Ban Ki-moon calls for military to exercise restraint amid uptick in violence; ex-Irish president says situation worse than under previous government, as two visit Israel

Netanyahu, Smotrich, Gallant clear plans for advancement after deadly terror attack on Tuesday near Eli; illegal communities lie adjacent to settlement

Hundreds ascend West Bank hilltop demanding government make good on its promise to legalize the settlement and expand building in response to terror

Cabinet decision with immediate effect also dramatically expedites approval process for construction at settlements, scraps requirement for okay from defense minister or cabinet

NY Times says Netanyahu recently held 40-minute call with Blinken on Saudi demands, while envoy McGurk led delegation to region last week

PA minister Ahmad Majdalani tells ToI that Beijing can use billions in trade as leverage to coax Jerusalem to come to the table as Washington's influence on the global stage wanes

Vote comes days after Blinken said administration already planning to create position, demonstrating determination in Congress to leave footprint on Israel normalization effort

Prime minister also tells Sky News Israel 'will do what we need to do' against Iran's nuclear program, says he's trying to reach middle ground on judicial overhaul

Asked about Riyadh's widely reported demand that US back its civilian nuclear program, bin Farhan says kingdom prefers support from US but notes there are other potential 'bidders'

Top US diplomat Blinken tells AIPAC that integrating Israel in region a 'cornerstone' of White House Mideast policy, pans Israel for steps undermining Palestinians dignity