Israeli defense minister officially steps down

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was replaced by former Foreign Minister Israel Katz after being fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gallant’s dismissal has led to mass protests in Israel, with many seeing him as a moderate voice in a far-right government. Katz, a Netanyahu loyalist, has taken over the position. The Israeli military is preparing to open a new aid crossing into Gaza as the U.S. deadline for increased aid approaches. The situation in northern Gaza is dire, with thousands of Palestinians in need of essential items. The Israel-Hamas war has resulted in numerous casualties, and Hezbollah has also joined in the conflict by firing into Israel.