Defense/Security cooperation

Austin takes firmer stance on Gaza war with Israel’s defense chiefs

After prompting by Washington, Israel's defense minister suggested a less destructive war campaign in Gaza is coming, but declined to lay out a timetable or to specify which objectives could lead to a new approach.

Israel

US announces new naval task force as Houthis threaten Red Sea shipping

The United States is rallying its allies in a bid to deter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, but it wasn't immediately clear what action they'd take to deter the ongoing flurry of attacks.

Legacy: Gulf

Analysis

Israeli FM rejects France’s call for cease-fire as 'gift for Hamas'

While rejecting the call by French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said the two countries are working together to de-escalate tensions on the Lebanon border.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Analysis

Netanyahu, Biden at loggerheads over war, Gaza's future

While the Americans pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to lean on the Palestinian Authority, the Israeli leader continues to scapegoat Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

By Ben Caspit

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

How France is targeting Hamas financing

Representatives of 20 countries gathered in Paris to formulate a plan against the financing of Hamas and expand sanctions against its members.

Israel

Israeli military repatriates bodies of two people kidnapped by Hamas

The Israeli military announced Tuesday that it had recovered two bodies of Israelis held by Hamas in Gaza in an operation that killed two Israeli soldiers.

Israel

Analysis

Israel braces for possible Hezbollah attack as Lebanese border heats up

Israel is hoping that international pressure will convince Hezbollah to withdraw its Radwan commando units to the other side of the Litani River, but also prepares for a scenario where Hezbollah will refuse such a move.

By Ben Caspit

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

Analysis

Germany's double approach to Israel: Expand Gaza aid, mum on cease-fire

Germany has seen significant spike in antisemitic attacks since the the war. Chancellor Olaf Scholz called this week on the Netanyahu government to do whatever it can to limit the number of casualties in Gaza and to allow humanitarian aid convoys.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

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

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

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

Why is the US reluctant to strike back against Yemen's Houthi rebels?

Yemen’s Houthi rebels opened a new volley of attacks on commercial shipping in the southern Red Sea, but Washington appears in no rush to authorize US military strikes on the Iran-backed group.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military