Germany inks $408M arms deal with Israel despite pledge to curb exports over Gaza Though the new deal involves imports rather than exports, it has raised questions about the broader consistency of Germany’s defense policy, as Berlin has sought to distance itself from Israel’s actions during the Gaza war. Israel
Analysis How Saudi defense shake-up exposes frustration with localization goals As Riyadh struggles to reach its 50% Vision 2030 target, leadership reshuffles signal pressure for faster progress. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Egypt's Sisi, Saudi crown prince discuss Red Sea, Gaza, trade in Neom Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi headed to Saudi Arabia as the two countries continue to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation on regional and international issues. Egypt
NATO summit to be held in Turkey next year, alliance says Brussels' announcement comes as the Trump administration and Erdogan's government have continued to stake out common ground on stabilizing Syria and the southern Caucasus region. Turkey
Analysis What UAE interest in South Korea’s KF-21 jets signals for Gulf defense strategy By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Israel steps up military planning against Iran’s nuclear program Recent reports on Iran accelerating its uranium enrichment are pushing Israeli leaders to inspect concrete plans. Israel
US bolsters human rights criteria for arms sales The arms transfer policy takes into account how US weapons sales could be used to commit rights abuses. Washington Pulse
Analysis Ukraine war at year 1: Israel, Ukraine find common ground on Iran Sharing concerns over Moscow-Tehran military cooperation, Jerusalem and Kyiv’s interests are now converging. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Europe to sanction Iran drone companies for arming Russia in Ukraine President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen called on member states to adopt a 10th sanctions package against Russia that also includes a ban on Iranian companies. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
How Israel’s HevenDrones latest hydrogen-powered drone can help UAE The lightweight aerial vehicle for defense or commercial use is the latest fruit of diplomatic normalization between the two countries, and will be featured at IDEX next week. Legacy: Gulf
US defense intelligence confirms Iran’s drone use in Ukraine The Pentagon report comes a day after the UK government turned over weapons and other evidence to the United Nations that Iran had attempted to ship to Yemen's Houthi rebels in violation of international law. Iran
US general reveals Chinese balloons have flown over the Middle East A senior CENTCOM official said the high-altitude balloons have posed no threat to troops, and he expressed interest in obtaining similar ones to fill gaps in the United States' intelligence collection. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Pentagon, State Department officials in Saudi Arabia to talk Iran strategy Like its predecessors, the Biden administration wants Gulf Cooperation Council states to share air defense intel to defuse potential attacks by Iran, but will they work together? Legacy: Gulf
Israel, Sudan to normalize ties? Not so fast The normalization process is allowing the prime minister to flash his diplomatic bona fides at a time of domestic turmoil, but normalization may still take time. Israel
France's seizure of Iranian weapons to Yemen is a win for Pentagon French forces seized some 3,000 assault rifles, 23 anti-tank rockets and more than half a million rounds of ammunition bound for Yemen's Houthi rebels. Iran
US CENTCOM pulls closer to Israeli military as Mossad tests Iran Training exercise represents the tightest collaboration ever, but CENTCOM's deputy commander told Al-Monitor the US had no involvement in recent strikes attributed to Israel in Isfahan, Iran and eastern Syria. Israel
Chad President to inaugurate new embassy in Israel, as Netanyahu opens to Africa "Israel’s coming back to Africa and Africa [is] coming back to Israel," Netanyahu told Chadian President Mahamat Deby ahead of opening embassy on Thursday. Israel
