Israeli president meets FM Wang Yi as reports link China to Iran’s military buildup Israeli President Isaac Herzog held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussed topics ranging from economic and cultural cooperation to regional security. Israel
Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar sues Netanyahu for nearly $1M over Oct. 7 claims Bar is suing for 3 million shekels ($970,000) over a Sept. 28 post on X in which Netanyahu blamed the former Shin Bet chief for Oct. 7 intelligence failures and accused him of withholding warnings. Israel
Ex-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar to sue Netanyahu over Oct. 7 accusations: What to know Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar of withholding information in the hours before the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, but the former security chief rejected the claim, saying he intends to file a defamation suit. Israel
After 44 years, Israel retrieves remains of soldier killed in Lebanon: What to know The Israeli military recovered the remains of Yehuda Katz, an Israeli soldier who was killed in the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in Lebanon 44 years ago. Israel
Who is Bill Pulte, Trump loyalist tapped as intelligence director? By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Scandal threatens political ambitions of former Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen Revelations over an alleged liaison with a married woman could threaten whatever political ambitions former Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen was harboring. Israel
Israeli president’s call with Erdogan may go beyond detainees’ release Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s friendly chat with his Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog could be signal that he is ready to turn a page in Turkey’s strained ties with Israel. Israel
Israeli tourists released from Turkish prison Two Israeli tourists held for eight days in Turkey have returned home in a private jet today and Israel’s president called Turkey's to thank him personally. Israel
Israel seeks release of couple arrested for espionage in Istanbul In an incident that threatens to further strain Turkey-Israel relations, Jerusalem is working to secure the release of an Israeli couple arrested in Istanbul Friday after reportedly taking photos of a presidential residence. Turkey
The Takeaway: Sudan’s fragile economic stability at risk after military takeover Saudi Arabia’s plan for “net-zero”; Turkey’s spy busts; Syria’s rebel factions; Egypt’s robot detention; fatwas on marital sex and bodybuilding; fishing for plastic in the Nile … all in about 1,500 words! Sudan
Turkish media erupts with news of Iran spy arrests — three weeks late The victorious headlines ran in all the pro-government print news media, which are in desperate need of good news amid the deepening economic crisis. Turkey
Turkey’s spy-bust bombshell unlikely to further worsen ties with Israel The Turkish media may be abuzz with reports about the foiling of a Mossad-run spy ring, but Israel appears unimpressed, and observers see no further deterioration in the already frosty bilateral relations. Turkey
15 spies for Israel's Mossad arrested, reports Turkish press Turkey's Sabah newspaper reported that a 15-member spy network was arrested on Oct. 15 in an operation carried out across four Turkish provinces. Turkey
UAE budget boosts cybersecurity The huge increase of cyberattacks during the coronavirus pandemic, digital transformation and terrorism threats have pushed the UAE to secure its cyberborders through high expenditure within its new budget. Legacy: Gulf
Iran’s intelligence accused of killing Kurdish political activist Yasser Mangouri’s family was informed of his death more than 50 days into his summoning in the northwestern city of Piranshahr. Iran
Israel’s military promotes handler of jailed US spy to brigadier general Aviem Sella's promotion was approved by Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Israel
The Takeaway: The roots of Tunisia’s political crisis are economic Also: United States, Iraq stay focused on Islamic State; Gulf eyes solar energy; Russia’s Syria policy puzzles Israel; Afghan refugees trigger backlash in Turkey; Erdogan puts spotlight on Cyprus ghost town. Tunisia
