APPLENEWS - STORY ADD

Israel-Gaza-Lebanon live updates: US denies giving Israel 'a pass' on Gaza

American officials demanded Israel ensure more aid made it into Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces continued its intense airstrike and ground campaigns in Gaza -- particularly in the north of the strip -- and in Lebanon, with Israeli attacks on targets nationwide including in the capital Beirut. The strikes form the backdrop for a fresh diplomatic push by the White House ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's return to the Oval Office in January.

Tensions also remain high between Israel and Iran after the former launched what it called "precise strikes on military targets" in several locations in Iran following Tehran's Oct. 1 missile barrage.


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IDF intercepts launch from Yemen

The Israel Defense Forces said Monday it intercepted one projectile "that approached Israel from the direction of Yemen."

"The projectile did not cross into Israeli territory," the IDF said in a statement posted to X, noting that the projectile caused sirens to sound in several areas of central Israel.

Overnight, the IDF also said it intercepted four uncrewed aerial vehicles that approached Israel from the east.

-ABC News' Bruno Nota


New Defense Minister says Israel has defeated Hezbollah

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Sunday that his country has defeated Hezbollah after killing the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

"We defeated Hezbollah, and the elimination of Nasrallah was the crowning achievement," Katz said during a handover ceremony at Israel's foreign ministry on Sunday.

The ceremony comes after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired the previous defense minister, Yoav Gallant.

There is no word on how this will affect Israel's operations in Lebanon, which shows no sign of slowing.

"Now it is our job to continue the pressure," Katz said. "We will work together to materialize the fruits of this victory by ensuring that the security situation in Lebanon has changed."


Israeli president to meet Biden

Israeli President Isaac Herzog will meet President Joe Biden on Tuesday during his visit to the U.S., according to Herzog's office.

-ABC News' Bruno Nota


Netanyahu says he's spoken to Trump 3 times, 'we see eye to eye' on Iran

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement Sunday to mark the anniversary of Kristallnacht, highlighting the violence Thursday on the streets of Amsterdam that authorities said targeted Israeli soccer fans there, saying in a statement translated from Hebrew: "We will do what is necessary to defend ourselves and our citizens. We will never allow the atrocities of history to recur."

Netanyahu also said he has spoken to President-elect Donald Trump three times since the election.

"These were very good and important talks designed to further enhance the steadfast bond between Israel and the U.S.," Netanyahu said. "We see eye to eye on the Iranian threat in all its aspects, and on the dangers they reflect. We also see the great opportunities facing Israel, in the area of peace and its expansion, and in other areas."

-ABC News' Dana Savir