Al-Waleed bin Talal announces Four Seasons to reopen in Beirut, Lebanon The planned reopening of the hotel, which was damaged in the 2020 port explosion, follows Saudi-backed Gen. Joseph Aoun's becoming president of Lebanon. Lebanon
Hegseth stresses support for Israel as Senate Dems grill Trump’s Pentagon pick In a contentious hearing, the former Fox News host signaled a loosening of rules of engagement for troops abroad and stressed his "robust" support for Israel, yet offered few specifics on how he would tackle the Pentagon’s biggest challenges. United States
Pro-Assad militias clash with Syria security in Latakia: What we know The incident, which left two members of the transitional security forces dead, marks the latest violent challenge to the new rulers' grip on power in Syria. Syria
Analysis Eyeing reconstruction, port investment, UAE resets Lebanon ties A weakened Hezbollah and a new government in Beirut give room for the Emirates to play a big role, politically and economically, in Lebanon. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Blinken offers blueprint for post-war Gaza in final speech The outgoing chief US diplomat laid out his vision for Gaza’s future as negotiators appeared on the brink of a cease-fire. United States
Who is Julia Sebutinde, pro-Israel judge in line for ICJ presidency? The International Court of Justice’s vice president, Julia Sebutinde, seems likely to fill the shoes of outgoing head Nawaf Salam. Israel
Here are main Netanyahu and Hamas compromises in proposed Gaza deal Details are beginning to surface about a potential deal between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel
Despite war, Israeli startups raise over $12B in 2024 Despite Israel’s economic stagnation last year, a new report found that high-tech — which accounts for 16% of all Israeli jobs — saw its gross domestic product rise 2.2% in 2024, bucking the wider economic trend in Israel. Israel
Syria's top diplomat set to pay first visit to Turkey on Wednesday: What we know Experts believe that Turkey’s and other regional countries’ security concerns will be key agenda items during the visit. Syria
Analysis As Gaza deal looms, will Netanyahu choose Trump or Israel’s far right? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to be finding it difficult to play the same stalling game with President-elect Donald Trump he has been playing for months with President Joe Biden. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
