★ISRAEL
-
Israel Says Hamas Returned Remains of Previously Buried Hostage
Israeli officials said forensic tests showed a coffin delivered by Hamas via the Red Cross contained remains of a hostage already returned and buried, not one of the 13 still held in Gaza. The coffin, examined at the National Center of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv, marked the first transfer after a week without any returns.
-
IDF Says Three Terror Operatives Killed in West Bank Raid
Israeli forces and an airstrike killed three Palestinian operatives during a raid in Kafr Qud near Jenin, the IDF and police said. Acting on Shin Bet intelligence, Yamam snipers shot two gunmen before an airstrike killed a third who emerged from a cave. The raid targeted a cell planning an attack, according to Israeli officials.
-
Israel Approves First Security Tech Branch in UAE Since Abraham Accords
The Israeli government approved the establishment of Controp (UAE) Limited in Abu Dhabi’s free trade zone, marking the first direct security-technology collaboration with the UAE since the Abraham Accords. Fully owned by the Israeli parent, the branch will handle marketing, sales, support, and potentially local production of advanced electro-optical surveillance systems, with $30 million initial investment and strict security oversight.
=========
★AFRICA
-
East, West Libya Hold Rare Meeting to Form Joint Force
In a rare meeting in Sirte, Khaled Haftar, son of eastern commander Khalifa Haftar, agreed with Misrata militia leaders to form a “joint force” to combat terrorism and illegal migration. Haftar called for concrete steps toward unifying Libya’s military, seen as key to stability, though Tripoli’s anti-terror agency denied involvement.
=============
★TURKIYE
-
Türkiye, UK Sign $10.7B Eurofighter Jet Deal During Starmer Visit
Türkiye and Britain signed a $10.7 billion deal for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Ankara. President Erdoğan called it a new symbol of strategic ties and broader defense cooperation. The agreement, part of a wider bilateral framework, follows Germany’s July approval and aims to deepen NATO security collaboration.
-
Türkiye Issues New Arrest Order for Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu
A Turkish court issued a new arrest order for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on espionage and graft charges. Jailed since March on separate corruption allegations, he denied the claims. Analysts warn the ruling could allow the state to take control of Istanbul’s municipality, intensifying the government’s crackdown on opposition CHP figures.
=============
★IRAN
-
China Equips Iran With Advanced Navigation System During Tensions
China has reportedly given Iran access to its military-grade navigation system, supplying encrypted codes that integrate with Tehran’s air defense and missile networks. The upgrade enhances Iran’s precision and readiness for potential US-Israeli strikes, marking a shift in Beijing’s support from logistical aid to advanced defense technology cooperation.
-
Satellite Images Reveal New Nuclear Activity in Iran
Satellite photos published by Washington’s CSIS show major construction and tunneling at Iran’s Jabal Al-Manjam site near Natanz, suggesting Tehran is moving uranium enrichment to fortified underground facilities. The findings come during rising regional tensions and the collapse of informal US-Iran limits, fueling fears of a renewed Middle East
nuclear arms race.
============
★SYRIA
-
US Sends Aid to Druze, Christians, and Bedouin in Syria
The US announced humanitarian aid to minority communities in southern Syria’s Suwayda, supporting about 60,000 people with food, water, and shelter rehabilitation. The move follows months of violence among Druze, Bedouin, and regime forces. Washington said hostilities have eased but warned the situation remains unstable, urging Syria to protect religious minorities.
=========
★LEBANON
-
Ortagus Visits Lebanon During Rising Israel-Hezbollah Tensions
US envoy Morgan Ortagus arrived in Lebanon after talks in Israel, bringing messages on Hezbollah’s disarmament and possible Israel-Lebanon negotiations. Her visit comes during intensified Israeli strikes killing 11, including eight Hezbollah members, as the group vows to resist further attacks. Ortagus will meet President Joseph Aoun before envoy Tom Barrack’s November visit.
==============
★THE GULF
-
UAE Approves Record $25 Billion Federal Budget for 2026
The UAE Cabinet approved the 2026 federal budget with estimated revenues and expenditures of AED 92.4 billion ($25.16 billion), the largest in its history. Chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the meeting also highlighted record foreign investments exceeding $272 billion and strong economic growth, with exports doubling since 2019.
-
Qatar expands influence in Egypt with North Rafah stake
Qatar is expanding its economic and strategic influence in Egypt by acquiring a 40% stake in the North Rafah offshore gas and oil field in the Mediterranean, off Egypt’s northeastern coast. The move, part of a broader strategy including a recent 27% stake in North Cleopatra, deepens Egypt’s economic reliance on Doha while boosting Qatar’s regional energy presence.
============
★ 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.
