Blinken meets with Egypt's Sisi as Philadelphi Corridor remains sticking point in Gaza talks Cairo will host a new round of talks this week to secure an agreement on a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tours the region to mobilize support. Egypt
Analysis As Netanyahu hedges, Hamas' Sinwar undecided between deal or regional war Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived closer to the moment of truth where he must decide for or against a deal for the release of the hostages held by Hamas and a cease-fire in Gaza. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel intensifies Lebanon strikes, kills Hezbollah commander, hits warehouse Israel struck Hezbollah weapons in the Bekaa Valley, causing large explosions amid fears of an all-out war. Lebanon
US calls for Hamas to accept cease-fire proposal now backed by Israel The top US diplomat visited Israel days after the United States put forward a so-called bridging proposal in the cease-fire negotiations. Israel
Analysis Global brands still can’t shake Israel boycotts hitting Starbucks, McDonald’s By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot’s son killed in Gaza Gadi Eisenkot joined Israel's war cabinet with his National Camp party leader Benny Gantz, another former IDF chief, after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis 'Multiple clocks' are ticking on Gaza, warns former Israeli ambassador to US Michael Oren told Al-Monitor that Israel must appreciate the efforts by the Biden administration to support the country and its Gaza military campaign, and urged the Israeli government to curb West Bank settler violence. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
With hostage talks deadlocked, fears grow for women left in Gaza Negotiations over the remaining female hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip have reached an impasse. Israel
Analysis Shin Bet chief calls on UN to side with Israel in 'war between good and evil' In a letter to the UN secretary-general, the head of Israel's domestic security agency called on the international community to support efforts to end Hamas' rule of the Gaza Strip and recognize the crimes committed against Israelis, especially women. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Erdogan warns Israel will 'pay the price' if it targets Hamas in Turkey The Turkish President warned Israel would pay a heavy price if it dared to hunt down Hamas members in Turkish territory. Turkey
Is time running out for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas? Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has stayed relatively quiet amid the war in Gaza, but this approach is only further eroding his popularity with the Palestinian population. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Explainer: Did investors profit from Hamas attack on Israel? The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange said there was no irregular trading after US researchers noted an increase in short volume and interest of some Israeli securities in the days leading up to Hamas’ deadly incursion. Israel
What’s on Putin’s agenda on rare trip to Saudi Arabia, UAE? The Russian president's trip comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where the Hamas-Israel war has threatened to spill into a wider regional conflict. Gulf
‘Nowhere is safe’ in Gaza as Israel presses ground offensive Concerns are emerging about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in south Gaza, where Israel is widening its campaign. Palestine