🏹 JORDAN INTERCEPTED IRANIAN MISSILES AS KUWAIT ACTIVATED SIRENS: The Jordanian Army said it intercepted eight Iranian missiles targeting Jordanian territory. Sirens were also activated in Kuwait following a reported Iranian drone attack.
🤝 U.S. APPROVED $2.44 BILLION IN ARMS SALES TO SAUDI ARABIA AND KUWAIT: Saudi Arabia is expected to receive up to 20,000 advanced precision-guided munition systems under a $1.96 billion package intended to strengthen a key non-NATO ally.
Kuwait is slated to receive a $484 million package supporting the maintenance and operational sustainment of its C-17 transport aircraft. The State Department said the sales would not alter the region’s fundamental military balance.
🇺🇸 HOUSE REJECTED A $3.3 BILLION CUT TO ISRAELI MILITARY AID: The amendment introduced by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie was defeated 104-314, although 103 House Democrats supported it.
The Guardian described the vote as evidence of growing Democratic pressure over Israeli operations in Gaza. Some Democrats portrayed it as a turning point, while others objected that its wording could also eliminate humanitarian assistance.
Recent primary results have added to the debate. Incumbents in New York and Colorado were defeated by candidates emphasizing opposition to current Israeli policy and AIPAC influence, while similar challenges are emerging in Missouri and Michigan against candidates aligned with pro-Israel lobbying groups.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the amendment an “unfortunate choice” but voted for it, saying a message was needed against what she called the “perpetual cycle of war.”
📣 ISRAEL EXPANDED ITS CAMPAIGN TO BUILD AMERICAN SUPPORT: Israel has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to strengthen U.S. support for its military campaign and improve its international image, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The initiatives reportedly include a $45 million lobbying contract with Brad Parscale, President Trump’s former campaign manager.
🪧 TEHRAN BILLBOARD REFERENCED PRESIDENT TRUMP AFTER GRAHAM’S DEATH: A billboard erected in Valiasr Square reads, “Who is D nexT one?” following the death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. The capitalized letters “D” and “T” were described as a reference to Donald Trump.
🔐 NETANYAHU FAMILY RECEIVED EXTENDED STATE PROTECTION: Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs approved lifelong security protection for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid concerns over a potential Iranian assassination attempt.
Channel 14 reported that Netanyahu will receive lifetime protection. His wife will remain protected until the end of his life, with the possibility of an extension, while his children will receive protection for five years after he leaves office.
✈️ U.S. REJECTED ALTERNATIVE BASING FOR REFUELING AIRCRAFT: American officials rejected Israeli proposals to relocate U.S. military refueling aircraft from Ben-Gurion Airport, despite an earlier Transportation Ministry announcement that a solution had been found to limit summer disruptions to civilian flights.
U.S. military officials said the proposed sites were overcrowded and did not meet Pentagon operational and safety requirements. They argued that remaining at Ben-Gurion was necessary for rapid responses to emergencies involving Iran or attacks on American bases in the Persian Gulf.
The dispute has reached the diplomatic level and reportedly requires the involvement of Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. The U.S. military is seeking to preserve and potentially expand its logistical presence at the airport for worst-case regional scenarios.
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