★ ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH WAR
Hezbollah Fires 215 Rockets; IDF Airstrikes and Civilian Casualties Rise
On November 12, 2024, Hezbollah launched 215 rockets at Israeli settlements, including Kfar Blum, Kfar Yuval, and Dishon. Strikes on Nahariya killed two civilians, injured others, and led to air-raid sirens across Tel Aviv and central Israel. Hezbollah’s missiles targeted Israel’s HaHotrim Air Base near Haifa and a logistics site near Nahariya. Two Israeli “Hermes 450” drones were downed over Lebanon, while an IDF drone exploded in a Nesher kindergarten, causing no injuries. In response, IDF airstrikes hit Hezbollah positions in Beirut’s Dahieh district, collapsing a multi-story building and inflicting damage on Haret Hreik and the Zain Medical Complex. A separate strike in Hermel killed one person and injured four. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared there will be no ceasefire or pause in the fight against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Hezbollah Launches 165 Rockets, IDF Intercepts 90
On November 11, 2024, the IDF demolished an underground Hezbollah complex beneath a cemetery near the Israeli border, uncovering a kilometer-long tunnel and multiple shafts. Following this, Israel ordered an immediate evacuation for residents of 21 southern Lebanese villages, citing rising Hezbollah activity and civilian risk. Concurrently, Israeli airstrikes targeted several towns in southern Lebanon, as Hezbollah launched over 165 rockets into northern Israel, injuring seven, including a toddler. IDF forces intercepted the majority of over 90 Hezbollah rockets aimed at Haifa, though some hit Kiryat Ata, causing minor injuries and damage. Two Hezbollah drones were intercepted, with one causing a small fire in the Western Galilee. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar acknowledged “certain progress” toward a possible ceasefire amidst continued violence.
Iran’s Wounded Ambassador Returns to Lebanon After “Operation Grim Beeper”
Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, made his first official appearance since the September 17, 2024 operation Grim Beeper which took the lives of explosions in Lebanon, meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Tuesday. In images released by state media, Amani appeared with an eye injury, a bandaged hand, and a missing finger on the other hand. Following treatment in Tehran, Amani is expected to resume his duties in Beirut upon recovery.
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★ ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
IDF Robotic Systems Advance Battlefield Operations, Reduce Soldier Risk
Arabic media citing Israel Hayom reported that the IDF has been deploying robotic systems—including Roni, Talon, and Panda—to minimize soldier exposure in combat zones. Remotely operated, these robots clear paths and neutralize threats, with the Panda bulldozer replacing the manned D9 for path-clearing using advanced sensors. The Robotics Division, under the IDF’s Technology Division, leads this shift toward autonomous systems, taking on roles previously filled by soldiers. Meanwhile, IDF operations dismantled weapons caches and surveillance equipment near Rafah, aiming to weaken Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). An airstrike recently killed PIJ operations head Muhammad Abu Sakhil, while IDF strikes in Gaza killed 48 Palestinians. In Nuseirat camp, Israeli tanks advancing centrally killed 11 Palestinians, increasing civilian displacements. The IDF confirmed four soldier deaths from recent northern Gaza operations, bringing the IDF toll to 787 since October 7. Conflict spurred by Hamas attacks has left over 43,600 Palestinians dead and 103,000 wounded.
Strategic Caution Urged: Trump Advisors Temper Israeli Annexation Hopes
Former Trump aides caution Israeli officials against assuming U.S. support for West Bank annexation, stressing potential disruptions to critical U.S. Gulf alliances. Advisors warn Gulf partners essential to countering Iran and China may oppose. In 2020, annexation was linked to a peace initiative opposed by settler leaders, with ex-envoy Jason Greenblatt advising Israel focus on U.S. ties first.
Israel Expands Humanitarian Aid Access to Gaza During Conflict
Israel has opened additional border access to expedite vital humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, including food, water, medical supplies, and shelter equipment. Coordinated by the IDF, COGAT, the Southern Command, and the Defense Ministry’s Crossing Authority, this effort aims to support civilians in central and southern Gaza as the conflict continues.
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★ YEMEN
Houthis Target Israeli Nahal Sorek Base, Missile Intercepted
The Iran-backed Houthis claimed to have launched a “Falasteen-2” hypersonic ballistic missile at Israel’s Nahal Sorek military base near Jaffa, asserting a direct hit that ignited a fire. Israeli forces reported intercepting the missile, with shrapnel causing a fire in Beit Shemesh, triggering alarms in the southern West Bank. This marks the second such attack within days, highlighting rising tensions as Houthis continue targeting strategic sites. Additional Houthi drone launches from Iraq were also reported, intensifying regional security concerns.
