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Tensions remain high across West Asia today as new developments continue to unfold on multiple fronts. A fresh poll shows that less than half of the Israeli public trusts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reflecting sustained discontent with his leadership amid ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Saudi-Iranian diplomatic engagement continues, and Israel’s defence chief has issued new threats against Yemen’s Houthis. In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis deepens and a US intelligence report reveals Iran’s preparation of naval mines near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of regional escalation. Stay with us for live updates on these and other breaking stories:
West Asia News Live: US intelligence indicates Iran prepared naval mines for Strait of Hormuz
FP News Desk
• July 3, 2025, 04:00:05 IST
West Asia News Live: Welcome to our live blog bringing you the latest developments from the region. Stay updated on key shifts in geopolitics, oil and energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Track the evolving roles of powers like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel as they navigate ongoing conflicts, international negotiations and internal challenges
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Tensions remain high across West Asia today as new developments continue to unfold on multiple fronts. A fresh poll shows that less than half of the Israeli public trusts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reflecting sustained discontent with his leadership amid ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Saudi-Iranian diplomatic engagement continues, and Israel’s defence chief has issued new threats against Yemen’s Houthis. In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis deepens and a US intelligence report reveals Iran’s preparation of naval mines near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of regional escalation. Stay with us for live updates on these and other breaking stories:
Mounting regional tensions unfold across West Asia
West Asia News Live: Welcome to our live blog bringing you the latest developments from the region. Stay updated on key shifts in geopolitics, oil and energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Track the evolving roles of powers like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel as they navigate ongoing conflicts, international negotiations and internal challenges
July 3, 2025, 04:00:05 (IST)
Iran charges two French nationals with spying for Israel
Two French nationals detained in Iran for more than three years, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, have been charged with spying for Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, France 24 said in a report. Citing diplomatic and family sources, the report adds that the pair have also been charged with conspiring to overthrow the Iranian regime.
July 3, 2025, 04:00:05 (IST)
Reports allege oxycodone pills were found in aid flour bags in Gaza
Widespread reports are circulating about allegations that Oxycodone pills were found inside flour bags distributed in Gaza by an entity identified as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, France 24 says in a report. The news outlet is investigating the veracity of these claims as part of its “Truth or Fake” segment, which examines widely shared but unverified information. The allegations specifically concern aid provided through what are described as US-Israeli aid centers.
July 3, 2025, 03:16:14 (IST)
Tehran art gallery opens exhibition of antisemitic cartoons
An art gallery in Tehran, Iran, has unveiled a new exhibition of antisemitic cartoons reportedly created during the recent war, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. The collection features derogatory imagery, including depictions of rats and snakes. Some of the cartoons specifically target the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the city of Tel Aviv, while other pieces warp Jewish religious symbols and paraphernalia into representations of violence.
July 3, 2025, 03:15:06 (IST)
Turkish police seize 825 kg of heroin, says interior minister
Turkish authorities have seized 825 kilograms of heroin, an announcement made by the country’s Interior Minister, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The major drug bust highlights Turkey’s persistent challenge as a critical transit route for narcotics, particularly heroin originating from Afghanistan and destined for European markets. The seizure of such a large quantity represents a significant disruption to an international drug trafficking operation.
July 3, 2025, 03:15:06 (IST)
China's premier Li to visit Brazil for BRICS summit and Egypt
Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to visit Brazil to attend the BRICS summit and will also travel to Egypt, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The visit to Brazil underscores China’s engagement with the economic bloc, while the stop in Egypt highlights strengthening ties with the nation, which, along with other West Asian countries, recently became a new member of the group.
July 3, 2025, 03:00:06 (IST)
Retired senior IDF officer questioned as Qatargate suspect
A retired senior officer from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has been questioned as a suspect in the expanding Qatargate corruption investigation, according to a report in Haaretz. The development follows an exposé by the newspaper, linking the former Israeli official to the ongoing scandal which involves allegations of bribery and illicit lobbying by Qatar aimed at influencing the European Parliament.
