US Proxy Wars: Israel Gears Up for Gaza Incursion as Initiative Passes to Russia in Ukraine

Update on the conflict in Ukraine Middle East for October 17, 2023 - Russia continues overturning what negligible gains Ukraine made during its over 4 month-long offensive in Zaporozhye; - Russian operations in Avdeevka continue, however no major “offensive” has been announced by Russian military or political leaders; - Attempts by Russia to exploit possible opportunities along the line of contact are measured, with limitations identified by Russian commanders in stark contrast to Ukraine’s stand-and-fight approach; - In the Middle East, fighting continues between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon as Israeli military operations continue to target Gaza; - Israel has taken action to compel Palestinians to evacuate from northern parts of Gaza in what is likely an attempt to seize the territory and prevent a future return by Palestinians to the area; - Israel’s continued violation of international law and belligerence toward its neighbors is an unsustainable