Israeli Channel 12:

"The military establishment acknowledges a significant increase in the willingness and ability of organizations hostile to Israel to operate explosive drones, including those equipped with fiber optics, from within Palestinian cities, and to direct them towards various targets.

This is a complex activity that differs from what we know so far."

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Hamas in the West Bank 2020 vs 2026

Since 2020, Hamas has expanded rapidly across the West Bank, growing from a small underground network into the largest armed actor after the PLO.

Rather than relying solely on its core Al-Qassam members, it has built a broad proxy network by actively financing, arming, training, helping direct, and establishing new militant groups and cells.

Exact figures remain unknown, but open-source estimates suggest the network grew from roughly 400–600 core fighters in 2020 to around 1,800–2,300 core operatives by 2026, supported by 4,000–5,500 affiliated fighters.

Hamas now provides funding, weapons, explosives expertise, operational support, and organizational assistance to groups such as the Jenin Battalion, Tulkarm Battalion, Lions’ Den, and armed cells in Balata and Askar, while also helping establish new local militant cells across the West Bank.

ACLED

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Kan Hebrew writes that the U.S. CENTCOM commander has informed Israel that the U.S.- Iran are “very close” to a written ceasefire agreement.

The U.S. And Iran are currently in a de-facto informal ceasefire.

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Pentagon declares crisis, the U.S. Defense Secretary issued an ultimatum for U.S. defense companies to submit a plan for the aggressive expansion of missile production within 21 days.

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A gas facility in the industrial city of Jubail, Saudi Arabia, was targeted, fires have broken out.

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Jumblatt asked Bashar al-Assad in 2011 about the torture and killing of 13-year old Hamza al-Khateeb by Assad's security forces.

Bashar replied:

"We didn't torture him. We killed him .."

The Syrian Military opens recruit applications for enlistment to its ranks for individuals born between 2004 and 2008 in Aleppo’s eastern Manbij and southern Hasakah, with no degree required

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The Wall Street Journal:

President Trump is preparing the ground for declaring victory in the "war" against Iran, should Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has also raised the idea of withdrawing from the conflict without reaching a nuclear agreement.

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Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

After a year and a half of intensive negotiations, the fate of the two Russian bases in Hmeimim and Tartous has been decided through a memorandum of understanding that outlines the future course of action for both parties.

The state will manage the civilian facilities, including Hmeimim airport and the fourth commercial pier in the port of Tartous, gradually integrating them into civilian administration.

The two parties have agreed to redefine the functions of the military bases and facilities, transforming them into joint training and qualification centers, within arrangements that safeguard mutual interests.

The memorandum of understanding sets a time limit of no more than three months to complete the transition process.

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Syrian General Authority of Ports and Customs:

Following a series of discussions between the Syrian Arab Republic and the Russian Federation, an agreement has been reached whereby the Syrian side will take over the commercial facilities previously operated by the Russian side within the Port of Tartus, including Pier No. (4), and the warehouses and associated facilities.

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Trump:

We are looking to end the conflict with Iran. We are dealing with Iran in a calm and non-confrontational manner.

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Saudi Arabia has purchased 730 PAC-3MSE missile interceptors, along with some related equipment (excluding fire control radar, command panels, or additional launchers), for a price of $9 billion.

In other words, the cost of each Patriot missile in this new contract for Saudi Arabia is $12.3 million, which is a clear example of price gouging and a purchase made out of necessity.

The high price of these interceptors is due to a shortage of available stock.

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Syrian Minister of Energy:

During the first half of 2026, the electricity sector produced approximately 10 million megawatt-hours, and the hours of electricity supply increased from about 8 hours to 20 hours per day, and even more in some areas.

New solar energy projects with a capacity of 420 megawatts were implemented, in addition to the construction and replacement of hundreds of kilometers of power grids, 800 substations, and more than 50,000 meters.

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The Syrian Ministry of Defense has arrested four individuals who were recently integrated from the ranks of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and dismissed them for violating rules and regulations.

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Downed U.S. Drone in southern Iran

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The CEO of "The Wire Pakistan" announced a new project in Syria, supported by Turkey and Saudi Arabia, to provide Syria with the latest visual communication systems and Command and Control (C2) systems.

These systems will connect military leadership and field units with operations rooms, and will be used to modernize Syria's defense systems.

The project is funded by Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

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/Syrian Air Force Military Training

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Syria has started the export of chicken from Turkey.

Syria currently faces the highest per-unit cost for chicken in the whole MENA region, which significantly impacts food security, the importation of chicken from Turkey will improve market accessibility and reduce prices.

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Leaked information, “subject to censorship”: A country in the region secretly advised another country to reach an agreement with Israel in order to "pacify" it – while simultaneously preparing for war (Kan)

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