Israeli minister says 'Gaza will be entirely destroyed' •

[Dr Strangelove]

VIDEO: Vice president Vance in a message to to Israeli cabinet members:

“If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have left

2/3 of the defensive weapons that have protected your homeland have been built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars.

The problem for Israel is not Donald J. Trump, and anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the President of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation that country is in”

[Dr Strangelove]

[Dr Strangelove]

FACT CHECKING JD VANCE:

JD Vance accused Israeli cabinet members of personally attacking President Trump and warned them to be careful, telling them that Israel relies heavily on American military support.

I went looking for the alleged ‘personal attacks’ on President Trump:

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said Israel “is not a banana republic” and that the agreement “does not bind us in any way.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the deal “bad for Israel and for the entire free world” and warned Israel may have to continue confronting Iran alone.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.

I could not find any cabinet minister personally attacking President Trump.

JD appears to have just made that up.

[Dr Strangelove]

The White House has now confirmed that U.S. Vice President JD Vance will no longer be departing Washington tonight for technical talks Friday in Switzerland with Iran, citing “logistics” involving the delegation from Iran. This announcement follows Israel’s refusal to withdraw from large areas it currently occupies in Southern Lebanon, a stark challenge to the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Iran and the United States.

[Dr Strangelove]

[Dr Strangelove]

HEZBOLLAH CEASEFIRE UPDATE:

Here are all the Hezbollah attacks on Israel between June 17 and June 18:

• 25 separate attacks
• 63 rockets
• 1 missile
• 7 explosive UAV attacks
• 2 IED attacks
• 1 terrorist infiltration attempt involving 5 operatives

In total, 72 munitions and attack events were recorded over 48 hours.

Despite the ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts, Hezbollah continued to launch rockets, drones, and other attacks against Israel throughout the last 2 days.

[Dr Strangelove]

Mamdani Labeled Anti-Semitic After Criticizing AIPAC

Ironic that that most pro-Israeli lobby is the primary proponent of antisemitism worldwide.

[Dr Strangelove]

Israel’s ‘deliberate targeting’ of children part of ongoing Gaza ‘genocide’: UN probe

[Dr Strangelove]

[Dr Strangelove]

Israel withdrawing defence attaché from embassy in Canada
What’s happening
Col. Ilan Or, Israel’s defence attaché in Ottawa, is being recalled to Israel at the end of July.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense says this is part of a global realignment of its defence attaché network.

For the first time in 14 years, Canada will have no resident Israeli defence attaché.

Instead, Israel will shift responsibility to a “cross‑accredited” attaché based in Washington, D.C., who will cover both the U.S. and Canada. This dual‑accreditation model is common, but Canada has historically had its own dedicated attaché.

Why this matters
1. Relations between Israel and Canada are at their lowest point in years
Israel’s ambassador to Canada said in May that the relationship is “the worst it has ever been.”

Key sources of tension:

Canada suspended new military export permits to Israel in January 2024.

Canada recognized a Palestinian state in 2025.

Ottawa has grown increasingly critical of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

2. The move contradicts the 2014 Canada–Israel Strategic Partnership Agreement
That agreement committed both countries to maintain military attaché offices reflecting “increased defense relations.”

Israel’s ambassador told The Globe and Mail that he still believes a defence attaché is necessary.

3. Resource reallocation
Israel says the decision is driven by shifting global priorities and a need to “expand collaboration with high‑interest partners” elsewhere. Canada’s attaché resources are being redirected.

What this signals
This withdrawal is widely interpreted as:

A downgrade in Israel’s defence engagement with Canada.

A reflection of eroding bilateral ties, especially since Canada’s policy shifts on arms exports and Palestinian recognition.

A move that leaves Canada without direct military‑to‑military representation from Israel for the first time since 2012.

Israel insists defence cooperation will continue, just through a different structure.