Israel Strikes Hamas Commanders, US Approves Saudi Arms Deal Amid Regional Tensions
The U.S. State Department has approved a significant arms deal with Saudi Arabia valued at approximately $24.3 billion, which includes the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets and associated equipment. This development occurs as Israel continues its military operations, with the IDF announcing the elimination of two Hamas operatives involved in the October 7th massacre. Jamal Ahmed Eid, a Nohba commander, and Saleh Ziad Ibrahim Makdad, a naval unit commander, were targeted for advancing terror plots and attempting to rebuild Hamas's capabilities.
In parallel, the IDF reported that an Israeli Air Force drone crashed off the coast of Palmachim due to a technical malfunction, with naval forces recovering the aircraft without any data leak concerns. The military also noted "real attempts" by Hezbollah operatives to infiltrate the security zone disguised as civilians, anticipating a response from the group.
Further underscoring the ongoing conflict, Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated Israel's strategy to deny terrorist organizations territory, infrastructure, and leadership, citing operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and the northern West Bank. He emphasized that Hamas faces a difficult strategic reality and that Israel will continue to pursue its security objectives, preventing a recurrence of the October 7th threat. Katz also criticized Turkish President Erdogan's support for Hamas.
In other regional news, Serbia announced plans to open a factory for assembling Israeli drones, aiming to supply both its own military and other armed forces. Meanwhile, Pentagon sources indicated that the U.S. is considering reducing its military presence in the Middle East due to the war in Iran and damage to American bases, with the final decision contingent on the conflict's outcome.
Additionally, the U.S. expanded visa sanctions on senior Palestinian Authority and PLO officials for failing to implement reforms and for actions undermining peace prospects. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was reportedly denied entry to New York for an upcoming UN summit. France's President Emmanuel Macron met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Paris to discuss efforts to end Israeli attacks.
