Netanyahu tells Blinken killing of Hamas leader Sinwar ‘may have positive effect’ on hostage release efforts
More details have emerged from Benjamin Netanyahu’s office about the Israeli leader’s meeting with US secretary of state Antony Blinken today.
The two men sat down for “friendly and productive” talks which lasted for two and a half hours in Jerusalem, his office said.
It said Mr Netanyahu emphasised that the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar “may have a positive effect” on the return of the remaining hostages from Gaza, the achievement of Israel’s war goals and its day after plan.
The prime minister also told Mr Blinken there was a need for security and political change in Lebanon that would allow displaced Israeli citizens to return to their homes in the north.
The two men also discussed the issue of the Iranian threat and the need for Israel and the US to join forces against it, Mr Netanyahu’s office said.
Fresh Pentagon audit to ensure US weapons to Israel being properly tracked
Pentagon inspector general Robert Storch has announced an audit of the defence department’s oversight of military aid from the US to Israel.
The audit will look at what the Pentagon calls enhanced end-use monitoring, which ensures sensitive weapons and defence equipment are accounted for, used properly, stored correctly and physically secured.
The inspector general will not assess whether the systems are being used according to the law of armed conflict, but will look at whether the weapons are being tracked and provided to the correct Israeli forces rather than being diverted.
No timeline has been given for completion of the audit. It is among several oversight projects the inspector general’s office is conducting in relation to US assistance to Israel.
Israeli deputy commander killed in Lebanon – reports
An Israeli soldier has been killed in battle in southern Lebanon, Israeli media is reporting.
The reports, citing the Israeli military, say Major Aviram Harib was the deputy commander of IDF battalion 9308.
MEZIESBLOG has not independently verified the report.
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