Trump's Gaza diplomacy takes back seat to Iran, Ukraine in first 100 days

Gaza is on the back burner as nuclear negotiations with Iran and talks to end the Ukraine war command the attention of President Trump and his Middle East envoy.

Palestine

Analysis

For Israel, al-Sheikh appointment as Palestinian VP signals continuity, pragmatism

The appointment of Hussein al-Sheikh as vice president of the Palestinian Authority is unlikely to bring dramatic changes to its policies on Israel.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Jerusalem wildfires rage for second day as environmental groups blame Netanyahu

According to Israeli environmental groups, the government has repeatedly ignored calls to prepare for the threat of fires and to take more decisive action on climate change goals.

Israel

Live Updates

Wildfire spreads around Jerusalem as Israel asks Italy, Greece for help

Several communities have already been evacuated over the fires blazing in the environs of Jerusalem and along Highway 1.

Israel

Israel intercepts weapons-laden drone from Egypt: What we know

The Israeli military said it intercepted a large drone carrying rifles and ammunition from Egypt.

Egypt

Analysis

'Out of loop': Israel increasingly fears being blindsided by a Trump-Iran deal

The Israeli prime minister had wanted to keep the military option on the table, but for now must grit his teeth and let US-Iranian negotiations run their course.

By Ben Caspit

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

Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey rank in top 20 global military spenders: What to know

Regional military spending saw a significant increase in 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, amid conflicts in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon, though it found that Europe drove the overall hike in global expenditures.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

Macron’s Palestine gamble: Can recognition plan jump-start peace talks?

French President Emmanuel Macron said he may recognize a Palestinian state in June when he will cohost a peace summit with Saudi Arabia, but has not committed to such a move.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

From Al-Azhar to Turkey: Middle East dignitaries gather for Pope Francis' funeral

Lebanon is sending President Joseph Aoun to Rome for the funeral, with Turkey, Iran and other states also dispatching officials.

Lebanon

Analysis

Israel doubts Syria breakthrough as Sharaa signals openness to Abraham Accords

Syria's new leader seems open to joining the Abraham Accords under 'certain conditions,' but Israelis remain skeptical about his true intentions and an emerging alliance with Turkey.

By Ben Caspit

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

Trump willing to meet Iran's Khamenei but 'will be leading' war pack if no deal

In an interview with Time Magazine, President Donald Trump says he believes a deal with Iran can be reached via negotiations while expressing readiness for war in the event that it doesn't.

United States

Analysis

Why Syria’s Sharaa is hinting at Israel ties 

Congressman Marlin Stutzman, who recently met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, said the Syrian leader told him he would “absolutely” be open to normalization with Israel if conditions are met.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights