Lebanon Foreign Minister Expresses Concern over Iranian Intervention: In the wake of Hezbollah leader Yusef al-Tebtaba’s assassination, Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Ragi has criticized Iran’s persistent interference in Lebanon’s affairs, comprising the arming and dismantlement of Hezbollah. The Iranian leadership condemned the assassination and has reportedly accused Israel of violating Lebanese sovereignty in executing the killing. Ragi emphasized that Lebanon’s sovereignty was paramount even over essential needs like bread and water. Journalists Attacked by Activists in Israeli Parliament: A news team from Channel 13, including reporters Lior Kenan and Shai Golden, endured an aggressive confrontation from Likud party activists while covering internal party elections at the Knesset building, Jerusalem. This incident follows recent graffiti threats sprayed outside Channel 13’s offices, with a local resident briefly arrested in connection. Israel-US Relationship Under Scrutiny: Israel’s international status has reportedly suffered under former President Trump’s administration. There has been a notable silence from the Israeli Prime Minister about Trump’s meeting with a Muslim community leader who has threatened legal action against Netanyahu. Trump’s continued presidency and his Middle East plans presenting the notion of a Palestinian state are suggested as dangerously unpredictable factors for Israel-US relations. Tense Negotiations Over Saudi-Israeli Normalization: During a strained meeting, former President Trump pressed for normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia and Israel. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed interest but highlighted opposition from the Saudi public concerning the war in Gaza as a significant obstacle. The Crown Prince also insisted on Israel’s commitment to a credible process for Palestinian statehood before normalization procedures could continue. Secret Israeli-UAE Railway Project Proceeds Amid Conflict: Despite ongoing regional conflict, Israel and the United Arab Emirates have been secretly progressing on a major railway project to connect the two countries. The construction carries on as a key part of regional collaboration efforts, with the direct land connection planned as a strategic bypass of Iran and Russia. Deadlock over Israeli-Hamas Deal on Captives: The resolution of captive issues remains stalled between Israel and Hamas over the transition to the second phase of an agreement. The U.S. is reportedly losing patience over the hold-up and may pressure Israel to advance the deal. The delicate situation continues, with threats of Turkish troops entering Gaza, and terrorist organization ISIS seeking willing soldiers. Draft Protests Escalate in Israel: In Ramat Gan, Israel, protests against compulsory military draft escalated when hundreds of young ultra-Orthodox Jews clashed with resident Rafael Natif and military police. Rafael Natif advocated for the protesters’ contribution to Israeli society through military service or voluntary work. Middle Eastern Leaders Meet on Gaza Ceasefire: Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani convened in Cairo to discuss phases of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Despite efforts to form an International Stabilization Force (ISF), progress is slow amid escalating tensions with the return of more kidnapped Israeli soldiers. U.S. Watches Israeli Political Landscapes Closely: Finally, the Trump administration has been keenly observing political opinion polls in Israel, particularly…