Why Ali al-Taher ridge is emerging as an Israel-Hezbollah flashpoint Israel has intensified its strikes and ground operations around the strategic hill in a bid to force Hezbollah out. Lebanon
Israel to release 5 Lebanese prisoners ahead of next talks: What to know Israel said the detainees are "civilians who are not members of a terrorist organization" and "were not involved in terrorism," concluding, "There is no reason to continue holding them in Israel." Israel
After gun found in lake, French police probe link to 2012 Iraqi family murder A recently discovered Luger pistol may have been used in the mysterious 2012 killing of the al-Hilli family near the Alpine town of Chevaline in eastern France. Iraq
US expands Iran campaign with strikes on oil tankers Airstrikes on Iranian oil tankers mark a subtle tactical pivot after months of periodic bombardment targeting IRGC military infrastructure failed to shut down the IRGC’s attacks in Hormuz. Iran
Rebuking 5-year sentence, France urges Algeria to pardon Sansal: What to know France-Algeria relations have deteriorated recently, marked by expulsions of diplomats and tensions over Moroccan control of Western Sahara, migration and more. Algeria
Turkey's Erdogan vows justice amid rage over alleged Prophet Muhammad cartoon A controversial cartoon has sparked mass protests, arrests and threats against a leading Turkish satire magazine. Turkey
Analysis Israel-Syria peace push mulls US troops by Golan, ‘reformulating’ armistice agreement With the difficulty of negotiating the Golan Heights, Israel and Syria are considering something less than a peace treaty and full normalization. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Over 170 global NGOs call for end of US-backed GHF operations in Gaza More than 170 major nongovernmental organizations called for the immediate end to the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, amid the rising death toll near its distribution centers in Gaza. Palestine
Analysis Trump’s intervention fuels debate in Israel: Will Netanyahu accept plea deal or pardon? Many in Israel were stunned when President Donald Trump slammed the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called it a "witch hunt." By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Turkey: PKK disarmament could begin within days, Erdogan’s party says The ruling party’s spokesperson said the disarmament process is imminent amid reports of a looming “goodwill” ceremony expected from the Kurdish militant group in early July. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump signs sweeping executive order ending Syria sanctions By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
US approves over $500M arms sale to Israel ahead of Netanyahu visit The State Department has greenlit $500 million worth of JDAM guidance kits for Israeli bombs, as at least 80 people were reportedly killed by Israeli military gunfire and airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Monday. United States
Israel weighs Gaza ceasefire, Abraham Accords expansion as Dermer heads to Washington Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer's trip comes amid a US push for a broader regional deal linking Gaza, Iran and normalization with Arab states. Israel
Trump signs executive order ending decades-old Syria sanctions The sweeping directive unwinds layers of sanctions but maintains Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Syria
Israeli strike on cafe in Gaza kills at least 33, medics say: What to know The Israeli military on Monday stepped up its operations in Gaza, calling for Palestinians to evacuate large areas of the north and carrying out fresh strikes, including one on a beachfront cafe. Palestine
Israel strikes Lebanon as pressure mounts in Beirut to disarm Hezbollah The US demands that the Lebanese cabinet approve a plan on the disarmament of Hezbollah as Israeli attacks in south Lebanon continue despite a ceasefire. Lebanon