Border Disputes

Golan

Analysis

As Israel pummels Syria, can it avoid collision course with Turkey?

Israel is concerned not only about the intentions of the new Syrian regime, but also about Turkey's growing presence and influence in the region.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

An Israeli soldier checks a Merkava battle tank deployed at a position in the Israel-annexed Golan Heights along the border with southern Syria on March 25, 2025. Israel's military said it carried out a second strike in Syria on March 25, in response to incoming fire from across the demarcation line, hours after Syrian authorities reported that at least five people had been killed as a result of Israeli shelling. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP) (Photo by JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Are Lebanon, Syria ripe for peace with Israel or on cusp of more escalation?

While some Israeli leaders hope for normalized ties with Lebanon and Syria, others warn that the uncertainty of the current situation could become permanent or deteriorate.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Lebanese army soldiers stand behind barbed wire fence demarcating the Blue Line, near the village of Kfar Shuba, southern Lebanon, June 11, 2023.

Analysis

Hezbollah’s shadow looms over Israel-Lebanon border talks: What to know

The announcement of discussions has sparked speculation about the possibility of a shift in bilateral ties and Hezbollah's possible disarmament.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

UNIFIL peacekeeping troops patrol the southern Lebanese village of Ramia near the southern border on March 5, 2025. Lebanese official media said two people were wounded on March 5 when Israeli drones attacked a vehicle in the south, a day after a deadly raid and despite a November 27 Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire. (Photo by Mahmoud ZAYYAT / AFP) (Photo by MAHMOUD ZAYYAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Lebanon, Israel agree to border talks under US mediation: What to know

A military meeting in southern Lebanon on Tuesday led to an agreement between Israel and Lebanon regarding the next steps on the Blue Line.

Latest News

Analysis

Israel flexes muscles in Syria, Lebanon in warning to Sharaa, Hezbollah

TOPSHOT - Israeli Air Force F-15 and F-35 fighter aircraft fly over Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium on the outskirts of Beirut on February 23, 2025 during the funeral of slain Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine. Tens of thousands of mourners dressed in black vowed support for Hezbollah at the Beirut funeral of slain leader Hassan Nasrallah, after the group was dealt major blows in its last round of hostilities with Israel. The September killing of the charismatic leader, who led He

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Four killed in Syria-Lebanon border clashes between HTS and clans: What to know

People wait at the entrance of the Al Masnaa eastern Lebanese border crossing with Syria on Jan. 3, 2025, after Syria imposed new restrictions on the entry of Lebanese citizens.

Israeli defense minister: Troops could stay in Syria buffer zone 'indefinitely'

An Israeli soldier stands guard at the Hermon ski resort, bordering Syria and Lebanon, during a media tour organized by the spokesman of the Israeli army, in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights on Jan. 8, 2025.

Analysis

With clock ticking in Lebanon and Gaza, are Israel’s ceasefire deals near collapse?

Smoke billows from a fire that Lebanese media reported was lit by Israeli forces in the southern Lebanese village of Burj al-Muluk, near the border with Israel, on January 21, 2025. Local media reports added that the fire engulfed a house and construction equipment related to a national water management project. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

France s President Emmanuel Macron receives Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati before their bilateral meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Oct. 23, 2024.

France seeks 3 objectives at Lebanon conference in Paris, aims to raise $400M

The Lebanon conference set to take place in Paris on Thursday will focus on raising financial aid and rallying the international community behind efforts for a cease-fire.

The Pentagon again postponed a key test of its troubled "THAAD'''' anti-missile defense rocket, seen this file photo, due to a commercial power failure, the Defense Department said. (photo by Lockheed Martin)

Exclusive

Inside US-Israel understanding to reward Netanyahu for not targeting Iran’s oil fields

The Israeli government might agree to refrain targeting Iranian oil sites in exchange for a security package offered by the Biden administration.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

LEBANON-ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN-CONFLICT Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of Khiam on September 30, 2024. (Photo by Rabih DAHER / AFP) (Photo by RABIH DAHER/AFP via Getty Images)

US boosts defense posture as Blinken urges diplomacy between Israel, Lebanon

The White House is calling for a prioritization of diplomacy despite reports that Israel could be readying for a ground operation in Lebanon.

