Netanyahu caves, nominates Gantz for justice minister After being reprimanded yesterday both by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and the High Court, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has nominated Defense Minister Benny Gantz to take on the Justice Ministry as well. Israel
Kurdish authorities refuse to take part in Syrian presidential elections The Kurdish-led autonomous administration in northeastern Syria said it will not allow the Syrian government to hold the presidential elections in its areas of control. Syria
Is latest Ethiopian proposal on Nile dam talks a play for time? Ethiopia has called for a meeting of the African Union in a bid to break the stalemate in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam with Cairo and Khartoum, something that is viewed by Cairo as a maneuver by Addis Ababa to play for time until the completion of the second filling stage of the dam. Egypt
The high cost of delaying Palestinian elections Whether to postpone the Palestinian elections will be decided on April 29. What are the scenarios and possible repercussions of such a decision on the Palestinian scene? Palestine
Egypt seizes Brotherhood property in Sinai An Egyptian court is examining a lawsuit that will ease the state's confiscation of Muslim Brotherhood-owned real estate in Sinai. Egypt
Libyan prime minister visits Ankara The visit of the prime minister of Libya's Government of National Unity highlights an ongoing, close relationship with Turkey, with implications for the Libyan political process, and a likely signal to Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Turkey
TikTok girl's detention brings Egyptian human rights into spotlight The continued detention of Haneen Hossam, a TikTok influencer, on a new charge of "human trafficking" has raised concern among rights advocates, bringing Egypt's human rights under scrutiny once again. Egypt
Congress presses Biden administration for answers on Yemen war Pressure is building on Capitol Hill as lawmakers await clarity about US support for Saudi Arabia in an upcoming briefing. Washington Pulse
Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of 'apartheid' The leading international human rights watchdog cited Israel's treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza vis-a-vis Jewish Israelis. The Israeli government dismissed the report. News Brief
Kerry denies he spoke with Iranian foreign minister about Israeli airstrikes in Syria Some Republicans are calling for an inquiry into whether former US Secretary of State and current presidential climate envoy John Kerry shared potentially sensitive information with Iran, but Kerry denies such a conversation ever took place. By Al-Monitor Staff
Zarif faces fury from Iranian hard-liners after leaked tape Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for an investigation into the leak of a tape meant for posterity. Iran
Turkish health experts, workers call for social support ahead of 17-day Covid lockdown As Turkey prepares for a 17-day lockdown to stem a surge in COVID-19 cases, health experts and workers’ unions urge more financial support for citizens most impacted by pandemic restrictions. Turkey
Iraqi political parties woo celebrities for election campaign Some of Iraq’s political parties seek to bring mass media celebrities on board for the upcoming legislative elections. Iraq
Israel, Saudi Arabia help Uruguay fight COVID-19 Uruguay has some of the highest case and death rates of coronavirus in the world. An Israeli medical team arrived in the South American country today. News Brief
Could Bloc for Change really replace Netanyahu? Only one week before the deadline Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces, it is unclear whether his opponents have the majority to compose an alternative government. Israel
France seeks foothold in northeast Syria France has extended an invitation to the various components of northeast Syria, namely the Kurds, to visit Paris as the latter seeks more influence in the area. Syria
