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.

Latest News

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 PM Netanyahu and Macron

Netanyahu meets Macron as Iran threatens retaliation against Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Thursday with French President Emmanuel Macron in a bid to bring their positions closer on Iran.

Israel protest

Netanyahu more worried about Israel's protests than Palestinians

The Israeli prime minister will receive US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as violence escalates, normalization stalls, and the economy tanks in anticipation of right-wing reforms.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud attends a session at the World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 17, 2023.

Saudi FM says no normalizing ties with Israel before Palestinian issue resolved

Following the normalization deal between Israel, the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, talks have increased about more Arab countries joining the initiative; Saudi Arabia is on hold for now.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Jerusalem, Jan. 19, 2023.

Iran, expanding Abraham Accords top Netanyahu's meeting with Jake Sullivan

Netanyahu met in Jerusalem with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, in a bid to coordinate positions on Iran and prepare for a trip by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

An undated image of Ronen Levy.

Analysis

Who is Ronen Levy, Shin Bet’s shadow man and Israel’s new foreign ministry chief?

Ronen Levy, previously known only as "Maoz," is emerging from his career as a shadowing intelligence figure and conduit to Arab leaders, to become director general of Israel's Foreign Ministry.

Mazal Mualem

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

MAZEN MAHDI/AFP via Getty Images

Negev Forum convenes in UAE with Jordan absent from Arab-Israeli meeting

Senior officials from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, the United States and Israel have convened in Abu Dhabi for the third Negev Forum steering committee meeting.

Local Jewish residents and tourists pray during Purim at the Address Dubai Marina Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 26, 2021.

Culture

UAE schools will now teach Holocaust in national curriculum

More than two years following the signing of the Abraham Accords, the UAE confirms that it will include the Holocaust in the curriculum of its primary and secondary schools.

AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli far-right minister risks regional flareup with Temple Mount visit

Despite international warnings, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed for National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to ascend the Temple Mount.

This picture taken from the Mount of Olives shows a view of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and its Dome of the Rock, Old City, Jerusalem, Jan. 2, 2023.

UAE, Saudi, others condemn Israeli minister’s visit to Jerusalem holy site

Ben-Gvir’s visit to the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif could hurt the new far-right Israeli government's relations with Arab states and Turkey.

Iran nuclear

Analysis

Can Biden afford to give up on Iran nuclear deal?

US envoy's latest word is Iran is 'not interested,' but the EU reaffirms support for the JCPOA while an IAEA team comes to Iran.

Week in Review

By Week in Review

Israelis who were allowed to enter an arena after showing proof of being fully vaccinated against the coronavirus attend a "Green Pass" concert for vaccinated seniors, organized by the municipality of Tel Aviv, Israel, Feb. 24, 2021.

Israel uneasy with deal granting UAE control over pensions

Israeli experts warn against the deal, which will have Abu Dhabi government-backed ADQ Developmental Holding Company purchasing a 25% controlling part of Israel’s Phoenix insurance company.

(L-R) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani pose before they participate in the signing of the Abraham Accords, on the South Lawn of the White House, Washington, Sept. 15, 2020.

Netanyahu says peace with Saudis could lead to Israel-Palestine resolution

Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu in a rare interview with Saudi-owned outlet, called on US to reaffirm alliance with Riyadh, and for Riyadh to enter talks with Jerusalem for normalizing ties.