Intel: 331 lawmakers take International Criminal Court to task over Israel investigation Hundreds of US lawmakers have signed onto two letters to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging him to continue his “vigorous support of Israel as it faces the growing possibility of investigations and prosecutions by the International Criminal Court” over potential war crimes in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Hezbollah chief says Israel fighting 'imaginary battle' in Syria Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the Iran-aligned Lebanese Hezbollah, accuses Israel of targeting missile-manufacturing sites in Syria. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel gives final go-ahead for cannabis exports Israeli Economy Minister Eli Cohen gives his final approval for the export of medical cannabis. By Al-Monitor Staff
Report: Yemen has more coronavirus cases than official numbers show Houthi authorities have not reported test results for many suspected coronavirus cases, news organizations say. By Al-Monitor Staff
Yemen advocates push for COVID-19 aid in next coronavirus stimulus bill Activists and humanitarian organizations want Congress to include COVID-19 aid for Yemen in the next coronavirus relief bill as skeptical senators question the Trump administration’s recent restrictions on assistance for Houthi-held areas. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Israel’s top court cancels bonus plan for artists performing in settlements The High Court rules in favor of a petition that sought to end a policy of giving government bonuses to artists who performed in West bank settlements. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
300 Israelis arrested for defying coronavirus ban on Jewish holiday Hundreds of people in Israel's ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods ignored a ban on large gatherings to celebrate a minor Jewish holiday known as Lag B’Omer. By Al-Monitor Staff
Dubai reopens public parks, hotel beaches Mosques, movie theaters, nightclubs and public beaches remain closed. By Al-Monitor Staff
European court rejects Turkish appeal of Osman Kavala ruling The European Court of Human Rights rejected an appeal by Turkish officials Tuesday, upholding a December ruling calling for the release of jailed Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala. By Diego Cupolo
Iran’s supreme leader orders probe into 'mistaken' naval strike Iran said an investigation has been launched into the missile strike that killed 19 navy personnel during a routine exercise. By Al-Monitor Staff
Emirates to resume international passenger flights The Dubai-based carrier will start flying to North America, Europe and Australia on May 21. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli soldier kills Palestinian teen in West Bank clash Teenager Zaid Qaysia was killed during clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian residents of the Al-Fawar refugee camp Wednesday morning. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: How Turkey’s expulsion from F-35 program has hampered production A report by the US Government Accountability Office said Turkey’s expulsion from the F-35 program has complicated the Joint Strike Fighter’s already troubled production chain. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Islamic State believed behind crop fires in Iraq's disputed territories The Islamic State is suspected of once again setting fire to farmland in the disputed Iraqi-Kurdish territories. By Al-Monitor Staff
Netanyahu leaves annexation on back burner in talks with Pompeo Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made no mention of annexation in his press conference with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, focusing instead on the pandemic, the US peace plan and Iran. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs