Analysts are split on whether Hezbollah will actively join the conflict with Israel, with some citing the group's significant arsenal and others pointing to the risks for Lebanon. Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah is expected to speak, which has raised tensions. Lebanon's foreign minister and various analysts suggest that Hezbollah and Lebanon are not seeking war, but contingency planning is underway. The group is currently engaging in limited border skirmishes with the Israel Defense Forces, possibly as a distraction. The possibility of a full-scale war involving Hezbollah is deemed unlikely by some experts, considering the regional stakes and the presence of U.S. naval forces in the Mediterranean.

Iraq's Chaldean Catholics are canceling Easter celebrations in solidarity with Cardinal Louis Sako after his title of Patriarch was revoked by President Abdul Latif Rashid, influenced by Iran-backed militia leader Rayan al-Kildani. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned al-Kildani for human rights abuses. Nadine Maenza of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat expressed concern over the growing Iranian influence in Iraq and its impact on Christians. Cardinal Sako, who facilitated Pope Francis's visit in 2021, is advocating for equal rights for minorities and hopes the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to Washington will benefit Christians. The Christian population in Iraq has decreased significantly from 1.5 million before the U.S.-led invasion to about 150,000, as reported by the U.S. State Department.

Iran has leveraged the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza to strengthen its influence in the Middle East by supporting proxy militias, according to analysts. The war has complicated relations for Arab nations that normalized ties with Israel through the Abraham Accords. Iran's regional interventions, often through proxies like Hezbollah, have been linked to widespread destruction and societal distress. Critics argue that Iran's influence has been detrimental, citing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. The U.S. is encouraged to confront Iran directly to address the broader strategic challenge rather than focusing solely on its proxies. Tensions suggest a potential direct conflict between Iran and the U.S. as hostilities continue.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have been targeting ships in the Red Sea, potentially with aims beyond supporting Palestinians against Israel. Their actions have been seen as a strategy to assert regional support for Palestinian resistance and to solidify their political authority in Yemen. Analysts suggest the Houthis are also trying to divert attention from domestic responsibilities. U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking criticized the attacks for harming Palestinians rather than helping. Despite U.S. and British military responses, the Houthis show no signs of retreat, and there are concerns about the conflict expanding, with Saudi Arabia being particularly nervous about potential Houthi military actions.

Christian communities in the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip, are experiencing a somber yet hopeful Christmas amidst ongoing Israeli military bombardment. Father Rifat Bader of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Amman reports on the dire conditions faced by the 700 people sheltering in the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, including a lack of medical services. The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in over 21,000 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. Despite the violence, Christians are finding ways to express their faith and unity, as demonstrated by a visit from the Holy Family Church to the Greek Orthodox St. Porphyrius Church on Christmas Day. Jordan has provided humanitarian aid, and religious figures like Cardinal Konrad Krajewski emphasize the need for humility and prayer for peace in the region.

Jordan's Christians, led by the Council of Churches, have canceled Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the people of Gaza amidst escalating violence. Father Rifat Bader emphasized a focus on the spiritual aspect of Christmas and solidarity with Gaza, where violence has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. The United Nations reports 1.5 million internally displaced Palestinians in Gaza. King Abdullah II of Jordan has called for a ceasefire and supports a two-state solution, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has mentioned considering pauses in fighting. The Jordanian Air Force has delivered medical supplies to Gaza, where hospitals are struggling due to the blockade and siege.

Pope Francis condemned the serious situation in Gaza and called for peace during his Wednesday general audience, without mentioning the recent deadly attack on a hospital in Gaza. He expressed concern that the conflict could escalate and urged the faithful to pray for peace. The Pope emphasized that war only sows death, destruction, hatred, and revenge, and destroys the future. He announced a day of prayer and penance on October 27, with a gathering in St. Peter's Square, and encouraged all Catholic faithful and those of other religions to join for world peace. Pope Francis also made a phone call to the Catholic parish of the Holy Family in Gaza, which has been assisting people affected by the conflict.

Security analysts have identified significant intelligence and military failures by Israel in response to a coordinated attack by Hamas. The attack has been surprising due to Hamas' ability to launch it despite Israeli military barriers. The incident has led to a crisis of trust among the Israeli populace and expectations of a severe Israeli military response. Observers note Israel's preoccupation with internal political issues may have been perceived as weakness by Hamas. Experts suggest that while Hamas could have acted alone, Iran's support is likely due to regional political shifts. Concerns are also raised about the potential involvement of Hezbollah, which could lead to devastating consequences for Lebanon.

The Biden Administration is collaborating with Saudi Arabia and Israel on a deal that could restore their diplomatic relations, with security guarantees and military aid from the US as potential concessions. Experts like David Ottaway from the Wilson Center and Trita Parsi from the Quincy Institute question the implications of such concessions, including the risk of a Middle East arms race and the necessity of US involvement. Ellen Laipson from George Mason University notes that while diplomacy is key for Biden, both Israel and Saudi Arabia seek freedom of action without binding commitments. Concerns are raised about the US being further drawn into Middle East politics and the potential for Saudi Arabia and Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.

The catastrophic impact of the tropical cyclone Daniel in Libya, which caused dam breaks and thousands of deaths, has been exacerbated by a decade of conflict, political division, and neglect of public infrastructure. Analysts and experts highlight that the storm's devastation is intensified by years of administrative misconduct and poor governance, particularly in the vulnerable region of Derna. Despite geopolitical divisions, humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts are being mobilized from various parts of Libya, including the internationally recognized government in Tripoli and the National Oil Corporation. Concerns are also raised about the plight of migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe who may have been caught in the floods.

The Islamic State terror group's influence in Iraq is waning, with a 65% reduction in activity this year, yet U.S. Major General Matthew W. McFarlane warns that remnants still pose a threat, particularly in unprotected areas of Syria. The Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, led by McFarlane, is focused on defeating IS militants. Despite the decline, the UN reports IS still commands thousands of fighters in Syria and Iraq. Experts from the Brookings Institution and New Lines Institute highlight the potential for IS resurgence in Africa and Asia, with Africa possibly becoming the future of the caliphate. Islamic State is exploiting conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia and rising religious tensions in India, while also seeking opportunities in central Asia.

The first anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court is seen by Rep. Elise Stefanik as an opportunity to reinforce the pro-life culture. The ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade, has led states to enact various abortion-related laws. Stefanik criticized Democrats for their stance on abortion and highlighted legislative efforts such as the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act and the Care for Her Act. She emphasized the role of elected officials in abortion legislation and supported the Hyde Amendment's restrictions on public funding for abortions.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, targeted Israel's Mount Meron base on January 23, marking the second recent attack on the military post. Following the attack, Israeli fighter jets fired missiles into southern Lebanon, causing destruction and injuries. The border clashes prompted evacuations on both sides. Lebanon's acting Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib linked the airstrikes to the Gaza conflict, suggesting they were not intended to escalate to a larger war. Dania Koleilat Khatib, Director of the Research Center for Cooperation and Peace in Beirut, cited targeted killings of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders as potential triggers for broader conflict. Khatib noted that while Hezbollah provokes Israel, they do not seek escalation, but escalation could occur without U.S. efforts to temper Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions.