Syria seizes Captagon with Turkish backing amid drug trade boom The new Islamist government in Syria has prioritized dismantling the Captagon trade, but the industry is still thriving. Syria
UAE says Israel’s West Bank annexation push a ‘red line': What to know There are growing indications that the Israeli government is seeking to annex the Palestinian territory, but the UAE is becoming increasingly critical of the plan. Israel
Pentagon kicks off Bright Star war games in Egypt with 1,500 US troops US Central Command is seeking to firm up Washington’s sway with Egypt's leaders amid signs of instability, as China expands its own leverage over the strategic state that controls the Suez Canal. Egypt
Israel calls up 60,000 reservists for Gaza City op, but how many will show up? The mobilization of 60,000 reservists for Gaza City could be undermined if significant numbers decline to serve. Israel
Analysis Push for better US deal or go for round 2? Israeli leadership split on Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran trained Russians on using armed drones, US intel says The Pentagon has warned Iran not to provide armed drones to Russia for use in Ukraine. Russia / Mideast
After Hamas sits out latest conflict, Israel expands Gaza economic relief Now that its miltiary operation has ended, Israel is continuing and expanding measures that will help Gaza’s economy grow. Israel
US approves Sweden, Finland NATO bid as Turkey warns of conditions Turkey's President Erdogan warned again this week that his government would block the two Nordic countries' bid to join NATO unless they take action against Kurdish leftist groups. Washington Pulse
Israel-Hamas understanding key to quick end to Gaza fighting Egypt-Qatar mediation brought about what Israel was seeking — a quick end to the violent conflict with Islamic Jihad. Israel
Israel airstrikes kill Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza Detecting military regrouping, Israel’s air force struck this afternoon several Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza and killed the head of its northern district command. Israel
Drones used by Iran-backed militias are coming from China, US says Senior US official accuses Beijing of playing both sides in the Middle East’s race for drone technology. Legacy: Gulf
Israel launches airstrikes against Islamic Jihad in Gaza Three months before the Nov. 1 elections, and following growing tensions on Gaza border, Prime Minister Yair Lapid decided to respond forcefully to Islamic Jihad threats. Israel
Israel expands West Bank security fence as violence escalates in Jenin Following the wave of violence in March and April, Israeli security authorities are working on the unfinished security wall in the north of the West Bank. Israel
Lapid’s legacy to include better relations between Israel, Jordan First as foreign minister, and then as prime minister, Yair Lapid identified rehabilitating commercial and diplomatic ties with Jordan as top priority for Israel. Israel
Israeli army on alert after arrest of Islamic Jihad senior official The IDF has reopened some of the roads blocked off near Gaza, but soldiers remain ready for trouble. Israel
Is Russia escalating Jewish Agency crisis because of Israel's stance on Ukraine? Some Israeli security and diplomatic experts believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin instigated the Jewish Agency crisis to pressure Israel against selling natural gas to Europe. Israel
Israel sees nuclear deal with Iran as inevitable The working assumption according to which the Mossad is currently operating is that eventually the world powers will reach an agreement with Iran. Israel
