Meet Ali al-Zaidi, businessman and Iraq's new prime minister-designate Legal sources familiar with the nominee told Al-Monitor that there are no US sanctions on Zaidi or financial institutions affiliated with him. Iraq
US seeks to train Lebanon army units to disarm Hezbollah: What to know Funding for such a program remains unclear, though the Pentagon has requested $36 million for fiscal year 2027 to support Lebanon’s army. Lebanon
Analysis Despite Trump pressure to limit Israel's Lebanon attacks, Aoun-Netanyahu meeting still unlikely As President Donald Trump pressures Israel to limit its strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah is taking advantage of the situation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iraq's Shiite alliance nominates Ali al-Zaidi as PM candidate: What to know Ali al-Zaidi, who leads a bank accused of money laundering, received support from previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki and incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, though it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will approve of him. Iraq
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Hamas popularity triples in West Bank since Oct. 7, US support at 0% The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research’s most recent public opinion poll shows most Palestinians support Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel despite the death in Gaza and do not believe the group committed atrocities. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
US charges Colombian-Lebanese Hezbollah member in Argentina bombing The US alleged Samuel Salman El Reda helped Hezbollah perpetrate the deadly 1994 attack against a Jewish community center in the Argentinian capital, following sanctions related to the attack earlier this year. Lebanon
Why is Hamas chief Haniyeh visiting Egypt after Iran meeting in Qatar? Pressure is building on Israel to halt the fighting to allow access to humanitarian aid and the release of hostages. Palestine
