Katz warns PA against 'Oct. 7-style' attack as West Bank violence rises After a West Bank stabbing of an Israeli settler, Defense Minister Israel Katz warns the Palestinian Authority against launching an “Oct. 7-style” assault. Israel
Yemen army ups strikes on Houthis, retakes Red Sea coast positions The Iranian-backed Houthis launched an offensive to take areas bordering the Red Sea, prompting heavy clashes and exchanges of fire with Saudi-backed government forces. Yemen
Lebanon says at least 12 killed in Israeli strikes as tensions rise in south The escalation in southern Lebanon casts a shadow over upcoming Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome. Lebanon
Analysis LORA missile test reveals limits of Germany’s Gaza criticism of Israel The German navy tested Israel’s LORA ballistic missile as Berlin considers acquiring the system, deepening defense ties with Israel despite criticism of the Gaza war. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis With Hurjet test, Turkey seeks defense dominance beyond drones By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis How Jewish politician joining Arab party could reshape Israeli politics By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Key Pentagon policy officials to step down amid widening Middle East crisis Mara Karlin, who oversaw the drafting of the Biden administration's national defense strategy and has filled in as the Pentagon’s no.-3 top official, and Dana Stroul, the department’s Middle East policy director, are both stepping down as Congressional dysfunction threatens to hold up their replacement. Washington Connection
Report: Netanyahu sets up secret team to discuss ‘day after’ in Gaza Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set up a team to discuss possibilities for the day after the war in Gaza, according to a recent Channel 13 report. Israel
Iran unveils new Karrar drones upgraded with air-to-air missiles Iran’s drone fleet has raised concerns among the United States and its allies. Iran
Iran’s FM confirms US messages on Iraq, dodges questions on protests Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Washington has been dispatching weekly messages to Iran to rein in militants in Iraq and Syria attacking its forces. Iran
France, Germany, Italy push for EU sanctions against Hamas leaders In a letter to the European Union Foreign Affairs chief Josep Borrell, the foreign ministers of the three countries stress they would like to see more Hamas leaders sanctioned. Israel
Middle East countries join global call for strike in solidarity with Palestinians Several countries in the region observed a strike in solidarity with the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and to demand an end of the Israeli war. Palestine
What fate awaits Lebanon’s army chief Joseph Aoun as another Beirut void looms? Another leadership position might soon be vacant in Lebanon amid bickering over the legality of extending the term of the soon-to-retire commander of the military. Lebanon
Turkey’s military-industrial complex is booming, but long road ahead The pitfalls and advantages of Turkish defense firms that were listed among the top 100 arms producers that increased their revenue last year as combined revenues of their Western counterparts shrank. Turkey
Analysis Between Israel's intelligence failure & corruption trial, will Netanyahu crack? Opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu say the Gaza war proves he should have resigned when first indicted, and not continue leading the country while managing the trial against him. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics