★IRAQ
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Sudani-Led Coalition Wins Iraq’s Parliamentary Election
A coalition headed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani won Tuesday’s parliamentary election with 1.317 million votes, the electoral commission said. Turnout reached 56.1%. Seeking a second term, Sudani pledged stability and reform despite voter disillusionment. No bloc holds a majority in Iraq’s 329-seat parliament, which sets the stage for lengthy coalition talks.
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★ISRAEL
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Israel, US Agree to Deport 200 Hamas Terrorists from Gaza
Israel and the United States reached a deal to deport around 200 Hamas terrorists hiding in tunnels within Rafah’s IDF-controlled Yellow Line, as part of an effort to eliminate Hamas’s presence. The plan followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s talks with US envoy Jared Kushner, though no country has yet agreed to receive the deportees.
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Macron Reverses Ban on Eight Israeli Defense Firms in Paris
French President Emmanuel Macron reinstated eight Israeli firms barred from the Milipol defense show after intervention by lawmaker Meyer Habib, who publicly appealed to Macron before receiving his brief reply: “Sorted, regards.” The reversal, coordinated with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, comes during efforts to repair strained French-Israeli ties following recent diplomatic tensions.
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★IRAN
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Iran Poll Shows 92% Public Dissatisfaction with Government Performance
An official Iranian poll by ISPA found 92% of citizens dissatisfied with the country’s conditions, citing weak performance by local officials and parliament. President Masoud Pezeshkian warned, “We cannot govern while the people are hungry,” urging economic reforms during 40% inflation and a collapsing rial. The unrest follows the costly Iran-Israel war and stalled U.S. nuclear talks.
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US Imposes Sanctions on Networks Aiding Iran’s Missile Program
The US Treasury imposed sanctions on 32 individuals and entities in Iran, the UAE, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, India, Germany, and Ukraine for supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and drone production. The move, under National Security Memorandum-2, seeks to block key rocket fuel components and financial access. The IAEA, meanwhile, urged Tehran to allow verification of its declared nuclear materials.
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★SYRIA
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US, Syria Intensify Joint Operations Against Islamic State
US Central Command said its forces supported over 22 operations in Syria from October 1 to November 6, killing five ISIS members and capturing 19. CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper pledged continued coordination with the Global Coalition, as the Syrian Democratic Forces detained five more militants near Raqqa during Syria’s deepening alignment with Washington.
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★THE GULF
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UAE Rejects Gaza Force Over Qatari, Turkish Involvement
The UAE has declined to join a planned Gaza stabilization force, citing concerns over Qatari and Turkish influence that could empower Muslim Brotherhood–linked groups. Presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said Abu Dhabi sees no clear framework for the mission but will focus on humanitarian aid and reconstruction instead.
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★EGYPT
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Egypt Expands Red Sea Presence, Raising Ethiopian Economic Fears
Ethiopian lawmakers voiced alarm over Egypt’s growing cooperation with Djibouti and Eritrea, viewing it as an effort to block Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea. Cairo’s projects at Djibouti’s Doraleh port and its security coordination with Eritrea aim to secure maritime routes and pressure Addis Ababa during tensions over the Nile dam, potentially crippling Ethiopia’s trade-dependent economy.
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★LEBANON
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IDF Strikes Hezbollah Weapons and Infrastructure Sites in Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces struck Hezbollah weapons storage and underground infrastructure sites in southern Lebanon, accusing the group of using civilians as human shields. The attacks followed renewed Hezbollah activity violating the 2024 ceasefire. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem warned Israel over continued strikes as the IDF vowed to prevent the group’s resurgence and defend Israel.
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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.
