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July 27, 2026

Tel Aviv 5:11 pm

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Analysis

Why US carriers unlikely to rush back to Beirut as Trump lifts Lebanon flight ban

The White House is set to allow US airlines to fly to Beirut for the first time in decades, but experts say the move is more about politics than planes as Washington creates new openings for Lebanon's battered economy.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Ahead of Trump meeting, Netanyahu lays groundwork for Israel to rejoin Iran war

Reports of an Iranian espionage ring and nuclear centrifuges movement could help Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu make the case to the Israeli public and Donald Trump to rejoin the war, ahead of a critical election in October.

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

Latest News

Explainer

As Turkey rivalry heats up, Greece to acquire $4B Israeli air defense system

David's Sling.

Trump says Saudi nuclear deal 'totally subject' to Israel normalization

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Israel fears US deal would allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium

US President Donald Trump (R) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands as they arrive to speak to journalists during a joint press conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on Dec. 29, 2025.

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

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

Jack Dutton

Chief Business Correspondent

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

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

Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Rina Bassist

Associate Editor (Israel)

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Israel: Last act before fourth elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plays for time before making the decision whether to join a unity government with Blue and White’s Benny Gantz or go for broke and generate a fourth set of elections.

GAZA CITY, GAZA - MARCH 19: Palestinians gather for a demonstration to demand coronavirus (COVID-19) protection for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, in Gaza City, Gaza on March 19, 2020. (Photo by Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Saving Palestinian prisoners’ lives requires releasing the elderly and sick

As Palestinians commemorate Prisoners' Day on April 17, the biggest demand appears to be how to safeguard prisoners from the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

IDF, Arab Israelis join forces against COVID-19 ahead of Ramadan

The Israeli central government and mayors of Arab Israeli municipalities are working together on plans to contain the novel coronavirus ahead of the Ramadan festivities.

Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz speaks to supporters following the announcement of exit polls in Israel's election at the party's headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel March 3, 2020. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun - RC2ZBF96PPX7

Gantz gives Netanyahu ultimatum for Israeli government agreement

Blue and White party leader and Knesset Speaker Benny Gantz will advance legislation preventing an indicted politician from becoming premier if Netanyahu doesn't agree to a unity government by April 20.

COVID-19 offers new opportunities for Israel-Arab relations

In secret diplomatic ties or in open posts on social media, Israel reaches out to Arab neighbors battling with the coronavirus.

United Arab Emirates

Israel’s parliament has 21 days to choose prime minister

President Reuven Rivlin has given the Knesset three weeks to choose the next prime minister after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White head Benny Gantz failed to reach an agreement by the Wednesday deadline.

Netanyahu’s paranoia impedes coalition talks

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s paranoia and fears are the real reason why a unity government agreement has not been signed yet.

JERUSALEM - JANUARY 24 : A view of Hebrew racial slurs on the wall of the mosque sprayed by Jewish settlers as eyewitnesses reported that a group of settlers set fire to the Badriya mosque in Beit Safafa town in Jerusalem on January 24, 2020. (Photo by Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Extremist settlers exploit pandemic to step up violence

While the Israel Defense Forces and the political leadership are busy fighting the novel coronavirus, Israel's notorious hilltop youth are rioting and attacking Palestinians with impunity.

Israeli annexation talks threaten ties with Arab world

The Israeli annexation discourse bolsters radical elements in the Arab world and undermines the moderates, thus threatening Israeli aspirations for diplomatic relations and commercial ties.

Will coronavirus crisis spur Hamas-Israel swap deal?

Hamas has recently announced its readiness to make concessions in the prisoner swap deal with Israel, pushing mediators to communicate and reactivate the dossier that has been on hold for the past five years.

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - OCTOBER 23: Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (R) and Blue and White Party Leader Benny Gantz shake hands during a nomination ceremony on October 23, 2019 in Jerusalem, Israel. Gantz has received a mandate to form a government after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to form a coalition. (Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images)

Israel's deadline after the deadline

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz has 48 hours to choose between a fourth round of elections and a unity government under conditions orchestrated by Benjamin Netanyahu.

Arab party next leader of Israel’s left-wing camp?

With the Jewish left-wing parties crumbling, the Arab Joint List seeks to lead the camp and appeal also to Jewish voters.