Overview

• Benjamin Netanyahu used an Australian TV interview to label Anthony Albanese “weak” and say the Australian leader’s record is “forever tarnished.”
• Netanyahu said Israel will take full control of Gaza and dismantle Hamas even if a ceasefire or hostage-release deal is reached, estimating about 50 hostages remain with at least 20 believed alive.
• Israeli forces kept up heavy strikes around Gaza City ahead of a planned offensive, with the military calling up 60,000 reservists.
• Relations deteriorated after Australia denied a visa to far-right Israeli MP Simcha Rothman and Israel revoked visas for three Australian diplomats, as Canberra prepares to back Palestinian statehood at the UN in September.
• Netanyahu rejected accusations of genocide and deliberate starvation, claiming Israel has delivered 2 million tons of food and blaming Hamas for shortages, even as he remains subject to an ICC arrest warrant.