Defense/Security cooperation

Trump says US will sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia, first Arab country to acquire jets

The deal could rattle Washington's ties with Israel and is not likely to be approved by Congress unless conditioned on Saudi normalization of ties with Israel.

Saudi Arabia

Germany lifts Israel arms embargo: What changed in Berlin?

With the ceasefire in place, even though violated at times, Berlin decided to lift the partial arms embargo it imposed on Israel.

Israel

Analysis

With reduced Iranian threat, MBS visit seeks to advance F-35 deal, boost Saudi-US ties

The Trump administration isn't likely to persuade Saudi Arabia's crown prince to normalize ties with Israel by the time they meet Tuesday, but analysts say piecemeal defense deals may now be on the table after Iran has been weakened by its war with Israel.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Analysis

Ahead of MBS visit, Saudis link Israel normalization to 3 asks from Trump

President Donald Trump would clearly like to say he persuaded Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalize ties, but neither Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman nor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seem ready to make the necessary compromises.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Saudi defense chief visits White House ahead of MBS trip: What to know

Saudi Arabia is seeking to purchase dozens of F-35 fighter jets, but the Trump administration may hold off to leverage the kingdom to normalize ties with Israel, a top ambition of its Middle East policy.

Saudi Arabia

Syria’s Sharaa leaves Washington with warm assurances but no security agreements

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa departed Washington without clinching major security agreements or long-term economic relief.

Syria

Analysis

As Trump hosts Sharaa, Israel cautiously seeks Syria security deal

Despite optimism in September, Israel and Syria still have not finalized an American-mediated security agreement.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Analysis

Plan to bring Syria into US-led coalition brings risks, opportunities for Sharaa

Damascus' entry into the US-led coalition may formalize expanded intelligence sharing on the Islamic State, but military cooperation remains a distant prospect. A US official denied to Al-Monitor there are any current plans to deploy American troops near the capital just yet.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Exclusive

SDF commander Hemo: Syria’s Kurds prepare for threat of war as Damascus talks falter

As US-brokered talks stall, Kurdish forces are preparing contingencies while continuing dialogue with Damascus to secure Syria’s future, SDF commander Sipan Hemo told Al-Monitor in an exclusive interview.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

With new pact, Israel and India boost defense ties, eye $905M aircraft deal: What to know

The new defense pact and potential defense deal come as Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visits Delhi this week.

Israel

Analysis

With Hezbollah rearming, Israel considers heavy hits in Lebanon

A diplomatic source told Al-Monitor that Washington is trying to avoid an all-out war in Lebanon but “maybe a significant attack [against Hezbollah] will do the trick."

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Turkey's Fidan says Hamas 'ready' to cede Gaza control amid Trump’s ceasefire push

The message was conveyed to the Turkish side during talks between Ankara and the militant group, a source told Al-Monitor.

Turkey