★THE GULF

1. Trump Hosts MBS, Secures Major Defense And Tech Deals

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Washington where President Trump offered an elaborate welcome including a military band, bilateral meetings, and business forums with top CEOs from energy, tech, and defense sectors. The visit is highlighted by U.S. plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and to finalize a formal defense pact modeled on existing agreements, which would obligate U.S. military support if Saudi territory is attacked. Multiple sources claim the trip also features major Saudi investments in U.S. artificial intelligence, technology, and infrastructure, with both leaders aiming to advance normalization talks with Israel despite resistance due to the Gaza conflict. The White House and Saudi officials report civil nuclear cooperation and economic coordination are on the agenda, enhancing Saudi strategic clout while protests focus on unresolved rights abuses allegations.

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★ISRAEL

2. UN Approves US-Backed Gaza Plan as Hamas Rejects International Force

The UN Security Council adopted a US-backed resolution endorsing Trump’s Gaza plan and authorizing an international stabilization force to oversee ceasefire terms, reconstruction, and demilitarization. Hamas rejected the measure as foreign guardianship that makes the force a “party to the conflict,” while the Palestinian Authority welcomed it. Russia and China abstained, and the plan stirred political tensions in Israel.

3. Israel Faces Deadly West Bank Attack, Security Forces Respond

A Palestinian assailant killed one Israeli and wounded three in a combined stabbing and vehicle-ramming incident at the Gush Etzion Junction south of Jerusalem; Israel Defense Forces shot and neutralized the attackers on-site. Israeli emergency services confirmed a 30-year-old man died of stab wounds, while a woman remains in serious condition and a teenager sustained moderate injuries. The attack comes amidst rising violence between settlers and Palestinians, with security reinforcements and arrests reported across the West Bank as ceasefire implementation stalls and political tensions surge nationwide.

4. IDF Launches Largest Electronic Warfare, Airstrikes in Lebanon

Israeli forces executed a broad campaign of electronic warfare and precision airstrikes targeting Hezbollah installations in southern Lebanon and the Beqa’a Valley. Military sources called the operation the largest since the Second Lebanon War, eliminating several militants and disrupting communications infrastructure. Defense analysts claim these strikes are meant as a final warning to Hezbollah before a possible escalation, with Israeli leadership monitoring for further cross-border attacks and regional responses.

5. Germany to Resume Arms Exports to Israel Next Week

Germany will lift its partial suspension on arms exports to Israel on November 24, citing the need to maintain the Gaza ceasefire. Berlin will return to case-by-case reviews, stressing humanitarian aid and adherence to the truce. Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the move and urged other governments to follow, after Germany froze sales in August over Israel’s Gaza operations.

6. IDF Blocks 130 Drone-Smuggling Attempts on Egypt Border

IDF’s 80th Division foiled 130 drone-assisted smuggling attempts from Egypt in a month, seizing 85 weapons, including machine guns and pistols. The army credited intelligence efforts and advanced electronic-warfare systems, and plans to open an operations center to improve coordination. Israel recently declared the Egypt border area a closed military zone to curb smuggling.

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★IRAQ

7. Sudani Coalition Leads Iraq Vote During Complex Government Talks

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s bloc won 46 seats in Iraq’s 329-member  parliament, ahead of State of Law, Taqaddum, and the KDP, with turnout at 56%. Despite placing first, government formation may take months due to competing blocs, U.S.–Iran tensions, and militia pressures, though the Shiite alliance says it will proceed with nominating a prime minister.

8. Iran-Backed Groups Secure Strong Gains in Iraq’s Parliament

Iran-aligned armed factions won 58 seats and over 1.8 million votes in Iraq’s sixth parliamentary elections, despite U.S. warnings, while Shiite disputes over renewing the term of PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Turnout reached 45% of 21.4 million voters in elections marked by youth participation and ongoing concerns over Iranian influence.

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★SYRIA

9. Damascus on Edge During Internal Divisions, Regional Tensions

Syria faces a deepening internal crisis as divisions grow over Damascus joining the international coalition against ISIS. Controversial remarks by Mufti Abu Malik of Azaz inflame tensions, while northern and northeastern factions fear realigned alliances. Simultaneously, Israeli incursions in Quneitra and Daraa push Damascus to deploy reserve forces nationwide, placing the capital’s future at a critical crossroads.

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★IRAN

10. Iran’s Deepening Electricity and Gas Shortages Threaten Winter Stability

Iran faces worsening electricity and gas shortages as aging infrastructure, rising winter demand, and fuel deficits trigger repeated power cuts and reduced gas allocations. Factories in major cities report 20–30% supply cuts, while import dependence and pipeline limits heighten blackout risks, adding economic strain and raising fears of wider unrest.

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★AFRICA

11. Morocco Begins Local Production of Israeli SpyX Loitering Munitions

BlueBird Aerosystems opened a SpyX suicide-drone plant in Benslimane, enabling North Africa’s first local production of advanced loitering munitions. The project includes technology transfer and technician training. This strengthens Morocco’s defense-industry ambitions as it expands UAV capabilities and deepens military cooperation with Israel under the Abraham Accords.

12. Algeria, China Sign $420 Million Petrochemicals Development Deal

Algeria’s Sonatrach signed a $420 million contract with China’s Sinopec Guangzhou to build a heavy-naphtha processing unit at the Arzew refinery in Oran. The 30-month project, spanning five hectares, will treat 738,000 tons of heavy naphtha annually, boosting Arzew’s gasoline output from 550,000 to 1.2 million tons and expanding Algeria’s refining capacity under Sonatrach’s upgrade plan.

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★LEBANON

13. US Cancels Visit of Lebanese Army Chief During Hezbollah Dispute

Washington canceled Lebanese Army Chief Rudolf Heikal’s visit after U.S. officials accused the army of failing to counter Hezbollah and criticized its recent statement, seen as biased against Israel. Key senators condemned the army’s stance, warning it undermines U.S. trust and aid, prompting all scheduled meetings in Washington to be scrapped.

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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.