Israeli-Gulf relations

An Israeli tank moves along Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, on Sept. 25, 2025, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant group.

Egypt's Sisi says Gaza deal in sight as Witkoff, Kushner, Qatari PM join talks

As chief negotiators gather in Egypt, negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to accelerate.

OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Israel adapts, Turkey rises, Iran ruined: How 2 years of Gaza war reshaped Middle East

Turkey’s involvement worries Israel in Syria but also raises hopes for pressuring Hamas to agree to President Donald Trump's ceasefire proposal.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Netanyahu hamstrung by far right, Trump as Hamas drags feet on Gaza plan

The Hamas commanders in Gaza remain the main obstacle to advancement of the Trump plan and are expected to seek amendments even as Israel’s military steps up its offensive on Gaza City.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

US President Donald J. Trump speaks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as he departs the Al Udeid Air Base for Abu Dhabi on May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar.

Trump signs order to ‘guarantee’ Qatar’s security after Israel strikes

New executive order appeared to go beyond existing US agreements with other Gulf states, enjoining Washington to take “all lawful and appropriate measures” — to include military action — to defend Qatar from external attack.

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Analysis

Trump offers Netanyahu cover as Israel's far right recoils at Gaza peace plan

Win McNamee/Getty Images

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Interview

Qatar says 'ambitious' Gaza plan hinges on Trump applying Israel leverage

John Lamparski/Getty Images for Concordia Annual Summit

Majed al-Ansari

Qatar Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

Pentagon had no warning Israel planned to strike Qatar, US general says

This frame grab taken from an AFPTV footage shows smoke billowing after explosions in Qatar's capital Doha on Sept. 9, 2025.

Analysis

Planned diversification or US doubts? Why Saudi Arabia inked Pakistan security pact

Pakistani Prime Minister and Saudi crown prince

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Israeli army soldiers look at the destruction in Gaza from the border with the Palestinian territory, Aug. 13, 2025.

Exclusive

Contrary to Netanyahu's claims, Israel spy chief pushes partial Gaza deal in Qatar

As the Israeli prime minister defends his plan to take full control of Gaza, Mossad chief David Barnea pushes for a partial ceasefire deal.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

The national flags of the United Arab Emirates (L) and Israel are set side by side at the new Israeli consulate of Dubai ahead of a press conference by Israel's foreign minister on June 30, 2021.

Despite travel warning, Israel says diplomatic missions in UAE remain open: What to know

The developments come as Israeli Ambassador Yossi Shelley faces growing scrutiny over his behavior in the UAE, with media reports suggesting diplomatic tensions and possible internal discussions about his future in the role.

Analysis

As Netanyahu backs Israel’s ambassador to UAE, controversy exposes rift with Abu Dhabi

Yossi Shelley, Israel’s ambassador to the UAE, finds himself in hot water after series of reports about his problematic behavior and grumblings from his Emirati hosts.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

TOPSHOT - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a press conference in Jerusalem on May 21, 2025. Netanyahu said on May 21 that he was ready for a "temporary ceasefire" to guarantee the return of hostages held in Gaza, of whom 20 are "certainly" alive. (Photo by Ronen Zvulun / POOL / AFP) (Photo by RONEN ZVULUN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

From strikes to strategy: Netanyahu seeks cover — and credit — in Trump meeting

The Israeli prime minister arrives at the White House victorious after Trump's decision to strike Iranian nuclear sites, his trial dates postponed, and Gaza on the radar.

Palestinians carry their belongings as they flee Gaza City, May 16, 2025.

Analysis

Netanyahu looks to Trump for Gaza ultimatum to leverage against far right

The ultimatum, to counter far-right threats to bring down the government if a ceasefire is reached with Hamas, is one of several items on the wish list he's taking to Washington.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Cautious optimism around Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal but hurdles remain

The latest Qatari outline is based on a previous US proposal and has Israel somewhat hopeful for a deal with Hamas.

Israeli ambassador to the US Ron Dermer speaks at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) policy conference in Washington, DC on March 4, 2018.

Israel weighs Gaza ceasefire, Abraham Accords expansion as Dermer heads to Washington

Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer's trip comes amid a US push for a broader regional deal linking Gaza, Iran and normalization with Arab states.

A drone flies beside a damaged building following a strike by an Iranian missile in the Israeli city of Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, early on June 15, 2025.

Analysis

Israel's war in Iran redefining AI’s warfare role: The Gulf is taking notes

Israel’s AI-driven assault on Iran signals a new era of warfare in the Middle East, and Gulf states are watching closely.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

People gather on a hill to watch smoke rising in the distance from an Israeli airstrike in Tehran, Iran, on June 14, 2025.

Analysis

From shock to shame: Israeli strikes expose Iran's crumbling defenses, internal divides

Whether seen as an unforgivable act of aggression or the start of an end to the Islamic Republic's rule, few in Iran dispute the defining nature of the Israeli attacks.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud (R) receives his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot, prior to their meeting in Riyadh on April 25, 2025.

Israel blocks Saudi, UAE and other FMs from West Bank visit: What to know

The move to block the visit comes amid heightened international pressure on Israel to end its military offensive in Gaza and make progress toward Palestinian statehood, a key condition for normalization with Riyadh.

Amir Levy/Getty Images

UAE summons Israeli envoy over Jerusalem march, provocations

The United Arab Emirates has summoned Israel’s ambassador over recent tensions and violence in east Jerusalem, marking the first such diplomatic protest by the Gulf state since 2022.

United Arab Emirates

US President Donald Trump gestures as he walks to board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, May 12, 2025.

Analysis

Netanyahu scrambles as Trump skips Israel visit, gap widens on Gaza, Iran

Despite pleas on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s part, President Donald Trump will not pass through Israel during his Gulf tour.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense