MENA Weekly

November 18, 2024

Israeli Airstrike on Iranian Nuclear Research Site

On October 16, an Israeli airstrike targeted the Taleghan 2 facility in Iran’s Parchin military complex to destroy equipment essential for developing nuclear devices, according to Israeli and U.S. officials. The strike, carried out despite U.S. cautions, highlighted Iran’s alleged secret efforts to resume nuclear weapons research under the guise of civilian projects. A previously dormant site linked to nuclear weapons research, Taleghan 2 was observed by U.S. and Israeli intelligence as beginning new activity earlier this year.

Middle East Policy contributor Farshad Roomi analyzes Iran’s ideological approach to its conflict with Israel.

Israel’s Attacks on Lebanon

An Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s Ras al-Nabaa district killed Hezbollah spokesman Mohammad Afif and injured three others, marking another escalation in Israel’s campaign to disrupt Hezbollah’s leadership and operations. The strike, part of intensified attacks since late September, targeted Afif for his prominent role in managing Hezbollah’s media relations and countering Israel’s narrative. Additional strikes on central Beirut and southern Lebanon killed civilians and Lebanese soldiers, taking the toll to more than 3,480 fatalities since October last year. Lebanon has responded with school closures and growing concerns over the escalating conflict.

Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s healthcare system over the past year have killed and injured at least 520 health workers and damaged or destroyed over 280 medical facilities, including 40 hospitals and 249 emergency vehicles, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health. These strikes, concentrated in southern and western Lebanon, have forced the closure of several hospitals and clinics, exacerbating the strain on an already fragile healthcare system amid Lebanon’s economic crisis. Human rights organizations have condemned these actions as potential war crimes, citing international protections for medical facilities and personnel.

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized the government’s focus on achieving a ceasefire with Israel under the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war and ensures Lebanon’s sovereignty. Mikati, hosting senior Iranian official Ali Larijani, rejected Israeli demands for unilateral action against Hezbollah post-ceasefire, calling for adherence to the resolution without amendments. Meanwhile, Israel continues to escalate its offensive. Diplomatic efforts involving the U.S., Russia, and Iran continue, but no agreement has been reached.

A Middle East Policy article by Daniel Sobelman explores how Hezbollah has wielded coercive power over Israel, particularly in matters relating to its relationship with Lebanon.

Egypt Amends Asylum Law

Egypt’s parliament has preliminarily approved a controversial draft bill amending the asylum law, which would transfer refugee oversight from the UNHCR to a government-led committee that critics argue lacks impartiality and undermines refugee rights. The bill would require refugees, including those already approved by the UNHCR, to renew their status annually under vague guidelines that omit safety considerations for their return.

Rights groups claim the legislation risks violating international standards, restricting access to essential services, and enabling forced returns under broad “national security” powers. The proposal has heightened fears among Sudanese refugees in Egypt, many of whom already face rising costs, legal hurdles, and hostility, with calls for revisions to align with international protections.

An article in Middle East Policy by Majak D’Agoot discusses the rise of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and its role in the current conflict.