Analysis Trump fumes, Hamas scoffs: Will Israel’s Qatar strikes backfire? While the targeted Hamas leaders' fate is unknown, it is clear that the United States is unhappy with Tuesday’s strike and that Qatar will distance itself from mediating a Gaza ceasefire deal. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
CENTCOM commander meets Egypt’s Sisi in Cairo The Navy admiral’s visit comes as Pentagon officials aim to draw the North African state closer to Washington’s orbit and coordinate multilateral efforts to deter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Egypt
Trump aims to crack Gulf's armed drone market with looser export restrictions Washington's latest reinterpretation of the 35-nation MTCR agreement is expected to open the door for a potential major sale of advanced aerial weaponry to Saudi Arabia. United States
As youth unemployment nears 50%, can conscription ease Jordan's economic woes? Jordan is reinstating mandatory military service for young men to address rising youth unemployment, promote national identity, and counter domestic and regional security threats. Jordan
Analysis Inside Israel's Yemen operation that decapitated Houthi leadership By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Republican Congressman, pro-Israel group spar over Iron Dome funding Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a critic of foreign aid, was the only Republican to vote against funding for Israel's Iron Dome last week. United States
Israel assesses frayed ties with US Jews, Democratic Party Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and his government are confronted with the double challenge of rehabilitating ties with the Democrat Party and mending the rift with the American Jewish community. Israel
US House passes measure to end maintenance for Saudi aircraft targeting Yemen Progressives' bid to get Riyadh to stop bombing Yemen may test Biden's commitment to Gulf allies. Congress
US House passes funding for Israel’s Iron Dome after fiery debate One Republican congressman accused the Democratic Party of being under the “bizarre influence of a group of anti-Semites” as a few Democratic lawmakers opposed US support for Israel’s air defense system. United States
US Iron Dome funding holdup feeds internal Israeli political dispute Rivals of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett are using US delay in funding the Iron Dome defense system to present him as dangerously inexperienced. Israel
Iran’s membership in Asian security body won’t solve sanctions problem While the news that Iran will gain full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a psychological victory for the sanctions-hit country, it will take much more to achieve lasting economic impact. Iran
House removes funding for Israel’s Iron Dome from spending bill The head of the House Appropriations Committee said Israel will receive additional funding in a separate defense bill as the deadline to the end of the fiscal year nears. News Brief
Saudi military trains with Greek forces Saudi Arabia and Greece signed a missile deal earlier this year and are both allies of the UAE and Egypt. News Brief
UAE weighs opportunities, risks in Afghan diplomatic scrum The US withdrawal and return of the Taliban has shaken up relationships in the Gulf and South Asia. Legacy: Gulf
Iran says SCO membership to end isolation Iran is hoping to expand its economic ties after it enters the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Iran
Confidence-building measures with Israel trigger mixed reactions among PA leaders Palestinian leaders exhibit varying reactions toward the confidence-building measures with Israel. Palestine
Turkey’s defense industry suffers setback but future remains promising The Turkish defense industry saw a significant decline in its revenues last year according to newly released data, but companies in the sector remain optimistic about their growth prospects. Turkey
