Netanyahu and Gantz Join Forces in Emergency War Cabinet
In a dramatic political twist, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Benny Gantz have agreed to form an emergency government. The move aims to boost security decision-making amidst rising tensions. Gantz, former army chief and defence minister, will join forces with Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in a new war cabinet. The trio met briefly in Tel Aviv today to seal the deal, marking a rare moment of unity in Israel’s deep political divide.
Gantz had previously demanded Netanyahu’s resignation, accusing him of cozying up to extremists, facing corruption trials, and trying to weaken judicial checks. He also pushed hard for a war cabinet with real control over conflict management. Now, with the alliance formed, all eyes are on how they will steer Israel through this crisis.
Missile Strike on Ben Gurion Airport Sparks Flight Chaos
Hamas’s armed wing, the Al Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for a missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. In response, British Airways diverted a flight originally scheduled to land there and has since suspended all flights to Tel Aviv to protect passengers.
The Brigades said the attack was retaliation for Israeli strikes on civilians. The incident bolts security fears amid escalating violence in the region.
Casualties Mount: Canadians and Palestinians Among the Dead
Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly confirmed the deaths of three Canadian citizens in Israel, with three more still missing. Joly revealed over 4,700 Canadians and permanent residents have registered their presence in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.
Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, Israeli soldiers and settlers killed at least three Palestinians and injured nine more in Qusra, south of Nablus, according to local health officials.
France Worried Over Hostage Children in Gaza
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne expressed deep concern for French nationals reportedly held hostage in the Gaza Strip. “I want to have a special thought for the French victims and for our missing compatriots, whose situation is extremely worrying,” she said. “Among them, several children, probably kidnapped.”
So far, ten French citizens have died in the attacks in Israel, while eighteen—including children—remain missing. The total number of hostages held in Gaza remains unclear, fuelling rising fears in Paris.
