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Israel

October 2, 2026

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Rights, faith groups urge Congress to block $2.8B bomb sale to Israel

If the Trump administration moves forward with the transfer, dozens of groups are urging lawmakers to seek a joint resolution of disapproval.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

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West Bank settlers attack Israeli activists as Netanyahu claims 'hoax'

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attention surrounding settler violence was a “tremendous hoax.”

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Israel-UAE flights disrupted as airlines plan rescue flights: What to know

Israeli carriers are preparing repatriation flights from Dubai starting on Friday, subject to security approval.

United Arab Emirates

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FlyDubai incident recalls decades of Middle East airline hijackings: What to know

In 1968, the PFLP hijacked an El Al flight from Rome to Tel Aviv, marking the first political hijacking of an aircraft tied to the Middle East.

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FlyDubai incident spotlights key global link for Israeli travelers

Israelis pick up their luggage upon arrival from Tel Aviv to the Dubai airport in the United Arab Emirates, on Nov. 26, 2020, on the first scheduled commercial flight operated by budget airline flydubai.

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FlyDubai flight lands in Tel Aviv after distress alert, Saudi diversion

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Inside Netanyahu’s relentless push for meeting with UAE’s MBZ

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after speaking during the 81st United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on Sept. 24, 2026.

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

Ex-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar to sue Netanyahu over Oct. 7 accusations: What to know

Ronen Bar, former chief of Israel's domestic Shin Bet security agency

Samuel Wendel

Senior Analyst, Middle East Business & Tech

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

A relative hangs a banner depicting Palestinian prisoner Moses Qar'an outside his house, in the West Bank city of Ramallah October 28, 2013. Israel is to release 26 Palestinian prisoners in the second stage of a deal brokered by the U.S. in July that brought about the resumption of peace talks. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman (WEST BANK - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS) - RTX14R4A

Israel's Release of Palestinian Prisoners: Deja Vu All Over Again

The release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel seems to be settling into a routine; two more releases are to take place after this one.

A Palestinian woman gestures during a protest demanding the release of all Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, in Gaza City October 28, 2013. Israel is to release 26 Palestinian prisoners in the second stage of a deal brokered by the U.S. in July that brought about the resumption of peace talks. REUTERS/Suhaib Salem (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST CONFLICT) - RTX14R47

Who’s Afraid of Palestine?

A series of studies claims that the establishment of a Palestinian state would benefit regional stability and boost economic growth in tourism, communications and agriculture.

A Palestinian girl looks at a picture of a jailed relative during a protest demanding the release of all Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, in Gaza City October 28, 2013. Israel is to release 26 Palestinian prisoners in the second stage of a deal brokered by the U.S. in July that brought about the resumption of peace talks. The words on top of the poster read, "We will not forget you". REUTERS/Suhaib Salem (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST CONFLICT TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTX14R3N

PA Minister Says Prisoner Release 'Only Way' Forward

Palestinian Authority Minister for Prisoners' Affairs Issa Karake believes that Israel's recently announced prisoner release will create trust between the negotiating parties.

Israel's President Shimon Peres (R) meets head of the Bayit Yehudi party Naftali Bennett at Peres' residence in Jerusalem January 31, 2013. Peres began talks with political parties on Wednesday over who should form a new government and appears certain to ask incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to assemble it. REUTERS/Sebastian Scheiner/Pool (JERUSALEM - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) - RTR3D6TK

Bennett Spins Again On Palestinian Prisoner Release

HaBaYit HaYehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett has criticized the prisoner release, but is not going so far as to jeopardize his seat as Israel’s Economy and Trade minister.

Shuafat refugee camp is seen behind a section of the controversial Israeli barrier in the West Bank near Jerusalem July 27, 2013. Israeli and Palestinian officials put forward clashing formats for peace talks due to resume in Washington on Monday for the first time in nearly three years after intense U.S. mediation. It is unclear how the United States hopes to bridge the core issues in the dispute, including borders, the future of Jewish settlements on the West Bank, the fate of Palestinian refugees and the

Peace Demands Palestinians Recognize Israel as 'Jewish State'

Former Israeli Cabinet secretary Zvi Hauser responds to Nabeel Kassis: Only recognition of Israel as the home of the Jewish nation, alongside a Palestinian state, can lead to a historic compromise.

U.N. envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi (R), is welcomed by Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari after arriving at Baghdad International Airport October 21, 2013. International envoy for Syria Brahimi was in Baghdad on Monday to discuss dates for peace talks aimed at ending the war in Syria. Brahimi said no date had yet been set for the long-delayed conference. International efforts to end the 2-1/2 year conflict that has killed more than 100,000 people have stuttered. But a deal last month for Syria to get r

Syria’s Race Against Time

UN-Arab League Joint Representative Lakhdar Brahimi presses for Geneva II, while Saudi women are on the road again.

Rassan Alian.jpg

Druze to Command IDF Infantry Brigade

The appointment of Col. Rassad Alian as the Golani Brigade's commander sharpens the contrast between the allegiance of the Druze to Israel, and the discrimination they suffer in terms of budgets and infrastructure.

Israeli Media DiscriminateAgainst Women in Politics

A report composed by women journalists reveals that the Israeli media relate to female politicians in a sexist manner, especially those of Middle Eastern or North African origin.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) and Greece's Prime Minister Antonis Samaras shake hands during a Government-To-Government (G2G) meeting in Jerusalem October 8, 2013. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun (JERUSALEM - Tags: POLITICS) - RTX143OX

Israel Looks Beyond the Region For Strategic Partners

Confronted by a gloomy strategic environment, Israel has found new foreign policy partners in Azerbaijan, Greece and India.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat waves as he campaigns for mayoral elections in Jerusalem October 22, 2013. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun (JERUSALEM - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) - RTX14JPP

Jerusalem Mayor's Re-Election Setback for Liberman

The victory of incumbent Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat in the municipal elections does not bode well for Knesset members Avigdor Liberman and Aryeh Deri, who placed their bets on his opponent.

A boy stands near an Israeli flag in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Ofra, north of Ramallah July 18, 2013. Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, which have ebbed and flowed for two decades, last broke down in late 2010, after a partial settlement halt meant to foster talks ended and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to extend it. Palestinians familiar with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' thinking speculated he might now forgo the demand for a settlement moratorium given

Why Palestinians Should Not Recognize Israel as Jewish State

A former Palestinian negotiator argues that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's insistence that Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state is an attempt to discourage agreement.

Former Palestinian presidential election candidate Mustafa Barghouti holds a young girl during a rally in Hebron. Former Palestinian presidential election candidate Mustafa Barghouti (L), who is secretary general of al-Mubadara Palestinian National committee, holds a young girl during a rally in the West Bank City of Hebron January 14, 2005. REUTERS/Nayef Hashlamoun - RTRKJ5J

Mustafa Barghouti Garners Support Among West Bank Youth

Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti offers an alternative to the veteran Fatah and Hamas movements, preaching against corruption and for democracy and transparency.