Israel-Lebanon Security Clash: Former PM Naftali Bennett and ex-IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot blasted Israel’s northern response to renewed Hezbollah rocket fire, arguing the government is stuck in “containment” and needs both more IDF freedom and renewed regional diplomacy. Kurdistan Power Stalemate: Iraq’s Kurdistan Region remains deadlocked as KDP and PUK still have no set date for talks to restart parliament and form a new cabinet. South Africa Election Tone: NGO Repubblika said the campaign became an “auction of promises,” urging stronger anti-corruption and institutional safeguards. Punjab Jobs Push: Punjab approved regularising 65,048 outsourced workers, moving them toward long-term contracts and eventual absorption. Kurdish Govt Talks Stalled: ENPO accused Nagaland’s government of a “U-turn” on the FNTA deal, warning core autonomy terms are being diluted. Housing Cost Shock (Australia): New forecasts predict Queensland and Melbourne rents will rise far faster than federal projections, potentially wiping out promised tax relief. EU Diplomacy: EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas heads to Islamabad for an EU-Pakistan strategic dialogue. Iran-US Tensions: Iran again accused Trump of “betraying diplomacy” as US officials warn military action remains on the table. Colombia-Ecuador Trade Row: Colombia rejected Ecuador’s tariff repeal as electoral interference, saying it follows Andean Community obligations. State-Owned Enterprise Revenue Drop: Maldives reported sharply lower dividend income from state firms, with only about a third of targets met so far. Rivers State Warning (Nigeria): FCT minister Nyesom Wike warned other governors against meddling in Rivers politics, saying it invites trouble.