Washington
Washington must recalculate its strategic approach to the Middle East – opinion
Subject to decisions pending in Tehran in response to the double-targeted killings of senior Hezbollah and Hamas officials, Israel now seems on the brink of a multi-front regional conflagration.
Is victory assured? At what cost? Could White House Special Envoy Amos Hochstein’s diplomatic ploy eventually prevail? The initiatives are left to Iran and its proxies, but should Israel identify imminent preparations for attack, it will likely act to preempt.
To date, Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in a limited war of attrition. On October 8, 2023, Hezbollah joined Hamas in waging war on Israel. Lebanon’s Iranian proxy declaratively sought to apply tactical pressure on Israel’s Northern front.
It seemingly succeeded, effectively forcing the IDF to split its forces, with a recorded northern deployment of between three to five Divisions, manned by a reservists call-up, amounting to a force of roughly 300-thousand troops.
During the initial stages of the war, Jerusalem’s War Cabinet deliberated whether to launch a two-front offensive against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant voted in favor, while former War Cabinet Ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot voted against.
Netanyahu and the US
Ultimately, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled in favor of the latter position after President Joe Biden held a phone conversation with the Israeli premier and threatened to pull US military support unless the IDF limits its retaliatory strikes to territories south of the Litani River and refrain from targeting Lebanon’s critical infrastructure, altogether.
Nine months later, the Biden Administration remains proactively determined to de-escalate daily cross-border hostilities, leveraging crucial ammunition shipments as one of its methods to effectively control Israel’s battle intensity versus Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In doing so, Washington hopes to buy enough time to secure a temporary arrangement, utilizing Parliament Speaker Nabi Berri, leader of the Shi’ite Amal Movement, as a mediator.
However, a senior Israeli intelligence official ascertained, “Berri has no leverage over Hezbollah,” rather, “it is the other way around.” Hezbollah evidently maintains the upper hand in negotiations, irrespective of the Biden Administration’s hopes and aspirations.
The majority of Israel’s defense and political elites seemingly believe the rationale articulated by Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah.
“On that day, when the shooting stops in Gaza, we will stop the shooting in the south [of Lebanon],” Nasrallah insisted in one of his many televised addresses. In daily conversations with Israeli intelligence officials and military officers, broad sentiments of wishful thinking linger vis-à-vis achieving a negotiated solution.
“Even Netanyahu hopes for a diplomatic outcome”, one official told me, as he subsequently professed that Jerusalem would much rather fight Hezbollah once fully equipped with a long list of new military technologies on the verge of operational integration.
Nevertheless, despite hopes for a peaceful resolution, no one in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv is under delusion. Tens of thousands of displaced Israelis will not return to their homes unless a sense of security is achieved.
Moreover, in stark contrast to popular belief regarding Iran supposedly restraining Hezbollah, the Ayatollah regime has a vested strategic interest in fueling the war within current established parameters, as it remains evasive of paying any substantive toll for its belligerent activities, while its heavily armed Lebanese proxy showcases battle-discipline, worthy of most Western militaries, with clear pre-planned objectives. Nevertheless, prospects for miscalculation are seemingly intensifying with every passing day.
Despite popular belief, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah’s intensive efforts to catalog regional hostilities as a response to the Palestinian plight is a cheap ruse. The current multi-front Mideast war is not a simple case of causality rooted in the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
Rather, we’re witnessing the prudent implementation of Iran’s strategic schemes, as was envisioned by its slain IRGC Quds Force commander Qassem Suleimani, as part of which Hamas is a key factor in Iran’s ars bellica, for both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as well as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Last week, in a conversation with Major General (Res) Gershon Ha-Cohen, a former General Staff and Northern Corps’ commander, he cautioned that US White House Envoy Amos Hochstein was seeking to formulate a deal that would undoubtedly spell ‘defeat marred by painful concessions for Israel.’
Hochstein essentially seeks to force Israel’s hand to concede border-lands in exchange for a temporary withdrawal of Hezbollah operatives several miles northward. “What’s to stop those operatives from returning to the south [of Lebanon], five minutes after an agreement is signed?” General Ha-Cohen questioned with an evident sense of frustration. “They demand of us an irreversible concession in exchange for a reversible act.”
