Analysis Trump’s intervention fuels debate in Israel: Will Netanyahu accept plea deal or pardon? Many in Israel were stunned when President Donald Trump slammed the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called it a "witch hunt." By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Lebanon arrests fmr economy minister Amin Salam on embezzlement charges The arrest comes nearly a year after the former central bank chief was arrested on charges of embezzlement and money laundering, among other things. Lebanon
EU commission removes UAE, adds Lebanon and Algeria to money laundering list: What to know The changes to the list are still pending approval from EU member states and the European Parliament, likely within the next month. United Arab Emirates
Pentagon formally accepts Qatar’s luxury megajet for Trump: What to know Qatar's offer to provide the US president with $400 million aircraft is likely to reinforce Democratic opposition to recently announced major arms sales to the Gulf kingdom. United States
Analysis Emboldened by Trump, Netanyahu is driving Israel into judicial crisis By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Who are the UK-convicted couriers smuggling $130 million to UAE? The announcement from police of the bust in the UK follows the UAE government's efforts to combat money laundering in the country. Legacy: Gulf
Lebanon: US senators call for electing president 'accountable to the people' Leading US senators accuse Hezbollah and its allies of orchestrating the political deadlock in Lebanon. Lebanon
Lebanon raises minimum wage from $27 to $92 a month Hundreds of retired soldiers protested outside government headquarters as the Cabinet discussed an increase in public sector salaries. Lebanon
South Africa to appeal UAE ruling against extradition of Gupta brothers The UAE said on April 7 that South Africa's extradition request did not meet legal documentation standards and that the two brothers wanted for money laundering and fraud would be released from custody. Legacy: Gulf
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. Legacy: 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
