Israeli occupation forces continue to escalate their military operations deep inside Lebanese territory, targeting elements they describe as armed and wanted individuals in various areas. These moves come despite approximately eighteen months having passed since the ceasefire agreement came into effect, sending sharp field messages to various Lebanese parties.

Military analysts in the Hebrew media considered that the recent intensification of Israeli attacks, especially in the Sidon and Bekaa Valley regions, represents an abandonment of the previous policy of restraint. Sources indicated that these operations targeted prominent field commanders belonging to both Hezbollah and Hamas movements.

Israeli assessments link this wave of assassinations to potential American preparations for a military strike against Iran. Observers believe that through these operations, the occupation seeks to neutralize immediate threats before any widespread regional conflagration in which Washington might participate.

A state of anxiety prevails within political circles in Beirut regarding the possibility of the occupation carrying out a comprehensive preemptive strike against Hezbollah's military capabilities. These fears are reinforced by indications that any such Israeli move might receive direct support and endorsement from the American administration.

Israeli security agencies are closely monitoring movements within Lebanon to understand the nature of Hezbollah's expected response should a confrontation with Tehran erupt. The lingering question remains about the extent of decision-making independence within the current leadership of the party and its ability to engage in an all-out war.

Hebrew reports indicated that the first option available to Hezbollah is to suffice with media and political support for Iran without engaging in a field confrontation. This scenario is based on previous experiences in which the party chose not to be drawn into a direct clash despite escalating regional tensions.

The second scenario assumes the party's involvement in a limited round of fighting aimed at demonstrating loyalty to the Iranian axis and alleviating pressure on Tehran. However, analysts warn that this option might provoke a violent Israeli response that could develop into a military campaign aimed at destroying the party's infrastructure.

The third and most dangerous option is for Hezbollah to enter into an open and large-scale war against the occupation using its arsenal of missiles and drones. This possibility raises terror within Lebanon, especially with the occupation's threats to directly and destructively target the capital Beirut.

The Lebanese government condemned the repeated Israeli attacks, considering them a violation of national sovereignty and a transgression of existing agreements. At the same time, internal challenges arise concerning the Lebanese army's ability to assert control given the party's continued possession of long-range strategic weapons.

Military analyst Amir Bar Shalom believes that the leadership vacuum left by Hassan Nasrallah's absence continues to affect the decision-making process within the party. He explained that the current leadership, headed by Naim Qassem, may not possess the same margin of maneuver that was previously available for making fateful decisions.

In conclusion, the Lebanese scene remains hostage to rapid developments in the Iranian file, where local calculations intertwine with major regional interests. All parties are preparing for open scenarios that may redraw the map of balances in the region based on the nature of forthcoming military responses.

The Lebanese state will remain vulnerable to any scenario of regional escalation as long as Hezbollah continues to possess long-range missile systems.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a historic speech before the Israeli Knesset today, Wednesday, announced that his country officially and with full conviction stands by Israel. Modi expressed India's deep admiration for what he described as 'Israel's determination and courage,' emphasizing that New Delhi supports all measures aimed at enhancing stability in the region.

In his speech, Modi touched upon historical and religious aspects, noting that the 'Talmud' included explicit references to India and the sea lanes connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean. He considered these ancient ties to form a solid foundation for the contemporary relationship, describing Israel as the 'land of the fathers' while India represents the 'motherland' for their peoples.

Regarding the political path, the Indian Prime Minister affirmed his full support for the peace initiative known as the 'Trump Plan,' which was signed in Egypt and received the support of the UN Security Council. Modi believed that this initiative represents the optimal path to achieving a just and sustainable peace for all peoples of the region, including addressing the Palestinian issue.

Concerning regional agreements, Modi noted that the 'Abraham Accords,' launched years ago, carried great hopes for achieving stability, but are currently facing serious challenges. Despite these challenges, he affirmed his country's commitment to supporting any path that leads to ending conflicts and enhancing joint regional cooperation.

Modi recalled his pride in being the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel nearly nine years ago, and the first high-ranking Indian official to deliver a speech from the Knesset platform. He explained that his current visit falls within the context of deepening the partnership he built with Benjamin Netanyahu, which elevated bilateral relations to the level of a strategic alliance.

On the economic front, Modi praised Israeli technological capabilities, especially in the field of agricultural development in desert areas, describing Israel as a global innovation hub. He affirmed that India, which is close to becoming one of the top three economies in the world, looks forward to a forward-looking partnership based on advanced technology.

The Indian Prime Minister revealed the signing of a joint investment agreement aimed at boosting business confidence in both countries and expanding the scope of trade exchange. He also stressed the importance of major infrastructure projects that the two countries plan to implement jointly, serving mutual economic interests in the long term.

In the area of defense cooperation, Modi noted that military partnerships between New Delhi and Tel Aviv have witnessed significant development in recent years. He pointed to the success of the 'business incubator' he launched with Netanyahu in 2018, which has so far contributed to supporting and growing more than 900 startups in vital fields.

This speech represents a radical shift in Indian foreign policy, which for decades was characterized by its traditional support for the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, the pace of rapprochement has accelerated unprecedentedly under the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party led by Modi, leading to this close alliance.

Modi concluded his speech by conveying a message of appreciation from 1.4 billion Indian citizens to the Israeli people, affirming that the ties between the two sides are 'written in blood and sacrifices.' He pledged to continue working with the Israeli government to develop this strategic relationship in a way that serves the aspirations of both countries in the fields of security, innovation, and economy.

Israel is the land of the fathers, and India is the motherland, and the ties that bind us are written in blood and sacrifices.

The Committee to Protect Journalists, from its New York headquarters, issued a shocking report documenting the killing of 129 journalists and media workers worldwide during 2025. The report confirmed that this number represents the highest annual toll recorded since the Committee began systematic documentation of press freedom violations in 1992.

The international organization held the Israeli occupation army directly responsible for the killing of two-thirds of the total victims recorded globally last year. Sources explained that Israeli forces carried out an unprecedented number of targeted killings of journalists, which exceeds the crimes of any other government military force historically monitored.

Most of the documented crimes were concentrated in the Gaza Strip, where most of the victims were Palestinian journalists targeted while performing their professional duties. The report stressed that these targeting incidents come in the context of attempts to obscure the truth and prevent the transmission of an accurate picture of the deteriorating humanitarian and field conditions within the besieged Strip.

In an international comparison, the report indicated that the number of victims in other conflict zones appeared very small compared to what Israel committed. Sudan recorded the killing of 9 journalists, while 4 others were killed in Ukraine, figures described by the report as very low when compared to the death toll in Palestine.

The report revealed a dangerous development in targeting methods, with drones emerging as a primary tool in assassination operations. The Committee monitored 39 drone-related killings, 28 of which were carried out by the Israeli army in Gaza, while the other cases were distributed among Sudan, Ukraine, and Iraq.

For her part, Jodie Ginsberg, the CEO of the Committee, warned that the absence of international accountability encourages the continuation of these crimes. She stated that targeting media personnel is a dangerous indicator of broader attacks on public freedoms, emphasizing that impunity endangers the entire international community.

The Committee strongly criticized the culture of impunity dominating the international scene, where transparent investigations have been conducted only in very rare cases. Among the 47 cases of deliberate killing and direct assassination documented by the Committee in 2025, no legal accountability or prosecution of perpetrators has been recorded so far.

Violations were not limited to armed conflict zones but also extended to countries suffering from rampant organized crime and corruption. Mexico recorded the killing of at least 6 journalists, amid a dismal failure of federal mechanisms to provide the necessary protection for media professionals who have faced continuous threats for years.

In the Philippines, the report monitored the killing of 3 journalists by shooting last year, with most of these cases remaining unresolved against unknown perpetrators. These figures reflect a sharp decline in professional safety levels in Asian and Latin American countries, especially for journalists working on political corruption issues.

The Committee to Protect Journalists, founded in 1981, concluded that governments' failure to protect journalists opens the door to further violations. The organization called on the international community to take firm measures to ensure the safety of media teams and hold accountable military forces that systematically target them.

Journalists are being killed in record numbers at a time when access to information is more critical than ever, and attacks on the press are an indicator of the collapse of freedoms.

Palestinian and Israeli sources revealed that a major contracting company based in the Gaza Strip has contracted to implement a large-scale residential complex project in the city of Rafah, funded by the United Arab Emirates. This move comes amid the continued military control of the Israeli occupation over large parts of the Strip, as the project primarily aims to provide shelter for tens of thousands of displaced people who lost their homes during the war.

Data indicates that 'Masoud and Ali Contracting Company' (MACC), which relies on Palestinian technical and engineering cadres from within the Strip, is the entity implementing the project in cooperation with two companies from the Arab Republic of Egypt. This step is a remarkable development in the reconstruction file, as construction operations begin without waiting for a complete Israeli withdrawal or reaching a final and comprehensive political agreement.

The planned residential complex is located in the southern region of the Gaza Strip near the city of Rafah, an area that has witnessed massive destruction of infrastructure and residential buildings. According to informed businessmen, the project will be built on an area of up to 74 acres, and will rely on pre-construction techniques using multi-story 'trailer' residential units to ensure speed of implementation and accommodation.

While the implementing company preferred not to comment on these reports, an Emirati official affirmed his country's continued commitment to supporting relief and recovery efforts in the Gaza Strip. The official explained that the UAE is working with international partners to ensure that humanitarian aid and basic services reach those in need effectively and quickly, in line with the urgent needs of the displaced population.

These reports intersect with previous documents that revealed a project called 'New Rafah', which is supposed to be supervised by the American Peace Council. The broader vision for this project includes the construction of about 100,000 permanent housing units, in addition to dozens of medical and educational facilities, to be a model for alternative residential communities subject to special administration and security procedures.

The proposed plan includes measures aimed at reducing the influence of Palestinian factions within these communities, including the adoption of an electronic wallet system with the Israeli currency (shekel) to control financial flows. The proposals also include providing independent educational curricula in the schools affiliated with the complex, away from the official directives that were prevalent before the war, to ensure a different educational environment.

On the security front, reports indicate that the residents of this city will undergo accurate examination processes and collection of biometric data as a condition for obtaining basic services such as water, electricity, and healthcare. These measures, according to American officials, aim to prevent the entry of weapons or armed elements into the complex, while maintaining the freedom of movement of civilians under surveillance.

