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Hamas to Submit Amendments to President Trump's 20-Point Peace Plan + Hamas Fires Rockets at Israel on Yom Kippur; IDF Surrounding Gaza City + US to Support Ukraine with Intelligence for Long-Range Targeting + More Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

For review:

1. Palestinian Ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot condemns the deadly attack on Jewish worshippers outside a synagogue in Manchester, which took place on Yom Kippur.

2. Hamas to Submit Amendments to President Trump's 20-Point Plan.

3. Hamas Fires Rockets at Israel on Yom Kippur; IDF Surrounding Gaza City.

4. US to Support Ukraine with Intelligence for Long-Range Targeting.

5. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz & Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban clashed during talks (01 October) concerning EU's strategy to defend itself against the Russian threat and support for Ukraine.

Berlin and Budapest have not commented on these reports.

6. The US arm of British BAE and Forterra, a company specializing in “driverless technology,” announced a partnership today to develop a prototype version of an AMPV outfitted with autonomous capabilities by 2026.

7. The Pentagon has downgraded the USAF Europe-Air Forces Africa Commander from 4-Star to 3-Star General.

8. President Donald Trump has formally selected USAF General Kenneth Wilsbach to serve as the next Air Force Chief of Staff.

The US Senate formally received his nomination Monday evening.

Israel Agrees to President Trump's 20-Point Gaza Peace Plan; Hamas Response Due Wednesday + President Trump Considers Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine + US Army Restarts Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization Effort + More Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

For review:

1. US Government shutdown imminent. US Senate to meet Wednesday morning for further round of voting.

2. US Secretary of War Hegseth meets with Senior Military Leaders at Quantico, VA.

3. Israel Agrees to President Trump's 20-Point Gaza Peace Plan; Hamas Response Due Wednesday.

4. A ballistic missile (with cluster bomb warhead) was launched by the Houthis at Israel overnight on Sunday. The missile was intercepted by air defenses, the military said.

5. President Trump Considers Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine.

Tomahawk missiles have a range of 2,500 km (1,500 miles).

6. US Army Restarts Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization Effort.

Five potential candidates: BAE Systems, Elbit Systems, General Dynamics, Hanwha, and Rheinmetall.

US 21-Point Plan for Post War Gaza + Ukraine Operating Patriot Systems from Israel + Russian Navy Borei-class Ballistic Missile Submarine Spotted North Of Hokkaido + More Sep 27, 2025

Show notes

For review:

1. Iran Snapback Sanctions.

Widespread UN sanctions against Iran return into force for the first time in a decade, after last-ditch nuclear talks with Western powers failed to produce a breakthrough.

2. US 21-Point Plan for Post War Gaza.

3. Around 780,000 Palestinians have so far evacuated Gaza City to the Strip’s south, Israel said Saturday, as the IDF intensified its offensive to defeat the remaining Hamas forces.

4. As supporters marked the anniversary of Hezbollah's former leader (Hassan Nasrallah), Lebanese media reported Israeli drones flying above the ceremony in Beirut’s southern suburbs.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the reported overflights.

5. Ukraine received a US-made Patriot air defense system from Israel a month ago, with two more expected in the coming months, President Zelenskyy said Saturday.

6. Russian Navy Borei-class Ballistic Missile Submarine Spotted North Of Hokkaido.

The transit marked the first time a Borei-class ballistic missile-equipped nuclear-powered submarine operating near Japan was spotted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Russia has eight Borei-class submarines in its fleet with two more under construction. Russia is planning for an additional two submarines to be constructed, bringing the country’s Borei-class to a total of 12.

Secretary of War Calls For Meeting with Senior Military Officers in Quantico + Israeli PM Speech at UN General Assembly + IDF Strikes Seven Targets in Houthi Capital + More Sep 27, 2025

Show notes

1. The Israeli Air Force carried out strikes on Thursday against Houthi military sites in Yemen’s capital Sanaa.

2. Israeli PM Speech at UN General Assembly.

PM Netanyahu: "You know deep down that Israel is fighting your fight. I want to tell you a secret. Behind closed doors, many of the leaders who publicly condemn us, privately thank us."

3. US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he was holding intensive talks with Middle Eastern nations on a Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal and that Israel and the Palestinian terror group Hamas were aware of the discussions.

4. Efforts to reach a security pact between Syria and Israel have hit a last-minute snag over Israel’s demand that it be allowed to open a “humanitarian corridor” to Syria’s southern province of Sweida.

5. The UN’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, confirmed Friday that inspections of Iranian nuclear sites had resumed this week after a hiatus following Washington and Israel’s strikes.

IAEA Statement: “Inspections are… confidential and we cannot confirm their location but we can confirm that inspections have taken place this week.”

