The US is exploring plans to establish a large military base on Israel's border with Gaza, capable of housing thousands of troops to enhance direct control over the region and support future stabilization efforts, though details remain uncertain and the plan may still be in early stages.
The IDF has prepared a shadow general staff in a secure bunker to take over in case the entire military command is killed during a potential war with Iran, reflecting serious planning for a 12-day offensive and possible Iranian retaliation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin told military pilots that the supply of F-16 fighters to Ukraine by Western countries would not change the situation on the battlefield, but noted that the aircraft can carry nuclear weapons, which Moscow would have to consider in its military planning. He stated that the F-16s would be legitimate targets, wherever they might be located, following comments by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that the aircraft should arrive in Ukraine in the coming months.
Ukrainian President Zelensky suggested that Russia had obtained sensitive military planning information for Ukraine's 2023 counteroffensive, which largely failed, and stated that Kyiv is preparing multiple versions of its battlefield strategy for 2024 to prevent a repeat. Russian forces are now advancing in eastern Ukraine after capturing the town of Avdiivka, with Zelensky confirming that Ukraine has a clear plan for this year despite concerns about information leaks.
Leaked German military documents describe a scenario where Russia wins in Ukraine and goes to war with NATO, seeking to seize territory in the Baltics. The documents, part of worst-case scenario planning, imagine a 2024 offensive by Russia to take advantage of waning Western support, with the end goal of moving Russian troops into the Suwalki Gap. While the scenario is considered "extremely unlikely," it highlights concerns about potential Russian aggression and the need for continued Western support.