What will happen to Arab coalition party if Netanyahu leaves politics? Supporters of the coalition's Ra’am Party fear that if former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opts for a plea bargain and to exit politics, the government might disintegrate. By Afif Abu Much In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech
Strikes on Baghdad Belt IS cells overshadowed by militia attacks Recent airstrikes on areas close to the Iraqi capital as well as the killing of Islamic State fighters there have received scant attention as Iran-linked groups continue to carry out persistent attacks. By Shelly Kittleson
Egypt unearths ancient quarters of mining leader The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery of the remains of a building that served as the headquarters of the leader of the Egyptian mining expeditions in the Sinai Peninsula during the Middle Kingdom of Egypt By Ahmed Gomaa
Egypt supports Somalia to counter Turkish influence Egypt has sought rapprochement with Somalia in hopes of countering Turkey’s growing influence. By George Mikhail
Syrian government steps up attack against Islamist enclave The Syrian military is taking more aggressive military action against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib. By Khaled al-Khateb
Israel offers UAE support after Houthi drone attack Israel and the United States were swift to back Abu Dhabi amid an unprecedented drone attack by Iran-backed rebels. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran tries Arab dissident for terrorism The formal proceedings began 14 months after the Sweden-based dissident was lured into a “honeytrap” in Turkey before being smuggled home by Iran-assigned operatives. By Al-Monitor Staff
Dubai Expo records 10 millionth visitor The international cultural forum held in the United Arab Emirates’ largest city has experienced significant participation from countries around the world. By Al-Monitor Staff
US sanctions Hezbollah's alleged financial facilitators in Lebanon The US Treasury Department designated Adel Diab, Ali Mohamad Daoun and Jihad Salem Alame as well as their travel company. By Al-Monitor Staff
Defying European call, Turkish court rules to keep Kavala detained Following a Turkish court’s decision to keep philanthropist Osman Kavala behind bars, the ball is now in the court of the Council of Europe, whose committee of ministers will decide next month whether to start a disciplinary process against Turkey. By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir, reporting on culture
Women-led tourism initiatives are changing the way Egypt is seen, experienced More women are gradually breaking into Egypt’s tourism sector and launching their own projects, often promoting along the way a new type of experience to visitors. By Marc Español
Regional View Israel police accused of using Pegasus spyware to hack phones of civilians An investigative report by Calcalist newspaper claims Israel police has used the NSO-developed spyware Pegasus to hack cell phones of suspected criminals, of witnesses to criminal cases and of activists. Israel
Oil prices reach highest point in seven years High oil prices are a victory for Saudi Arabia, but a blow to the United States and China. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkish women decry high price of sanitary pads Women activists call on the Turkish government for a tax reduction and other measures to lower the prices of menstrual products, which have grown forbiddingly expensive amid the country’s economic turmoil. By Sibel Hurtas
Crimean, Syrian ports sign cooperation agreements A Syrian government delegation visited the Russian-backed breakaway republic this week. By Al-Monitor Staff