Analysis

Despite hopes of Trump's envoy, Lebanon-Israel normalization deemed unrealistic

US special envoy Steve Witkoff's recent statements on Lebanon potentially normalizing ties with Israel suggest, experts say, the Trump administration may be misreading the country's regional and domestic dynamics.

By Dario Sabaghi

Analysis

Wary of Turkey and Iran, Israel tightens ties with Russia: What to know

Regional shifts, especially involving Iran, Syria and Turkey, are forcing Israel to reevaluate its complicated relations with Russia.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Israeli army escorts ultra-Orthodox Jews to religious site in south Lebanon: What to know

The Israeli military allowed hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Israeli civilians into southern Lebanon to visit a religious site, meeting condemnation from Lebanon's army.

Lebanon

Analysis

Secret US-Hamas talks shock Israel but will Netanyahu dare challenge Trump?

Israeli officials would have gladly done without the "help," but are staying out of Trump's way, seeing "no stability, no certainty, no way to predict anything."

By Ben Caspit

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

Turkey accuses Israel of destabilizing region by driving wedge in Syria

Israel’s actions toward Syria's new interim regime risk fomenting further instability in the region, a Turkish official told Al-Monitor. 

Turkey

Israel’s Smotrich gets warm embrace in Washington, first visit under Trump

Israeli ultranationalist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, marking his first high-level meeting with a US official after having been shunned by the Biden administration.

Israel

Analysis

As it courts Syria's Druze, will Israel counter Turkey or get cold shoulder?

Concerned over the growing influence of Turkey in Syria, Israel seeks ways to increase its own influence there, including renewing its partnership with the Druze.

By Ben Caspit

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

France says Israel-Lebanon deconfliction holding — but for how long?

The mechanism charged with controlling the implementation of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah proves efficient, say French senior officials.

Lebanon

Culture

Palestinian-Israeli documentary, Iranian film win at Oscars: What to know

Two films from the Middle East won Oscars at Sunday's Academy Awards, highlighting the growing reputation of the region's film industry at a time of ongoing tensions and crises.

Palestine

Analysis

With Trump losing interest, Israel likely to buy time, extend phase one of deal

As US envoy Steve Witkoff shifts focus to Russia and Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas deal faces mounting hurdles ahead of phase 2 this Saturday, making it more likely to extend current status-quo.

By Ben Caspit

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

Gaza’s fragile calm teeters as Israel balks at full pullout

Israel and Hamas face a Saturday deadline to implement the next phase of the ceasefire, which includes the full withdrawal of Israeli troops and the release of the remaining hostages.

Israel

Analysis

Could Israel's West Bank operation lead to annexation long sought by right?

The Israeli military is currently operating in West Bank Area A, which under the Oslo Accords should be administered fully by the Palestinian Authority.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs