Courts and the law

ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images

France blocks Israeli weapons display at Paris airshow: What to know

After their exclusion from the Eurosatory and Euronaval fairs, Israeli armament companies have now been prevented from participating in the Bourget defense show in Paris.

Lebanese Minister of Economy Amin Salam (R) vists the port of the capital Beirut, as a corner of the silos which were destroyed in a massive explosion on August 4, 2020, burns on July 14, 2022. - The fire at the port's blast-hit grain silos, at risk of collapse due to severe damage, ignited at the start of the month because of fermentation of remaining grain stocks paired with rising temperatures. (Photo by ANWAR AMRO / AFP) (Photo by ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

A woman looks on from Creek Harbout at the Dubai skyline with Burj Khalifa, the world's largest building (C) on Feb. 5, 2025.

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

A large Syrian flag flutters above Tishreen Park in Damascus, on June 4, 2025.

Syria’s top Islamic body issues decree against honor killings: What to know

US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack referred to the decision as “great first steps,” though concerns persist about the new Islamist-led government.

Latest News

Rubio announces sanctions on ICC judges over US, Israel probes

Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during the American Compass New World Gala at the National Building Museum on June 3, 2025 in Washington.

Egypt, Greece pledge to protect Mount Sinai monastery after court ruling: What to know

An Egyptian Bedouin walks with his camel on Feb. 24, 2000, outside the walls of Saint Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai Peninsula, some 400 kilometers southeast of Cairo.

Trump travel ban 2.0: Assessing the impact on Mideast nations

Travelers from the Middle East arrive at the International Arrivals section at Los Angeles International Airport on June 29, 2017.

Turkish prosecutors probe main opposition leader Ozel, oust mayors

Ozgur Ozel, head of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), gestures toward supporters during a rally in support of arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in Ankara, April 23, 2025.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 30: Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) speaks during the Summit of Democracy 2023 on March 30, 2023 in Washington, DC. The theme for the final day of the summit encompassed "Advancing Technology for Democracy" and included speakers from the Department of Homeland Affairs and and representatives from intelligence agencies. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Breaking | Last Updated: September 22, 2023, 5:18 pm

US Senator Menendez indicted on corruption charges involving Egypt

Sen. Bob Menendez, a key power broker in Washington's Middle East foreign policy, is accused of providing sensitive US government information to aid the Egyptian government.

Washington Connection

Avi Ohaion/GPO

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.

DEBBIE HILL/AFP via Getty Images

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.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Members of Lebanon's LGBTQ community attend a picnic the coastal city of Batroun, north of Beirut, on May 21, 2017, as part of the Beirut Pride week aimed at raising awarness about the rights of the community. / AFP PHOTO / IBRAHIM CHALHOUB (Photo credit should read IBRAHIM CHALHOUB/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

The interim head of Ennahda, Mondher Ounissi, in an undated photo.

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.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leaves 10 Downing Street after meeting Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, London, March 24, 2023.

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.

AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images

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.

US Vice President Joe Biden (L) listens to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talk during joint statements in the prime minister's office in Jerusalem on March 9, 2016. Biden implicitly criticised Palestinian leaders for not condemning attacks against Israelis, as an upsurge in violence marred his visit. / AFP / POOL / DEBBIE HILL (Photo credit should read DEBBIE HILL/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

Nour Hajjar

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.

Beatrice Farhat

By Beatrice Farhat

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Israeli Rabbi Eliezer Berland (C), who is suspected of sexual abuse in Israel, arrives at court in Haarlem, on November 17, 2014, with his lawyer Louis de Leon (R). AFP PHOTO / ANP / SANDER KONING ++netherlands out++ (Photo credit should read Sander KONING/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

Arab Israelis demonstrate against organized crime and calling on the Israeli police to stop a wave of intra-communal violence, Umm al-Fahm, March 12, 2021.

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.

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

JALAA MAREY / AFP

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.