Israel - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Israel cover image

Israel

May 20, 2026

Tel Aviv 4:51 am

19°C

NICOSIA, CYPRUS - APRIL 24: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrives for an informal meeting of European Union leaders on April 24, 2026 in Nicosia, Cyprus. The EU heads of state and government are meeting over two days to discuss the conflict in Iran and the Middle East, including freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the effects of high fuel prices, and how Europe may contribute to de-escalation and a peace agreement. (Photo by Byron Smith/Getty Images)

Syria's Sharaa renews ban on Israeli imports in customs law: What to know

The renewal comes even as Damascus pursues US-backed security talks with Israel aimed at reducing tensions along the border.

Somaliland’s first ambassador to a foreign country formally, Mohamed Hagi, presented his diplomatic credentials in Jerusalem to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, on May 18, 2026.

Somaliland's first ambassador to Israel announces embassy in Jerusalem: What to know

Israel was the first country to recognize the breakaway region on the Horn of Africa last year.

A bride and group couple rides in a military jeep arriving for a public mass wedding ceremony at Imam Hossein Square in Tehran on May 18, 2026. Iran said on May 18 that it had responded to a new US proposal aimed at ending the war, adding that diplomatic exchanges continue despite Iranian media reports describing Washington's demands as excessive. Washington and Tehran have been swapping proposals in an effort to end the conflict which the US and Israel launched on February 28, but they have held only a sin

Analysis

Israel pushes for full Iran blockade as it awaits Trump's next move

Israel’s preferred strategy, sources told Al-Monitor, calls for a comprehensive naval, economic, land and air blockade of Iran, alongside tighter sanctions and covert activity aimed at destabilizing the regime.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Men gather around the husk of a destroyed pickup truck that was driven by a local shepherd who was reportedly struck by Israeli forces and buried by locals at a grave nearby, in the Najaf desert in southwestern Iraq, on May 12, 2026.

What we know about secret Israeli bases in Iraq

Iraqi authorities have said there are no longer any hostile forces operating in its territory.

Latest News

Lebanon-Israel ceasefire extended 45 days as US opens security talks

talks

Analysis

‘A reckless act’: Netanyahu sparks UAE fury by claiming secret visit

US President Donald Trump talks to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as he departs the Al Bateen Executive Airport on May 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Israel's Netanyahu suing New York Times over column on Palestinian rape

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Jack Dutton

Chief Business Correspondent

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Rina Bassist

Associate Editor (Israel)

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

OFER CAMP, -: Palestinians Mohammed Hassan Arman (R) and Walid Anjaf sit in the Ofer army base military court in the West Bank, north of Jerusalem, 30 November 2003 before being sentenced to 36 consecutive life sentences for masterminding suicide bombings at Jerusalem's Hebrew university, the Moment cafe and other attacks which left 36 Israelis dead. AFP PHOTO/Brian HENDLER (Photo credit should read BRIAN HENDLER/AFP/Getty Images)

Hamas prisoners vote inside Israeli jails

Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan announced a series of harsh restrictions on Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. This could be a dangerous maneuver for Israel.

Will Israel allow Palestinian elections in East Jerusalem?

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called for legislative elections within six months, but the ability of East Jerusalemites being able to participate is uncertain, as usual.

Israel erects underground, underwater barriers to thwart Hamas attacks

Israel’s sea and land barriers were built to stave off Hamas attacks and prevent tunnels from being dug.

Veteran Likud member must raise integrity banner against Netanyahu’s rule

Knesset member Benny Begin has long been the emblem of political honesty and integrity; now he must raise his voice against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's continued rule while suspected of corruption.

Israeli right likely to maintain support for Netanyahu if indicted

The Likud and the right-wing bloc is positioned to win the Israeli elections, and most of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition partners will agree to join him again even if he is indicted.

New Right more reality show than party

After splitting from HaBayit HaYehudi for personal political reasons, Ministers Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked are struggling to define a distinct agenda for their new political platform.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan speak during a meeting in Jerusalem October 24, 2018. Ariel Schalit/Pool via REUTERS *** Local Caption *** - RC12DD91F3B0

Does China endanger Israel’s security?

Israeli security experts warn that growing Chinese involvement in infrastructure projects could endanger the country’s security.

Ayman Odeh (3rd R), head of the Joint Arab List, reacts with members of the party after exit poll results in Nazareth March 17, 2015. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu closed a gap with center-left rival Isaac Herzog in a hard-fought Israeli election on Tuesday, exit polls showed, leaving both men with a chance to rule but Netanyahu with the clearer path to forming a coalition. But Herzog also could prevail, should Kulanu and a bloc of Arab Israelis - which the polls predicted would be Israel's third larges

Can Israel's Arab parties survive Joint List split?

The decision by Knesset member Ahmad Tibi to leave the Joint List has shaken up an alliance already ruptured by ideology and personal interests.

Pro-settler rabbis ignore Jewish values, democracy

A group of rabbis supports settler youths suspected in causing the death of a Palestinian woman, instead of condemning their act and defending human rights and democracy.

Hamas, PA suspicious of Israel's new webcast

Israel wants to win the hearts and minds of Palestinians through internet radio, something that isn't being well received by West Bank and Gaza Strip leaders.

Visibly shaken Netanyahu blows live TV address

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's overhyped TV address failed to impress a million viewers and betrayed his fear of being indicted before the April elections.

Can Qatar help Hamas without embarrassing Netanyahu?

The Qatari emissary asked the Hamas leadership to give him and Israel time to come up with creative ways to transfer the Gaza aid money without causing public opinion in Israel to explode.