Meet Ali al-Zaidi, businessman and Iraq's new prime minister-designate Legal sources familiar with the nominee told Al-Monitor that there are no US sanctions on Zaidi or financial institutions affiliated with him. Iraq
US seeks to train Lebanon army units to disarm Hezbollah: What to know Funding for such a program remains unclear, though the Pentagon has requested $36 million for fiscal year 2027 to support Lebanon’s army. Lebanon
Analysis Despite Trump pressure to limit Israel's Lebanon attacks, Aoun-Netanyahu meeting still unlikely As President Donald Trump pressures Israel to limit its strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah is taking advantage of the situation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iraq's Shiite alliance nominates Ali al-Zaidi as PM candidate: What to know Ali al-Zaidi, who leads a bank accused of money laundering, received support from previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki and incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, though it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will approve of him. Iraq
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Egypt to complete construction of New Rafah City New Rafah City is becoming a reality in northern Sinai, giving displaced Rafah residents hope for a new and secure life and Egypt a chance to better fight the Islamic State in the border area with the Palestinian Gaza Strip. Egypt
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham expands recruitment to all of Idlib province Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is offering young Syrians in the northwestern province of Idlib many incentives to join the militant group's ranks. Syria
WATCH: Israeli air force shoots down Hamas drone Hamas released footage purporting to show new drones that resemble widely exported Iranian models. Palestine
Israel calls up 9,000 reservists to Gaza as part of 'exceptional' mobilization Units from three brigades are readying plans for a ground incursion, pending approval by Israel's political leaders Palestine
Palestinian resistance in Gaza vows to not back down against Israel The Palestinian resistance factions in the Gaza Strip followed up on their pledge to attack Israel should it continue its violations against Palestinians in Jerusalem. Palestine
Hamas open to halting hostilities with Israel, Russia says Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz has ruled out a cease-fire for now. News Brief
US sends diplomat to urge calm as Israel, Hamas fighting escalates Hady Amr, the top State Department official on Israeli-Palestinian affairs, will push for both sides to de-escalate. Israel
Intel: US reaches out to Egypt over Israel-Palestine violence The Egyptians may talk Hamas off the ledge, but both the Israeli prime minister and the Palestinian militants may stand to politically benefit from a prolonged conflict. Palestine
US Senator, White House push for Yemen peace in regional tour As the Houthi rebels struggle to take Marib, Senator Chris Murphy says the time for peace is now. Yemen
Jerusalem violence reignites tension between Gaza, Israel Palestinian factions in Gaza resumed rocket attacks against Israel amid ongoing violence in Jerusalem. Palestine
US sanctions 7 over Hezbollah finances The sanctions indicate continued US pressure on the Lebanese organization under US President Joe Biden. Lebanon
Islamic State takes border station in Iraqi desert with 'drug smuggling wali' A recent incident along Iraq’s western border and alleged connections between drug smuggling and Islamic State cells in the area have raised concern. Iraq
