Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026

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.
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