Observers believe that this project represents a cornerstone in the 'day after' arrangements for the war, as reconstruction is linked to a path of disarmament and changing the administrative and security structure in the Strip. This step is unprecedented in terms of overcoming current political obstacles, and an attempt to impose a new reality on the ground that provides relief in exchange for strict security and administrative conditions.

The project represents a trend to begin reconstruction without waiting for the supposed Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, which is linked to the disarmament of the factions.

US military movements in the Middle East have seen a notable escalation with Washington deploying qualitative air reinforcements, represented by the deployment of a squadron of advanced 'F-16 Fighting Falcon' fighter jets. These aircraft belong to the 169th Fighter Wing of the South Carolina Air National Guard and have been observed en route to the region to bolster military presence near Iran.

What distinguished this deployment was the equipping of the fighter jets with advanced electronic warfare pods known as 'Angry Kitten'. Air traffic observers documented the passage of 12 'F-16CJ Block 52' fighter jets through Lajes Airport in the Portuguese Azores, where the pods were clearly visible mounted under the aircraft's fuselage.

This field movement comes in the context of increasing diplomatic and military rhetoric between Washington and Tehran, with repeated American hints of resorting to force. This step reflects American readiness for direct confrontation scenarios should negotiations regarding regional and nuclear issues reach a dead end.

Technically, the 'Angry Kitten' system is known as an advanced development of the 'AN/ALQ-167' electronic warfare pod, primarily aimed at protecting aircraft in complex combat environments. This system was specifically designed to counter surface-to-air missile systems that rely on advanced radars to track and target their objectives.

Unlike traditional jamming systems that merely broadcast wide electronic noise, the 'Angry Kitten' system features intelligent adaptive capabilities that allow it to deal with threats with high flexibility. It works by detecting hostile radar signals and classifying them with extreme accuracy before digitally processing them to neutralize their effect.

At its core, the system relies on 'Digital Radio Frequency Memory' (DRFM) technology, which allows it to capture hostile radar pulses and re-transmit them after modification. This action creates phantom targets and misleading trajectories on hostile radar screens, making the process of tracking the American fighter jet almost impossible.

The true strength of this system lies in its ability to update rapidly during a combat mission, without the need for complex programming operations at ground bases. This approach reflects the Pentagon's desire to possess electronic warfare tools capable of immediate response to sudden shifts in the aerial battlefield.

Although the system has undergone extensive development and testing since 2017, its use has been limited to training and military exercises. Previous tests included various platforms such as 'A-10' attack aircraft and 'MQ-9 Reaper' drones, in addition to naval fighter jets.

The appearance of this technology now in actual operational missions in the Middle East represents a strategic shift indicating the system's full combat readiness. Observers believe that Washington has decided to move this technology from development laboratories to the front lines as a clear deterrent message to the Iranian side.

'F-16CJ' aircraft participating in this deployment specialize in 'suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses' missions, which are exceptionally dangerous operations. These missions, historically known as 'Wild Weasel', require a high ability to lure hostile radars and then destroy them using anti-radiation missiles.

Should a military confrontation erupt, these fighter jets will be in direct confrontation with the Iranian air defense network, which includes Russian 'S-300' systems and domestically produced systems. Hence, the importance of 'Angry Kittens' in providing an electronic protection umbrella that enables pilots to penetrate fortified airspace and carry out precise strikes.

Despite the Pentagon's silence regarding the precise combat details of this deployment, the field message appears clear and firm. The United States is enhancing its defensive and offensive options with the latest electronic warfare technology to ensure air superiority in any potential conflict in the region.

The appearance of the 'Angry Kitten' system on board aircraft designated for actual operational missions represents an important indicator of its transition from the development phase to full combat readiness.

The Iranian negotiating delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, departed from the capital Tehran heading to the Swiss city of Geneva, to participate in the third round of talks related to the nuclear file. This step comes at a sensitive time when the region is witnessing sharp political and military tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Before his departure, the Iranian Foreign Minister affirmed that his country still believes in the possibility of reaching common understandings with the American side, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing the diplomatic path over the language of escalation. Araqchi indicated that the success of the Geneva round primarily depends on the seriousness of the other parties in prioritizing political solutions.

On the ground, converging reports stated that the United States has deployed a massive naval force near the Iranian coasts, in a move observers considered a direct deterrent message. These movements coincide with intensive military preparations indicating the possibility of resorting to alternative options if the negotiation track falters.

US President Donald Trump had set a time limit for the negotiations, giving Tehran a deadline of ten to fifteen days to conclude a final agreement. Trump warned that failure to reach a consensual formula within this period would open the door to more stringent measures, the nature of which he did not specify.

The official talks are scheduled to begin on Thursday in Geneva, with the participation of a high-level American delegation including envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The international community awaits the outcome of these meetings, amid fears that the current tension could turn into an open military confrontation if the political horizon is blocked.

Military experts believe that the current scale of the American military buildup in the Middle East is the largest of its kind since the invasion of Iraq in 2003. This buildup includes the deployment of advanced F-22 fighter jets to strategic airbases located south of the occupied territories, enhancing air offensive capabilities.

Informed sources explained that the deployment of this type of aircraft, designed for air superiority, cannot be considered merely a symbolic deterrent measure, but rather part of an integrated operational plan. More than 100 refueling aircraft have also been observed in the region, a technical indicator of readiness to carry out long-range air raids.

In a related context, the geopolitical reading of the scene indicates that American moves go beyond merely pressuring the nuclear file to reshaping alliances in the region. Reports speak of efforts to form a new regional axis aimed at isolating Iranian influence and radically reducing the capabilities of its allies in the Middle East.

For its part, Israeli circles are awaiting the results of the Geneva talks with great caution, considering that the American military reinforcements provide strategic cover for any future move. The occupation government is pushing for increased pressure on Tehran, exploiting the high coordination with the current American administration to achieve security and political gains.

Media sources observed a state of maximum alert within the Israeli Air Force, where the Chief of Staff conducted inspection tours of major airbases. These tours included meetings with pilots who had carried out previous offensive missions against Iranian targets, a clear indication of readiness to repeat such operations if necessary.

The question remains whether diplomacy in Geneva will succeed in defusing the explosion, or whether military buildup will be the decisive word in this confrontation. While Tehran speaks of opportunities for understanding, the facts on the ground indicate that the region stands on the brink of a major strategic shift that could change the balance of power for years to come.

Reaching an understanding with the United States remains possible, provided that diplomacy takes precedence during the upcoming Geneva talks.

Media sources reported that Israeli diplomatic circles have increasingly begun to promote the idea that current foreign policies, dominated by the far-right, are the main reason behind increasing international isolation. Nadav Tamir, former Consul General in Boston, pointed out that this trend negatively reflects on Israel's performance within UN institutions, putting it in direct confrontation with the international will that demands clear political paths.

Tamir, who currently serves as the CEO of J Street Israel, mentioned that he recently gained multilateral experience after being invited to brief the UN Security Council. This participation came at the invitation of British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, where Tamir perceived a significant gap between diplomatic reality and what the Israeli government promotes about an absolute and unjustified hostility from the world towards it.

The former diplomat explained that representatives of member states in the Security Council, including Arab and Islamic parties, expressed positions that support Israel's existence but stipulate moving towards an agreement that guarantees the establishment of a Palestinian state. He affirmed that these countries clearly spoke about the necessity of disarming the Hamas movement in exchange for providing a safe and stable future for all parties, which contradicts the right-wing narrative that claims the entire world stands against Israeli existence.

In the context of his criticism of official performance, Tamir referred to Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's speech before the Security Council, describing it as a repetitive speech detached from international reality. Sa'ar expressed his categorical rejection of the two-state solution and denied the historical connection of Palestinians to the land, which Tamir considered a speech that might satisfy the Likud party's base, but faces rejection and ridicule in international forums that recognize Palestinian rights.

Tamir stressed that the Arab Initiative of 2002, in addition to historical UN resolutions such as 242 and 338, forms the basis for international and regional recognition of Israel, but the continuation of the occupation thwarts these opportunities. He considered the far-right's claims of the necessity to 'live by the sword' as a destructive vision that does not serve national security, but rather threatens the essence of the Zionist vision and the future of the state in the region.

In conclusion of his assessment, Tamir called for the necessity of freeing foreign policy from the grip of the far-right, emphasizing that diplomacy is capable of achieving security gains that surpass what military force achieves. He believed that excessive reliance on internal propaganda only deepens the gap with strategic allies, especially in Washington and European capitals that are fed up with settlement policies.

The far-right's rhetoric may convince circles within Likud, but it only provokes hostility or ridicule in the corridors of the international community.

Palestinian forces and factions condemned the announcement by the US Embassy in occupied Jerusalem of its intention to provide official consular services inside an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank. This step is the first of its kind in the history of American diplomatic dealings with settlements, sparking widespread anger in Palestinian circles, which viewed it as crossing red lines.

The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) denounced this measure, describing it as a dangerous precedent that represents a practical recognition of the legitimacy of Israeli settlement on Palestinian lands. In a press statement, the movement affirmed that providing services in the 'Efrat' settlement, built on Bethlehem lands, entrenches the actual control of the occupation over the West Bank.

The movement indicated that the new American decision exposes the significant contradiction in Washington's policy, which officially claims to oppose the annexation of the West Bank while practically supporting the consolidation of Israeli sovereignty. It considered that this step aims to impose new political realities seeking to liquidate Palestinian national rights and violate international law that criminalizes settlement.

For its part, the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission affirmed that the decision represents a clear violation of the provisions of international humanitarian law and the peremptory norms that prohibit institutional dealing with settlement entities. The commission clarified that this trend reflects a clear favoritism towards the occupation authorities by granting settlements unprecedented political and diplomatic cover.

The head of the commission, Moayad Shaaban, said that this step completely contradicts the declared international commitments to support the two-state solution, as it contributes to entrenching a settlement reality that prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state. Shaaban warned against attempts to redefine the occupied territory as an administrative area amenable to diplomatic normalization, which transforms military control into implicit political recognition.

In a related context, PLO Executive Committee member Wasel Abu Youssef stated that the US administration has begun to deal with settlements as an integral part of Israel. Abu Youssef considered the embassy's announcement to be an undeclared American approval of the West Bank plans that the occupation government seeks to implement.

In turn, the Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative Party, Mustafa Barghouti, described the decision as an unprecedented shift in US policy towards the Palestinian issue. Barghouti explained that the Trump administration has moved from the traditional position opposing settlement to a stage of acceptance and direct dealing with settlements as a fait accompli.

Barghouti warned that the absence of tangible practical measures to confront these decisions would encourage Israel to proceed with its Zionist project to Judaize the West Bank. He added that the United States is giving the green light to the occupation to continue its annexation policies, which eliminates any remaining opportunity for achieving a just peace in the region.

The US Embassy announced on Tuesday evening its intention to provide passport and citizenship services to American citizens residing in the 'Efrat' settlement south of Bethlehem. The embassy clarified that consular affairs staff would begin providing these services next Friday, in a field step that reflects a fundamental change in diplomatic protocol.

The American plan also includes organizing field visits by consular staff over the next two months to other settlements, including the 'Beitar Illit' settlement. These moves come despite the fact that the United Nations and the international community classify these settlements as illegal entities established on lands occupied in 1967.

This timing raises many questions, especially since US President Donald Trump had previously stated earlier this month his opposition to Israeli annexation steps. However, the recent consular measures indicate a gap between political statements and administrative practices on the ground in the occupied West Bank.

It is worth noting that the 'Efrat' settlement is located within the 'Gush Etzion' settlement bloc, a strategic area connecting Jerusalem and Hebron, and is considered one of the most prominent settlement blocs that Israel seeks to annex. Palestinians affirm that any recognition of these settlements represents a stab in the back of international legitimacy and relevant Security Council resolutions.

This decision reveals the blatant contradiction in the positions of the United States, which claims to reject the annexation of the West Bank while taking practical steps that strengthen Israeli sovereignty.

Medical sources in the Gaza Strip reported that hospitals received nine martyrs and four injuries during the past twenty-four hours due to ongoing targeting. The sources clarified that among the martyrs, six bodies were recovered from areas previously bombed, which increases the pace of work in searching for the missing under the rubble.

In a statistical update for the period following October 11th, the Ministry of Health revealed that the total number of martyrs recorded since that date reached 618. Medical teams also recorded about 1,663 injuries of varying severity, while civil defense teams were able to recover 732 bodies from various destruction sites in the Strip.

As for the cumulative total since the aggression erupted on October 7, 2023, the number of martyrs has risen to 72,082. This increase was accompanied by a significant rise in the number of wounded and injured, with official records documenting the number reaching 171,761 injured who received treatment in the remaining medical facilities.

The ministry affirmed in its statement that these statistical data do not necessarily reflect the true extent of the tragedy, as a large number of victims are still missing. Field reports indicate the presence of bodies in rugged roads and under the rubble of destroyed homes, where field obstacles prevent ambulances from reaching them.

HUMANITARIAN suffering continues in Gaza with the ongoing influx of victims to hospitals suffering from a severe shortage of medical supplies and fuel. Health authorities emphasize the need to provide safe corridors for rescue teams to enable them to recover the hundreds who have been missing for many weeks under the rubble of residential buildings.

These numbers do not represent the final toll, given the large number of victims under the rubble and on the roads, where ambulance crews are unable to reach them.

The leader of the Israeli opposition, Yair Lapid, sparked a wave of political controversy after explicitly announcing his support for the so-called "Greater Israel" plan, which aims to seize vast areas in the Arab world extending from the Euphrates River to the Nile River. Lapid claimed during a recent press conference that the biblical borders are completely clear and not open to interpretation, emphasizing that the Zionist vision derives its legitimacy from religious texts.

Lapid considered the Bible to be the exclusive "deed of ownership" for Jews over these lands, indicating that Israeli ambitions are not limited to current borders but follow what is stated in ancient religious interpretations. He explained that his stance stems from the desire to provide what he described as a "safe haven and vast space" for future generations of Israelis, regardless of the national sovereignty of neighboring countries.

These statements came in response to positions announced by the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who expressed no objection to Israel's control over the entire Middle East region. Lapid affirmed, in response to a question about whether this control would include countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, that he supports any move that grants Israel greater geographical space and superior security power in the region.

When asked about the geographical extent he aspires to, the leader of the "Yesh Atid" party replied that the area should be "as much as possible," a clear indication of the absence of any limit to expansionist ambitions. Lapid did not exclude Iraq from this discussion, stressing that the matter concerns Israeli national security and the biblical mandate that grants them the right to expand eastward and westward.

Lapid indicated that there are practical and political considerations that may affect the speed of implementation, but he stressed that the fundamental principle remains constant and does not change with political circumstances. He added that the Jewish people, who lived in exile for two thousand years, now have the right to return to their vast historical borders, which include the territories of sovereign Arab states, according to his expression.

These positions reinforce fears of extremist right-wing tendencies within Israeli political circles, both in the government and the opposition, as Lapid's vision intersects with previous statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu had stated in August of last year his close connection to the vision of "Greater Israel," indicating a Zionist consensus on targeting Arab geography.

It is worth noting that Israel, whose state was declared in 1948 on the ruins of displaced Palestinian cities and villages, has not yet officially demarcated its final borders. Observers believe that this deliberate ambiguity aims to leave the door open for ongoing annexation and occupation operations, which began with the occupation of the rest of Palestine in 1967, leading to current threats to neighboring countries.

In a related context, the statements by US Ambassador Mike Huckabee paved the way for this public discussion, as he relied in media interviews on religious interpretations that grant Israel a purported right from the Nile to the Euphrates. These claims directly affect the sovereignty of pivotal countries in the region such as Egypt, Syria, and Iraq, which sparked widespread condemnation in Arab diplomatic circles.

Analysts believe that Lapid's talk of "biblical borders" reflects a shift in his political discourse towards the religious nationalist right to gain popular support, which is consistent with the expansionist policy pursued by the occupation authorities in the West Bank and Jerusalem. These statements disregard all international laws and United Nations resolutions that consider the territories occupied in 1967 as Palestinian territories from which Israel must withdraw.

In conclusion, these statements place the international community before its responsibilities regarding the escalating Israeli threats to regional peace and security, as Israeli ambitions are no longer mere slogans raised by extremist groups, but have become part of the official discourse of opposition and government leaders alike. The question remains about Arab and international reactions to this plan, which aims to redraw the entire map of the region.

Our deed of ownership to the land of Israel is the Bible, and therefore the borders are the borders of the Bible.

The United Arab Emirates, through Operation "Gallant Knight 3", continues to extend a helping hand to the people of the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid convoys, trying to alleviate their suffering and offer hope amidst the harsh humanitarian conditions they face, once again affirming its steadfast support for the Palestinian brethren in times of hardship.

The spokesperson for Operation "Gallant Knight 3", Mohammed Al Sharif, affirmed that humanitarian work has been ongoing through Operation "Gallant Knight 3" for two years without interruption, and this effort constitutes a milestone in the UAE, as it is an organized effort in which various institutions cooperate to achieve the humanitarian goal.

Al Sharif added that work is currently underway to prepare ship number (13) with necessary supplies for the people of the Gaza Strip, while continuously assessing needs, stressing that the continued delivery of relief reflects the UAE's steadfast approach of giving and standing by its brethren in their time of tribulation.

This week, aid convoys arrived in the Gaza Strip loaded with essential food parcels coinciding with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, in addition to winter clothing that included clothes and heating means, to light a glimmer of hope in the lives of affected families and alleviate their suffering from the harsh cold, affirming humanity's stand with them in the most difficult circumstances.

In parallel with the relief support, a medical aid convoy weighing more than 30 tons entered, including medicines and medical supplies designated to cover the needs of medical laboratories and surgical operations, in support of the Emirati Field Hospital in Rafah and the Emirati Medical Center in Khan Yunis, within the medical care system provided by the UAE to enhance health response capabilities in the most needy areas.

It is worth noting that the Emirati medical aid team in the city of Arish works around the clock with dedication, to prepare medical support convoys and organize their shipments to meet the actual needs of the field hospital and medical center. Through precise sorting, packing, and arrangement procedures, the team ensures that every essential item reaches those in need directly, accelerating the delivery of aid and alleviating their suffering, once again confirming that humanity and concern for others are at the heart of all UAE efforts to support its brethren.

Media sources have revealed rapid developments in the management of the Gaza Strip, as Indonesian forces are scheduled to begin their field operations within the Strip in the next two weeks. This step is an international precedent, as Indonesia will be the first foreign country to deploy its forces to Gaza as part of what is known as the Multinational Stabilization Force.

A high-level delegation of Indonesian representatives is expected to arrive in the region in the second week of next March. This visit aims to conduct logistical and field coordinations with international and regional parties to plan the deployment of forces and ensure their smooth transition to their designated locations.

Reports indicate that members of the delegation will hold intensive meetings with American and Israeli officials to discuss security arrangements. The visit will also include entering the occupied Palestinian territories for the first time, a step that reflects the seriousness of international efforts to establish new administrative structures in the besieged Strip.

In the context of military preparations, Jakarta announced that it has already begun preparing about 8,000 soldiers to be part of the proposed international force. These moves come in implementation of the provisions of US President Donald Trump's plan regarding the future of Gaza, which aims to find sustainable security alternatives.

The spokesperson for the Indonesian Armed Forces, Doni Pramono, stated that the full readiness of the forces will be achieved by the end of next June. He explained that the first batch, comprising about a thousand soldiers, will be fully ready for actual deployment in April 2026 according to the established timelines.

Despite these extensive field preparations, Indonesian authorities confirmed that the final decision regarding actual deployment has not yet been definitively made. Sources indicated that political discussions are still ongoing within government circles to ensure the step aligns with national and international constants.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the tasks of the forces, if they arrive in Gaza, will be precisely defined and purely humanitarian in nature. These units will not engage in any military confrontations or combat operations, as their role focuses on supporting stability and providing assistance to the local population.

However, the official statement did not rule out the forces resorting to the use of force in self-defense as a last resort. Jakarta stressed that any military movement would be governed by international law and would ensure the protection of mission personnel and the continuity of their relief role in the region.

The operational area of the Indonesian force will be limited to the borders of the Gaza Strip, which Jakarta considers an integral part of the desired Palestinian state. Indonesia, the largest Muslim-majority country by population, reiterated its commitment to the two-state solution and supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

This step gains special importance given the absence of official diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the Israeli occupation. This indirect coordination represents a shift in dealing with regional crises, as Jakarta seeks to play a pivotal role in securing aid and reconstruction.

Earlier, the White House had adopted administrative structures for the transitional phase in Gaza, including executive councils and national committees. The "International Stabilization Force" is considered the security pillar of these structures, as it will undertake tasks of disarmament, securing aid convoys, and vital construction materials.

