Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Friday, Mar 20, 2026

Haifa on High Alert Amid Escalating Hezbollah Rocket Fire; Global Political Tensions Rise

Israel on alert as Hezbollah rockets target northern towns following Hamas attack.
Haifa, Israel's third-largest city, is on high alert as Hezbollah rocket fire from Lebanon targets northern towns. Residents, like retiree Ilan Ravor, are seeking shelter and stocking up on essentials due to the escalating conflict following Hamas's October 7 attack, though they remain familiar with such threats.

Meanwhile, in Tunisia, hundreds protested against President Kais Saied on Sunday, accusing him of authoritarianism as they approach the contentious Oct. 6 presidential election. Concerns about election integrity are heightened due to a proposed bill affecting the administrative court's authority and the disqualification of three prominent candidates, amplifying political tensions.

Over in the U.S., House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson proposed a three-month stopgap funding bill on September 23, 2024, to prevent a government shutdown. Notably, the bill excludes an immigration measure requested by Donald Trump, aligning instead with Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's push for a temporary funding extension through December 20.

In Saudi Arabia, celebrations were in full swing for the 94th National Day on September 23rd, highlighting the theme “We Dream and Achieve.” Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman celebrated various national achievements, such as being the fastest-growing tourist destination in the G20 and attaining an impressive score in the World Bank’s "Women, Business and the Law" report, underlining the Vision 2030 initiative's continued success.

Echoing these celebrations, Rahim Pattarkadavan, CEO of RaCo Holding, praised Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 during the National Day festivities. He spotlighted RaCo's evolution from a modest trading firm in 1998 to a global conglomerate and its notable accomplishments, such as launching the nation's first foreign language FM station and securing several prestigious awards.

Nevertheless, tensions persist in the Middle East as Israel and Hezbollah exchange threats of escalating cross-border attacks despite international ceasefire calls. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced significant blows against Hezbollah, while the group's deputy chief Naim Qassem hinted at a "new phase" in their conflict, with the U.S. and UN striving to avert a wider war amidst rising casualties and displacement.
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