EU Commissioner: Turkey must take on democratic reforms to revive EU bid A senior EU official has said that revival of Turkey’s stalled membership negotiations with the EU can only be discussed once Ankara takes on democratic reforms. Turkey
Israel's foreign investments drop 60% in first quarter of 2023 A report published by Israel's Finance Ministry suggests that foreign investments are decreasing, as are the number of Israeli startups sold to foreign companies. Israel
Israeli intelligence minister meets Iranian diaspora in London Israel's Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel met in London with Iranian exiled activists and journalists, preparing for "the day after" when the Iranian regime weakens. Israel
Spain investigates Saudi Arabia’s 9.9% acquisition of Telefonica Saudi Arabia’s STC Group announced a 9.9% purchase in the $2.1 billion telecom company, but the Spanish government must approve the plan. Saudi Arabia
Who are Ennahda leaders arrested in Tunisia's latest crackdown? The arrests are the latest against figures opposed to President Kais Saied, who has cemented his one-man rule since July 2021. North Africa
US sanctions Sudan paramilitary leader Hemedti's brother for human rights abuses Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo's Rapid Support Forces have been widely accused of abuses during the fighting in Sudan. North Africa
Flash floods in Turkey kill at least 10 people Flooding has ravaged several parts of the country this week. Turkey
Analysis Israelis of Ethiopian origin suffer discrimination, racism, over-policing Decades after arriving to the country, Israelis of Ethiopian origin still face distrust, discrimination and police brutality. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Hamas, Hezbollah lash out at Bahrain as Israeli FM concludes visit Hamas criticized the visit as Israel’s relations with the island kingdom continue to improve, despite historically high tensions with the Palestinians. Israel
Turkey’s Fidan, NATO chief discuss Sweden’s bid, Ukraine grain deal The phone call comes a day after the meeting in Sochi between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Turkey
Turkey's Erdogan eggs on Syria's Arab tribes against US-backed Kurds Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria "poses a threat to its national security." Syria
Saudi Arabia, Iran exchange ambassadors as thaw continues The exchange of ambassadors between Saudi Arabia and Iran is the first since 2016 and follows the resumption of relations between the two countries in March. Iran
Iran shuts down reformist outlet Entekhab as crackdown intensifies Iran's already stifling media environment and the crackdown on outspoken journalists have only stiffened under hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi. Iran