Syria seizes anti-aircraft missiles near Iraqi border: What to know The Syrian government is stepping up efforts to combat arms smuggling, including in relation to Hezbollah, Kurdish-led forces and ISIS. Syria
Italy pledges to maintain troops in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL withdrawal Italy plays a crucial role in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, with an Italian leading its command and the country contributing over 1,000 troops to the mission. Lebanon
Laced with intrigue: What did Tom Barrack’s shoes reveal about US-Turkey ties? US Ambassador Tom Barrack’s choice of Nike sneakers at high-profile meetings has sparked speculation, conspiracy theories and widespread debate in Turkey over his intentions and messages. Turkey
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal The Israeli prime minister's frustration with Trump administration strong-arming continues, with pressure to sign Egypt gas deal and now a reported push for Sisi meeting. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Turkey rebuffs air-defense criticism after drone shot down near Ankara By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Trump's Syria envoy Barrack tests Israel's patience as Netanyahu pushes back By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Exclusive Inside Netanyahu’s pressure campaign to block Turkey, Saudi Arabia from acquiring F-35s By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Under US pressure, Israel softens Syria tone but is wary of Sharaa By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Former IDF chief says Israel came close to killing Soleimani before US Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot revealed that Israel almost killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qasem Soleimani a year and a half before he was assassinated by the Americans. Israel
Saudi business group touts plan to improve economic ties with Russia Russia is working to improve relations with Saudi Arabia and wants the kingdom to buy its S-400 missile defense system. Russia
Syrian prison battle leaves hundreds dead and many IS free A massive attack on detention facilities in northeastern Syria under US-backed, Kurdish-led forces has ended after almost a week of fighting, though the fate of some hostages remains unclear. Iraq
Qatar’s emir heads to Washington next week, report Discussions are likely to include Iran negotiations, Afghanistan and a US effort to provide alternative energy supplies to Europe in the event Russia invades Ukraine. Washington Connection
Bad news for Netanyahu as inquiry peers into submarine affair Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried hard to prevent a commission of inquiry into the submarine scandal that has plagued him, but its time has come. Israel
Israeli Cabinet approves probe into submarine affair Defense Minister Benny Gantz marked an important victory with the government approving his long-standing proposal to establish a state inquiry commission on the "submarine affair." Israel
Ripple effects from drone sales force Turkey to move Ethiopian embassy Turkey was forced to relocate its Ethiopian embassy to Kenya after increasing threat out of its involvement in the country’s clashes with the Tigray rebels by supplying combat drones to Addis Ababa. Turkey
Israel points finger at Iran for Houthi attack on UAE Israel is worried about the international community's lack of reaction to the Houthi drone attack on the Emirates, surely orchestrated by Iran. Israel
Israel signs agreement to buy three more German submarines While the Knesset debates opening an inquiry into the purchase of German submarines under the Netanyahu government, Defense Minister Benny Gantz has announced a new deal with ThyssenKrupp for the purchase of three more such vessels. Israel
Arrow 3 missile-interceptors add to Israel’s long-term plan against Iran The successful testing this week of the Arrow 3 anti-ballistic-missile system is part of IDF preparations against a nuclear-threshold Iran. Israel
Iran to host joint naval exercises with Russia, China US foreign policy appears to be pushing its major adversaries into each others' hands. Iran
Putin, Raisi look to boost trade, regional cooperation in Moscow talks Ebrahim Raisi's trip to Moscow is unlikely to further elevate relations between the two countries. Russia
