Former CIA Director and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta predicts that President-elect Donald Trump will give Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “blank check” in the Middle East, potentially leading to an escalated conflict with Iran. Panetta expresses concern that Trump’s approach could further destabilize the region. He believes that Trump’s foreign policy will favor appeasement of adversaries like Russia, potentially allowing them to retain control of occupied Ukrainian territory. However, Panetta remains optimistic that a more experienced administration could negotiate a fair resolution to the Ukraine conflict. He highlights the complex challenges facing the US in a dangerous world, emphasizing the need for cautious and strategic diplomacy.
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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has stated that it is systematically removing Palestinians from northern Gaza and they will not be allowed to return. The IDF claims there are no civilians left in the north and that humanitarian aid will only be allowed to enter the south. This action has been condemned by international humanitarian law experts as a war crime, specifically forcible transfer and using food as a weapon. Residents in northern Gaza have described the conditions as the worst of the war, with many fleeing to the south without food or resources. Meanwhile, Israel’s war with Hezbollah continues, with an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon killing at least 30 people, many of whom were women and children. Hezbollah has vowed to continue fighting and has declared that no part of Israel is off-limits.
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Iranian officials plan to employ more powerful warheads for the next attack against Israel, even in the face of American preventative attempts. This comes in retaliation against Israel’s October 26 strike on Iran’s military infrastructure, after Iran directed around 200 missiles into Israel earlier that month. Iran’s traditional military forces could be involved in the future attacks, differing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard’s exclusive handling of Israel-related security activity. Iranian officials have articulated a plan to use more than drones and missiles in the oncoming strike; any missiles would have enhanced warheads. The attack will follow the US Election Day but will be before the new president’s inauguration in January.
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The draft legislation “Never again begins now: defense protection and Strengthened Jewish Life in Germany” states a noticeable increase in antisemitism in Germany since the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023. This law aims to protect the Jewish community in Germany and strengthen Jewish life in response to this growing hostility. This suggests an increasing concern about the safety of the Jewish population in Germany.
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IDF soldiers found a stash of weapons hidden amidst dolls in a children’s bedroom and kitchen of a house in a southern Lebanese village. The house was serving as a storage facility for RPGs, launchers, rockets, and grenades. The troops also found tactical tools and intelligence documents reportedly used by Hezbollah terrorists. IDF continues to operate in the area, eliminating terrorists through close-quarters encounters, precise munitions, and air strikes. The existence of additional weapons in the area was suggested by secondary explosions during the destruction of terror targets.
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Iran is reportedly preparing to launch a third direct attack on Israel in response to Israel’s retaliatory strikes last month, according to Al Arabiya. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has threatened a “crushing response” to the Israeli retaliation. There are indications that the attack may be launched from Iraq, possibly involving Tehran’s proxy groups, such as Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iraqi militias. The US has prepared for this possible strike by positioning B-52 strategic bombers in the region. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has warned Iran that it won’t restrain any future Israeli responses if provoked.
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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that on Saturday, Hezbollah launched roughly 100 projectiles at Israel from Lebanon. The IDF assured that they will steadfastly protect Israel and its citizens against threats posed by the Hezbollah terrorist organization. The military strikes mark an escalation in the conflict between the two entities.
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The Biden administration has reportedly urged Iran not to launch another attack on Israel, noting that it would not be able to limit Israel’s response. The warning comes after Iran’s attack on October 1, to which Israel responded with military strikes. The US has warned Iran that it may not be able to ensure that Israel’s response remains as limited and precise as it was previously. Recent intelligence indicates that Iran may be planning an attack on Israel from Iraqi territory within days. US and Israeli officials have stated that Israel’s response would depend on the scale and impact of such an attack.
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The United Nations special rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, has withdrawn from a Montreal conference that included the founder of a designated terror group, Samidoun. Charlotte Kates, founder of Samidoun, had been set to participate in the inaugural “Coordinating Council 4 Palestine” conference. Albanaese’s withdrawal followed outcry from Jewish leaders over her plans to speak at the event, given her alleged antisemitic remarks and planned involvement with a terror group leader. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs has asked for her dismissal from her UN role, and there have been calls to bar her from entering Canada. Kates, based in Vancouver, is a leader of Samidoun, which was designated a terror entity by Canadian and US authorities due to ties with another terror group.
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Over 100 BBC staff members have accused the broadcaster of giving Israel favorable coverage in its reporting on the war on Gaza, criticizing it for a lack of “accurate evidence-based journalism.” The letter addressed to the director general and CEO also stated that failing to hold Israel accountable for its actions has resulted in the systematic dehumanization of Palestinians. The signatories included anonymous BBC staff and over 200 from the media industry, alongside historians, actors, academics, and politicians. They have urged the BBC to fulfill its editorial commitments, including challenging Israeli claims and providing historical context. The BBC defended its coverage, stating that it is transparent about any limitations in its reporting.
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John Q. Hosedrinker