Israeli Strikes On Lebanon Put Middle East Ceasefire In Doubt, Razor Gang Targets Ndis, Outback Town For Sale

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Morning everyone. Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon could threaten hopes of making the Middle East ceasefire stick, with Iran blocking shipping in the strait of Hormuz in protest. The White House denies the waterway is closed. We have full reports and analysis on another tumultuous night.

Closer to home, we report exclusively on how Labor has set up a razor gang to drive NDIS savings, Timor-Leste’s fears it is prey to organised crime, and the tiny outback town that could be yours for $400,000.

Running on empty | Amid rise in reports of fuel theft and drive-offs from petrol stations, one trucking boss tells us that it’s a sign that people are getting “desperate”. There might be some price relief ahead but as the Middle East conflict continues, Anthony Albanese appears to have modified his “don’t buy in, don’t bite back” approach to Donald Trump, our chief political correspondent argues.

Exclusive | Labor has quietly established a razor gang to drive budget savings in the national disability insurance scheme, as it works to further rein in costs ahead of next month’s federal budget.

José Ramos-Horta | Timor-Leste is vulnerable to “infiltration by foreign organised crime”, the country’s president has warned after a joint Guardian investigation revealed an alleged connection between three individuals involved with a proposed “blockchain theme” resort project in Dili and the Prince Group, which was sanctioned by the US and UK governments in October.

Rising temperatures | Extreme heat is already creating “non-survivable” conditions for humans in heatwaves that have killed thousands and likely many more, according to new research.

Trial questions | As Ben Roberts-Smith remains in custody after being charged with five counts of the war crime of murder, our justice and courts reporter looks at how any criminal trial will differ from his long-running defamation case.