Greek foreign minister talks Turkey, tourism in Israel Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Danidas came to Israel bearing gifts — news that Israeli tourists will be able to enter the country — likely in return for Jerusalem's continued support for Athens in its conflict against Ankara. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Gaza's balloon bombs spark new cycle of violence After a period of calm on the Gaza Strip borders with Israel, incendiary and explosive balloons spark another violent exchange. By Mohammad Habosh
In dramatic move, Iraqi PM visits prisons in response to protester appeals The Iraqi government is under pressure to reveal the fate of persons unaccounted for and those detained in secret prisons. By Mustafa Saadoun
Egyptian families worry for fishermen detained in Libya As tensions escalate between Egypt and Libya, the fate of 35 Egyptian fishermen detained in Misrata remains unknown. By Rasha Mahmoud
Netanyahu’s wife on the attack: blames protesters for sexual harassment Sara Netanyahu, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife, is again on the attack, with a complaint filed by the police against demonstrators allegedly sexually harassing her and threatening her life. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Israeli-Arab bereaved mothers protest pandemic of violence, crime Israeli-Arab bereaved mothers started marching this week from Haifa to Jerusalem, to raise awareness of violence in Arab society. By Afif Abu Much In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech
The Takeaway: Hamas ‘balloon terror’ sparks conflict on Gaza faultline Both Israel and Hamas turn to Qatar in wake of escalation; Turkey gets closer to Malta, as regional tensions escalate; Hadley Gamble on Lebanon’s creditors; a poem for Beirut; more! By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
Yemen’s Red Sea 'time bomb’ is a Beirut-like disaster in waiting An abandoned oil tanker is a looming catastrophe off the coast of Yemen’s most vital port, threatening the livelihoods and health of vast numbers of people. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Etihad cancels Shanghai flights following positive virus tests Future travelers to the Chinese city will have to comply with stricter regulations from the Abu Dhabi-based airline. By Al-Monitor Staff
Syria's Assad halts parliament speech over low blood pressure: state TV President Bashar al-Assad said he needed to sit down before suddenly exiting the room full of lawmakers. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: US engaging with Libya players for possible demilitarization of Sirte US officials have discussed with foreign governments the possibility of establishing a demilitarized area in and around the Libyan city of Sirte, Washington’s Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland said Monday. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Ilhan Omar wins primary election despite pro-Israel groups' efforts Omar has been accused of anti-Semitism for her views on Israel, but easily won the Democratic primary election in her Minnesota district. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkish officials delay school reopenings as new daily COVID-19 cases remain above 1,100 Turkish health officials delayed plans to reopen schools later this month, as medical experts warn of rising infection rates throughout the country. By Diego Cupolo
Can Erdogan reciprocate Macron’s Beirut stunt? Macron’s call for a “new order” in Lebanon conflicts with Erdogan’s regional ambitions, but the climate in Lebanon is no longer as welcoming to Turkey’s president as it was a decade ago. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
Jordan closes border with Syria due to virus concerns The temporary closing of the Jaber border crossing coincides with concerns the coronavirus is spreading in Syria. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iraq tells Turkey defense minister to stay away after its officers killed in drone strike Iraq cancelled a planned Baghdad visit by Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and summoned the Turkish ambassador after a a Turkish drone attack killed two senior Iraqi officials. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture