Sep 23, 2026, 03:00 PM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his firm rejection of a US-backed 15-point peace initiative for Gaza, ruling out any military pullout until Hamas is fully disarmed. Addressing his cabinet in televised remarks, Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and confirmed the official rejection of the document previously accepted by Hamas and praised by US President Donald Trump.

Although active Israeli military operations in Gaza have effectively paused following pressure from Washington, Netanyahu faces mounting political tension at home. As he campaigns for re-election ahead of Israel's vote on October 27, the prime minister is attempting to balance the demands of his far-right coalition partners against diplomatic relations with his primary international ally.

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

U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced support for banning American diesel exports to combat record-high domestic fuel prices driven by a global supply shortage. However, market analysts and financial institutions warn the proposed policy could backfire.

According to Goldman Sachs Group Inc., an export restriction would rapidly fill domestic storage and temporarily depress diesel prices, but it would ultimately reduce gasoline production and push up prices at the pump. Analysts also cautioned that removing American supplies from international markets would deepen global energy shortages and heighten economic disruptions.

Sources: Bloomberg, Daily Sabah