It may well be that the Israeli prime minister does not want a deal at this time – but it's also feasible that the threat of a ground invasion of Rafah is the final leverage on Hamas. 'If Netanyahu wants a deal,' says one official involved in the talks, 'this is more or less the best one he can get'

Ceremony was disrupted by a group of Israeli expats outraged by the presence of Simcha Rothman – a lawmaker from the far-right Religious Zionism party – among the guests of honor

The two reservists were killed during a drone strike near Metula, along the border with Lebanon

Former Rep. John Hostettler, who has long been accused of trafficking in antisemitic tropes, voted against foreign assistance to Israel on 13 separate occasions during his previous 12-year spell in the House of Representatives

Hamas says it has accepted cease-fire deal, Israel says it is still examining the proposal ■ IDF launches targeted strikes east of Rafah ■ Biden, Netanyahu discuss Rafah operation ■ White House: Deal best way to save lives of hostages, Netanyahu agrees to reopen Kerem Shalom crossing

Hamas' announcement that it accepts the proposed cease-fire deal took Israel by surprise, given the crisis in the talks over the past few days. Israel's political leadership is level the patently false claims that U.S. President Joe Biden has abandoned Israel. And while Jerusalem keeps sending delegations to Egypt, the IDF is increasing the military pressure and operating to the east of Rafah