Hungarian foreign minister visits Israel, discusses Iranian file Visiting Israel despite the coronavirus spike, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto discussed with his counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi not only bilateral cooperation, but also the Iranian file. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Top German diplomat criticizes Turkey's drilling plans in Mediterranean German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas repeated the concerns of other European states regarding Turkey's gas drilling plans in what Greece and Cyprus consider their waters. By Al-Monitor Staff
Oman imposes fresh lockdown ahead of Eid al-Adha holiday A ban on travel between the governorates and an 11-hour curfew will run from July 25 through Aug. 8. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israeli restaurants vs. PM Netanyahu: 1-0 Celebrity chefs are championing the fight against the government’s decision to close down restaurants over the coronavirus pandemic. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Netanyahu stands alone Surrounded by yes-men ministers and lacking any real professionals by his side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has found himself alone at the top. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Google presents new tool to decode hieroglyphics Google has created a new tool to translate hieroglyphics into English and Arabic at the stroke of a key. By Hagar Hosny
Jerusalem Muslims brace for Israel to shutter Al-Aqsa Mosque prayer house Jerusalemites are preparing for another battle at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound as Israel moves to close a prayer house worshippers forced open in 2019. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Can social media campaigns change course of Nile dam talks? The impact of Egypt’s social media campaigns promoting Egypt’s Nile water rights on decision-makers remains to be seen as Western countries have yet to openly back Egypt. By A correspondent in Egypt
Iraqi PM visits Islamic State hotbed after sniper kills general The Iraqi prime minister stressed unity in Tarmiyah, where the Islamic State claims responsibility for killing the general. By Shelly Kittleson
Russia’s combat dolphins may have been used in Syria: report Satellite imagery shows possible marine mammal pens at Russia's naval base in Syria during late 2018. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: Trump, Sisi address Nile dam dispute and Libya war President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi discussed the Nile dam dispute with Ethiopia as well as the Libya war by phone today. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Israeli top model Bar Refaeli found guilty in tax evasion case The international supermodel is a controversial person in Israel due to her avoidance of mandatory military service, as well as the trial. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: Trump presses Macron on Libya as France-Turkey row continues President Donald Trump pressed President Emmanuel Macron on France’s role in Libya during a phone call today. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Egypt’s Sisi gets mandate for sending troops to Libya The vote in parliament Monday comes a week after allied Libyan lawmakers gave Egypt the greenlight to intervene. By Al-Monitor Staff
Hagia Sophia's Christian icons to be covered with curtains during prayers The 1,500-year-old Byzantine structure, which functioned as a museum for nearly 100 years, will reopen as a working mosque this week. By Al-Monitor Staff
On Israel with Ben Caspit Former head of military intelligence: Israel should be prepared for Iranian strike anytime, anywhere