As Israeli elections approach in October, Western nations are signaling tougher stances on Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Britain's foreign secretary vowed a major policy reset on West Bank construction, and France's foreign minister urged the EU to ban trade with settlements, citing record levels of settler violence.
3 September 2026 · The Standard →
The Democratic Republic of Congo said it would relocate its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, joining a small group of countries including the United States in the symbolic step. President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met and spoke of strengthening diplomatic relations, though no timeline was given for the move.
3 September 2026 · The Standard →
US Vice President JD Vance said Thursday he would not characterize the conflict with Iran as a war, despite continuing clashes six months after it began on February 28. Vance stated there is currently no active shooting and that major combat operations lasted six weeks, though he acknowledged fresh clashes have resumed and said the US would not restart talks with Iran until it stops attacks on commercial shipping.
3 September 2026 · The Standard →
Israel announced the release of five civilians captured in southern Lebanon during its war with Hezbollah, with one man already handed over to the Lebanese army via the International Committee of the Red Cross. The remaining four detainees — two Lebanese and two Syrians — are scheduled for release on Friday, ahead of Lebanon-Israel talks in Rome.
3 September 2026 · The Standard →