Jewish pilgrimage to Tunisia canceled over coronavirus With the coronavirus pandemic reaching the island of Djerba in Tunisia, Jews of Tunisian heritage won’t be able to attend this year's traditional Ghriba synagogue festivities. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Egypt’s tanneries complex gets revamp, to be turned into tourist, cultural hub The old tannery complex is located inside Magra El-Oyoun Fence, which is a historical site dating back to the Mamluk era. By Menna A. Farouk
Intel: Erdogan reportedly agrees to ship ventilator parts, PPE to United States President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is approving an export permit that will allow Turkey to sell personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilator parts to the United States. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iraq relaxes coronavirus restrictions ahead of Ramadan The government announced shops and factories can resume work during certain hours. By Al-Monitor Staff
Delayed S-400 activation could offer chance for Turkey-US ties to warm Citing complications amid the coronavirus pandemic, Ankara has postponed the activation of its Russian-made S-400 missile systems, possibly opening an avenue to ease US-Turkey tensions. By Diego Cupolo
Islamic State steps up attacks in Iraq during coronavirus lockdown The Islamic State launched numerous attacks in Iraq's disputed territories in April amid a lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
How a falafel shop owner may have accelerated Israel's unity government A falafel vendor's tearful account in a TV interview about his livelihood and how he has been personally affected by the coronavirus pandemic has resonated across the country, so much so that it shook Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz into action. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Why Russia’s grip on Syrian military is weaker than it seems Russia’s attempts to centralize the command of numerous pro-Assad militias operating in Syria have been a mixed bag, to say the least. By Anton Mardasov
Lebanon records zero new COVID-19 cases for first time since virus emerged Anti-government protesters return to the streets of Beirut, the Lebanese parliament approves an IMF loan and the Health Ministry reports no new cases of COVID-19. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: Trump to 'look at' blocking Saudi oil exports as Republican pressure mounts President Donald Trump vowed on Monday to "look at" a potential embargo on Saudi oil shipments to the United States as record low oil prices turned negative for the first time ever. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
The message behind Israel’s drone attack Hezbollah is on edge as Israel continues its drone war in Lebanon. By Mona Alami
Gantz-Netanyahu deal legitimizes annexation The possibility of further Israeli annexation of occupied territories has received legitimacy from the Israeli government, pushing even further into the abyss the slight possibility of a two-state solution. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Iran says it's released 1,000 foreign prisoners since outbreak began Amid criticism from rights organizations, Tehran said it has temporarily released more than 1,000 foreigners due to the pandemic. By Al-Monitor Staff
Media, rights groups decry Houthi court's execution orders Yemen is without a doubt hostile to the press, but the death sentences imposed on four journalists by a Houthi court shocked many observers. By Ammar al-Ashwal
Israel’s new foreign minister, the man without a tie In Israel’s Foreign Ministry, diplomats hope that their new minister, former Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, can extract the ministry from the terrible budget cuts it has suffered over the past few years. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Domestic violence in Lebanon spikes under lockdown More women are reporting abuse and domestic violence in Lebanon as the country's citizens remain stuck at home to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. By Hanan Hamdan