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
Pentagon warns Turkey against renewed invasion of Syria A US defense official called for a political process to end Turkey's perpetual battles with Kurdish militants. Turkey
US drone strike kills al-Qaeda affiliate in northwest Syria The rare drone strike in Idlib province was aimed to disrupt Huras al-Din's ability to stage terror attacks outside Syria, according to the Pentagon. Syria
Why are Turkey’s allies fighting each other in Syria? Turkey’s handling of recent clashes between allied groups in Syria has called its intention into question, with some arguing that the jihadi outfit controlling Idlib has gained a foothold in Afrin by using a Turkish-linked group as a Trojan horse. Syria
Israel says Middle East air defense partnership already in action Israel's defense minister said he hopes US President Joe Biden's trip to the region will further the joint defense cooperation. Legacy: Gulf
Congress wants Pentagon to bolster Arab, Israeli air defenses against Iran The Abraham Accords could enable Israel to share missile defense technology with Arab Gulf countries in a joint defensive architecture against Iran. Israel
Jihadi group in Syria’s Idlib seeks control of NGOs Hayat Tahrir al-Sham continues to restrict humanitarian organizations operating in its areas of control in northwestern Syria. Syria
Pentagon inquiry finds no fault in 2019 Syria strike that killed civilians Internal investigation blamed Syrian Kurdish forces for failing to mention the presence of civilians when calling in US airstrike. United States
Pentagon: Iran-backed militias, PKK coordinated vs. Turkish troops in Iraq Turkey’s targeting of veteran PKK cadres in Iraq has pushed the Kurdish guerrillas to collaborate with an unlikely partner, a new Pentagon report suggests. Iraq
Iran confirms Taliban diplomats stationed in Tehran Embassy Tehran said the move to allow Taliban-appointed diplomats was not a step toward recognizing the current establishment in neighboring Afghanistan. Iran
Turkey steps up attacks on Syria’s Kurds amid Iraq operation Ankara is using the cover of Ukraine’s war to weaken the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and associated groups in the region. Syria
Four US soldiers injured by rocket attack in Syria The barrage suggests Iran's proxies will continue to harass US forces in the region, whether or not the sides return to the 2015 nuclear deal. Syria
Analysis The Takeaway: Trump's revenge as Biden deal with Iran stymied by IRGC sanctions Russia backs Syrian attacks on opposition; Turkish inflation soars as result of Ukraine war; Iran-linked mob attacks Kurdish party offices in Iraq; new generation runs for election in Lebanon; Egypt rallies Africa climate consensus. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn
