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.

The head of the Ma'ale Yosef Regional Council, Shimon Guetta, announced the suspension of classes in communities near the border following repeated alerts and drone threats, while special education programs will continue. Guetta stressed he would not risk children or teaching staff and called for stronger security measures to restore calm. He said that as long as the threat continues, residents' safety will remain the top priority.

The United States struck targets in southern Iran and the Persian Gulf in what it called self-defense operations following threats from Iranian forces. According to the US military, missile launch sites, boats allegedly laying mines, and an air defense site near Bandar Abbas were targeted. Iran confirmed Revolutionary Guard casualties and reports said missiles were launched toward American vessels. Despite the escalation, negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue, with enriched uranium and the Strait of Hormuz remaining key issues.

Wix announced plans to lay off about 1,000 employees, around 20% of its workforce, in its largest restructuring move ever. The company faces a nearly 50% stock decline this year, a $57.5 million first-quarter loss, and rising operating costs. Wix says it is adapting to the AI era and reducing roles that are no longer needed. Despite growth in AI-driven operations and higher revenue, investors remain concerned about how new technology could affect the company’s future.

The IDF is warning of a severe combat manpower crisis, growing reserve force exhaustion, and possible damage to operational readiness in the coming years. According to the data, the military currently lacks around 8,000 combat soldiers, and the gap could grow to about 10,500 without extending mandatory service to three years. The army is urging rapid approval of a draft law for ultra-Orthodox Israelis, a new reserve service law, and an extension of compulsory service, while stressing these measures would provide only a partial solution.

Israel marked Memorial Day with a nationwide siren and a central ceremony at the Western Wall honoring 25,648 fallen soldiers and victims of terror. President Isaac Herzog called the war a national test, while IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stressed the need for shared responsibility across society. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed bereaved families, emphasizing both the deep loss and the unifying meaning of the day.

Greece signed a deal to purchase weapons systems from Israel, including the PULS artillery system from Elbit, valued at about 2.3 billion shekels. The system is designed to launch rockets and missiles at various ranges. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the deal reflects deepening security cooperation between the countries and strong confidence in Israel’s defense capabilities.

Studies in schools and kindergartens are set to resume on Sunday in capsule groups, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adopted the Education Ministry’s plan and rejected Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s proposal to place teachers on forced leave and make up the days in the summer. The return will be gradual and subject to Home Front Command guidelines. In higher-risk areas, learning will take place only in protected spaces, while elsewhere it will be allowed near shelters. Expanding gathering limits is also being considered.

Nahal Reconnaissance Unit fighters killed the militants responsible for the deaths of four of their comrades last week in southern Lebanon, during close-quarters combat in the village of Beit Lif. Intelligence later confirmed the identities of the militants. Nahal Brigade forces continue operating in the area, targeting militants and locating weapons and terror infrastructure. The brigade commander stated that the mission continues alongside the heavy price paid.

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake was felt this morning in northern Israel, mainly between Haifa and Nahariya, with no reports of injuries or damage. The epicenter was in the Mediterranean Sea at a depth of about 14 km, off the coast of southern Lebanon near Tyre and Sidon. Residents reported noticeable shaking. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre and Israel’s Geological Survey, it was a moderate event.

Boaz Tamam, deputy battalion commander in the 401st Brigade, was severely wounded in Lebanon when his tank was hit by a Kornet missile; Sgt. Liraz Ben Zion was killed. Tamam lost his leg but remained conscious, applied a tourniquet, and reported over the radio. He was evacuated to Rambam Hospital, underwent surgery, and woke earlier than expected. He told his wife: “They took my leg, but they didn’t defeat me,” reflecting resilience and strong morale. Pic from Shos Tamam

The IDF announced the death of Sgt. Guy Loder, 21, a Maglan commando from Yuvalim, during operations in southern Lebanon, apparently due to friendly fire; the incident is under investigation. Another soldier was seriously wounded. Meanwhile, regional tensions escalated: sirens sounded in central Israel following a missile from Yemen that was intercepted, and impacts were reported in the north. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed strikes on Iranian petrochemical facilities, as Donald Trump warned Tehran.

The IDF cleared for publication that an officer and three soldiers from the Nahal Reconnaissance Unit were killed in a close-range encounter with Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon. Three of the fallen were named: Capt. Noam Madmoni, Sgt. Ben Cohen, and Sgt. Maxim Antis. Three additional soldiers were wounded, one seriously. Several militants were killed during the exchange. Israeli forces responded with gunfire, tank support, and airstrikes. Fighting in southern Lebanon has intensified in recent days.