These arrangements fall within the second phase of the peace plan supported by UN Security Council Resolution 2803. This international path aims to end the repercussions of the long war and ensure that armed conflict does not return through strict international oversight on the ground.

This move comes amid a cautious calm in the Strip since the ceasefire agreement came into effect last October. The two-year war left enormous destruction affecting most vital facilities and homes, making the need for international forces to secure reconstruction urgent.

Official statistics indicate that the war resulted in the martyrdom of more than 72,000 Palestinians and the injury of over 171,000 others. The United Nations estimates the cost of reconstructing what the military machine destroyed at about $70 billion, with 90% of civilian infrastructure damaged.

Indonesian soldiers will be ready by the end of next June, and their mission will be of a limited humanitarian nature without participating in combat operations.

The village of Susiya in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, experienced a harsh night, as groups of settlers set fire to five homes and several vehicles belonging to Palestinian citizens. Local sources reported that the attack occurred while residents were performing Tarawih prayers, causing extreme panic among women and children and significant material damage to properties.

Jihad Al-Nawaj'a, head of the Susiya village council, confirmed that more than 50 settlers participated in the systematic assault, deliberately setting fire to homes before withdrawing from the area. The attackers also fired tear gas canisters inside inhabited houses, resulting in at least four citizens suffering from suffocation, who were treated on site.

For its part, the human rights organization "Al-Baydar" documented the attack, noting that settler attacks in the Masafer Yatta area are part of a policy aimed at forcibly displacing residents. The organization explained that the fires consumed the contents of homes and cars, amid an escalation in settler violence, which has recorded hundreds of attacks since the beginning of this year.

In a related context, a special Israeli force stormed Balata refugee camp east of Nablus, where they besieged a house in the market district amid heavy gunfire. Occupation forces pushed additional military reinforcements from the direction of Huwara checkpoint and Al-Quds Street to secure the withdrawal operation after arresting a young man from inside the camp.

The military operation in Balata coincided with intensive overflights by reconnaissance drones in the area, and the sound of explosions resulting from the invading forces being targeted with homemade devices. Sources reported that the army later withdrew after completing its mission, which included searching and vandalizing citizens' properties near the besieged house.

Also in Nablus, the Israeli army arrested a young Palestinian man from Al-Ittihad Street, and circulating video clips documented the moment the young man, who was walking on crutches, was taken away. It was revealed that the detainee had previously suffered from fractures, but this did not prevent the invading forces from arresting him and transferring him to an unknown location early this morning.

Regarding the widespread raid campaigns, the Prisoners' Information Office announced that occupation forces carried out a series of incursions in various governorates of the West Bank, affecting 18 citizens. The arrests included a number of minors, as the invading forces deliberately vandalized the contents of homes and terrorized families during night searches.

In Jenin Governorate, occupation bulldozers carried out demolition operations targeting commercial establishments and buildings at the entrance to Anza village. The demolition affected a building and commercial shops belonging to citizen Nasser Al-Awwad, in addition to Al-Adel Cafe, as part of the ongoing economic restrictions on villages and towns adjacent to main roads.

Human rights statistics indicate a dangerous escalation in settler attacks, with 468 attacks recorded in January alone, including physical violence, burning fields, and uprooting trees. Approximately 770,000 settlers reside in the West Bank, distributed among hundreds of settlements and pastoral outposts that serve as a starting point for these attacks.

In other areas of Hebron, armed settlers chased sheep herders from the Al-Na'amin family in Khirbet Iqwaweis in Masafer Yatta, preventing them from reaching pastures. Settlers also blocked the road in Wadi Sa'ir north of Hebron, hindering the movement of Palestinian vehicles through vital bypass roads.

It is worth noting that the West Bank has been in a state of turmoil since October 2023, with the death toll rising to 1,117 Palestinians, in addition to more than 11,500 injured. These developments come amid tightened military restrictions on Palestinian cities and villages coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan.

More than 50 settlers attacked the village during Tarawih prayers, setting fire to homes and fleeing amidst the screams of women and children.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the outlines of a new strategic vision aimed at forming an extended regional axis, using a biblical expression to describe the geographical scope of this alliance with the phrase «from India to Kush». Netanyahu explained that this path seeks to connect the Indian subcontinent with the Middle East region, reaching the Mediterranean basin, in a move that reflects Tel Aviv's aspirations to enhance its geopolitical influence.

These statements came during a speech delivered by Netanyahu at a special conference organized by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), where he indicated that Tel Aviv is working diligently to build alliances that go beyond traditional alignments. He affirmed that the goal of this axis is to create a counterweight to what he described as the «two axes of extremist Islam», emphasizing that many countries share this vision with Israel and exchange official visits with it.

Netanyahu invoked the historical connotations of the term «Kush», the ancient Nubian kingdom that flourished in northern Sudan and was contemporary with major civilizations in ancient times. This usage symbolizes Israel's desire to extend bridges of cooperation to include the Horn of Africa and the southern Red Sea regions, giving the new axis a strategic depth that connects trade and security between the continents of Asia and Africa.

These announcements coincide with the arrival of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Israel for a two-day official visit, aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Tel Aviv. The visit is expected to witness the signing of new agreements in the fields of defense and advanced technology, which will enhance India's position as a key partner in the axis that Netanyahu seeks to establish.

For his part, Modi stated before his arrival that the relationship between the two countries has moved to a multi-faceted strategic partnership stage, emphasizing the strength of the ties that bind the two sides. This visit comes at a time when bilateral relations have witnessed steady growth since 2014, with cooperation expanding to include vital sectors such as agriculture, cybersecurity, and the development of advanced defense systems.

Economically, Indian investments stand out as a fundamental pillar in this axis, as the giant Indian company «Adani» manages the strategic Haifa Port on the Mediterranean Sea. This economic presence represents a practical translation of the geographical connection idea that Netanyahu spoke about, as the port becomes a focal point for trade coming from the East towards European markets.

In the military aspect, Israeli technologies have proven their strong presence in Indian defense doctrine, especially after the widespread reliance on Israeli-made drones. Field reports revealed that the Indian army used these technologies extensively during military confrontations on the border with Pakistan in 2025, which strengthened confidence in Israeli military technology.

Observers believe that Netanyahu's talk of a «complete circle» in the Middle East reflects a desire to overcome traditional political obstacles by building a network of cross-border economic and security interests. The use of timing associated with «Purim» indicates an attempt to give a symbolic character to the political transformations he hopes to achieve through this new axis that connects rising powers in Asia with the region.

Despite the internal criticism Modi faces in India due to this close rapprochement, common interests in confronting regional security challenges appear to be the primary driver of this policy. Through this alliance, New Delhi seeks to secure its supply lines and ensure a foothold in the new security arrangements taking shape in the Middle East.

In conclusion, Netanyahu's announcement of the «from India to Kush» axis represents an attempt to redefine the political map of the region, away from usual divisions. It seems that the Israeli-Indian alliance will be the cornerstone of this project, which aspires to integrate Israeli technological and military capabilities with India's economic and human weight within a single strategic framework.

We have a great interest in establishing a special axis that includes many countries to confront the two axes of extremist Islam, and it extends from India to Kush, reaching the Mediterranean.

A Palestinian citizen was martyred and several others were injured to varying degrees, at dawn today, Wednesday, after an Israeli drone targeted a group of citizens in the Mawasi area of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. Medical sources confirmed that the bombing occurred in areas outside the scope of the occupation forces' deployment, leading to casualties among civilians who are trying to remain in areas previously classified as safe.\n\nIn the context of the field escalation, field sources reported that Israeli warplanes carried out three intense airstrikes targeting various areas in the cities of Rafah and Khan Yunis. These raids coincided with violent artillery shelling that targeted the eastern neighborhoods of Gaza City, causing panic among residents who are suffering from the ongoing military operations.\n\nIn Gaza City, the Baptist Hospital received two injured people who were shot by occupation forces in the Shuja'iyya neighborhood, where Israeli forces opened fire on citizens outside their areas of incursion. These incidents come amid continued daily violations by the occupation forces despite announced international understandings regarding a ceasefire.\n\nAccording to the latest updates from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the total death toll from the genocide war since October 2023 has risen to 72,073 martyrs. Medical teams also recorded injuries to approximately 171,756 people, a statistic that reflects the scale of the humanitarian and health catastrophe experienced by the residents of the besieged Strip.\n\nOn the humanitarian front, thousands of displaced people faced a harsh night with the start of a low-pressure system accompanied by heavy rains that led to the submersion of hundreds of tents in different areas of the Strip. Strong winds and rainfall caused the collapse of dilapidated tents, leaving families, including children and the elderly, exposed during the early hours of Ramadan.\n\nHundreds of affected families appealed to civil defense teams and international relief organizations to intervene immediately to rescue them and provide urgent alternative shelter. Civil defense in Khan Yunis confirmed that it received dozens of distress calls, and its teams were able to evacuate several families whose dilapidated tents were surrounded by rainwater.\n\nWarnings are increasing about the risks of collapse of partially damaged homes due to shelling, as accumulated rainwater increases the weight on buildings at risk of collapse. Large pools of water also collected inside shelters and schools, hindering the movement of displaced people and increasing the likelihood of the spread of diseases and epidemics among residents in these overcrowded centers.\n\nFor its part, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned that two-thirds of Gaza's population currently live in tents that do not provide the minimum protection from weather fluctuations. The agency explained that the continued waves of forced displacement place enormous pressure on limited resources, amid severe food and water insecurity.\n\nUNRWA stressed that humanitarian conditions have reached unbearable levels of harshness, with continued restrictions on the entry of essential aid. The international agency called for the necessity of opening crossings and ensuring a sustainable flow of medical and relief supplies and shelter materials to meet the escalating needs of the besieged population.\n\nRegarding reconstruction and shelter, Amjad Al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGO Network, confirmed that the occupation still prevents the entry of mobile homes ("caravans") into the Strip. Al-Shawa pointed out that thousands of families are still living in the open or in dilapidated tents, despite recent humanitarian understandings clearly stipulating the necessity of introducing these shelter materials.\n\nOfficial reports indicate that the death toll from Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement since mid-October has reached approximately 615 martyrs. National and Palestinian forces are demanding that the international community compel Israel to abide by the terms of the agreement and pressure it to allow the entry of agreed-upon quantities of food and medical aid.\n\nThe residents of the Gaza Strip remain caught between the hammer of continuous Israeli shelling and the anvil of harsh weather conditions, amid international inability to stop the ongoing violations. With the advent of Ramadan, humanitarian suffering doubles amid a severe shortage of food and clothing, and the absence of real solutions to end the prolonged tragedy of displacement.\n\nApproximately two-thirds of the Gaza Strip's population currently resides in tents that offer only limited protection from harsh weather conditions.

Death claimed Tamar Ben Ami, at the age of 79, in the German capital, Berlin. She was the woman known in the Arab and Palestinian consciousness as 'Rita', the first muse of the late poet Mahmoud Darwish. Her passing came after a long struggle with illness, thus closing a chapter of stories where love intertwined with politics and poetry with bitter reality.

In her final years, the deceased had been managing artistic and cultural projects, moving between the cities of Berlin and Haifa. Her name became forever associated with one of the most famous resistance love poems in modern Palestinian literature, in which Darwish wrote 'Between Rita and my eyes, a rifle,' expressing the heart's struggle with identity and homeland in the early stages of his poetic career.

The story's roots go back to 1963 in Haifa, when the young Mahmoud Darwish met the Jewish girl Tamar Ben Ami, who was then twenty-two years old. In previous interviews, the deceased described that meeting as an 'electric current' that ignited love at first sight, when Darwish was reciting his poems in an artistic performance in which she participated with a folk dance troupe.

Ben Ami left a remarkable cultural will, as she called in her last public appearance for the translation of Darwish's poem 'Think of Others' into all world languages. She considered this poem to represent a universal human statement and an identity card for Darwish as a cosmic poet, emphasizing the necessity of teaching it in schools as a subject for education and social values.

In a cultural symposium hosted by the town of Iksal in 2018, 'Rita' passionately recalled her memories with the poet of Palestine, explaining that Darwish was for her 'the anchor of life' and her constant source of inspiration. Although the relationship did not culminate in marriage due to political circumstances and her later enlistment in the army, she continued to hold a special place for him in her memory.

The plastic artist Abd Abdi, a close friend of the deceased, revealed unknown aspects of her life, noting that she asked for his help in the late nineties to arrange a meeting with Darwish in France. She indeed managed to fulfill her wish and meet him there in 1998, in an attempt to rekindle the threads of an old memory that time had not erased.

Abdi mourned his friend with touching words, confirming that the love story between Darwish and Tamar was known only in the very narrow circles of the poet's close associates. He explained that the deceased was active in the social and cultural fields, and maintained her ties with the Palestinian cultural scene until her last days.

For his part, critic Marzouq Al-Halabi offered a different reading of the preoccupation with 'Rita's' passing, considering that Darwish the poet had long since moved beyond that early stage of his life. Al-Halabi pointed out that Darwish sometimes felt pain because the public and critics always tried to bring him back to his beginnings and his first poems like 'Rita' and 'I yearn for my mother's bread.'

Al-Halabi added that in his later years, especially in his famous evening in Haifa in 2007, Darwish tried to free himself from the dominance of old poems to present his mature intellectual and poetic output. Nevertheless, the public remains attached to those symbols that shaped their initial awareness of the cause and love under the shadows of occupation.

The poem 'Rita and the Rifle' is a unique literary model that embodied the impossibility of love in the midst of national conflict, where the rifle stands as a barrier between the honey-colored eyes and the poet. This poem was transformed into a lyrical icon by the voice of the artist Marcel Khalife, which contributed to immortalizing 'Rita's' name in collective memory.

The late Tamar Ben Ami had stated to the media that reading Darwish's old letters was a 'painful and harsh' process, especially after both parties realized they were stuck in a complex reality. She believed that Darwish succeeded in remaining in the public memory of humanity as a candle illuminating the darkness despite all setbacks.

'Rita's' life in her final years was divided between artistic work and humanitarian messages, as she traveled the world carrying a message calling for peace and understanding of others, drawing from her personal experience with the poet who taught her 'the world of words and creativity' as she always described it.

The passing of Tamar Ben Ami reopens the door for discussion about Mahmoud Darwish's personal biography and its impact on his poetry, and how he managed to transform a personal love experience into a major human cause that transcends borders and races, making 'Rita' a literary symbol rather than a real person.

With 'Rita's' death in Berlin, a real chapter of Darwish's inspiration closes, but the poem will remain alive, telling the story of the 'honey-colored eyes' that were besieged by rifles, and her will to translate 'Think of Others' will remain a final call from a woman who lived in the heart of Palestinian poetry.

Between Rita and my eyes, a rifle... And whoever knows Rita bows down and prays to a god in the honey-colored eyes.

Dylan Johnson, Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs, announced the official launch of the 'Peace Council' website. This step comes as part of the initiative launched by US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip and defining the political future of the region.

The new website is available in both Arabic and English, serving as a reference platform for the founding documents upon which the Council was established from its inception. The digital content includes precise details about the proposed settlement plan, in addition to the Council's organizational structure and the names of the members of the leadership bodies overseeing the implementation of its provisions.

The website includes a specialized news section aimed at monitoring and documenting all activities and movements undertaken by the Council at both regional and international levels. This launch follows a series of diplomatic steps, most notably the signing of the Council's charter by representatives of 19 countries in Davos, Switzerland, last January.

In the context of financial support for the project, US President Donald Trump revealed his success in raising massive financial pledges exceeding 7 billion dollars. Trump clarified that these amounts will be allocated as an urgent rescue package for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and to establish pillars of stability in the next phase.

Trump identified the list of countries contributing to this funding, which included countries from Central Asia such as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, along with a strong presence of Arab countries. The Arab list included the UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

In addition to international pledges, the US President announced that the United States would directly contribute 10 billion dollars to support the budget of the Council, which he himself chairs. The precise details of how these massive amounts will be spent are not yet clear, but they fall within the proposed transitional administration budget.

It is worth noting that the 'Peace Council' was officially announced in mid-January, at a time when attention was focused on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Despite the close link between the establishment of the Council and the war in the Strip, observers noted that its official charter did not explicitly mention the name of Gaza.

The Council represents one of four organizational structures designed by the Trump administration to manage what is known as the 'transitional phase' in the Gaza Strip. These structures work in parallel, including the National Committee for Gaza Management, the Gaza Executive Council, in addition to the International Stabilization Force that will undertake security tasks.

Through this platform, Washington seeks to impart transparency and institutionalism to its controversial plan, by providing access to periodic reports and decisions issued by the Council. Field and political challenges remain the real test of the ability of these structures to bring about tangible change on the ground in the Palestinian territories.

The Peace Council is a pivotal part of the vision aimed at ending the conflict and initiating a new transitional phase in the Gaza Strip.

US President Donald Trump delivered his annual State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress, an occasion dominated by self-aggrandizement and a display of what he described as major achievements. The speech was not without a sharp tone towards political opponents, both domestic and foreign, creating an atmosphere of charged tension within the hall, which witnessed condemning banners and protest chants.

Trump's speech lasted for one hour and 48 minutes, making it the longest presidential address to Congress in at least six decades. According to data from the American Presidency Project at the University of California, Trump surpassed his own previous record set last March, and also broke former President Bill Clinton's record from 2000.

The session witnessed a direct confrontation when Democratic Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib interrupted the President's discussion on immigration. Trump responded by demanding that they be ashamed for not standing in respect for the speech, but the response came quickly from Ilhan Omar, who accused him of killing Americans and demanded that he be ashamed of his policies.

The tension escalated with the forceful removal of Democratic Representative Al Green from the chamber after he held up a sign that read 'Blacks are not monkeys'. This protest was in response to a video previously posted by Trump that depicted Barack and Michelle Obama in an offensive manner, prompting immediate intervention by Capitol security amidst mixed chants from the audience.

Trump did not hesitate to describe his Democratic Party opponents as 'crazy', sharply criticizing their refusal to stand or applaud during sections of his lengthy speech. The President considered this behavior to reflect a state of deep division, while he continued to present his political agenda amidst repeated interruptions from the opposition.

On the other side of the scene, press cameras and social media captured instances of drowsiness among members of Congress due to the length of the speech. Democratic Representative Tom Suozzi posted a photo of himself sleeping, sarcastically commenting on the difficulty of staying awake during long speeches that resemble boring reruns.

Georgia Representative David Scott also appeared in videos struggling to stay awake, with his eyes closed for brief periods before reawakening. These shots reflect the state of exhaustion that prevailed in the hall as a result of the speech lasting nearly two hours, interspersed with long pauses for applause and ceremonial protocols.

The speech included a tribute segment during which Trump hosted the American hockey team that won the Olympic gold medal, announcing that he would award them the Medal of Freedom. The President used this gesture to reinforce messages of American success and excellence that he sought to instill throughout his address to lawmakers and the American people.

Sources reported that the atmosphere inside the Capitol was the most divided in years, with a wide gap apparent between applauding Republicans and protesting Democrats. The protest was not limited to words, but also included symbolic gestures and a complete refusal to participate in the usual traditions of such national occasions.

Observers believe that Trump's deliberate prolongation of the speech aimed to dominate the media landscape for as long as possible, despite the restlessness it caused. Subsequent analyses focused on the fact that the speech did not offer new political initiatives as much as it was a platform to attack opponents and rally popular bases.

Trump concluded his speech amidst a mix of sharp applause from his supporters and boos from his opponents, leaving behind a wide debate about the language of the speech. This incident confirms that the state of political polarization in the United States has reached its peak, manifested in direct verbal altercations under the dome of Parliament.

You killed Americans, you should be ashamed.

British journalist Mehdi Hasan, founder of Zeteo media company, confirmed that the recent interview conducted by American media personality Tucker Carlson with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee was not just a fleeting media piece, but rather became the spark for a global diplomatic crisis. The interview, which garnered millions of views on both 'X' and 'YouTube' platforms, provoked angry reactions from more than a dozen Muslim-majority countries, which described the ambassador's statements as incitement and dangerous.

Hasan explained in his analytical reading that the core of the crisis lies in Huckabee's defense of what he called Israel's 'biblical right' to control vast areas in the Middle East. This extremist religious and political proposition prompted several countries to issue a joint statement warning of the repercussions of these statements on regional stability, considering them to reflect a trend that goes beyond international diplomatic norms.

Despite Hasan's praise for Carlson's courage in asking some questions that traditional media avoids, he strongly criticized the host's failure to debunk a series of false claims made by Huckabee during the two-and-a-half-hour interview. Hasan considered that the US Ambassador presented fabricated statistics and misleading timelines that fully served the Zionist narrative without accurate review.

Among the most prominent fallacies identified by Hasan was Huckabee's claim that he had never been asked about Jonathan Pollard, the intelligence analyst convicted of spying for Israel. Hasan described this statement as a 'blatant lie,' recalling that correspondent Neria Kraus had confronted Huckabee with this issue last January, reflecting the ambassador's attempt to falsify the media reality surrounding him.

On the historical side, Hasan debunked Huckabee's claims that Israel was acting in self-defense during the 1956 and 1967 wars. He explained that the Suez Crisis began with a pre-planned Israeli attack on Sinai, while the Six-Day War began with a surprise Israeli air strike on Egyptian airports, which former Israeli leaders such as Menachem Begin later confirmed in their statements.

The analysis also touched upon the historical confusion the ambassador fell into regarding the 'Balfour Declaration,' where Hasan clarified that the declaration was issued in 1917 when Palestine was under Ottoman rule, not during the British Mandate as Huckabee implied. Hasan also stressed that the declaration itself included text protecting the civil and religious rights of non-Jewish communities, which extremist right-wing discourse usually ignores.

In terms of numbers, Mehdi Hasan revealed the inaccuracy of Huckabee's information regarding the Christian presence in the region, where the ambassador claimed that the number of Christians in Israel exceeds their number in Qatar. Returning to official data, it was found that the number of Christians in Qatar exceeds 340,000, which is almost double their number in Israel, which is about 182,000 according to 2022 statistics.

Hasan considered Huckabee's performance in the interview to make him appear as 'Israel's ambassador to Washington' rather than a representative of American interests in Tel Aviv. This complete bias, according to the article, undermines the credibility of the American diplomatic role and fuels anti-biased policies in the Muslim world, especially given the sensitivity of the Jerusalem and occupied territories issues.

Hasan also criticized the mainstream media's silence regarding the 'fanciful' claims made by pro-Israel officials, questioning the absence of serious follow-up questions that hold these officials accountable for their legal and historical responsibilities. He believed that Carlson's experience, despite its flaws, revealed a significant gap in how the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is covered by the media.

The British journalist concluded that Huckabee's statements went beyond the bounds of internal political debate to become a real diplomatic burden, as these statements reflect a confrontational ideological vision that does not recognize legitimate Palestinian rights. He pointed out that such positions exacerbate international tension and make it difficult to reach fair political settlements in the region.

In conclusion of his article, Mehdi Hasan stressed the need for accuracy in conveying historical facts related to the conflict, warning of the danger of adopting religious narratives to justify political expansion. He affirmed that the diplomatic crisis caused by the interview is a natural result of ignoring factual and legal realities on the ground in favor of extremist ideologies that are now finding their way into official diplomatic circles.

Huckabee appeared in the interview more like Israel's ambassador to the United States than Washington's ambassador to Tel Aviv.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began an official visit to Israel today, Wednesday, his second since coming to power in 2014. This step aims to solidify the trajectory of relations that have seen a qualitative leap since his historic first visit in the summer of 2017, which ushered in a new phase of overt cooperation between New Delhi and Tel Aviv.

Modi affirmed via social media platforms that the two-day visit aims to strengthen the multifaceted strategic partnership between the two countries. He noted that bilateral relations have witnessed steady growth in recent years, necessitating this high-level meeting to discuss regional and international issues of common interest.

The visit's agenda includes extensive talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in addition to a meeting with President Isaac Herzog. Modi is scheduled to deliver a speech before the Israeli Knesset and will also meet with representatives of the Indian community, who play a pivotal role in bridging cultural and economic relations between the two sides.

Technical reports indicate that the primary focus of this visit is on updating security agreements and expanding the horizons of cooperation in defense industries. Through these understandings, Israel seeks to strengthen its position as a major supplier of advanced military technology to India, which is one of the largest importers of this type of equipment in the world.

For his part, Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the visit, describing Modi as a close friend and considering this meeting a fundamental opportunity to build new alliances in the Middle East. Netanyahu expected the discussions to result in the signing of security protocols that would allow deeper cooperation in joint military manufacturing and intelligence sharing.

This visit represents the culmination of a strategic shift in Indian foreign policy, which has moved from traditional support for the Palestinian cause to building a close alliance with Israel. Since 1992, the date diplomatic relations began, the pace of rapprochement has accelerated unprecedentedly under the Bharatiya Janata Party led by Modi.

This shift was clearly manifested following the events of October 7, 2023, when India quickly expressed its full solidarity with Israel. This stance was also reflected in international forums, where New Delhi abstained from voting on UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, justifying it by the absence of explicit condemnation of the attacks Israel had suffered.

Our two countries share a strong and multifaceted strategic partnership, and relations have strengthened significantly in recent years.

 With its ancient stones, the noble Ibrahimi Mosque stands tall, nestled amidst old alleys, buildings, mosques, and minarets that carry the history of prophets and the heritage of a holy city. Despite the occupation's infiltration of its surroundings and interior, and the difficult reality, the spirit of the place bears witness to the steadfastness of its Arab Islamic identity, no matter how the conditions change in the city of Hebron, which preserves its history through the resilience of its residents who maintain prayer and presence, clinging to their roots. The Ibrahimi Mosque remains the jewel of the city and its beating heart whose light never fades, one of the most important Palestinian religious and historical symbols.Sheikh Moataz Abu Sneineh, director of the Ibrahimi Mosque, said that the mosque, which combines the sanctity of the place and the importance of heritage, has made it a target of Israeli occupation ambitions. For decades, the mosque has faced severe challenges as a result of these settlement ambitions that seek to Judaize it and impose full control over it. He pointed out that the occupation's plans to seize and control the Ibrahimi Mosque and fully Judaize it under its sovereignty are clearly and explicitly evident in light of the occupation government's decision to transfer the administration of the Ibrahimi Mosque from the Islamic Endowments to the administration of the "Kiryat Arba" settlement.Abu Sneineh added that the matter is not merely an administrative procedure, but carries serious political and religious dimensions, as it is feared that it will open the door to deepening settlement control over the mosque and its surroundings, and provide legal cover for expanding the influence of settlers within the Old City, at the expense of the Palestinian presence. He pointed out that for decades, the occupation and settlers have sought to impose a new reality within the Ibrahimi Mosque, through temporal and spatial division, and tightening restrictions on Muslim worshipers, leading to repeated attempts to convert it into a Jewish synagogue. He explained that the transfer of administration may accelerate the seizure of Palestinian buildings surrounding the mosque, under the pretext of organization and administration.Abu Sneineh explained that any change in the administration of the Ibrahimi Mosque – which is not only a religious site, but a historical witness to the Arab and Islamic identity of Hebron – is considered a direct infringement on sovereignty and historical right, and a blatant violation of international law and United Nations resolutions that emphasize the protection of religious holy sites in the occupied territories. He stressed that the current stage is a sensitive and dangerous stage in the history of the Ibrahimi Mosque and the city of Hebron, where administrative decisions intersect with a broader settlement project that threatens both the place and the people. He emphasized that the Ibrahimi Mosque remains a symbol of steadfastness in the face of attempts at obliteration and Judaization.For his part, Amjad Karaja, Director General of Hebron Endowments, said that the occupation seeks to seize what remains of the Ibrahimi Mosque by changing its historical features. He pointed out that the measures and practices imposed on this Islamic holy place have been implemented meter by meter, with the aim of emptying the mosque, its surroundings, and the Old City, and thus controlling it. He explained that only a small part remains after the occupation usurped 63% of it, and the violations did not stop at the division, but the attacks by settlers continue under the protection of the Israeli army, who storm it in thousands and hold noisy parties and Talmudic prayers inside it, in a blatant violation of the sanctity and sacredness of the place.Karaja considered that the increasing occupation measures against the Ibrahimi Mosque – which include closing all entrances to the mosque except one, harassing visitors and worshipers in an attempt to reduce their numbers, preventing the call to prayer from the mosque's minarets, in addition to repeated attacks on the mosque's electricity network and attempts to cut off electricity to the section under the administration of the Islamic Endowments, leading to the refusal to hand over its halls, courtyards, sections, and facilities as is customary on Fridays of Ramadan each year, in an unprecedented step – aim to entrench this new reality and pave the way for full control over the Ibrahimi Mosque.Karaja called on UNESCO, which has placed the Ibrahimi Mosque on its World Heritage List, to work to stop the occupation's aggressions and violations against the mosque, considering that these violations constitute a blow to the systems and laws adopted by the organization.

Settlers escalated their field attacks in various areas of the occupied West Bank, coinciding with the nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. Groups of settlers carried out a widespread attack on Tuesday evening targeting the village of Susiya in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, where they deliberately set fire to citizens' properties and homes.

The human rights organization "Al-Baydar" confirmed in a statement that the attack resulted in the burning of five homes and several vehicles belonging to Palestinian families living in the area. These fires caused extensive material damage, in addition to spreading a state of extreme terror among the local residents, especially children and women who found themselves surrounded by fire and attacks.

Local sources reported that the settlers did not stop at setting fires, but deliberately fired tear gas canisters inside homes while families were inside. This aggressive behavior resulted in four Palestinian citizens suffering severe suffocation, which was dealt with on the ground amid great difficulties in reaching the area.

Video clips captured by surveillance cameras and published by news platforms documented moments of masked settlers storming the village carrying incendiary materials. The scenes showed vehicles and homes simultaneously catching fire, while media sources confirmed this account through footage showing the extent of the destruction left by the attackers before their withdrawal.

In a related context, shepherds in Khirbet Aqwaweis in Masafer Yatta were chased and attacked by settlers who tried to prevent them from reaching the pastures. Sources stated that the settlers deliberately released their livestock around the homes of citizens in Khirbet al-Halawa, al-Markaz, and al-Tabban, in a move aimed at restricting the livelihoods of Palestinians and forcing them to leave.

The Wadi Sa'ir area north of Hebron witnessed a gathering of armed settlers who set out from the "Asfar" settlement located on citizens' lands. The attackers blocked the main road and prevented Palestinian vehicles from crossing the bypass road, which led to traffic obstruction and the detention of dozens of citizens for hours at gunpoint.

As for the northern West Bank, dozens of Palestinian youths confronted an attack launched by settlers on the Jabal Bir Qouza area in the town of Beita, south of Nablus. Clashes erupted in the area after settlers attempted to storm the town's lands, where residents succeeded in repelling the attack and forcing the aggressors to retreat towards nearby settlements.

