Analysis Netanyahu scrambles as Gulf states push Trump to sanction Israel over Doha strikes In an unusual move reflecting the difficult position Netanyahu placed the administration in, the United States supported a United Nations Security Council statement on Thursday condemning the Israeli strike. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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
Analysis Inside Israel's Yemen operation that decapitated Houthi leadership By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US, Turkey still far off on deal over Russian S-400 missiles Is any feasible deal on the S-400 deployment in Turkey in the works? Turkey
Ethiopia’s plan to build Red Sea military bases fuels tension with Egypt Amid the stalled negotiations with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Ethiopia is expressing its intention to build military bases in the Red Sea. Egypt
Israel releases from prison Jordanian convicted of bus bombing Abdullah Abu Jaber was the longest-serving Jordanian in Israeli prisons. Two other Jordanians were released for less serious offenses. Israel
Meeting with Biden looms as critical test for Erdogan Turkey’s relationship with the United States poses the toughest test for Erdogan in the coming period, bound to sway both his foreign policy and political alliances at home. Turkey
Pentagon issues warning over Iran warship reportedly headed to Venezuela The United States is threatening to "deter" Iran's apparent effort to deliver weapons to Venezuela. Iran
Sudan puts Russia naval base deal under review A top military officer denied the review was connected to increased ties with the United States. Russia / Mideast
Israeli officials play down IDF chief’s comments about bombed Gaza tower Defense Minister Benny Gantz dismissed Kochavi's comments as illustrative, not literal. Israel
Intel: Israel’s defense chief heads to Washington after Gaza war Gantz’s visit will be his first during the Biden administration. United States
Egypt, Sudan hold war games as Ethiopian dam dispute continues Egypt and Sudan started a new military exercise amid a dispute with Ethiopia over Addis Ababa’s plan to add 13.5 billion cubic meters of water to the reservoir of its dam on the Blue Nile. Egypt
Turkey’s persistent watering down of anti-Russian language leaves NATO in bind Ankara defends its position on Moscow on the grounds that it has to manage its relationship with its powerful northeastern neighbor. Turkey
NGOs say Biden's proposed military aid to Egypt undermines human rights Under President Joe Biden’s first budget proposal to Congress, the administration is requesting $1.3 billion in foreign military financing for Egypt. Egypt
With ties with West strained, Turkey gets lifeline from Poland Drawing on his rapport with the Polish president and a landmark drone deal with Warsaw, Erdogan seems to be aiming at two goals — strengthening his hand in NATO and having a close ally within the European Union. Turkey
