Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at Israel’s fight against Hezbollah, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s secret hospitalization, and the French prime minister’s surprise resignation. Sign up to receive World Brief in your inbox every weekday.
Israel is facing tensions with Hezbollah as the group accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of targeting a top commander in southern Lebanon, resulting in numerous deaths. Israel’s IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi has warned of launching “another war” against Hezbollah if necessary. Meanwhile, the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with international leaders to discuss the conflict and rising tensions in the region.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is facing criticism for not disclosing his three-day hospitalization to top officials, prompting calls for a briefing on the incident. French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne unexpectedly resigned, creating speculation about potential successors as a cabinet reshuffle looms.
Beijing has accused the United Kingdom’s MI6 intelligence agency of using a foreigner to spy on China, resulting in the detention of the suspect. In Bangladesh, incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a fourth straight term in an election day marked by low voter turnout and opposition boycotts.
In other news, Parks Canada has warned drivers not to let moose lick their tires to discourage the animals from approaching vehicles on the roads.