Defense/Security cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with King of Jordan Abdullah II during a signing ceremony at The Great Hall Of The People on Sept. 9, 2015, in Beijing, China.

Jordan's King Abdullah heads to China in first visit since 2015: What to know

Ahead of the visit, King Abdullah said that Jordan hopes to expand cooperation with China in green energy, tourism and aviation.

AFP via Getty Images

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.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

SPA

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.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends a press conference in Moscow on June 16, 2026.

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.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Latest News

New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know

A Syrian rebel fighter looks on as he stands at an inspection checkpoint for incoming vehicles before a Russian flag and Russian soldiers behind manning the entrance of the Russian-leased Syrian military base of Hmeimim in Latakia province in western Syria on Dec. 29, 2024.

Analysis

As US rethinks regional presence, Israel shifts focus to destabilizing Iran

Hussein FALEH / AFP via Getty Images

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Turkey’s defense exports reach record $5.79B in first 7 months of 2026

People look at a drone on display at the Baykar exhibit at the SAHA International Defense and Aerospace Expo on May 6, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Analysis

Katz riles Iran, US as Netanyahu-Trump meeting raises questions

Win McNamee/Getty Images

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Israeli Foreign Ministry

Negev Summit steering committee hatches plans in Bahrain

After Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid brought together counterparts from Israel, the United States, the Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Egypt last March, senior officials meet in Bahrain to lay more concrete plans.

Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid speaks at a press conference, Tel Aviv, Israel, May 6, 2021.

Lapid may need to rely on boxing experience in battle with Netanyahu

Col. Gadi Eizenkot joining Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid's party could help him in an expected tough election battle against Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevult Cavusuglo at a joint press conference, Ankara, Turkey, June 23, 2022.

Israel’s FM Lapid makes first visit to Turkey, focused on security cooperation

When Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid scheduled his trip to Turkey, he didn’t know he would be arriving almost as a prime minister.

Shaked

Israeli minister backs Moroccan claims to Western Sahara sovereignty

On a first official visit to Morocco, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked said Israel recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, and stated Israel’s intention to enable Moroccans to work in Israel in the construction and nursing sectors.

Israel Turkey

Israel still on alert over Iranian threats to tourists in Turkey

Israel and Turkey deepen securty cooperation as Israel calls out IRGC security head as part of psychological warfare campaign.

Gantz

Israel says Middle East air defense partnership already in action

Israel's defense minister said he hopes US President Joe Biden's trip to the region will further the joint defense cooperation.

A Cham Wings Airlines Airbus A320-211 is pictured at the Aleppo airport after flights were diverted from Damascus aiport following an airstrike that damaged the airport, Syria, June 15, 2022.

Russia reportedly drafts UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel over Syria

Reports yesterday claimed that Russia is preparing a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel over its alleged attack last week on the Damascus airport.

Uriel Sinai/Getty Images

First woman to command Israeli Defense Force brigade

A newly promoted colonel will be the first woman to command a brigade in the Israel Defense Forces.

US President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, Aug. 27, 2021.

Israel’s coalition chaos won’t impact Biden visit

Israeli-American billionaire Haim Saban tried to prepare Biden for his first visit to Israel as president, saying Netanyahu's return as prime minister could be problematic.

Tourists pass through a police checkpoint in Istanbul.

IDF allows Israeli athletes to go to Turkey despite travel warning

Five Israeli fencers who still serve in the army were allowed this morning to travel to Turkey for the European Championships despite the severe travel warning issued by Israeli authorities on Monday.

Golan Heights

Israel puts Syria on notice over Iran

According to foreign reports, Israel is increasing its offensive activities in Syria against Iran-related targets.

ARIEL SCHALIT/AFP via Getty Images

As Israeli coalition falters, former IDF chief mulls politics

Rumors are flying about former IDF chief Gadi Eizenkot entering politics.