Axios

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed concern to his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant in a call on Saturday about Israel's role in escalating tensions along the border between Israel and Lebanon, according to three Israeli and U.S. sources briefed on the call.

Why it matters: Austin's message to Gallant reflected growing anxiety in the White House that Israeli military action in Lebanon is exacerbating tensions along the border, which could lead to a regional war.

Homeschooling in the U.S. shot up during the pandemic — and it appears to be here to stay.

The big picture: Homeschooling is now the fastest-growing form of education in the U.S., per a Washington Post analysis.

Pope Francis on Sunday reiterated his calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and more humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Why it matters: Francis' continued calls for peace and that the hostages be freed come as the war enters its 36th day.

Brett McGurk, President Biden's senior Middle East adviser, is expected to travel to Israel and several other countries in the region this coming week to discuss the war in Gaza and the efforts to secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas, four Israeli and U.S. officials told Axios.

The big picture: McGurk's trip is part of the Biden administration's ongoing engagement with key parties aimed at preventing a regional war and getting a hostage deal that includes a longer pause in the fighting in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that he opposes the idea of the Palestinian Authority retaking control of the Gaza Strip on the day after the war.

Why it matters: Netanyahu's position goes against that of the Biden administration, most European countries and the Arab world, which have indicated that the PA must be involved in Gaza after the war.