Biden: US to block bomb, artillery shell shipments if Israel invades Rafah President Joe Biden said in an interview with CNN Wednesday that his administration would halt the shipment to Israel of offensive weapons including bombs, artillery shells and fighter jets if the Israeli military moves ahead with a full-scale operation in Rafah. By Al-Monitor Staff
State Dept. to miss report deadline on Israel's use of US weapons The report to Congress required under NSM-20 is expected in the coming days. By Al-Monitor Staff
Erdogan's Byzantine church conversion roils Greece ahead of PM's Turkey visit The Byzantine-era cathedral's inauguration as a working mosque came just days before a landmark visit to Turkey by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which is due to kick off on May 13. Turkey
Dubai crowned wealthiest city in Middle East, home to 72,500 millionaires The number of individuals in Dubai with liquid investment wealth — assets that can be readily converted to cash — of $1 million or more increased by 78% between 2013 and 2023 to 72,500, according to a report. United Arab Emirates
The Al-Monitor Brief Is this the Golden Age of Turkish Defense Deals? Kristen Talman interviews Barin Kayagolu
Pentagon chief: No decision on unfreezing bombs shipment to Israel Senior Israeli officials have reportedly expressed "deep frustration" with the Biden administration over the decision, warning that the pause could jeopardize hostage talks underway in Cairo. Israel
CIA chief meets Netanyahu as Israel sees no imminent deal from Cairo talks Israel kept its negotiating team in Cairo as CIA chief William Burns met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel