Settlers launch hunger strike, call on Netanyahu to legalize West Bank outposts The Young Settlements Forum launched Jan. 4 a hunger strike, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to abandon his rapprochement with the Arab public and advance instead the legalizing of 70 wildcat outposts in the West Bank. Israel
IS cells escalate attacks on civilians, regime soldiers in eastern Syria Despite the elimination of the Islamic State from its last official territory in Syria in March 2019, IS cells that have been holed up in desert areas in eastern and central Syria remain active and terrorize civilians and soldiers alike. Syria
Egypt's former MPs coming back to political stage with big dreams A group of former parliament members is reorganizing within Egypt’s opposition parties, but it remains unclear whether their efforts can threaten Sisi's grip on power, given the popularity of the Egyptian president and the very thin margin left for the political parties to communicate with the public. Egypt
Iraqis protest on anniversary of Qasem Soleimani's death Iranian officials pledged to avenge the commander's killing by the United States, but there were no military conflicts on the one-year anniversary. Iraq
Saudi Arabia agrees to open airspace, border to Qatar The agreement, announced by Kuwait, could spell an end to the diplomatic crisis between the two Gulf states that began in 2017. Originals
Lebanon to enter new national lockdown Thursday An overnight curfew and other restrictions will run through Feb. 1. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia resumes international flights, reopens borders The kingdom closed its borders in December due to the new COVID-19 variant in the United Kingdom. Some restrictions for travelers from the UK remain in place. Originals
Israeli prosecutors file updated indictment in Netanyahu corruption case In an updated document, the many demands for favorable media coverage Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his family are accused of making are broken down by asker. Israel
Iran ramps up uranium enrichment, seizes tanker Amid a financial dispute with South Korea, Iran has seized a South Korean-flagged tanker in the Persian Gulf, while on the same day announcing the resumption of enriching uranium to 20%. U.S.
Israel hoping for last-minute F-35s from Trump administration Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said additional F-15 purchases may follow the procurement of a third F-35 squadron. Israel
Students protest appointment of Erdogan loyalist to head top Turkish university Students and faculty members decried infringements on academic independence during protests Monday after a member of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) was appointed by presidential decree to head one of the nation’s top universities. Turkey
Syrian soldiers killed in second bus attack in less than a week The deadly ambush in central Syria followed an attack on Syrian soldiers last week that was later claimed by the Islamic State. Syria
Israel's vaccination drive tops 10% of population Israel expects to administer the vaccine to two million people by the end of the month. Israel
In reversal, Pentagon orders aircraft carrier to remain in Middle East to deter Iran The acting US defense secretary cited Iranian leaders' threats against President Donald Trump and other US officials in the order for the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to remain in the Middle East. U.S.
South Korea dispatches anti-piracy unit after Iran seizes oil tanker Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in a statement Monday that the vessel was seized over "environmental pollution." Iran
Iraq regains confidence in dealing with outlawed militias Ahead of the one-year anniversary of a US-targeted drone assassination in the Iraqi capital that outraged some and pleased others, arrests made and warrants issued may signal progress in the struggle to curb the influence of armed groups operating outside government control. Iraq