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After a meeting that went well into the night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet yesterday approved his plan for a full military takeover of Gaza.
The move is highly contentious. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong immediately warned Israel to “not go down this path”, which she said “will only worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza”.
As Amin Saikal writes, Netanyahu’s continuation of the war is only likely to deepen his country’s isolation.
Polling shows a majority of people in many of Israel’s traditional allies now have an unfavourable view of the country. Even in the United States, public sympathy for Israel is now under 50%.
Many questions remain about Netanyahu’s proposed takeover and his five conditions for ending the war, which were also approved by the cabinet yesterday.
Middle East expert Ian Parmeter will analyse these conditions – and how the crisis is likely to develop – in a new essay for us coming this weekend.
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Justin Bergman
International Affairs Editor
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Amin Saikal, The University of Western Australia
As global opinion turns against Israel and its traditional Western allies distance themselves, the country finds itself increasingly isolated.
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Best reads this week
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Andrew Sinclair, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
World Athletics says its genetic test for women ensures ‘the integrity of women’s sport’ – but science does not support this overly simplistic idea.
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Liz Spry, Deakin University; Craig Olsson, Deakin University
A recent report found about three in four US teens have used AI companion apps – many of which have little to no safeguards from harmful content.
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Milad Haghani, The University of Melbourne; Ruggiero Lovreglio, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
Crowd size estimates are part science, part art. When numbers differ, it’s not necessarily because someone is being dishonest.
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Howard Manns, Monash University; Kate Burridge, Monash University
The dictionary is a living, breathing and evolving record of how language is wrapped up in who we are as Australians. It is vital we protect it.
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Anita Manfreda, Torrens University Australia; Simon Pawson, Torrens University Australia
Tourism Australia’s new campaign is slick and star-studded, but still stuck in the past. After 40 years of clichés, isn’t it time to tell a new story?
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Raf Freire, Charles Sturt University
Cockatoo owners often record their pets dancing to music. Now, researchers have catalogued many of their complex dance moves.
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TC Weekly podcast
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Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
The former five-time Olympic shooter and coal miner wants men of all ages not to be afraid of speaking about their health – as he used to be.
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Our most-read article this week
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Peter Draper, University of Adelaide; Nathan Howard Gray, University of Adelaide
When keeping score, you aren’t supposed to add ‘own goals’ to your own tally.
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In case you missed this week's big stories
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Ilan Noy, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
History shows how devastating famines are and the lasting impact they have. Gaza is no different and a moral stain on those perpetuating it.
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Melanie O'Brien, The University of Western Australia; Ben Saul, University of Sydney; Eyal Mayroz, University of Sydney; Paul James, Western Sydney University; Shannon Bosch, Edith Cowan University
Five Australian international law and genocide scholars examine the evidence and share their conclusions.
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Martin Duck, University of Sydney
The new proposal to phase out tax breaks on more than one investment property would affect around 1% of Australians.
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Angel Zhong, RMIT University
In a market where milliseconds matter, even a minor error can have major consequences. But this latest mistake shows the ASX faces a credibility crisis.
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Andrew Norton, Monash University
After two years of trying to reduce international student numbers, the Albanese government will soften its approach in 2026.
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Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
She replaces Reece Kershaw, who is retiring after holding the commissioner’s post since 2019.
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Anne Twomey, University of Sydney
Ward’s lawyers argued the politician’s convictions were not enough for him to lose his job. The NSW Supreme Court disagreed, and Ward has now resigned.
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Liz Allen, Australian National University
Greater longevity of marriages has been heralded as a sign of more successful relationships, but the reality is far more nuanced.
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Ivan Franceschini, The University of Melbourne; Ling Li, Ca' Foscari University of Venice
A nationwide crackdown in July led to 3,000 arrests. But large scam operators seem to have been left untouched.
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Adam Simpson, University of South Australia
Myanmar’s generals are planning an election the opposition has slammed as a sham. They could see Trump’s interest in the country as a way of legitimising the polls.
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Bradley Smith, CQUniversity Australia
She’s six years old, lives in Brisbane and might just be one of the best resilience coaches on television.
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Lorinda Cramer, Deakin University
Men’s glasses are having a moment, thanks to the internet’s favourite little descriptor.
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Let’s move on
"Australian tourism ads need to move on to reflect the multicultural experience. Perhaps comparing the old ads with how Australia has changed to today. The old stereotypes aren’t where I live now. Wake up, ad agencies."
Dianne Van Heyningen 
Tiny homes
"In the current housing crisis, I can’t understand why councils are so slow to accept tiny homes. It’s a no brainer, as far as helping to meet the needs for some with limited access to the market, and a good entry point for many. Please councils, pull your collective fingers out and get moving on this issue. We cannot wait any longer."
Lyn Pearson
The death of the Aussie dictionary
"I'm not surprised the Australian dictionary is being killed off. For many years, Australian governments have facilitated the introduction of "Americana" in our schools and libraries, via a notorious American Multinational, Scholastic Corp. Scholastic Corp has established "Scholastic" companies in every English-speaking country in the world. In Australia, Scholastic is endemic throughout our schools and in our school libraries, where they basically own the bookshelves. Meanwhile, local authors and publishers struggle to make a living."
Bob Fantozzi
We'd love to hear from you. You can email us with your thoughts on our stories and each day we'll publish an edited selection.
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The Australia Institute
Canberra ACT, Australia
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Contract
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The University of Sydney
Camperdown NSW, Australia
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Full Time
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