Middle East crises loom in background as NATO leaders gather in Washington While this year's summit is expected to focus largely on the ongoing war in Ukraine, Iran's military support for Russia and Turkey's strategic balancing act with Moscow are expected to weigh on NATO leaders gathered in Washington. Washington Pulse
US, Israel hold second virtual meeting on Rafah Biden administration officials have denied offering to green-light an Israeli invasion of Rafah if Israel holds off on retaliating against Iran. Washington Pulse
State Department staffer resigns over Biden's handling of Gaza Annelle Sheline is the second State Department official to publicly resign since Oct. 7, citing the erosion of US credibility on human rights in the Middle East as a result of the war. Washington Pulse
US Navy plans for smaller fleet amid spending caps despite Middle East crisis Facing budget caps and new procurement delays, the Navy is poised to reduce the overall size of its fleet even as attacks by Iran and its proxies in Yemen have led to unprecedented disruptions of commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Washington Pulse
Exclusive US government employees plan walkout over Biden’s Gaza policies By Joyce Karam , Elizabeth Hagedorn
Trump's national security adviser says ending Gulf rift 'priority' Qatar has been under a land, sea and air blockade by four regional states since 2017. Qatar
Intel: US to activate air defense batteries to test Israel's Iron Dome Both Iron Domes are expected to arrive at Fort Bliss by January Israel
Intel: US blames ‘scheduling issue’ for no Pompeo-Erdogan meeting A State Department official said Pompeo's "tight schedule" will keep him from meeting Turkish officials when in Istanbul next week. Turkey
US threat to shutter Baghdad embassy 'ongoing,' says Syria envoy Outgoing US Syria envoy James Jeffrey says the State Department's threats to close the US Embassy in Iraq is "very serious." Iraq
How Biden will roll back Trump’s ‘America First’ legacy on foreign aid Early foreign aid priorities for the new administration will include restoring aid to the Palestinians and potentially Yemen. United States
Trump White House proposes sale of 50 F-35s to United Arab Emirates The proposed sale includes 18 MQ-9B weapons-ready drones and air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. United Arab Emirates
Biden administration's Middle East policy could be determined by Senate elections Several Senate races remain undecided. If Republicans maintain their majority, it could complicate President-elect Joe Biden's Iran policy. Originals
James Jeffrey, top US official on Syria and Islamic State, retiring The veteran diplomat will be replaced by his Syria deputy, Joel Rayburn, and top counterterrorism official Nathan Sales. Syria
Middle East leaders congratulate Biden on win Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has notably not commented on the former vice president’s victory in the US presidential election. Originals
Trump fires Defense Secretary Mark Esper The US president abruptly fired his defense secretary via Twitter after months of reports that Esper had fallen out of favor. United States
Intel: Trump administration to propose $3 billion drone sale to UAE News of the proposal comes a week after the administration informally notified Congress of its intent to sell F-35 fighter jets to Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates
Israel's intelligence chief wants next US president to continue Abraham Accords Eli Cohen told Ynet TV that Saudi Arabia and Qatar are "on the agenda" for recognizing the Jewish state. Israel