This new wave of violence is an extension of a statistical report that recorded about 468 settler attacks in January alone. These attacks varied between direct physical violence, uprooting fruit trees, and burning agricultural crops, as part of a systematic policy aimed at isolating farmers from their historical lands.

Data indicates that there are about 770,000 settlers distributed among hundreds of settlements and pastoral outposts in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Since the start of the aggression on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, these attacks have doubled with the support of the occupation forces, leading to the martyrdom of 1117 Palestinians in the West Bank and the arrest of thousands, amid warnings of plans to annex the West Bank and displace its residents.

Settlers deliberately fired tear gas canisters inside inhabited homes, causing injuries and a state of panic among women and children.

Political circles in Tel Aviv are anticipating the upcoming official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is expected to bring about a qualitative leap in bilateral relations. The new level of cooperation is described as a 'special strategic relationship,' a term previously reserved in Israeli diplomatic custom for relations with the United States and Germany, reflecting a new weight for New Delhi in Israeli foreign policy.

Modi's visit is scheduled to include high-level meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Herzog, in addition to delivering a speech before the Knesset. This diplomatic momentum will culminate in the signing of extensive memoranda of understanding, prioritizing security cooperation, with a focus on building a sustainable partnership that goes beyond the traditional frameworks previously in place between the two countries.

One of the most prominent provisions of the security agreement is the establishment of a joint secrecy mechanism, which will allow the Indian side access to military technologies that were previously prohibited. This includes advanced air defense systems and the integration of Indian expertise in the development of the laser air defense system known as 'Iron Beam,' enhancing the defensive capabilities of both parties unprecedentedly.

High-ranking political sources clarified that this alliance provides Israel with a vital safety net in the face of any potential international arms embargo, as happened in previous periods. Under the new understandings, Israel will be able to rely on Indian manufacturing capabilities to produce combat means and ammunition, especially since India has proven its effectiveness by supplying Tel Aviv with drones and explosives during recent military confrontations.

In terms of advanced technology, the two countries will sign agreements for cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. This cooperation aims to leverage India's enormous capabilities in applying initial technologies on a large scale, serving common security and economic interests amid global digital transformations.

For his part, the Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, stated that this stage represents a 'new era' that extends beyond security to include sectors such as food, agriculture, water, and infrastructure. Azar indicated serious efforts to involve Indian companies in large tenders within Israel, including the Tel Aviv Metro project, in addition to strengthening direct flight routes between the two countries.

As part of the preparations for this visit, the Israeli government approved a budget estimated at approximately 148 million shekels to fund a plan to strengthen academic and innovative ties. The plan includes establishing a high-level political steering committee that meets periodically, opening new centers of excellence in India specializing in water resource management and modern agriculture, and increasing student and research exchange between universities in both sides.

Prospects for cooperation also extend to renewable energy and telemedicine sectors, with efforts to conclude comprehensive free trade agreements that serve the economies of both countries. Interestingly, the plan did not overlook the cultural aspect, as cinematic cooperation between 'Bollywood' and the Israeli film industry will be enhanced, in a step aimed at strengthening soft power and popular rapprochement in parallel with the military alliance.

This is a major revolution that increases the flexibility in the security apparatus's ability to manage efforts and allows both parties to rely on each other when needed.

US President Donald Trump began his annual State of the Union address by declaring that the United States had entered what he called a 'Golden Age,' asserting that the country had regained its global standing with unprecedented strength. Trump ascended the podium in the Capitol building to supportive cheers from Republican members, while complete silence prevailed on the Democratic side of the chamber.

In his speech, Trump emphasized that the American nation is now 'bigger, better, richer, and stronger' than ever before, seeking to solidify an image of success for his administration at a pivotal political moment. The President considered the transformations the country had witnessed over the past year to represent a historic change for generations, affirming that the administration would not allow a return to previous policies.

On the economic front, Trump announced that inflation rates had begun to decline significantly, pointing to his administration's success in reducing core inflation to its lowest levels in over five years. Despite acknowledging the continued rise in prices for essential goods and utilities, he considered current indicators as evidence of the sound economic path Washington is pursuing.

The US President touched upon the energy file, revealing enhanced partnership with Venezuela, which recently supplied the United States with over 80 million barrels of oil. He also praised the increase in domestic US oil production by more than 600,000 barrels per day, considering it a fundamental pillar in the strategy of energy independence and cost reduction.

The speech was not without direct criticism of the judiciary, as Trump criticized the Supreme Court's decision to invalidate the global tariffs he had imposed. The President described the decision as 'very unfortunate,' warning trading partners that the legal alternatives he possesses could be harsher on them if existing agreements are not adhered to.

The session witnessed security and political tension when authorities removed Democratic Representative Al Green from the chamber after he raised a protest sign condemning racism. Green's protest came in response to a controversial video previously posted on Trump's accounts, which added a charged atmosphere to the annual address.

Regarding attendance and boycott, political circles recorded the absence of about 20 Democratic lawmakers who decided to boycott the speech to express their rejection of the current administration's policies. In contrast, senior military leaders, Supreme Court justices, and the President's family attended to follow the lengthy speech, which covered immigration and foreign policy issues.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is scheduled to deliver the Democratic Party's official response to Trump's speech, where she will present the opposition's viewpoint on the issues raised. This speech comes at a sensitive time preceding the midterm congressional elections, making it a key platform for shaping the contours of the upcoming political battle in the United States.

Our nation is back... bigger, better, richer, and stronger than ever before, and this is America's Golden Age.

Washington – Said Arikat – 2/25/2026

In a highly sensitive regional moment, recent military movements reveal a scene that goes beyond mere traditional "deterrence messages." Israeli media reported the arrival of American F-22 Raptor stealth jets at an airbase in southern Israel, after they had been stationed at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. According to flight tracking data, 12 aircraft took off, one of which returned due to a technical malfunction, while the rest continued their journey to the Middle East in a rare show of force in its nature and timing.

This coincides with reports published by The New York Times, based on satellite images and navigation data, indicating the presence of more than 60 attack aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, in addition to dozens of transport aircraft that have landed since mid-February. The latest F-35 jets were also spotted, along with drones, helicopters, and new air defense systems. Reuters, in turn, pointed to a large buildup at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

This buildup, said to be the largest since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, coincides with nuclear negotiations expected to resume in Geneva, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi received a green light to present a counter-proposal to the American team. However, the diplomatic path seems surrounded by unprecedented escalatory language from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened a military strike if talks fail.

Ironically, Trump finds himself today in a political and strategic predicament. He believed, as he expressed in an interview on Fox News, that a show of force of this magnitude would compel Iran to submit and accept American terms. This assessment was also echoed by negotiator Steve Witkoff on the same channel, when he indicated that Tehran was only "one week" away from possessing fissile material suitable for a nuclear weapon, a phrasing reminiscent of previous narratives used to justify military escalation.

But the political "shock and awe" gamble does not seem to be achieving the desired results. Iran has shown no signs of backing down; instead, it responded by striking Israeli and American targets in the region, reflecting a willingness to bear risks. Here lies the dilemma: the higher the military buildup, the narrower Trump's political maneuvering room, and retreat becomes costly domestically and internationally. Trump's statements that a military confrontation would be "easy" if the decision were made, involve an oversimplification of a complex theater of operations, where American bases and allied forces are within direct firing range.

Israel, for its part, conveys through its media the conviction that an American strike is inevitable, and that military coordination is at its highest levels. Channel 12 quoted an official as saying that reaching a diplomatic solution would be the "surprise of the year." Such rhetoric creates a dynamic of mutual pressure: Washington does not want to appear hesitant, and Tel Aviv does not want to miss what it considers a historic moment.

In Washington, there is speculation that Trump may have preferred to wait until after his State of the Union address before launching any strike, so that a sudden military event would not overshadow his domestic message, or be interpreted as a distraction from his economic priorities. Postponing the decision until after the annual platform might give him room to prepare public opinion, or to show that the military option came after exhausting the diplomatic path.

Ultimately, it appears that the US administration has shifted from an economic "maximum pressure" policy to a military "maximum pressure" policy, without a guarantee that the other side will read the message as Washington intends. If the goal is to impose a deal on better terms, then exaggerating the threat might make any subsequent settlement appear as a retreat, not an achievement.

The current crisis reflects a structural flaw in the mutual assessment of deterrence. Trump built his approach on the premise that Iran acts with a loss-aversion mentality, and that it would bow to a direct threat of crushing its nuclear and military infrastructure. But experience has shown that Tehran tends to absorb blows and reposition itself, considering steadfastness itself a political victory. The higher the ceiling of the American threat, the greater the domestic cost of Iranian retreat, and deterrence turns into an open test of wills, not a tool to close the path of escalation.

Notably, the discourse about "one week" to possess fissile material reproduces the logic of urgency that characterized previous crises in the Middle East. This type of statement pressures decision-makers to take quick steps before it's "too late," which shortens the time for diplomacy and reinforces the priority of the military option. In contrast, Iran may see this urgency as evidence of American confusion, and bet on the time factor and expanding its room for maneuver. Between Washington's urgency and Tehran's reliance on patience, the region stands on the brink of calculations where everyone might err.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, stressed that the current developments in the occupied Palestinian territories are following a clear path that directly aims to undermine the two-state solution. Guterres explained, during the opening of the Human Rights Council session in Geneva, that this trend represents a blatant challenge to the international will, which should not allow this reality to be imposed.

Guterres pointed out in his speech to the extent of serious violations affecting human rights and human dignity in Palestine, emphasizing that international law is subject to continuous and systematic breach. He considered that what is happening in the occupied territories reflects a state of overlooking the fundamental principles upon which the international system for protecting peoples under occupation was founded.

The Secretary-General warned of a global phenomenon of a comprehensive attack on human rights, noting that these rights are being strategically and deliberately curtailed in several regions. He pointed out that the law of force has begun to prevail over the rule of law, which threatens global stability and opens the door to further chaos and violations without real deterrence.

Guterres strongly criticized the way international law is currently being dealt with, describing it as being treated as a 'nuisance' by active powers. He added that the world is witnessing a justification for collective suffering, while civilians are used as bargaining chips for political leverage, reflecting a sharp moral decline in the management of international conflicts.

In a related context, human rights sources linked Guterres' statements to the difficult reality on the ground, where previous reports documented widespread attacks on places of worship, including damage to 45 mosques last year. These attacks come as part of an escalation policy that further complicates the humanitarian and political landscape in various Palestinian cities.

