Mar-a-Lago Summit & Somaliland Recognition

A high-stakes week for Israel’s regional positioning. At Mar-a-Lago, President Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas—disarm in a “very short period of time” or face annihilation—while warning Iran of renewed strikes if it rebuilds its missile or nuclear programs. January 15 is now the target date for finalizing Gaza’s post-war governance structure. Meanwhile, Israel made a historic move in the Horn of Africa, becoming the first country to recognize Somaliland—a strategic play years in the making with quiet Mossad involvement. The recognition puts Israel directly at odds with Qatar, which led a 21-nation condemnation while its education minister publicly mourned Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida’s death. Plus: what Somaliland’s Gulf of Aden coastline means for countering the Houthis.