After Jordan, Emirates also furious with Netanyahu Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not only managed to get into a diplomatic row with Jordan, he also succeeded in angering the Emiratis. Israel
Iran operating new advanced centrifuges, nuclear watchdog finds According to an International Atomic Energy Agency report, Iran is now using IR-4 centrifuges to enrich uranium in violation of the nuclear accord. Iran
Lawsuit filed to close pro-Kurdish party after lawmaker stripped of parliamentary seat Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu, a pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party deputy known to focus on human rights abuses, was stripped of his parliament seat and a lawsuit was filed to close the party March 17. Turkey
Netanyahu courts Arab voters as 'Abu Yair' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted a new strategy for the Arab public: cynically rebranding himself as "Abu Yair." Israel
Whispers in Ankara identify potential Erdogan rival in Soylu President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rejection of his most popular minister’s resignation has led to questions about the new balance of power in Ankara amid the coronavirus pandemic. Turkey
Israel: Last act before fourth elections Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plays for time before making the decision whether to join a unity government with Blue and White’s Benny Gantz or go for broke and generate a fourth set of elections. Israel
Saving Palestinian prisoners’ lives requires releasing the elderly and sick As Palestinians commemorate Prisoners' Day on April 17, the biggest demand appears to be how to safeguard prisoners from the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. Palestine
Hamas prepares for COVID-19 outbreak to worsen Hamas in the Gaza Strip is facing major challenges in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic due to the scarcity of financial and medical resources, despite strict containment measures. Palestine
Trump administration doubles down on Iran nuclear treaty allegations The Donald Trump administration is using a new arms control report to build upon its case that Iran could potentially be in violation of a key nuclear nonproliferation treaty. United States
Iraqi PM designate readies cabinet to present to parliament As Intelligence Chief Mustafa Al-Kadhimi prepares his cabinet, he appears to have broad support, and Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units aren't blocking his way. Iraq
Gantz gives Netanyahu ultimatum for Israeli government agreement Blue and White party leader and Knesset Speaker Benny Gantz will advance legislation preventing an indicted politician from becoming premier if Netanyahu doesn't agree to a unity government by April 20. Israel
Mayors, scientists call for lockdown as COVID-19 cases pass 74,000 in Turkey The mayors of 11 Turkish cities and scientists tracking the coronavirus pandemic in Turkey say a full lockdown is needed in urban areas to avoid an exponential rise in new infections. Turkey
COVID-19 offers new opportunities for Israel-Arab relations In secret diplomatic ties or in open posts on social media, Israel reaches out to Arab neighbors battling with the coronavirus. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Trump administration vows to expedite review of COVID-19 equipment for Iran The US Treasury Department vowed today to prioritize and expedite the review of humanitarian license requests to send medical equipment to Iran to treat COVID-19 patients. Congress
Israel’s parliament has 21 days to choose prime minister President Reuven Rivlin has given the Knesset three weeks to choose the next prime minister after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White head Benny Gantz failed to reach an agreement by the Wednesday deadline. Israel
Intel: US holds virtual anti-IS meeting amid COVID-19 pandemic The US-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State convened a virtual meeting today to discuss the fight against the remnants of the terrorist group. Iraq