Defence ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) wealthy democracies on Oct 19 backed Ukraine’s “irreversible” path to Nato membership and expressed concern over threats to United Nations peacekeepers targeted by Israel in Lebanon.

       The first ever gathering of G7 defence ministers took place as Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah exchanged fire, with one drone directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s holiday home, according to his spokesperson.

       Italy holds the G7 rotating presidency for 2024 while the West also grapples with the Russian advance in Ukraine and China’s military activities around Taiwan, as well as heightened tensions along the border of North and South Korea.

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       Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Oct 19 accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of trying to assassinate him, with the Middle East already on edge after Israel had vowed retaliation for an Iranian missile barrage.

       Netanyahu’s office said a drone was launched toward his residence in the central town of Caesarea on Oct 19 but he and his wife were not home at the time and there were no injuries.

       “The attempt by Iran’s proxy Hezbollah to assassinate me and my wife today was a grave mistake,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

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       US Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday repeated her call for a ceasefire in Israel’s war in Gaza and said it was important to seize the opportunity provided by the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a mastermind of the Oct 7 attack.

       Harris acknowledged challenges ahead but told reporters she would continue to push for an end to the conflict.

       “This creates an opening that I believe we must take full advantage of - to dedicate ourselves to ending this war and bringing the hostages home,” she said.

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       Boeing and its striking Seattle-area workers have reached a tentative deal to end a more than month-long stoppage, the union said Oct 19.

       Boeing confirmed a deal was reached and said it includes a 35 per cent pay raise over four years and a one-time ratification bonus of US$7,000 (S$9,170).

       Union members will vote on Oct 22 on the proposal to end the strike, which began Sept 13 in a dispute over pay and other compensation issues, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said on social media platform X in a message to its members.

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       Manchester United eased a bit of the pressure on their embattled manager Erik ten Hag with a 2-1 come-from-behind English Premier League victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Oct 19.

       The Red Devils had come into the match in 14th place on eight points with just two wins from seven games – their worst start to a campaign since 1989-90.

       Reports had suggested the United hierarchy – including co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive officer Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox – had a long meeting earlier in the week, with ten Hag’s future on the agenda.

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