Syria seizes anti-aircraft missiles near Iraqi border: What to know The Syrian government is stepping up efforts to combat arms smuggling, including in relation to Hezbollah, Kurdish-led forces and ISIS. Syria
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 By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey strikes near US base in Syria after Pentagon calls for de-escalation The US military says it opposes Ankara's plans to send ground troops against Syria's Kurds, but it has stood down in the face of similar attacks in the past. Syria
Syrian jihadist group HTS challenges Turkish-backed factions Hayat Tahrir al-Sham tried to enter the Turkey-backed factions’ stronghold to support Ahrar al-Sham that refused to support the newly formed leadership by some groups within the movement. Syria
Infighting in Turkish-backed faction leads to tension in Syria's Afrin It seems Hayat Tahrir al-Sham lost a loyal faction after several currents with the Turkish-backed Ahrar al-Sham factions isolated the movement’s current leadership and appointed their own leader. Syria
US concerned over appointment of Israeli ultranationalist as public security minister With President Isaac Herzog preparing to task Benjamin Netanyahu with the composition of the next government, the Biden administration is increasingly worried over ultranationalist Itamar Ben-Gvir, ideological successor of Rabbi Meir Kahane, becoming a Cabinet minister. Israel
Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition could upend Israeli democracy Incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a dangerous deal with far-right and religious radical partners who are sure to undercut Israeli's democratic institutions. Israel
Syrian jihadist group HTS, armed groups agree to uneasy truce Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has seized several cities and towns in areas under the control of the Turkish-backed factions after days of clashes between rival factions. Syria
Netanyahu plays dangerous game as extremist bloc grows stronger Ultranationalist Itamar Ben Gvir, once shunned as a supporter of the outlawed Kahane movement, is increasingly popular among the Israeli right at the expense of opposition chief Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Is Turkey using HTS to strengthen its hand in Syria? Amid Ankara’s overtures to Damascus, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham — the radical group controlling Idlib — has seized Afrin and is seeking a deal to expand its control further into territories held by factions allied with Turkey. Turkey
Archive Upfront from Oct 17, 2022 Are Syria’s HTS jihadis Turkey’s new friends? After Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the jihadi faction that runs the northwestern province of Idlib, moved into Afrin, the question of where Turkey stands in this power grab is of critical importance. Turkey
US military kills three senior Islamic State leaders in Syria strikes US strikes knocked off the jihadist group's second-highest Syrian commander and a smuggler believed to have helped kidnap and behead Kurdish officials. Syria
US extends military support for Iraq’s Kurdistan Region The renewed agreement entails further steps to reform peshmerga forces as Pentagon aims to prepare Iraq’s forces for long-term self-sufficiency. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Syrian jihadist group HTS blocks civilians from reaching Turkish border Hayat Tahrir al-Sham used violence to break up a caravan that was heading toward Syria's Bab al-Hawa border to cross into Turkey. Syria
