Israel says missile struck Israeli ship, points to Iran The cargo ship was heading to India from Tanzania when it was struck by a missile, Channel 12 News reported. News Brief
Uyghurs in Turkey protest Chinese FM's visit Hundreds gathered in both Ankara and Istanbul in protest of what they say is a genocidal campaign against the ethnic group by Beijing. Turkey
China's top diplomat meets Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed strengthening ties and the controversial detention of Muslims in China's Xinjiang region. China-Saudi relations have strengthened in recent years, despite opposition from the United States. Saudi Arabia
Did Erdogan commit economic suicide by sacking central bank chief? The predicaments of Turkey’s cash-strapped central bank augur a highly challenging period for Erdogan while reducing the visibility range in Turkey’s economy to almost zero. Turkey
Egypt, Sudan step up diplomatic action as Ethiopia reaches out to regional players As Egypt and Sudan intensify diplomatic action on the regional and international levels to confront the unilateral Ethiopian policies on the Nile dam, Ethiopia is seeking a countercoalition with regional countries. Egypt
Syrian opposition hopeful on Qatari role in Russia, Turkey diplomacy Speculations soared recently about signs of a political solution in Syria, as some parties in the opposition hope the Russian-Turkish-Qatari meeting would usher in a new chapter in the Syrian crisis. Syria
2021 elections in Israel: The revival of Benny Gantz Pre-election public opinion polls estimated that Blue and White under Defense Minister Benny Gantz would fail to pass the Knesset-entry threshold, but in reality the party has apparently garnered 8 Knesset seats. Israel
Israel intensifies efforts to Judaize Jerusalem Jerusalemite families are facing the threat of eviction and demolition of their homes, as Israeli settlers claim they own the lands where they are dwelling. Palestine
Arab-Israeli legislator emerges as kingmaker If the current numbers hold and the Raam Party gets four Knesset seats, its leader Mansour Abbas could hold the key to choosing the country’s next prime minister. Israel
IRGC forms group to monitor internet in Iran The IRGC announced the formation of a new group to carry out the plans of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran
Libyan commander loyal to Hifter assassinated in Benghazi Mahmoud al-Werfalli had been indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and was under US and EU sanctions. Libya
The Takeaway: Israel: Deja vu, all over again Netanyahu barely holds on, for now, with prospect of a fifth election. Elsewhere: Hezbollah in Moscow; Egypt’s matriarchal village; Turkey’s tanking stock market; GCC digs out of COVID debt; scrolls found in Israel’s "cave of horror"; and more! Russia
Israel disappointed over UN Human Rights Council resolutions As happens every year in Geneva, the United Nations Human Rights Council voted in favor of resolutions condemning Israeli actions. Israel
Saudi Arabia to allow fuel shipments through blockade of Yemen’s Hodeida: Report So far, Riyadh's ceasefire proposal falls short of Houthi demands News Brief
Turkish-Russian partnership under fresh stress test in Syria Turkey’s appeal for Western backing in Syria has cast a pall on its partnership with Russia, whose toughening attitude on the ground is a reminder to Ankara of what could happen down the road. Turkey
