★ISRAEL

1. IDF Launches Major West Bank Raid Targeting Emerging Militias

Israel began a large counterterror operation across northern West Bank towns, including Tubas and Tammun, deploying three brigades with Shin Bet support to arrest suspects and seize weapons during rising militant activity. Roads were blocked, and a curfew was reported as the multi-day raid unfolded against a backdrop of escalating West Bank violence since the 2023 Gaza war.

2. Netanyahu Plans Muslim Brotherhood Ban as US Pushes Crackdown

Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu moved to outlaw all Muslim Brotherhood affiliates after the US advanced its own designation effort, targeting Ra’am and other Islamist groups. The plan follows past bans on the Northern Branch and comes during growing Western scrutiny of Brotherhood networks, with supporters citing security threats and ideological aims while opponents warn of political consequences.

3. Israel Backs US-Led UN Rebuke of China in Notable Policy Shift

Israel joined a US-led UN statement condemning China’s abuses against Uyghurs and other minorities, breaking from its cautious approach toward Beijing. The declaration, signed by 15 countries, cites forced labor, mass surveillance, and repression in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. The move signals closer alignment with Washington despite Israel’s significant economic ties with China.

4. Israel Uncovers Drone-Based Smuggling Network on Jordan Border

Israel exposed a southern-based smuggling cell using drones to traffic weapons and drugs across the Jordan border, following a joint undercover operation by police, the military, and Shin Bet. Several suspects, including the ringleader, were arrested and confessed, with indictments expected soon during rising drone smuggling along Israel’s borders.

5. Palestinian economy faces deepest collapse in modern history

The UN reports a 30% contraction in the Palestinian economy across Gaza and the West Bank between 2022 and 2024, marking the steepest drop since records began in 1972. Gaza’s output may take decades to recover, while the West Bank’s downturn is intensified by movement restrictions and rising settler violence, with per-capita GDP in Gaza falling to the world’s lowest.

=========

★EGYPT

6. Cairo Talks Push Forward Gaza Ceasefire During Rising Violations

Turkish, Qatari, and Egyptian officials met in Cairo to advance the Gaza ceasefire, discussing steps for phase two of the agreement during rising Israeli violations. They coordinated with the U.S. and the CMCC to safeguard the truce and prevent escalation, as Türkiye reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Palestinians and reinforcing regional mediation efforts.

=========

★IRAN

7. UK Parts Found in Iran Devices Linked to SPND, FT Reports

Iran’s Imen Gostar, run by US-sanctioned SPND officials, marketed radiation detectors containing UK-made Centronic tubes, the FT reported. Centronic denied dealings with Iran and pledged an investigation. The findings highlight SPND’s alleged procurement networks using intermediaries to obtain Western dual-use components, echoing earlier reports of covert outreach for technologies with potential nuclear-weapons applications.

8. Iran Struggles to Rein In Increasingly Independent Houthis Movement

Iranian officials told The Telegraph the Houthis have“gone rogue,”ش resisting Tehran’s guidance as they expand autonomy, conceal weapons, and widen supply lines. With Iraq-based militias also ignoring directives, Iran has redeployed senior IRGC commander Abdolreza Shahlaei to Sanaa to restore control, underscoring fractures in Tehran’s weakened regional proxy network.

=========

★IRAQ

9. Iraqi Candidate Disqualified After Running Fake Militia to Win Votes

Iraq’s election commission revoked the victory of Muhannad al-Khizraji after uncovering a scheme in which he created a fake Popular Mobilization Forces unit to recruit 1,500 youths and secure their votes. Recruits were issued forged IDs, trained in Camp Ashraf, and coerced into supporting him. He denies wrongdoing despite documented complaints.

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

★SYRIA

10. Rising Sectarian Tensions During Alawite Protests in Syria

Tensions surged in Latakia as Alawites staged peaceful protests over living conditions and abuses, while pro-government groups vandalized property and hurled sectarian insults. The Defense Ministry deployed reinforcements due to fears of renewed violence. Alawite bodies backed the peaceful movement, as one person was killed in Sweida, and observers warned the unrest could spark wider sectarian conflict.

11. Armed Chaos Escalates Inside Damascus University Housing Complex

Reports from Damascus warn of severe disorder in Mazzeh University Housing, where unchecked weapons circulate among students due to the absence of security. A recent fight left a student injured with a pistol blow, raising concerns for both male and female residents. This comes despite recent promises of improved safety measures, prompting urgent calls for authorities to curb the growing instability.

===========

★LEBANON

12. Lebanon and Cyprus Finalize Maritime Border Deal for Regional Cooperation

Lebanon signed a maritime border agreement with Cyprus, with President Joseph Aoun stressing it targets no state and enables joint resource exploration. Cyprus called it a strategic milestone, boosting East Mediterranean energy links to Europe. Despite local concerns over potential losses, the deal offers legal clarity for gas investors and opportunities for crisis-hit Lebanon in energy and infrastructure projects.

13. The end of 2025 is the US deadline for disarming Hezbollah.

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stressed that the U.S. has set a firm deadline for Hezbollah to disarm by the end of 2025, warning that failure to comply could prompt Israel to take military action. He noted doubts Hezbollah would comply voluntarily during ongoing tensions and Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.

===========

★THE GULF

14. Saudi–Lebanese Coordination Foils Major Drug-Smuggling Attempt

Saudi intelligence enabled Lebanese authorities to seize 17.4 kg of cocaine and 11.2 kg of MDMA hidden in a vehicle entering Lebanon, leading to the dismantling of an international smuggling network and the arrest of its mastermind. Both countries praised the joint operation and reaffirmed their commitment to countering narcotics trafficking.

========

★ 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.