British Maritime Authority Reports Multiple Explosions Near Yemeni Coast
A vessel positioned 70 nautical miles southwest of Hodeida, Yemen, reported multiple explosions in its vicinity on Tuesday, according to the British Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Authorities confirmed there was no reported damage to the vessel, and the crew remains safe.
U.S. Airstrike Kills Key Houthi Leaders; Houthis Retaliate at Sea
Security sources in Sanaa reported that a U.S. airstrike killed prominent Houthi leaders within the past 24 hours, with Houthis remaining silent on the identities of those targeted. In response, Houthi forces attacked U.S. naval assets in the Red and Arabian seas. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced two “unique” operations involving missiles and drones targeting the U.S. aircraft carrier Abraham in the Arabian Sea and two destroyers in the Red Sea.
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★ SYRIA
U.S. Hits Nine Iran-Linked Sites in Syria After Attacks
The U.S. military confirmed strikes on nine Iranian-linked targets in Syria, executed as a response to recent attacks on American personnel. Earlier, in February, the U.S. launched a series of airstrikes on over 85 Iranian-associated sites in Syria and Iraq, following an assault on U.S. forces by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its allied militias. The U.S. currently deploys around 900 troops in Syria and an additional 2,500 in Iraq, focusing on supporting local forces in preventing the resurgence of Islamic State forces across both nations.
Israeli Strike Temporarily Closes Syria’s Homs-Damascus Highway
The main Homs-Damascus highway in Syria was temporarily closed following an Israeli strike on an aid gathering center for displaced Lebanese south of Homs, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA. Initial reports indicated the attack targeted the Chenchar area in the southern countryside of Homs.
Satellite Images Reveal Israeli Construction in Syrian Demilitarized Zone
Satellite imagery reveals Israeli construction activity within the UN-monitored demilitarized zone along Syria’s border, where Israeli forces reportedly conducted road work, trench digging, and fencing installations. According to UN reports, Israeli troops crossed into the zone, marking a significant encroachment along the Alpha Line, which separates the Golan Heights from Syria. Despite silence from Damascus, the UN peacekeeping force has documented the presence of Israeli forces, heightening concerns over regional stability. The construction activity follows ongoing tensions over alleged Syrian breaches of the Alpha Line and rising militarization in the area.
Iran and Syria Coordinate Efforts to Counter Israel During Astana Talks
At the 22nd Astana Process talks in Kazakhstan, delegations from Türkiye, Russia, Iran, and Syria gathered to address Middle East tensions and pursue a political resolution to Syria’s prolonged crisis. In private discussions, Syrian and Iranian representatives focused on intensifying cooperation against Israel, reviewing recent Israeli strikes and assessing regional implications. Iran’s chief negotiator reaffirmed Tehran’s unwavering support for Syria, pledging comprehensive assistance in resistance efforts against Israeli occupation. The talks underscored Iran’s commitment to deepening its strategic alignment with Damascus, even as Russia signaled a possible diplomatic opening on Syria with the incoming U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump.
Russia Expands Military Influence in Raqqa, Fills Iranian Power Void
Russia has intensified its foothold in Syria’s Raqqa region, launching a new “Fifth Corps” recruitment center in Dabsi Afnan, now totaling four across Raqqa’s countryside. This strategic move aims to occupy the space left by a diminishing Iranian presence, recruiting locals to reinforce Russia’s influence near the Euphrates River, close to SDF-controlled areas. In Deir ez-Zor, Russian forces actively work to limit Iranian militia activities, securing control over key villages east of the Euphrates and consolidating sway over regions adjoining SDF-held territories.
Assad Urges Arab Sanctions, Aggressive Stance Against Israel In Riyadh
Assad stops short of explicitly calling for war with Israel but hints at a more confrontational approach, abandoning past diplomatic strategies he deems ineffective. He dismisses the legitimacy of Israel’s historical rights and emphasizes the need to “replace the tools” of prior peace efforts, urging a shift from purely diplomatic or cooperative methods. Assad calls for Arabs to mobilize “stronger tools” and unified action if Israel ignores demands for Palestinian rights and peace, hinting that these measures could include economic, political, or potentially military responses. His references to “stopping massacres” and “ethnic cleansing” underscore a call for assertive action, though he avoids directly suggesting war. While not outright advocating for military conflict, Assad’s rhetoric leans toward escalated pressure, implying that action beyond dialogue may be justified if diplomatic efforts fail.
Italy Reopens Assad Consulate in Rome
The Assad Consulate in Rome resumed operations on November 12, offering consular services to Syrians in Italy. This reopening follows Italy’s recent diplomatic shift, including appointing Stefano Ravagnan as ambassador to Syria in July, making it the first G7 country to reestablish ties with Damascus since 2011. Italy’s move coincides with broader European discussions on reevaluating relations with Syria, as leaders seek to create conditions for a safe, voluntary return of Syrian refugees.
