Live Updates June 25, 2026Share to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeJune 25, 2026UpdatesIsraeli soldier killed in southern Lebanon operational accident, IDF saysIsraeli soldier Master Sergeant (Res.) Basil Sweid, 32, from the northern Druze–Arab town of Peki'in, was killed on Wednesday during operational activity after a vehicle had overturned in southern Lebanon, according to an IDF statement on Thursday.The official described the ⁠incident as an accident.Master Sergeant (Res.) Basil Sweid, 32, from Peki'in, killed during operational activity in southern Lebanon. Credit: IDF SpokespersonMaster Sergeant (Res.) Basil Sweid, 32, from Peki'in, killed during operational activity in southern Lebanon.Credit: IDF SpokespersonOn Wednesday, an Israeli civilian contractor, identified as Raad Abu al-Kiyan, working with the country's Defense Ministry, was killed in an accident in Gaza, the IDF said. Abu al-Kiyan was killed in a building collapse in the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, the man, a bulldozer operator, was "an employee working for a contractor company carrying out engineering projects."Abu al-Kiyan is the first Israeli to be killed in Gaza since February 18.Police: Two suspects arrested on suspicion of threatening protesters against Haredi conscription with weapons Two suspects were arrested on suspicion of threatening anti-Haredi draft demonstrators with a weapon in two separate incidents during a convoy of vehicles on Wednesday, Israeli police said. Ultra-Orthodox Jewish hold placards as they protest against conscription pressure and call for the release of detained draft resisters, in Jerusalem, Wednesday. Credit: Noam Revkin-FentonUltra-Orthodox Jewish hold placards as they protest against conscription pressure and call for the release of detained draft resisters, in Jerusalem, Wednesday. Credit: Noam Revkin-FentonOne of the suspects, police said, is suspected of not holding a license to possess a weapon.Trump faces Republican backlash over Iran war as administration requests $70 bn from CongressU.S. President Donald Trump faced pointed criticism over the Iran war during a closed-door Republican meeting on Capitol Hill, including a shouting match with Senator Bill Cassidy, shortly before his administration asked Congress for tens of billions of dollars to fund the conflict.Lawmakers said Cassidy challenged Trump over a "framework deal" signed last week with Iran, arguing it provides financial incentives to Tehran but does not achieve the administration's stated war objectives."The American people need to know more than we are being told," Cassidy told reporters, saying it was unclear whether the war was progressing as initially described. U.S. President Donald Trump walks off stage after speaking at a rally in celebration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence in Washington, D.C., U.S., Wednesday. Credit: Evan Vucci/REUTERSU.S. President Donald Trump walks off stage after speaking at a rally in celebration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence in Washington, D.C., U.S., Wednesday. Credit: Evan Vucci/REUTERSTrump did not address the exchange directly but later dismissed a Senate vote to limit presidential war powers as "meaningless," saying it sent the wrong signal internationally.Hours after the meeting, the White House submitted a request for about $70 billion in additional war funding, adding to the US defence budget.A Reuters/Ipsos poll found only about one in four Americans believes the war is worth its costs, underscoring growing political pressure on Trump ahead of elections.Cassidy later said he had received a briefing from Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff and was invited to the White House to discuss concerns.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer points to a poster that reads 'If Trump won't end the war, Congress MUST,' at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC, last week. Credit: Getty Images via AFP/ANDREW HARNIKSenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer points to a poster that reads 'If Trump won't end the war, Congress MUST,' at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC, last week. Credit: Getty Images via AFP/ANDREW HARNIKThe funding request comes as the U.S.-Iran accord lifts restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, while oil prices have fallen to pre-war levels amid easing supply fears.The deal remains disputed across key elements, including sanctions relief and reconstruction funding, and has drawn scepticism from Gulf allies.U.S. Democratic senator questions Iran talks progress: 'JD Vance says one thing, Iranian negotiators say another'U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Coons cast doubt on claims that negotiations between the United States and Iran are progressing smoothly, mocking what he described as conflicting messages from key players involved in the talks."How do you know the Iran negotiations are going poorly?" Coons said in a video posted on social media on Tuesday, "Because JD Vance says one thing, Iranian negotiators say another, and Trump tweets about algae in the reflecting pool." How do you know the Iran negotiations are going poorly? Because JD Vance says one thing, Iranian negotiators say another, and Trump tweets about algae in the reflecting pool.Colombia's outgoing president condemns right-wing successor's pledge to restore Israel tiesColombian President Gustavo Petro criticized President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella for pledging to restore diplomatic relations with Israel, warning that doing so would mean "forgetting the Palestinian genocide.""Starting relations with Israel and forgetting the Palestinian genocide as one forgets the Colombian genocide is an invitation to repeat it," Petro wrote on social media on Thursday.Ac