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July 3, 2025, 02:30:07 (IST)
Israel holds secret diplomatic talks with Russia concerning Iran and Syria
Amid a period of de-escalation with Iran, Israel is engaging in clandestine diplomatic contacts with senior officials in Moscow, Israel National News says in a report. The discussions are aimed at seeking a diplomatic resolution concerning Iran’s military entrenchment and influence in Syria, a key security concern for Israel. These talks represent an effort to leverage Russia’s position as a regional power broker with influence over both Iran and Syria to achieve Israeli security objectives.
July 3, 2025, 02:15:04 (IST)
Former hostage Edan Alexander to meet with President Trump
Former American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump and the First Lady on July 3, 2025, according to a report in Israel National News. Alexander, who was taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks, was previously released from captivity in Gaza as part of a temporary truce agreement. The meeting is set to take place at the White House.
July 3, 2025, 02:03:23 (IST)
Netanyahu insists 'Hamas will be no more' amid reports of a US-backed cease-fire proposal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the complete destruction of Hamas remains a primary war aim, stating “Hamas will be no more” amid reports of a U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal, as per a report in Haaretz. His statement underscores Israel’s position that any agreement must lead to the dismantling of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities. This declaration complicates diplomatic efforts, which were reportedly spearheaded by the former U.S. administration under Joe Biden, to secure a phased deal that would include a cease-fire and hostage release, as it highlights a potential conflict between Israel’s stated objectives and the terms of the proposed agreement.
July 3, 2025, 02:01:11 (IST)
Restraining orders against far-right activists in West Bank are not being enforced, sources say
Administrative restraining orders intended to keep violent, far-right activists out of the West Bank are not being enforced, according to a report in Haaretz. These legal orders are considered an essential tool for security forces to restrict individuals deemed a security threat. The lack of enforcement is reportedly contributing to a documented rise in violent incidents perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the territory.
July 3, 2025, 02:00:09 (IST)
Israeli minister denies calls to transfer Gazans constitute ethnic cleansing
During an interview with Piers Morgan, an Israeli minister defended proposals regarding the “transfer” of Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip, asserting that such actions are not “ethnic cleansing,” according to a report in Haaretz. The minister’s comments address the ongoing controversy and international criticism surrounding suggestions from some Israeli officials for the “voluntary migration” of Gazans. These proposals have been widely condemned by international bodies and human rights organizations, who raise concerns about forced displacement under international law, particularly given the severe humanitarian crisis in the territory.
July 3, 2025, 02:00:09 (IST)
Gaza health ministry reports 112 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes since Monday
Gaza’s Health Ministry announced that Israeli military strikes have killed 112 Palestinians since the beginning of the week on Monday, as per a report in Haaretz.
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July 3, 2025, 02:00:09 (IST)
Ben-Gurion Airport closes Terminal 1 as foreign airlines suspend flights to Israel
Ben-Gurion Airport has closed its Terminal 1, which primarily served low-cost carriers, after all foreign airlines ceased operations to Israel, Haaretz said in a report. The suspension of international flights is attributed to heightened security risks, prohibitive insurance costs, and official travel advisories related to the ongoing conflict in the region. While foreign carriers have withdrawn, Israel’s national airlines—El Al, Arkia, and Israir—continue to operate international flights from the main Terminal 3, maintaining a significantly reduced level of air connectivity for the country.
July 3, 2025, 01:46:10 (IST)
Israeli military used a 500lb bomb in deadly Gaza cafe strike, evidence shows
Evidence indicates the Israeli military used a 500lb (230kg) bomb in a strike on a crowded beachfront cafe in Gaza on Monday that killed dozens of people, The Guardian says in a report. The munition is described as a powerful and indiscriminate weapon that creates a large blast wave and scatters shrapnel widely. International law experts cited in the report stated that deploying such a weapon in an area with a known presence of many unprotected civilians, including women and children, was almost certainly unlawful and may constitute a war crime.
