Netanyahu Orders IDF to Seize 70% of Gaza as US-Iran Truce Awaits Trump Approval (May 29, 0630 UTC, 0930 Israel) (Morning Edition)

US-Iran Truce MoU Awaits Trump Approval

US and Iranian negotiators have reached a memorandum of understanding for a 60-day ceasefire extension and the opening of formal talks on Iran's nuclear program, according to US officials. The framework requires President Donald Trump's final approval Al Jazeera English. Vice President JD Vance stated the US is 'not there yet' with Iran but 'close,' adding that Iranians are negotiating 'in good faith' Times of Israel. Trump himself described the negotiations as involving 'give-and-take' and called the Iranians 'very good negotiators' Bint Jbeil News. However, US officials warned that progress could quickly collapse if Trump decides not to approve the MoU Quds News Network.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Explosions were reported near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian media claiming missile launches toward unspecified targets and reports of Iranian naval forces firing warning shots at vessels attempting to transit without permission Jerusalem Post Ynetnews. Unofficial IRGC-affiliated channels reported that four ships were shot at for entering the strait 'without Iran's permission' War Monitors. Iran's UN ambassador asserted that Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz are lawful and consistent with international law IRNA.

CENTCOM Denies Iranian Downing Claim

Iranian state TV claimed a US aircraft was destroyed in Jam governorate near Bushehr, citing a local governor. A US official, speaking anonymously, denied any US aircraft were shot down Times of Israel. CENTCOM officially labeled the Iranian claim as 'complete falsehood and propaganda' Haaretz News 0404 IL.

Mossad Network in Iran

Israeli media reported that Mossad built a covert network inside Iran before launching attacks during the 12-day war, recruiting and training Iranian agents who lived ordinary lives while awaiting orders Quds News Network.

Israeli Strikes Kill 14 in Southern Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon killed at least 14 people, including in the city of Sidon, ahead of diplomatic talks in Washington Al Arabiya English. The IDF issued evacuation warnings for several villages, including Ain Qana, ahead of planned strikes Al-Manar TV. Reports indicated an Israeli incursion near the municipality of Jdeidet Marjayoun and the electricity company Bint Jbeil News.

Hezbollah Attacks on Israeli Positions

Hezbollah claimed multiple attacks on Israeli military positions. Its Military Media statements reported drone strikes on gatherings of Israeli vehicles and soldiers at Al-Malkiyeh site, and in the towns of Addaisseh, Arab Al-Luwaiza, Biyyada, and Rashaf Al-Manar TV Middle East Eye. Artillery shelling targeted Israeli forces in Shama’a Al-Manar TV. Sirens sounded in Misgav Am and Margaliot in the Upper Galilee; the IDF intercepted a suspicious aerial target in southern Lebanon IDF Official.

Hezbollah Warns on Qaraoun Dam

Hezbollah dismissed Israeli claims regarding the Qaraoun Dam as 'fabricated pretexts' for a potential new attack on the strategic facility, warning of dangerous escalation Al-Manar TV.

Netanyahu Orders 70% Seizure of Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he directed the IDF to increase control of Gaza to 70%, calling it a 'start' BBC News Times of Israel. The directive goes well beyond the terms of the existing truce. Netanyahu stated, 'We are currently at 50% and I have instructed the IDF to take control of 70% of the Strip' Middle East Eye.

Overnight Strikes and Casualties

Israeli attacks continued overnight across Gaza. An Israeli drone strike hit a police post in Al-Mawasi area west of Khan Younis, killing at least three Palestinians and wounding several others. Additional casualties were reported in Al-Qarara northwest of Khan Younis after a strike near agricultural greenhouses. In Gaza City, Civil Defense crews evacuated five injured Palestinians after a fire erupted in warehouses on Al-Yarmouk Street following an Israeli attack Quds News Network. Over the past two days, 16 Palestinians were killed in the Gaza Strip, according to health officials Haaretz.

Water Tanker Confiscation Petition

Palestinian herders filed a High Court petition against the IDF's confiscation of water tankers in a West Bank Bedouin hamlet, demanding the military provide for humanitarian needs as residents can no longer sustain themselves or their livestock Times of Israel.

Israel Cuts Ties with UN Chief

Israel severed ties with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres after the UN added the IDF to a blacklist of parties committing conflict-related sexual violence. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon stated, 'We are done with this secretary-general,' calling the decision 'shameful' Times of Israel Al Jazeera English. The Foreign Ministry accused Guterres of exploiting his final months in office to fabricate accusations Times of Israel.

US-Israel Military Integration

The US House version of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act includes provisions to further integrate US and Israeli militaries, according to an analysis by Responsible Statecraft Quincy Institute.

UK Police Probe Verbal Assault on Helen Mirren

London's Metropolitan Police are investigating a resurfaced video from last year showing a man accosting actress Helen Mirren, calling her an 'evil Zionist bitch,' as a possible hate crime. Mirren portrayed former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in a 2023 biopic Times of Israel.

Russian Drone Strikes Romanian Apartment Building

A Russian drone struck an apartment building in Galați, Romania, near the Ukrainian border, injuring two people. The drone entered Romanian airspace during Russian attacks on the Ukrainian port of Izmail across the Danube River Behold Israel.

Mexico Backs Amendment on Foreign Interference

Mexico's government backed a constitutional amendment to annul election results over foreign interference, a move critics say could undermine the electoral process Al Jazeera English.

Sectarian Attack in Syria

Two civilians from the Al-Murshidiyah community were killed and four injured in a sectarian-driven attack by unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle in Al-Qaherah village in western Hama countryside, Syria [Syrian Observatory for Human Rights].

Tensions in Al-Raqqah

Growing tension and calls for demonstrations were reported in Al-Raqqah city following reports of authorities pursuing security personnel involved in arresting a tribal militia leader [Syrian Observatory for Human Rights].

Trump Threatens Oman

President Trump threatened to 'blow up' Oman if it gets involved in the dispute over shipping access to the Strait of Hormuz, amid reports of Muscat's ties to Iran Al Jazeera English FDD.