SOFREP Daily: Arab Leaders Reject Trump’s Gaza Resettlement Plan, North Korea Slams US Over Warship’s South Korea Visit

Midweek check-in: It’s Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Here’s your must-read briefing on defense and global affairs.

Arab Leaders Reject Trump’s Gaza Resettlement Plan

Arab leaders convened in Cairo to discuss an alternative to former US President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to assume control of Gaza and displace its Palestinian population.

The Arab League seeks to focus on Gaza’s reconstruction without forced displacement, amid widespread rejection of Trump’s proposal by Palestinians, Arab states, and international partners.

Meanwhile, Israel has demanded the total demilitarization of Gaza, which Hamas has firmly rejected, calling disarmament a “red line.”

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has reached an impasse, with Hamas pushing for a permanent end to hostilities while Israel threatens severe consequences if hostages are not released.

The war has left Gaza in ruins, with reconstruction costs estimated at over $53 billion. Israel’s blockade has exacerbated humanitarian conditions, while Netanyahu and his far-right allies have suggested resettling Gaza’s population elsewhere.

The truce’s future remains uncertain as regional and international mediators attempt to navigate complex negotiations.

Israel Strikes Syrian Military Base Near Tartus Port: Syria State Media

Israeli airstrikes targeted the Tartus area in Syria, with reports of an explosion near the port and at a military base.

The Israeli Army confirmed striking a site in Qardaha, citing “recent developments in the area.”

Syrian state media reported no casualties, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted significant damage.

🔴
The target attacked by the IDF in Qardha, Syria: A military site where unconventional weapons of the previous regime were stored. The strike was led by the intelligence that Militants are planning to take over the site and rehabilitate it. https://t.co/KluqTNTjs8 pic.twitter.com/Ryzip80ma4

— Voice From The East (@EasternVoices) March 3, 2025

The attack follows a pattern of Israeli strikes in Syria, which intensified after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.

Israel claims the strikes prevent military assets from falling into hostile hands and has warned against the militarization of southern Syria. Meanwhile, Syria’s new leadership condemned Israel’s actions and urged international intervention.

Tensions remain high as Israel vows to take action if Syria’s new rulers threaten the Druze community, and regional instability continues.

Israel Kills Hezbollah Commander in Lebanon Airstrike

Israel’s military announced it killed Khodr Said Hashem, a Hezbollah naval commander, in an airstrike in southern Lebanon.

Israel accused Hashem of violating a November ceasefire and being involved in maritime smuggling operations.

The strike took place near Qana, in the Tyre region, an area that has seen repeated Israeli attacks despite the truce agreement.

🎯The IDF eliminated a senior Hezbollah terrorist earlier today

Khadir Sa’id Hashem was responsible for planning and executing attacks against Israel, including during the ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/Dl3YFm3yjx

— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) March 4, 2025

Hezbollah condemned the strike, calling it a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and warning that continued Israeli actions could provoke further resistance.

The ceasefire, meant to end over a year of fighting, had required both Israel and Hezbollah to withdraw from key areas, but tensions remain high. Israel has missed deadlines to pull out of Lebanon, while Hezbollah is expected to dismantle military infrastructure north of the Litani River.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces would remain indefinitely in a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, raising concerns of renewed conflict.

Trump Pauses Ukraine Aid, Pressures Zelenskyy for Peace Deal

US President Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed willingness to negotiate peace with Russia. Trump claimed he also received strong signals from Moscow, suggesting both sides were open to talks. However, he provided no further details on how he planned to end the war.

The announcement came amid tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy following a heated Oval Office meeting, during which Trump criticized Ukraine for being insufficiently appreciative of US support.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which the Ukrainian leader expressed willingness to come to the negotiating table over the Russia-Ukraine war. https://t.co/xJZFB0hXWN pic.twitter.com/0bxD2qu23V

— Voice of America (@VOANews) March 5, 2025

Trump also paused military aid to Ukraine, pressuring Kyiv to agree to a minerals deal in exchange for continued US assistance—though the status of the deal remains unclear.

Trump’s decision to halt military aid marks a significant shift in US policy toward Russia, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and European allies. While some European nations pledged to increase their defense support for Ukraine, others warned that suspending aid mid-war could lead to Ukraine’s downfall.

Many Ukrainians viewed Washington’s move as a betrayal, with concerns growing over Kyiv’s ability to continue resisting Russian advances.

EU Plans Massive Defense Fund as US Pauses Ukraine Aid

The European Commission has proposed borrowing up to 150 billion euros ($158 billion) to lend to EU governments for defense spending, driven by Russia’s war in Ukraine and growing uncertainty over US security commitments.

The proposal follows US President Donald Trump’s decision to pause military aid to Ukraine, further highlighting a divide between European leaders and Washington on security strategy.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that Europe is in an “era of rearmament” and must significantly increase defense investment.

