LiveLive 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, 2026UpdatesRECAP: Palestinian man shot dead by IDF inside West Bank home, IDF says he 'threw objects at the forces'Here areThursday's latest updates from Israel, the West Bank, Gaza and the Middle East:■ Senior Israeli and Lebanese officials denied reports that Israel has withdrawn from any part of the IDF-occupied buffer zone in southern Lebanon, pushing back on a U.S. official's claim that a partial pullback had taken place as a "good faith" gesture. Both Israeli and Lebanese military sources said there was no observable change on the ground, with Israeli forces continuing to enforce the zone.■ Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps said any maritime safety arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz that are not coordinated with Tehran are "unacceptable" and a security risk, warning it would take action against non-compliant vessels.■ U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington seeks a deal with Iran but will not accept any arrangement that undermines U.S. or allied security, adding that the United States does not accept exclusive national control over the Strait of Hormuz.■ U.S. President Donald Trump faced criticism from Republican lawmakers over the Iran war during a closed-door meeting on Capitol Hill, as his administration requested roughly $70 billion in additional funding. Trump also repeated doubts over responsibility for a deadly strike on a girls' school in Iran and defended the administration's handling of negotiations.■ Israeli forces shot and killed Mustafa Taha Mustafa al-Khatib, 32, inside his home in the West Bank village of Sarta, according to Palestinian reports. The IDF said troops opened fire after he "threw objects at forces" during a raid linked to stone-throwing incidents on Route 5.■ Israeli soldier Master Sgt. (res.) Basil Sweid, 32, was killed during operational activity in southern Lebanon after his vehicle overturned, the IDF said. Another soldier was moderately wounded in the incident, which the military described as an accident.■ Hundreds of protesters demonstrated in southern Israel's Be'er Sheva against planned demolitions of homes in the Bedouin village of Tel Arad, gathering outside the Bedouin Development and Settlement Authority. Demonstrators, joined by Arab Israeli lawmakers, said the state was advancing evacuations without a long-term solution for residents.Israel, Lebanon deny that Israel has withdrawn from IDF-occupied buffer zone in southern LebanonSenior Israeli and Lebanese officials denied on Thursday that there had been any Israeli withdrawal from occupied southern Lebanon, after a U.S. official said Israel had pulled some of its troops back in a "good faith" gesture toward Lebanon's government.A senior Israeli official rejected the report, while an IDF source said the military was unaware of any such move. "I don't know of such a thing," the source said, adding that "de facto, we haven't moved from anywhere as of now."IDF soldiers at Fort Beaufort, Lebanon, earlier this month. Credit: the IDF Spokesperson’s UnitIDF soldiers at Fort Beaufort, Lebanon, earlier this month. Credit: the IDF Spokesperson’s UnitA senior Lebanese military official also said developments on the ground "show the opposite of a pullback," adding that Israeli forces had been enforcing their so-called buffer zone against anyone approaching it, including Lebanese army troops.Israel withdraws from part of southern Lebanon 'buffer zone', U.S. official saysIsrael has reportedly withdrawn from parts of southern Lebanese territory it occupies in war with Hezbollah, according to a U.S. State Department official on Thursday, who added that Lebanon's armed forces should now step in.There was no immediate comment from Israel. A senior Lebanese security official said they were ‌unaware of any withdrawal of Israeli troops from ‌Israel's so-called "buffer zone" in southern Lebanon.IDF forces maneuvering in southern Lebanon, last week. Credit: Gil EliyahuIDF forces maneuvering in southern Lebanon, last week. Credit: Gil EliyahuThe State Department official did not say how much territory Israel withdrew from or where exactly the pullback occurred. Israel and Lebanon have been holding U.S.-brokered talks in Washington aimed in part at halting fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia."Israel has already taken a concrete step by pulling back from a part of its buffer zone," the official said, calling it a "significant demonstration of good faith toward Lebanon's legitimate government.""The (Lebanese Armed Forces) should now move in and verifiably clear ⁠out terrorist weapons and infrastructure," the official added. "This model will be repeated across South Lebanon, enabling the safe return of displaced families, reconstruction ‌of the south, and the restoration of full Lebanese sovereignty."Read the full articlePalestinian man shot dead by IDF inside West Bank home, IDF says he 'threw objects at the forces'Israeli forces shot and killed Mustafa Taha Mustafa al-Khatib, 32, inside his home in the West Bank village of Sarta near Salfit on Thursday, according to Palestinian reports.Palestinian sources said Israeli troops raided the village early in the morning and opened fire on Khatib while he was inside his home, adding that his body was not taken by the military.Mustafa Taha Mustafa al-Khatib, 32, from the West Bank village of Sarta. Credit: Used in accordance with section 27A of the Israel Copyright LawMustafa Taha Mustafa al-Khatib, 32, from the West Bank village of Sarta.Credit: Used in accordance with section 27A of the Israel Copyright LawThe IDF said forces opened fire after al-Khatib "threw objects at the forces" and that the incident followed a suspect apprehension procedure, including warning shots. A security source said troops entered the village to investigate stone-throwing incidents targeting Israeli vehicles on Route 5. According to the source, al-Khatib threw "plates, bottles, a cabinet and a knife" at the soldiers, prompting return fire.U.S. Secretary of State Rubio: We won't accept that Hormuz belongs to any nation stateU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States is seeking a deal with Iran but will not accept any agreement "at any price," as he arrived in Bahrain for meetings with Gulf Cooperation Council officials."We want a deal with Iran, we don't want a deal at any price," Rubio said, adding that Washington is "open for peace that is enduring and real" and that does not undermine U.S. or allied security and prosperity. