Sep 8, 2026, 10:30 PM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point US-backed Gaza peace plan, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. Speaking to his cabinet, Netanyahu stated that Israel "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and confirmed that the government opposes the proposal recently announced by US President Donald Trump.

Despite the explicit rejection, Israeli forces have largely halted major offensive operations in the territory amid diplomatic pressure from Washington. Hamas had accepted the proposal following negotiations overseen by the US Board of Peace. The political rift comes as Netanyahu balances pressures from far-right allies ahead of Israel's general election on October 27.

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

Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti and MEP Roberto Vannacci engaged in a sharp debate on European integration and defense policy at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio.

Vannacci, founder of the Futuro Nazionale movement, advocated for reforming European Union governance, opposing increased defense spending and asserting that Russia poses no military threat to the continent. Monti strongly rejected Vannacci's arguments, accusing him of channeling historical fascist rhetoric and undermining constitutional principles.

While Vannacci dismissed the critiques as "ridiculous", the audience largely supported Monti, pressing Vannacci over his prior predictions regarding Ukraine.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.

German and Danish security authorities are escalating warnings over state-sponsored hybrid attacks across Europe. According to media reports, the German government intends to officially hold Russia responsible for an August incident at Leipzig Airport, where an explosive-rigged drone was found near Ukrainian transport aircraft.

Concurrently, Denmark's domestic security service, PET, warned that Moscow is actively preparing sabotage operations on Danish soil and seeking local recruits. In Germany, authorities are investigating over 100 suspected state-driven sabotage cases and illegal drone flights over critical infrastructure. Intelligence officials also fear foreign operatives may have established hidden arms caches across Germany to support potential future destabilisation efforts.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans on Monday for "the toughest sanctions in history" aimed at isolating Iran's economy and shutting out foreign entities facilitating its financial transactions. Speaking to reporters and media outlets, Bessent stated that targeting Tehran's economic lifelines seeks to "squash" the country's revenue streams and reduce the necessity for future large-scale military interventions in the Middle East.

Bessent also called on international partners to align with Washington, warning that third-party actors assisting Iran in bypassing restrictions would be excluded from the global dollar system. The announcement followed threats of "an ECONOMIC D-DAY" by President Donald Trump. Unregulated currency markets in Tehran reacted immediately, with the Iranian rial dropping to a record low of nearly two million per US dollar.

Sources: BBC News, Bloomberg, Cyprus Mail, Sweden Herald, The Guardian

United States President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have denied media claims that American military ammunition reserves are dangerously low following recent operations involving Iran. Reports from outlets including CNN suggested missile shortages influenced decisions regarding further military strikes.

In a statement on Truth Social, Trump insisted the military retains "huge amounts of 'ammunition', especially certain types," while domestic defense manufacturing expands. Trump also threatened long prison sentences for individuals who leak military readiness details to the press. Reports from American media indicate Trump previously confronted Hegseth regarding the leaks.

Concurrently, Trump stated at the White House that diplomatic talks with Tehran have resumed, describing them as Iran's final opportunity to reach an agreement, though Iranian officials had earlier denied any negotiations were taking place.

Sources: Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau