KOENIG

US President Donald Trump was presiding over a policy meeting on the Gaza war on Wednesday with input from former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Trump Middle East envoy Jared Kushner, a senior White House official said.

Trump, top White House officials, Blair, and Kushner were discussing all aspects of the Gaza issue, including escalating food aid deliveries, the hostage crisis, post-war plans, and more, the official told Reuters.

The official described the session as "simply a policy meeting," the type frequently held by Trump and his team.

(photo: AP)

US President Donald Trump will chair a “large meeting” at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the “comprehensive plan” that the administration is putting together for the postwar management of Gaza, his special envoy Steve Witkoff announced.

Tuesday’s remarks appeared to be the first time that Witkoff has revealed the existence of a US plan for the so-called day after, as Washington has largely deferred on the issue to its Arab allies in the region — following Trump’s February remarks on his vision to take over Gaza and permanently relocate its residents. While Israel welcomed the idea, it was roundly rejected by US partners in the Middle East which Trump had hoped would be willing to take in Palestinian refugees.

“Many people are going to see how robust it is and how well meaning it is, and it reflects President Trump’s humanitarian motives,” Witkoff said in a Fox News interview, without elaborating further.

When asked why he was optimistic about reaching a hostage and ceasefire deal, Witkoff stated that the Trump administration expects the conflict to end by 2026.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed on Wednesday that two children were killed and 17 others were injured, 14 of whom were children. Additionally, O'Hara said police believe the assailant took his own life.

(photo: AP)

U.S. special envoy Thomas Barrack met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the Baabda Palace on Tuesday, accompanied by State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, for high-stakes talks on the future of Hezbollah’s arsenal.

Barrack emphasized Washington’s concern that Lebanon could slide back into internal conflict if no progress is made, saying that “no one wants to see a new civil war erupt in Lebanon.” He confirmed that Beirut is expected to unveil by August 31 a formal proposal addressing Hezbollah’s disarmament.

The diplomatic push comes on the heels of Barrack’s visit to Israel earlier this week, where he conferred with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli officials, he noted, are closely watching Lebanon’s next steps, particularly whether Hezbollah will comply with the demand to hand over its weapons.

A new round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the three European powers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom concluded on Tuesday in Geneva, with no agreement reached, Axios reports. 

The discussions come as the European powers consider reimposing United Nations sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear program.

Deputy foreign ministers from Iran and the so-called E3 met following earlier talks in Istanbul last July, where European officials had proposed a potential six-month delay on sanctions in exchange for certain diplomatic commitments from Iran

Israel stands ready to support Lebanon in its efforts to disarm Hezbollah, and to work together towards a more secure and stable future for both nations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday.

The premier hailed Beirut’s early-August approval of a U.S.-backed plan as a “significant step” and a “momentous decision.” The plan directs the army to begin working toward the disarmament of Hezbollah and all other non-state armed groups by the end of 2025.

“If the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) take the necessary steps to implement the disarmament of Hezbollah, Israel will engage in reciprocal measures, including a phased reduction of IDF presence in coordination with the U.S.-led security mechanism,” said Netanyahu.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said on Sunday that Europeans must pick a side—either stand with Israel or with jihadists.

“Europe must choose: Israel or Hamas. Every action against Israel directly serves the jihadist axis in the Middle East,” Sa’ar posted to X.

Israel’s foreign minister noted Hamas’s praise of Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, and of French President Emmanuel Macron for his efforts to build a coalition of states to recognize a Palestinian state.

Damascus and Jerusalem may soon share a new security agreement, according to statements made by the new Syrian leader to Arab press on Sunday.

Syria's official news agency, SANA, reported on Sunday night that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with a delegation consisting of Arab media figures - including directors of media institutions, newspaper editors, and former ministers of information. One of the members of the delegation was the CEO of the Arabic-language Sky News channel, Lebanese Nadim Qatish.

Regarding Israel, Qatish reported Sharaa said that Syria is at an advanced stage in reaching a security agreement, and the chance that such an agreement will be reached is greater than not being reached.

he Israel Defense Forces attacked several key locations in Yemen on Sunday, including in the capital Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah, following the first-ever cluster missile fired by the Houthis at Israel on Friday night.

The IDF said the targets included a military compound housing the presidential palace, the Asar and Hizaz power plants, and a fuel storage facility, all of which were used by the Houthi terrorist regime to support its attacks.

“The use of these plants constitutes further proof of how the Houthi regime uses civilian infrastructure for military purposes,” said the IDF.

(photo: AFP)

Israeli planes and tanks pounded the eastern and northern outskirts of Gaza City overnight Saturday and into Sunday, destroying buildings and homes, residents said, as the IDF increased its troop presence in northern Gaza as part of an offensive aimed at bolstering the army’s control in the area.

Witnesses reported the sound of nonstop explosions overnight in the areas of Zeitoun and Shejaia, while tanks shelled houses and roads in the nearby Sabra neighborhood and several buildings were blown up in the northern town of Jabalia.

