Analysis Why Venezuela is moving closer to Israel but stopping short of full ties Israel and Venezuela have practical and strategic reasons for advancing their relations after years of hostility, but establishing full ties faces challenges. By Rina Bassist , Adam Lucente
As Saudi Arabia rallies against Yemen's Houthis, US stays focused on Iran By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Newsletter: Turkey Turkey courts Egypt on defense pact Turkey stepped up efforts to broaden its new regional defense framework this week, seeking Egypt’s participation while deepening security ties with Saudi Arabia and Libya. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Israel defies Trump on Lebanon as Netanyahu, Katz prioritize elections Both Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump face fateful elections this fall, but one needs progress in Lebanon while the other wants more of the same. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Lebanese PM urges Israeli withdrawal in meeting with US envoy By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Security A new Middle East security order? By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Iran summons Russia's ambassador over UAE islands dispute On Monday, Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a statement calling for a “a peaceful solution” to the dispute over the Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs islands “in accordance with international law." Iran
Turkey unlikely to ratify Sweden’s NATO entry before October, says Erdogan The comments clearly signal that the drama over Sweden’s accession is not over, and Turkey's push to overcome Congressional sanctions and acquire F-16 fighter jets remains the main sticking point. Turkey
Israeli defense chief Gallant visits Azerbaijan to boost military ties The expected visit of Israeli Defense Minister Minister Yoav Gallant in Baku reflects deepening of ties and shared security interests, mainly on Iran, between the two countries. Israel
Analysis Israel-US ties fray as Netanyahu proceeds with judicial overhaul The Biden administration made it clear to Israel that the special relations between the countries are based not only on common security interests, but also on values, currently not respected by the Netanyahu government. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran in quest for foothold in Africa as Raisi sets out for landmark visits The Iranian delegation looks to sign agreements in Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe, looking also on the horizon to engage in a tight race with such foreign investors as China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Iran
US Joint Chiefs nominee emphasizes Middle East cooperation to deter Iran Air Force Gen. CQ Brown told Senate lawmakers that the United States should provide Middle Eastern states with the military capabilities they need to deter attacks by Iran. Washington Connection
Israeli citizen kidnapped in Ethiopia's Amhara region Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed that an elderly Israeli national has been kidnapped in Ethiopia while visiting the Gondar region. Israel
US, Israel war games underscore warnings to Iran on nuclear enrichment This week's Juniper Oak exercise follows reports that the Biden administration has sought to commit Tehran to an informal arrangement limiting its nuclear enrichment outside of the JCPOA. Iran
Israel's anti-overhaul protesters block roads, clash with police After the approval Monday night at a first reading of the Reasonableness Standard Bill, liming the authority of the Supreme Court, demonstrators are flooding Israeli cities on Tuesday. Israel
UN fails to extend Syria cross-border aid mission after Russian veto Russia killed a compromise resolution that would have kept aid flowing into northwest Syria for another nine months. Syria
What does Rob Malley’s suspension mean for Iran? While Iran's pro-government conservative media outlets have attempted to downplay the significance of this development, reformist sources view it as an ominous sign. Iran
US to advance Turkey's F-16 sales as Sweden's NATO bid moves forward US Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says he is in talks with the administration on F-16 sales as the Turkish and US presidents met today. Turkey