“We are in an era of rearmament”

Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will propose extending €150 billion ($158 billion) in loans to boost defense spending after decades of underinvestment and as President Trump pulls back American security on the continent https://t.co/v4YvUbONxc pic.twitter.com/qZAeWiIH4L

— Bloomberg (@business) March 4, 2025

The proposal is part of a broader 800 billion euros ($841 billion) package focused on strengthening European defense capabilities, including air defense, missiles, and drones. However, it does not include grants for defense projects, a key demand from some EU nations.

With Trump’s “America First” stance raising concerns about NATO’s future, EU leaders face mounting pressure to take more responsibility for their own security.

Several European officials, including those from France, Germany, and Poland, support increased military spending, though disagreements remain on funding mechanisms. The proposal will be discussed at a special EU defense summit on Thursday.

North Korea Slams US Over Warship’s South Korea Visit

North Korea has condemned the US for “political and military provocations” following the arrival of the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), a US Navy aircraft carrier, in South Korea’s Busan port.

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused the US of escalating tensions and warned that Pyongyang would respond with strategic military actions if provocations continue.

🚨Kim Yo Jong Blasts U.S. ‘Provocations’—Threatens More Nukes 🚨
Kim Jong Un’s sister slammed the Trump administration for escalating tensions, citing the arrival of the USS Carl Vinson in South Korea & U.S. B-1B bomber drills (KCNA).
💬 “A policy of confrontation,” she warned,… pic.twitter.com/yHicZyoAWj

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 5, 2025

South Korea’s defense ministry dismissed North Korea’s claims, stating that the North is using the situation as an excuse to justify its nuclear weapons program.

Meanwhile, tensions between the two Koreas remain high, with Pyongyang recently test-launching strategic cruise missiles and threatening to “renew its records” in nuclear-capable missile tests.

During a visit today to the USS Carl Vinson, Gen. Brunson emphasized the carrier strike group’s capabilities and shared his thoughts on the critical role these forces play in maintaining regional security and a free and open Indo-Pacific.https://t.co/H4iZ2YLpWW pic.twitter.com/BDjCO71pXX

— U.S. Forces Korea (@USForcesKorea) March 1, 2025

The situation is further inflamed by upcoming US-South Korea joint military exercises, which North Korea views as preparation for invasion.

China Boosts Military Budget, Ramps Up Taiwan Pressure

China announced a 7.2 percent increase in its defense budget for 2025, bringing total military spending to approximately $245 billion. While this maintains the same growth rate as last year, experts suggest actual spending could be 40 percent higher due to hidden costs.

The boost aligns with China’s efforts to modernize its military, expand its nuclear arsenal, and assert territorial claims in the South China Sea and Taiwan.

Military budgets compared.@AFP Infographic comparing the military budgets of selected territories, including China pic.twitter.com/sC553Fvo6m

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 5, 2025

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continues to build military bases on artificial islands and conduct frequent military drills near Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.

Despite Premier Li Qiang’s claim that China seeks a peaceful reunification, Taiwan has vowed to increase military spending in response to growing threats.

Amid slowing economic growth, President Xi Jinping appears to be prioritizing military expansion and technological advancements over social and economic reforms. His government has also purged several top military officials, signaling continued restructuring within China’s defense establishment.

Pentagon Restores Confederate-Era Base Names Under Trump

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has begun reversing military base renaming decisions made during the Biden administration, starting with Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) and Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning).

The Trump administration claims the changes restore the legacy of American soldiers who fought in World War I and II, rather than honoring Confederate generals.

Critics, including Georgia Democrats, argue the move is a politically motivated effort to reignite division, particularly after the original renamings were meant to distance the military from its Confederate past.

Fort Moore will be renamed to Fort Benning in honor of Cpl. Fred G. Benning, a Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) recipient. @SecDef. Follow here for more updates. https://t.co/DVTvIEoqsI pic.twitter.com/3i5Yovv3Jk

— U.S. Army (@USArmy) March 3, 2025

Some speculate that Fort Eisenhower in Georgia, formerly Fort Gordon, could be next on the list.

The controversy over base names dates back to racial justice protests and Congressional actions following the 2015 Charleston church massacre and the 2020 killing of George Floyd.

Congress established a commission to rename military installations originally named after Confederate figures, leading to a wave of name changes in 2022-2023.

With Hegseth signaling more reversals could come, the debate over America’s military history and identity continues.

US Lawmakers Demand Answers as Army Misallocates Meal Funds

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is demanding answers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Army’s apparent misallocation of $151 million intended for soldiers’ meal funds.

The issue stems from the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), a stipend deducted from soldiers’ paychecks to fund dining facilities. However, investigations show that only about 40% of collected funds are actually spent on meals, raising concerns about transparency and financial mismanagement.

Lawmakers are also pressing the Pentagon on the quality and accessibility of food, as many Army dining facilities have reduced hours or closed, forcing soldiers to rely on grab-and-go kiosks with limited nutritious options.

The US Army has failed to provide data for many bases, potentially violating its own transparency rules.

Service officials have been unable to clearly explain how food budgets are determined, with discrepancies in meal headcounts and reports showing poor tracking of how meal entitlements are used.

With soldier morale and well-being at stake, lawmakers are urging the Pentagon to ensure meal funds are properly allocated and used to provide high-quality nutrition.

Sources: News Agencies