Iran’s IRGC claims it's close to producing coronavirus vaccine As the coronavirus marches across Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed that its research teams are set to produce a vaccine. By Al-Monitor Staff
Why Otzmah Yehudit flamed out in Israeli elections The decline in support for Otzmah Yehudit, which once again failed to pass the vote threshold to enter the Knesset, was especially notable in the settlements. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Israel’s Zionist left down but not out Many supporters of the Zionist left voted this time for the Blue and White Party, but the constituency is likely to return to its political home as soon as it has a new leadership and focus. By Yossi Beilin
For young Israeli Arabs, strong party means strong integration The young Israeli Arab generation seeks greater integration into Israeli society, including a strong Joint List party that will fight for their interests. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
What impact will Lebanon’s looming debt crisis have on its society and economy? Lebanon’s government is still negotiating the issue of Eurobonds maturing next week, with analysts saying that whatever the steps, Lebanon will face an even more agonizing economic downturn. By Michal Kranz
Israel dismantles weapons cell in West Bank Israel announced the arrest of dozens of people allegedly involved in the production of weapons in the West Bank. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Some Syrian regime fighters defecting when forced to front lines With renewed fighting in northern Syria, regime officers are transferring conscripted young men from Daraa in the south to the front lines of the battles, leading to defections. By Nawwar Horani
Egypt takes measures in response to collapse of Renaissance Dam talks As Egypt faces a decrease in its water share as a result of the Grand Renaissance Dam construction in Ethiopia, parliament is now focusing on reducing the domestic use of water through laws and awareness campaigns. By Ahmed Youness
Situation remains heated in Syria's Idlib as Putin, Erdogan reach deal The Syrian regime and opposition factions are racing for military control on the ground in Idlib, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Moscow to discuss a cease-fire. By Mohammed al-Khatieb
Could Israel’s president block indicted Netanyahu from premiership? In the coming weeks, President Reuven Rivlin will have to decide whether he wants to go down in history as the first president to offer the leadership of the state to an elected official accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. By Akiva Eldar
Gaza's female softball players in league of their own Baseball and softball fever is sweeping Gaza, where women and girls are learning to swing. By Alaa Alburai
US not planning to send new weapons to Turkey for Syria campaign The State Department clarifies its special envoy's remarks that the United States would be supplying ammunition to Turkey — which has been engaged in battle in Idlib, Syria — saying only that the United States is considering Turkish requests for assistance. By Jack Detsch
UN nuclear watchdog: Iran dragging feet on access to nuclear sites International Atomic Energy Agency, in two separate reports, says Iran is not granting the IAEA access to sites suspected of past involvement in Iran's nuclear program and says Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of low-enriched uranium at the Fordow facility. By Laura Rozen
What's behind Ankara's decision to lift visit ban on jailed PKK leader? The Turkish government's decision to allow family visits for Abdullah Ocalan may be linked to Ankara's ongoing operation in northwest Syria. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran risks confrontation with Turkey over Idlib While Iran's military command in Syria has issued direct warnings aimed at Turkey, President Hassan Rouhani and the Iranian foreign ministry continue to insist on the role of diplomacy and dialogue. By Hamidreza Azizi