Israel - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Israel cover image

Israel

July 12, 2026

Tel Aviv 11:46 am

30°C

Jim WATSON / AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

As US-Iran fighting resumes, Israel weighs 3 options with restraint winning, for now

Despite Israel's military readiness to resume strikes on Iran, officials say looming elections make Netanyahu more likely to stay out unless Tehran forces his hand.

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

Former Israeli army chief of staff Gadi Eizenkot speaks during the launch of the Yashar party's election campaign in Hod Aharon, in central Israel, on June 30, 2026.

New Israeli election poll puts Eisenkot ahead of Netanyahu: What to know

Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party has now bypassed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud in the polls, cementing his status as Netanyahu’s main opponent.

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (not shown) for bilateral talks at Beştepe Presidential Compound during the NATO Summit on July 08, 2026 in Ankara, Turkey. Leaders from NATO's 32 countries, plus NATO allies like Ukraine, gathered in the Turkish capital to discuss a range of issues involving spending targets, defense industrial production, and support for Ukraine, among other topics. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Trump declares MoU with Iran 'over' as Hegseth cancels trip to Israel

Trump said diplomacy with Tehran was “a waste of time” after renewed attacks around Hormuz, as US defense chief reportedly cancels Israel visit.

Latest News

Explainer

Lebanon's latest damage estimate outlines reconstruction challenge

Froun

Analysis

Trump's F-35 push for Turkey runs into CAATSA — and Israel

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) welcomes US President Donald Trump (R) upon his arrival on Air Force One at Etimesgut Air Base near Ankara, on July 7, 2026, before attending the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)

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

Israel, Greece conduct military drills ahead of NATO summit in Turkey

ABIR SULTAN / AFP via Getty Images

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Jack Dutton

Chief Business Correspondent

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

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

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

Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Rina Bassist

Associate Editor (Israel)

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

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

Shapiro's appointment as Iran liaison good news for Bennett-Biden relations

Ambassador Dan Shapiro is a trusted and respected interlocutor for upper echelons in both Washington and Jerusalem.

ALEXEY NIKOLSKY/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images

Netanyahu asked to return state gifts he received as Israeli PM

The prime minister's office has reportedly requested that Benjamin Netanyahu return 42 gifts from President Barack Obama, President Vladimir Putin and other foreign leaders that he received during his 12-year tenure.

Israeli Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz attends a Cabinet meeting of the new government at Chagall State Hall in the Knesset, Jerusalem, May 24, 2020.

Gantz announces $155M loan for PA following Abbas meeting

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and PA President Mahmoud Abbas held rare face-to-face talks in Ramallah on Aug. 29.

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

Biden-Bennett talks covered Iran, Palestinian economy, evictions

President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett went beyond Iran to ways to support Palestinian economy.

AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli bill gives ultra-Orthodox choice between IDF service, work

A new IDF conscription bill offers the ultra-Orthodox a choice between military service and going to work.

Iyad Shalabi of Team Israel celebrates winning the Men's 100m Backstroke - S1 final on day 1 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Center, Japan, Aug. 25, 2021.

First Arab-Israeli athlete to win gold medal in Paralympic Games

The recognition and congratulations by Israeli Jewish politicians over the achievement of swimmer Iyad Shalabi reflect societal changes that were long overdue.

Bennett and Biden at White House

Bennett, Biden meet, feature friendship and understanding on Iran

At their White House meeting, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett received from President Joe Biden almost everything he was out to get, including a public declaration on a US commitment against a nuclearized Iran.

OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli leaders send condolences to Americans on Afghanistan attack

Leaders from both the coalition and the opposition in Israel sent messages of sympathy to the American people and for all those who lost family members and friends at the double Afghanistan suicide attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett listens during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Willard Hotel, Washington, Aug. 25, 2021.

Bennett’s meeting with Biden overshadowed by Afghanistan attacks

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was hoping for a festive first official meeting with US President Joe Biden, but the suicide attacks at Kabul airport changed all that.

SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images

Israel permits additional goods to enter Gaza

Israel's military liaison to the Palestinian sides announced that more goods and Palestinian workers will be allowed entry.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews harvest wheat in a field near the city of Modi'in, Israel, April 28, 2021.

Israeli farmers prepare for year of rest

Preparing for the year of Shmita, when the land must rest and not be cultivated, Israel is privileging the importation of produce from Jordan and the Palestinian Authority.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett (L) meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, Aug. 25 2021.

Ahead of meeting Biden, Israel’s Bennett meets with Austin, Blinken

On his first official visit to the United States, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.