A man checks the destruction following an overnight Israeli airstrike in the southern Lebanese village of Shebaa near along the border between the two countries, on Sept. 27, 2024.

Netanyahu softens position, says Israel discussing US-France cease-fire plan in Lebanon

On Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will continue battling Hezbollah, but on Friday he indicated Israel will continue talks with the United States over a possible cease-fire in Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference in Jerusalem on September 2, 2024. (Photo by Ohad Zwigenberg / POOL / AFP) (Photo by OHAD ZWIGENBERG/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

From yes to no to maybe: Behind Netanyahu's shifting stance on Lebanon cease-fire

Multifront conflicts are damaging Israel's economy, making a declaration of victory in Gaza by the Israeli prime minister a possibility at the UN.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Marjayoun, near the Lebanon-Israel border, on Sept. 23, 2024.

Analysis

Could Israel's Lebanon assault force Hezbollah withdrawal beyond Litani River?

US and French mediation efforts to reach a deal between Israel and Hezbollah to de-escalate tensions and implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 have failed so far.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Hezbollah fighters carry the coffins of people killed after hundreds of paging devices exploded in a deadly wave across Lebanon the previous day, during their funeral procession in Beirut's southern suburbs on September 18, 2024. Hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon on September 17, killing at least nine people and wounding around 2,800 in blasts the Iran-backed militant group blamed on Israel. (Photo by ANWAR AMRO / AFP) (Photo by ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Pager attacks shake Hezbollah; are they prelude to Israel-Lebanon deal?

Despite US warnings about the unintended consequences of war with Hezbollah, Israel's leaders claim the extent and intensity of the fire can be controlled.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

"Roadmap for Bilateral Defense Cooperation" signed between the United States and Cyprus.

Turkey condemns US-Cyprus defense deal, urges Washington to 'reconsider'

Accusing Washington of losing its neutrality over the Cyprus conflict, Ankara called on the United States to reconsider its policies vis-a-vis the island.

A destroyed car and apartment building are seen after an Israeli airstrike on Aug. 20 that killed one and injured fifteen others, Nabi Chit, Lebanon, Aug. 21, 2024.

Analysis

Can US broker Israel-Hezbollah deal in Lebanon absent Gaza cease-fire?

With talks between Israel and Hamas stalled, the Biden administration hopes to delink the Gaza war from the Lebanese border escalation, but the Israeli prime minister may be more focused on the US presidential election.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

A blind man guided by a girl walk in front of a sign, in the city of Hargeisa, Somaliland, on September 16, 2021. - For 30 years, Somaliland has tried unsuccessfully to convince the world of its case for statehood, holding democratic elections and avoiding the anarchy that engulfed the rest of Somalia. (Photo by EDUARDO SOTERAS / AFP) (Photo by EDUARDO SOTERAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Somaliland rejects Turkey-led proposal for Ethiopia-Somalia talks

The breakaway region reaffirmed its commitment to a controversial deal it signed with Ethiopia in the face of Turkey’s alternative proposal.

Turkish Foreign Ministry

Analysis

What’s next for Ethiopia-Somalia rift as talks in Turkey end with no breakthrough?

The two countries will meet next month for a third round, the top Turkish diplomat said.

Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Smoke billows from a site targeted by the Israeli military in the southern Lebanese border village of Kafr Kila, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters, July 29, 2024.

Strikes in south Lebanon, Syria as Israel's northern front heats up

The situation in Lebanon is at a boiling point amid growing fears of an Israeli retaliatory strike to a deadly rocket attack in the Golan Heights that could lead to a wider regional conflict.