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
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
Israel's Netanyahu approves $35B natural gas megadeal with Egypt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will sell Egypt natural gas worth $35 billion, in the biggest-ever deal of its kind for the country. Israel
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
Palestinian rift endangers opposition to US peace plan Backers of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas say the ongoing Palestinian division will only weaken efforts to defy the US peace plan, which is expected to be announced soon. Palestine
Trump allies push back on Muslim Brotherhood terror designation Even some hawkish lawmakers question the legal validity and political wisdom of a blanket designation. Egypt
Saudi-led coalition begins paying US back for overdue Yemen war bills Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are on the hook for a $299 million billing error for aerial refueling. Originals
Palestinians have little leverage against Israeli annexation Amid Benjamin Netanyahu’s election victory and their deeply entrenched divisions, the Palestinians seem to have little chance to stand firm in the face of Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank. Palestine
Turks look to Trump for way around ‘S-400 or F-35’ ultimatum With Congress threatening sanctions if Turkey acquires the Russian S-400 and the Pentagon warning that Turkey could lock itself out of the F-35 fighter jet program, the Turkish president’s son-in-law took his case directly to President Donald Trump. Turkey
Netanyahu’s call to annex West Bank inspired by Trump support Palestinian and international experts and politicians are convinced that the extraordinary statements made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about annexing all settlements come from the realization that he has support from US President Donald Trump for his radical call. Palestine
Will Iraq reemerge as battleground between the US, Iran? Iraq is primed to emerge as an area of mutual Iranian and American influence, although Tehran does not appear keen to initiate a direct confrontation. Iraq
Iranian elites rally behind IRGC after US terrorist designation Iranian elites from across the fray expressed solidarity with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after the US administration branded the military organization a terrorist organization. Iran
Trump paves way for Israel to expand settlements in Golan Shortly after US President Donald Trump decided to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, Israel announced a plan to build 30,000 new housing units for settlers in the area. Palestine
Syria's Kurds increasingly isolated as Arab tribes cut deals with regime As Damascus recovers more territory, Arab tribes throughout Syria are increasingly open to working with Damascus to restore security. Syria
Did Trump’s decision on Golan undercut Putin mediation on Syria? Russian President Vladimir Putin thought he had a deal in Helsinki; Turkey rethinks Syria ties over Kurds. Israel