Former Shin Bet chief calls for regional conference

In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Shin Bet head and current Science Minister Yaakov Peri calls to seize this moment after the Gaza war for a regional diplomatic move involving the Palestinians, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Palestine

Morsi ousted: Egypt army suspends constitution, calls early elections

Egypt's military chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced the army has stepped in to transfer power from Egypt's Islamist President Mohammad Morsi to a technocratic government ahead of early parliamentary and presidential polls.

Egypt

Obama statement on Egypt avoids 'coup'

In a statement on the ouster of Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi Obama refrained from using the term "coup."

Egypt

US presses Egypt for swift return to civilian rule, against arbitrary arrests

After Convening a meeting with members of his national security team on July 4, President Obama pressed Egyptian Officials to swiftly transition back to civilian rule.

Egypt

Hamas warns Gazans have 'nothing to lose'

The deadlock remains in Cairo, as Israel refuses to budge on Hamas’ demand to lift the siege and the Palestinian group, warning it will return to the battlefield if no progress is made.

Palestine

US Deputy NSA Blinken's unannounced visit to UAE to discuss Egypt

President Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor Antony Blinken took an unannounced trip to the United Arab Emirates earlier this week to consult with Emirati, Iraqi, and other Gulf country officials on Egypt, the White House has told Al-Monitor.

Egypt

Turkey’s exports decrease amid regional tension

Turkey has suffered unexpected declines in its exports to Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Ukraine and Russia, though Turkish exports to Russia may have more potential following its recent foodstuff import boycott of the United States and European Union.

Egypt

Is Lebanon next target of Islamic State?

Lebanon battles extremist armed groups; Egypt’s political isolation in Gaza; Iran’s shift on Hamas; family of Al-Monitor columnist killed by Israeli airstrike; lobbying series continues.

Palestine

Ford Likely to helm Egypt mission

With Anne Patterson expected to be nominated as Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs, US officials have told Al-Monitor that Syria Envoy Robert Ford is likely to be nominated as the next Ambassador to Egypt.

Egypt

Obama tries to strike balance on Egypt after crackdown

President Obama announced the US would cancel a planned joint military exercise with Egypt over deepening concern after a government crack down on Muslim Brotherhood protesters killed 500.

Egypt

Saudi Arabia and the third Gaza war

Saudi Arabia has remained quiet during the current Gaza war, working instead through Egypt.

Saudi Arabia

Hamas pressured to accept Egypt’s cease-fire demand

The cease-fire between Israel and Hamas was announced after heated exchanges between the Egyptian and Hamas delegations during negotiations in Cairo, where Hamas reluctantly accepted Egypt’s demand for a cease-fire without preconditions.

Palestine