Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election Ahead of the eighth round of talks in Rome, the Israeli military reported clearing Hezbollah's underground stronghold at Ali al-Taher after besieging the ridge for months. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Why Ali al-Taher ridge is emerging as Israel-Hezbollah flashpoint Israel has intensified its strikes and ground operations around the strategic hill in a bid to force Hezbollah out. Lebanon
Israel to release 5 Lebanese prisoners ahead of next talks: What to know Israel said the detainees are "civilians who are not members of a terrorist organization" and "were not involved in terrorism," concluding, "There is no reason to continue holding them in Israel." Israel
Israel, Greece sign $3.5 billion air-defense deal: What to know Against the backdrop of growing tensions with Turkey, Israel signed one of its largest-ever defense industry deals to supply Greece with advanced air defense systems. Israel
Analysis UAE gauges new Lebanon deals amid Levant economic stabilization push By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Israel, West Bank Quiet For Now Amid Region in Flames Israel is surrounding itself with more fences and tightening security measures in anticipation of more violence on its borders as regional unrest continues. Palestine
Blast in Beirut Sparks Fears Of 'Iraqization' of Lebanon For the second time in just over a month, a major bomb attack has hit Hezbollah's stronghold in Beirut's southern suburbs. Lebanon
Egypt Deaths Call for Action The resignation of Egypt’s Vice President Mohamed ElBaradei is a clear indictment of the military's actions. Egypt
Syria’s Economic Crisis Magnifies Human Tragedy Often eclipsed by the Syrian conflict’s exorbitant human cost, the embattled country’s economy has plummeted over the past three years under stringent international sanctions. Lebanon
Syrian Opposition Condemns Jihadists Targeting Alawites Syria's internal opposition has condemned attacks on Alawite civilians in Latakia. Lebanon
Israeli Settlement Authorization Is Pre-Emptive Strike Israeli is striking a blow against the peace process by authorizing further settlement expansion. Palestine
Has Al-Qaeda Infiltrated Lebanon? Amid regional chaos, some fear that al-Qaeda may have spread to Lebanon in the form of sleeper cells. Lebanon
Rouhani, Suleiman: Vanguards Of Moderation in Middle East Like his counterpart in Beirut, Tehran’s new President Hassan Rouhani embraces just the kind of moderation the region may need at this tumultuous time. Lebanon
Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process Faces Enormous Challenges As long as the US is not playing a forceful role, there will be numerous difficulties that could prevent the Palestinian-Israeli negotiation process from successfully moving forward. Palestine
Iran's Ties to Hezbollah Unchanged Although there are expectations of a more moderate approach to foreign affairs under Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Iran's relations with Hezbollah will remain the same. Palestine
Turkish Pilots Abducted At Gunpoint in Beirut Two Turkish Airlines pilots were kidnapped in Beirut early Friday, Aug. 9, to put pressure on the Turkish government to help release nine Shiite Lebanese hostages in Syria since May 2012. Lebanon
Israel Prepares for Next War With Hezbollah The Israel Defense Forces is watching with concern as Hezbollah improves its military capabilities in Syria. Israel
