What's Happening

International

Netanyahu Signals a New Phase in the Israel-Hamas War

What's going on: In a TV interview with Israeli media yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli military’s “intense phase” of fighting against Hamas is nearing an end. But he made it clear that the war would not be over until Hamas stops controlling Gaza. Netanyahu also said the shift would allow the Israeli military to move more troops to Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. It comes as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group based in Lebanon, has escalated in recent weeks. Netanyahu said he’s hoping for a diplomatic solution with the group, but added Israel is prepared to “fight on several fronts.”

What it means: The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has heightened fears that the crisis in the Middle East could spread. Israel’s already facing growing international pressure to end the fighting in Gaza amid an escalating humanitarian crisis. Now, as Netanyahu appears to signal a new phase in the Israel-Hamas war, many are wondering whether a cease-fire deal is still in the future. In his interview, the prime minister said he’s interested in a “partial deal” with Hamas that could free “some” hostages in Gaza — taking a step back from his earlier remarks on a plan that would have released all hostages. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has said it won’t stop its attacks until there’s a cease-fire agreement in Gaza.

Related: What an All-Out War Between Israel and Hezbollah Could Mean (AP News)

US News

Supreme Court Rules on Domestic Violence Gun Control Law

What's going on: The Supreme Court ruled 8-1 to uphold a federal law that bars people under domestic violence restraining orders from owning guns. A Texas man had challenged the law, saying the high court’s 2022 decision expanding gun rights meant he could get a firearm even though he had a restraining order against him. But in the majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the law uses “common sense” and is used “after a judge determines that an individual poses a credible threat” of violence. Justice Clarence Thomas was the sole dissenting voice, arguing that people under restraining orders haven’t been convicted of a crime, so they should be allowed to own guns.

What it means: Gun safety and domestic violence groups hailed the ruling as a major win. Women in the US are 21 times more likely to die from gun violence than women in other high-income countries, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Friday’s decision also signals there is more space for interpretation when it comes to the high court's initial 2022 ruling, which created confusion about gun laws. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court isn’t off for the summer yet. Highly anticipated decisions on presidential immunity, emergency abortion care, and Jan 6 are expected in the coming days.

Related: How the Supreme Court’s Gun Ruling Could Shape Hunter Biden’s Case (Politico)

Health

IUD Pain Isn't Stopping People From Getting the Device

What's going on: More women are willing to endure the pain of IUD insertion, if it means that it’s a more reliable form of birth control. That’s according to a Wall Street Journal report, which found that IUDs have grown in popularity despite the often (very) painful experience of getting one. More than 20% of women said they used an IUD between 2015-2019, according to the CDC. That number only increased after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Planned Parenthood saw a nearly 400% increase in the number of people scheduling IUD appointments online soon after the ruling. This year, the number of appointments is expected to be higher than ever. Now, if only IUD pain management would catch up…

What it means: When 14 states have total abortion bans and lawmakers shoot down contraception protections, what’s a person to do but seek reliable, long-term birth control? According to the Guttmacher Institute, hormonal IUDs have a less than 1% failure rate. The birth control pill is just as effective when used perfectly (not missing a pill). As the spotlight for the anti-abortion movement shifts to contraception, many worry that access to birth control is increasingly at risk. Doctors say those concerns have people opting for IUDs, according to the Wall Street Journal. Expanded insurance coverage and better doctor training have also led more women to seek out the device.

Related: This New Tool Could Make IUD Insertion Less Painful (NYT Gift Link)