Analysis

As Netanyahu fans flames, will Biden lose Israeli center over arms cut?

Israeli leaders, including from the political center, were surprised and disappointed by President Joe Biden's threat to withhold the delivery of offensive arms to Israel in the event of a large-scale Rafah operation.

By Ben Caspit

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

Biden approaches 'red line' with Netanyahu 7 months into Gaza war

After months spent warning Israel against launching an assault in Rafah, Biden said such an operation would result in the US blocking arms shipments to the Jewish state.

Israel

Turkey, Israel tangle in fresh row over trade ban

The fresh tensions between the two regional powers seem to be stemming from a Turkish directive sent to companies that were doing business with Israel to introduce a three-month adjustment period for implementation of the trade ban.

Turkey

Can Republicans in Congress punish ICC if it issues Israel arrest warrants?

“Target Israel and we will target you,” lawmakers warn prosecutor Karim Khan, as the court reportedly prepares to indict the Israeli prime minister and other Israeli officials.

Israel

With draft letters done, Turkey and US inch closer to concluding $23B F-16 deal

Turkey has concluded its part on draft letter of offer for the $23 billion sale, a Turkish official said.

Turkey

CIA director, Israel and Hamas leave Egypt talks with no deal reached

After representatives of Hamas and the United States left Cairo, the Israeli delegation also departed on Thursday as sources told Kan news agency that "irreconcilable gaps" had emerged between the parties.

Palestine

Iran warns it will change ‘nuclear doctrine’ if threatened by Israel

The remarks come less than a month after an unprecedented Iranian drone attack in Israel and apparent retaliatory strikes in Iran’s Isfahan.

Iran

Erdogan's Byzantine church conversion roils Greece ahead of PM's Turkey visit

The Byzantine-era cathedral's inauguration as a working mosque came just days before a landmark visit to Turkey by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which is due to kick off on May 13.

Turkey

CIA chief meets Netanyahu as Israel sees no imminent deal from Cairo talks

Israel kept its negotiating team in Cairo as CIA chief William Burns met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel

Biden pauses transfer of bombs to Israel amid concerns of Rafah invasion

It's the first time the Biden administration has admitted restricting the flow of arms to Israel in a bid to shape the ongoing war in Gaza, but the move failed to stop a limited initial incursion into Rafah.

Palestine

Palestinian Fatah official slams Israel’s Rafah push but hopeful on Gaza deal

Abbas Zaki told Al-Monitor he’s hopeful the strong international response will leave Israel with no choice but to withdraw from the Rafah crossing and potentially accept a deal.

Palestine

Analysis

In Iran, Iraqi Kurdistan President Barzani welcomed by Khamenei, IRGC

Nechirvan Barzani’s trip to Tehran follows tensions between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Islamic Republic over Kurdish armed groups and attacks by Iran-backed militias.

By Adam Lucente

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