Netanyahu Reaffirms Commitment to Hostage Deal Amid Criticism

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to the hostage release and cease-fire deal proposed by U.S. President Biden last month, following backlash over his support for a "partial" deal with Hamas. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum released graphic footage showing the kidnapping of Israelis Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Or Levy, and Eliya Cohen by Hamas. The IDF announced the killing of a senior Hamas official in Gaza.

A senior U.S. military official warned that U.S. support for Israel would become more challenging if a full-scale war erupts with Hezbollah. Meanwhile, the Lebanese government conducted a tour of Beirut international airport after reports surfaced of Hezbollah stockpiling Iranian arms there. Reconciliation talks between Hamas and Fatah have been postponed indefinitely.