JERUSALEM, March 10 (Reuters) - The Israeli military illegally used white phosphorus munitions over homes in the southern ‌Lebanese town Yohmor on March 3, posing a threat to civilians, Human Rights Watch ‌said in a report on Monday.

"The incendiary effects of white phosphorus can cause death or cruel injuries that result in ​lifelong suffering," Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in the statement.

Israel Announces ‘New Front’ to Protect Christian Communities in Africa and Middle East, Names Nigeria Among Key Focus Areas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the opening of what he described as a “new front” dedicated to protecting Christian communities across Africa and the Middle East, including Nigeria. Speaking to an audience of Christian Zionists in a speech published on the Israeli Prime Minister’s official YouTube channel, Netanyahu said Israel was responding to growing global threats against what he termed the “Judeo-Christian civilization.”

He credited Christian Zionists with playing a crucial role in the emergence and survival of Israel and described the partnership as enduring and strategic. Netanyahu claimed Israel had recently fought and survived a “seven-front war” but insisted an “eighth front” had emerged—one focused on influencing hearts and minds, especially of young people.

According to him, the struggle extends beyond Israel to the United States and its allies, framing it as a broader battle for Western civilization. He identified radical Shiite and Sunni Islamist groups, naming Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood, as major threats, alleging their influence stretches across Europe, the U.S., Africa, and Nigeria.

Netanyahu also highlighted what he described as widespread persecution of Christians in countries such as Nigeria, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and others, asserting that Israel is the only country actively protecting and enabling Christian communities to thrive. He announced Israel’s intention to join efforts to form a global coalition—likened to a “United Nations” for Christian community protection—offering intelligence and other forms of support, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

He concluded by reaffirming Israel’s commitment to defending Christian communities worldwide and extended New Year and Christmas greetings, expressing hope for peace, security, and prosperity, especially for persecuted Christians.

Israeli PM Netanyahu Condemns Attacks on Christians in Nigeria, Calls for Immediate End to Religious Violence

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned militant attacks against Christians in Nigeria, calling the violence “must end, and it must end now” in his Christmas message from Jerusalem. Netanyahu highlighted Israel as a model of religious freedom, contrasting it with regions where Christians face persecution, including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, the Palestinian Authority, and Nigeria. He cited the dwindling Christian population in Bethlehem, which fell from 80% to 20% under Palestinian Authority control, and criticized ongoing violence against Christian communities. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s support for Christians globally, stating that the country “stands up for Christians across the region” and sends blessings to Christians worldwide.

#NetanyahuSpeaks #ChristianPersecutionNigeria #ReligiousFreedom

US President Trump Recalls Ambassador Richard Mills from Nigeria Amid Africa-Focused Diplomatic Reshuffle

US President Donald Trump has ordered the recall of Richard Mills, the United States ambassador to Nigeria, as part of a sweeping global diplomatic reshuffle impacting more than two dozen countries, with Africa most affected. Mills, confirmed as ambassador in May 2024, is a seasoned career diplomat with extensive experience, including previous postings in Armenia, Canada, Lebanon, Malta, and key advisory roles in Baghdad, London, and Riyadh. The recall marks a major change in US diplomatic presence in Nigeria, though Washington has clarified that no troops will be deployed to Nigeria, emphasizing reforms through diplomatic engagement rather than military intervention.

Bethlehem Lights Christmas Tree for First Time Since Gaza War, Thousands Celebrate in Historic Square

Bethlehem brought back Christmas cheer for the first time in two years as the city lit its iconic Christmas tree in Manger Square, marking a hopeful moment amid ongoing tensions in the region. Thousands of visitors — Christians, Muslims, locals, and international pilgrims — gathered near the Church of the Nativity to witness the ceremony, which had been suspended since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
The festive event, filled with music, balloons, and emotional reactions, symbolized resilience for residents and visitors who endured years of conflict, travel restrictions, and economic hardship. Despite cautious tourist return and continuing instability in Gaza and Lebanon, Bethlehem’s celebration represents a tentative step toward recovery for the city, whose economy heavily depends on tourism.

