Investing.com -- Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced on Friday that the country would permanently annex land in Gaza if Hamas continues to withhold hostages. This statement was made amid increasing tension, following the resumption of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, and the deployment of additional Israeli troops into the Palestinian territory.

The recent military actions are indicative of a breakdown in the ceasefire that was established in mid-January. The ceasefire appears to be unraveling due to the ongoing hostage situation with Hamas.

In related news, Israel’s high court issued a temporary suspension on Friday of the cabinet’s decision to remove Ronen Bar, the leader of the Shin Bet intelligence agency. This decision was made on Thursday by the cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The proposed dismissal of Bar led to widespread protests, as thousands of Israelis took to the streets, arguing that the government is attempting to undermine the system of checks and balances.

The government may decide to challenge the court’s ruling. The suspension is temporary, and the final decision on Bar’s position remains uncertain. These events highlight a period of internal and external tension for Israel, with the government grappling with both the hostage situation in Gaza and the public outcry over proposed changes to the intelligence agency.

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