Purportedly ignoring Iran’s grand strategy, the Biden Administration is doubling down on pressuring Israel to accept the proposed deal for a Northern ceasefire. Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during the course of which they demanded assurances.
In the event that Hezbollah breaches the terms of a proposed US-led arrangement, the United States would support Israel in waging a full-scale war against Hezbollah, with the aim of destroying the Iranian proxy once and for all. ‘Without such an assurance,’ Hanegbi and Dermer insisted, Israel’s ‘northern residents would not gain the sense of security necessary to return to their homes,’ a Jerusalem pre-requisite for any diplomatic solution.
Washington must recalculate its strategic approach to the Middle East. It cannot push to de-escalate the region without asking some tough questions on a so-called ‘strategic day after.’
Does the Biden Team’s approach benefit US strategic interests for decades to come? Or does it play into the hands of its adversaries, including Iran, Russia, and China? Despite the Biden-Harris Administration’s evident conviction of the former, regional actors, including allies and adversaries alike, are seemingly convinced of the latter.
The only way forward is for Washington to reassert its dominance in the Middle East. To do so, without the need to commit additional military assets to the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR), it should reinvigorate tangible support for its Mideastern allies and partners, including Israel, in confronting the so-called Axis of Resistance led by Iran.
The United States must counter Tehran’s grand strategy by pushing for an expansion of the Abraham Accords and reviving military support for its regional partners, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to confront Iran’s regional encroachment via its proxies.
Washington must revitalize its maximum economic pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic proper and enforce its sanctions by all means necessary. European powers, for their part, must stand in support of the United States by triggering the snap-back mechanism before it expires in October of 2025, aimed at derailing Tehran’s nuclear train as it races at full steam ahead.
As for Israel and the pragmatic Arab camp, they must join forces to implement a campaign of reality-building to push back on Iran’s malign encroachment by effectively inserting much-needed hope for a future of peace and prosperity for all peoples of the Middle East.
Jonathan Hessen is a nonresident senior fellow at the Washington-based Hudson Institute, editor-in-chief of TV7 Israel, and CEO of HGS. He specializes in geostrategy and security issues related to the Middle East and Europe.
Mick Cronin and the No. 12 UCLA Bruins officially tip off the highly-anticipated 2025-26 season against the Big Sky’s Eastern Washington Eagles.
Backed by UCLA’s star-studded transfer portal addition of Donovan Dent, the Bruins’ ceiling is higher than it’s been in recent season, and yet Westwood still has its fair share of doubters.
The Bruins also have some key returners, like Tyler Bilodeau, Eric Dailey Jr. and Skyy Clark, who are all primed to elevate their games next to Dent.
With that being said, let’s get into our first UCLA men’s basketball preview of the season.
UCLA is the start of EWU’s gauntlet non-conference schedule, which includes the Bruins, Washington State, Utah and No . 8 BYU.
The Eagles’ leading scorer from last season, Andrew Cook, returns this season. Cook averaged 15.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
This is the second time the Bruins are matching up with Eastern Washington all time. The last matchup came during the 2011-12 season when UCLA beat the Eagles 60-47 in the Los Angeles Sports Arena.
What: UCLA Bruins vs. Eastern Washington Eagles
When: Monday, Nov. 3
Time: 7:30 p.m. (PT)
Where: Pauley Pavilion (Westwood, California)
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: AM 790 (KABC)
1. Donovan Dent, PG
What more is there to say about Dent? The 2024-25 All-American was one of, if not the, most impactful transfers of the offseason, and he is poised to raise Cronin’s offensive ceiling this year.
The elite playmaking guard showed flashes of his impact in UCLA’s two preseason exhibition games, where, despite struggling from the field, showed the poised scoring and facilitating ability that drew Cronin’s eyes to him.
Against an opponent like Eastern Washington, elite guards like Dent can really flex their guns. Look for Dent to set up his teammates more rather than trying to get his own bucket on Monday.
2. Eric Dailey Jr., Forward
Dailey is one of UCLA’s most impactful returners, and he’s primed for a big season next to Dent. He averaged 11.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in 33 games last year, showing flashes of his potential as a scorer.
Ahead of this season, Dailey has been named to the 20-person watch list for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year award. Dailey’s scoring is integral to UCLA’s success. Last season, the Bruins were 16-2 when he scored at least 10 points in a game.
