Israeli fighter jets struck Hezbollah sites in eastern Lebanon, claiming the assaults countered threats against Israel. This action followed Hezbollah's drone launch, which Israel intercepted, interpreting it as a breach of the ceasefire established in late November after a drawn-out conflict.

The ceasefire limits Hezbollah's activities near the Israeli border while allowing Israel to address perceived threats. 

In the US, Lord Mandelson, the new British ambassador, met with Liu Jianchao, a Chinese official linked to the contentious Operation Fox Hunt. Critics of the meeting emphasize that Mandelson's association with Liu, called a "horrific thug," contradicts UK principles. Meanwhile, supporters argue it is consistent with Mandelson's longstanding interest in "progressive" Sino-British relations, emphasizing the UK’s desire to keep lines of communication open with China.

The Digest, 1/31/2025 @200AM, CDT

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