Israel’s parliament has approved a law keeping mandatory military service for men at 32 months, delaying a planned reduction to 30 months by five years. The change, originally set to apply to recruits from 2024, will now affect those drafted in June 2029. The Israel Defense Forces argued that growing security demands require additional manpower and warned that the regular army is nearing its operational limits. The bill passed with 43 votes in favor and 12 against, with some members of Shas and Degel HaTorah supporting it.

OpenAI is reportedly developing a new AI-powered hardware device based on ChatGPT, described as a portable smart speaker without a screen. The device is designed to act as a personal companion that learns users’ habits, understands their preferences, and proactively offers information and assistance. It could control smart home devices, manage communications, and perform various tasks using artificial intelligence. OpenAI views it as a new category of computing for the AI era, featuring advanced conversational abilities powered by GPT-Live and potentially serving as a first step toward replacing the smartphone.

The U.S. military carried out a sixth consecutive night of strikes across Iran, expanding operations to include civilian infrastructure such as bridges, an airport, and a railway station. Iranian reports said seven people were killed and others injured. U.S. Central Command stated that dozens of military targets were also hit. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched its first attack of the current escalation on the U.S. Al-Tanf base in Syria and carried out additional strikes across the region. Israel is closely monitoring developments.

The Knesset approved the Political Parties Financing Law, which includes the dissolution of the 25th Knesset, officially launching Israel’s election campaign for the 26th Knesset. Elections will be held on October 27, ending the term of the first government to complete a full term in 53 years. The law also regulates campaign financing for political parties. Recent polls show the Yashar party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, leading with 22 seats, ahead of Likud with 21. Final candidate lists will be submitted in early September.

Thousands of Ukrainians protested in major cities against the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after he signaled the end of his tenure before an official announcement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Demonstrators argued that his removal would weaken the country’s security, while the deputy commander of the Air Force resigned in protest. Reports indicate the decision followed a prolonged dispute between Fedorov and the military leadership over defense priorities, with Zelenskyy seeking to balance relations between the government and the armed forces.

The IDF struck more than 70 Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites over the past 24 hours. Around 10 command centers, weapons storage facilities, and additional infrastructure were targeted in the Tyre area throughout the day. The IDF said more than 85 munitions were used in strikes across multiple areas in Lebanon. According to the military, the targeted sites were used by Hezbollah to advance terror operations against IDF forces and Israeli civilians.