2333 GMT — President Trump redesignates Houthis as ‘foreign terrorist organization’
US President Donald Trump has redesignated Yemen’s Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization.”
On February 16, 2021, the Biden administration rescinded the designation of the Houthis (Ansarala) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
The White House said in a statement that the order was issued by the president and that Yemeni groups have fired on U.S. Navy warships dozens of times since 2023, putting American men and women in uniform at risk. He added that there is.
It also argued that the group’s activities threaten the safety of U.S. civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the security of America’s regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade.
“It is the policy of the United States to work with our regional partners to eliminate Ansar Allah’s capabilities and operations and seize its resources, thereby halting its attacks on U.S. military personnel and civilians, U.S. partners, and Red Sea shipping. ” said in a statement.
2240 GMT — Prime Minister Netanyahu asks President Trump to extend Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked US President Donald Trump for additional time for Israel to maintain its military occupation in southern Lebanon as a deadline approaches, local media reported.
Under a ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon in November last year, Israeli forces are required to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days.
With only 72 hours left, the time is approaching for Israel to vacate all the territory it captured during its recent invasion of Lebanon.
2100 GMT — US and Israel discuss Gaza as Tel Aviv abducts Palestinians from Jenin
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reiterate U.S. support for the ally, and the two also discussed Iranian and Israeli prisoners of war in the Gaza Strip, the State Department said.
Rubio’s phone conversation with Israel was the first since Republican Donald Trump’s administration took office on Monday. Both Trump and his Democratic predecessor, former President Joe Biden, have supported Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza.
“Maintaining America’s steadfast support for Israel is a top priority for President Trump,” the State Department said in a statement.
The State Department added that Mr. Rubio told Prime Minister Netanyahu that the United States “will continue to work tirelessly” to assist in the release of prisoners remaining in Gaza.
“The Secretary also conveyed that he looks forward to addressing the threat posed by Iran and pursuing opportunities for peace,” the State Department said.
