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Middle East conflict

Israel must seize Gaza, set up Jewish settlements there — Israeli finance minister

Bezalel Smotrich criticized US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, which provides for the establishment of international forces to ensure security in the enclave

TEL AVIV, August 18. /TASS/. Israel must fully take over the Gaza Strip, establish its military rule there and begin setting up Jewish communities in the Palestinian enclave, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said during his speech in the city of Sderot, located just a few kilometers from the border with Gaza.

"Israel has to take responsibility for Gaza, fully seize the strip, establish military rule and set up Jewish settlements there," The Jerusalem Post quoted the minister as saying.

Moreover, Smotrich criticized US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, which provides for the establishment of international forces to ensure security in the enclave, the newspaper noted. The minister also said that Israel’s security will not be guaranteed without its settlements in the strip. At the same time, he urged the Israeli government to promote voluntary migration of Palestinians from Gaza.

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister and Representative of the Board of Peace Tony Blair and High Representative of the Board of Peace for the Gaza Strip Nikolay Mladenov in Jerusalem. An Israeli source told TASS that the meeting lasted about four hours. After the talks, the prime minister’s office said that Netanyahu agreed to establish two working groups for the Gaza Strip, while demilitarization of Gaza and disarmament of Hamas should be completed before any reconstruction in the enclave.

On August 9, Netanyahu said at the beginning of the Israeli government’s weekly meeting that the country rejects the Board’s 15-point plan for the Gaza Strip and will not withdraw its troops from the Palestinian enclave until Hamas is truly disarmed.

In October 2025, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip with the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, the United States and Turkey. The initiative consisted of three stages: the first one included a halt to hostilities, the release of those detained, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces. The subsequent phases envisioned an end to the conflict and rebuilding the enclave. However, the parties have failed to move on to the second phase of the deal.

Court in Damascus sentences Bashar al-Assad’s cousin to death — TV

The court found Wassim al-Assad guilty of the premeditated murder of several people, murder involving torture, as well as acts aimed at inciting a civil war and an interfaith conflict

China’s New New Shipping seeks joint shipbuilding ventures with Russian firms

The company’s CEO Ke Jin stressed the critical role of operations along Arctic routes

Witkoff, Kushner may bring new proposals on Ukraine to Moscow — expert

Oleg Karpovich views the upcoming visit as an effort by the Trump administration to actively participate in resolving the conflict in Ukraine

Press review: US, Iran opt for war of attrition as Kiev diverts focus with Russia attacks

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, August 17th

Polish deputy defense minister says country preparing for potential war

Cezary Tomczyk also mentioned that Poland is currently working to create a comprehensive SAN drone defense system as part of the Eastern Shield project, which envisages the construction of defensive lines along the borders with Russia and Belarus

Kanye West to perform in St. Petersburg on October 10-11

West has visited Russia several times but has never performed a solo concert in the country

Russia expects provocations during voting in unfriendly countries

Chairwoman of Russia’s Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova linked possible provocations, among other things, to the activity of the people who have left Russia

Foreign investors entering free economic zones in Donbass and Novorossiya, senator says

Dmitry Vorona said the region currently offers the best possible conditions for investors

Ukraine seeks $101 bln in Western financial support for 2026-2027

Ukraine plans to attract a total of about $49 billion in support in 2026 and $52 bln in 2027

One civilian killed, ten more wounded in Ukraine’s drone attacks on DPR during day

Five residential houses, five infrastructure facilities, three trucks, and three passenger cars were damaged

Russian holdings of US Treasuries fall to $27 mln in June

Long-term US government bonds accounted for $23 mln of Russian holdings in June, while short-term securities accounted for $4 mln, the US Department of the Treasury said

FIFA asks to bar Gianni Infantino from running for another presidential term

The European governing body of football, UEFA, previously issued a statement, saying that FIFA had crossed a "red line"

Russian expert says not surprised at Turkey’s potential re-exports of US weapons to Kiev

Ivan Timofeyev, director general of the Russian International Affairs Council, said that Turkey has maintained quite a close and long-time relationship with Ukraine in the military-technical sphere

IN BRIEF: Russian Foreign Intelligence Service on new Western provocation against Moscow

According to the SVR, a Western country plans to accuse Russia of supplying arms to drug cartels and other organized crime groups in Latin American countries

Ukraine loses 674 aircraft during special military operation — top brass

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the enemy also lost 284 helicopters

Russia ready to help African countries fight against terrorism — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat noted that despite the Sahel nations’ withdrawal from ECOWAS, they remain neighbors and Russia "is interested in normalizing relations between them"

Russia, Indonesia to continue to expand mutually beneficial partnership ties — Putin

The Russian leader emphasized that the two countries' relations had been developing most successfully

