Senior ministry officials tell Israel Hayom that Katz's presence is virtually unfelt and that PM Netanyahu continues to manage foreign affairs. Meanwhile, Katz meets with a “high-ranking persona” from the United Arab Emirates to improve ties between Israel and Arab states.

Israel is the world's number one expert on Iran, but its assistance with the US-led mission in the Strait of Hormuz, should be kept in the realm of providing valuable intelligence.

The jihadist group is also solidifying its insurgent capabilities in neighboring Iraq, says US Defense Department watchdog. ISIS has been able to "regroup and sustain operations" in the two countries partially because local forces "remain unable to sustain long-term operations, conduct multiple operations simultaneously, or hold territory that they have cleared," the report adds.

"We stand by the Egyptian people in their battle against terrorism," prime minister says. Egyptian authorities accuse the Muslim Brotherhood-linked Hasm terrorist group for attack that left 20 dead.

"The approval of settlement plans is part of a disastrous government policy designed to prevent the possibility of peace and a two-state solution, and to annex part or all of the West Bank," left-wing NGO Peace Now says in a statement.