The IDF said Sunday that troops of the 401st Armored Brigade returned to Jabalia in recent days, joining the Givati Infantry Brigade, which has been operating the area — just north of Gaza City — for the past week.

Blue and White Party head Benny Gantz called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, and Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman to form a temporary “government of redemption for the hostages” for a period of six months, during a press conference on Saturday.

Gantz said that the temporary government should focus on two primary goals: securing the release of hostages held by Hamas and passing the controversial haredi draft law.

Gantz also said that elections should be scheduled following the completion of these objectives.

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Friday held a situational assessment in the western Samaria city of Tulkarem, where he urged troops to remain vigilant in the fight against Palestinian terrorism.

“We are operating across all arenas with responsibility and constant vigilance—we do not have the privilege to ease up. There is no arena in which you have not operated in the past two years. The mission in Judea and Samaria is clear: to thwart terrorism and defend the communities,” said Zamir.

“As in every arena, we do not wait—we eliminate threats before they grow. Terrorism strikes precisely where one is unprepared, and therefore we tailor the exact operational response to each arena,” he added.

European foreign ministers held a confrontational call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday, Axios reporter Barak Ravid said on X/Twitter.

Araghchi had made no headway regarding concessions for his country's nuclear program, the report said. He reportedly expressed some openness to extending the snapback deadline Europe set, which is set for the end of the month, but stressed this is for the United Nations Security Council to decide. 

Araghchi reported that the US was not interested in negotiations with Iran and that the two countries had no plans to meet.

Berlin has no immediate plans to recognize a Palestinian state, a German government spokesperson declared on Friday, calling such a move at this stage “counterproductive.”

“A negotiated two-state solution remains our goal, even if it seems a long way off today,” the spokesperson told a press briefing. “Recognition of Palestine is more likely to come at the end of such a process. Right now, it would undermine efforts toward peace.” 

Berlin’s statement stands in sharp contrast to the positions of capitals such as Paris, London, Canberra and Ottawa, where governments have signaled willingness to recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly annual general debate in September.

Officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are scheduled to meet with US counterparts in Washington next week amid mounting alarm over the agency's inability to confirm the fate of Iran's near-weapons grade uranium, diplomats told Bloomberg.

The talks come after chief inspector Massimo Aparo, acting under the direction of IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, failed to secure Tehran's consent to reinstate monitoring following the June war between Israel and Iran, three diplomats said to Bloomberg.

According to Bloomberg, the IAEA has become increasingly discouraged about prospects of returning inspectors since they were expelled during the June hostilities, a step that ended global monitoring of the scope and intent of Tehran's nuclear work.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Gaza Division on Thursday to approve the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) operational plans for a takeover of Gaza City and the defeat of Hamas. Speaking to troops on the ground, Netanyahu emphasized the dual mission of military operations and hostage negotiations.

"I have come to approve the IDF's plans to take over Gaza City and defeat Hamas. At the same time, I have instructed to begin immediate negotiations on the release of all our hostages and an end to the war on terms acceptable to Israel," Netanyahu said. "These two things defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages go hand in hand."

Netanyahu’s visit coincides with heightened military activity on the outskirts of Gaza City, where IDF forces have already established a presence. Additional forces are expected to join them as operations intensify.

James Dobson, the influential conservative Christian therapist, author and radio personality who founded Focus on the Family, has died at the age of 89.

The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute announced Thursday morning that Dobson had passed away following a brief illness. He is survived by Shirley, his wife of 64 years, two children, and two grandchildren.

“Dr. Dobson was a pioneer — a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family and culture,” said Gary Bauer, senior vice president of Public Policy at the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, as quoted in the announcement.

“His bold leadership, integrity, and compassion helped equip countless families to thrive in a world of shifting values. He was a mentor, a counselor, and a steady voice of truth in turbulent times.”

Syria’s foreign minister held a rare meeting with an Israeli delegation in Paris on Tuesday, the Syrian state-run news agency reported. The talks were brokered by the United States, which has been pushing for Syria and Israel to normalize relations, the report said.

The SANA news agency said Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani met with Israeli officials to discuss deescalating tensions and restoring a 1974 ceasefire agreement. The talks resulted in “understandings that support stability in the region,” according the agency.

“These talks are taking place under US mediation, as part of diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in Syria and preserving the unity and integrity of its territory,” it added.

A major construction project that would see some 3,400 housing units built in the contentious E1 area in the West Bank, between Jerusalem and the settlement of Ma’ale Adumim, was given final approval Wednesday.

Announced last week by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the controversial plan was formally greenlit by the Higher Planning Committee of the Civil Administration, a Defense Ministry department.

Smotrich, who also holds a junior ministerial position in the Defense Ministry that grants him wide say in settlement construction, called the decision “historic.”

The IDF has begun the first steps of its invasion of Gaza City, IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed on Wednesday.

"Our forces already control the outskirts of the city," Deffrin said.