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Israel

May 20, 2026

Tel Aviv 9:34 am

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NICOSIA, CYPRUS - APRIL 24: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrives for an informal meeting of European Union leaders on April 24, 2026 in Nicosia, Cyprus. The EU heads of state and government are meeting over two days to discuss the conflict in Iran and the Middle East, including freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the effects of high fuel prices, and how Europe may contribute to de-escalation and a peace agreement. (Photo by Byron Smith/Getty Images)

Syria's Sharaa renews ban on Israeli imports in customs law: What to know

The renewal comes even as Damascus pursues US-backed security talks with Israel aimed at reducing tensions along the border.

Somaliland’s first ambassador to a foreign country formally, Mohamed Hagi, presented his diplomatic credentials in Jerusalem to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, on May 18, 2026.

Somaliland's first ambassador to Israel announces embassy in Jerusalem: What to know

Israel was the first country to recognize the breakaway region on the Horn of Africa last year.

A bride and group couple rides in a military jeep arriving for a public mass wedding ceremony at Imam Hossein Square in Tehran on May 18, 2026. Iran said on May 18 that it had responded to a new US proposal aimed at ending the war, adding that diplomatic exchanges continue despite Iranian media reports describing Washington's demands as excessive. Washington and Tehran have been swapping proposals in an effort to end the conflict which the US and Israel launched on February 28, but they have held only a sin

Analysis

Israel pushes for full Iran blockade as it awaits Trump's next move

Israel’s preferred strategy, sources told Al-Monitor, calls for a comprehensive naval, economic, land and air blockade of Iran, alongside tighter sanctions and covert activity aimed at destabilizing the regime.

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

Men gather around the husk of a destroyed pickup truck that was driven by a local shepherd who was reportedly struck by Israeli forces and buried by locals at a grave nearby, in the Najaf desert in southwestern Iraq, on May 12, 2026.

What we know about secret Israeli bases in Iraq

Iraqi authorities have said there are no longer any hostile forces operating in its territory.

Latest News

Lebanon-Israel ceasefire extended 45 days as US opens security talks

talks

Analysis

‘A reckless act’: Netanyahu sparks UAE fury by claiming secret visit

US President Donald Trump talks to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as he departs the Al Bateen Executive Airport on May 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

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

Israel's Netanyahu suing New York Times over column on Palestinian rape

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

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

Outrage as fight over Israel’s nationality law reaches UN

Israel’s political right has accused Arab Knesset members of treason over their petition to the UN against the new nationality law many consider discriminatory.

Mobile Palestinian police unit begins work in Area C

Palestinian police in the West Bank launched their first mobile police station in Hebron, which is under Israeli control, to help locals submit complaints.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting at United Nations (U.N.) headquarters in New York City, New York, U.S., August 23, 2018. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson - RC177F80FC00

Palestinian aid critics wary of Trump cuts

The Donald Trump administration’s sweeping cuts are sparking concern even among Israel advocates.

Why dismantling the PA could advance two-state solution

Over the years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu succeeded in turning the interim agreement with the Palestinians into a permanent one, thus distancing talks toward the two-state solution.

Jordanian military supports pilgrimage to Christian holy places

The Jordanian army sent Christian military officers to Christian sites in Palestine and Jerusalem in a symbolic move that reflects the kingdom’s aim to promote pluralism and equality between its citizens.

Israelis, Palestinians keep dream of peace alive

The Israeli peace camp and many Palestinians are united in mourning for legendary peace activist and politician Uri Avnery.

A Palestinian firefighter douses a burning car during an earthquake drill organised by the civil defence forces in the West Bank city of Jenin on February 16, 2012. AFP PHOTO/SAIF DAHLAH (Photo credit should read SAIF DAHLAH/AFP/Getty Images)

Israeli and Palestinian civil defense teams join hands to save lives

The Israeli and Palestinian civil defense agencies have more regularly been conducting joint first-responder exercises for handling traffic accidents after a horrendous collision on the West Bank last October, and they also cooperate in exercises to develop regional responses to natural disasters.

Three Arabs beaten nearly to death as nationalism sweeps Israel

Shocking violence against three Arab Israelis is just the latest disastrous consequence of the right's hateful policies.

Bags containing aid from the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) are seen ahead of their transfer to the Gaza Strip, inside the Kerem Shalom border crossing terminal between Israel and Gaza Strip, Israel August 15, 2018. REUTERS/Amir Cohen - RC12571A1CB0

Israel, US seek to redefine Palestinian refugees

Israeli diplomats claim that the UNRWA’s mandate must be revised so that the issue of Palestinian refugees will include only the generation that really lost its home.

A general view shows the Israeli Arab city of Umm al-Fahm August 16, 2016. Picture taken August 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ammar Awad - S1BETXLWGCAA

Will Israel's defense minister hand over Arab town to PA?

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman is campaigning again for the transfer of the Israeli Arab city of Umm al-Fahm to the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority.

A protester holds a Palestinian flag as he poses for a photograph at the scene of clashes with Israeli troops near the border with Israel, east of Gaza City, January 19, 2018. "The battle between us and the Israeli occupation has been ongoing for decades. We will continue to protest and resist as long as there is one Israeli occupier on our land. Trump and anyone else in this world will not be able to control our anger," he said. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem SEARCH "PROTESTER PALESTINIAN" FOR THIS STORY. S

Is Trump's peace plan stillborn?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are united in an unlikely coalition already opposed to the soon-to-be unveiled US peace plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

What Israel wants from Qatar

By signing an arrangement with Hamas, and meeting Qataris, Israel opens the door for Qatari and Iranian influence in the Gaza Strip, and even in the West Bank.