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

White House, Washington DC, United States of America

United States

August 20, 2026

Washington D.C. 6:46 am

23°C

US sanctions International Criminal Court president, top lawyer

The sanctions come a month after Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed to dismantle the court "brick by brick."

Ohad Zwigenberg / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Netanyahu yields to Trump on Gaza, betting Hamas won’t disarm

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to advance the US administration's Gaza plan in a meeting with envoy Jared Kushner despite his skepticism about Hamas' commitment.

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

RAMI AL SAYED/AFP via Getty Images

Explainer

What US sanctions on Syria remain as Shibani, Barrack hold talks?

Key sanctions remain on Damascus, including a designation that was made more than four decades ago.

Latest News

After meeting Netanyahu, Kushner agrees Hamas disarmament precedes Israel's withdrawal

Jared Kushner

Analysis

Israel defies Trump on Lebanon as Netanyahu, Katz prioritize elections

Israeli army vehicles move to a position in southern Lebanon, March 27, 2026.

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

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

Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini take part in meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Brussels, Belgium, May 15, 2018. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool - RC16D13AE4C0

As Trump squeezes Iran, Europe squirms

Europe and the Donald Trump administration are increasingly at odds, as Europe tries to rescue the Iran nuclear deal and Trump tries to squeeze it into making further concessions.

Lebanese army soldiers take part in a military parade to celebrate the 74th anniversary of Lebanon's independence in downtown Beirut, Lebanon November 22, 2017. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir - RC14B8891980

Pentagon OKs $90 million for Lebanese army amid Hezbollah gains

The Donald Trump administration is outfitting the Lebanese Armed Forces with supply trucks and Humvees.

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh gestures as he delivers a speech in Gaza City January 23, 2018. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem - RC13FF6CB150

Will Hamas resume war against Israel?

Hamas leaders would never admit that they failed in managing the Gaza Strip, which is why they might opt for another round of violence against Israel.

Iranian media react to populist cleric's victory in Iraq elections

There is some speculation in Iranian media that populist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s election victory is tantamount to a greater Saudi role in Iraq.

US pullout from Iran deal rattles Turkey’s Syria agenda

Ankara faces a navigational nightmare in Syria as each new regional development seems to push its divergent objectives further apart.

Will PA follow through with pledges to change agreements with Israel?

The Palestinian National Council recently took a series of decisions that Palestinian analysts say will affect relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Israeli soldiers patrol near a burning field on the Israeli side of the border between Israel and Gaza, May 14, 2018. REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC1FB2222060

Israel’s blurred red line of self-defense

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu uses the excuse of self-defense to target other regimes and to make a mockery of decisions by the international community.

A wounded Palestinian demonstrator is evacuated during a protest against U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem and ahead of the 70th anniversary of Nakba, at the Israel-Gaza border in the southern Gaza Strip May 14, 2018. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa - RC1119F74020

What's next in Israel-Palestinian conflict?

With Israel riding high after a series of political and military victories, and the Palestinians having suffered 60 deaths on the Gaza border at the hands of the IDF, observers wonder what's next for the leaderships on both sides.

Palestinian demonstrators run from tear gas fired by Israeli troops during a protest against U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem and ahead of the 70th anniversary of Nakba, at the Israel-Gaza border east of Gaza City May 14, 2018. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC1385445700

US opens Jerusalem embassy amid Gaza bloodshed

The Donald Trump administration and US lawmakers celebrated the grand opening of the new US Embassy today as Israeli soldiers killed dozens of protesting Palestinians.

Israeli group looks to bring peace back into agenda

Amid Israeli hopelessness and indifference toward the conflict with the Palestinians, the Geneva Initiative convened a conference on restoring a dialogue on the two-state solution.

Putin’s stock rises as 'go-to' mediator between Israel, Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have given Russian president advance notice of attack on Syria; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labels United States as loser in decision to withdraw from Iran nuclear deal.

Saudi defense spending soars, but not to America's benefit

Saudi Arabia's military spending is not currently benefiting the United States, as no large arms deals are on the table.