Key facts
- Israel's defense minister stated the country will continue to occupy security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.
- He emphasized Israel's need to act independently to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
- President Trump canceled planned strikes against Iran following a breakthrough in negotiations.
- A potential US-Iran agreement is nearing completion.
- The World Bank lowered its global growth forecast due to the conflict.
- Israel is considering significant funding to expand West Bank settlements.
- The UN reported over 1,000 Israeli settler attacks in the West Bank this year, displacing over 2,200 Palestinians.
Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, has declared that Israel will maintain its occupation of security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, irrespective of any potential agreement between the United States and Iran. Katz asserted that Israel must retain the capability to act independently to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating that the US and Israel have already inflicted significant setbacks on Iran's capabilities.
President Donald Trump had previously canceled planned strikes against Iran, citing progress in high-level negotiations, with a deal nearing completion. However, Iran's state media indicated that no final agreement had been reached. The World Bank has warned that the conflict could slow global economic growth to its lowest levels since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a reduced 2026 forecast. Concurrently, Israel is reportedly considering substantial funding to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank, with an initial allocation of $51 million for construction in 69 settlements and outposts. The UN has documented over 1,000 Israeli settler attacks in the West Bank this year, resulting in the displacement of more than 2,200 Palestinians. Additionally, Iran's IRNA broadcaster reported an attack on an Iranian fishing boat off Sirik, injuring one person.