6. US President Donald Trump held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on Thursday and signaled that the United States might soon lift its hold on sales of advanced fighter jets to Ankara.

7. Secretary of War Calls for Meeting with Senior Military Officers in Quantico, VA next week.

President Trump Addresses UN General Assembly in New York; Meets with Arab and Islamic Leaders to Discuss Hostage Release & Gaza Ceasefire + President Trump Shifts View on Russia - Ukraine War + Houthi Drone Strike Wounds 20 in S. Israel + More Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

News from the UN General Assembly in New York.

Multiple Countries Recognize Palestinian State at UNGA Summit + Saudi Arabia & Pakistan Joint Defense Accord + Chinese Aircraft Carrier Fujian 18 Launches Warplanes Using Advanced Catapult System + More Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

For review:

1. Multiple Countries Recognize Palestinian State at UNGA Summit.

2. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday that Hamas must have “no role” in governing Gaza in the future and called on the militant group to hand over its weapons.

3. Hamas has drafted a letter to US President Donald Trump requesting that he guarantee a 60-day truce in Gaza in exchange for releasing half of the remaining 48 hostages, Fox News reported Monday,

4. France is advancing an initiative aimed at establishing an “International Stabilization Mission” that would replace the IDF in Gaza and work to disarm Hamas after the war ends, according to a draft of the proposal obtained by The Times of Israel.

5. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, visiting New York for the UN General Assembly, voiced hope Monday for a security deal that eases tensions with Israel but he played down the prospect of recognition.

6. Saudi Arabia & Pakistan Joint Defense Accord.

7. Chinese Aircraft Carrier Fujian18 Launches Warplanes Using Advanced Catapult System.

Visuals, published the Chinese military, showed J-15T, J-35 fighters and KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft being launched from the Fujian’s electromagnetic catapults.

8. The USAF F-47 advanced jet is expected to have its initial flight in 2028, Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin said Monday.

The Air Force plans to buy at least 185 F-47s, which would match or exceed the size of the F-22 fleet.

President Trump Phone Call with Chinese President Xi Jinping + France, UK, & Germany Reimpose Snapback Sanctions Against Iran + IDF Continues Gaza City Campaign; Egypt Massing Forces on Gaza Border + More Sep 20, 2025

Show notes

For review:

1. IDF Continues Gaza City Campaign; Egypt massing military force on border with Gaza.

2. PA President Abbas to Speak Virtually at UN General Assembly.

3. The Trump administration has told Congress it plans to sell nearly $6 billion in weapons to Israel. The planned package includes 30 AH-64 Apache helicopters, and 3,200 infantry assault vehicles for the Israel Defense Forces, according to a US official.

4. France, UK, & Germany Reimpose Snapback Sanctions Against Iran (will take effect on September 28).

The European governments have said they will not delay the reimposition of UN sanctions unless Iran resumes full cooperation with the IAEA and reopens nuclear talks with the United States.

5. President Trump Phone Call with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

6. Estonia summoned a Russian diplomat to protest after three Russian fighter aircraft (MIG-31s) entered its airspace without permission Friday and stayed there for 12 minutes, the Foreign Ministry said.

7. China cautioned Papua New Guinea against “undermining” its interests and sovereignty in signing a mutual defense pact with Australia widely seen as a counter to Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific.

8. Breaking Defense Opinion Article by Foundation for Defense of Democracies - Mariam Wahba and Ryan Brobst.

Title: As Beijing beckons, is Washington sleepwalking on Egypt?

Mariam Wahba is a Research Analyst at Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where Ryan Brobst is the Deputy Director of the Center on Military and Political Power. FDD is a Washington, DC-based, nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy.

Former UK Prime Minister Blair's Plan on Post-War Gaza + US Vetoes UNSC Resolution on Gaza + IDF Strikes Hezbollah Targets in S. Lebanon + Houthi Drone Hits Hotel in Eilat + More Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

For review:

1. Houthi Drone Hits Hotel in Southern Israeli city of Eilat. Some damage, no injuries.

2. IDF Strikes Hezbollah Targets in S. Lebanon. The strikes had targeted several weapon depots belonging to Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force.

3. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Wednesday that ongoing negotiations with Israel to reach a security pact could lead to results “in the coming days.”

4. Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad appeared in a TV interview on Wednesday, his first public appearance since the Israeli strike targeting the terror group’s leaders in Qatar last week. His appearance was the latest sign that the attack had failed to kill the terrorist organization’s leadership.`

5. US Vetoes UNSC Resolution on Gaza.

US Policy Advisor (to UN) Morgan Ortagus: “It (the Resolution) fails to condemn Hamas or recognize Israel’s right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimizes the false narratives benefiting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this council.”

6. Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was set to meet with US envoy Steve Witkoff in London on Wednesday night- in a last-ditch effort to revive negotiations over a ceasefire and hostage-release deal.

