Analysis Netanyahu rejects Trump’s Gaza plan while quietly implementing it Even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that he rejects US President Donald Trump’s Gaza reconstruction plan, Israel is advancing its implementation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death Turkey’s Fidan to visit Libya; Iran’s Khamenei appoints six military commanders; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis As pro-Palestinian candidates gain ground, will AIPAC's influence wane? The American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s influence has weakened in the Democratic Party and may also be at risk among Republicans. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Analysis As US rethinks regional presence, Israel shifts focus to destabilizing Iran Uncertain how to interpret the American regional redeployment, Israel is focusing on efforts to destabilize the Iranian regime and stop its nuclear program. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign defense pact By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel strikes south Lebanon after 2 soldiers killed By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
US gives Iraqi Kurdistan peshmerga $250 million worth of Humvees, ammo Washington's ambassador announced the move as some US troops prepare to leave Iraq. Iraq
State Department officials testify before Congress on arms sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said the May 2019 sale did not warrant an emergency certification, but a State official cited the threat from Iran. Saudi Arabia
DOJ orders affiliate of Qatar-backed Al Jazeera to register as foreign agent The Department of Justice accused AJ+ of acting "at the direction and control” of Qatar. Legacy: Gulf
Pentagon pushes back on claim that US to leave Turkey’s Incirlik base Senator Ron Johnson said the United States is considering basing more forces on Crete as relations with Turkey deteriorate. Turkey
Trump now admits he wanted to kill Syria's Assad but Mattis stopped him "I would've rather taken him out. I had him all set," President Donald Trump said of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Netanyahu excludes Gantz from triumphant trip to Washington Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's crowded Washington entourage included everyone but Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkanzi. United Arab Emirates
How a second Trump term could shift Russia’s stance on Syria Bahrain, UAE peace deals compel Palestinian rethink on strategy. United Arab Emirates
Biden endorses lower troop levels in Iraq, fight against IS in interview Joe Biden told Stars and Stripes he wants to stop "forever wars" but keep some troops in Iraq and Syria. His opponent, Donald Trump, also pledges to withdraw more troops. United States
Netanyahu hails Bahrain-Israel normalization deal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi thank US President Donald Trump and his team for their engagement in the region and the announcement of an agreement with Bahrain to normalize relations. United Arab Emirates
US B-52 bombers train with Morocco, Tunisia aircraft over Mediterranean The destroyer USS Roosevelt simulated a hostile ship in a US show of force alongside the North African countries. Morocco
US lawmakers grapple with Egypt policy as Sisi’s clampdown continues As President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ratchets up the rights abuses, some in Congress say the Trump administration is giving the Egyptian strongman a pass. Egypt
US sanctions two former Lebanese ministers over Hezbollah links The Treasury Department blacklisted Yusuf Finyanus and Ali Hassan Khalil over alleged corruption and dealings with Hezbollah. Lebanon