The U.S. plan envisions an international force in Gaza to help maintain a fragile truce that began this month, ending two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. It remains uncertain whether Arab or other states will commit troops to the multinational force.

“Countries that want or are ready to send armed forces should be at least fair to Israel,”

Saar said at a news conference in Budapest.

Relations between Israel and Turkey have worsened sharply during the Gaza conflict, with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan criticising Israel’s military campaign in the small Palestinian enclave.

“Turkey, led by Erdogan, led a hostile approach against Israel,”

Saar said, speaking alongside his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto.

“So it is not reasonable for us to let their armed forces enter the Gaza Strip and we will not agree to that and we said it to our American friends,” he added.

While the U.S. has ruled out sending its own soldiers into Gaza, it has been discussing contributions to the multinational force with countries including Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.

Last week, Netanyahu indicated he would strongly oppose any role for Turkish security forces in Gaza. On Sunday, he said Israel would decide which foreign forces to allow in the territory.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Israel to support the truce, said on Friday the international force would have to be made up of “countries that Israel’s comfortable with.” He made no comment on Turkish involvement.

Hanegbi, who had served as head of the National Security Council since 2022, said in a statement that he was informed of the decision by Netanyahu and that his tenure would end shortly. He emphasized the need for accountability following the failures leading up to the October 7 Hamas attack.

“I share in the responsibility,” Hanegbi said, calling for a “thorough investigation” into the events surrounding the deadly attack that exposed major security lapses.

Hanegbi’s dismissal comes as pressure mounts on Netanyahu’s government over military decisions and intelligence shortcomings that have plagued Israel’s handling of the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The Prime Minister’s Office also announced that Gil Reich, currently the deputy head of the National Security Council, has been appointed as acting chief of the agency, replacing Hanegbi.

Reich, a longtime security official with close ties to Netanyahu, is expected to take a more aggressive stance in advising the government amid heightened tensions in the region.

The shake up at the top of Israel’s national security leadership signals potential shifts in strategy as the country navigates both domestic scrutiny and growing international concerns over its military operations.

During a joint statement in Jerusalem with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both leaders emphasised the strength of their countries’ alliance. Rubio, currently on a diplomatic visit to the region, is expected to travel to Qatar shortly after the strike in Doha last week.

Netanyahu opened his remarks by acknowledging the close ties between the two nations, calling the U.S. Israel’s strongest ally. He condemned Iranian hostility, referencing its repeated threats toward both nations, and praised the recent U.S. decision to target Iran’s nuclear capabilities as a clear message of resolve and mutual defence.

Rubio echoed this sentiment, reaffirming unwavering U.S. support for Israel and calling for the elimination of Hamas amid rising tensions with Gulf nations.

Speaking during his weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, the pontiff announced a call for a global day of prayer and fasting on Friday, August 22, urging Catholics and people of goodwill around the world to unite for peace.

“I ask you to include in your intentions the supplication for the gift of peace a peace that is disarmed and disarming for the whole world, especially for Ukraine and the Middle East,” Pope Leo XIV said, as reported by Vatican News.

This is the latest in a series of appeals the Pope has made in recent months amid rising global tensions. He has consistently condemned violence and the humanitarian toll of ongoing wars, notably in Ukraine, where conflict with Russia continues into its fourth year, and in Gaza, where Israel’s military campaign has caused unprecedented civilian devastation.

The situation in Ukraine remains volatile as well, with ongoing Russian military operations continuing to displace civilians and destroy critical infrastructure. Peace efforts have stalled amid continued fighting along the eastern front.

Pope Leo XIV’s call for a day of reflection and spiritual action comes as global leaders face mounting pressure to pursue diplomatic solutions to long-standing conflicts.

• Ceasefire Duration: 60 days with clear phases beginning immediately.

• Hostage Release: First stage includes the release of approximately 10 living hostages and several bodies, with more to follow in subsequent phases.

• Hostage Count: Out of 251 taken on October 7, 2023, around 50 remain, with 27 confirmed deceased.

Humanitarian & Political Context:

• Humanitarian Crisis: More than 62,000 Palestinian lives have been lost, with rising famine and displacement.

• Domestic Responses in Israel: Massive protests some of the largest since the war began have emerged in Israel urging the government to act swiftly for the hostages’ release and an end to the fighting.

