A Haaretz report states that the US may fund a new armored vehicle plant in Israel, costing up to $2 billion using American military aid. The project aims to accelerate production of Merkava tanks and Namer and Eitan APCs, citing losses from the Gaza assault and Lebanon war, while both governments have declined to confirm funding plans.
On Wednesday, the United States announced the launch of phase two of Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, despite over 1,240 violations by Israel resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths. The plan includes forming a transitional administration and demilitarizing Gaza. However, the Gaza government reports continued Israeli bombardments and aid obstruction.
Israeli media reported that Israel has no plans to withdraw from the so-called Yellow Line in eastern Gaza, despite the US announcing the second phase of the Trump-brokered ceasefire plan. Israeli officials view the line as a strategic area. Meanwhile, Cairo talks focus on opening crossings and securing Israeli withdrawal.
Leaked emails revealed that Jeffrey Epstein arranged meetings between former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and UAE billionaire Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, and exposed longstanding intelligence and business ties between Israel and the UAE. The emails also mentioned investment attempts and private communications dating back to 2007.
A federal appeals court overturned a lower court’s ruling to release pro-Palestine activist and former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil from immigration detention, reviving the Trump administration’s bid to deport him. Previously ordered released on bail, the new ruling found the court lacked authority to consider his case, reopening the possibility of renewed detention.
Six Palestinians, including an Al-Qassam Brigades commander and a 15-year-old girl, were killed in an Israeli strike on a home in central Gaza, raising Thursday’s death toll to eight. The attack, labeled a ceasefire violation, came a day after the US announced the second phase of its Gaza ceasefire plan, despite ongoing Israeli breaches.
Israel carried out airstrikes across Gaza on Thursday, resulting in the death of 16 Palestinians, including a Qassam commander and a 15-year-old girl. The attacks came a day after the US announced phase two of Trump’s ceasefire plan, despite Israel’s repeated violations of the agreement.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump, calling it recognition of his dedication to her country’s freedom, weeks after the US abducted President Nicolás Maduro. While Trump expressed gratitude, he refused to endorse her as the new leader. Meanwhile, the US continues asserting control over Venezuela’s oil sector.
