Analysis Trump has upper hand over Netanyahu, but is it enough for Gaza? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been stalling on the implementation of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, but at the end of the day, Trump has much more leverage over Netanyahu. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Rubio hints US could accept Hamas keeping small arms The top US diplomat told Al-Monitor the focus of disarmament should be on the "weaponries or capabilities" that Hamas would need to threaten Israel. United States
Maersk resumes Red Sea passage after two-year halt amid easing Houthi threat A ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in October has prompted some shipping companies to consider resuming services, but security concerns persist. Yemen
Facing Israeli pushback, Turkey recalibrates public messaging on Gaza force Turkey’s top diplomat has suggested that being part of the Gaza stabilization force is not Ankara’s priority. Turkey
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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
Pentagon taps private firm to facilitate Gaza humanitarian port Defense officials said the temporary causeway will be able to receive some 2 million meals per day, but the effort could take long as 60 days to get up and running, likely too late for many Gazans as starvation sets in in the Palestinian enclave. Palestine
Analysis Lebanon, not Gaza, could trigger regional war as Israel-Hezbollah tension soars Mediators believe a deal can't be reached on Hezbollah's withdrawal from the Lebanese border until an Israel-Hamas cease-fire. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
‘Not a bargaining chip’: Biden confronts Israel on Gaza aid In his last State of the Union address before the November elections, US President Joe Biden reiterated his administration's commitment to a two-state solution as "the only" settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Israel
With no cease-fire, Biden's State of the Union to tread carefully on Gaza The annual State of the Union address will give President Joe Biden the chance to defend his handling of Gaza before the nation. Israel
Biden to order military to set up Gaza port via Cyprus for humanitarian aid The effort will take "a number of weeks to plan and execute," a senior administration official said, as health authorities in Gaza have begun reporting cases of death by starvation. Palestine
Houthi attack on commercial ship off Yemen kills three sailors US and coalition naval vessels responded to the scene after the Barbados-flagged True Confidence reported crew members killed in a Houthi missile strike. Legacy: Gulf
What to expect at Al-Aqsa during upcoming Ramadan Despite calls by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to limit the entry of Muslim worshipers, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to allow a similar number of Palestinian worshippers as in previous years to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during the month of Ramadan. Israel
Egypt’s pound falls 60% amid currency float, $5B IMF deal Egypt announced that it had expanded a previously $3 billion loan program with the International Monetary Fund after the decision to float the currency was made public. Egypt
At Saudi OIC summit, Iran seeks Islamic world's 'decisive' action against Israel In its relentless diplomatic offensive to isolate Israel, Tehran has so far failed to talk Islamic countries into severing economic ties with Israel. Iran
Israel's Gantz meets Austin, Blinken on 'unauthorized' Washington visit The Biden administration is sending a signal to Netanyahu by leveraging its longstanding ties with Gantz, as it seeks to close the gap with Israeli leadership over its approach to its war in Gaza. Israel
Gulf Starbucks operator to lay off 2,000 amid Gaza boycotts Starbucks’ business has been significantly impacted by the Gaza war, and has faced boycott calls from pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups recently. Legacy: Gulf
Pro-Palestine protesters block UK arms fair sponsored by Israel’s Elbit Systems Since 2015, Britain has licensed more than $602 million worth of military exports to Israel, including components for combat aircraft, missiles, tanks, technology, small arms and ammunition, according to the Campaign Against Arms Trade group. Israel
