oversee numerous active combat fronts. Battles over budgets and egos will also await the incoming minister, who will not receive even a single day of grace.
A US poll finds that 49% of respondents support arresting the prime minister under the International Criminal Court’s warrant, with most Democrats believing Netanyahu has damaged US-Israel relations.
The IDF has reopened Squadron 193 following the arrival of its new “Shalach” helicopters, which will replace the “Atalef” aircraft retired about a year ago. Israeli Navy officials say the new helicopters will significantly expand operational capabilities, including transporting troops, conducting rescue missions, delivering supplies and operating in distant maritime theaters.
During their meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump discussed the next phase of the campaign, preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons and intensifying pressure on the ayatollah regime. Israeli officials say there was no pressure for withdrawals from Lebanon, Gaza or Syria. Attention now turns to how the coordination will translate into US action on the ground.
The respected Republican senator, who died at 71, was brought to Washington National Cathedral. US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and dozens of senior officials attended the service. On the sidelines: Netanyahu and Zelenskyy speak amid tensions between Kyiv and Tehran.
