U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to reiterate Washington's support for its ally, and the two also discussed Iran and Israeli hostages in Gaza,

Iran must make a first step towards improving relations with countries in the region and the United States by making it clear it does not aim to develop nuclear weapons, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday.

In a speech as Israel awaited the release of the first hostages on Saturday, Mr Netanyahu said both president Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the president-elect, had promised him Israel had the right to resume the fighting “in new ways and with very great power” if Hamas violated the deal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a discussion on Thursday to evaluate the Israeli military’s preparedness for the possibility of a third attack on Iran. Also on the agenda: a more aggressive U.S. policy expected from the incoming Trump administration regarding Iran.

The problem for Netanyahu is Netanyahu. Consumed by the desire to stay in power, he has been wedged between overwhelming public demand for the hostages to be released, and those who keep him in power—his coalition partners.

For the Islamist militant group, armed struggle now looks like a dead end. Its future in Gaza depends on the civilian politburo.

Iran's air defense units practiced defending the nuclear facility using point-defense strategies to counter various aerial threats under simulated electronic warfare conditions.

"Everyone recognizes that the Palestinian issue shouldn't be left behind," an expert told Newsweek. "So there must be progress on this."

Mr Rubio told Mr Netanyahu that the US will continue to work "tirelessly" to help free the remaining hostages in Gaza. Read more at straitstimes.com.

As US president inaugurated, Israeli leaders thank him for help with hostage deal, PM 'looks forward' to toppling Hamas with his help; reports say premier may go to DC next month