Analysis Pilot zones at center of Israel-Lebanon talks as Trump pressures Netanyahu With the fifth round of talks set to begin Tuesday, Israel is prepared to withdraw from at least one “pilot zone,” allowing the Lebanese army to take control of the area. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis As US reshapes Lebanon strategy, Israel finds itself sidelined The deal advanced between Washington and Tehran sees a linkage between the Iranian and Lebanese theaters and creates a deconfliction mechanism — without consulting Israel beforehand. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US, Iran to form 'deconflicting cell' on Lebanon, sidelining Lebanese state The agreement came during talks between Iran and the United States following a preliminary deal reached last week to end the war across the Middle East, including in Lebanon. Lebanon
Syria’s Sharaa says he had ‘multiple discussions’ with Trump on Lebanon, favors dialogue Syrian President Sharaa has again played down Donald Trump’s request that Syria could enter Lebanon and help disarm Hezbollah. Syria
Analysis How Netanyahu used Lebanon strikes to push back on Trump’s Iran deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Why Trump’s push for Syria to confront Hezbollah is an unlikely bid By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran says Vienna talks on ‘good path’ Iranian media and officials have expressed optimism over the latest round of nuclear talks. By Al-Monitor Staff
Middle East sees most hostage-taking of journalists in 2021, report says Reporters Without Borders said of the 65 journalists held by nonstate actors worldwide, nearly all were abducted in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. News Brief
The Takeaway: Did Israeli PM help break deadlock over US weapons sale to UAE? Also: The Gulf and climate; Syrian refugees return from Belarus; Israel expands Golan settlements; Egypt wants assurances on gas pipeline; China-Ethiopia ties unsettle Egypt; Iran threatens sanctions on US; Building Sharjah … all in less than 1,200 words! By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Israel’s Bennett strives to increase Jewish population in Golan Heights Trying to appeal to his right-wing electoral base, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett advances plans for increased Jewish settlement in the Golan Heights. Israel
Iran says window for talks not 'open forever' as Vienna dialogue resumes Iran insists that it wants the original terms of the nuclear deal fully implemented. Iran
European powers blast Iran's 'troubling' nuclear violations The United Kingdom, France and Germany urged Iran to return to the negotiating table following reports the country has accelerated its nuclear program. Iran
Afghan chaos further incentive for India’s efforts to strengthen ties with Iran The recent rise of the Taliban in Kabul has expedited New Delhi's efforts to boost ties with Iran, which is positioned to be India's main corridor to Afghanistan, yet major challenges remain. Iran
The Takeaway: Biden-Abdullah White House summit key to Israel-Jordan reset Jordan-Israel ties had hit rock bottom under Netanyahu; Also: Will Zarif pick up Raisi’s road map on the Iran deal?; Israel prepares Raisi file; Egypt, Ethiopia compete for power partnerships; Saudi-Ethiopian ties strained by Nile dam dispute; Russia’s vaccine diplomacy stumbles; the latest Pharaonic parade. Israel
Netanyahu reportedly urged Trump to attack Iran The New Yorker has revealed former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's role in former US President Donald Trump's push to strike Iran during his final days in office. Iran
Israel, Jordan try to rebuild ties, trust after Netanyahu Relations between Jordan and Israel deteriorated dramatically under outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and rebuilding them won't be easy. Jordan
US government seizes news sites linked to Iran The US government seized several websites affiliated with Iran and its allies, including Press TV. Iran
Iran's new president rules out meeting with Biden President-elect Ebrahim Raisi suggested he would continue President Hassan Rouhani’s foreign policies. Iran