Iraq has frozen the financial assets of major Iran-backed militias — including Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi movement — in one of Baghdad’s strongest moves yet to curb the funding networks of Tehran-aligned groups.

According to a notice published in Iraq’s official gazette, the order targets organisations long influential across the region, signalling a significant shift in Baghdad’s approach to militia financing and regional power dynamics.

#Iraq #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #Iran-backedGroups

Iraq Freezes Assets of Iran-Backed Militias, Including Hezbollah and Houthis, in Major Policy Shift

Iraq has frozen the financial assets of major Iran-backed militias—including Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis—in one of its strongest moves yet to restrict Tehran-aligned networks. The directive, published in Iraq’s official gazette, comes amid rising regional tensions, U.S. pressure to curb Iranian influence, and intensified Israeli strikes on Iran-linked groups. Analysts say the decision highlights Baghdad’s struggle to balance ties with Washington and Tehran while navigating internal political and security pressures.

NOW - Massive crowds gather in Lebanon to see Pope Leo XIV arrive in the popemobile.

ALMA: Lebanon’s institutions are collapsing, and the Lebanese Armed Forces are struggling just to survive. The army is being kept afloat by U.S., Qatari, and French funding that covers salaries, fuel, food, and basic equipment.
But with a largely Muslim rank-and-file and deep Hezbollah penetration, the LAF has neither independence nor the capacity to confront the group. Foreign money keeps the army standing, yet does not create a force able or willing to challenge Hezbollah.

Russia Monitors Nigeria Situation After Trump’s Military Threat Warning.

Russia has said it is closely watching events in Nigeria following reports that the United States might consider military action there after recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova disclosed this during a press briefing in Moscow, responding to a question from Anadolu Agency. She urged Washington to respect international law and act responsibly in handling global security matters.

“We are carefully observing this issue and call on all parties involved to comply with international legal norms,” Zakharova stated.

On November 1, Trump announced that he had directed the Pentagon to prepare possible military measures against terrorist groups in Nigeria, claiming it was to protect Christian communities.

When asked about Kazakhstan’s recent decision to join the Abraham Accords, Zakharova said Moscow had no immediate comment on the development. Kazakhstan confirmed its participation after President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone conversation attended by Trump.

Zakharova also voiced concern over continued Israeli violations of ceasefire agreements along the Lebanese border, stressing the need to avoid any escalation that could reignite conflict.

She reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to sustain peace and stability in Lebanon, the Middle East, and other regions.

Israel PM Offers ‘Phased’ Withdrawal If Lebanon Disarms Hezbollah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is ready to support Lebanon’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah, offering a “phased” troop withdrawal if Beirut follows through on its disarmament plan.

The pledge comes after Lebanon tasked its army with dismantling Hezbollah’s arsenal by year-end, following last year’s war and a ceasefire in November. Despite this, Israel has continued airstrikes and maintains occupation of five strategic areas in southern Lebanon.

Netanyahu said Israel would coordinate with a US-led security mechanism for a gradual military pullback if progress is made.

Hezbollah, weakened by the conflict, has vowed to resist the government’s disarmament move. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is set to vote on extending the peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon until August 2026.

#Israel #Lebanon #Hezbollah #MiddleEast

Today’s Israeli Strike in Tripoli Kills Hamas Commander, Seen as Major Setback.

A powerful Israeli airstrike in Lebanon's northern port city of Tripoli earlier today has reportedly dealt a significant blow to Hamas operations in the region, following the confirmed elimination of a top commander long tied to cross-border rocket attacks on Israeli cities. The strike, described by Israeli Defence Forces as a targeted operation, is already being interpreted by military analysts as a strategic setback for the Gaza-based group’s foothold in Lebanon.

According to a report by The Times of Israel on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, the Israeli military confirmed that the airstrike killed Mehran Mustafa Bajur, a senior Hamas figure allegedly instrumental in orchestrating and advancing armed operations against Israel from Lebanese territory. In an official statement, the Israeli Defence Forces identified Bajur as a key commander who had spent recent years overseeing rocket fire into Israeli cities such as Nahariya and Kiryat Shmona. The military further claimed that his elimination marks a significant disruption to Hamas’s cross-border aggression from the north.

Bajur was described as a pivotal figure in Hamas’s regional operations, not only for directing attacks but also for enhancing the group’s infrastructure in Lebanon. The IDF stated that he played a leading role in the development of Hamas’s military capabilities in the country and helped facilitate weapons procurement through networks linked to other terror groups. His operational ties reportedly made him a valuable asset in Hamas’s efforts to expand its regional reach beyond Gaza. According to the IDF, his removal represents a “significant blow” to Hamas’s broader ambitions in Lebanon, particularly at a time when Israel remains engaged on multiple fronts.

This development comes amid heightened tensions along Israel’s northern border, where exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah-linked factions have intensified in recent weeks. Observers suggest the targeted killing may deter future rocket attacks from Lebanese soil and signal Israel’s continued resolve to eliminate high-ranking operatives perceived as threats, regardless of their geographic base.

You Will Not Be be Spared -Iran Threatens Israel With Total Collapse Over Missing Officer.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stern warning to Israel and its allies, declaring that they will face consequences for past actions and any future aggression.

The statement was released to mark the anniversary of the disappearance of Iranian military officer Ahmad Motevasselian in Lebanon, an incident Iran continues to blame on Israel.

The IRGC emphasized that Israel’s history of hostility will not be forgotten and that further acts of betrayal or violence will only hasten its downfall.

The message was delivered during a memorial event honoring Motevasselian, whose fate remains unresolved since his disappearance in 1982 during the Lebanese conflict.

This warning comes amid heightened tensions in the region, following recent military confrontations and diplomatic strains between Iran and Israel. Iranian officials maintain that Motevasselian was abducted by Israeli-backed forces, and his case remains a symbol of unresolved grievances.

The statement reads, “Israel and its supporters must know that not only will they not be spared for their past crimes, but any act of aggression or betrayal will only accelerate their collapse.

ISRAEL REPORTEDLY BEGINS STRIKING IRANIAN SUPREME LEADER KHAMENEI'S UNDERGROUND HEADQUARTERS

Israeli forces have reportedly launched precision strikes against a fortified underground headquarters used by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to multiple defense sources. The operation marks one of Israel's most audacious military actions against Iran's leadership infrastructure.

Satellite imagery analyzed by intelligence experts shows explosions near a secretive tunnel network in Tehran's Jamaran district, long suspected to house Khamenei's command centers. Witnesses described feeling tremors as Israeli bunker-buster munitions struck deep beneath the surface.

"This wasn't just symbolic, it was surgical targeting of Iran's decision-making nerve center," said former Mossad operative Ari Ben David. The attack follows Khamenei's recent threats against Israel and comes hours after Iranian proxies fired rockets from Lebanon.

Iranian state media confirmed "explosions in the capital's northern sector" but claimed they were part of air defense drills. However, security footage leaked online shows emergency vehicles rushing toward the heavily guarded compound.

The strike represents a significant escalation in Israel's campaign against Iranian leadership targets. Defense analysts note the operation required exquisite intelligence and penetration of Tehran's layered air defenses.

Iranian ballistic missiles have hit Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv is currently under attack! Iran has launched several hypersonic ballistic missiles, which travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, making them extremely challenging to detect.

Despite Israel's advanced defense systems, it was unable to intercept these missiles. This vulnerability could embolden other adversaries, such as Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon, to deploy similar weapons against Israel in the future.

The conflict has escalated into a full-scale war between the two nations. The United States, Germany, and France may soon intervene to support Israel, potentially broadening the conflict.