Feature 50,000 Israeli expats fly home to vote in potential boon to Netanyahu rivals Israel prohibits voting from abroad with limited exceptions, and Israelis who spoke to Al-Monitor said they are especially motivated to fly home this year. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Analysis How Israel opposition infighting is boosting Netanyahu days before election Discord within the opposition, including its reluctance to name a single candidate for prime minister ahead of the Oct. 27 election, is working in Netanyahu’s favor. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
In first, Israel’s Netanyahu says he held call with Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa It is the first publicly disclosed contact between the leaders of Israel and Syria, which lack formal relations and have fought several wars. Sharaa’s government began US-mediated talks with Israel in 2025. Syria
Sisi says Egypt has no ‘territorial ambitions’ after Israel’s Smotrich threatens Sinai The Egyptian president’s remarks follow a warning from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that Israel would seize the Sinai Peninsula if Egypt attacks. Egypt
Exclusive Rights, faith groups urge Congress to block $2.8B bomb sale to Israel By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
US destroyer shoots down cruise missiles by Iran-backed Houthis Iran-backed factions appeared to break several months of detente with US forces in the Middle East this week by launching drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea, Iraq and Syria amid Israel's war in Gaza, throwing the Pentagon's deterrence efforts into question. Syria
US issues 'worldwide' alert for citizens amid Israel-Hamas war The US Embassy in Beirut also urged Americans wishing to depart Lebanon to make plans "as soon as possible." Lebanon
Gaza in 'unprecedented catastrophe': over 3,700 deaths, 1,524 are children Aid trucks are expected to start entering Gaza through the Rafah crossing after an agreement by the US and Egyptian presidents. Palestine
In Israel visit, Biden balances US support with calls for restraint in Gaza President Joe Biden treaded carefully during a historic visit to Israel amid growing Arab backlash and mounting civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip. Israel
US troops shoot down third drone over Iraq as Biden visits Israel Coalition personnel suffered minor injuries after a thwarted drone attack on the Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq's Anbar province, as Iran-backed factions continue threats to attack US forces over Washington's support for Israel's war in Gaza. Iraq
US intelligence suggests Israel did not bomb Gaza hospital: sources Pentagon officials say independent US intelligence casts doubt on allegations the IDF bombed the al-Ahli hospital in northern Gaza, but cautioned that not all information is in yet. Israel
Pro-Gaza protests in Turkey target Israeli consulate, McDonald's As the bombing of a Gaza hospital sparked protests across Turkey, Israel has raised its travel warning to Turkey to the highest level. Turkey
Lebanon, Hezbollah hold 'day of rage' as US Embassy ups travel alert Several pro-Palestinian rallies took place across the country, with demonstrators heeding Hezbollah’s call for a "day of rage." Lebanon
In Israel, Biden says hospital blast appears done by 'other team' Upon his arrival in Israel, US President Biden said that the blast at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza appears to have been committed by the Palestinians, without naming Hamas or Islamic Jihad. Israel
US unveils sanctions against Hamas members, financial network The 10 targets included a longtime Hamas operative based in Qatar who the Treasury Department said has close ties to Iran. Iran
Hezbollah calls for 'day of anger' as Biden heads to Israel, Gaza war rages Cross-border fire has been ongoing between Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement and Israel in southern Lebanon since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel last weekend. Lebanon
