China holds second air drill with Egypt: What to know China is seeking to strengthen ties with Egypt and Gulf states, including via joint air drills. Egypt
Analysis Israel fears Turkey’s Syria ambitions and doubts Trump will stop them Israeli officials remain skeptical of Turkish and Syrian denials over Ankara’s military ambitions in Syria, warning that a deeper Turkish foothold could threaten Israel’s security and strain its ties with Washington. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Saudi crown prince heads to France as ties deepen: What to expect Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will start a visit to Paris this weekend, his fourth to France since his appointment in 2017. Saudi Arabia
Interview Barzani calls for enhanced air defense for Kurdistan Region to counter drone attacks Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani backs US-led regional economic integration efforts and lauds US partnership in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor. Masrour Barzani KRG Prime Minister
Exclusive Saudi Arabia wants Iran-backed militia 'heads to roll' in Iraq amid talks with Tehran By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Syria announces capture of senior ISIS official near Manbij: What to know By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US general meets Lebanon’s army chief as ceasefire with Israel teeters By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Netanyahu’s far-right partners jeopardize Israeli ties with Jordan, Egypt Statements by future National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and by his party colleague Avi Maoz are putting ties between Israel, Jordan and Egypt at risk. Israel
US concerned over Netanyahu de facto annexing West Bank For Washington, the concessions Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu is now offering his far-right partners could quickly reignite tensions in the West Bank. Israel
The Security Briefing: Pentagon tries to reason with Turkey In this weekly newsletter, Pentagon Correspondent Jared Szuba rounds up the biggest security stories from the region. Turkey
Khamenei urges Iraqi PM to stand up to common 'enemies' In meeting with Iranian president, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also asks Iran to expand gas imports to meet electricity needs. Iraq
Netanyahu offers national security post to ultranationalist Ben-Gvir Under the newly created position, Jewish Power leader Itamar Ben-Gvir will manage both the Public Security Ministry and the Border Police forces operating in the West Bank. Israel
Cooperation with Palestinian Authority behind return of abducted Israeli body Israel's leadership, the Palestinian Authority, the Americans, the UN and even Islamic Jihad contributed to the return to Israel of a body abducted in a West Bank hospital. Israel
Israel warns Iran could attempt to enrich uranium at 90% Israel’s military intelligence chief Aharon Haliva says Iran could try soon, at least symbolically, to enrich uranium up to a weaponized level. Israel
Azerbaijan becomes first Shiite country to open embassy in Israel The decision is a diplomatic victory for outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid. Meanwhile, incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is struggling to assemble his ruling coalition. Israel
Israeli Defense Ministry reassures Greece, Cyprus over trilateral alliance Three weeks after his official visit to Turkey, Defense Minister Benny Gantz visits Greece in an effort to reassure his counterparts that rapprochement with Ankara won’t come at the expense of the trilateral Hellenic partnership. Israel
Israeli-owned tanker hit by drone off Oman coast No group or country have taken responsibility for the drone attack last night against the Pacific Zircon, but the Israeli security system suspects Iran was behind the hit. Israel
Israel rejects US plan to investigate death of Palestinian journalist The outgoing and incoming Israeli leaderships agree that Israel will not allow the FBI to investigate the death of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Israel
US apprehensive Netanyahu will nominate far-right defense minister More and more American and Arab officials are sending designated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu messages, warning him against offering far-right Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich the defense portfolio. Israel
