Germany's Chancellor Merz on Israel:

Germany has a special responsibility toward the State of Israel.

We cannot and will not support a general sanctions regime against Israel.

That position will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.

Germany's Chancellor Merz:

Over the next four years, the German federal government will reduce the number of positions in the federal administration by 8 percent.

That is why I also want to say to the European Commission: it is not acceptable for 2,500 new positions to be created for the European institutions.

We will not accept that.

Zohran Mamdani on ICE:

I believe it's a cruel agency. I believe it's inhumane. I believe it does nothing to serve in the interest of public safety.

I believe it should be abolished.

Source: The Root

Zelensky and Polish PM Tusk met in Lublin today to discuss bilateral relations, Ukraine's diplomatic efforts, air defense, regional security, and support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.

Federal Reserve leaves rates unchanged at 3.5%–3.75%.

A U.S. official said Tuesday night's U.S.-Saudi strikes in Iraq killed about 20 Iranian advisers, including IRGC members and technical advisers.

The sites were targeted to kill them and weaken Iran-backed militias' missile and drone capabilities.

Source: NYT

Former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett on U.S. selling F-35 jets to Türkiye:

We cannot allow our enemies to be armed, because then we won't be able to defend ourselves against this very advanced weaponry.

Former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett:

Qatar are terrorists in suits. That's the only difference between Iran and Qatar, is that Qatar wears suits, and they pretend to be all Western and all advanced and all, you know, progressive.

But these guys have been funding terror across the world.

Alex Jones calls for Trump's impeachment and 25th Amendment.

Ukrainian Air Force lost contact with an F-16 during an air-defense mission on July 29.

The pilot ejected after an onboard emergency, was safely rescued, and is undergoing medical evaluation.

Alarmed by shifting U.S. public opinion, Israeli officials are pursuing a long-term strategy to more deeply embed Israel within America's military and national security establishment, making the alliance harder for future administrations to unwind, according to a confidential CIA assessment.

Source: Capital & Empire

Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met with JD Vance in Washington on Wednesday as tensions with Iran continued to rise.

The visit came a day after the US and Saudi Arabia carried out joint strikes on Iran-linked logistics and weapons sites in Iraq.

During the meeting, Khalid discussed the strikes, Saudi Arabia’s response to attacks on its infrastructure, and delivered a personal message from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia believes Iran will continue escalating through allied militias in Iraq and Yemen’s Houthis.

Source: CNN

Trump on Iran:

We are going to be hitting them very hard because it's our turn to hit them.

They know it's coming. They are asking us not to do it.

They tried shooting at us with 5 rockets last night. We intercepted them all.

Reporter: What can you tell us about the tanker attack in Egypt? Is it related to Iran?

Trump: I've been briefed. It's a little more of the same.

Trump:

Many more people died under Biden than died under Trump from COVID.

COVID was a disaster.

Reporter: Is Andy Burnham the man to lead the UK to excellence?

Trump: He did say one very good thing. He said he was going to open up the North Sea oil.

If he does that, you are going to be a wealthy country.

Trump:

Aberdeen, Scotland, was the oil capital of Europe. Aberdeen was the capital of Europe.

They don't drill oil anymore. Nobody can understand why.

Trump:

Anytime you see windmills, you see a failing country.

Trump:

Andy Burnham will have to mention immigration because it's killing the UK.

Trump:

They are coming from Africa, South America, and different parts of Asia, and they are invading Europe.

It's an invasion, and the UK is a prime suspect.

Trump:

Senator Darline Graham will focus mostly on domestic issues compared to her brother, Lindsey.