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Israel’s Finance Minister has forcefully criticized Moody’s decision to lower Israel’s credit rating, labeling the move as politically motivated rather than grounded in solid economic reasoning. Moody’s adjustment, the first of its kind for Israel, was based on concerns that the ongoing conflict in Gaza and potential hostilities with Hezbollah in the north could detrimentally impact the nation’s economic stability. …

President Joe Biden has been expressing his dissatisfaction in private discussions, including those with campaign donors, over his unsuccessful attempts to influence Israel’s military strategy in Gaza, pointing to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the main hindrance, according to five sources familiar with Biden’s remarks, as reported by NBC News. Biden’s efforts to broker a ceasefire have been met …

Lebanese Army Chief General Joseph Aoun has expressed grave concerns about the escalating tensions in southern Lebanon, according to a report from Nidaa al-Watan newspaper. Aoun shared with his visitors his apprehension that the intensifying situation could potentially involve the United States in a broader conflict, prompted by Israel. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reportedly informed …

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri recently had a meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Grand Serail in Beirut. During this meeting, Mikati expressed his hope that the upcoming February 14th anniversary of the assassination of Hariri’s father, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, would serve as a moment of unity for the Lebanese people amid the country’s current …

President Joe Biden is set to welcome King Abdullah II of Jordan to Washington on Monday, where they are slated to address the pressing issue of securing the release of hostages in Gaza and express their concerns regarding potential Israeli military actions in Rafah. This significant meeting marks the first interaction between the two leaders following the death of three …

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is urgently seeking a new round of funding from the European Union, with a critical deadline approaching amidst concerns of an impending Israeli ground operation in Rafah. Rafah has become a sanctuary for many civilians fleeing the conflict. UNRWA, already in turmoil due to accusations …

During his visit to Lebanon, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian expressed Tehran’s involvement in global and regional efforts to address the crisis initiated by Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip, according to a report. He emphasized the importance of pursuing a resolution that begins with ceasing Israeli hostilities in Gaza. A notable parliamentary source shared with Asharq al-Awsat newspaper …

On Monday, an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon severely injured a Hezbollah official by targeting his vehicle, according to a Lebanese security source speaking to AFP. The ongoing conflict, which erupted on October 7 between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, has seen frequent exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas. The security source …