Israel is reportedly planning to change its strategy in Gaza.

Strategy Shift

The Story

Israel is reportedly planning to change its strategy in Gaza.

Explain.

Yesterday, the New York Times reported that Israel could be scaling back its ground and air offensive as it focuses on more targeted warfare. The Israeli military has already begun cutting back on the number of troops it has in Gaza. Now, Israeli officials have reportedly told the US that they plan to complete the transition by the end of the month. It comes as Israel focuses not only on Hamas but on another Iranian-backed militant group: Hezbollah.

Why?

Iranian-funded Hezbollah has ties to Hamas and has a history of fighting with Israel. Yesterday, Hezbollah said an Israeli strike in Lebanon killed its most senior commander yet. Israel hasn’t commented on the strike. Since Oct 7, the attacks between Hezbollah and Israel mark some of the deadliest fighting since they went to war in 2006. This comes as Israel is also reportedly increasing the number of strikes it carries out in Syria, targeting other Iranian-linked groups and arms transfers. The back-and-forth adds to fears that the conflict could spread to the rest of the region.

theSkimm

Israel could be changing its war strategy amid a mounting death toll that has pushed the US to call for restraint, with more than 23,000 Palestinians now reported killed and more than 1,200 in Israel. It comes as the fighting has now surpassed three months — the longest bout of fighting since 2014.

What’s on Pope Francis’ mind…

Surrogacy. Yesterday, the pope called for the practice to be banned, describing it as “deplorable.” The pope’s comments maintain the Catholic Church’s longtime stance against surrogacy — when someone carries (aka gestates) a baby for someone else. In 2022, the surrogacy market reportedly stood at $14 billion and could grow to $129 billion by 2032. Commercial surrogacy is legal in states like New York, California, and Colorado — with many surrogates making about $60,000 on average. Other states, like Michigan and Nebraska, allow surrogacy where no money is exchanged. Advocates say it’s a way of helping infertile and gay couples start families. But the pope and other critics say the practice exploits poor women and violates the dignity of the woman and child.

Whose puff, puff, pass is making its rounds again…

Elon Musk’s. Earlier this week, the billionaire X owner denied he has a drug problem. It comes after the Wall Street Journal reported that Musk has not only smoked weed but has also used LSD, cocaine, and ecstasy. His alleged illegal drug use reportedly has some concerned Musk could enter a health crisis and that it could violate federal contracts with SpaceX. Musk said he agreed to three years of random drug testing — at NASA’s request — after smoking weed on camera with Joe Rogan. He maintains that “not even trace quantities were found of any drugs or alcohol.” Musk also responded to WSJ’s reporting with “Whatever I’m doing, I should obviously keep doing it.” WSJ said it stands by its reporting.

Who's got Florida Republicans in a tizzy…

Christian Ziegler. Yesterday, the Republican Party of Florida voted to remove Ziegler as chairman amid a police investigation into a rape allegation against him. A woman alleged she had plans for a consensual threesome with Ziegler and his wife. Then, on that day, the woman said she backed out and accused Ziegler of sexual assault. Before the accusation, the Zieglers were known as a GOP power couple in the state and as supporters of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL). Ziegler has denied the allegations and refused to step down. Meanwhile, his wife is resisting calls to resign from a local school board.

Who's taking flight...

Joanna Geraghty. Yesterday, JetBlue announced Geraghty will be taking over as CEO next month — making her the first woman to lead a major US carrier. The news comes as JetBlue has been navigating a $3.8 billion takeover of Spirit Airlines amid antitrust objections from the Justice Department.

...Oh and speaking of airplanes, United Airlines said it found bolts "in need of tightening" on its Boeing 737 Max 9 planes during inspections. The planes were grounded over the weekend after a door on an Alaska Airlines flight blew out midair. 

While Tiger Woods and Nike are teeing up to say ‘goodbye’...

The Michigan Wolverines are saying 'hello' to their first national title since 1997.

Who could feel like he’s hitting a “lil' rich flex”...

Donald Glover.

Where purple rain could be falling…

Broadway.

theSkimm helps you tackle your to-do lists, whether you're refinancing your loans or choosing a daycare for the first time. We talk to experts and real women to empower you to make decisions faster and with more confidence. Check out our guides to get started.

PS: Your feedback makes a big impact. Let us know what you like, what could be improved, and most importantly, if we helped you get sh*t done. Share your thoughts.