Axios

Russia's military successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from its new strategic nuclear submarine, the Imperator Alexander III, the country's defense ministry said Sunday.

Why it matters: The announcement comes three days after Russian leader Vladimir Putin officially revoked the country's ratification of a global ban on nuclear weapons testing amid heightened tensions with the West over his war on Ukraine.

CIA director Bill Burns is visiting Israel and other countries in the region this week for talks on the war in Gaza and the efforts to release hostages held by Hamas, two Israeli officials confirmed to Axios.

Why it matters: Burns' trip is part of the Biden administration's ongoing engagement with key parties in an effort to get a humanitarian pause in the fighting and prevent a regional war.

Before and after satellite images help reveal the mass scale of Israel's intensifying bombardment of Gaza in the four weeks since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

The big picture: More than 9,400 Palestinians, including 3,900 children, have been killed in the Strip since the war began, according to the Ministry of Health in Hamas-run Gaza. About 2,000 people have been reported missing — many of whom are believed to be under the rubble.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Sunday he thinks the Senate will pass a measure combining Israel and Ukraine funding.

Why it matters: The House's Israel-only aid bill quickly hit a dead end last week, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) saying the Senate would "not take up the House GOP's deeply flawed proposal."

Israel told the U.S. about a contingency plan for getting fuel into southern Gaza under international monitoring if more hospitals run out, two Israeli officials told Axios.

Why it matters: Humanitarian organizations have been calling for weeks for fuel to be allowed into the Strip, pointing to hospitals that have shut down or are at risk due to dire shortages.

Secretary of State Tony Blinken during his meetings in Tel Aviv on Friday expressed concern over the Israeli cabinet decision to withhold part of the tax revenues Israel collects for the Palestinian Authority, according to two U.S. officials.

Why it matters: The revenues — collected under an agreement between Israel and the PA — are a major source of income for the PA, which is already in a financial crisis.

Many Arab American voters feel betrayed by President Biden's unequivocal support for Israel, and community leaders in Metro Detroit say there's nothing he can do to win them back.

Why it matters: Michigan is a central piece of the Midwestern "Blue Wall" that flipped in Biden's favor in 2020. The state's large Arab American population could be crucial to the outcome in what will be a pivotal swing state again in 2024.

President Biden has been deeply involved in the U.S. response to the Israel-Hamas war — one of the thorniest challenges of his presidency so far — receiving briefings at least once per day and speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu several times a week.

The big picture: Biden is leaning on a tight circle of trusted aides and officials. Here's a look at who's in the room when major decisions are being made.

On college campuses, in workplaces, on city streets and inside the Capitol building and the White House, opinions around the Israel-Hamas war are starkly divided — and the chasm is growing.

Why it matters: The deep divisions are roiling American society, and they have the potential to reshape U.S. politics.

In the wake of Hamas' surprise attack on Oct. 7, U.S. leaders reaffirmed the long-standing strategic and military alliance with Israel — but political disagreements have delayed a new security assistance package.

Driving the news: President Biden requested at least $14.3 billion in additional assistance to Israel, which would include money for air and missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome.

Secretary of State Tony Blinken told his Israeli counterparts on Friday that agreeing to a humanitarian pause will help the U.S. fend off growing pressure it is facing over its support of Israel's operation in Gaza and in turn help Israel buy more time for its ground offensive, according to one U.S. and three Israeli officials with direct knowledge of the talks.

Why it matters: The Biden administration says it supports Israel's goal of dismantling Hamas' military capabilities but it is increasingly under pressure from some Democrats in Congress and its allies and partners in Arab countries to push for a ceasefire in Gaza.