U.S. Vice President JD Vance considered a visit to Israel on Tuesday but canceled due to the expanding military operation in Gaza, a senior U.S. official told Axios.

The official said Vance didn’t want the trip to signal support for the operation while the U.S. pushes for a ceasefire and hostage deal.

Source: Axios

Japan’s Debt Dilemma – “Worse than Greece?”

With 263% gross debt-to-GDP, rising interest costs, and a rapidly aging population, Japan faces serious fiscal challenges.

Top 3 Largest Employers in the World (2024)

🇮🇳 Ministry of Defence (India) - 2.99M employees
🇺🇸 U.S. Department of Defense - 2.93M employees
🇨🇳 People’s Liberation Army (China) - 2.55M employees

Earlier this month, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Doug Wickert warned civic leaders near Edwards Air Force Base that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could bring massive disruption to their region from the outset.

“If this war happens, it’s going to happen here,” Wickert said.

He noted that critical targets like Northrop Grumman factories, which produce the B-21 Raider bomber, could face strikes.

Source: Reuters

Spain’s Prime Minister Sanchez:

Israel should be banned from Eurovision.

British PM Starmer:

The situation in Gaza is unacceptable and intolerable, and we are working with partners to see what we can do about it.

Zelensky:

Ukraine is not afraid of direct talks with Russia, and it is important that the Russian leadership does not prolong the war.

Joe Biden has posted his first photo since announcing his cancer diagnosis.

JD Vance:

We realize that there is a bit of an impasse in talks over the war in Ukraine.

JD Vance:

Putin doesn't seem to quite know how to get out of the war.

JD Vance:

If Russia is not willing to engage, eventually the US has to say that this is not our war.

Trump is attacking Beyoncé 50 minutes before his scheduled call with Putin.

China has accused the US of undermining Geneva agreements following the latest adjustment to chip export restrictions.

China urged Washington to "correct its mistakes" and respect prior commitments.

White House:

Trump will call Zelensky once his talk with Putin ends.

White House:

We are communicating with both sides of the conflict in Gaza.

White House:

Trump is open to meeting Putin.

White House on sanctioning Russia:

Everything is on the table, including secondary sanctions.

Kremlin:

The Ukrainian settlement will require painstaking and lengthy work.

White House:

Trump invited the Pope to the White House.

NEW: Romania's Interim President Ilie Bolojan signed laws allowing the downing of drones in Romanian airspace.

Source: Digi24

Italian MP Angelo Bonelli slams Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for failing to condemn the genocide in Gaza.

“I am disgusted and repulsed by your hypocrisy. You couldn’t condemn a genocide happening in front of the whole world.”