France’s Macron first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since Houthi escalation French President Emmanuel Macron met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a surprise stop in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
US moving away from Middle East security guarantor role, Barrack says The US envoy said that direct US military intervention on the ground against the Houthis would be "fruitless." By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Turkey's defense industry set to hit $20B in new contracts in 2026 The expanding defense industry sector has also become a foreign-policy tool for Ankara, deepening military partnerships with countries including Saudi Arabia. Turkey
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma The Israeli leader revealed that he spoke with the Syrian president last year, but stalled talks and Israel's fortification of a security zone on Syrian land underscore his mistrust of Sharaa. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Hormuz attacks spike after US airstrike on Iran-linked tanker By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Exclusive In bid to win over Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu may strike Yemen before elections By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Why Saudi-Pakistan defense pact remains key as Mecca alliance takes shape By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Israeli foreign minister meets Egyptian president in Cairo Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in another sign of strengthening bilateral ties. Israel
Iraq announces end to US-led combat role with no fanfare The defeat-IS coalition will continue its advisory mission into next year, despite a declared end to a combat role. Iraq
Senate fails to block missile sale to Saudi Arabia The Biden administration has said the AIM-120C missiles are to help Saudi Arabia defend itself against hostile drone attacks from Yemen. Saudi Arabia
Yemen measure stripped from US defense bill as Saudis up bombing Rep. Ro Khanna's amendment would have barred US maintenance support and weapons sales that contribute to Saudi-led offensive strikes in Yemen. Legacy: Gulf
Israel’s Bennett talks up trilateral security alliance with Greece, Cyprus In a joint press conference with counterparts from Greece and Cyprus, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett pledged to continue and reinforce the trilateral cooperation between the three allies. Israel
UAE says French fighter jets no substitute for US F-35 The head of the UAE's air force sought to clarify comments by France's President Emmanuel Macron last week. United Arab Emirates
UAE signs $19 billion fighter jet deal with France The sale of Dassault Rafale jets and Caracal helicopters marks Paris' largest foreign military sale to date. United Arab Emirates
As Vienna talks continue, Israel prepares for possible war against Iran, Hezbollah Working in all directions against a nuclearized Iran, the Israeli air force prepares itself for different scenarios. Israel
Pentagon review may mean closer oversight of CENTCOM requests The Pentagon's anticipated posture review remains largely classified, but it may help prevent shows of force in the Middle East which some have seen as excessive. United States
Israel approves $2.4 billion purchase of US CH-53 helicopters Israel is seeking to replace its fleet of heavy-lift helicopters over the next few years. Israel
Gantz says Israel, Morocco ‘leap together’ in historic agreement Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed this week in Rabat a landmark cooperation agreement with Morocco — the first such agreement signed by Israel with an Arab state. Israel
