– Mike Huckabee, an ordained Southern Baptist pastor noted for his Evangelical and pro-Israel views, prepares to take up his job as the United States ambassador to Israel.

Encouraged by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Israel and Turkey have been holding direct talks on Syria to avoid the risk of a military confrontation, say sources familiar with the discussions.

After meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington D.C., Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Tuesday of the dangers of a nuclear Iran as he prepared to depart for Israel. He emphasized that Iran “must not have nuclear weapons,” stating the goal could be achieved either diplomatically or militarily.

The Israeli High Court of Justice issued an interim injunction on Tuesday to keep Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar in office and urged the government and the Attorney-General’s Office to devise a “creative solution” by April 20 regarding his contested dismissal last month.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after his meeting with US President Donald Trump, announced that Israel is negotiating a new deal aimed at securing a hostage release and ceasefire in Gaza, which they hope will be successful. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to freeing all hostages and the removal of Hamas from Gaza. He also praised Trump’s plan to evacuate Gazans during the enclave’s reconstruction.

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States and Iran were holding direct talks on Tehran’s nuclear program, marking a surprising development after earlier signals from Iranian officials seemed to reject U.S. proposals for such negotiations.

The U.S. has delivered advanced missile systems to Israel amid a wave of ballistic missile attacks by Houthi terrorists and escalating tensions with Iran, fueling growing fears of a looming military confrontation with Iran.

Hamas fired 10 rockets into Israel late Sunday, officials said, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pledge “a strong response” and the continuation of “intensified” Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear Friday that a strong army backed by a strong economy was key to the survival of the Jewish nation and peace.

U.S. President Donald J. Trump said Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may visit the United States next week.

Mass protests against Hamas continued in Gaza on Wednesday—following two days of demonstrations last week, marking the most significant unrest in 18 months—as the terror group tortured and killed two protesters, threatened a crackdown, and drew vows of revenge from the victims’ families.

Between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, the Israeli Air Force carried out widespread strikes across Syria, targeting military bases and facilities from the Assad regime era — a move widely seen as a warning to Turkey.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Wednesday that Israel is expanding its Gaza operations after heavy overnight strikes, with troops set to clear terrorists and infrastructure and seize territory for expanded security zones.

In a joint statement, the IDF, Shin Bet, and Mossad confirmed an overnight airstrike in Beirut killed a Hezbollah and Iranian IRGC Quds Force operative who coordinated with Hamas to carry out an imminent attack on Israeli civilians. This marks Israel’s second strike in Beirut in four days.

Turkey’s military rushed to take over Syria’s Tiyas air base, also known as T4, to deter Israeli strikes in Syria, well-informed Arabic sources confirmed Tuesday.