✈️ ISRAEL ADVANCES AIR REFUELING CAPABILITIES; U.S. ESCORTS SHIPPING THROUGH HORMUZ AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS CONTINUE
✈️ ISRAEL TESTS NEW KC-46 REFUELING AIRCRAFT: The first of six new Boeing KC-46 refueling planes ordered by Israel completed its first aflight test in the United States.
The Defense Ministry says the aircraft will replace the Israeli Air Force’s aging Boeing 707 tankers, which played a key role in Israel’s wars against Iran. The new planes will be equipped with Israeli systems and adapted to Air Force operational requirements, enabling extended flight range and air superiority across all arenas. Delivery is expected next month.
⚠️ U.S. FORCES BEGIN BREAKING IRANIAN BLOCKADE IN HORMUZ: Two U.S.-flagged merchant ships successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz as part of the first step in restoring commercial shipping transit.
A U.S. official told Axios that rules of engagement for American forces in the region were changed, authorizing strikes on immediate threats against ships crossing the strait, including IRGC fast boats or Iranian missile positions. CENTCOM says U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers are operating in the Arabian Gulf after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in support of Project Freedom.
American forces are actively assisting efforts to restore transit for commercial shipping. The two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels are safely continuing their journey.
❗️ UAE TANKER TARGETED BY IRANIAN DRONES: The UAE says one of its oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz was targeted yesterday by two Iranian drones.
No injuries were reported, and Abu Dhabi condemned the incident.
🗣️ U.S. AMBASSADOR COMMENTS ON LEBANON DIPLOMACY: U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa addressed the possibility of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visiting President Trump.
“If President Aoun visits President Trump, there is no loss for Lebanon in that. During such a meeting, Aoun will present Lebanon's demands to Trump and Netanyahu, and then negotiations will begin. I don't understand why some people are describing this as a concession or a loss. What, is Netanyahu a boogeyman? He is the second negotiator.”
🎗️ HOSTAGE CAMPAIGN FIGURE JOINS YISRAEL BEITEINU: Sharon Sharabi, a leading voice in the hostage return campaign whose brothers were captured by Hamas, announced he is joining Yisrael Beiteinu, led by Avigdor Liberman.
Sharabi said, "I'm joining Yisrael Beiteinu out of a sense of mission and deep responsibility toward Israeli society as a whole."
⚖️ ATTORNEY GENERAL AGREES TO PLEA DEAL TALKS: The Attorney General agreed to the President’s proposal to open negotiations for a plea deal.
However, she said she does not necessarily agree that the discussions should take place at the president’s residence.
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