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★ TURKIYE
Erdoğan Urges Islamic Sanctions on Israel, Boycotts Assad’s Speech
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, addressing the Arab League and OIC summit in Riyadh, urged Islamic nations to impose sanctions on Israel, including an arms embargo and trade suspension, citing alleged “genocide” in Gaza. Erdoğan criticized Muslim nations for a lack of unified response, stressing urgent humanitarian aid and collective action. In discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Erdoğan advocated for Muslim solidarity to halt Israeli actions in Palestine and Lebanon. He also condemned Western support for Israel and encouraged Islamic states to back South Africa’s genocide case against Israel. While Turkiye has delivered substantial aid to Gaza, Erdoğan’s stance aims to internationally isolate Israel. Notably, Erdoğan abstained from attending Bashar Assad’s address, delegating a Turkish diplomat in his place.
Turkiye Strengthens Border Security With Advanced Technology Along Iran Border
Turkiye has enhanced border security along its 295-kilometer Iran border with a 70% concrete wall topped with razor wire. Surveillance technologies like electro-optical towers, radar systems, and drones monitor the rugged terrain. These efforts have intercepted 15,422 migrants, seized 241 kilograms of narcotics, and captured PKK members. Anti-drone systems, sniper teams, and commando units further reinforce security, supporting Turkiye’s strategy to prevent instability from neighboring regions.
Türkiye’s Export Growth Reflects Expanding Global Economic Footprint
Türkiye’s exports surged significantly in 2024, signaling an expanding economic influence through increased trade with both Serbia and Africa. Exports to Serbia reached $1.47 billion over the first 10 months, up by 21.5%, with steel, chemicals, automotive, and metals leading growth—automotive exports alone surged by $90 million. Meanwhile, exports to Africa exceeded $15 billion in the same period, rising by 1.8%, with Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria as the largest importers. Key exports to African markets include chemicals, grains, and steel, with Africa now constituting 7% of Türkiye’s total exports. Together, these growth patterns highlight Türkiye’s strategic emphasis on deepening its economic ties across diverse regions, with a particular focus on sectors like construction and energy, cementing both the Balkans and Africa as pivotal trading partners in Türkiye’s expanding global footprint.
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★ IRAN
Iran’s Tactical Chemical Weapons Reportedly Used by Proxies in Iraq, Syria
In his October 2024 study, Tehran’s Tactical Knockout, Matthew Levitt, a terrorism expert at the Washington Institute, highlights Iran’s development of pharmaceutical-based agents (PBAs) as tactical chemical weapons. These opioid-based agents—targeting the central nervous system—could incapacitate victims for capture, even enabling swift cross-border incursions by Hezbollah. According to Levitt, Iran’s PBA program has progressed from research to deployment, with reports of use by Iranian proxies in Iraq and Syria. Israeli intelligence, already concerned by Hezbollah’s delivery systems for tear gas and similar agents, is preparing for the potential deployment of PBAs in attacks or kidnappings along its northern border.
Iran Constructs Defensive Tunnel in Tehran Following Israeli Strikes
In response to recent Israeli strikes, Iran is constructing a “defensive tunnel” in Tehran, as reported by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency on Tuesday. The head of transportation for Tehran’s city council stated, “For the first time in the country, a tunnel is being built for defensive purposes in Tehran.” Located near the city center, the tunnel will connect a Tehran metro station directly to Imam Khomeini Hospital, facilitating underground access to the medical facility
Iran’s Exports to Islamic Nations increased by 17%
The head of Iran’s National Standards Organization announced a 17% increase in exports to Islamic countries in the current Iranian year, which began on March 20, as reported by IRNA. Mehdi Eslam Panah shared this during the closing ceremony of the 18th Iranian National Quality Award in Tehran, attended by parliament members, chamber of commerce leaders, manufacturers, business owners, inspection companies, and economic operators. He emphasized that this growth in exports reflects significant achievements in Iran’s standards sector.
Iran and Russia Link Bank Card Systems to Counter Western Sanctions
Iranian state television announced that Iranian bank cards can now be used in Russia, following the integration of the two countries’ banking systems as a countermeasure against Western sanctions. Iranian banks have been excluded from the global “SWIFT” system since 2018, limiting international trade transactions. This exclusion was part of sanctions reimposed after the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement. This step demonstrates the strengthening of financial ties between Iran and Russia amidst increasing economic pressures from the West.
Iranian Plot Targeted Israelis in Sri Lanka and U.S. Jewish Businessmen
An FBI indictment reveals that Farhad Shakari, directed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, planned attacks on Israelis in Sri Lanka and the assassination of two U.S. Jewish businessmen. Shakari was instructed to carry out a mass shooting targeting Israelis in Sri Lanka and to kill the businessmen due to their prominent pro-Israel activities on social media. The operations were reportedly incentivized with payments of up to one million dollars. These revelations underscore Iran’s extensive efforts to target individuals and groups associated with Israel globally.
