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
Geneva II: A Chance to End Syria’s Tragedy There is hope that the Geneva II conference can help stem Syria's bloodshed. Lebanon
Conditions for Takeoff for Geneva II Russia and the United States must reach an understanding to set Geneva II up for success. Lebanon
Lebanon Headed Toward Crisis, Full-Blown Sectarian Violence Lebanon’s government crisis as well as repercussions of the war in neighboring Syria are threatening to drag the country into a crisis of major proportions. Lebanon
Hezbollah Keen on Hamas Alliance Despite Criticism Hezbollah seeks to repair ties with Hamas which have been strained over Syria. Palestine
Hezbollah Faces Backlash In Lebanon Opponents of Hezbollah in Lebanon are becoming increasingly vocal in their grievances against the party following its involvement in the Qusair battle. Lebanon
Rethinking Hezbollah's Role in Syria Lebanese leaders consider the consequences of Hezbollah's intervention in Syria, including the potential for chaos in Arsal and the Bekaa. Lebanon
Hezbollah’s Youth Strategy Since its founding, Hezbollah has witnessed significant changes in its political and military structure, culminating in a new, educated generation willing to fight for the party’s cause. Lebanon
No Improvement in Sight For Hamas, Hezbollah Ties Hamas and Hezbollah are continuing on divergent paths concerning Syria, and the relationship will remain strained for the foreseeable future. Palestine
Iraq, Kuwait Chart a New Path Settling the borders issue as a sine qua non condition for normalization between Kuwait and Iraq. Kuwait
Lebanon’s Political Crisis Set to Worsen With Lebanon’s Constitutional Council set to end this week, and as parliament has extended its own mandate, some fear the country’s political crisis is about to get worse. Lebanon
Hamas, Hezbollah Reportedly Seek To Cool Tensions Hamas sought an urgent meeting with Hezbollah to ease tensions after accusations that Palestinians affiliated with Hamas had fought alongside Syrian rebels in Qusair. Palestine
Exclusive: I Saw Nasrallah in Qusair The Hezbollah secretary-general’s mysterious visit to Qusair may not have been his first. Lebanon
