US Army Secretary Resigns Amidst Regional Defense and Political Developments

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned after 18 months in office, citing months of conflict with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The White House described the 41-year-old as "highly effective" in advancing President Trump's agenda. Driscoll, the youngest-ever Army secretary, was previously involved in talks regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. His departure follows a series of senior military dismissals by Hegseth since taking office.

Separately, Israel has finalized its largest-ever defense agreement, a $3.5 billion deal with Greece to install the "Achilles’ Shield" air-defense program. The network will incorporate Israeli systems, including David’s Sling, Spyder, and BARAK MX. The agreement was signed by senior defense officials from both nations in Tel Aviv.

In Israeli politics, Ra'am party Chairman Mansour Abbas announced that former MK Yoav Segalovitz will be the first Jewish candidate on the party's ticket. Abbas praised Segalovitz for his contributions to reducing crime in the Arab community during the 2021-22 government.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly stated at a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan that if the US returns to its commitments under the June memorandum of understanding, Iran will reciprocate. Additionally, reports suggest that US CENTCOM is considering a plan for limited strikes in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iran from rebuilding its radar and missile capabilities.