★ISRAEL

1. Israeli Lawmakers Advance West Bank Annexation Bill Despite U.S. Objection

Israel’s parliament gave initial approval to a bill applying Israeli law to the occupied West Bank, effectively signaling annexation of territory sought by Palestinians for a state. The measure, passed 25–24, came during U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit and despite opposition from Netanyahu’s Likud. The Palestinian Authority and Hamas condemned the move as illegal and illegitimate.

2. U.S.-Israel Plan Envisions Dividing Gaza Between Israel and Hamas

The Washington Post reported that the U.S. and Israel are discussing a plan to split Gaza into two zones — an Israeli-controlled “secure area” and another under Hamas rule — with reconstruction limited to the Israeli zone until Hamas is disarmed. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and adviser Jared Kushner said the goal is to create a “new Gaza,” while Arab mediators warned the plan risks a permanent division and greater Israeli control.

3. Israel Faces Escalating Drone Arms Smuggling From Egypt Border

Israel is grappling with a sharp rise in drone-based arms smuggling from Egypt, with nearly 900 incidents in three months posing major security risks. Ex-Mossad official Oded Ailam warned of poor intelligence and weak enforcement, urging tighter laws, advanced drone-monitoring systems, joint patrols, and diplomatic pressure on Egypt tied to Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.

4. U.S. Task Force in Israel Tightens Oversight on Netanyahu

The Trump administration has intensified its presence in Israel, sending senior envoys, including Vice President J.D. Vance, to ensure compliance with the Gaza ceasefire and maintain “direct oversight” of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli media described the visits and a new joint base as unprecedented U.S. involvement, sparking debate over sovereignty as Washington pushes plans for Gaza’s postwar governance.

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★IRAN

5. Cyber Firm: Iranian Hackers Target Over 100 Institutions for Espionage

Singapore-based cybersecurity firm Group-IB reported that an Iran-linked hacking group, MuddyWater, carried out a sophisticated phishing campaign targeting over 100 institutions across the Middle East and North Africa. Using compromised emails and malicious Word files to deploy the Phoenix Backdoor spyware, the group sought political and security data. Experts warned that MuddyWater’s expanding global operations pose growing cyber threats.

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★EGYPT

6. Egypt Issues Stern Warning Over Nile Waters During Stalled Talks

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said negotiations with Ethiopia over the Grand Renaissance Dam have reached a dead end, stressing Cairo will not compromise its Nile water rights. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty accused Addis Ababa of obstinacy and bad faith, affirming Egypt’s right to protect its water security while favoring diplomatic and legal solutions over escalation.

7. EU and Egypt Sign €4 Billion Aid and Cooperation Deal

The EU and Egypt signed multiple agreements at their first joint summit in Brussels, with the EU pledging a €4 billion loan to support Egypt’s economy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted expanded business prospects, while both sides welcomed Trump’s Gaza peace plan. President Sisi emphasized the importance of stability and reconstruction, as EU official Kaja Kallas praised Egypt’s regional role.

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★SYRIA

8. Russia to Ship 750,000-Barrel Oil and Condensate Cargo to Syria

Russia is set to deliver about 750,000 barrels of Arctic heavy ARCO oil and gas condensate to Syria’s Banias port, LSEG data and traders said. The Antarktika tanker, loaded near Murmansk and Ust-Luga, carries supplies from Gazprom Neft and Novatek during Western sanctions. The shipment highlights Moscow’s growing energy ties with Damascus, despite global trade restrictions.

9. Syria Sends Military Cadets to Türkiye and Saudi Arabia for Training

Syrian Defense Minister Merhaf Abu Qasra announced the deployment of officer cadets to military academies in Türkiye and Saudi Arabia to enhance academic and defense cooperation. The move follows renewed ties with both countries and a recent Syrian-Turkish defense pact covering joint training, technical assistance, and modernization efforts, as Ankara prepares to supply Syria with advanced military equipment.

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★LEBANON

10. Hezbollah Expands Latin American Networks During Growing Iran Pressure

Facing mounting economic pressure on Iran, U.S. experts told the Senate that Hezbollah is increasingly relying on its financial networks in Latin America, especially Venezuela, to fund operations through drug trafficking and illicit trade. Analyst Matthew Levitt said Tehran struggles to deliver funds, while lawmakers urged tougher measures on Venezuela and wider terrorist designations.

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★YEMEN

11. Iranian Arms Ship to Houthis Seized Near Bab al-Mandab

A joint Yemeni security force intercepted an Iranian ship near the Bab al-Mandab Strait carrying an anti-tank missile and drone components bound for Houthi-controlled areas. The vessel, which sailed from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, was linked to a Houthi leader. Eight crew members were arrested after a detailed pursuit and inspection operation.

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★ Disclaimer: This publication 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.