US approves $230M for Lebanon’s push to disarm Hezbollah New US funds for Beirut signal rare bipartisan approval for progress by Lebanon's security forces as they dismantle Hezbollah weapons caches, but significant risks remain as the militant faction resists full disarmament. United States
In first visit in 25 years, Syrian FM pushes sanctions relief in Washington Asaad al-Shibani’s visit to Washington comes as Syria seeks sanctions relief and engages in US-mediated talks with Israel on a security agreement. Syria
Turkey’s spy chief in Damascus as Israel, Syria weigh new security map Ibrahim Kalin’s visit comes as Israel presses Syria on a buffer zone plan and Turkey frets over Kurdish autonomy. Turkey
Armenia's Pashinyan drops Mount Ararat from border stamps in 'concession' to Turkey Armenia’s government will stop using Mount Ararat on border stamps starting in November, a move that has stirred outrage at home and fueled debate over Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s outreach to Turkey. Turkey
Analysis Are Israel, Egypt inching closer to deal on Gaza’s Philadelphi Corridor? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that Israel must preserve physical control over the Philadelphi Corridor, but security officials are offering other solutions. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Israel’s Netanyahu gambles on Gaza cease-fire with new conditions New Israeli demands in the cease-fire talks with Hamas risk prolonging the delicate negotiations and the remaining hostages' time in captivity. Israel
As Azerbaijan reopens Iran embassy, normalization remains shaky Though both sides have welcomed the reopening as a key step in mending their strained ties, the two neighbors appear to have a long road ahead in resolving deep-seated geopolitical and ideological differences. Iran
Kuwait doubles down on Saudi ties driven by economics, counter-Islamism Kuwait's newly appointed crown prince, Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Sabah, is expected to advance the already good ties between his country and Saudi Arabia, as the two seek to further their economic prosperity. Kuwait
Hochstein to visit Israel as Lebanon tensions soar, Gallant slams France's effort Reacting to a statement by French President Emmanuel Macron, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel will not take part in a trilateral comittee to de-escalate tensions with Hezbollah. Israel
How Israeli strikes are raising the cost of Iran's presence in Syria The IRGC's promise to retaliate for the killing of one of its officers comes as it has been rolling back its Syria presence since the outbreak of the Gaza war, which has placed an increasing number of Iranian forces in Israel's crosshairs. Iran
Analysis Israel mulls 3 options against Lebanon's Hezbollah, including full-scale war The Biden administration is pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid war with Hezbollah and strive for an agreement. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israeli military 'set and ready' if attack ordered against Lebanon's Hezbollah The Israeli military has finished preparations for the government's orders to respond to Hezbollah's drone and rocket fire with an all-out attack. Israel
Israel threatens 'intense operation' near Lebanon as Qatar hosts Gaza talks Israel’s war cabinet is set to convene Thursday evening to discuss the escalation in the north with Hezbollah. Israel
Israeli war cabinet calls Lebanon meeting as Hezbollah tension spikes Israel's war cabinet is set to convene to discuss the escalation of violence on the border with Lebanon. Israel
Inside the scheme to grab ‘holy’ land in Jerusalem’s Armenian quarter Local activists are working to stop a megadeal signed by the Armenian patriarch to lease land to a luxury hotel developer. Palestine
In Israel, US envoy Hochstein talks Lebanon border tensions with Gallant US special envoy Amos Hochstein met with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and is set to speak with President Isaac Herzog as the Israel-Lebanon border remains tense. Israel