Netanyahu considers replacing Defense Minister amid tensions, while global diplomatic shifts impact Israeli-Palestinian conflict and economic ties between nations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering replacing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant with opposition member Gideon Saar, causing political upheaval and a drop in Israeli financial markets. This move comes amid rising tensions with Hezbollah and ongoing conflict with Hamas, following clashes over Gaza operations and a potential judicial overhaul.
Meanwhile, in an effort to boost bilateral ties, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty visited Moscow. He discussed joint development projects and ways to increase trade and investment with Russian officials, highlighting Egypt’s focus on safeguarding citizens abroad and supporting the national economy.
And in Spain, the Palestinian ambassador Husni Abdel Wahed presented his credentials to King Felipe VI, following Spain's formal recognition of a Palestinian state. This controversial state recognition aims to inspire other European nations to promote ceasefire efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, although Israel condemned the move as supporting Hamas.
In related Middle Eastern news, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is open to direct talks with the U.S. if Washington ends its hostility, possibly reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. Pezeshkian countered claims about Iran supplying hypersonic missiles to Yemen's Houthis, as tensions rise after a Houthi missile was fired at Israel.
Turning to the United States, Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has been charged with federal gun crimes for an alleged assassination attempt on former President
Donald Trump. Routh was spotted with an AK-style rifle near a Florida golf course where Trump was playing, and was arrested after a brief chase, marking another security incident following a similar attempt in Pennsylvania.
Finally, Germany aims to boost trade with Kazakhstan while adhering to EU sanctions on Russia, according to Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his visit to Astana. Scholz and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed increasing trade in vital raw materials, noting Kazakhstan’s crucial support in supplying crude to Berlin amidst halted supplies from Russia.