The Times of Israel is liveblogging Thursday’s events as they unfold.

Saudi Arabia reports crew safe after tanker struck in Red Sea, causing fire

A Saudi-owned vessel, the ENCELIA, was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire at the front of the ship, Saudi state news agency SPA reports, citing an official source at the General Transport Authority.

The source says all crew members are safe and that authorities have taken necessary measures to secure the vessel and crew and protect the marine environment.

US House approves $1 trillion defense bill that would boost security ties with Israel

The US House of Representatives narrowly passes its version of a massive defense policy bill, despite Democrats’ concerns about its huge price tag, the Iran war and a provision that would boost Pentagon ties to Israel.

The fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, which authorizes an unprecedented $1.15 trillion in spending for the military, passes the House by 216 to 212.

The vote is largely along party lines, as all but seven Republicans vote in favor of the measure and all but six Democrats vote against.

The NDAA includes several provisions that allocate hundreds of million of dollars to US-Israel joint military projects.

Progressive Democrats sought to rally against a provision that boosted Israeli-US........

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