Analysis Trump has upper hand over Netanyahu, but is it enough for Gaza? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been stalling on the implementation of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, but at the end of the day, Trump has much more leverage over Netanyahu. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US bombs ISIS targets in Syria in retaliation for Palmyra insider attack The Islamic State has not claimed direct credit for the ambush by a member of Syria's domestic security forces that killed three American personnel in Palmyra last week. Syria
Second Lebanon-Israel meeting agrees to strengthen Lebanese army: What to know The second round of civilian-led talks between Israel and Lebanon focused on the economic track while also addressing the removal of Hezbollah's weapons. Lebanon
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal The Israeli prime minister's frustration with Trump administration strong-arming continues, with pressure to sign Egypt gas deal and now a reported push for Sisi meeting. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Lebanon holds airport tours to dispel weapons report amid Israel-Hezbollah tension Lebanon has responded to a report that Hezbollah is moving weapons through its international airport with a tour for foreign diplomats and journalists. Lebanon
What's behind Taliban's decision to attend UN conference in Qatar? The attendance in and of itself signals progress and the possibility that the international community might find better ways to deal with the de facto rulers in Kabul. Qatar
US Navy rescues 24 crew members after Houthi attack, 1 lost at sea Two cargo ships are at risk of sinking in the Red Sea, abandoned by their crews after Houthi missile strikes triggered US airstrikes on radar sites controlled by the Yemeni rebels. Yemen
Do Lebanon's US Embassy attack, border clashes signal rise in extremism? While armed groups are becoming more active in Lebanon in the wake of regional tensions resulting from the Gaza war, some believe the country is not prone to rise of extremism. Lebanon
Hamas figure says 'no one has any idea' how many hostages left alive Hamas criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent remarks on the cease-fire and blamed Israel for the failure to reach a deal, while a senior official said the group wants more clarity on the Biden administration proposal. Palestine
In Turkey, Qatar defense chief says no plans to expel Hamas The Qatari minister’s remarks came in response to increasing reports that the Gulf state is considering shuttering Hamas’ political headquarters in Doha. Turkey
US sanctions Palestinian Lion's Den armed group in West Bank The group emerged in 2022 amid an uptick of violence between Palestinians and settlers in Nablus Israel
Attack on US Embassy in Lebanon, Syrian gunman wounded Investigations are ongoing into the shooting incident, which comes amid intensified cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel. Lebanon
Palestinian presidency criticizes Iran's Khamenei publicly: What we know Iran has long backed Hamas and threw its support behind the group following its assault on southern Israel last October. Palestine
What we know on Houthis' latest Ghadr anti-ship Iranian ballistic missile Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Wednesday that the Yemeni militant group has obtained the technology to manufacture anti-ship ballistic missiles. Iran
Turkey's flag carrier resumes flights to Afghanistan after 3-year pause The Turkish envoy hailed the resumption of flights as a “new era.” Turkey
Pentagon delegation heading to Niger to discuss US withdrawal Hopes have faded in Washington that the roughly 1,100 American troops based at a remote drone base in central Niger will be allowed to remain in the country. By Al-Monitor Staff
