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Israel

May 21, 2026

Tel Aviv 3:55 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

Latest News

What we know about secret Israeli bases in Iraq

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.

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

Multibillion-dollar lawsuit in Israel against Arab Bank

Israeli casualties of terrorism sue the Jordan-based Arab Bank over its alleged assistance to terror groups.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks on after lighting a Hanukkah candle at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem's old city, December 22, 2019. Sebastian Scheiner/Pool via REUTERS - RC2I0E9GDB8Y

Intel: How Netanyahu plans to hold onto power despite bribery charges

Facing charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the Israeli parliament for immunity.

Netanyahu boasts about Israel’s situation, ignores security negligence

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boasts about Israel’s excellent economic and security situation, but the truth is that its urban spaces are exposed to attacks from the outside.

How Ramallah is resolving electricity crisis

The Ramallah-based government pledged to pay the Jerusalem District Electricity Company the monthly electricity bills on behalf of the refugees in 13 camps, in addition to their accumulated debt, in a step that would end the company's debt and increase hours of supply.

Here are Hamas’ five strategic goals for 2020

Sami Khater, a member of the Hamas political bureau, revealed Dec. 24 his movement’s five strategic goals for 2020.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Regional Cooperation, Tzachi Hanegbi and Cabinet Secretary Tzahi Braverman attend the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Israel, December 29, 2019. Abir Sultan/Pool via REUTERS - RC2Z4E90F3NM

Immunity question places rule of law at heart of Israeli election campaign

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's quest for immunity from prosecution will dominate the upcoming election campaign, with rule of law at stake in Israel.

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - OCTOBER 21: Fatou Bensouda (center-right), Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, listens to speeches during the opening ceremony of the congress of the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) at the Gran Hotel on October 21, 2019 in Taipei, Taiwan. The International Federation for Human Rights, (FIDH) organizes its 40th Congress, bringing together over 400 human rights defenders from around the world, with a focus on reclaiming the universality of human rights. Every

Instead of slandering it, Israel should join ICC

Israel has a fairly easy option for dealing with the decision by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to probe suspicions of alleged Israeli war crimes: ratifying the court’s founding treaty and joining it as full-pledged member.

Netanyahu's strategy strengthens Hamas

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is following a dangerous strategy of advancing an arrangement with Hamas while weakening the Palestinian Authority.

Leader of the far right 'Otzma Yehudit' (Jewish power) party Itamar Ben-Gvir waves as he marches with supporters at the Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem on September 13, 2019. (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA / AFP) (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)

Strategy of the radical right to pass Knesset-entry threshold

The reunion of the radical right Otzma Yehudit party with HaBayit HaYehudi could open Knesset doors to nationalist Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Senior Hamas leader Fathi Hammad speaks during a rally marking the 32nd anniversary of Hamas founding, in the northern Gaza Strip December 13, 2019. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem - RC2CUD9KU5TZ

Long road still before Israel-Hamas arrangement

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs quiet on the Gaza Strip, but fears saying publicly that he’s in favor of an arrangement with Hamas.

The Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan is seen in the background as people walk on a promenade on the surrounding walls of Jerusalem's Old City November 7, 2019. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun - RC2F6D9MOPO2

Stateless Jerusalemites call on Jordan to restore their citizenship

Palestinians living in Jerusalem are concerned about their future and ways to protect themselves and their properties amid calls to have their Jordanian citizenship restored.

Israel mum on permission for Palestinian vote, Hamas edgy

As the Palestinian Authority awaits Israel's decision on holding elections in Jerusalem, Hamas is demanding action with or without Israel's permission.