Regions – Page 325 – Prologue Journal

Blinken: Ceasefire agreement will be handed over to Trump if not completed before inauguration

Jerusalem Post Challenges remain, Blinken said, but so far, the mechanism put forth by France and the US is functioning well, as more than one-third of Israeli forces have withdrawn from Lebanon. https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/article-836722

IDF recruits Yemeni Jews to bolster intelligence efforts against Houthis

Jerusalem Post The US has informed Israel that, by the end of US President Joe Biden’s term in office, America intends to escalate its attacks on Yemen’s Houthis, according to a KAN News report. https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/article-836718

Blinken and French Diplomat Criticize Trump’s Talk of Taking Greenland

New York Times In Paris, the two officials acknowledged potential strains on alliances with the return of Donald J. Trump to power, but said their countries would try to maintain strong ties. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/08/world/europe/blinken-france-trump.html

Top Iranian General Admits ‘Big’ Defeat in Syria

New York Times For weeks, Iranian officials have downplayed the fall of their ally in Syria. But an important general has offered a remarkably candid view of the blow to Iran, and its military’s prospects. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/08/world/middleeast/iran-general-syria-defeat.html

Saudi Arabia May Partner With UFC Owner TKO to Create Boxing League

New York Times A company owned by the country’s sovereign wealth fund is poised to partner with TKO, which owns Ultimate Fighting Championship, the kingdom’s latest foray into pro sports. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/08/business/tko-saudi-arabia-boxing-league.html

Lebanon’s presidential election: Testing Hezbollah’s influence after losing to Israel

Jerusalem Post Lebanon is at a crossroads. This election offers a chance for the country to reclaim sovereignty, strengthen state institutions, and ensure significant foreign aid. https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/article-836712

Red Cross calls for aid access to Gaza amid famine, harsh winter

Disclaimer: PressTV is affiliated with the state broadcasting agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and is not a reliable news source. The Red Cross has called for safe access to Gaza in order to bring aid to the besieged Palestinian territory. https://presstv.ir/Detail/2025/01/08/740559/Red-Cross-urges-unhindered-aid-access-to-Gaza

Arab League condemns map claiming Arab lands as part of ‘greater Israel’

Disclaimer: PressTV is affiliated with the state broadcasting agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and is not a reliable news source. The Arab League has condemned in the strongest terms an Israeli map that claims territories of several Arab countries as part of the so-called “greater Israel.” https://presstv.ir/Detail/2025/01/08/740562/Arab-League-Israeli-map-Arab-land-greater-Israel

Katz convenes meeting on Turkey’s Middle East influence

Jerusalem Post Turkey was mentioned more than 10 times in the report, a signal of Israel’s fear that rhetoric by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan against Israel may transform into actions. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-836707

Gaza clans, dignitaries call for PA’s return

Jerusalem Post These coordinated calls from Gaza’s traditional leadership structures could potentially influence discussions about the territory’s future governance arrangements. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-836704