Syria seizes anti-aircraft missiles near Iraqi border: What to know The Syrian government is stepping up efforts to combat arms smuggling, including in relation to Hezbollah, Kurdish-led forces and ISIS. Syria
Italy pledges to maintain troops in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL withdrawal Italy plays a crucial role in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, with an Italian leading its command and the country contributing over 1,000 troops to the mission. Lebanon
Laced with intrigue: What did Tom Barrack’s shoes reveal about US-Turkey ties? US Ambassador Tom Barrack’s choice of Nike sneakers at high-profile meetings has sparked speculation, conspiracy theories and widespread debate in Turkey over his intentions and messages. Turkey
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal The Israeli prime minister's frustration with Trump administration strong-arming continues, with pressure to sign Egypt gas deal and now a reported push for Sisi meeting. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Turkey rebuffs air-defense criticism after drone shot down near Ankara By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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
Exclusive Inside Netanyahu’s pressure campaign to block Turkey, Saudi Arabia from acquiring F-35s By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Under US pressure, Israel softens Syria tone but is wary of Sharaa By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Israel's new army chief Herzi Halevi forced to navigate multiple bosses, far-right whims Israel's incoming IDF Chief of Staff Hezri Halevi will have to deal with the fallout from the whims of a new government run by Israel’s most right-wing, regressive and ultra-nationalist forces. Israel
US working with Congress towards Turkey F-16 sale Opposition to the sale of 40 new fighter jets remains entrenched in the Senate. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey’s defense exports reach record levels in 2022, Erdogan says Turkey’s president is touting the country's defense exports, which have reached a record high. Turkey
Analysis US top Middle East commander tests new model of deterring Iran As the Pentagon shifts focus to China and Russia, CENTCOM’s chief is banking on experimentation with unmanned surveillance and artificial intelligence to offset a smaller US footprint in the Middle East. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US working with Saudi Arabia on strategic military plans, general says The Biden administration is leveraging the Pentagon to quietly rebuild trust with Riyadh in the wake of a very public dispute. Legacy: Gulf
Israeli leaders take credit for blocking Iran nuclear deal Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett took credit for the current deadlock in talks between Iran and world powers. Israel
As Lebanon unravels, Beirut neighborhood takes security into its own hands Amid Beirut’s unlit streets, men wield torches and batons to ensure security and safety in the neighborhood in an initiative that began in Achrafieh, one of Beirut’s oldest and most charming districts. Lebanon
Egypt’s Sisi gets warm welcome at Pentagon as Cairo assumes naval role Egypt took charge of Combined Task Force 153 on Monday as the Pentagon seeks to economize its footprint in the Middle East. Egypt
Israeli intelligence sees genuine, lasting changes in Iran According to Israeli security sources, the blunt breach of human rights in Iran blocks world powers from advancing on a nuke deal. Israel
As US watches, China and Saudi Arabia shy away from defense deals during Xi's visit Pentagon officials are closely watching what deals result from the Chinese president's meetings with Arab leaders. Legacy: Gulf
Iran sent more drones to Russia for use in Ukraine, US suggests Tehran sent additional UAVs, but no ballistic missiles thus far, the White House said. Iran
Netanyahu’s far-right partners jeopardize Israeli ties with Jordan, Egypt Statements by future National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and by his party colleague Avi Maoz are putting ties between Israel, Jordan and Egypt at risk. Israel
