Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky said Thursday night that the United States should stop all military aid to Israel, citing mounting civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip. Newsweek reached out to Massie's office via email Thursday for comment.

Israel said the newly announced settlements​ in the occupied West Bank would include the legalization of outposts already built without government authorization.

Israel is facing growing international pressure as aid distribution efforts in Gaza devolved into chaos during the first days of a controversial new mechanism backed by the United States and Israel.

The reported killing of Mohammad Sinwar deepens Hamas's leadership crisis as Israel escalates its campaign amid Gaza's worsening humanitarian crisis.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that 22 new settlements will be established in the West Bank.

Israel says it will authorize 22 Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. They would include new settlements and the legalization of outposts already built without government authorization.

Israeli media cited the Defence Ministry as saying that among the new settlements, existing "outposts" would be legalised under Israeli law and new settlements would also be built.

Israel is caught in a difficult position with its most important ally on its most pressing national security question.