★ISRAEL

1. Trump Gives Hamas “Three or Four Days” to Accept Gaza Peace Plan or Face Consequences

President Donald Trump set a three- to four-day deadline for Hamas to accept his Gaza peace plan, warning of severe consequences if they refuse. The plan, supported by Netanyahu and Arab leaders, calls for hostage releases, Gaza demilitarization under a technocratic transitional government, and international oversight led by Trump and Tony Blair. Hamas and other Palestinian groups remain divided, with civilians expressing skepticism over the proposal’s fairness and long-term impact.

2. Netanyahu to Visit India for First Time Since 2018

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit India by year-end, his first trip since 2018, to strengthen political and economic ties. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss defense, technology, and trade, reflecting Israel’s strategic pivot toward Asia and highlighting India’s growing significance in Israel’s foreign policy.

3. Germany Approves Limited Military Exports to Israel

Despite a partial suspension on military exports, Germany approved shipments worth at least €2.46 million to Israel between September 13–22, 2025. The exports, classified as “other military materials,” exclude combat weapons. Chancellor Friedrich Merz had ordered the partial halt in August amid the Gaza conflict, marking a policy shift, though Israel criticized the move.

4. UK Arms Sales to Israel Hit Record in June

UK arms exports to Israel reached a record £400,000 in June, the highest since January 2022, despite restrictions on weapons that could be used in Gaza or the occupied West Bank. The government stressed the shipments do not breach policy, noting customs data does not distinguish live munitions from training or civilian ammunition. Exports in August were £150,000.

5. Two Holon Residents Arrested for Spying for Iran

Israeli authorities arrested Maor Kringel and Tal Amram, both 26, from Holon on suspicion of spying for Iran. Kringel allegedly photographed military sites and recruited Amram, with both paid in cryptocurrency. The arrests, part of a Shin Bet and Lahav 433 investigation, come amid a surge of Iranian recruitment of Israelis via social media targeting civilians for intelligence on military, nuclear, and government figures.

6. IDF Levels 1,250 Gaza City Buildings, Kills Fewer Than 200 Hamas Fighters

Since mid-August, Israel has demolished about 1,250 buildings in Gaza City—350 identified as military sites and 650 as secondary militant-use facilities—while killing fewer than 200 Hamas terrorists. Hundreds of Palestinian civilians are also reported dead. The scale of destruction has drawn mounting Western criticism, raising questions about Israel’s conduct and potential diplomatic fallout.

=============

★IRAN

7. Iran Reaffirms Backing for Hezbollah Amid Lebanon Disarmament Push

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani pledged full support for Hezbollah during talks in Beirut with deputy leader Naim Qassem, as Lebanon advances a disarmament plan under the Taif Accords. Larijani also met Speaker Nabih Berri, backing Hezbollah’s outreach to Saudi Arabia. Hezbollah rejected disarmament, vowing continued resistance until Israel withdraws from Lebanese territory.

=============

★AFRICA

8. Egypt Reassures on Sinai Military Presence Amid Israeli Concerns

Egypt emphasized that its military presence in Sinai supports peace and regional stability, coordinating closely with the Multinational Force established under the 1979 peace treaty. Officials stressed that troop deployments comply with agreements and focus on border security, counterterrorism, and smuggling prevention, aiming to calm Israeli concerns while maintaining the country’s right to defend its territory during the Gaza conflict.

9. Shocking Drone Smuggling Across Egypt-Israel Border

i24NEWS reports that 20–40 drones cross the Egypt-Israel border nightly, carrying weapons, drugs, ammunition, cigarettes, and even animals, with some drones making multiple trips. Monthly crossings average 700–1,000 drones. Israeli soldiers are limited to five shots per drone to avoid incidents in Egypt, highlighting the challenges and security risks along the lengthy border.

10. Egypt’s Israeli Gas Imports Rise 12% in October

Egypt’s imports of Israeli natural gas increased 12% in early October to 1.07 billion cubic feet per day, up from 950 million in September, following an August agreement extending supplies until 2040. Domestic production stands at 4.2 billion cubic feet daily, planned to rise to 4.3 billion, with exploration initiatives aiming for 6.6 billion by 2027.

=============

★IRAQ

11.  Pentagon to Scale Back U.S. Mission in Iraq

The Pentagon announced plans to reduce its military presence in Iraq, leaving Baghdad to lead counter-ISIS operations while U.S. forces shift focus to Syria. Troop levels in Iraq will drop below 2,000, mainly stationed in Erbil, with remaining personnel in Baghdad focusing on security cooperation. Officials cited diminished ISIS threats in Iraq as enabling the transition.

=============

★YEMEN

12. Yemen’s Houthis Threaten US Oil Companies Despite Truce

Yemen’s Houthis announced they will target major U.S. oil firms, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Diamond S Shipping, despite a prior truce with the Trump administration halting attacks on U.S.-linked ships. The Iran-backed group sanctioned 13 companies, nine executives, and two vessels, declaring them hostile and subject to attack, following continued maritime assaults in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

=============

★THE GULF

13. Qatar, Egypt, Turkiye Meet Hamas to Discuss Trump Plan

Officials from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey met with Hamas negotiators to discuss U.S. President Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war. Hamas will review the proposal before issuing a formal response, consulting other Palestinian factions. The meeting forms part of broader diplomatic efforts, with Qatar and Turkey emphasizing ceasefire and political solutions while international pressure mounts to halt ongoing hostilities.

14. Saudi Arabia Sets 2026 Budget at $350 Billion

Saudi Arabia announced its preliminary 2026 budget, estimating total expenditures at 1,313 billion riyals ($350 billion) and revenues at 1,147 billion riyals ($305 billion), with a projected deficit of 3.3% of GDP. The government expects 4.6% real GDP growth, driven by non-oil sectors, and plans gradual revenue and spending increases through 2028 while maintaining fiscal sustainability and supporting development projects.

=============

★ Disclaimer: The Early Phoenix is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.