⚠️ IRAN WARNED AGAINST ATTACKING ISRAEL: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "If Iran attacks Israel — either directly or through its proxies, whether with ballistic missiles, UAVs, or killer drones — it will make a terrible mistake, because Israel's response will be very, very forceful".
Israel has held intensive talks with countries across the Middle East in recent days as part of preparations for possible large-scale U.S. military strikes against Iran and the wider escalation that could follow, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.
⚓ U.S. STRIKES PAUSED AS HORMUZ TALKS CONTINUE: CENTCOM Commander Gen. Brad Cooper recommended halting the U.S. bombing campaign around the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that it had achieved most of its objectives and that further limited strikes would have little additional effect.
His recommendation, together with warnings over dwindling air-defense interceptor stocks, reportedly helped influence President Trump's decision to pause the strikes on Friday.
Iran and Oman are negotiating a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. With both sides having largely suspended their attacks, the conflict has entered a temporary lull as diplomatic efforts continue.
Cooper said a possible next step would be to resume major combat operations to strike the remaining 20% of targets designated by the U.S. military but not attacked during 'Operation Epic Fury,' according to Axios.
🛡️ HEZBOLLAH RECONNAISSANCE DRONE DOWNED: IDF forces identified and shot down a Hezbollah reconnaissance drone in the Ali Taher area of southern Lebanon earlier today, according to Ynet.
🎯 HAMAS UAV COMMANDER ELIMINATED: The IDF said it struck the central Gaza Strip yesterday and eliminated Hamam Eid, commander of Hamas' UAV cell in the central camps.
Eid was responsible for producing UAVs for Hamas that were intended to harm Israeli civilians and IDF troops. He previously served as head of the drone unit in the central camps and participated in planning and carrying out aerial terrorist attacks against IDF forces.
The IDF said he had recently been working to rehabilitate and strengthen Hamas' aerial capabilities in violation of the ceasefire agreement.
📍 CABINET ADVANCES INTERNATIONAL FORCE FOR GAZA: A political source said initial approval for an International Stabilization Force to enter the Gaza Strip was established under President Trump's 20-point plan, which led to the release of all the hostages.
Israel maintains that the IDF will continue holding the Yellow Line, with no withdrawal until Hamas has been completely disarmed and the Gaza Strip fully demilitarized.
The cabinet approved granting the force immunity under the Immunities for International Organizations Law. It would operate in full coordination with the IDF in areas beyond the Yellow Line that are not under IDF control.
The entry of any ISF personnel will require specific approval from the prime minister, defense minister and foreign minister. Israel will also determine which countries may contribute forces.
Only countries with peace agreements with Israel that are not acting against Israel or Israeli officials in the international arena will be eligible. The current plan involves approximately 200 personnel from friendly countries, including Uganda and Morocco.
Preparations for deployment are taking shape, with Moroccan and Ugandan forces preparing to enter areas behind the Yellow Line in Gaza.
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