AMICHAI STEIN

Israeli officials say staying out of Trump’s Board of Peace was never an option, citing influence over decisions, frustration with the UN, and concerns over Gaza and Hamas.

Turkey deployed an advanced radar system at Damascus International Airport, a move Western sources warn could restrict Israel’s freedom of action in Syrian airspace and heighten regional tensions.

The United States has sent more than 60 invitations to heads of state to join US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, with only some countries confirming that their leaders will join.

The prime minister's expected trip comes amid public disagreement between Jerusalem and Washington over the make-up of Gaza's Board of Peace.

"If a person were truly an intelligence asset of a foreign government, they’re just going to say ‘no.’ So, what was the motivation? Were they trying to intimidate him?" Keyak asks.

Netanyahu on Sunday convened several ministers within the senior defense echelon to discuss recent developments in the region. Israeli officials believe that a "US strike on Iran is still an option."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to take the matter up with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the release added. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that "all options remain on the table" regarding US military action in Iran.

Earlier on Thursday, Pakistani outlet Dawn reported that Trump had informed Tehran that the US would not strike the country.

This comes despite the return of all the hostages held in Gaza being a key tenet of the first phase of the ceasefire. The remains of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili remain in captivity.