Several Middle Eastern countries secretly shipping oil through Hormuz — news agency

According to the news agency, the movement of such vessels carries the risk of attacks

Russian Central Election Commission excludes Yabloko party from federal ballot

The changes have been approved at the commission’s meeting and introduced after the Supreme Court’s decision had entered into legal force

Number of people injured in DPR over past week highest in three years

The republic's Human Rights Commissioner Darya Morozova also noted that four civilians were killed by Ukrainian forces during this period

Press review: Russia ready for US-Ukraine talks and oil prices may rise by 25% in 2026

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, August 13th

Kiev launches up to 350 UAVs daily at Belgorod Region over week, killing 15 people — MFA

According to Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik, the Belgorod Region was the area most frequently targeted by Ukrainian troops last week

Missing climbers evacuated from Mount Elbrus, all found alive

They declined medical assistance

Battlegroup Center’s Tornado-S system strikes Ukrainian command post at Dobropolye

The enemy stronghold was destroyed with a salvo of 300-mm guided rockets with high-explosive fragmentation warheads from a distance of approximately 100 kilometers

Summoning Japanese ambassador and West’s terror against Africa: Lavrov’s statements

The Russian foreign minister stated that Moscow was concerned over the involvement of the Ukrainian military in state-sponsored terrorism against Sahel countries

Armenia to feel impact of Russian export restrictions in 2H 2026 — expert

According to Anna Fedyunina, the restrictions will affect a significant share of seasonal shipments of berries, vegetables and fruit

Stubb says Russia's neighbors will play key role in Moscow-Europe dialogue

Finnish President stressed that Moscow and Helsinki are already engaged at several levels, including through their border services

Ukraine has over hundred nationalist battalions — French expert

Laurent Braillard said that he counted the equivalent of 106 battalions across 85 units

West plans to accuse Russia of arming Latin American drug cartels — intel agency

The SVR said the fabricated audio and video materials were also being prepared to support alleged "evidence" of Russia's transferring weapons to Latin Americans through intermediaries

Strong protest expressed to Japanese ambassador over Tokyo's anti-Russian statements

The Russian side informed the Japanese diplomat that Russia's sovereignty and jurisdiction over the southern Kuril Islands are inviolable

Netanyahu, Board of Peace agree to establish two working groups for Gaza — PM’s office

Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the prime minister and Board of Peace had deep and constructive discussions

NATO has official game plan for war with Russia, Bild reports

The NATO Land Warfighting Concept was developed under the leadership of US Major Andrew Pingray

Trump says he and Kim Jong Un understand each other

The US president answered in the affirmative when asked whether the North Korean leader had responded to his proposal to hold talks

Visiting Myanmar’s leader to discuss deepening strategic cooperation with Russia — daily

Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Moscow on Monday

Russian troops gain foothold on southern outskirts of Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka in DPR

Denis Pushilin stated that the Russian forces had the opportunity to move forward after the liberation of Konstantinovka

Russia’s Battlegroup South intercepts over 130 heavy Ukrainian drones over past day

The battlegroup's units destroyed 35 ground robotic systems in the Kramatorsk, Konstantinovka and Slavyansk sectors

Russian tour operators booked solid through September, no 'last-minute' option — ATOR

According to the regulator, the entire market is currently pressured by the appreciation of the US dollar and euro against the ruble, alongside restricted airlift capacity to certain destinations

Number of drones downed while approaching Moscow since start of day reaches 23

Emergency services specialists are working at the sites where debris fell

Oil share in Kazakhstan's exports falls from 52.9% to 46.5% in 1H 2026

Meanwhile, the shares of other commodities supplied by Kazakhstan to global markets increased

Teenage girl returns to Russia from Ukraine, reunited with mother — ombudswoman

According to Maria Lvova-Belova, the mother and the daughter were permanently in touch

Central Election Commission, prosecutor back Supreme Court ruling to squash Yabloko appeal

TASS has compiled the main points surrounding the appeal

Strait of Hormuz to remain closed until US fulfills memorandum terms — parliament speaker

In particular, Tehran demands that the blockade against Iran is lifted, frozen Iranian assets are unfrozen, the oil embargo is removed and threats and military operations on all fronts cease

Even before special operation Ukraine used allies’ satellite imagery against Russia — NYT

According to the newspaper, until recently, access to such data remained limited and was provided primarily to the highest military command for strategic planning

Ukrainian forces tried to flee Rybalskoye through tunnels dug under houses — serviceman

The battlegroup East’s assault troops were located a few dozen meters from the Ukrainian fighters attempting to flee and were covertly monitoring their movements

Iran reduces to nothing most expensive tool of US military presence — expert

Alexander Stepanov noted that the prolonged at-sea deployment and the inherent vulnerabilities of the ships had taken a toll on the crews

