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
Lapid’s greatest election challenge will be skyrocketing cost of living Prime Minister Yair Lapid has only four months to show Israelis he can do something about the continuously-increasing cost of living and high housing prices. Israel
Israel weighs options for confronting Iran in event of nuclear deal In the battle between Israel’s security agencies, the Mossad estimates that US President Joe Biden's administration is eager to reach a deal with Iran, at whatever cost. Israel
Egypt, Greece, Cyprus boost military cooperation in EastMed region Egypt, Greece and Cyprus have promoted their military relations in the face of security threats and to defend their interests in the Eastern Mediterranean that is rich in oil and gas reserves. Egypt
Israel draws closer to NATO Israel aspires to upgrade its relations with NATO beyond geography, offering technological innovation and intelligence-gathering capabilities as a basis for stronger ties. Israel
Pentagon 'fully supports' F-16 sale to Turkey The Biden administration publicly endorsed a plan to sell Turkey fresh fighter jets just a day after Ankara dropped its objection to Sweden and Finland joining NATO over ties to Kurdish groups. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
In preparation for Biden’s visit, Israeli president meets with Jordanian king Ahead of President Biden's mid-July visit to the region, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met in Amman with Jordanian King Abdullah II. Israel
Negev Summit steering committee hatches plans in Bahrain After Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid brought together counterparts from Israel, the United States, the Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Egypt last March, senior officials meet in Bahrain to lay more concrete plans. Israel
Lapid may need to rely on boxing experience in battle with Netanyahu Col. Gadi Eizenkot joining Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid's party could help him in an expected tough election battle against Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Israel’s FM Lapid makes first visit to Turkey, focused on security cooperation When Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid scheduled his trip to Turkey, he didn’t know he would be arriving almost as a prime minister. Israel
Israeli minister backs Moroccan claims to Western Sahara sovereignty On a first official visit to Morocco, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked said Israel recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, and stated Israel’s intention to enable Moroccans to work in Israel in the construction and nursing sectors. Israel
Israel still on alert over Iranian threats to tourists in Turkey Israel and Turkey deepen securty cooperation as Israel calls out IRGC security head as part of psychological warfare campaign. Israel
Israel says Middle East air defense partnership already in action Israel's defense minister said he hopes US President Joe Biden's trip to the region will further the joint defense cooperation. Legacy: Gulf
