Israel has confirmed that Hamas leader Muhammad Shaheen was killed in a drone attack in southern Lebanon. Video footage showing a car burning from the explosion has been released. The attack took place near a military checkpoint close to the municipal sports stadium in Sidon. Israel accused Shaheen of planning attacks against Israeli citizens with the assistance of Iran.
Reports suggest that Israel has begun efforts to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank, with plans to build approximately 1,000 new homes for Jewish settlers. The report, released by the peace organization Peace Now, highlights that Israel aims to increase the settler population in the Efrat area by 40% and prevent the development of the Palestinian city of Bethlehem.
According to Hagit Ofran, head of the group monitoring settlement activities, the construction of homes will begin once contracts and permits are issued, although it is expected to take up to a year. Peace Now criticized the Netanyahu government, accusing it of undermining any potential for peace and negotiations by taking actions that eliminate opportunities for resolution and compromise.
