Analysis 'Out of loop': Israel increasingly fears being blindsided by a Trump-Iran deal The Israeli prime minister had wanted to keep the military option on the table, but for now must grit his teeth and let US-Iranian negotiations run their course. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Macron’s Palestine gamble: Can recognition plan jump-start peace talks? French President Emmanuel Macron said he may recognize a Palestinian state in June when he will cohost a peace summit with Saudi Arabia, but has not committed to such a move. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Israel doubts Syria breakthrough as Sharaa signals openness to Abraham Accords Syria's new leader seems open to joining the Abraham Accords under 'certain conditions,' but Israelis remain skeptical about his true intentions and an emerging alliance with Turkey. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Trump willing to meet Iran's Khamenei but 'will be leading' war pack if no deal In an interview with Time Magazine, President Donald Trump says he believes a deal with Iran can be reached via negotiations while expressing readiness for war in the event that it doesn't. United States
Analysis Why Syria’s Sharaa is hinting at Israel ties By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Pompeo’s visit to Psagot settlement, a farewell gift from Trump to Israel US Secretary of State Pompeo's visit to the Psagot settlement, built on occupied land in the West Bank, reflects the Donald Trump administration’s decision to consider the Israeli settlements in the West Bank to be legal. Palestine
Even with Biden, talks with Palestinians not on Israel’s agenda Despite the election of Joe Biden, no one in Israel is keen to rush to the negotiating table with the Palestinians. Palestine
Republican senators ask Trump to label West Bank products 'Made in Israel' The senators want the president to reverse the Clinton-era customs policy before he leaves office in January. Palestine
US to reduce troops in Iraq but not Syria, official says US national security officials say Trump's order to end wars will not halt the Pentagon's counterterror operations abroad. Iraq
Saudis say Biden’s threats are ‘election talk' Although there are political tensions on human rights issues, the US-Saudi relationship could be vital for the United States to address Russian and Chinese influence in the Middle East region. Saudi Arabia
Zarif visits Pakistan as Iran celebrates post-Trump era Iran’s foreign minister is in Islamabad to discuss a range of issues with Pakistani officials, as US President Donald Trump’s impending departure seems to have opened new windows of diplomacy for the Islamic Republic. Iran
Iraqi officials welcome Biden presidency While Iraqi leaders and officials have welcomed a Biden presidency, there are worries about what direction US policy will take when it comes to Baghdad. Iraq
Middle East leaders congratulate Biden on win Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has notably not commented on the former vice president’s victory in the US presidential election. Originals
Egyptian singer repurposes pro-Mubarak song to praise Trump After an Egyptian singer released a ballad in support of US President Donald Trump, his fellow citizens questioned whether it was a mockery of Trump or expressed real support for the US president. Egypt
In New York Jewish communities, similarities to Israel's virus struggle Israeli media are covering the conflict over coronavirus measures in New York's Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, and the issue bears resemblance to Israel's virus situation. Israel
Would Mideast leaders prefer Trump or Biden to deal with Iran? Whoever wins the election, a new Iran deal would require a regional consensus and some tough diplomacy with Putin. United States
Israel will not oppose US sale of 'certain weapon systems' to United Arab Emirates The announcement likely refers to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. United Arab Emirates
