Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to make the official announcement in a statement on Sunday afternoon, according to reports. This decision positions the U.K. alongside other nations, including France and Canada, which also announced plans this summer to recognize a Palestinian state at the next UN General Assembly meeting. The coordinated effort signals a shift in policy among key Western allies.

The path to this weekend's announcement has been developing for months. Back in July, Starmer's government declared its intention to recognize a Palestinian state in September unless the Israeli government took substantive steps toward a two-state solution. This position was reiterated by Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the end of August, who confirmed that the UK was still "on a pathway to recognition" and would assess all relevant factors. The government's consistent messaging signaled that this move was not a sudden decision, but the culmination of a deliberate diplomatic strategy.

The planned recognition has been met with criticism from both Israel and its closest ally, the United States. Both nations have been critical of the plans by the U.K. and others, viewing the move as premature and unhelpful to the broader peace process. Some analysts have echoed this sentiment, suggesting the move is "purely symbolic politics" with no legally binding effect on the ground. This highlights the deep divisions within the international community on the best approach to resolving the long-standing conflict.

Despite the opposition, proponents argue that now is the right time for such a step. Organizations like Chatham House have advocated for immediate recognition, framing it as "an unequivocal statement to Washington, Israelis, Palestinians and others." While the tangible, on-the-ground impact remains to be seen, the U.K.'s formal recognition is a powerful symbolic gesture that will undoubtedly reshape diplomatic conversations and place new pressure on all parties involved in the peace process.

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Other News

White House Clarifies New $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee

An executive order signed by President Donald Trump introduced a new $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas, initially causing widespread confusion among visa holders and their employers. The order, set to take effect Sunday, was interpreted by some immigration lawyers as potentially applying to all H-1B holders, including those already approved but temporarily outside the country.

This prompted urgent calls for visa holders abroad to return. Immigration lawyer Douglas Russo advised on LinkedIn, "If you are an H-1B worker outside the U.S. who already has an H-1B visa, the safest approach is re-entering before Sunday." The new fee could represent a substantial financial burden for major employers of H-1B workers, such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Cognizant.

In response to the uncertainty, a White House official provided a crucial clarification to Axios. The official stated that the new $100,000 fee will only apply to new applicants and will not affect existing, valid visa holders or those seeking renewals. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers framed the policy as a measure to protect domestic labor, stating, "President Trump promised to put American workers first, and this commonsense action does just that by discouraging companies from spamming the system and driving down wages."

US Monitors Orbital Threats with Maui Telescopes

The United States Space Force is utilizing powerful telescopes at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex to maintain "space domain awareness," with a particular focus on activities by China. Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, noted that China is "intentionally trying to do things" in orbit to evade detection, such as altering satellite brightness or maneuvering in presumed U.S. blind spots.

Situated atop the 10,023-foot Haleakala volcano, the complex provides a strategic vantage point for observing satellites. Its primary instrument, the Advanced Electro Optical System (AEOS), is the Pentagon's largest telescope. However, officials note its limitations, as it can only view about 10% of a satellite's total orbit. To enhance capabilities, other systems at the site are being upgraded to "see smaller, dimmer things further" into space. The mission has evolved beyond simple collision avoidance to understanding the intent behind the more than 40,000 objects being tracked.

New "Fuchs JAGM" Tank Destroyer Concept Unveiled

In a reflection of renewed military interest in anti-armor systems, German defense firm Rheinmetall and U.S.-based Lockheed Martin have introduced a new tank destroyer concept. The "Fuchs JAGM," a technology demonstrator vehicle, was unveiled at the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition in London.

Based on the Fuchs Evolution 6x6 armored vehicle, the platform is armed with up to 24 vertically launched missiles, capable of firing either the AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) or the AGM-114R Hellfire. The JAGM’s multi-mode seeker allows for "fire and forget" capability in various weather conditions. The system uses a telescopic mast to acquire targets and is designed to provide mobile, high-volume firepower against tanks and other high-value targets, a capability drawing increased attention following lessons from the war in Ukraine.

US Administration Plans Nearly $6 Billion Arms Sale to Israel

The Trump administration has notified Congress of its intent to sell nearly $6 billion worth of military hardware to Israel. The proposed sale comes as Israel continues its war in Gaza and faces shifting international relations.

The package consists of two main components: a $3.8 billion sale of 30 AH-64 Apache helicopters, which would nearly double Israel's current fleet, and a $1.9 billion sale of 3,200 infantry assault vehicles. If approved, the hardware would likely be delivered in two to three years. The notification comes as other nations have taken action regarding defense cooperation with Israel; the U.K. recently barred Israeli government officials from its largest arms fair, and Turkey closed its airspace to Israeli government planes and military cargo. The Trump administration has approved approximately $12 billion in military aid to Israel this year and previously lifted a hold on a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs that had been paused by the prior administration.

Volcano Erupts in Indonesia, Prompting Highest Alert Level

A volcano in eastern Indonesia, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, erupted multiple times beginning Friday evening, prompting authorities to raise its alert level to the highest category. The 1,584-metre-high volcano, located on Flores island, has spewed a column of ash stretching for kilometers into the sky.

The increased volcanic activity and heightened alert level led to the precautionary closure of a nearby airport on Saturday to ensure public safety.

Thousands Evacuated in Hong Kong After WWII Bomb Discovery

A massive, 1,000-pound U.S.-made bomb from the World War II era was discovered at a construction site in Hong Kong's Quarry Bay neighborhood, leading to the overnight evacuation of approximately 6,000 residents from 1,900 households.

A police official stated the evacuation was necessary due to the "exceptionally high risks" involved. The bomb, believed to be in good condition, reportedly contained 500 pounds of TNT. Hong Kong’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team worked for nearly ten hours under challenging typhoon conditions to neutralize the device. The operation concluded successfully on Saturday with no injuries reported. This is not an isolated incident for the city, which was a target for U.S. air raids during the Japanese occupation in WWII. In 2018, a similar bomb was defused in the city's business district.

Man Charged After Bringing Weapons to Charlie Kirk Memorial Site

In Glendale, Arizona, a man was arrested and charged on Saturday after entering State Farm Stadium with multiple weapons. The venue was the site of the late Charlie Kirk's memorial service, an event designated by the Department of Homeland Security as having high national significance. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were scheduled to speak at the memorial.

Joshua Runkles faces charges including felony impersonation of a law enforcement officer. He was allegedly found with a loaded pistol, a revolver, knives, and fake law enforcement credentials. The Secret Service stated that agents approached Runkles after he exhibited suspicious behavior.

A spokesperson for Turning Point USA (TPUSA) said Runkles was on-site "doing advance security for a known guest" but that the coordination had not been properly arranged with TPUSA's security or the Secret Service before the venue was fully secured. Runkles was booked into the Maricopa County Jail and has since been released on bond.

Today's VA Mortgage Rates

30-Year VA Loan Rates:

• 5.500% (Veterans United Home Loans - for purchase)
• 5.250% (Navy Federal Credit Union)
• 7.47% (Bankrate - national average refinance rate)

15-Year VA Loan Rates:

• 4.750% (Navy Federal Credit Union)
• 4.750%, 4.875%, 5.000% (Service Credit Union - with varying points/APRs)

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