Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma The Israeli leader revealed that he spoke with the Syrian president last year, but stalled talks and Israel's fortification of a security zone on Syrian land underscore his mistrust of Sharaa. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Qatar PM in Beirut as Lebanon seeks economic relief: What to know Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani’s visit to Beirut coincides with the Lebanese authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the country. Lebanon
Explainer Syria arrests Mihrac Ural, ex-Assad militia head also wanted by Turkey The Turkey-born militia chief and a longtime ally of the Assad-regime, was sought by Ankara over the deadly Reyhanli bombings and by Damascus over his alleged role in massacres on the Mediterranean coast. Turkey
Syria denies meeting with Lebanon’s Hezbollah in Turkey: What to know Both Damascus and Ankara denied reports that Syrian officials met with Hezbollah representatives in Turkey, as relations between the two sides remain fraught with tensions mainly over the Lebanese group’s support for Assad’s forces against rebels during the Syrian civil war. Syria
Pope Francis expresses desire to visit Lebanon Speaking on the one-year anniversary of Beirut's deadly explosion, the pontiff said he was praying for those affected and wished to visit the country. Lebanon
Forest fires rage in Lebanon, Syria and Turkey At least four people were killed in the fires. Lebanon
Half a million children in Lebanon still 'struggling to survive' after Beirut blast A new report from Save the Children found the families of 564,000 children can't afford sufficient food and other basic goods. Lebanon
Former PM Najib Mikati named Lebanon's prime minister-designate President Michel Aoun designated Mikati after the wealthy businessman secured the backing of a majority of lawmakers. Lebanon
UN: public water in Lebanon could stop pumping in matter of 'weeks' Lebanon's water sector is on the verge of collapse due to the harrowing economic crisis, the United Nations has warned. Lebanon
France to host Lebanon aid conference as political crisis deepens French President Emmanuel Macron will host the Aug. 4 conference, which comes a year after the devastating blast at Beirut's port. Lebanon
Lebanon implements ration card program as economic crisis worsens The Lebanese parliament approved a law to fund ration cards for the most vulnerable families, while ending subsidies. Lebanon
The Takeaway: Iran deal on front burner before Raisi takes office Also: Bibi plots his comeback, a woman boxing coach trains men in Egypt, and the latest from Gaza, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey. Iran
Lebanon’s fuel shortage worsens economic crisis As smuggling to Syria continues and amid the collapse of the local currency, the Lebanese people are paying the price amid fuel shortages. Lebanon
US weighs options as Lebanon’s allies move to assist military The Pentagon and State Department are exploring "creative ways" to help the Lebanese armed forces offset their costs amid financial crisis. Lebanon
US pledges additional support for Lebanon’s army amid financial collapse Lebanon's armed forces are to receive an additional $15 million in US aid. Lebanon
Lebanon loses some electricity after Turkish company ceases operations Karpowership said they stopped providing electricity to crisis-stricken Lebanon due to 18 months of no payments. Lebanon