Israeli lawmakers have approved the country’s 2026 national budget, significantly increasing military spending as the country faces escalating tensions and ongoing military operations across the region.

The budget, passed by the Knesset, prioritizes defense funding as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza Strip while confronting threats from Iran and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that one of its peacekeepers was killed and another critically injured during an incident in southern Lebanon.

The UN mission said the attack occurred amid heightened clashes along the Israel-Lebanon border, though details about the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

In a separate development, former U.S. president Donald Trump reportedly suggested that the United States could seek control over Iran’s key oil export facilities, including Kharg Island.

Kharg Island is responsible for the majority of Iran’s oil exports and is considered strategically vital for the country’s energy sector.

At the diplomatic level, Pakistan stated that both the United States and Iran have expressed confidence in Islamabad’s ability to facilitate possible peace talks between the two sides.

Pakistani officials said they are prepared to support diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting dialogue.