Exclusive Direct Turkey-Armenia land trade to begin amid US-led Caucasus peace push New transit arrangement via Georgia cuts re-export costs, marking accelerating normalization between Ankara and Yerevan amid broader US-led peace efforts. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis What Syria and Israel’s new communications cell really signals The deal reached in Paris under US mediation reflects a rare step toward managing tensions but stops short of halting Israeli military strikes or producing a broader security pact. By Rosaleen Carroll , Rina Bassist
Syria foils major arms smuggling attempt to Lebanon: What we know Syrian authorities have stepped up operations targeting smuggling attempts mainly destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon since the fall of President Bashar al‑Assad’s regime last year. Syria
Ankara open to US mediation role in Turkey-Greece row with conditions: Source A Turkish source told Al-Monitor that Ankara could be receptive to the idea of the US playing a role in easing tensions with Greece. Turkey
Analysis Lebanon-Israel direct talks pause operation against Hezbollah — but for how long? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis As it prepares for Hezbollah’s retaliation, Israel anticipates limited fighting in Lebanon By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Trump pursues Israeli-Syrian security pact with Sharaa, larger US military footprint By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel expands border crossing hours for Palestinians going to Jordan Following up on a promise made to US President Joe Biden, Israel agreed to expand the operation hours of the Allenby Bridge crossing point into Jordan. Israel
Quake disaster delivers diplomatic silver lining for Turkey Post-quake solidarity has warmed Turkey’s ties with Greece, Armenia and Israel, but no thaw is seen between Turkey and Syria despite their common suffering from the disaster. Turkey
US, Israel closer to signing visa waiver as Netanyahu rushes to finish line To enter the coveted program, the prime minister's coalition will have to facilitate the traveling of American Palestinians and American Israeli-Arabs between the West Bank and the US. Israel
Lebanon's army 'on alert' following border tension with Israel The Lebanese army is on alert following rising tensions with Israeli forces at the border. Israel
French foreign minister in Morocco ahead of Macron visit French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna is in Rabat to prepare for next month's visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. North Africa
North Cyprus anniversary highlights renewed rivalry between Turkey, Greece Ankara’s support for a two-state solution and efforts to legitimize Turkish Cypriot entity stir Greek anger. Turkey
Israel, Lebanon ink maritime border deal Delegations from Israel, Lebanon, the United States, the United Nations and France gathered in Naqoura, Lebanon, to make the agreement on the Israeli-Lebanese maritime border official. Israel
Israeli PM acknowledges role of Biden, Macron in Lebanon maritime deal Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid confirmed this evening publications in France over the significant role played by French President Emmanuel Macron in reaching the maritime agreement with Lebanon. Israel
Israel moves ahead on maritime agreement with Lebanon A maritime boundary agreement with Lebanon is finally headed for a likely approval vote in Israel. Israel
Turkish official says slow pace of Armenia normalization designed to avert disappointment Ankara has said both sides are focused on confidence-building steps to be taken “one at a time.” Turkey
Analysis The Takeaway: Russia-Ukraine war spills over into Nile Dam dispute Israel reveals IRGC plots; Hamas looks to capitalize on Jerusalem violence; Iraq steps up desert drug busts; Iraq builds a wall with Turkey; migrant boat tragedy fuels anger in Lebanon; and more. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn
Sudan, Ethiopia negotiate over border conflict Bilateral talks are ongoing between Ethiopia and Sudan aimed at resuming negotiations to solve the border dispute between the two countries and the GERD crisis. Egypt
