Analysis LORA missile test reveals limits of Germany’s Gaza criticism of Israel The German navy tested Israel’s LORA ballistic missile as Berlin considers acquiring the system, deepening defense ties with Israel despite criticism of the Gaza war. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Israel, Greece sign $3.5 billion air-defense deal: What to know Against the backdrop of growing tensions with Turkey, Israel signed one of its largest-ever defense industry deals to supply Greece with advanced air defense systems. Israel
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran Israeli sources point out that the pilot project for Israel's withdrawal and the Lebanese military taking control over the area is not working because of the government's reluctance to search for Hezbollah's weapons in private homes. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Top European court says Kavala case exposes erosion of judicial independence in Turkey Europe's top human rights court has renewed its call for Turkey to immediately release jailed philanthropist Osman Kavala, saying his imprisonment reflects a broader “systemic problem” over independence and impartiality of the judiciary. Turkey
Iranian MP: Fate of Iran deal determined in coming weeks The EU’s energy chief traveled to Tehran to meet with Iranian officials regarding saving the nuclear deal. Iran
After calls to change the Quran, Turkey moves to ban all things French President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s anger over a French manifesto on changing the Quran failed to generate outrage among the Turkish public, but did result in decisions on education policy harmful to Turkish students. Turkey
How Iran and Europe can save the nuclear deal To protect the nuclear deal from collapse, Iran and the E3+2 must define and implement a workable framework for protecting future trade and investments. Iran
Europe fears Trump, Netanyahu encouraging Iran's hard-liners The European Union fears that the positions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump could generate an all-out war with Iran. Israel
Some Iranians say nuclear deal can survive if Europe cooperates Some Iranian officials and analysts say that Tehran should remain in the nuclear deal with the European Union if Europe stands up to US pressure to end the agreement. United States
Why Europe could end up being blamed for nuclear deal collapse Britain, France and Germany’s outreach to Trump has increasingly put them in a position where they will likely be blamed by all sides in case the nuclear deal collapses. United States
Rouhani suggests Europe can keep Iran nuclear deal alive President Hassan Rouhani’s speech suggested that as long as Iran’s goals within the nuclear deal could be met, they would remain in the nuclear deal despite a US exit. Iran
Europe says Bibi’s ‘atomic archive’ pitch proves need for Iran deal European powers and Russia said Israel’s claimed seizure of documents from Iran’s shuttered nuclear weapons research program proves the need for 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Israel
Turkey’s snap elections set to escalate tensions with Europe Questions about the fairness of the June 24 elections and bans prohibiting Turkish politicians from campaigning in parts of Europe signal new strains ahead in Turkey’s relations with the West. Turkey
More bad news for Turkey's EU accession bid The European Union's most recent report on the state of Turkey's bid to join the bloc appears to confirm the view of many analysts that the current process is riddled with hypocrisy and is not beneficial to either party. Turkey
EU's critical report on Turkey draws criticism itself Turkey has an oddly mild reaction to a bruising report from the European Commission. Turkey
Erdogan vows to continue global manhunt for Gulen affiliates Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told supporters that his government will not stop pursuing those it claims are responsible for the 2016 failed coup attempt despite criticism and anger over unauthorized seizures of individuals and their forced repatriation to Turkey. Turkey
