Aug 13, 2026, 03:00 PM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rejected a 15-point peace framework for Gaza backed by US President Donald Trump, reiterating that Israeli troops will not withdraw until Hamas is completely disarmed. Addressing his cabinet, Netanyahu stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document," which Hamas had previously accepted in late July.

The refusal underlines an increasing diplomatic divide between Washington and Jerusalem, even as Israeli military strikes in Gaza have largely paused under pressure from the White House. Netanyahu's pushback arrives as he prepares for national elections scheduled for October 27, balancing the demands of far-right coalition allies against maintaining ties with Washington.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald.

US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have rejected media reports alleging that US military ammunition stockpiles reached dangerously low levels following operations against Iran. Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated that the military maintains "huge amounts of 'ammunition'" and threatened individuals leaking inventory details with severe prison sentences.

Concurrently, Trump announced that diplomatic negotiations with Tehran have resumed, calling the talks Iran's final chance to sign a deal. Iranian officials had previously denied any discussions were occurring or planned. Domestically, multiple states are suing the administration over its new tariff policies, while recent polling indicates falling approval ratings ahead of the November midterm elections.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

German law enforcement and NATO have launched a joint investigation following the discovery of an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The unmanned device bypassed existing defense systems before being disarmed by a specialized robot near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane.

The incident forced a temporary suspension of flight operations between August 4 and August 5, causing multiple aircraft to divert. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser characterized the security breach as a "new dimension of threat" and warned of a potential "hybrid attack scenario."

Because the airport serves as a major logistics hub for NATO and aid deliveries to Ukraine, investigators are examining possible Russian involvement in the operation.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, Economedia, HotNews, Ziarul de Gardă.

German security authorities have warned that foreign interference and sabotage tactics attributed to Russia are intensifying ahead of state elections in September. Disinformation campaigns rely on manipulated online videos targeting candidates across major political parties, including the CDU, SPD, Greens, and FDP, while notably sparing the far-right AfD. Local politicians, such as a Green Party candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, have already reported targeted online defamation.

Beyond digital disinformation, state and federal police suspect foreign actors in over 100 physical sabotage incidents. These include unauthorized drone overflights near military sites, an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig airport, damage to undersea cables, and railway disruptions aimed at undermining public trust and destabilizing democratic institutions.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, FAZ, Handelsblatt

Diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran remain stalled as Tehran insists the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until Washington fulfills all conditions of the June memorandum. Conversely, US President Donald Trump stated, "we are the ones who have control of Hormuz," expressing distrust toward Tehran.

The impasse coincides with expanding maritime hostilities. US forces targeted the container ship Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman for violating blockade rules. Simultaneously, Houthi strikes hit Yemen's Al Makha port and a merchant vessel near Bab el-Mandeb, leaving four seafarers dead and driving up global crude prices.

Adding to friction, Washington criticized Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's declaration that Israel will not withdraw from occupied areas in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, Shipping Italy