*) Netanyahu tells US Israel will strike Iranian ‘military’ targets
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reassured the US that if Israel targets Iran, they’ll be hitting military sites, not the sensitive nuclear or oil facilities that President Joe Biden had cautioned against.
According to a report, Netanyahu made this clear during a call with Biden last week.
Sources say two officials, one from the US, confirmed that Netanyahu gave this assurance, aiming to focus strictly on Iran’s military infrastructure.
*) Police arrest hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters in New York
In New York, more than 200 pro-Palestine protesters were arrested after they staged a sit-in outside the New York Stock Exchange, demanding the US end its support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Many of the demonstrators were from activist groups, including Jewish Voice for Peace.
Their chants of “Let Gaza live” and “Stop funding genocide” echoed through the streets near Wall Street. While none of them entered the building, dozens crossed a police security barrier, leading to the arrests.
*) UN Security Council backs peacekeepers in Lebanon amid Israeli attacks
The UN Security Council is sounding the alarm after several UN peacekeeping positions in southern Lebanon were caught in Israeli military crossfire.
The 15-member council released a statement expressing deep concern and urged all parties to prioritise the safety of both UN personnel and their premises.
The council emphasised that peacekeepers and their bases should never be targeted, reaffirming its support for UNIFIL, the peacekeeping mission, and highlighting its critical role in maintaining regional stability.
*) Trump abruptly ends Pennsylvania meet after attendees need medical care
Former President Donald Trump had to cut his Pennsylvania town hall short after two attendees needed medical attention.
Trump, in the midst of fielding questions from supporters, paused when the heat in the venue caused at least two people to faint.
Ever quick to adapt, Trump asked for some music to be played while medics helped one of the individuals. But when a second person needed assistance, he suggested opening the doors and decided to end the event early.
*) Tit-for-tat expulsions as Canada probes Indian diplomats over Sikh killing
Tensions are high between Canada and India, with both countries expelling six diplomats each in a tit-for-tat response to the June 2023 killing of a Sikh activist in Canada.
A Canadian government official revealed that Canada’s expulsion includes India’s high commissioner, following evidence that linked the Indian government to violent criminal activity.
India quickly retaliated, announcing the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats.
