ISRAEL STRIKES

Politics: Rising Tensions Beyond Ukraine

1. Israel Eyes Reduced Military Presence in Lebanon

Israel signaled a potential withdrawal of troops from southern Lebanon, contingent on Hezbollah’s disarmament as mandated by Beirut’s cabinet. While not confirming a full pullback, Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged readiness to scale back if tangible steps are taken.
(Reuters) Reuters+2Reuters+2

Simultaneously, Lebanon’s government has instructed its army to develop a disarmament plan by December, aiming to reclaim state control over weapons commonly held by Hezbollah.
(Reuters) Reuters

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2. Israel Strikes Yemen in Response to Houthi Cluster Missile Attack

On August 24, Israel launched a series of airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, targeting fuel depots, power plants, and military sites connected to the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. The operation was in retaliation for a cluster bomb missile attack launched at Israel, which injured several civilians.
(The Times, AP News) The Times+2AP News+2

This marked the first use of cluster munitions by the Houthis in the recent conflict, deepening fears of regional escalation and highlighting the widening front involving Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.
(AP News) The Times

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3. Iranian Reformists Push for Nuclear Negotiations Amid Domestic Crisis

A coalition of 27 reformist groups in Iran, known as the Iran Reform Front, called for a halt in the country’s uranium enrichment and urged renewed diplomacy with the U.S. and the IAEA. Their initiative comes as Iran grapples with crippling power and water shortages, rampant inflation, and growing disillusionment with the hardline approach.
(AP News) New York Post

This reformist push contrasts sharply with Tehran’s ongoing military escalation and its deepening proxy role in regional conflicts. Iran remains a central force in the Middle East, wielding influence through its alliances with groups like Hezbollah and the Hout