Israeli airstrike kills 13 in Lebanon as Saudi Arabia eyes Abraham Accords entry
Global diplomatic and military developments unfolded this week across multiple regions. In the Middle East, an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon left 13 dead, while Saudi Arabia signalled potential shifts in regional alliances. Meanwhile, Europe saw progress in EU accession talks and strengthened ties with key partners, including Serbia, Turkey, and Egypt.
An Israeli airstrike hit a Palestinian refugee camp in Sidon, southern Lebanon, killing 13 people. The attack targeted militants but resulted in civilian casualties.
In a separate diplomatic move, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman indicated openness to joining the Abraham Accords. His condition was a clear commitment to a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. This follows former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2020 decision to designate Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally.
Europe also saw significant diplomatic activity. On 18 November 2025, a German official visited Serbia to discuss EU enlargement, energy cooperation, and reducing reliance on Russia. Montenegro and Albania advanced their EU accession talks, with Montenegro aiming to complete negotiations by late 2026. Moldova held its first EU-Moldova summit in July 2025, marking progress in its accession process. Turkey, meanwhile, improved relations with Germany and the EU after the UK signed the Eurofighter agreement and Germany lifted its objections to fighter jet sales. Egypt also deepened its EU partnership during its first bilateral summit with EU Council President António Costa in Brussels.
Elsewhere, the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to release unclassified files related to Jeffrey Epstein. In climate diplomacy, the UN recognised Azerbaijan’s strong organisation of COP29, expanding cooperation ahead of the summit. Estonian President Alar Karis visited Kazakhstan to boost bilateral ties in trade, technology, and transport.
The week’s events highlight ongoing tensions in the Middle East alongside diplomatic strides in Europe and beyond. The Israeli strike in Lebanon underscores persistent regional instability, while Saudi Arabia’s potential Abraham Accords entry depends on progress in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. In Europe, EU enlargement efforts and strengthened partnerships signal deeper integration, particularly for Balkan nations and Turkey. The release of Epstein files and COP29 preparations further shape international agendas.
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