Analysis Vance turning us into 'punching bag': Israel fumes over alleged IRGC-CENTCOM channel in Doha The US-Iran decision to launch direct talks between the IRGC and CENTCOM in Qatar deepens the rift between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while heightening Israeli fears that Washington is shifting toward Doha and Tehran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran attacks cargo ship off Oman, testing Trump’s Hormuz Strait deal The first Iranian attack on a cargo vessel since the ceasefire comes as top US diplomat Marco Rubio huddled with Gulf Cooperation Council ministers in Manama to reject Iran's claims to control the Strait of Hormuz. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Trump hints at F-35 breakthrough with Turkey ahead of NATO summit The administration is moving ahead with planned jet engine sales to Ankara ahead of next month’s NATO summit despite congressionally mandated sanctions on Turkey's defense industry. Turkey
CENTCOM commander heads to Israel, Gulf as Lebanon talks stall Israel's top defense official said his country would not withdraw from Lebanon despite diplomatic pressure from Washington as it seeks rapprochement with Iran. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis As US reshapes Lebanon strategy, Israel finds itself sidelined By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Why Gulf defense firms are betting on Europe in wake of Iran war By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Analysis How Netanyahu used Lebanon strikes to push back on Trump’s Iran deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Senate bill adds restrictions on US effort to train Lebanon army: What to know By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US military eyes counter-drone experimentation in Saudi Arabia US Central Command is moving ahead with plans to help enable shared air and missile defense across the Middle East. Legacy: Gulf
Israel won’t supply Ukraine with missile-defense systems Defense Minister Benny Gantz continues to refuse requests by Kyiv to supply Ukraine with the Israel-US-developed Iron Dome or other anti-missile systems. Israel
US-Saudi military ties remain on course despite OPEC dispute The White House is signaling it could hold up further arms sales to Saudi Arabia, but so far the rare public dispute has not impacted direct military cooperation between Washington and Riyadh. Legacy: Gulf
Israel challenged by West Bank 'Lion’s Den' assailants Prime Minister Yair Lapid struggles now with Palestinian unrest in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, fueled by provocations on the part of ultranationalist legislator Itamar Ben-Gvir and opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Turkey bullish about F-16 deal with Washington, despite Menendez's vow to block it The New Jersey senator has vowed to block any deal until the Turkish president "halts his campaign of aggression against the region." Turkey
Israel’s Lapid condemns Russian attack on Kyiv Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid has joined condemnation from across the globe against the Russian attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Israel
Settlers blame Israeli defense minister for growing West Bank insecurity Defense Minister Benny Gantz is caught between his efforts to establish good relations with the Palestinian leadership, and the wrath of the settlers following insecurity escalation. Israel
After collapse of Lebanon maritime deal, Israel fears Hezbollah attack Pressured by opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, and concerned over Hezbollah attacking, Prime Minister Yair Lapid announced Israel will not negotiate its maritime border with Lebanon under threats. Israel
IDF forces on alert as maritime agreement with Lebanon crumbles Israel has rejected the changes Beirut has demanded to the draft maritime border agreement and now fears tensions could escalate on its northern border. Israel
Israeli defense minister fosters security ties in Azerbaijan Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz traveled this week to Azerbaijan on the backdrop of growing tensions with Iran and Jerusalem’s desire to deepen strategic, security and economic ties with Baku. Israel
Analysis Russia's use of Iranian drones in Ukraine hints at reliance on Iran Problems equipping Russian troops with "nationally developed drones" leave Russia's military primarily operating Iranian drones. By Anton Mardasov
Israel’s Lapid defends compromise with Lebanon over maritime border Slammed by opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Yair Lapid claims the proposed deal over the demarcation of Israel and Lebanon’s maritime border protects Israel strategically on several levels. Israel
