Banks burn in Lebanon as exchange rate falls to historic low Lebanese banks were already on strike and the government’s interventions have failed to alleviate the economic crisis. Lebanon
How building code spared one Turkish town from earthquake A mayor in devastated Hatay province says his town escaped the destruction seen elsewhere thanks in part to enforcement of construction codes. Turkey
NATO chief in Turkey, urges swift ratification of Sweden, Finland memberships In Ankara, NATO chief made first visit after the earthquake, and pressed for Finland and Sweden to join the alliance together. Turkey
Europe to sanction Iran drone companies for arming Russia in Ukraine President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen called on member states to adopt a 10th sanctions package against Russia that also includes a ban on Iranian companies. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
The Takeaway: Settlement plans test Biden’s Israel approach Plus, the family of an American held by Syria grows more concerned after the earthquake, and the US expresses alarm over Tunisia's wave of recent arrests. Israel
How Israel’s HevenDrones latest hydrogen-powered drone can help UAE The lightweight aerial vehicle for defense or commercial use is the latest fruit of diplomatic normalization between the two countries, and will be featured at IDEX next week. Legacy: Gulf
Explainer: Israel is now an oil exporter with Energean deal, how significant? Experts told Al-Monitor that the export is not a significant development despite the media buzz, though it may have good public relations value for Israel’s energy sector. Israel
