ISRAEL: Netanyahu Gov't Loses Its Majority, But No Short-Term Threat

Amichai Stein at i24 posts on X: "PM Netanyahu coalition loses its majority: Shas party announces it will leave the coalition turning Netanyahu's coalition to a 'minority coalition' (less then 61 MK's).  BUT: They won't vote no [confidence] in the government or in favor of dissolving the parliament SO: Technically the coalition can hold until the end of the knesset recess, which is until the end of October." For more info see "ISRAEL: Shas Seriously Considers Leaving Coalition As Gov't's Majority Dwindles', 08:57BST.

• The loss of a majority comes as Israel escalates air and drone strikes on Syrian gov't targets both in the southwest of the country and in Damascus, including near the presidential palace amid sectarian violence involving the Druze community.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the US is "very worried about the violence in southern Syria", adding "It is a direct threat to efforts to help build a peaceful and stable Syria". Rubio: "We have been and remain in repeated and constant talks with the governments of Syria and Israel on this matter."