The Pentagon’s watchdog has found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put U.S. personnel and their mission at risk when he used the Signal messaging app to convey sensitive information about a military strike against Houthi militants in Yemen. That's according to two people familiar with the findings on Wednesday. One of the people says Hegseth, however, has the ability to declassify material and the report did not find he did so improperly. Hegseth denied posting classified information regarding plans for a military strike against Houthi militants in Yemen in March. The review by the Pentagon inspector general’s office was delivered to lawmakers, who were able to review the report in a classified facility at the Capitol.

Israel says it launched an airstrike in southern Gaza in retaliation for an attack by militants earlier in the day that wounded five Israeli soldiers. Israel also has received remains in Gaza of a possible hostage and says it will begin allowing Palestinians to leave the war-torn territory through a border crossing with Egypt. The remains will be examined to determine whether they belong to either of the two last hostages in Gaza. It was not immediately clear when the Gaza border crossing would be opened. Egypt wants Palestinians to immediately be able to return to Gaza through the crossing. Israel says it won't allow two-way crossings until all the Gaza hostages are returned.

Pope Leo XIV has celebrated Lebanon's tradition of interfaith coexistence as a beacon of hope for a conflict-torn region. On Monday, he asked for “the divine gift of peace” alongside the country’s Christian and Muslim leaders. Thousands of Lebanese welcomed him despite the rain, throwing flower petals and rice on his car. Leo's visit comes at a tense time for Lebanon, facing economic crises and political deadlock. He praised Lebanon’s religious tolerance, calling it a reminder that unity and peace are possible. The visit has been welcomed as a sign of hope for the Lebanese people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked Israel's president for a pardon during his ongoing corruption trial. His office on Sunday confirmed the request was submitted to the president's legal department. The president's office called it an “extraordinary request” with “significant implications.” Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes. But he hasn't been convicted. He denies the allegations and calls the trial a witch hunt. The request follows U.S. President Donald Trump's urging for a pardon. Legal experts say the request can't stop the trial. Opposition leaders oppose the pardon without an admission of guilt and withdrawal from political life.