🛡️ U.S. APPROVES $2.44 BILLION IN GULF ARMS SALES: The U.S. State Department approved arms deals with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, saying the sales “would not alter the fundamental military balance of power in the region.”
Saudi Arabia will acquire up to 20,000 advanced precision-guided munition systems in a $1.96 billion package intended to strengthen the security of a “key non-NATO ally.”
Kuwait is slated to receive a $484 million package supporting the maintenance and operational sustainment of its C-17 transport aircraft fleet.
🇺🇸 HOUSE REJECTS ATTEMPT TO CUT $3.3 BILLION IN ISRAEL AID: The U.S. House of Representatives rejected Republican Congressman Thomas Massie’s amendment to cut $3.3 billion in military aid to Israel by a vote of 104-314.
Despite its defeat, 103 House Democrats supported the amendment. The Guardian described the vote as a sharp rebuke of the Netanyahu government’s Gaza operations and evidence of mounting internal Democratic pressure over U.S. policy toward Israel.
Some Democrats objected that the amendment’s wording could also cut humanitarian assistance. Others described the vote as a “turning point” in the party’s position.
Recent primary races have added to the volatility. Incumbents in New York and Colorado were defeated by candidates emphasizing opposition to current Israeli policy and “AIPAC” influence. Similar challenges are emerging in Missouri and Michigan against candidates aligned with pro-Israel lobbying groups.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the amendment an “unfortunate choice” but voted in favor, saying it was necessary to send a “message” against the “perpetual cycle of war.”
⚠️ TEHRAN BILLBOARD REFERENCES TRUMP AFTER GRAHAM’S DEATH: A billboard erected in Tehran’s Valiasr Square reads, “Who is D nexT one?”, following the death of anti-Iran U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.
The letters “D” and “T” are capitalized, which was described as a reference to President Donald Trump.
🛡️ NETANYAHU FAMILY RECEIVES EXTENDED STATE PROTECTION: Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Shin Bet Affairs approved lifelong security protection for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid concerns over a potential Iranian assassination attempt.
Channel 14 reported that Netanyahu will receive lifetime protection. His wife will be protected until the end of his life, with an option for an extension. His children will receive state protection for five years following the end of his term.
🇮🇱 ISRAEL EXPANDS CAMPAIGN TO BUILD U.S. SUPPORT: Israel has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to strengthen American support for its military campaign and improve its international image, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The initiatives include a $45 million lobbying contract with Brad Parscale, President Trump’s former campaign manager.
🛡️ JORDAN INTERCEPTS IRANIAN MISSILES; SIRENS SOUND IN KUWAIT: The Jordanian Army announced: “We have intercepted 8 Iranian missiles that were targeting Jordanian territory”.
Sirens were also activated in Kuwait following a reported Iranian drone attack.
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