Analysis Could Trump intervene against ICC arrest warrants to help Netanyahu? Associates of the Israeli prime minister had hoped that Trump's victory would derail International Criminal Court warrants. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran offers few concessions ahead of likely censure at IAEA meeting The E3, with the support of the US, is set to introduce a resolution to censure Iran claiming that Iran has not complied with requirements outlined by the international community regarding its nuclear program. Iran
Huckabee, Trump's ambassador pick to Israel, says two-state solution not legitimate Trump tapped Mike Huckabee, an evangelical Christian and fervent Israel supporter, as his soon-to-be nominee for ambassador to the country. Israel
From State to CIA, here are Trump's key foreign policy, national security appointments US President-elect Donald Trump has been rolling out his picks for key positions in his administration, many of which will impact Middle East relations. United States
Analysis How will Congress' Republican power duo navigate Trump’s Middle East agenda? By Megan Mineiro In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress
Intel: Vulnerable Senate Republicans targeted for supporting Trump on Iran Two vulnerable Senate Republican incumbents up for re-election in November found themselves under attack over their support for President Donald Trump’s Iran policies in new social media ads that began airing in their states today. Originals
Intel: Trump’s Syria envoy promises 'significant' Syria aid amid new US sanctions The United States will provide a “significant amount” of new humanitarian aid for Syria even as stringent new sanctions take effect, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the war-torn country announced today. Originals
Egypt calls emergency Arab League meeting on Libya The meeting is expected to be held next week to discuss recent developments in the Libyan conflict. Egypt
Why is Sirte everyone’s ‘red line’ in Libya? Libya’s coastal city of Sirte, a strategic gateway to major oil facilities, has emerged as a critical point of contention between Turkey and Russia, with France also scrambling to impede Turkey via NATO. Turkey
Intel: Democrats condemn US broadcasting CEO’s Middle East purges after expanding office’s powers President Donald Trump’s new CEO of the US Agency for Global Media on Wednesday fired the heads of at least three of its outlets who collectively oversaw its Middle East and Iran coverage. The move sparked immediate condemnation from key Democrats despite their previous bipartisan support for expanding the CEO’s powers. Congress
Intel: Bolton says Trump sought to drop charges against Turkish bank at Erdogan’s behest President Donald Trump allegedly sought to convince the Justice Department to drop charges against Turkey’s Halkbank at the request of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, The Wall Street Journal reported in an overview of former national security adviser John Bolton’s tell-all book. Turkey
Hamas calls for ‘resistance’ against Israel’s West Bank annexation plans A senior Hamas official called for the proposed annexation to be met with resistance among Palestinian groups. Palestine
Will Netanyahu opt for partial annexation? Some reports say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might opt for a phased annexation plan for the West Bank that, at least at first, would exclude the Jordan Valley. Palestine
Intel: State Department official 'tried to bully' watchdog reviewing Saudi arms sale The independent watchdog ousted by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that a high-ranking State Department official “tried to bully” him in part because of his review of last year’s emergency arms sale for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu’s dilemma over his annexation plan Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must now decide whether he wants to go ahead with his annexation plan, or hope that the White House will get him out of it. Palestine
China apparently left out of Israel's 5G network tender The first phase of the tender for building the 5G wireless network in Israel has passed its deadline, with Chinese bidders apparently left out. Israel
Jordan Valley Palestinians watch as Israel imposes authority ahead of looming annexation Israel has intensified its measures in West Bank areas facing the threat of annexation at a time when Palestinians feel the imminence of the annexation project more than ever. Palestine