West testing all its new weapons in Ukraine — Russian defense official

Akhmat Special Forces Commander Lieutenant General Apty Alaudinov opined that the West is preparing for a future conflict with Russia

Russia expects fish export revenue to remain at 2025 level in 2026 — Shestakov

In 2025, Russia exported 2.1 mln metric tons of fish products worth more than $6 bln

Ukrainian strikes kill around 70 Russian residents in past week, including 3 children

406 people were injured

Whole world always awaits Putin's speech at SPIEF — Kobyakov

Adviser to the Russian President and executive secretary of the forum's Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov that the plenary session attended by Vladimir Putin is another important factor behind the forum's success

Private helicopter crashes on Greek island of Sifnos killing three

The incident occurred in the Tholos area

IN BRIEF: Russian forces deliver strikes on Izmail, Odessa ports, logistics targets

The Russian Armed Forces destroyed a Nova Poshta logistics center on the outskirts of Odessa and hit a Tarantul-class patrol boat at the port of Odessa

Ukraine has no missiles for Patriot systems — TV

According to the television channel, the Patriot system in Ukraine has not made a single launch in about six weeks

Moscow rejects Tokyo’s attempts to dispute Russian sovereignty over southern Kurils

The corresponding message was conveyed to Japanese Ambassador to Moscow Akira Muto, who had earlier been summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry

Russian stock indices decline as trading on Moscow Exchange closes

Analysts at BCS World of Investments point out that if the MOEX Index manages to consolidate around 2,100 points, it will serve as a positive signal

Houthis report drone strike on Saudi Aramco refinery in Jazan

The rebels stated that the attack was in response to an airspace violation in the Yemeni governorates of Saada and Hajjah

Hamas disarmament may begin within month — Kushner

Son·in·law of US President Donald Trump added that this would require cooperation from both sides

Russia’s Battlegroup West downs 113 Ukrainian heavy hexacopters over past day

The battlegroup’s fighters also destroyed 59 UAV control posts

US and Israel agree to establish conflict resolution mechanism in Gaza — Axios

Egypt will take part in the formation of the mechanism, the news portal said

Geran UAV has yet to realize full combat potential — expert

The Geran Seeker series represents the continued development of technologies based on the platform, with the Geran serving as a universal carrier

Press review: Putin’s Iturup visit sends message to Japan as EU falls short of gas targets

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, August 14th

Suspicious explosive device found on Istanbul beach — agency

According to IHA, local residents called the police who subsequently took the item to a specialized center

India, South Korea, UAE show growing interest in Northern Sea Route

Russian Far East and Arctic Development Minister Alexey Chekunkov also added that the number of companies considering the Northern Sea Route as a route for regular shipping is increasing

Support for Ukraine, anti-Russia sanctions taking toll on Latvia’s economy — politician

Riga can no longer turn a blind eye to the economic costs associated with supporting Kiev and anti-Russian sanctions, Ainars Slesers said

Trump says likes idea of declaring Strait of Hormuz US territory

The strait is open, the American leader added

Trump dispatches his representative to SPIEF with secret diplomatic mission — FT

According to the newspaper, the trip to Russia "carried heavy symbolism for the prospect of reviving diplomacy"

Central Election Commission to review removing Yabloko from ballot at next meeting

Deputy Chairman of the CEC Nikolay Bulayev said the commission will adopt a separate decision to adjust the ballot

Trump says unwilling to extend memorandum of understanding with Iran

Iran is not showing willingness to accept the United States’ terms for ending the conflict, the US president added

Japanese ambassador leaves Russia’s MFA after 25 minutes inside building

The diplomat was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry over Tokyo’s protest after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kuril Island of Iturup

China shows stance on WWII outcome with Kuril Islands statement — Russian senator

Asia has not forgotten the lessons of history, and nobody will allow them to be rewritten to serve political ambitions, Natalya Nikonorova said

Israeli army to hold its positions in Gaza — PM’s adviser

According to the statement, Israel will not change its approach to targeted killings of militants either

Trump's approval rating falls to 33%, lowest since inauguration — poll

The poll was conducted from August 14 to 17 among 1,166 U S adults

Serbian Socialist Party announces plans to take part in parliamentary elections on its own

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on August 14 that early parliamentary elections will be held in the country in October or November

Iran’s talks with Oman on Strait of Hormuz held up by US, Israel — diplomat

According to Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei, Tehran and Muscat are working to establish a mechanism that will ensure "respect for the rights of the two coastal states and guarantee the safe passage of merchant vessels"

Attacks on Zaporozhye NPP expose true nature of Kiev regime — senator

The Kiev regime deliberately targets facilities, in the vicinity of which no combat operations can be conducted under any circumstances, Dmitry Vorona said

