Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that Israel's goal is not to take over Gaza, but to free Gaza from Hamas and enable a peaceful government to be established there,

Some congressional Republicans are raising questions about Israel's planned occupation of Gaza City as pro-Israel Democrats push back on the operation with unusual ferocity. Why it matters: Israel's coalition of political allies in the U.

Israel’s security cabinet approves Netanyahu plan to occupy Gaza City, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushes for military takeover of entire strip. Follow for live news updates.