• Political Tensions: Prime Minister Netanyahu remains opposed to partial agreements, insisting on Israel’s demands for full demilitarization of Gaza.

What’s Next:

• Formal Announcement Expected Soon: Mediators will officially confirm the terms and schedule for renewed negotiations and exchanges.

• Negotiation Roadmap: The phased approach is aimed at building trust and paving the way toward a broader, more permanent ceasefire and postwar arrangements.

Speaking at the event, which marked America’s 249th Independence Day, Netanyahu praised the enduring partnership between the two nations. “Israel is a strong country. We will fight back. We will defend ourselves,” he said, reinforcing Israel’s position amid ongoing regional tensions.

The Prime Minister also revealed that Israeli intelligence and defense operations recently thwarted what could have been a major massacre of Druze civilians in Syria, allegedly planned by Iran-backed forces operating near the Israeli border. He credited Israeli security forces with “preventing a tragedy of immense scale,” noting that Israel remains committed to protecting vulnerable communities in the region.

Strengthening Ties

The annual U.S. Independence Day event serves as a symbolic reaffirmation of the U.S.-Israel alliance, which has been a cornerstone of both nations’ foreign policy for decades. Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, the United States has been its staunchest ally, providing military aid, diplomatic support, and technological cooperation.

“We are united by our democratic values, by our commitment to freedom, and by our shared enemies,” Netanyahu said, standing alongside U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew.

A Message Amid Conflict

Netanyahu’s comments come amid increasing instability along Israel’s northern border, particularly with Hezbollah activity in Lebanon and ongoing Iranian influence in Syria. The Prime Minister has made national security a central theme of his current term, especially following the October 7, 2023, Hamas led attack that escalated Israel’s security concerns across multiple fronts.

“This is not a time to show weakness,” Netanyahu declared. “Our enemies should know we are watching, we are ready, and we will respond.”

Diplomatic Presence

The reception was attended by several high ranking Israeli officials, American diplomats, and members of the international community. Ambassador Lew echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments, calling the U.S.-Israel alliance “unbreakable” and “vital to regional and global stability.”

Background: Israel-U.S. Relations

Israel and the U.S. established formal diplomatic relations in 1949. Over the decades, the relationship has evolved into one of strategic depth, including military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and a shared approach to regional threats, particularly those posed by Iran and its proxy networks.

While the two countries have had disagreements over policy such as settlement activity, the Iran nuclear deal, and Gaza strategy the core alliance has remained strong.

The visit marks a renewed attempt by Egyptian mediators to broker a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas after earlier rounds of talks stalled. The Cairo meeting comes at a critical moment as diplomatic momentum builds to de escalate the conflict and prevent further humanitarian deterioration in Gaza.

“The talks are difficult, but the goal remains clear an immediate halt to the violence,” said an Egyptian official close to the negotiations.

According to regional sources, Israel has intensified operations targeting Hamas infrastructure in Gaza following rocket attacks into southern Israel. In response, Hamas has signaled willingness to engage in indirect negotiations, but insists on guarantees for lifting blockades and humanitarian access.

Egypt, which has traditionally played a mediating role in Israel-Gaza conflicts, is working with international partners, including Qatar and the United Nations, to forge a sustainable ceasefire.

So far, no formal breakthrough has been announced, but sources close to the talks say both sides are under international pressure to avoid further escalation.

Conclusion:

As both Hamas and Israeli officials weigh their next moves, all eyes are on Cairo a city that once again finds itself at the center of a high stakes regional effort to stop the bloodshed and restore a fragile calm in the Middle East.

Speaking at a White House press conference Friday afternoon, President Trump stated,

“Israel has the right to defend itself. We’re open to talking with Iran, but we’re not going to tell Israel to stand down.”

The comments came as Israeli forces expanded strikes on Iranian targets across the region, including in Syria and southern Lebanon, and as Iran continued launching missile attacks into Israeli territory.

Trump: Iran Prefers ‘Talking to Me’

Trump also claimed that Iran would prefer direct negotiations with the United States and expressed confidence in his ability to “bring them to the table,” even as conflict escalates.

