On November 6, 2024, Naim Qasem, the new leader of Hezbollah, stated that the outcome of the recent U.S. elections, whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris won, is irrelevant to the ongoing conflict with Israel. He accused the U.S. of providing "unlimited support" to Israel, which he labeled as the "great devil." Qasem's comments came amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly regarding the military actions in Lebanon and Gaza.
Hezbollah claims to have trained tens of thousands of fighters ready to confront the Israeli military, asserting that no place in Israel is safe from their missiles and drones. The violence has resulted in over 3,000 deaths and the displacement of 1.2 million people in Lebanon since the hostilities began on October 8, 2023.
In Europe, leaders from 47 nations gathered in Budapest for the fifth summit of the European Political Community on November 7, 2024. Key topics included assistance to Ukraine, the recent U.S. elections, and relations with Georgia. The summit was hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who faces scrutiny over his unpredictable leadership style.
The summit's agenda reflects a growing concern over the implications of Trump's victory and the need for Europe to maintain unity in supporting Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. While the EU has historically aligned with U.S. policies, there are indications of a shift towards greater European self-reliance in foreign policy.
Discussions at the summit are expected to address the legitimacy of Georgia's recent elections, with differing opinions among EU members on how to respond to reported electoral violations. The next meeting of the European Political Community is scheduled for spring 2025 in Albania.