Israeli President Isaac Herzog defended the escalation in violence against Hezbollah, citing the group’s daily rocket attacks from Lebanon that have displaced 100,000 Israelis. On CBS’ Face the Nation, Herzog emphasized that Israel’s actions, including a strike in Beirut killing senior Hezbollah commanders, are responses to ongoing aggression. Tensions rose further after a high-tech attack in Lebanon killed 37 Hezbollah militants. Herzog dismissed claims of seeking full-blown war, stressing Israel’s preference for a diplomatic resolution despite Hezbollah and Hamas leaders’ refusal to engage. Noah Prescott 23/09/2024 2:00 am
Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater and former U.S. Navy SEAL, praised an apparent Israeli operation that caused near-simultaneous explosions of Hezbollah’s pagers in Lebanon and Syria. Speaking on “Sunday Morning Futures,” Prince highlighted the sophistication, planning, and innovation of the operation, expressing envy that the CIA doesn’t undertake similarly bold actions despite its funding. The explosions, which occurred in two waves, killed at least 37 people and injured around 3,000. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the attacks. Penelope Kingsley 22/09/2024 10:30 pm
Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that Israel “did not want this war” with Hezbollah, asserting that the conflict was initiated by Iran’s proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah, on October 7 and 8. His comments followed heavy exchanges of fire between Israel and Lebanon, including an Israeli airstrike that killed senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil. Herzog emphasized that the world must support Israel, calling the situation a critical juncture. The recent violence includes Hezbollah’s vow of retaliation after deadly explosions, though Israel has not claimed responsibility for these attacks. Ava Sinclair 22/09/2024 10:30 pm
The international community adopted a “Pact for the Future” at the Summit of the Future in New York, aimed at addressing 21st-century challenges despite Russian opposition. The pact, endorsed by consensus, seeks to enhance international cooperation, reform the UN Security Council, and adjust the international financial system for the Global South. It includes commitments to multilateralism, peacekeeping, climate change, disarmament, and AI development. The pact also aims to accelerate the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Russia opposed the agreement, claiming insufficient negotiation opportunities. Noah Prescott 22/09/2024 10:30 pm
A roadside bomb exploded near a convoy of foreign diplomats in Pakistan’s Swat district, killing one policeman and injuring three others. Diplomats from 12 countries, including Russia, Portugal, and Iran, were unharmed. The diplomats were visiting at the invitation of a local chamber of commerce. Authorities suspect militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban are responsible. The diplomats have safely returned to Islamabad. Noah Prescott 22/09/2024 10:30 pm
Israel’s military raided and ordered the closure of Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah, the network reported. Live footage showed soldiers entering the office, informing bureau chief Walid Omary of a 45-day closure order. Staff had ten minutes to vacate. Soldiers used explosives to breach the entrance, causing extensive damage. The closure follows Israel’s earlier shutdown of Al Jazeera’s Jerusalem office, criticized by the UN and rights groups. After staff left, soldiers confiscated materials and broadcast equipment, cutting the live feed. Noah Prescott 22/09/2024 7:00 pm
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz narrowly avoided a far-right victory in his home state of Brandenburg, as exit polls indicated his Social Democratic Party (SPD) won the regional election by a slim margin. The SPD secured 31-32% of the vote, just ahead of the far-right Alternative fĂĽr Deutschland (AfD) at 29-30%. An AfD win would have been a significant setback for Scholz, who faces declining polls and coalition infighting. The election was closely watched after the AfD’s recent successes in Thuringia and Saxony. Scholz has urged other parties to block the AfD from gaining power. Penelope Kingsley 22/09/2024 7:00 pm
Marxist lawmaker Anura Kumara Dissanayake leads Sri Lanka’s presidential election, surpassing incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Dissanayake has 39% of votes, followed by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa with 34%. The election, crucial for economic recovery, saw 38 candidates but was mainly a three-way race. No candidate secured over 50%, triggering a second round of counting. Dissanayake’s strong performance reflects voter fatigue with the old political guard. Wickremesinghe’s Foreign Minister congratulated Dissanayake, while Premadasa has not conceded. The election was a referendum on Wickremesinghe’s leadership amid economic crisis. Noah Prescott 22/09/2024 7:00 pm
A roadside bomb hit a convoy of foreign diplomats in northwest Pakistan, killing a police officer and injuring three others. The diplomats, visiting Swat valley on a local chamber of commerce invitation, were unharmed. Ambassadors from several countries, including Indonesia and Russia, were in the convoy. Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed their safe return to Islamabad. President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack. No group claimed responsibility. The area, a militant hotspot, saw increased attacks since a 2022 cease-fire collapse. Roads were closed, and a curfew was imposed for a search operation. Noah Prescott 22/09/2024 7:00 pm
Ukraine’s bold incursion into Russia, capturing towns and settlements, marks a significant psychological blow to Russia and President Putin, according to former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley. However, Milley notes the 500-square-mile advance is minor on Russia’s map and risky due to exposed flanks. He suggests a potential Russian counter-offensive. President Zelenskyy aims to shorten the war by targeting Russian soil, recently hitting a weapons depot 300 miles inside Russia. Ukraine has effectively used U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles, with a range of 190 miles, in its counteroffensive. Penelope Kingsley 22/09/2024 7:00 pm
