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 unveils sanctions on Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida The US Treasury Department also targeted Hamas members linked to the group’s cyber and drone operations in Lebanon and Gaza. Israel
US readies another veto as Palestinians seek elusive UN membership The United States is poised for another UN Security Council showdown as the Palestinians seek full UN membership for the second time. Israel
France, Canada, Australia warn citizens against travel to Israel, Lebanon, Iran Several countries are warning their citizens against travel to Israel, the Palestinian territories, Lebanon and Iran, amid fears that Tehran will strike Israel soon. Israel
Flurry of US calls to China, EU, Gulf as threat of Iranian attack on Israel looms The calls occurred as the region prepares for a possible response to the suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian Consulate in Syria that killed seven members of the IRGC. Iran
Palestinians in Gaza mark solemn Eid at destroyed mosques, in displacement Eid al-Fitr has been a somber holiday this year in the Gaza Strip, where the dead have left gaping holes in families. Palestine
Iran’s Khamenei says Israel ‘will be punished’ for Syria consulate bombing Khamenei's remarks come as the region awaits a response to the suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus. Iran
Three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Israeli strike Ismail Haniyeh confirmed his sons were killed in a strike in Gaza, and Israel later said its air force targeted the three men. Palestine
Syria to Sudan, Middle East celebrates bittersweet Eid in shadow of war Pro-Palestinian protests sweep across the region as Muslims mark the first day of religious holiday Eid al-Fitr. Palestine
US defense chief: 'We don't have any evidence' Israel is committing genocide in Gaza Lloyd Austin's statement came just weeks after the State Department said it had found no evidence of the Israeli military violating the law of war in Gaza, despite extensive allegations to the contrary by UN officials and international aid groups. Palestine
Iran naval chief calls Israeli presence in UAE 'threat,' seeks Islamic army coalition During the course of the Gaza war, Iran has been critical of some Islamic countries for their refusal to sever ties with Israel, and it's hoping that the war will shelve Arab-Israeli normalization plans. Iran
Analysis What Netanyahu's abrupt Gaza withdrawal means for Israel, Rafah op While negotiations continue for a hostage release and cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is busy currying favor with his far-right ministers, promising them a military operation in Rafah. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Saudi Arabia hosts Palestinian PM as Gaza cease-fire talks advance Mohammed Mustafa’s visit to Saudi Arabia comes after he stopped in Jordan and Egypt in the past days as mediators are pushing for a Gaza cease-fire. Palestine
