Analysis After France's settlement ban, Israel sees no warming of ties with Macron government Israeli diplomats say France’s decision to ban imports from West Bank settlements has brought bilateral relations to an unprecedented low point. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis How a new Baluch militant coalition raises pressure on Iran-Pakistan border Iran's military standoff with the US may be creating opportunities for Baluch groups to launch operations from the mountainous, sparsely populated frontier region with Pakistan. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Analysis As Iran regime marks 200 days of war, is it also preparing for dissent? Seven months into the war with the US, Iranian authorities staged a pro-government mobilization in Tehran, combining patriotic spectacle with a carefully calibrated demonstration aimed for domestic internal security capacity. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Syria’s Shibani visits Latakia airport to review Russia deal progress: What to know Syria is seeking to ensure that the August deal to turn Russian facilities in the country into joint training centers is implemented. Syria
Analysis How Netanyahu is leveraging Houthi threat in secret Saudi normalization push By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Lapid makes smooth landing in Israeli prime minister’s office Having long prepared for the job, Yair Lapid quickly took on the role of Israel’s prime minister. Israel
Iran denies asking for new concessions in nuclear deal Iran’s foreign minister says that economic guarantees from the nuclear deal are nothing new. Iran
Turkey’s media watchdog warns against LGBTQ song as crackdown continues Turkish pop star Mabel Matiz's “Copshop,” a song that tells the story of a gay man tortured in a police station, dovetails with a month-long government crackdown on LGBTQ groups and activities during Pride month. Turkey
Israel takes down Hezbollah drones headed for Mediterranean gas rig By intercepting Iran-made UAVs sent by Hezbollah earlier this week, Israel has made it clear that it can protect its maritime assets. Israel
Israel's Ultra-Orthodox warn Netanyahu not to take them for granted Israel's ultra-Orthodox parties have followed opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu through four failed election rounds, but will they continue to support him? Israel
Iran navy expanding its presence in Red Sea, Israel says Israel's defense chief said Iran's navy is "methodically basing itself in the Red Sea," posing risks to international shipping. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Palestinians furious at tepid US findings on journalist's killing Reactions from the ground are coming in following the results of the ballistic test performed by the United States on the bullet that killed Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Palestine
Lapid’s greatest election challenge will be skyrocketing cost of living Prime Minister Yair Lapid has only four months to show Israelis he can do something about the continuously-increasing cost of living and high housing prices. Israel
Israeli court rejects cap on Ukrainian refugees This week, Israel’s Supreme Court struck down the cap imposed by the Interior Ministry on the number of Ukrainian refugees allowed into the country. Israel
Turkey blocks VOA, Deutsche Welle in pre-election media clampdown The ban came after the websites failed to apply for licenses that would allow government to oversee their content. Turkey
Iran's chief negotiator warns Israel against war preparations The raging war of words coincided with protracted diplomacy over the revival of the Iran nuclear deal, which Israel has relentlessly criticized. Iran
Iraq’s northwest wary as IS executions, cross-border movement continue The Islamic State continues to target local tribes and others in desert areas of Iraq and across the border in Syria, as more Iraqi nationals with alleged IS links are moved to an IDP camp in northwestern Iraq. Iraq