Israel launches small ground raids against Hezbollah as fight in Lebanon intensifies

BEIRUT (AP) — The Israeli military launched small ground raids against Hezbollah and sealed off communities along its northern border as signals grew that more forces could soon be sent across the border to fight the Iran-backed militants. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Monday Israel informed the U.S. about the raids, which he said were described as “limited operations.” A Western diplomat told the AP a wider ground operation was “imminent.” Israeli artillery pounded southern Lebanon, though it was not clear if Israel had made a final decision on sending in significant ground forces. The Israeli military did not comment on its plans.

European far right celebrates Austrian election win

VIENNA (AP) — European far-right and nationalist parties are celebrating the far-right Freedom Party’s win in Austria’s election. Even though it’s uncertain whether hard-line leader Herbert Kickl will be able to take his vision of a “Fortress Austria” into government, the party’s success could help nudge politics further in its direction. Sunday’s result leaves Austria’s political future uncertain, as it’s questionable how stable the next administration will be — whoever forms it, probably after long negotiations. Kickl led the Freedom Party to its best-ever result but could also be its chief impediment to taking power. But the alternative, likely a three-party coalition, could be shaky.

Russia proposes record defense spending as it pursues victory in the Ukraine war

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The Russian government wants to earmark 32.5% of its spending next year for defense, a record amount and up from a reported 28.3% this year, as Moscow seeks to prevail in the war in Ukraine. The government’s draft budget tabled Monday proposes spending just under 13.5 trillion rubles (over $145 billion) on national defense. That is about 3 trillion rubles ($32 billion) more than was set aside for defense this year and was the previous record. The Ukraine war is Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II and has drained the resources of both sides, with Ukraine getting billions of dollars in help from its Western allies. Russia’s forces are bigger and better-equipped than Ukraine’s, and they have gradually been pushing Ukrainian troops backward in eastern areas.

France’s Le Pen denies wrongdoing as she and her party go on trial accused of embezzling EU funds

PARIS (AP) — French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has denied violating any rules as she and her National Rally party and two dozen others went on trial accused of embezzling European Parliament funds. Le Pen said, “we have not violated any political and regulatory rules of the European Parliament” and vowed to present “extremely serious and extremely solid arguments″ in the trial.” The case has the potential to derail her political ambitions. The nine-week trial will be closely watched by Le Pen’s political rivals as she remains a strong contender in the race to succeed Emmanuel Macron when the next presidential election takes place in 2027.