Mecca Pact Tests: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed a NATO-style “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” but within 48 hours Houthis hit Saudi energy targets, raising questions about how much real protection the pact delivers in the first crisis. Hormuz Pressure: Iran issued new demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while shipping and oil flows remain jittery as talks edge forward. Yemen Escalation: Houthis claimed drone and missile attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities (including Jazan) and struck Yemen’s Mokha port, killing civilians and troops. Gaza Standoff: Netanyahu rejected a US-led Gaza roadmap backed by Hamas, saying Israel won’t withdraw until Hamas is “genuinely disarmed,” as Israel and Hamas trade accusations over “fictitious” compliance. Israel Politics Watch: Concerns mount over the integrity of Israel’s October election, with Herzog warning about interference and violence. Syria-Russia Reset: Syria and Russia agreed to end Russia’s military use of two Mediterranean bases, shifting them into joint training centers under Syrian control. Regional Politics: Arab parties failed to agree on a shared electoral slate for Israel’s Knesset, leaving uncertainty for Arab representation. Israel-US Culture & Trade: Sephora plans to open its first Israeli stores on Aug. 20.