France expels 12 Algerian diplomats in tit-for-tat escalation Paris decided to retaliate symmetrically after the expulsion on Monday of 12 of its diplomats from Algeria. Algeria
Over 200 arrested in Turkey, Europe in international drug bust: What to know Of the suspects, 225 were apprehended in Turkey and nine others were apprehended in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Belgium. Turkey
Israel arrests 6 over Turkey money transfer scheme: What we know The announcement of the indictments comes as Israel over the past week has expanded its operations in the West Bank. Israel
In first since 2012, pro-Kurdish lawmakers meet Erdogan, 'hopeful' about peace The meeting comes as Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party is treading a fine line amid ongoing outrage in the public over the Istanbul mayor’s arrest. Turkey
Analysis As Sudan's genocide case against UAE opens at ICJ, legal shield under fire By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Hundreds protest as Netanyahu meets Elon Musk in San Francisco Protests greeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in California and many more are planned for New York City. Israel
Analysis Can Israel's Supreme Court mitigate threats and avert constitutional crisis? Israel’s Supreme Court opened hearings Tuesday on the amendment to limit its powers in what could soon become a constitutional crisis. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Lebanon: Backlash as MPs introduce bill to decriminalize LGBTQ+ relationships Some Lebanese leaders have intensified their campaign against the LGBTQ+ community after news emerged of a bill to repeal an anti-LGBTQ+ provision of the Penal Code. Lebanon
Who are Ennahda leaders arrested in Tunisia's latest crackdown? The arrests are the latest against figures opposed to President Kais Saied, who has cemented his one-man rule since July 2021. North Africa
To appease Biden, Israel’s Netanyahu floats judicial compromise, Saudi progress With his trip to the United States just around the corner, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is willing to do almost anything, including halting the judicial overhaul, to get a photo op with President Joe Biden. Israel
Arab Israelis go on strike as crime wave devastates community Arab Israeli municipalities, businesses and community centers are on strike today, demanding law enforcement agencies do more to stem the violence affecting towns and villages across the country. Israel
Why are Israel's ex-Shin Bet chiefs urging Biden not to host Netanyahu? Two former directors of the Israeli Shin Bet — Ami Ayalon and Yuval Diskin — call on President Joe Biden to support the Israeli protest movement against the judicial overhaul by not inviting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House. Israel
Lebanon: arrest of standup comedian Nour Hajjar sparks fears despite release Beirut already undergoing economic and political paralysis, was struck this week by arrest of a standup comic who joked about Lebanon's army and offended religious figures five years ago. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Israeli rabbi, convicted sex offender, asks Ukraine to lift visa ban The notorious Rabbi Eliezer Berland, convicted in Israel of sex offenses, is trying to get Ukrainian authorities to lift a three-year travel ban and allow himself and his followers to perform their traditional pilgrimage to Uman. Israel
Analysis Does Israel’s government want to curb deadly crime wave in Arab sector? Despite electoral promises, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has nothing to show in terms of stopping spiraling violence in Arab Israeli towns and villages. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel's Druze community on strike after quadruple homicide Israel's Druze community is shocked by the killing of four men in broad daylight, including a former soldier who was running for local office. Israel
Families of Israel’s missing Yemeni babies continue search for truth The families of Yemeni babies and toddlers who disappeared 70 years ago are still fighting for justice. Israel
