United States - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

White House, Washington DC, United States of America

United States

June 7, 2026

Washington D.C. 4:49 pm

32°C

Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon close to the Beaufort Castle as seen from a position across the border in the Upper Galilee, in northern Israel on June 4, 2026.

Analysis

Israel’s Lebanon endgame remains elusive despite ceasefire deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was compelled by President Donald Trump to accept a new ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, but without a clear long-term strategy, he may be inclined to resume hostilities at the first opportunity.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

In this picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency, a katyusha rocket is fired from a speed boat during a military drill near the port of Bandar Jask in the Sear of Oman on May 10, 2010.

Iran unveils new missile-armed fast attack boat: What to know

The boats are the latest addition to Iran’s "mosquito fleet," a fleet of high-speed attack craft operated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

An Iranian flag flutters in the wind as ships remain anchored on May 16, 2026 in the Strait of Hormuz near Larak Island, Iran.

US sanctions network smuggling Iranian LPG as talks falter

The sanctions come as President Donald Trump has offered mixed signals on prospects for a deal.

A portrait of the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is visible in heavily damaged building in the border town of Ayta al-Chaab, southern Lebanon, Feb. 21, 2026.

Analysis

Why Israel sees Lebanon’s 'pilot zones' as path to containing Hezbollah

Israel views the proposed pilot security zones in southern Lebanon as a pragmatic way to gradually expand Lebanese state control, push Hezbollah away from the border and preserve a fragile ceasefire while the Trump administration pursues broader negotiations with Iran.

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

Latest News

In aftermath of Iran attack, Rubio hosts Kuwait FM: What to know

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah walk together during a brief appearance for the press as they meet at the State Department in Washington, DC, on June 4, 2026.

As Iran seeks leverage, can US enforce Lebanon-Israel ceasefire?

AFP via Getty Images

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Joyce Karam

Editor-in-Chief

Rosaleen Carroll

News Reporter and Supporting Editor

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Paul J. Saunders

In Washington, DC, reporting on Russia in the Middle East

Blinken warns Nile Dam talks could ‘boil over’

Biden’s nominee to be secretary of state promises "fully engaged” US policy in Horn of Africa, as the crisis between Ethiopia and Sudan escalates.

Congress approves waiver for Lloyd Austin to become defense secretary

The Senate is expected to confirm the former CENTCOM commander as Pentagon chief Friday.

Intel: House Democrats call on Biden to reform Middle East war powers

California Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee and House committee leaders wasted no time calling on the new president to rein in two-decade-old legislation on the authorization of military force.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. President Joe Biden prepares to sign a series of executive orders at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office just hours after his inauguration on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. Biden became the 46th president of the United States earlier today during the ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Biden to talk Iran deal in early calls with foreign leaders, White House says

Incoming Biden administration officials have suggested a return to the nuclear deal is a long way off.

<<enter caption here>> on May 19, 2017 in Arlington, Virginia.

Turkey's scapegoating of McGurk rooted in revisionism

National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk has worked closely with the Turks for many years on a range of knotty issues, and the growls from Ankara suggest that Turkey continues to pin US policies that it doesn’t like on "rogue" individuals.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) sits next to Israeli Public security Minister Gilad Erdan during the weekly cabinet meeting at his Jerusalem's office on April 10, 2016. / AFP / POOL / GALI TIBBON (Photo credit should read GALI TIBBON/AFP via Getty Images)

Israel’s UN envoy takes second role as ambassador to US

Israel’s ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan will start serving today also as the country’s ambassador to the US.

The city hall of the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv is lit up in the colours of the US flag as a sign of solidarity and support for democratic governance, on January 7, 2021. - The storming of the US Congress left America's image as a beacon of democracy severely tarnished, with allies unable to hide their shock and authoritarian regimes gleefully exploiting the unrest. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP) (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden offers Israeli left chance to regain relevance

With a new and friendlier US administration, Israeli progressives have an opportunity to promote their ideals, including the two-state solution.

King Abdullah engaged regional leaders in preparation for Biden’s presidency

In the week ahead of President Joe Biden's inauguration, Jordan engaged in a flurry of diplomatic activity.

US soldier arrested for allegedly advising Islamic State on attacks

Pfc. Cole James Bridges' arrest comes amid renewed scrutiny on extremism in the military.

Biden team picks Dana Stroul to lead Pentagon's Middle East desk

Stroul, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, will join a roster of Obama-era veterans when she returns to the Pentagon.

Biden ends Trump’s ban on travel from Muslim-majority countries

Immigration advocates hailed Biden's decision, but said undoing the effects of the travel ban won’t happen overnight.

The White House on US President Donald Trump's last full day in office, in Washington, DC, on January 19, 2021. - President Donald Trump began his final full day in the White House on January 19, 2021 with a long list of possible pardons to dish out before snubbing his successor Joe Biden's inauguration and leaving for Florida. On January 20, 2021 at noon, Biden will be sworn in and the Trump presidency will end, turning the page on some of the most disruptive, divisive years the United States has seen sinc

Trump issues pardons related to Israeli spying, Iran sanctions on last day in office

The now former president pardoned the Israeli handler of American spy Jonathan Pollard as well as an Iranian-American man who was charged with violating Iran sanctions, among dozens of others.