Analysis

Gaza realities test Trump’s 2025 Middle East ambitions

During its first year, the second Trump administration confronted wars in Gaza and Sudan, forged new ties with Syria and grappled with the growing nuclear threat from Iran.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland in slight to Turkey

As Somaliland wins diplomatic recognition from Israel, the move could upset Turkey’s interests in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

Israel

Analysis

Eyeing Turkey, Netanyahu boosts Greece, Cyprus ties ahead of US visit

Worried about the increasing empowerment of Turkey across the Middle East, Israel is making a show of neighborhood strength with Greece and Cyprus.

By Ben Caspit

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

Analysis

In 2025, Netanyahu saved his coalition but stalled on Gaza, Iran, Lebanon

With 2025 ending, Israelis are frustrated over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to fully end the Gaza war, solve the Hezbollah problem, reach a deal with Syria or find a way to constructively impact talks on the Iranian nuclear program.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Feature

Cheap oil, tighter finances, wars constrained Mid East economies in 2025

Low oil prices, tighter financial conditions and elevated geopolitical risk hampered growth across much of the Middle East and North Africa this year.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Analysis

Egypt’s $35B Israel gas deal buys time, tests fragile energy partnership

The agreement is a critical stopgap as Cairo grapples with domestic power demands, but the last two years have tested Egypt-Israel energy cooperation in unprecedented ways.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

France seeks to bolster Lebanon's army through UNIFIL coordination, donor conference

France believes that the key to stabilizing the region is bolstering the Lebanese military so it can regain control over the south of the country.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Analysis

Can Netanyahu convince Trump to OK strike on Iran’s missile program?

At their anticipated Florida meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present US President Donald Trump with options for stopping Iran from rebuilding its program.

By Ben Caspit

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

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

US pressures Israel over strikes on Lebanon

Syria’s foreign, defense ministers arrive in Moscow; Israeli defense minister says military will never fully withdraw from Gaza; and more.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Exclusive

Second Lebanon-Israel meeting sidelined France, saw US pressure on Netanyahu

Differences over the so-called economic zone and the high civilian toll from Israeli strikes capped the second meeting between Lebanese and Israeli officials on Friday.

By Joyce Karam , Rina Bassist

Analysis

Trump has upper hand over Netanyahu, but is it enough for Gaza?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been stalling on the implementation of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, but at the end of the day, Trump has much more leverage over Netanyahu.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Maersk resumes Red Sea passage after two-year halt amid easing Houthi threat

A ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in October has prompted some shipping companies to consider resuming services, but security concerns persist.

Yemen