Dent elevates the players around him. Don’t be surprised if we see a leap year for Dailey.
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Scenes from the Nassau Class A field hockey championship between Massapequa and Port Washington on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Mia Holihan of Massapequa during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Port Washington on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Tatum Brennan of Massapequa battles for possession with Lily Longaro of Port Washington during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa takes a shot on goal against Port Washington goalkeeper during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Sophia Bolognini, left, and Ella Van Nostrand of Massapequa during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Aliya Hassett of Massapequa battles for possession with a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa controls the ball in the first half during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Port Washington on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Lily Longaro of Port Washington controls the ball during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Massapequa on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Lexi Raskin of Port Washington controls the ball during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Massapequa on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Lyla Grosso of Port Washington battles for possession with Massapequa defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Olivia Pennacchia of Port Washington battles for possession with Sophia Bolognini of Massapequa during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Aliya Hassett of Massapequa battles for possession with a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Lyla Grosso of Port Washington battles for possession with Massapequa defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Brooke Donnellan of Massapequa dribbles past a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa dribbles past the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Kali Humann of Massapequa battles for possession with the Port Washington defense during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Sophia Bolognini of Massapequa faces Lexi Raskin of Port Washington during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Olivia Pennacchia of Port Washington controls the ball in the first half during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship against Massapequa on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Aliya Hassett of Massapequa battles for possession with a Port Washington defender during the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Massapequa defeats Port Washington to win the Nassau Class A field hockey championship on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Adelphi.
Washington
Juvenile curfew declared in Washington DC; Mayor Muriel Bowser announces nighttime curfew after Halloween ruckus | Today News
Juvenile curfew order was imposed in Washington DC on Saturday after Halloween evening misbehaviour. Executive Office of Washington DC Mayor on November 1 announced restrictions on movement of those below 18 during nighttime over the next few days, in the wake of disorderly behaviour in the past weeks.
The decision follows Halloween-related incidents where young people engaged in brawling, blocked streets and endangered public safety. “The behavior on Halloween evening – which included young people brawling, blocking streets, and moving into commercial establishments in large groups, endangering both themselves and others in the area – follows several weekends of similar behavior by youth in neighborhoods across the District,” the notice issued by Mayor Muriel Bowser states.
Curfew time: From 11:00 PM till 6:00 AM
Curfew last date: November 5
‘All juveniles are subject to a curfew’
Muriel Bowser in a post on X stated, “We are declaring a limited juvenile curfew in Washington, DC. Effective immediately, all juveniles under the age of 18 are subject to a curfew from 11PM until 6AM, which will extend through 11/5.”
Clarifying the reason for the curfew, Muriel Bowser added, “This is in response to several weeks of disorderly juvenile behavior which endangered both themselves and others.”
This comes after five youth were arrested on October 31 by the police and one officer suffered minor injuries. Besides the curfew, the police will designate special zones which are at high risk for disorderly conduct. These locations will have longer curfew times, beginning as early as 6:00 PM.
Furthermore, the notice warns the youths against declaration of temporary curfew zone in case of a group gathering of more than seven youth citing threat to “safety of the youth, residents, or the public.”
List of Special Juvenile Curfew Zones
On Saturday night, Chief of Police Pamela A Smith announced several of the above mentioned “Special Juvenile Curfew Zones” as specified here:
- Navy Yard
- near the U Street Coridor
- Banneker Recreation Center near Howard University
- Union Station
The Navy Yard juvenile curfew zones covers the stretch between Interstate 695 and the Anacostia River on the north and south. It covers the area between 8th Street SE in the east and South Capitol in the west, FOX5 reported
The designated zone near the U Street Corridor covers the stretch between 9th Street NW and Florida Avenue in the east and 15th Street from T Street to V Street NW in the west. It covers the area between V Street and Vermont Avenue NW in the north and T Street NW in the south.
The zone at Banneker Recreation Center stretches between Georgia Avenue NW and 9th Street NW to the east and west. It covers the area between Euclid Street NW and W Street NW to the north and south.
The zone at Union Station covers the stretch 3rd Street NE and North Capitol Street NE to the east and west. It covers the area between H Street NE and D Street NE to the north and south.
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