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Israel reached a deal to form a unity government as it prepares for an expected invasion of Gaza

following the outbreak of war with Hamas, a militant group that controls the enclave.

After days of delay, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister, and Benny Gantz,

leader of the National Unity Party and a former Defense Minister, also agreed to create a,

quote, war management cabinet that would lead the country's military effort.

Senior ministers will be appointed for the duration of the war.

Fresh Israeli air strikes hit Gaza on Wednesday. The enclave's health ministry reported that

at least 1100 people had died since Hamas launched a series of attacks, killing 1200 people in

Israel on Saturday. Electricity was cut off after its only power station ran out of fuel.

Israel has enforced a blockade of the Gaza Strip, cutting off external supplies.

Authorities warned that the blackout would threaten, quote,

all basic life services in what is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

By a narrow margin, Republicans elected Steve Scalise, a conservative congressman from Louisiana,

to be their party's nominee as Speaker of America's House of Representatives.

Mr. Scalise, the House Majority Leader, defeated Jim Jordan, a hardliner from Ohio,

in a closed-door vote. The final tally was 113 to 99. To become Speaker, Mr. Scalise will

...