Analysis How Israel opposition infighting is boosting Netanyahu days before election Discord within the opposition, including its reluctance to name a single candidate for prime minister ahead of the Oct. 27 election, is working in Netanyahu’s favor. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
In first, Israel’s Netanyahu says he held call with Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa It is the first publicly disclosed contact between the leaders of Israel and Syria, which lack formal relations and have fought several wars. Sharaa’s government began US-mediated talks with Israel in 2025. Syria
Sisi says Egypt has no ‘territorial ambitions’ after Israel’s Smotrich threatens Sinai The Egyptian president’s remarks follow a warning from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that Israel would seize the Sinai Peninsula if Egypt attacks. Egypt
Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar sues Netanyahu for nearly $1M over Oct. 7 claims Bar is suing for 3 million shekels ($970,000) over a Sept. 28 post on X in which Netanyahu blamed the former Shin Bet chief for Oct. 7 intelligence failures and accused him of withholding warnings. Israel
Exclusive Rights, faith groups urge Congress to block $2.8B bomb sale to Israel By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Abbas makes full-court press in Saudi Arabia for Palestinian recognition As momentum for negotiations with Israel over a two-state solution stalls, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is doubling down on efforts to get European leaders to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Nearly 300 arrested as NYPD clears Gaza protest from Columbia University The New York City university has seen months of pro-Palestinian protests, inspiring similar demonstrations across the country and leading to clashes with police. By Adam Lucente , Shayeza Walid
Pentagon chief says US concerned over Israel's 'lack of execution' on Rafah evacuation plan Hours after Netanyahu said Israel would launch an invasion of Rafah "with or without" a cease-fire deal, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin sought to pump the brakes, telling House lawmakers that Israel has not fulfilled necessary steps to provide Rafah's civilians with a safe haven ahead of the expected incursion. Israel
Iran's hold on Syria strong despite 'withdrawals' after Israeli attacks While Tehran has been withdrawing some military commanders from Syria in response to Israeli targeting, reports of a large-scale drawdown in Iranian forces in the country are exaggerated, analysts say. Syria
In Turkey, Istanbul mayor faces backlash after calling Hamas a ‘terrorist organization’ Turkey's president is notably staying mum over the comments made by Istanbul’s popular mayor. Turkey
Pressure builds for Gaza cease-fire as Israel readies to invade Rafah As US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pushed for a cease-fire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to launch a Rafah incursion "with or without a deal.” Jordan
With clock ticking in Cairo, Netanyahu ups threats, cancels war cabinet meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to enter Rafah regardless of the outcome of the current negotiations with Hamas. Israel
ICJ rejects Nicaragua's request for action against Germany over support for Israel Nicaragua filed its case against Germany last month over alleged violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention. Israel
Saudi Arabia 'very, very close' to US security pact tied to Palestinian state In separate comments on Monday, the Saudi and US top diplomats said bilateral agreements on security and defense cooperation — which Riyadh is seeking if it agrees to normalize ties with Israel — were imminent. Saudi Arabia
Gaza protests spread to over 25 US universities with hundreds arrested The Gaza solidarity encampment at Columbia University has sparked similar protests throughout the country. Palestine
As pressure mounts, US delays plan to withhold aid from Israeli military unit The State Department's plan to block a notoriously violent Israeli military unit from receiving US security assistance could help address what some say is a failure to hold Israel to the same standards as other US arms recipients. Israel
As Egypt steps in, will Israel pursue hostage deal or Rafah operation? As Qatar steps back and Egypt leads diplomacy on a cease-fire deal, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is closer to the moment of truth and decision between an agreement or a Rafah operation. Israel
