Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has passed a highly controversial death penalty law that applies specifically to non-citizen Palestinians in the West Bank. The legislation, backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and driven by far-right allies including Itamar Ben Gvir, allows military courts to impose capital punishment in terror-related cases with a simple majority verdict. Critics argue the law effectively excludes Jewish Israelis from prosecution under the same framework, raising serious concerns about discrimination and unequal application of justice. The Palestinian Authority has condemned the move as a “war crime,” citing violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Legal experts and civil rights groups warn the absence of clemency provisions and its application in occupied territory could place Israel in direct conflict with international law. WATCH

US President Donald Trump has stirred fresh controversy by suggesting that Washington could seize Iran’s oil assets, including the highly strategic Kharg Island, the backbone of Tehran’s crude exports. In an interview, Trump claimed that taking control of Iran’s oil would be “easy,” even comparing the potential move to past US actions in Venezuela. He also dismissed critics back home, calling them “stupid” for questioning such a strategy. Trump further indicated that capturing Kharg Island remains one of several options under consideration, while acknowledging it could require a prolonged US presence on the ground. WATCH