Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Sunday, Nov 16, 2025

Geopolitical Shifts: U.S. Sanctions Israeli Settlers, France Backs Lebanon, and Ukraine Wields U.S. Missiles Amid Rising Tensions

U.S. imposes sanctions on Israeli settler group over West Bank activities while France backs Lebanon's military during regional unrest. EU urged to align with U.S. on Ukraine conflict as Kyiv uses American missiles against Russia.
U.S. sanctions have recently been imposed on the Israeli settler group Amana due to its alleged violent activities in the West Bank, citing strategic expansion through farming outposts. This move aligns with the international viewpoint that all settlements in the West Bank are illegal, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions.

Meanwhile, France's Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu is calling for increased support for Lebanon's military forces amidst regional unrest, particularly following the recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict. His emphasize on adhering to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, alongside past and recent international financial aid, underscores the importance of bolstering Lebanon's defense capabilities.

Over in Gaza, a Hamas-led force known as "The Popular and Revolutionary Committees" is battling the looting of aid convoys as shortages persist due to an ongoing blockade. These efforts, though marred by armed clashes, highlight the governance challenges faced by Gaza amid accusations against Hamas for disrupting aid.

Across the Atlantic, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is urging the European Union to align with the U.S. on support for Ukraine, particularly against Russia's recent nuclear threats. His call for unity stresses the EU’s commitment to Ukraine, revealing its strategic importance to Europe's future amidst rising geopolitical tensions.

In a significant development, Kyiv launched U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles against a Russian arms depot on the 1,000th day of the Ukraine war. Despite Russian interception claims, this action further complicates the conflict and raises concerns about deeper U.S. involvement, all as Ukraine pushes for global diplomatic resolutions.

Finally, former UK Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson is reportedly pressuring Donald Trump to recognize Somaliland's independence, spotlighting contentious international policy issues. Despite its declaration of independence in 1991, Somaliland remains largely unrecognized, illustrating ongoing disputes with Somalia and potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under a new administration.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Saudi Delegation Strengthens EU–MENA Security Cooperation in Lisbon
Saudi Arabia’s Fossil-Fuel Dominance Powers Global Climate Blockade
Trump Organization Engages Saudi Government-Owned Real-Estate Deal Amid White House Visit
Trump Organization Nears Billion-Dollar Saudi Real Estate Deal Amid White House Diplomacy
Israel Presses U.S. to Tie Saudi F-35 Sale to Formal Normalisation
What We Know Now: Donald Trump’s Financial Ties to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Defence Wish List for Washington: From AI Drones to Nuclear Umbrella
Analysis Shows China, Saudi Arabia and UAE among Major Recipients of Climate Finance Loans
Why a Full Saudi–Israel Normalisation Deal Eludes Trump’s Reach
Trump Presses Saudi Arabia to Normalise Ties with Israel as MBS Prepares for White House Visit
US-Saudi Summit Set for November 18 Seeks Defence Pact and Israel Normalisation Momentum
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts Visits Saudi Arabia Amid Potential Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
Cristiano Ronaldo Embraces Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Vision with Key Role
Saudi Arabia’s Execution Campaign Escalates as Crown Prince Readies U.S. Visit
Trump Unveils Middle East Reset: Syria Re-engaged, Saudi Ties Amplified
Saudi Arabia to Build Future Cities Designed with Tourists in Mind, Says Tourism Minister
Saudi Arabia Advances Regulated Stablecoin Plans with Global Crypto Exchange Support
Saudi Arabia Maintains Palestinian State Condition Ahead of Possible Israel Ties
Chinese Steel Exports Surge 41% to Saudi Arabia as Mills Pivot Amid Global Trade Curbs
Saudi Arabia’s Biban Forum 2025 Secures Over US$10 Billion in Deals Amid Global SME Drive
Saudi Arabia Sets Pre-Conditions for Israel Normalisation Ahead of Trump Visit
MrBeast’s ‘Beast Land’ Arrives in Riyadh as Part of Riyadh Season 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Asserts Saudi Pro League Outperforms Ligue 1 Amid Scoring Feats
AI Researchers Claim Human-Level General Intelligence Is Already Here
Saudi Arabia Pauses Major Stretch of ‘The Line’ Megacity Amid Budget Re-Prioritisation
Saudi Arabia Launches Instant e-Visa Platform for Over 60 Countries
Dick Cheney, Former U.S. Vice President, Dies at 84
Saudi Crown Prince to Visit Trump at White House on November Eighteenth
Trump Predicts Saudi Arabia Will Normalise with Israel Ahead of 18 November Riyadh Visit
Entrepreneurial Momentum in Saudi Arabia Shines at Riyadh Forward 2025 Summit
Saudi Arabia to Host First-Ever International WrestleMania in 2027
Saudi Arabia to Host New ATP Masters Tournament from 2028
Trump Doubts Saudi Demand for Palestinian State Before Israel Normalisation
Viral ‘Sky Stadium’ for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Debunked as AI-Generated
Deal Between Saudi Arabia and Israel ‘Virtually Impossible’ This Year, Kingdom Insider Says
Saudi Crown Prince to Visit Washington While Israel Recognition Remains Off-Table
Saudi Arabia Poised to Channel Billions into Syria’s Reconstruction as U.S. Sanctions Linger
Smotrich’s ‘Camels’ Remark Tests Saudi–Israel Normalisation Efforts
Saudi Arabia and Qatar Gain Structural Edge in Asian World Cup Qualification
Israeli Energy Minister Delays $35 Billion Gas Export Agreement with Egypt
Fincantieri and Saudi Arabia Agree to Build Advanced Maritime Ecosystem in Kingdom
Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN Accelerates AI Ambitions Through Major Partnerships and Infrastructure Push
IOC and Saudi Arabia End Ambitious 12-Year Esports Games Partnership
CSL Seqirus Signs Saudi Arabia Pact to Provide Cell-Based Flu Vaccines and Build Local Production
Qualcomm and Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN Team Up to Deploy 200 MW AI Infrastructure
Saudi Arabia’s Economy Expands Five Percent in Third Quarter Amid Oil Output Surge
China’s Vice President Han Zheng Meets Saudi Crown Prince as Trade Concerns Loom
Saudi Arabia Unveils Vision for First-Ever "Sky Stadium" Suspended Over Desert Floor
Francis Ford Coppola Auctions Luxury Watches After Self-Financed Film Flop
US and Qatar Warn EU of Trade and Energy Risks from Tough Climate Regulation
×