Hegseth ousts another top general
US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly forced out another top general at the Pentagon, the latest in a long-running purge of senior military officials. Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia who held the role of director for strategy, plans and policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff announced his abrupt departure late on Wednesday. The Pentagon has released a statement, thanking him for his 32 years of service, without explaining what precipitated his departure. No reason was given for Sylvia’s dismissal. Sources say Sylvia’s abrupt removal has infuriated colleagues, who saw him as a battle-tested and thoughtful military leader. Since taking office as war secretary last year, Hegseth has dismissed dozens of senior military leaders while rarely explaining the reasons behind his decisions.
US bases damage cover-up
A US Senator has accused the Trump administration of covering up the extent of damage to American military bases in the West Asia caused by Iranian attacks this year. Murphy called the war illegal and urged the Pentagon to disclose the full impact of Iranian strikes and allow lawmakers to speak directly with US military personnel stationed in the region. The Connecticut Democrat says he was denied full access to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar during a recent visit to the region. He said a September report by the Defense Department’s inspector general found that Iranian missile and drone attacks had damaged or destroyed hundreds of structures across the West Asia. The strikes have affected US military facilities in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. According to the report, at least 21 US service members have been killed and 800 wounded since the war against Iran began in February. However, Iran says Washington is hiding the true number of its casualties in fear of public backlash.
Israel protests
Israeli police have violently cracked down on hundreds of people protesting against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and calling for a Jewish-Arab coalition cabinet. The demonstrations were held in several cities across the occupied territories including Tel Aviv and Haifa. Protesters carried signs reading “Freedom for All” and “No More Divide and Rule” as political deadlock deepened following the vote. According to figures released by the Central Elections Committee, the pro-Netanyahu bloc holds 53 seats, while the opposition bloc has secured 48, with 90 percent of votes counted. The two main Arab parties are projected to win around 19 of the Knesset’s 120 seats. Without Arab party support, opposition figures and their allies appear to lack a clear route to unseating Netanyahu, while another round of elections could further complicate coalition-building efforts.
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