Analysis What Netanyahu's abrupt Gaza withdrawal means for Israel, Rafah op While negotiations continue for a hostage release and cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is busy currying favor with his far-right ministers, promising them a military operation in Rafah. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey restricts exports of 54 products to Israel until Gaza cease-fire As Israel pledged to retaliate, analysts believe the move is aiming to allay growing dismay among Turkey's Islamists for the government’s refusal to sever trade ties with the Middle Eastern country over the Gaza conflict. Turkey
Netanuyahu says date set for Rafah operation as Cairo talks enter new round The Israeli prime minister's announcement came as the US dialed up pressure on Hamas to accept a cease-fire proposal tabled by CIA Director Bill Burns in Cairo over the weekend. Palestine
Lawmakers urge Biden to help free Princeton researcher kidnapped in Iraq The State Department says it has urged senior Iraqi officials to locate and secure the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian researcher believed to be held by Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah. Iraq
Turkey to take ‘series of measures’ against Israel after Gaza aid drop denied The Turkish foreign minister said the measures would be "implemented step by step, without delay," but did not specify the actions to be taken. Turkey
Analysis Israel braces for potential Iranian attack as most troops leave Gaza Uncertain how Iran might respond after the killing last week of senior Iranian Quds Force commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi in Damascus, Israel's military is preparing for multiple scenarios, including a possible direct strike from Iranian soil. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
In Syria, Iran FM says Israel ‘will be punished’ for consulate strike Hossein Amir-Abdollahian is on a regional tour, visiting Oman and Syria after the suspected Israeli strike that killed several IRGC officers near the Iranian Embassy in Damascus. Iran
