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
Turkey jails journalist Fatih Altayli for allegedly threatening Erdogan Fatih Altayli, one of Turkey’s most popular journalists, was arrested over allegedly threatening Erdogan, sparking outrage from media groups. Turkey
Turkey jails Imamoglu's lawyer as government crackdown continues Opposition and legal groups condemn the arrest as an attempt to undermine legal defense rights. Turkey
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. Israel
EU commission removes UAE, adds Lebanon and Algeria to money laundering list: What to know United Arab Emirates
Israeli leaders unite in slamming ICC prosecutor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin harshly condemned the decision by International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to investigate Israel for alleged war crimes. Israel
Israel’s Ashkenazi on diplomatic blitz against ICC ruling Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi is busy calling counterparts worldwide, to convince them to object the ICC ruling on judging Israel for alleged war crimes. Israel
Netanyahu’s fate to be determined by COVID-19, not corruption trial Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fears failure in dealing with Israel's coronavirus pandemic even more than his corruption trial. Israel
Netanyahu pushes for evidentiary stage to be postponed until after election The legal defense team of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tries postponing the evidentiary stage of his trial until after the March 23 election. Israel
Autopsy of slain Lebanese intellectual Lokman Slim shows no torture Slim's wife said an independent autopsy was necessary and is also calling for an international investigation, as opposed to leaving it up to the Lebanese government. Lebanon
Netanyahu pleads not guilty in corruption trial Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases. Israel
Turkish police seize several tons of illegal alcohol High taxes on liquor have created a market for illicit liquor in Turkey and police are cracking down. Turkey
Thefts on rise in Idlib amid rising poverty Hardly a day goes by in Idlib areas without a civilian being robbed of a car, motorcycle or other property, triggering yet more fears and concerns for residents. Syria
Egyptian who ruled in favor of ceding key islands to Saudi Arabia voted parliament speaker Egypt’s parliament elected Hanafy Ali el-Gebaly as its new speaker, raising controversy as Gebaly chaired the Supreme Constitutional Court that validated an agreement under which Egypt agreed to transfer the strategic Tiran and Sanafir islands to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Israel’s Netanyahu seeks another delay in corruption trial Lawyers for the prime minister say the latest coronavirus lockdown in Israel has left them unable to prepare for next week's hearing. Israel
Top Turkish court rejects appeal for release of philanthropist Kavala Turkey’s Constitutional Court has rejected an appeal for the release of philanthropist Osman Kavala, ruling his more than three-year imprisonment without conviction did not violate his rights in contradiction to rulings by the European Court of Human Rights. Turkey
Acquittal in assault of Christian woman casts pall over Christmas for Egypt's Coptic community The acquittal by a Minya court of three defendants who in May 2016 stripped an elderly Christian woman naked and dragged her through the streets of her village has provoked outrage among Christians and rights groups. Egypt
