Analysis Emboldened by Trump, Netanyahu is driving Israel into judicial crisis Empowered by moves in Washington, Prime Minister Netanyahu fired Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and is pushing for the sacking of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Kuwait revokes citizenship of 464 as restrictions tighten under new emir Over 35,000 Kuwaitis have lost their citizenship since the government enforced amendments to its citizenship law in September of last year. Kuwait
Public backlash as Iran closes $3.7B corruption case, largest in its history With only two former ministers receiving lenient sentences, the $3.7 billion embezzlement scheme has reignited national debates on systemic corruption amid an increasingly dire economic climate. Iran
Nawaf Salam secures enough votes to be Lebanon's next prime minister The ICJ president is not a Hezbollah favorite, but has secured the backing of more than 70 parliamentarians to be Lebanon's next prime minister. Lebanon
Analysis Why is Sara Netanyahu still in Miami as Israel PM faces health, other crises? By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Analysis With Gulen dead, Turkey sees chance to weaken group, improve US ties By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Iran expands spy network in Israel, recruiting Jews and Arabs for attacks By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US slaps sanctions on two brothers in Lebanon for corruption As Lebanon's economy deteriorated, the US Treasury said Lebanese businessmen Raymond Zina Rahme and Teddy Zina Rahme profited from public corruption. Lebanon
Lebanon abandons $122 million plan to expand airport as military protests erupt The abrupt reversal came after criticism that the project did not undergo a public bidding process. Lebanon
Lebanon PM reverses daylight saving time decision after 48 hours of anarchy The decision to postpone the switch to daylight saving time sparked a wide debate in Lebanon, in some cases taking on a sectarian nature. Lebanon
As Lebanon crumbles, leaders prioritize daylight saving time delay The Lebanese, reeling under a devastating economic crisis, mocked the government decision to delay the switch to daylight saving time. Lebanon
Lebanon police clashes with retired soldiers trying to storm government HQ The Lebanese army is suffering from desertions and police have joined the wider public in protesting amid the ongoing crisis. Lebanon
Kuwait’s Agility awarded $1.65 billion in dispute with Iraq's Korek The Kuwaiti logistics firm accused Korek, which is owned by Kurdish military commander Sirwan Barzani, of using corruption to expropriate its stake. Gulf
Pharmacies in Lebanon shut, as bankrupt government plans airport expansion Gas stations are also threatening to close as long as authorities continue to ignore the economic collapse, while protests resumed on Tuesday. Lebanon
Lebanon’s bank chief charged with corruption, snubs EU investigators Visiting Beirut, World Bank’s regional Vice President Ferid Belhaj has set three conditions to reconsider financing the country’s dilapidated electricity sector. Lebanon
Lebanon's pound hits new bottom, ahead of Riad Salameh interrogation A French judge arrived in Lebanon this week to question central bank head Riad Salameh over his alleged financial crimes. Lebanon
Lebanon’s bank chief Salameh in hot seat as French judge arrives in Beirut The French judge will question Riad Salameh over the central bank governor’s alleged involvement in financial crimes. Lebanon
UAE busts 4.5 million Captagon pills in food cans after smuggler arrest Amphetamine fenethylline, known by its brand name Captagon, has increasingly become the drug of choice among youth in Gulf Arab states. United Arab Emirates
Middle East corruption rankings: Syria most corrupt, UAE least, Turkey slipped Corruption remains rampant across the Middle East and North Africa, Transparency International reports, with the region’s average score in combating corruption hitting a new low of 38. Turkey
