Netanyahu Orders IDF to Seize 70% of Gaza as US-Iran Truce Awaits Trump Approval (May 29, 0630 UTC, 0930 Israel) (Morning Edition)

Trump Situation Room Meeting Ends Without Decision on Iran Deal as Hezbollah Claims Multiple Attacks (May 29, 2137 UTC, 0037 Israel) (Morning Edition)

President Trump convened a two-hour Situation Room meeting on a potential Iran deal but made no final decision, with the White House saying it is 'very close' but unresolved. Iran denied a deal is finalized and rejected terms including uranium transfer and Hormuz tolls. Hezbollah claimed over 20 attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, while the IDF confirmed troops crossed the Litani River and struck Hezbollah targets. The UN blacklisted Israel for conflict-related sexual violence for the first time.

Netanyahu Confirms IDF Crossed Litani as US-Iran Truce Hangs on Trump Approval (May 29, 1516 UTC, 1816 Israel) (Evening Edition)

Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed IDF troops of the 36th Division crossed the Litani River and advanced to strategic points in southern Lebanon, while the IDF struck Hezbollah targets across the south and in the Bekaa Valley. The US and Iran reached a tentative 60-day ceasefire memorandum of understanding, pending President Trump's approval, though both sides publicly disputed its contents. In Gaza, Netanyahu ordered the IDF to expand control to 70% of the Strip, violating the October ceasefire, and the IDF eliminated the deputy commander of Hamas's Gaza City Brigade. The UN added Israel to its sexual-violence-in-conflict blacklist, drawing sharp Israeli condemnation.

Netanyahu Orders IDF to Seize 70% of Gaza as US-Iran Truce Awaits Trump Approval (May 29, 0630 UTC, 0930 Israel) (Morning Edition)

Prime Minister Netanyahu directed the IDF to expand control of Gaza to 70%, well beyond the terms of the existing truce, as Israeli strikes killed at least 14 in southern Lebanon. The US and Iran reached a tentative 60-day ceasefire memorandum of understanding, pending President Trump's approval, while CENTCOM denied Iranian claims of downing a US aircraft. Israel cut ties with UN Secretary-General Guterres after the UN added the IDF to a conflict-related sexual violence blacklist.

IDF Strikes Beirut, US-Iran Truce Deal Pending Trump Approval (May 28, 1633 UTC, 1933 Israel) (Evening Edition)

The IDF struck a Hezbollah target in Beirut for the first time in three weeks, killing at least 14 people in intensified operations across Lebanon. The US and Iran reportedly agreed on a 60-day ceasefire memorandum of understanding, pending President Trump's approval, even as both sides exchanged fire near the Strait of Hormuz. The UN is expected to blacklist Israel over sexual violence in conflict zones, prompting Israel to sever ties with Secretary-General Guterres.

IRGC Strikes US Base in Kuwait After American Attack on Iran; IDF Soldier Killed by Hezbollah Drone (May 28, 0630 UTC, 0930 Israel) (Morning Edition)

The IRGC launched a retaliatory attack on a US base in Kuwait following overnight American strikes near Bandar Abbas, Iran. An IDF soldier was killed and two reservists wounded in a Hezbollah explosive drone attack on a military zone near the Lebanese border. The IDF began striking Hezbollah infrastructure in Tyre after ordering evacuations. The UN added Israel to its blacklist of perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict zones, prompting Israel to reportedly cut ties with UN Secretary-General Guterres. The US reimposed sanctions on UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese.