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Israel

May 20, 2026

Tel Aviv 12:34 pm

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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

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces that Australia will recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel during a speech at the Australian Institute on December 15, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. The Australian government will recognize West Jerusalem as the capital and East Jerusalem as the Capital as Palestine after a settlement has been reached on a two-state solution but will not move the Australian Embassy from Tel Aviv until that time. (Photo by Mick Tsikas

Australia’s Jerusalem statement benefits no one

Angering Palestinians and dissatisfying Israelis, the Australian declaration recognizing West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel contributes little to advancing peace.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 26, 2018. REUTERS/Carlos Barria - RC1935359D70

Netanyahu tries postponing publication of Trump’s peace plan

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows that if President Donald Trump presents his regional peace plan before elections in Israel, he will have a hard time winning.

The national flags of Australia and Israel are seen outside the building housing the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel October 16, 2018 REUTERS/Amir Cohen - RC1C0F4C5BF0

How Palestinians are working to stop Australia embassy move

Palestinians are deploying efforts to prevent Australia from following in the steps of US President Donald Trump in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

What triggered Hamas' attacks on the West Bank?

Hamas has claimed responsibility for recent deadly attacks on the West Bank, raising tensions and expectations of more to come.

Netanyahu's own ministers dare him to fire them

Nine of the Israeli prime minister's cabinet members took part in a demonstration this week against the government’s policy, knowing full well that Benjamin Netanyahu cannot afford to unseat them.

A Palestinian gestures as smoke rises during clashes with Israeli troops near the Jewish settlement of Beit El, near Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank December 13, 2018. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman - RC160B728C10

Netanyahu’s government increases tensions in West Bank

Instead of trying to calm tensions, the Netanyahu government advances bills encouraging the settlement enterprise and deepening the occupation.

Hezbollah's tunnels distract Israel from real dangers

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's focus on Hezbollah and its tunnels in the north is enabling Iran and Hamas to increase their grip on Gaza and inch closer to the West Bank.

How Israel's right wing won battle against Haifa deputy mayor

A wide political and media frenzy was sparked by the appointment of Raja Zaatry as deputy mayor of Haifa, leading to his resignation.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas waves during a ceremony marking the 14th anniversary of the death of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank November 11, 2018. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman - RC1A3F5BBDB0

Fatah shows rare support for Hamas

The Palestinian presidency worked hard to ensure a US-drafted resolution against Hamas failed at the United Nations, which has raised modest hopes of bringing Hamas and Fatah closer together.

Israeli security forces and emergency personnel work at the scene of what an initial report from the Israeli army said was a shooting attack, near the Israeli settlement of Ofra, in the occupied West Bank December 9, 2018. REUTERS/Ammar Awad - RC15E50E3400

Netanyahu threatens to withdraw from Hamas arrangement

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is paying the price for not demanding the arrangement with Hamas include a comprehensive cease-fire that includes the West Bank.

Hamas goes on offense in West Bank

Palestinian protests continue in Ramallah over Israeli incursions.

A Palestinian moves a burning tire during clashes with Israeli troops near the Jewish settlement of Beit El, near Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank December 13, 2018. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman - RC110351F370

Violence escalates amid Israeli raid of Ramallah

Israeli incursions into Ramallah, along with the absence of a political horizon for Palestinians, portend a continuation of recent violence.