Israeli officials urge Trump to fill vacuum left by Iran

Sensing opportunity, Israeli strategists are asking the United States to redouble its engagement in the Middle East to capitalize on Hezbollah's collapse in Syria and Lebanon – and to end Iran's nuclear program once and for all.

Iran

Netanyahu taps confidant to lead Gaza negotiations, replacing Mossad chief: What we know

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu removed Mossad chief David Barnea and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar from the negotiating team, replacing them with loyalist Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who is seen as having a direct line to the White House.

Israel

Analysis

Can Netanyahu rebuff Trump's envoy on Gaza talks as second phase looms?

US special envoy to the region Steve Witkoff is pushing the Netanyahu government to enter talks on the second phase of the deal, which should see the release of the rest of the hostages and the withdrawal of the Israeli military from the Gaza Strip.

By Ben Caspit

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

Ahead of Mideast tour, Rubio says 'now’s the time' for Arab alternatives to Trump's Gaza plan

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip remains on shaky ground and the US plan for the territory's reconstruction alarms Arab leaders.

United States

Exclusive

Trump, Netanyahu have 'full understanding' on Iran as Israel mulls strikes on nuclear sites

A senior Israeli diplomatic source confirmed to Al-Monitor, on condition of anonymity, that Israel and the United States have reached a “full understanding” on the Iranian issue. This includes agreed steps if Iran rejects a stricter nuclear deal than the 2015 accord abandoned by Trump in 2018.

By Ben Caspit

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

After raid, Israel puts Jerusalem bookshop owners under house arrest: What to know

Israeli police raided the Educational Bookshop on Sunday and arrested its owners on charges of “disturbing public order,” a move met with outcry by diplomats.

Israel

Israel says Gaza war to resume if hostages aren't released Saturday

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was backing the ultimatum of President Donald Trump for the release of hostages by Saturday afternoon, but he did not specify if he expects all remaining hostages to be released that day.

Israel

Analysis

Can Hamas defy Trump's ultimatum as Gaza ceasefire teeters?

Israel is considering introducing a transitional phase to salvage the deal and ensure the continued release of hostages. However, for this to proceed, Hamas must adhere to the agreed-upon terms by Saturday.

By Ben Caspit

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

As Trump doubles down on Gaza plan, 69% of Israelis support idea despite concern

Three surveys show that Israelis support President Donald Trump's proposal to transfer Gazans to other countries and for the United States to take over the Strip, but are skeptical that such a plan could be implemented.

Israel

Interview

Amid Israel's rightward shift, left struggles for relevance

In a special interview with Al-Monitor, Yair Golan, leader of center-left party the Democrats, insists that the Palestinian Authority must play a pivotal role in the future administration of Gaza.

Yair Golan

Chair of the Democrats Party

Trump administration notifies Congress of $7.4 billion in arms sales to Israel

The latest weapons package comes after Trump informed Netanyahu the United States would "take over" the Gaza Strip and develop it into the "Riviera of the Middle East."

United States

Hamas names 3 Israeli hostages to be released as ceasefire deal faces complications

After a brief delay, Hamas communicated to Israel the names of the three hostages set to be released on Saturday.

Israel