Nine Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza; Hegseth fires Navy Secretary; Journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin acquitted in Kuwait

U.S. Navy intercepts at least four Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters. President Donald Trump says new Iran talks possible as soon as Friday. Trump orders Navy to shoot and kill Iranian boats laying mines in Strait of Hormuz. Israeli strikes and violations continue in southern Lebanon. Lebanese and Israeli envoys meet Thursday as Beirut seeks ceasefire extension and Israeli withdrawal. Hezbollah carries out four attacks on Israeli positions in southern Lebanon, citing ceasefire violations. Haaretz: Israeli soldiers engaged in widespread looting in Lebanon. Israeli strikes kill at least nine Palestinians across Gaza, including three children. Israeli settlers and soldiers have killed 40 Palestinians in 2026. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fires Navy Secretary John Phelan mid-war. Senate Republicans advance $70 billion immigration enforcement funding blueprint. FBI opened inquiry into New York Times reporter who wrote about Kash Patel's use of bureau resources for his girlfriend. Kalshi penalizes three political candidates for betting on their own elections. Chemical leak at West Virginia silver recovery plant kills two, hospitalizes nearly 30. Journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin acquitted in Kuwait after 50+ days in detention. Peru's defense and foreign ministers, electoral chief resign. Sudanese military resumes manned air strikes over Kordofan. ICC confirms charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. King Charles will not meet Epstein victims during U.S. state visit.

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By Julian Andreone, with Ryan Grim. Have a tip on Capitol Hill? Email Andreone at Julian@dropsitenews.com.

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