Weekend Rundown: Israel rejected President Trump’s 15-point Gaza plan, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed. Iran laid out strict conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and said there are no talks with the U.S. In Washington, Todd Blanche was narrowly confirmed as U.S. Attorney General, and the Senate passed a short-term funding bill to avert a shutdown. Domestic headlines include a fatal boat capsizing near Liberty Island, Perez Hilton hospitalized after apparent self-harm, and weather, sports and health updates.
Weekend Rundown: Israel Rejects Trump Gaza Plan; Blanche Confirmed as U.S. Attorney General
U.S. President Donald Trump meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on July 28.
This weekend's roundup covers major international and U.S. political developments, breaking domestic news and notable human-interest and sports updates.
International: Gaza, Iran and Regional Tensions
Israel Rejects Trump Plan: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet Sunday that Israel will not accept the 15-point Gaza plan proposed by President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. The proposal called for a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza paired with Hamas disarmament, but Netanyahu said Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. Hamas has said it would disarm only after Israel completes a full withdrawal and halts hostilities.
Iran Sets Demands Over Strait of Hormuz: Iranian officials said there are no active talks with the U.S. after Tehran outlined strict conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Iran would not reopen the strait "until America corrects its behavior." State media relayed Tehran’s demands, which included ending a U.S. naval blockade, unfreezing Iranian assets, lifting sanctions, paying reparations for the war and ceasing hostile actions against Iran and its regional allies. The U.S. has not publicly responded to the list.
Todd Blanche before the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 15. (Jack Gruber / USA Today Network via Reuters file)
U.S. Politics: Blanche, Budget and Campaign Notes
Todd Blanche Confirmed: After weeks of uncertainty, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General early Saturday in a largely party-line 50–49 vote. Blanche, who previously served as President Trump’s personal attorney, won approval after late-night deliberations; only Republican senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted against him. Several earlier Republican holdouts — including Sens. Bill Cassidy, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis — ultimately supported Blanche after he provided assurances, such as an order rescinding a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund (though legal loopholes could allow the fund to be revived).
Short-Term Funding Passed: The Senate voted 90–6 early Saturday to pass a short-term funding measure, averting an immediate government shutdown ahead of the midterm elections.
Campaign and Ethics Updates: Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed confirmed a warm, encouraging call with former President Barack Obama and said he hopes Obama will campaign with him. Separately, Sen. Jim Banks urged Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), who faces abuse allegations, to drop his reelection bid and resign if the accusations are true; Miller denies the allegations and has not been criminally charged.
The Statue of Liberty is seen in New York City on Aug. 5. (Marcin Golba / NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Other Domestic Notes: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did not rule out a future run for president or the Senate in 2028. Postmaster General David Steiner warned that, without congressional action, the cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service could close thousands of post offices, reduce service and raise prices.
Breaking and Human-Interest News
Boat Capsize Near Liberty Island: A boat capsized near Liberty Island late Saturday, killing a 27-year-old woman, identified as Sara Sanchez of Queens, and her five-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia. Eleven other passengers were rescued and treated for minor injuries. The boat’s captain, 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez, was arrested on a charge of reckless endangerment as Coast Guard and New York police investigate whether the trip was an illegal charter.
Perez Hilton Hospitalized: Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton (Mario Lavandeira) was in serious but stable condition after livestreaming what authorities said appeared to be an episode of self-harm from his Miami-area home. His family said he suffered significant blood loss and injuries that will require surgery and a lengthy recovery.
Perez Hilton attends Murray's Misfits at Centerfolds Cabaret Las Vegas on Aug. 11, 2024. (Gabe Ginsberg / Getty Images file)
Hunter Biden Update: Hunter Biden said his father, President Joe Biden, is experiencing cancer that is spreading and described the illness as "very debilitating" and painful.
Thailand Shooting Victims Recovered: Relatives recovered the bodies of victims after a gunman killed at least seven people at a high school and a nearby home outside Bangkok.
Weather, Sports and Health
Typhoon Dolphin: Typhoon Dolphin struck southern Japan, injuring six people and cutting power to more than 50,000 buildings. China closed eastern ports ahead of the storm’s expected impact in some coastal areas.
Sports and Legal Notes: Dutch rider Demi Vollering won the Women’s Tour de France for the second time, taking the final stage and expanding her overall lead. A misdemeanor gun charge against NBA star James Harden in Texas was dismissed, according to court records.
Public Health and Obituaries: Louisiana health officials urged residents to take precautions after five deaths linked to a flesh-eating bacterial infection this year. Basketball figure Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history and a five-time NBA champion as a player with the Boston Celtics, died at 86.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com and has been edited for clarity and flow.
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