Israel-Lebanon Pilot Zone Talks: Senior Israeli and Lebanese officials denied Israel has withdrawn from parts of southern Lebanon after a U.S. claim, as Washington-backed talks in Beirut and Washington focus on a “pilot zone” for transferring territory to the Lebanese army while Hezbollah weapons are dismantled. Palestinian Rights & Security: A Palestinian man was killed during an Israeli raid in Sarta, West Bank, as house searches and arrests continue amid warnings of annexation plans. Gaza/West Bank Heritage & Control: Israel’s parliament advanced a bill to place ancient West Bank sites under Israeli civil control, with critics calling it annexation-by-other-means. UAE Economic Shock Response: Dubai convened business leaders after Iran-linked strikes to stabilize tourism and investment, pledging 2.5bn dirhams in support. Switzerland Air Defense Push: Switzerland restarted Patriot payments and is negotiating a second system with Israel, France and South Korea amid long-range threat concerns. Egypt Growth Watch: Egypt reported 5% Q3 growth (FY2025/26), with manufacturing, ICT and the Suez Canal driving gains. Hormuz Shipping Fees Dispute: Trump said Iran told the U.S. it will not impose tolls or fees on Strait of Hormuz shipping, while Iran and Oman trade competing claims over maritime routes and control. Iraq OPEC Pressure: Iraq warned it may consider leaving OPEC if quotas aren’t raised enough to offset Iran-war-linked financial strain. NGO/Nonprofit Angle (US): A federal student loan forgiveness program is extending debt relief to nonprofit workers under PSLF, raising debate over which missions qualify. Humanitarian Aid: Israel plans an aid delegation to Venezuela after back-to-back earthquakes.