Iran ceasefire hangs in the balance | Eyal Ofer

The United States and Iran have traded fire overnight as talks to extend the ceasefire hang in the balance. Meanwhile, another IDF soldier has been killed in a Hezbollah drone attack near the Lebanese border. Twenty-year-old Sergeant Rotem Yanai was killed while running to a shelter during the strike, as explosive-laden drones continue to pose a growing challenge for Israel’s air defenses. In response, the Israeli Air Force has launched strikes on Tyre — one of Lebanon’s largest cities — as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to intensify military pressure on Hezbollah. A new report warns that the US military could need at least three years to replenish key weapons systems heavily used during the conflict with Iran, including Tomahawk missiles, Patriot batteries and THAAD interceptors. The Financial Times reports that not a single dollar of the 17 billion pledged to rebuild Gaza has yet reached President Trump’s so-called “Peace Council,” amid growing frustration over Hamas’s refusal to disarm. The British Museum has postponed a lecture on the kingdoms of Israel and Judah over fears the event would be deliberately disrupted. Today’s guest is independent Israeli analyst Eyal Ofer. He expresses scepticism over President Trump’s negotiation strategy and explains why he believes the GCC countries have decided to appease Iran. He says Israel is struggling to make life safe for citizens in the north and claims President Trump’s plan for Gaza has hit a wall called reality. Watch now for your fast, fact-based Middle East briefing. Sign up to receive Israel in 10 daily: https://izs.activetrail.biz/Israel-in-10-Sign-Up Sponsorship inquiries: [email protected]