Analysis As envoys recalled, what's driving Israel-South Africa rupture? South Africa has expelled the Israeli charge d'affaires, deepening the diplomatic crisis between the two countries. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Rifaat al-Assad, perpetrator of Syria's 1982 Hama massacre, dies at 88 Known for his role in the 1982 Hama massacre, the late member of Syria’s former ruling family oversaw the killing of tens of thousands of civilians. Syria
Iran blackout enters 12th day as filtered internet reveals crackdown Nearly 4,000 people have been killed in the protests in Iran, as videos emerging amid limited access to internet show the scale of the crackdown launched by security forces. Iran
IRGC to Majlis: Who are central players in Iran's regime? Iran’s political system concentrates ultimate authority in the supreme leader and a network of loyal institutions. Iran
Europe’s top court moves to fast-track Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala's case: What to know Turkey
Analysis Trump's Syria envoy Barrack tests Israel's patience as Netanyahu pushes back By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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
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
Culture 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. Syria
Rubio announces sanctions on ICC judges over US, Israel probes Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the four judges of engaging in the court's "illegitimate and baseless actions." Israel
Egypt, Greece pledge to protect Mount Sinai monastery after court ruling: What to know Greece and Egypt have launched a diplomatic effort to reaffirm the status of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the most revered monasteries in Christianity. Egypt
Trump travel ban 2.0: Assessing the impact on Mideast nations Trump’s new decision excludes Syria and Iraq, both of which were part of his previous ban issued during his first term in 2017. Syria
Turkish prosecutors probe main opposition leader Ozel, oust mayors The probes, following Ozel's criticism of the judiciary, come amid five additional district mayors' dismissal from their duties. Turkey
Turkey unveils prison reform bill, but Kurds say it falls short The proposed changes would expand conditional release for some inmates but fail to meet demands of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party amid peace efforts. Turkey
Turkey detains 45 in Istanbul corruption probe, bans Imamoglu's image Turkey's main opposition leader criticized the detentions of new individuals including key aides of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Turkey
Jerusalem wildfires rage for second day as environmental groups blame Netanyahu According to Israeli environmental groups, the government has repeatedly ignored calls to prepare for the threat of fires and to take more decisive action on climate change goals. Israel