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C) attends a meeting with foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states in Manama, Bahrain, Thursday. Credit: Eric Lee/AP U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C) attends a meeting with foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states in Manama, Bahrain, Thursday. Credit: Eric Lee/AP He added that the U.S. "while committed to this process," will ensure that "none of the decisions made will counter the interest of our allies and partners," and stressed that Washington wants any agreement to take "into account the interests of allies."On the disputed status of the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio said, "We won't accept that Hormuz belongs to any nation state," and added that any transit charges should be treated as "a toll… or a fee – at the end of the day it's all semantics."At earlier stops, he told officials in Kuwait that Washington would not take steps that "undermine the security of our longstanding allies in the region."U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain during a visit to discuss the interim U.S.-Iran deal with Arab Gulf allies, in Manama, Bahrain, Thursday. Credit: Eric Lee/REUTERSU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain during a visit to discuss the interim U.S.-Iran deal with Arab Gulf allies, in Manama, Bahrain, Thursday. Credit: Eric Lee/REUTERSThe trip comes as Gulf states voice concern over provisions in the emerging U.S.-Iran understanding, including questions over sanctions relief and maritime arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz.In Bahrain, Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani welcomed Oman's announcement of a corridor for the safe passage of vessels through the strait, as he chaired a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting during Rubio's visit.Hundreds protest in southern Israel against planned demolition of Bedouin village homes Hundreds of protesters demonstrated in the southern Israeli city of Be'er Sheva on Thursday against the planned demolition of homes in the Bedouin village of Tel Arad, gathering outside the Bedouin Development and Settlement Authority.Protest in Be'er Sheva against the demolition of houses in southern Israel's Tel Arad, Thursday. Credit: Eliahu HershkovitzProtest in Be'er Sheva against the demolition of houses in southern Israel's Tel Arad, Thursday. Credit: Eliahu HershkovitzThe demonstrators said the state is advancing demolitions and evacuations before a full solution is found for residents. Many held signs reading "The expulsion of the Bedouin will not pass," "No to demolitions, yes to construction," and "Stop the house demolitions."Several lawmakers joined the protest, including United Arab List leader Mansour Abbas, Ta'al Chairman Ahmad Tibi, Walid Alhwashla, and Ofer Cassif of Hadash-Ta'al.Rahat Mayor Talal al-Karnawi said, "We want to live in cooperation and peace," adding, "We will plan a tent city at the entrance to Be'er Sheva and at the entrance to Ofakim, where we will live."Dr. Jamal Zahalka, head of the Higher Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel, said, "We are not seeking confrontation, but peaceful solutions," adding that negotiations could be held between public representatives and the government. "Many experts say the land issue can be resolved. But if they force demolitions, land expropriation and transfer on us, we say one word – no."Read the full articleIsraeli 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. Another soldier was moderately wounded in the incident and evacuated for medical treatment.Since the beginning of the current round of fighting in Lebanon on March 2, 37 IDF soldiers have been killed. 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 SpokespersonSheikh Mowafaq Tarif, spiritual leader of Israel's Druze community, said another Druze "hero" had fallen in the war in Lebanon, adding, "There are no words capable of describing the pain over the loss of a young man in the early years of his life." Tarif added that Sweid served hundreds of reserve duty days, describing his service as "a mission and a privilege," volunteering for months in an emergency operations center established by the Druze community after violence against Druze in Syria in July 2025. "The Druze community continues to bear a heavy burden and pay a very heavy price. The best of our youth are being cut down." Tarif said Sweid's death "reflects the partnership of the Druze community in the State of Israel," adding that this partnership "must exist not only on the battlefield but also in civilian life."Basil Sweid Credit: Section 27A of the Copyright Law Basil SweidCredit: Section 27A of the Copyright Law On 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."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