gideon saar

European Union foreign ministers have imposed new sanctions on Israeli settlers and organizations for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, ending Hungary's previous blockade. This move, targeting extremist settler groups and their leaders, comes amid rising violence and settlement expansion. Israel has condemned the sanctions, calling them morally bankrupt and antisemitic.

An Israeli soldier allegedly damaged a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned the act. He stated that military authorities are investigating and will take disciplinary action. Israel respects all religions and their symbols. The incident has caused hurt to believers worldwide. Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar also called the act grave and disgraceful.

Israel has criticised remarks by Khawaja Asif, calling them “outrageous” and questioning Pakistan’s neutrality in regional diplomacy. Asif described Israel as “evil” and a “curse for humanity.” He also alleged civilians were being killed across Gaza, Iran and Lebanon. The row comes as Islamabad hosts United States–Iran ceasefire talks, with Gideon Sa’ar also condemning the remarks.

Israel's foreign minister gideon saar cautioned that ongoing regional tensions mean the current conflict might not be the last, as adversaries still possess attack capabilities. Despite acknowledging persistent risks, he asserted Israel isn't facing an existential threat. Meanwhile, US President Trump claimed Iran sought a ceasefire, describing the current Iranian regime as more intelligent.

Pakistan is hosting crucial indirect US-Iran talks to stabilize a ceasefire, but Iran's participation hinges on halting Israeli strikes in Lebanon. While Islamabad ramps up security, Tehran denies sending a delegation, citing the Lebanon conflict as a key obstacle.

Israel plans to establish a security zone up to the Litani River in southern Lebanon, a significant escalation against Hezbollah. Lebanon responded by expelling Iran's ambassador, citing diplomatic violations. This move escalates regional tensions, with France urging Israel to avoid a wider ground operation while supporting Lebanon's diplomatic action.

Israeli Foreign Minister gideon saar warned on Sunday that the Middle East would remain unstable if the Palestinian militant group Hamas remained in power in the Gaza Strip. If the international community wanted a permanent ceasefire, he added, then it must include the dismantling of Hamas as a military power and ruling entity in Gaza.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged international sports bodies to ban Israel, drawing a parallel to Russia's expulsion following the Ukraine invasion. This call follows pro-Palestinian protests disrupting La Vuelta a España. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar fiercely criticized Sánchez, accusing him of antisemitism and inciting the protests.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expanded his coalition by appointing former rival gideon saar to his Cabinet as a minister without portfolio. Saar will also serve in the Security Cabinet. This strategic appointment aims to fortify Netanyahu's position amid significant political challenges, including budget passage and military draft issues, while reducing ultranationalist influence.

Israel has criticized a draft G20 summit statement on the Israel-Gaza conflict as biased. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar urged the inclusion of Israel's right to self-defence, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the condemnation of both Hamas and Hezbollah. He warned that omitting these points would destabilize the Middle East.