Analysis

With Sinwar undecided, Israel wary of imminent Lebanon war with Hezbollah

“We are within touching distance of an Israeli attack in Lebanon, which is intended to allow us to return the residents of the north to their homes,” a senior Israeli military source told Al-Monitor this week, even as Iran hesitates on next steps.

By Ben Caspit

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

Mossad director, US officials back in Egypt for talks on Philadelphi Corridor

The Israeli delegation for the deal to release the hostages arrived in Cairo for talks with the Americans and Egyptians ahead of a potential summit this Sunday.

Israel

Israel assassinates Fatah official in Lebanon, a first since Gaza war began

In a first since the Gaza war, a senior Fatah official was killed in an Israeli strike on Lebanese soil, as Israel-Hezbollah cross-border hostilities continue to escalate.

Lebanon

Blinken meets with Egypt's Sisi as Philadelphi Corridor remains sticking point in Gaza talks

Cairo will host a new round of talks this week to secure an agreement on a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tours the region to mobilize support.

Egypt

Analysis

As Netanyahu hedges, Hamas' Sinwar undecided between deal or regional war

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived closer to the moment of truth where he must decide for or against a deal for the release of the hostages held by Hamas and a cease-fire in Gaza.

By Ben Caspit

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

Pro-Palestinian voices protest and participate in DNC in Chicago

Protesters from across the country are in Chicago for the DNC, demanding an end to aid for Israel as Vice President Harris and the Democratic Party grapple with how to handle the Gaza war.

Palestine

Gaza cease-fire talks to resume in Egypt with Rafah, Philadelphi corridor in focus

Following two days of talks in Doha, the US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators are expected to resume negotiations on a Gaza cease-fire in Cairo this week in the presence of Israeli officials.

Palestine

Analysis

Global brands still can’t shake Israel boycotts hitting Starbucks, McDonald’s

Consumer backlash continues hitting the bottom line of multinationals as the Gaza war nears the one-year mark.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Does Netanyahu feel the pressure in Gaza cease-fire talks?

The Israeli prime minister sees time on his side; Iran seeks face-saving off-ramp from broader conflict.

By Andrew Parasiliti

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security

Analysis

Can progress on Gaza cease-fire talks help US restrain Netanyahu, hold off Iran attack?

A new bridging proposal might allow calmer heads to prevail and lower the temperature in the region.

By Ben Caspit

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

US says Gaza cease-fire talks in 'end game' with new proposal

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Israel Saturday ahead of cease-fire negotiations that are set to resume in Cairo next week.

Palestine

Hundreds of Israeli pilgrims pray at Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus

Joseph's Tomb in Nablus has often been the site of violent conflicts between Palestinians and Israelis.

Israel