7. Former UK Prime Minister Blair's Plan on Post-War Gaza.

8. Israel’s high-powered laser interception system, dubbed “Iron Beam,” has been declared operational after completing development and final tests, and is set to be delivered to the military by the end of the year, the Defense Ministry and manufacturer Rafael said on Wednesday.

Three IDF Divisions Operating inside Gaza City + China Protests US Army Typhon Mid-Range Capability in US-Japan Exercise + Japan Deploys F-15 Fighters to NATO Bases + More Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

For review:

1. Israeli PM Netanyahu to visit White House on 29 Sep, after scheduled address to US General Assembly.

2. Three IDF Divisions Operating inside Gaza City.

The military said that the 162nd and 98th divisions were expanding their operations in Gaza City, and in the coming days, a third division, the 36th, would join.

In addition to the Gaza City offensive, the IDF said the 99th Division was conducting defensive operations in Israel’s buffer zone in northern Gaza, while the Gaza Division was operating in the Strip’s south.

3. Spain appears to have cancelled a €697 million ($823 million) contract for the acquisition of the High Mobility Rocket Launcher System (SILAM), developed from Israeli firm Elbit Systems’ Precise and Universal Rocket Launcher (PLUS) design.

4. Japan is deploying eight aircraft, including four F-15 fighter jets, to bases in the United States, Canada and Europe in an unprecedented mission to support NATO.

5. China urged Tokyo and Washington on Tuesday to withdraw the US-developed Typhon missile system, after it was unveiled in Japan for the first time during joint military exercises. Beijing’s foreign ministry on Tuesday called on the United States and Japan to “promptly withdraw” the missile system.

6. A U.S. and U.K. warship transited the Taiwan Strait last week drawing protests from Beijing, USNI News has learned.

U.S. guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG-76) and anti-submarine frigate HMS Richmond (F239) sailed through the strait on Sept. 12, a Pentagon official confirmed to USNI News on Tuesday.

7. Thomas Global Systems has finished delivery of its M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 Immersive Tactical Trainer (M1A2 ITT) to the Australian Army, marking it as the world’s “only full-crew simulator” for the platform.

8. Congressional Republican leaders today put forward a stopgap funding bill to keep money flowing to the federal government through Nov. 21.

Lawmakers face a ticking clock to get the bill through the House and Senate to avert a government shutdown, before federal funding expires on Oct. 1.

Report: IDF Gaza City Ground Campaign Begins + China's 3d Aircraft Carrier Spotted in East China Sea + Sweden to Increase Defense Spending to 2.8% GDP in 2026 + Poland Receives 3d Batch of M1 Tanks + More Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

For review:

1. Arab and Muslim leaders called for a review of ties with Israel after emergency talks in Doha on Monday following last week’s IDF strike on Hamas members in the Qatari capital.

The Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation joint session brought together nearly 60 countries.

2. On Monday, US Secretary of State Rubio met with Israeli PM Netanyahu one-on-one for about an hour and a half before an expanded meeting with aides. He also met Monday with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and President Isaac Herzog.

Secretary Rubio will visit Qatar on Tuesday, the WP reported, citing two American sources.

3. Axios Report: IDF Gaza City Ground Campaign Begins.

Airstrikes in Gaza City intensified on Monday evening local time before Palestinian media began reporting that IDF tanks had entered the city.

4. Sweden to Increase Defense Spending to 2.8% GDP in 2026.

5. Poland’s state-run defense group PGZ has chosen UK's BAE Systems as its technology partner for the planned boost in domestic 15mm ammunition production.

6. Poland Receives 3d Batch of M1 Tanks.

Poland has received 38 new M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks from the US. The shipment included 14 M88A2 Hercules tactical recovery vehicles.

7. China's 3d Aircraft Carrier Spotted in East China Sea. People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) carrier Fujian (018), which has not yet been commissioned, sailed southwest in the East China Sea around 124 miles northwest of Uotsuri Island, according to Japan’s Joint Staff Office (JSO).

8. Australia will spend 12 billion AUD towards a new defense precinct that will include naval shipyards and AUKUS-related programs in the west of the country.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the Henderson Defence Precinct will be critical to Australia’s shipbuilding and sustainment industry, as well as sustainment and maintenance of Australian and allied submarines.

Australia is due to receive three Virginia-class submarines from the United States under AUKUS Pillar 1, before eventually transitioning to five SSN-AUKUS submarines from the early 2040s.

9. US Army revealed Monday that the mid-range missile system (Typhon MRC) is participating in the US-Japan annual bilateral exercise Resolute Dragon. The exercise has more than 19,000 U.S. and Japanese troops focusing on maritime defense and littoral protection operations.

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