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★ IRAQ
U.S. Iraqi Conduit Message Distorted By Iranian Media
Sky News Arabia reported that Iraq’s National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji traveled to Iran as a conduit for U.S. diplomacy. Al-Araji delivered a warning to Tehran, cautioning against any strikes on Israel. Iranian news agency MEHR published a photo of al-Araji with the IRGC Commander Esmail Ghaani at his residence, with no further details provided about the discussion’s content (see photo showing both individuals without shoes). Tasnim Agency reported that al-Araji met with the IRGC Major Hossein Salami where the two leaders reviewed plans to ensure that the enemies of Iran will be prohibited from using the Arab country’s airspace. Contrastingly, Sharq al Awsat, an Arab media outlet reported that Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji reiterated Iraq’s rejection of using its territory or airspace for attacks on neighboring countries.
Iran’s $7.3 Billion Non-Oil Trade with Iraq Raises Sanctions Scrutiny
Iran’s $7.3 billion in non-oil exports to Iraq over seven months underscores Baghdad’s pivotal role in Tehran’s regional economic network, despite U.S. sanctions. Mohammad Rezvani-Far, former Customs Administration chief, noted Iraq is Iran’s second-largest non-oil market, with bilateral trade estimated at $10 billion annually. The volume—covering 2,200 categories and averaging $12 billion per year—highlights Iraq as a potential sanctions-evading conduit, raising concerns over sanctioned goods entering Iraq or facilitating funding for restricted Iranian industries.
Archaeologists Identify Ancient Battle Site in Iraq with Spy Satellite Images
Researchers from Durham University and the University of Al-Qadisiyah have located the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah site in modern Iraq, dating back to 636 or 637 AD. This battle is a highly symbolic and often contentious event in Iranian history, as it represents the decisive defeat of the Sassanian Persian Empire by Arab Muslim forces, leading to the spread of Islam in Persia and the broader region. For many Iranians, particularly nationalists, this battle evokes a deep-rooted memory of resistance to foreign conquest and domination. Using declassified U.S. spy satellite images and historical texts, they pinpointed this crucial battle that enabled Arab Muslim expansion beyond Arabia into Persian lands. The exact site of this significant victory was previously unknown.
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★ GULF NATIONS
Gargash: Middle East Must Take Responsibility for Its Security
UAE presidential advisor Anwar Gargash emphasized that the Middle East must take ownership of its security and stability, warning that heightened Israel-Iran tensions should not define the region’s strategic future. Speaking at the Abu Dhabi Strategic Forum, Gargash emphasized diplomacy and preserving the “national state” to address crises in Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan, urging increased aid to Gaza and the establishment of a Palestinian state. The forum underscored regional self-reliance amid rising militarization and shifting alliances.
MBS Calls for Palestine’s UN Membership, Condemns Israeli Actions
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman opened the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh by condemning ongoing Israeli assaults on Palestinians, affirming Saudi Arabia’s rejection of attacks on Gaza, and asserting Palestine’s qualifications for full United Nations membership. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan echoed these statements, expressing deep Arab-Islamic anger over Gaza and criticizing global inaction. He accused Israel of seeking to alter facts on the ground to destroy the two-state solution, urging swift international recognition of Palestine and condemning silence on Gaza as a failure of the entire international community.
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★ EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
Egypt’s Non-Oil Trade Deficit Decreases by 4.4% in Nine Months
An increase in Egypt’s commodity exports helped reduce the non-oil trade deficit by 4.4% in the first nine months of this year, reaching $27.56 billion, according to a government document seen by Asharq. Egypt is working to lower its import bill by meeting local market needs and production inputs, encouraging domestic manufacturers, and attracting global investors to establish industries for locally produced alternatives. This aligns with the Egyptian industrial advancement plan, which comprises seven main pillars announced by Transport and Industry Minister Kamel El-Wazir after assuming office.
Libya Sees Rising Russian Influence Through Military and Diplomatic Expansion
Libya is witnessing a growing Russian presence through military and diplomatic channels as Moscow consolidates its influence in North Africa. Russia’s “Africa Corps,” a successor to the Wagner Group, is supporting Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s forces in controlling vital oil fields, ports, and air bases. These efforts, bolstered by recent high-level meetings in Sochi, underscore Moscow’s intent to secure strategic assets along Europe’s southern flank. Despite new British sanctions targeting Russian-linked militias, Russia’s hold enables it to pressure Europe by potentially amplifying migration flows. Russian-controlled bases in Libya facilitate operations across Africa, particularly in conflict zones like the Sahel.
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