Lebanon, Israel to hold second round of direct talks: What we know While Israel and Lebanon continue talks, Israeli airstrikes have persisted, and Hezbollah shows no sign of complying with disarmament requirements. Lebanon
Yemen's STC separatists advance in Hadramout as UAE-Saudi rift grows The fighting between the UAE-backed southern separatists and Saudi-aligned tribal forces, nominal allies against the Houthis, has raised concerns about the division of Yemen. Yemen
Who is Simon Karam, head of Lebanon’s delegation to talks with Israel? Karam is a veteran diplomat and a legal scholar who served as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States from 1992 to 1993. Lebanon
US pressure prompted Israel-Lebanon talks to avert war with Hezbollah According to an Israeli security source, US envoy Morgan Ortagus’ visit was perceived in Israel as a warning that President Donald Trump will not accept Israel launching a large military campaign in southern Lebanon. Israel
Analysis A Trump bargain: Pardon Netanyahu in exchange for Israel-Syria security deal? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Trump’s Muslim Brotherhood move reignites Israel’s battle over Raam By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Lebanon to move on Hezbollah disarmament after testy cabinet meeting: What to know The Lebanese government is under mounting pressure to disarm Hezbollah, but the group’s allies in the government are not on board. Lebanon
Analysis Inside Israel's Yemen operation that decapitated Houthi leadership Since Israel's intelligence began focusing on the Houthi threat in July, efforts to quell the threat from Yemen have grown much more precise. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Senate bill threatens funds for US-Iraq military coordination amid troop drawdown A new measure could sharply limit funding for key US diplomatic office that manages the flow of Washington’s support for the Iraqi Armed Forces if Baghdad does not crack down on Iran-aligned militias. United States
Analysis Lebanon army mum on Hezbollah disarmament plan ahead of split cabinet meeting As the Lebanese army scrambles to finalize a crucial plan for disarming Hezbollah, officials have been engaged in intense diplomacy to avoid internal confrontations and move ahead with the disarmament process. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Israel’s Shin Bet says it foiled Hamas drone plot targeting Ben-Gvir In a joint operation with the Israeli military, the Shin Bet arrested a West Bank cell as the far-right minister vowed to impose tougher prison policies. Israel
Iraq announces ISIS network busted in West Africa: What to know Activity by the Islamic State’s West Africa branch is increasing, according to some observers, and Iraq is looking to strengthen counterterrorism coordination with other states. Iraq
Over 1,000 dead in Darfur landslide as Sudan war hinders relief efforts A devastating landslide in the Marrah Mountains of Darfur has killed over 1,000 people, prompting appeals for international aid amid escalating violence in the region. Sudan
Israel arrests Hebron mayor, launches West Bank crackdown: What to know Israeli forces carried out a series of raids across the West Bank, arresting several Palestinians, including the mayor of Hebron, amid reports of the possible dissolution of the Palestinian Authority. Palestine
Lebanon faces tough test as army pushes plan to seize Hezbollah weapons Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam discussed preparations for a cabinet session due this week that will tackle an army plan to take control of weapons outside of the state’s authority. Lebanon
Israel cautious on Lebanon withdrawal despite Netanyahu overtures, US push The Trump administration is pressuring Netanyahu to make concessions to the Lebanese government in exchange for its efforts to disarm Hezbollah. Israel
Libya: Tripoli’s fragile peace shaken by renewed fighting, military buildup Recent weeks have seen multiple clashes and security incidents in the Libyan capital, raising concerns from both the United States and the United Nations. Libya
UN Security Council renews Lebanon peacekeeping mission for one year The compromise vote gives Lebanon's army buffer time to meet US demands to fill security vacuum in the country's south before a planned withdrawal of UN peacekeepers in 2027. Lebanon
