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
'We are living a real doomsday': Gaza residents with nowhere to hide from Israel’s looming incursion Al-Monitor correspondent in Gaza says “no one is able to help anyone” as Israel prepares for ground assault; our reporting from Israel, Gaza, Egypt, Iran and more; why China sees the war as a net negative. Israel
Iran doubles down on backing Hamas, says US unable to block $6 billion fund The Islamic Republic has dismissed a reported US-Qatari deal on pausing an expected release of unfrozen Iranian funds while warning that other Iran-baked regional proxies could join Hamas' battle against Israel. Iran
Turkey says 'intensive contacts' underway to free Israel's hostages with Hamas The Turkish president said his government, which has channels to both Hamas and Israel, is seeking the release of hostages held in Gaza, but hinted at Western obstacles. Turkey
Analysis Israel's cruel dilemma as it embarks on ground operation in Gaza With two former generals, leaders of the opposition, now inside the cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may soon launch a ground offensive. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Day 7 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Friday, Oct. 13 As the clock ticks down for residents to evacuate north Gaza before a ground invasion, protests are rocking the Arab world and border clashes broken out between the Israeli military and the Lebanese Armed Forces. Israel
Egypt, wary of influx of Gaza refugees into Sinai, rallies behind Palestinians Egyptian officials are racing against time to stop the escalating war between Israel and Hamas, while Cairo is concerned that the escalation may extend to its borders with Gaza. Egypt
US, Qatar reportedly agree to pause Iran's access to $6 billion fund The Biden administration faced mounting congressional pressure to punish Iran over the surprise attack on Israel carried out by its proxy, Hamas. Qatar
Pentagon chief heads to Israel, says no conditions on US arms transfers Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Washington has "not placed any conditions" on military hardware sent to Israel amid its campaign in Gaza, even as UN officials warn the IDF's siege of the Palestinian enclave violates international law. Israel
At least 300,000 displaced in Gaza amid blackout, Israeli bombardment The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as the health sector collapses and bodies begin piling up in front of hospitals. Palestine
Day 6 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Thursday, Oct. 12 On day six of the war, Israel gave the United Nations a deadline to evacuate residents in northern Gaza ahead of a ground invasion. Israel
How the complex search for Israel's hostages in Gaza could unfold Even determining the whereabouts of the hostages in the overcrowded Gaza Strip, much less rescuing them, will be a daunting mission for Israel and the United States. Israel
