Israel’s cabinet will vote on a U.S.-backed ceasefire with Lebanon, following Benjamin Netanyahu’s conditional approval. The deal aims to halt hostilities with Hezbollah for 60 days, with hopes for lasting peace. Israel controls the details of the agreement, which are to be conveyed to the Lebanese government. However, far-right factions in Israel call the deal a “big mistake” and “a historic missed opportunity to eradicate Hezbollah.” Israel’s former war cabinet minister demand the government to make the deal public. Talks mediated by the U.S. are nearing finalization amid ongoing clashes.
JAISHANKAR CONDEMNS TERRORISM AT ROME CONFERENCE
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the MED Mediterranean Dialogues in Rome, strongly condemned terrorism and hostilities by calling the large-scale civilian casualties “unacceptable” in West Asia. He emphasized India’s support for a ceasefire, enhanced communication, adherence to humanitarian law, and a two-state solution. Jaishankar highlighted India’s diplomatic engagements with Israel, Iran, Russia, and Ukraine, urging restraint, dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts. These conflicts have been going on for a long time now and has had serious destabilising consequences on all warring countries.
PHILIPPINE VP ALLEGED MASTERMIND IN ASSASSINATION PLOT
The Philippine’s Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a subpoena against Vice President Sara Duterte over allegations of plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The DOJ referred to Duterte as a “self-confessed mastermind” and is investigating charges such as sedition and grave threats. The motive has yet to be established. Duterte has five days to respond to the claims, with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) collecting evidence, including videos. This development raises questions about her potential disbarment as a lawyer and further legal repercussions.
TAIWAN SUSPECTS CHINESE BALLOON HOVERING
Taiwan reported detecting a Chinese balloon northwest of its territory, marking the first sighting since April. The balloon entered Taiwan’s air defence zone, disappearing after two hours. This incident, along with the presence of 12 Chinese aircraft and seven warships, is seen as part of Beijing’s “grey zone” tactics to pressure Taiwan without direct conflict. Balloons have been a contentious issue, with China dismissing accusations while tensions rise ahead of Taiwan’s January elections. Communist China asserts Taiwan as part of China and often uses force to control it.
MERKEL: BLOCKING UKRAINE’S 2008 NATO BID DELAYED WAR
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel defended her Russia policies in a BBC interview, arguing her 2008 decision to block Ukraine’s NATO membership prevented an earlier, potentially worse, conflict with Russia. Critics, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, have called this decision a miscalculation that emboldened Moscow. Merkel also addressed reliance on Russian gas, defending it as both a business move and a peacekeeping strategy, though it drew criticism for funding Russia’s war efforts. She also expresses concern over Russia’s renewed threats of using nuclear weapons. Now retired, Merkel advocates for pragmatic leadership amid shifting geopolitical challenges.
