Trump to host Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago amid Washington’s push for phase two of Gaza ceasefire as strategy gaps grow.

Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions would let Palestinians who left Gaza enter again, but had to withdraw after pressure from coalition members.

A former close aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that immediately following the October 2023 Hamas attack that triggered Israel’s two-year war in Gaza, the Israeli leader instructed him to figure out how the premier could evade responsibility for the security breach.

Winter rain has lashed the Gaza Strip and flooded camps with ankle-deep puddles as Palestinians displaced by war try to stay dry in fraying tents.

Netanyahu’s meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also been moved up to 10 a.m. (5 p.m. in Israel). Netanyahu’s office had initially told reporters that both meetings would be held later in the day, but the White House and State Department have released updated schedules for Monday’s meetings showing otherwise.

Netanyahu's office had reportedly appointed new spokespersons without screening them under the required security clearance.

JERUSALEM, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Israel's parliament gave the initial go-ahead on Wednesday for a government-empowered inquiry into the surprise October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on southern Israel rather than the expected independent investigation demanded by families of the victims.

It was an explosive allegation from former spokesperson Eli Feldstein, made during an extensive interview with Israel’s Kan news channel Monday night.

Israel becomes first nation to recognize Somaliland, formalizing ties as Netanyahu and Abdullahi sign declaration.

Israel's cabinet voted on Monday to shut down a popular national radio station, one in a series of measures by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition that critics see as blows to democracy.