Analysis What’s at stake for Turkey as Israel heads to the polls? Israel’s Oct. 27 election could offer a chance to ease tensions with Ankara, but competing ambitions in Syria and beyond threaten to push the two US allies toward a dangerous confrontation. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Iran and Gaza: Why Trump's backing of Netanyahu may come with strings attached Netanyahu could offer Trump several concessions: hold off on striking Iran until after the Nov. 3 US midterms, ease restrictions on Gaza’s reconstruction or crack down on settler violence in the West Bank. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Sisi says Egypt has no ‘territorial ambitions’ after Israel’s Smotrich threatens Sinai The Egyptian president’s remarks follow a warning from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that Israel would seize the Sinai Peninsula if Egypt attacks. Egypt
Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar sues Netanyahu for nearly $1M over Oct. 7 claims Bar is suing for 3 million shekels ($970,000) over a Sept. 28 post on X in which Netanyahu blamed the former Shin Bet chief for Oct. 7 intelligence failures and accused him of withholding warnings. Israel
Analysis Three years after Oct. 7, Hamas’ grip on Gaza tests Netanyahu’s ‘total victory’ By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Pro-Gaza protests in Turkey target Israeli consulate, McDonald's As the bombing of a Gaza hospital sparked protests across Turkey, Israel has raised its travel warning to Turkey to the highest level. Turkey
Lebanon, Hezbollah hold 'day of rage' as US Embassy ups travel alert Several pro-Palestinian rallies took place across the country, with demonstrators heeding Hezbollah’s call for a "day of rage." Lebanon
In Israel, Biden says hospital blast appears done by 'other team' Upon his arrival in Israel, US President Biden said that the blast at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza appears to have been committed by the Palestinians, without naming Hamas or Islamic Jihad. Israel
Hezbollah calls for 'day of anger' as Biden heads to Israel, Gaza war rages Cross-border fire has been ongoing between Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement and Israel in southern Lebanon since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel last weekend. Lebanon
Europe’s leaders express solidarity in Israel as EU searches for consensus On a solidarity visit, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said it is his country's duty to protect the state and the people of Israel. Israel
France’s Macron denounces first Hamas video of French-Israeli Gaza hostage Hamas published a first video showing one of the hostages currently held in Gaza — French-Israeli Mia Shem. Israel
Analysis Distrusting Netanyahu, US takes oversight role in Israel's Hamas war The two visits to Israel by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, another by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the expected arrival on Wednesday of President Joe Biden reflect American concerns over the outbreak of a regional war. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Day 11 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Tuesday, Oct. 17 Eleven days into the fighting between Israel and Hamas, nearly 1 million are now displaced in Gaza as rocket barrages continue in the direction of Israel and the Israeli bombardment intensifies on the enclave. Israel
Biden to visit Israel as US pushes humanitarian corridor for Gaza Washington appears to have bought more time for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, but US officials say they are not placing conditions on weapons delivered to Israel nor dictating to the IDF on its operational plans. Israel
Netanyahu speaks with UAE president in first call with Arab leader since Hamas attack UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the first Arab leader with whom Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. Israel
European Union launches humanitarian air bridge for Gazans via Egypt The European Union will start sending humanitarian aid for displaced Gaza residents, including shelters, medicines and hygiene kits. Palestine
Turkey’s Fidan calls Hamas leader, Israeli hostages in Gaza discussed The phone call comes after the Turkish president said last week that his government was working intensively with all parties for the release of the hostages. Turkey