Guterres concluded his warnings by emphasizing that the collapse of the human rights system means the collapse of everything that follows it, calling on the international community to take serious action to stop this deterioration. He affirmed that silence on violations in Palestine gives a green light to the continuation of the policy of impunity, which threatens the essence of international justice.

The current path in the occupied Palestinian territories is blatantly clear and its goal is specific: to undermine the two-state solution, but the international community cannot allow that to happen.

Tensions are escalating in the Middle East as the United States continues to amass massive military capabilities, including dozens of naval and air assets. These movements raise serious questions about the strategy Washington might pursue if a decision is made to launch a military attack on Iran, especially concerning logistical starting points.

International press reports indicate that Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan is emerging as one of the most important strongholds for the US air fleet in the region. Recent satellite images have revealed an unprecedented military buildup, including more than 60 diverse combat aircraft with various missions and capabilities.

Among the aircraft observed at the Jordanian base, at least 12 F-35 Lightning II fighters, the latest in the American arsenal, stand out. These stealth fighters are lined up on the runways, reinforcing the hypothesis of their reliance for precise strikes that bypass traditional radars.

The second scenario proposed by military experts involves using air bases within the European continent, specifically in countries like Cyprus, Greece, and Bulgaria. This option aims to distribute air power and reduce the risks arising from concentrating forces in a single geographical point close to Iran's missile range.

However, the option of launching from Europe faces logistical challenges related to the long distances that F-16 and F-35 fighters would have to cover. These aircraft do not have sufficient fuel capacity for a round trip, necessitating heavy reliance on aerial refueling aircraft to secure the flight path.

Flight tracking data confirms that KC-135 Stratotanker tanker aircraft could play a pivotal role in this context. These aircraft can launch from distant bases in the United Kingdom or the United States to meet fighters at specific points over the Mediterranean to conduct refueling operations.

The third scenario focuses on the naval strike force represented by aircraft carriers and destroyers deployed in regional waters. This option gives the US military command high flexibility in maneuvering and approaching Iranian coasts to carry out swift strikes and then retreat to safe locations.

In addition to destructive power, Washington relies on advanced electronic warfare systems on board its warships. These systems aim to cripple Iranian command and control capabilities and jam radars, facilitating airspace penetration and neutralizing air defense systems before the actual attack begins.

US deployment in European bases might make it difficult for Iran to directly target those bases if a confrontation erupts.

US President Donald Trump is heading to the Capitol building in Washington on Tuesday evening to deliver the annual State of the Union address, an event that brings together top state leaders and lawmakers. This anticipated speech aims to summarize the administration's achievements in its first year and to outline a political and economic roadmap for the next phase, especially with the upcoming midterm congressional elections in November.

The State of the Union address is known as a constitutional tradition where the President periodically provides information to Congress about the state of the country and recommendations for necessary measures. Historically, since its inception by George Washington in 1790, this event has transformed into a major political platform, usually followed by official responses from the opposition party to refute the policies of the current administration.

The speech is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM Eastern Time, with Vice President J.D. Vance and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson seated behind the President. This timing comes amidst sharp political polarization, as previous years have witnessed dramatic moments in the same chamber, most notably Nancy Pelosi tearing up a copy of Trump's speech in 2020.

Attention is focused on the immigration issue as one of the main pillars of Trump's speech, where he is expected to review his administration's successes in reducing illegal crossings at the southern border. The President will also discuss controversial mass deportation plans, amid legal and human rights questions about the oversight mechanisms used in various states.

On the economic front, Trump will address trade policies and tariffs, especially after the recent legal dispute over his presidential powers in this area. The President seeks to emphasize his protectionist vision aimed at strengthening domestic industry and reducing the trade deficit with international partners, despite the judicial challenges some of his decisions have faced.

In foreign policy, the Middle East file will occupy a significant space, particularly negotiation efforts regarding a ceasefire and ongoing tensions with Iran. The speech will also refer to recent developments in Latin America, including the repercussions of the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last month, and its impact on US influence in the region.

Expectations suggest that Trump may try to break his previous records for speech length, having previously recorded one hour and 40 minutes as the longest address before a joint session. The event will be attended by Supreme Court justices and military leaders, in addition to First Lady Melania Trump and a number of guests representing political and social issues adopted by the administration.

Conversely, about 20 Democratic lawmakers announced their boycott of the speech, led by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, preferring to participate in a parallel event. The US Women's National Ice Hockey Team also apologized for attending, citing prior academic and professional commitments, reflecting the state of division in various circles.

Parliamentary sources reported that Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the official Democratic Party response after the President's speech. This response aims to present an alternative vision to the American voter and highlight what opponents see as failures in the social and economic policies pursued over the past year.

In media statements, Republican lawmakers affirmed that Trump will focus on celebrating achievements such as strengthening border security and reducing inflation rates that have burdened citizens. Congressman Russell Fletchers indicated that the speech will represent a strong boost for the 'Save America' act, which the administration considers a cornerstone in protecting citizenship rights and promoting national sovereignty.

Regarding the Iranian file, Congressman Michael Cloud clarified that the President still aspires to reach a comprehensive deal that ensures peace and stability, despite his sometimes escalatory rhetoric. He added that the administration balances the desire for diplomacy with the necessity of deterrence, which will be evident in the tone of the speech directed at the leadership in Tehran and the international community.

Finally, Trump's allies in Congress, such as Dusty Johnson, emphasize that the 'America First' principle will remain the primary driver of every word in the speech. They believe that the President will express his deep concern about authoritarian regimes, while affirming that supreme American interests are the compass guiding his actions in thorny issues, whether in Ukraine or the Middle East region.

President Trump will present his vision for the future with a focus on the 'Save America' act as an affirmation of citizenship rights.

What is happening today in the Palestinian arena is not merely a verbal or political conflict, but a reflection of profound transformations imposed by the October events and the subsequent devastating war and severe political and security blockade, which made all previous calculations subject to reconsideration. Azzam al-Ahmad's statement, Secretary of the Palestine Liberation Organization and a prominent leader in the Fatah movement, when he affirmed that Hamas is not a terrorist organization and rejected its disarmament by external decision, cannot be understood in isolation from this complex context. It does not constitute a direct challenge to the United States as much as it indicates a political window opened to manage the transitional phase before it is lost, and it clarifies that there is room to deal with Hamas within the new political reality without escalation that harms international efforts to restore stability.

After pushing its armed resistance program to its limits, Hamas today finds itself facing a real transitional phase, similar to what the Fatah movement went through when it shifted from armed struggle to political action within a comprehensive national framework represented by the Palestine Liberation Organization. The peak of its military program has been exhausted, and the path before it is limited between continued isolation and confrontation or engaging in political transformation that allows it to participate within the Palestinian system. This transformation does not mean losing its identity completely, but rather readjusting its roles in line with the new phase. Managing this change rationally could transform the potential threat from Hamas into an element of control and stability, while ignoring it could complicate any efforts to rearrange the Palestinian scene.

At the same time, the Palestinian National Authority and the Organization are under significant pressure to implement real reforms, but they show clear pragmatism, realizing that any future step in Gaza requires balancing with American and international interests to maintain stability. Completely excluding Hamas or attempting to impose full hegemony over Gaza could lead to a security and social vacuum, as it is not just an armed faction, but a broad popular base extending within the Strip and capable of influencing the stability of any political arrangements or reconstruction. Ignoring this reality makes any American or international plan mere illusions prone to failure, and therefore there appears to be practical tolerance for some administrative and police elements that served Hamas, provided they operate under the supervision of the National Authority and under international oversight to ensure that a dual power equation is not reproduced.

The matter is not limited to the administration of Gaza only, but extends to the Palestinian national structure itself. The existing structures, including the PLO, may not fully reflect today's complex reality, and thinking about creating a new comprehensive Palestinian body with a name and political program that keeps pace with the phase may be a necessity to accommodate all active forces on the ground. This does not mean completely dismantling the Organization or losing its international legitimacy, but rather redefining and expanding it to include everyone within a clear political program while maintaining international recognition. The Israeli experience can be studied, where the Islamic Movement and parties like the United Arab List  in Israel have shown that an Islamic current can practice politics within the official system without losing its identity, as a model that could be beneficial in the Palestinian context, taking into account the complex relationship between Hamas and Fatah.

The transformation witnessed in the Palestinian reality is not just a tactical adjustment, but a comprehensive redefinition process that includes updating the Organization's charter, renewing its leaderships, and opening the door to forces that accept working within a comprehensive national program, including Hamas if it accepts the necessary political transformation. Managing this transition rationally will allow transforming the challenge from Hamas into an element of stability, while ignoring it or proceeding with dismantling the current framework could create a greater rift and complicate any international or American efforts to rearrange the scene.

The current phase represents a historical moment that could redraw the Palestinian scene, as international and regional pressure converges with the internal necessity for change, and the need arises to manage an organized transition that preserves legitimacy and accommodates realistic transformations, and allows for long-term stability, with the understanding that any success depends on the ability of all parties to adapt to a new reality, where the integration of forces, the reform of national structures, and dealing with Hamas as a popular and political force become part of survival strategies and controlling the Palestinian future. Redefining and formulating the national framework in accordance with the new reality without losing the historical gains of international legitimacy represents the main challenge facing Palestinians today.

Field sources reported the martyrdom of one person and the injury of two others with varying degrees of wounds, as a result of an aerial raid carried out by Israeli occupation army reconnaissance aircraft, targeting a site in the southern area of Khan Yunis city in the Gaza Strip. This raid comes as part of a series of intense aerial attacks launched by the occupation forces on residential neighborhoods, further complicating the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip.

In another field development in the northern part of the Strip, a Palestinian citizen was injured by bullets fired from a 'quadcopter' drone belonging to the occupation army. Sources explained that the sniping operation occurred in the vicinity of 'Abu Hussein' school, an area crowded with displaced people, indicating the occupation's expansion in using precise drones to directly target civilians inside shelters.

Occupation forces continue their military operations in various axes of the Gaza Strip, with shelling in recent hours focusing on targeting civilian gatherings and populated areas, amid continued international warnings about the repercussions of targeting shelters and schools that have become last resorts for thousands of displaced families.

The direct targeting in the vicinity of 'Abu Hussein' school reflects the escalation of the occupation's use of drones to snipe unarmed citizens in displacement areas.