US general meets Lebanon’s army chief as ceasefire with Israel teeters Control over a strategic ridge overlooking Nabatieh is emerging as a flashpoint between the Israeli military and Lebanon ahead of the next expected round of negotiations in September. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Explainer Three ways China benefits from Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact: What to know The pact points to a more multipolar Middle Eastern security order, one in which Washington is no longer the unquestioned center of Gulf security. China
Analysis Fidan heads to Egypt amid questions over Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan pact Conflicting accounts of why Egypt stayed out of the agreement have exposed the competing interests shaping the region’s emerging defense architecture. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know Under a deal announced by Syria, Russia’s military facilities would be turned into joint training centers. Syria
Analysis As US rethinks regional presence, Israel shifts focus to destabilizing Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Katz riles Iran, US as Netanyahu-Trump meeting raises questions By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Azerbaijan becomes first Shiite country to open embassy in Israel The decision is a diplomatic victory for outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid. Meanwhile, incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is struggling to assemble his ruling coalition. Israel
Israeli Defense Ministry reassures Greece, Cyprus over trilateral alliance Three weeks after his official visit to Turkey, Defense Minister Benny Gantz visits Greece in an effort to reassure his counterparts that rapprochement with Ankara won’t come at the expense of the trilateral Hellenic partnership. Israel
Israeli-owned tanker hit by drone off Oman coast No group or country have taken responsibility for the drone attack last night against the Pacific Zircon, but the Israeli security system suspects Iran was behind the hit. Israel
Israel rejects US plan to investigate death of Palestinian journalist The outgoing and incoming Israeli leaderships agree that Israel will not allow the FBI to investigate the death of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Israel
US apprehensive Netanyahu will nominate far-right defense minister More and more American and Arab officials are sending designated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu messages, warning him against offering far-right Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich the defense portfolio. Israel
Senior NATO official visits Israel as Ukraine war rages on Senior NATO officials find the time to visit Israel, strengthen relations and seek more venues for collaboration. Israel
US says North Korea shipping weapons to Russia via Middle East The White House said it will consult with allies on next steps, including at the United Nations. Russia / Mideast
US military in touch with Saudi Arabia over threat from Iran Pentagon officials would not corroborate a Saudi report of a potential imminent attack from Iran on Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey, Israel relaunch security ties during historic visit On a historic official visit to Ankara, and after meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced the official resumption of bilateral security relations. Israel
Turkey, Israel agree to strengthen defense ties Israeli defense chief stressed stability in the Eastern Mediterranean during his landmark visit to Ankara amid lingering tensions between Turkey and Greece. Turkey
Israel, Lebanon ink maritime border deal Delegations from Israel, Lebanon, the United States, the United Nations and France gathered in Naqoura, Lebanon, to make the agreement on the Israeli-Lebanese maritime border official. Israel
Israel destroys Lion’s Den explosive factory in Nablus A week before the Nov. 1 elections, Israel Defense Forces raided an explosive factory of the Palestinian Lion’s Den terrorist group and killed one of its founders. Israel
