Analysis Former IDF commanders in Washington to appeal to Biden on Israel’s judicial overhaul As the Israeli government fast-tracks its judicial overhaul plans, former IDF officers are hoping that pressure by the Biden administration could derail them before it's too late. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Lebanon's pound hits new bottom, ahead of Riad Salameh interrogation A French judge arrived in Lebanon this week to question central bank head Riad Salameh over his alleged financial crimes. Lebanon
Ignoring protests, Israeli Knesset advances Netanyahu's judicial overhaul Three major elements of the government’s judicial overhaul plan were approved at first Knesset readings, with second and third readings expected in the coming days. Israel
Egypt presses on with mega water projects despite burden on state coffers As water scarcity threatens Egypt’s food and national security, the state is moving forward with megaprojects to secure alternative water sources. Egypt
China’s global brokerage may reshape Middle East relations The endless war in Yemen, which has devastated one of the poorest countries on the planet, should be the first litmus test for China's mediating capacity between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Gulf
Russia's Wagner activities expanding in Libya despite growing Western scrutiny The Wagner Group has sought to use Libya as a forward base for its activities in the Sahel region, particularly Chad and Niger, while building spheres of influence with local communities and smuggling networks in the southern border regions of Libya. North Africa
'No deal' on US-Iran prisoner exchange: White House White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed "there's no deal" to free the Americans held by Iran. Iran
