On Israel with Ben Caspit Former Israeli national security adviser: US is playing into Iran’s hands in Vienna Ben Caspit
UN envoy seeks new path forward on Syria in Damascus visit Envoy Geir Pedersen said there is "another possibility to start to explore possible avenues" to resolve Syria's conflict politically. News Brief
Saudi diplomat says Iran 'playing games' in regional talks Abdallah Al-Mouallimi's comments came as Jordanian state news outlets reported on a "security dialogue" between the two countries in Amman. Saudi Arabia
Iran negotiator 'optimistic' about nuclear talks Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, said that he was optimistic about the current round of talks in Vienna. Iran
Israel’s Bennett strives to increase Jewish population in Golan Heights Trying to appeal to his right-wing electoral base, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett advances plans for increased Jewish settlement in the Golan Heights. Israel
Israeli PM pays landmark visit to UAE On a first official visit to the Emirates, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Israel
Israel's Yesh Atid party opens branches in Arab towns The major coalition party has opened a branch in the Arab town of Mi’ilya in the latest effort to build its presence among Arab-Israelis. Israel
Gaza wine: from international brand to punishable crime As the Christian holidays and New Year’s celebrations draw near and put some in the mood for a glass of wine, how are the preparations looking under Hamas in the Gaza Strip with both Muslims and Christians celebrating these holidays? Palestine
Turkey targets PKK-linked Yazidis inside Iraq A local Yazidi armed group linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party and affiliated with the government-incorporated Popular Mobilization Units has been targeted as part of stepped-up Turkish cross-border operations. Iraq
Russian movie praises Moscow's war efforts in Syria The Russian movie "Sky" tells the story of a pilot killed after a Turkish jet shot down his bomber over northern Syria. Syria
Al-Azhar rhetoric alarms LGBTQ community Al-Azhar has in recent days stepped up its anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, following anti-gay comments by a prominent retired soccer star. Egypt
Egypt unveils tombs dating back to the Late Period of ancient Egypt Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery of two cemeteries dating back to the Late Period of ancient Egypt in al-Bahnasa archaeological area in Minya governorate. Culture
Sinai tribes hunt Islamic State bomb makers Sinai tribes join the hunt for IS explosives engineers, potentially depriving the terrorist group of its last technique in its fight against the Egyptian army. Egypt
Explosion at Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon leads to deaths, injuries The blast occurred at a Hamas building, according to Lebanese state media. By Al-Monitor Staff
‘Bibi could have stayed quiet’: Trump slams Netanyahu for tweet to Biden Trump also told Israeli journalist Barak Ravid that he helped Netanyahu get re-elected by recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory. By Al-Monitor Staff
QatarEnergy signs energy exploration agreement with Cyprus Qatar is pursuing energy deals with Cyprus against the wishes of its ally Turkey. By Al-Monitor Staff