July 3, 2025, 01:46:10 (IST)
Turkey closes livestock markets amid foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
Turkey’s Agriculture Ministry has ordered the closure of all livestock markets across the country to prevent the spread of a recent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, as per a report in Al-Monitor. In addition to the market closures, the government has initiated a widespread vaccination campaign for susceptible animals. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle and sheep, which can cause severe production losses and lead to trade restrictions, posing a significant economic risk to the nation’s vital livestock sector.
July 3, 2025, 01:45:05 (IST)
Turkey agrees to increase water flow to drought-affected Iraq
Turkey has agreed to provide more water to drought-stricken Iraq, a development aimed at easing long-standing tensions over shared water resources, Al-Monitor said in a report. The agreement is also expected to facilitate progress on a major joint infrastructure initiative, known as Iraq’s ‘Development Road’ project. This strategic project is designed to create a transport corridor linking Iraq’s Grand Faw Port on the Persian Gulf with Turkey, aiming to enhance regional trade and connectivity. The deal is viewed as a significant diplomatic achievement for Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s government.
July 3, 2025, 01:32:17 (IST)
Likud ministers call on Netanyahu to apply sovereignty in West Bank
Ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled trip to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, all Likud ministers and the Knesset Speaker have signed a joint call for action, Israel National News says in a report. The unified demand from within Netanyahu’s own party urges the immediate application of Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, internationally known as the West Bank. The ministers are pushing for this to be accomplished before the end of the current Knesset summer session.
July 3, 2025, 01:32:17 (IST)
Israeli minister says IDF missile alert system neglects Haredi and Bedouin communities
Likud Minister Shlomo Karhi has formally complained to Israel’s State Comptroller, alleging that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is irresponsibly neglecting the safety of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) and Bedouin communities, The Times of Israel said in a report. Karhi contends that the IDF’s reliance on modern technology, such as smartphone applications for missile alerts, means these populations are less likely to receive timely warnings. He argues that this approach does not adequately serve communities that may have limited access to or use of modern technology for religious or infrastructural reasons.
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July 3, 2025, 01:32:17 (IST)
Austria plans first EU deportation to Syria, prompting criticism from rights groups
Austria is preparing to deport a man to Syria, a move that would be the first of its kind by a European Union member state and has drawn warnings from human rights organizations, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The planned deportation is highly controversial because international bodies and rights advocates consider Syria unsafe for returns due to ongoing human rights abuses under the government of President Bashar al-Assad, who remains in power. Rights groups argue the action violates international law and sets a dangerous precedent for the EU’s asylum policies, while the Austrian government reportedly frames the move as a matter of national security.
July 3, 2025, 01:31:12 (IST)
Israel's Likud party to advance bill reducing attorney general's authority
Israel’s Likud party is moving forward with a bill to remove the Attorney General’s authority over legal advisers within government ministries, according to a report in The Times of Israel. Under the current system, these advisers are civil servants who operate under the professional guidance of the Attorney General to ensure independent and uniform legal counsel across the government. The proposed legislation would sever this link, making advisers more directly accountable to their respective ministers. The Israel Democracy Institute warned the change could ‘derail the coordinated work of the legal advisers’ and curtail the Attorney General’s ability to protect the rule of law. This bill is a component of the government’s wider judicial overhaul agenda, which has previously faced significant public protest.
July 3, 2025, 01:31:12 (IST)
Amazon resumes deliveries to Israel following conflict-related suspension
Amazon has restored partial shipping services to Israel following a suspension that occurred during a period of conflict with Iran, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The resumption of services includes free delivery for select orders valued over $49. The suspension was implemented during a 12-day period of heightened tensions that disrupted flights and commercial activities in the region.
July 3, 2025, 01:30:06 (IST)
Gaza hospital director reportedly killed in Israeli strike on home
Dr. Marwan Sultan, a hospital director in Gaza, and several of his family members were killed when an Israeli strike hit their home, according to a report in BBC News. The information was originally released by the Hamas-run health ministry.
July 3, 2025, 01:16:10 (IST)
Israeli defense minister vows to defeat enemy and return hostages during Rafah visit
During a visit to soldiers in Rafah, Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed them on their mission objectives, according to a report in Israel National News. Katz told the troops to “Kill the enemy, return the hostages, and win,” emphasizing that Israel would not abandon these goals. The statement reinforces Israel’s commitment to its military campaign in Gaza amidst the ongoing operations in the southern city of Rafah.
July 3, 2025, 01:16:10 (IST)
Netanyahu appoints Haredi lawmaker as Israel's new construction and housing minister
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed a Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox) lawmaker as the new Construction and Housing Minister, according to a report in Haaretz. The appointment is part of coalition agreements underpinning Netanyahu’s current right-wing religious government, which relies on support from Haredi political parties. The Construction and Housing Ministry is a significant portfolio responsible for national planning, zoning, and public housing, and it also oversees construction in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, making the appointment geopolitically sensitive. This move is seen as a way for Haredi parties to address significant housing shortages within their rapidly growing communities.
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July 3, 2025, 01:15:05 (IST)
Israeli hostage families and survivors meet with prominent US financier Scott Bessent
A delegation of Israeli captivity survivors and family members of hostages held by Hamas met with prominent US financier Scott Bessent on July 2 to share their experiences related to the ongoing crisis, according to a report in Israel National News. The group included survivor Omer Shem Tov, Noa Argamani, the partner of hostage Avinatan Or, and Iair Horn, brother of hostage Eitan Horn. Tzur Goldin, whose brother Lt. Hadar Goldin was killed during the 2014 Gaza conflict and whose remains are held by Hamas, also attended the meeting to discuss the situation.
July 3, 2025, 00:01:15 (IST)
Damascus sets 2025 deadline to resolve foreign disputes
The Syrian government has stated its goal to resolve its major foreign disputes by the end of 2025, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This diplomatic initiative follows Syria’s readmission to the Arab League in May 2023 and focuses on several key areas. The disputes targeted for resolution include the ongoing presence of Turkish forces in northern Syria, for which normalization talks are underway, the continuation of Western sanctions like the US Caesar Act, and the illicit Captagon drug trade, which remains a significant point of contention with neighboring Arab nations.
July 3, 2025, 00:00:06 (IST)
Israeli demolitions in West Bank to displace nearly 1,000 families, official says
New Israeli demolitions in the West Bank are set to displace nearly 1,000 families, according to an official, as per a report in AP. The planned actions are part of a broader Israeli policy in Area C of the West Bank, which is under full Israeli civil and military control. These demolitions typically target structures built without Israeli-issued permits, which human rights groups and Palestinian officials state are extremely difficult for Palestinians to obtain.
July 3, 2025, 00:00:06 (IST)
Lebanon awaits Hezbollah response to US de-escalation demands
Lebanon is anticipating a critical response from Hezbollah concerning US demands for de-escalation along the southern border with Israel, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The diplomatic push, led by US envoy Amos Hochstein, seeks to prevent a wider regional conflict by implementing a framework that includes adherence to UN Resolution 1701, which calls for Hezbollah’s withdrawal north of the Litani River. This development occurs amid ongoing daily cross-border clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces that began in October 2023 and is complicated by Lebanon’s prolonged presidential vacuum and political paralysis, which limits the state’s ability to influence the heavily armed group’s decision.
July 2, 2025, 23:45:06 (IST)
About 10,000 Israelis, including 2,000 new immigrants, remain displaced by war, Knesset committee told
Approximately 10,000 Israelis, including 2,000 new immigrants, are still displaced following the recent war, according to a report in The Times of Israel. During a Knesset committee meeting focused on immigrant assistance, officials stated that support measures have been implemented for this group. These measures include translating warning messages, extending visas, and resuming immigration flights to facilitate the arrival and integration of new immigrants amidst the ongoing security situation.
July 2, 2025, 23:31:20 (IST)
US lawmakers introduce bill to provide Israel with B2 bombers and bunker-buster bombs
Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the US Congress to supply Israel with B2 stealth bombers and advanced bunker-buster bombs, as per a report in Israel National News. The proposed bill, supported by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, aims to enhance Israel’s military capability, specifically to allow it to independently address potential threats from Iran’s nuclear program.
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July 2, 2025, 23:30:10 (IST)
Hamas studies new ceasefire proposals and calls for end to Gaza war
Hamas is reviewing new ceasefire proposals aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The group has reiterated its call for a complete cessation of the war. Concurrently, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has stated that the proposed deal is popular within the Israeli cabinet and among the general public, indicating potential for progress in the ongoing negotiations.
July 2, 2025, 22:45:06 (IST)
Israeli army announces soldier killed in northern Gaza combat
The Israeli military has announced the death of Sergeant Yaniv Michalovitch, who was killed during combat operations in northern Gaza, as per a report in Haaretz.
July 2, 2025, 22:45:06 (IST)
Israeli sergeant killed, two soldiers injured in Gaza combat
Sergeant Yaniv Michalovitch from Rehovot was killed during combat operations in the Gaza Strip, Israel National News said in a report. The incident, which involved soldiers from the Armored Corps 82nd Battalion, 7th Brigade, also resulted in severe injuries to a tank commander and another soldier.
July 2, 2025, 21:30:03 (IST)
Saudi Arabia reportedly intercepted Iranian drones amid regional tensions
Saudi Arabia has reportedly been conducting covert interceptions of Iranian drones amid ongoing regional conflicts, according to a report in Israel Hayom. The report suggests these actions highlight the geopolitical rivalry between the two powers, showcase Saudi Arabia’s enhanced air defense capabilities, and expose potential vulnerabilities in Iran’s drone proliferation strategy for asymmetric warfare.
July 2, 2025, 21:30:03 (IST)
Hamas orders surrender of Israeli-backed militia leader in Gaza
Hamas has ordered the leader of the Abu Shabab militia in the Gaza Strip to surrender, according to a report in Haaretz. The source describes the militia as being backed by Israel.
July 2, 2025, 21:19:40 (IST)
Israeli couple arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran
An Israeli couple was arrested on July 1 on suspicion of spying for Iran, according to a report in Haaretz. The individuals are currently considered suspects, and their legal status will be determined through the judicial process, which includes further investigation and a potential trial.
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July 2, 2025, 21:18:35 (IST)
Senior Israeli police superintendent resigns over alleged government politicization
Superintendent Lee Pearl-Bahiri, a senior officer in the Israeli police, has resigned from her position, alleging that the government has politicized the force and left it neglected, The Times of Israel says in a report. In her resignation, Pearl-Bahiri claimed that law enforcement has “changed its face” under the direction of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. She further stated that the police now lack the adequate resources and manpower required to effectively combat serious crime.
July 2, 2025, 21:17:25 (IST)
Trump signs order lifting sanctions on Syria, White House says
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on July 1, 2025, to lift U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria, Haaretz said in a report. The White House confirmed the action, which directly impacts the comprehensive sanctions framework established under the Caesar Act.
July 2, 2025, 21:17:25 (IST)
Danish national arrested in Berlin for allegedly spying on Jewish targets for Iran
A Danish national has been arrested in Berlin by German authorities on suspicion of espionage for an Iranian intelligence service, as per a report in Haaretz. The individual is alleged to have been gathering information on Jewish and Israeli-related targets within the German capital.
July 2, 2025, 21:16:20 (IST)
Israeli lawmaker Matan Kahana to resign from National Unity Party
Israeli lawmaker Matan Kahana will resign from the National Unity Party, a key partner in Israel’s emergency government, according to a report in Haaretz. The decision follows a recent, similar action by Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief and influential figure within the party. This development signals internal dissent within the centrist party, which is led by Benny Gantz, and adds to the political pressure on the governing coalition.
End of Liveblog