“They know we’re strong. And they know talking to me is better than fighting with Israel,” he said. “There’s a deal to be made but not if they keep this up.”

His administration has yet to outline a formal diplomatic strategy for de-escalation.

Dismisses U.S. Intelligence Reports

In one of the more controversial moments of the briefing, President Trump dismissed assessments from U.S. intelligence agencies suggesting that Iran is not currently seeking to develop a nuclear weapon.

“I don’t buy it. Iran has always wanted nukes,” Trump said. “Just because they’re not building one today doesn’t mean they won’t tomorrow.”

His comments contradict multiple recent U.S. intelligence briefings, including the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s (ODNI) May 2025 report, which stated that Iran had not restarted weaponization efforts since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal.

Reaction from U.S. Intelligence and Allies

A senior U.S. intelligence official, speaking anonymously, said Trump’s remarks were “inconsistent with verified assessments” and could “undermine diplomatic leverage” at a critical time.

International allies also reacted cautiously. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that “reckless public statements” could sabotage behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts aimed at containing the crisis.

Germany and France have called for immediate de-escalation, while Russia has proposed a regional peace summit involving Iran, Israel, and Gulf nations.

Trump’s Position Could Shape the Conflict

Trump’s remarks solidify a shift away from the more balanced diplomatic posture of previous administrations, making it clear that U.S. policy is firmly aligned with Israel’s military objectives in this phase of the conflict.

Analysts suggest this could further embolden Israel’s military operations while closing the window for short-term diplomacy.

“This is a green light for Israel to press forward militarily,” said Dr. Lena Rothman, a foreign policy fellow at Brookings. “Whether or not that’s wise will depend on how Iran and its proxies respond.”

Background: The Current Israel–Iran Crisis

• The conflict escalated last week when Israel launched airstrikes on suspected nuclear facilities inside Iran, following a wave of Iranian missile attacks on Israeli cities.

• Over 50 Israeli civilians and dozens of Iranian-backed militia fighters have been killed since hostilities began.

• The IDF confirmed today the assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon.

• Meanwhile, over 20 cargo planes from the U.S. and Germany have delivered military equipment to Israel to bolster its operational readiness.

In a statement released early Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it conducted a precision drone strike that eliminated Mohammed Khader al-Husseini, a senior Hezbollah operative who allegedly coordinated multiple rocket assaults on Israeli towns along the northern border.

The strike took place in Shabriha, near Tyre, an area long believed to be a Hezbollah stronghold.

Who Was Mohammed Khader al-Husseini?

Al-Husseini was described by the IDF as the head of Hezbollah’s firepower unit in the Litani River area, a region that has seen increased militant activity in recent weeks. The military said al-Husseini was directly responsible for orchestrating strikes on Nahariya, Haifa, and several northern Israeli towns.

“His elimination sends a clear message: Israel will not tolerate attacks on its civilians,” said IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari.

In what appears to be a coordinated retaliation, Iranian forces launched a missile barrage overnight targeting several Israeli cities, including Beersheba, Ashkelon, and Haifa.

One missile struck a residential area in Beersheba, sparking fires and damaging multiple apartment buildings. Footage captured by local media showed fire crews and ambulances rushing through smoke-covered streets.

At least 22 civilians were injured in the attacks, according to Israel’s Ministry of Health, with five in critical condition.

“We were sleeping when the explosion rocked the building,” said Yitzhak Levi, a Beersheba resident. “I grabbed my children and ran to the shelter.”

The latest developments mark a dangerous escalation in the Israel–Iran conflict, with analysts warning that both sides are inching closer to a full-scale regional confrontation.

Military experts believe that Hezbollah’s actions in Lebanon are coordinated with Iranian strategic interests, and the elimination of a key field commander could further provoke militant reprisals.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that the country will “respond with overwhelming force” to any attack on its territory.

“Iran’s aggression will not go unanswered. We will defend our people and our future,” Netanyahu said during a visit to Soroka Medical Center, where several of the wounded are being treated.

International Reactions

The United Nations has called for de-escalation, with Secretary-General António Guterres urging both parties to “exercise maximum restraint.” The United States reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense but also called for diplomatic engagement.

China and Russia, both major players in Middle Eastern diplomacy, have condemned the violence and offered to mediate.