Saudi Arabia lifts 5-year ban on Lebanon imports: What to know Saudi Arabia had been a main donor for Lebanon before ties strained during Hezbollah’s rising influence in the country. Lebanon
Hezbollah calls on Lebanon to 'correct' relations with Iran Lebanese President Joseph Aoun recently told Iran to stay out of the country’s affairs, drawing a rebuke from Tehran. Lebanon
Analysis 'We are already hearing the bus': Israeli insiders fear Netanyahu is losing Trump’s backing on Iran “He couldn’t afford a confrontation with Trump, who was the last asset he had left,” a Netanyahu associate told Al-Monitor, describing the prime minister’s struggle to balance pressure for retaliation against Iran with the need to preserve his alliance with the US president. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US military helped Israel intercept Iran's missiles: What to know Iranian barrages targeting Israel came after Israeli warplanes struck the outskirts of Beirut, despite the White House publicly signaling its opposition to such strikes. Iran
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon endgame remains elusive despite ceasefire deal By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Why Israel sees Lebanon’s 'pilot zones' as path to containing Hezbollah By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel attempts to de-escalate tensions with Hezbollah Preferring to avoid escalation, Israel decided to let Hezbollah emerge unscathed from a July 27 incident and escape humiliation. Lebanon
Hezbollah, Israel jostle in Syria, Lebanon Conflict between Israel on the one hand and Iran and Hezbollah on the other have been playing out this month in Syria and Lebanon. Israel
Are Sinai attacks linked to Egypt’s plan to intervene in Libya? The Egyptian army thwarted a terrorist attack in the city of Bir al-Abed in the northern Sinai Peninsula, which analysts believe is associated with Egypt’s possible military intervention in neighboring Libya. Egypt
Rockets hit Iraqi base used by coalition troops, no casualties The attack came as the US-led coalition prepares to hand over the base to Iraqi security forces. Iraq
US woman allegedly sought to join al-Qaeda in Syria The woman's conversations were actually with FBI employees posing as members of the designated terrorist organization. Syria
Israeli court rejects Islamic leader’s appeal against conviction, imprisonment Five months after his sentencing, the Haifa District Court rejected an appeal submitted by Sheikh Raed Salah, chief of the outlawed Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement, against his imminent imprisonment. Originals
Intel: Pompeo thanks Qatar for facilitating Afghanistan peace talks Secretary of State Mike Pompeo thanked Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani for agreeing to host peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Qatar
Iran offers unconditional support to Hamas, Islamic Jihad Hamas is sparing no effort to restore its relations with Iran, which announced that it will provide all necessary support to the Palestinians facing the Israeli annexation plan of the West Bank. Palestine
Why is France a useful adversary for Turkey? Although France has the means to hamper Turkey, both in the European Union and Africa, its current strategy often plays into Turkey’s hands, as evidenced by its recent failure to squeeze Turkey through a NATO probe. Turkey
US air defenses intercept rocket fired toward Baghdad’s Green Zone US air defense systems stopped a rocket attack before it could enter Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, which houses the US and other embassies. Iraq
Iraqi government battle against Iran-backed militias enters new phase The battle to rein in armed militias outside state control has been a long and challenging process, but the Iraqi prime minister is gathering political support for his efforts. Iraq
Pro-Iran militia leader challenges Iraqi government attempts at restraint Head of Asaib Ahl al-Haq Qais al-Khazali warns the Iraqi prime minister to steer clear of a clampdown or "lose everything.” Iraq