UK moves toward nuclear war by allowing Ukraine to launch British-made UAVs against Russia

According to the media reports, British drones are now used for deep strikes inside Russian territory

Greek tanker attacked by Ukrainian drone in Black Sea near port of Novorossiysk

The TV channel released a video of the attack featuring a drone carrying out a reconnaissance flight over the sea, and then striking the deck bridge of a Greek tanker

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 390 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

UN peacekeepers report Israel’s increased activity in southern Lebanon

Peacekeepers maintain a visible presence by patrolling, monitoring, clearing routes, reducing explosive risks, and facilitating humanitarian access

Russian sovereignty, jurisdiction over Southern Kuril Islands beyond doubt — MFA

These territories became part of Russia as a result of World War II, as stipulated by the relevant agreements of the Allied Powers and the UN Charter, the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Russian frigate Pallada sails off from DPRK — captain

The sailing ship’s departure from the pier drew several hundred townspeople – despite pouring rain and thunderstorms, people came to see the Russian sailors off

Number of Ukrainian drones flying at Energodar declines significantly, says mayor

According to Maxim Pukhov, measures by the military have yielded results

Three people, including child, injured in drone attack on Moscow Region

According to the Governor Andrey Vorobyov, air defense and electronic warfare systems repelled an attack by more than 150 drones in the Moscow Region

Attempted UAV attack on Moscow largest in two years — TASS calculations

According to Sergey Sobyanin, 620 UAVs flew toward Moscow and the Moscow Region

Ukraine's access to satellite imagery expands thanks to US, private companies — NYT

According to the newspaper, the commercial company Vantor, which has been cooperating with Ukraine for several years, recently launched six more satellites into orbit, increasing its total to ten

Kiev seeks sponsors to upgrade Polish MiG-29 fighter jets — ambassador

Vasily Bodnar explained that the fighters that Kiev had requested from Poland "cannot be used" in their current state

Ghana’s foreign minister says 62 citizens died in Ukraine war, 15 missing

According to Okudzeto Ablakwa, he discussed with the Russian foreign minister stopping illegal recruitment of Ghanaians for the special military operation

American mercenary Conor Kennedy arrested in absentia in Russia, placed on wanted list

He participated in combat operations on the side of the Ukrainian forces incognito

At least 18 logistics centers linked to Ukrainian military destroyed since early August

Warehouse complexes in the Kiev suburb of Brovary, which were also used to supply the Ukrainian armed forces, have been completely destroyed

Takaichi has no right to criticize Putin for his visit to Iturup — news outlet

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has the cheek to lecture Russia about 'hurting Japanese feelings,' while Tokyo has the blood of Russian civilians on its hands by supporting the Kiev regime, the news outlet said

Lawmaker sees Ukraine balancing on verge of financial precipice

Daniil Getmantsev blamed the situation on an economic slowdown in Ukraine and "ill-balanced decisions" in the defense sphere

No explanation from Japan why its ambassador ignored summons to Russian MFA

The Russian foreign minister revaled that the Japanese embassy's response was quite vague

Police find van used by thieves who stole Antonello da Messina works in Sicily

According to the newspaper, the vehicle was abandoned in a deserted area on the outskirts of the city, away from surveillance cameras

Ghana-born man fighting for Russia in Ukraine speaks on special op purpose

Nabillari Isan is a volunteer serving in the ranks of one of the units of the Russian Defense Ministry

Summoned Japanese ambassador arrives at Russian Foreign Ministry

The Japanese ambassador was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry following Tokyo’s protest against President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kuril Island of Iturup

Serbia not supplying weapons to Kiev, arms may leak through gray markets — ambassador

Belgrade has no intention of supporting Ukraine militarily, Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko stressed

What we know about one of this year’s largest drone attacks on Moscow, Russian regions

In total, 791 Ukrainian UAVs were intercepted and destroyed over 16 Russian regions

Europe beginning to recognize need to engage in dialogue with Russia — source

The source noted that the Europeans realized that if they "want to become a significant player again" in world politics, they could no longer depend on American goodwill

SPIEF allows for more meetings than usually held in six months — official

Anton Kobyakov noted that SPIEF and the EEF serve as vital platforms for dialogue between business and government

Putin to hold talks with Myanmar president at Kremlin

The two leaders will discuss prospects for deepening Russian-Myanmar cooperation in various areas, as well as current issues on the international and regional agenda

Summoned Japanese ambassador to come to Russian foreign ministry on Tuesday

According to the statement, Akira Muto "suddenly felt much better"

US Navy signs $22.9 billion contract with Raytheon to boost Tomahawk missile production

According to Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey, the Department called upon industry to expand munitions production, and RTX has answered that call