Mideast News
שליטה בפועל של סוריה אבו מוחמד אל-ג'ולאני עם שר החוץ של טורקיה הקאן פידאן ב דמשק 23 בדצמבר
Turkey and Iran trade barbs over Syria, Israel and regional influence
Turkish top diplomat slams Iran’s costly interventions in Syria and Iraq; Tehran fires back, accusing Ankara of ignoring US and Israeli influence while defending its role in 'supporting Palestinian resistance' and 'regional stability'
Lior Ben Ari | 19:26 | 03.01.25
Rally in the German city of Cologne calling for the release of The jailed founder of the PKK Abdullah Ocalan
Jailed Kurdish leader calls on PKK to lay down arms, dissolve
Abdullah Ocalan wants the party, deemed a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies, to hold a congress and formally agree to dissolve itself, move that could end 40-year conflict with Ankara
Reuters | 16:40 | 02.27.25
המשטר החדש ב סוריה מבצע צבאי בעיר חומס
EU suspends sanctions against Syria including those on energy, banking
Bloc started asset freezes, travel bans on Syrian officials, banks, agencies and other organizations in 2011, in response to then-President Assad’s crackdown on protesters, which festered into civil war
Reuters | 14:38 | 02.24.25
כוחות של צבא סודן חשש ל הפיכה פורט סודן 16 אפריל
Sudanese rebels to form parallel government
RSF, allies not expected to receive widespread recognition, but is further sign of country's splintering during a civil war that has lasted almost two years
Reuters | 08:38 | 02.23.25
חסן נסראללה
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon as Beirut prepares slain Hezbollah chief's funeral
Ceremony begins at Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium with mass crowds expected inside and outside, organizers say delegations from 60 or 70 countries are expected 
Lior Ben Ari | 08:37 | 02.23.25
כוחות ביטחון טורקיים באיסטנבול
Turkey arrests suspected ISIS operative accused of plotting attacks on Jewish sites
Counterterrorism units tracked Uzbek national, gaining access to his email, where they found evidence of planned attacks on potential targets included synagogues and Jewish schools
Itamar Eichner | 13:09 | 02.21.25
חסן נסראללה
Lebanon's Hezbollah to bury Nasrallah in mass funeral
Terror group's leader was killed on September 27 in an Israeli airstrike as he met fellow commanders in Beirut, a stunning blow in early phase of offensive that left the Iranian proxy a shadow of its former self
Reuters | 11:06 | 02.21.25
אבו מוחמד אל-ג'ולאני מנהיג המורדים במפגש עם שליח האו"ם גיר פדרסן ב דמשק סוריה
UN envoy says inclusive Syrian government could help lift sanctions
Geir Pedersen says remains concerned over Israel's presence in on Syrian Hermon; 'The solution is very simple: the Israelis need to withdraw'
Associated Press | 20:33 | 02.20.25
Rafic Hariri
A new Lebanon opens up, 20 years after assassination of Rafic Hariri
His assassination — along with the killing of 21 others in the explosion of a 1,000-kilogram TNT bomb — marked a breaking point in Lebanon  
Taylor Thomas/The Media Line | 14:16 | 02.20.25
ספינה חוצה את תעלת סואץ מצרים, ארכיון
Trump's Gaza displacement plan reignites Red Sea shipping concerns
Proposal to relocate Gaza’s population fuels regional tensions, delaying Red Sea shipping recovery; Houthi threat persists, forcing ships to bypass Suez Canal, dealing major economic blow to Egypt’s vital waterway revenues
Lior Ben Ari | 20:59 | 02.17.25
מטוס מהאן אייר איראן, שריפת רכב יוניפיל בכביש שדה התעופה בביירות בלבנון
Lebanon extends ban on flights from Iran amid Hezbollah funding allegations
Ban extended indefinitely after blocking Tehran-Beirut plane over Israeli warning, sparking Hezbollah-led riots near airport; Iran retaliates by barring Lebanese flights, while Beirut scrambles to bring home stranded citizens from Tehran
Lior Ben Ari | 19:07 | 02.17.25
איראן חגיגות 46 שנה ל המהפכה האיסלאמית מהפכה איסלאמית
Netanyahu, Trump effigies paraded in cages through Tehran
Marking 46th anniversary of Islamic Revolution, Iranian regime supporters parade effigies of US, Israeli leaders in cages through capital; amid 'Death to Israel' and 'Death to America' chants, officials denounce Western sanctions and vow resistance
Lior Ben Ari, News Agencies | 19:53 | 02.10.25
Marie Colvin
Accused killer of American journalist Marie Colvin is free in Syria, sparking outrage
Activists and human rights groups are demanding the prosecution of Khaled al-Fares, who is accused of aiding Syrian forces in tracking down and killing American journalist Marie Colvin in 2012
Rizik Alabi/The Media Line | 19:20 | 02.10.25
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam meet at the Presidential Palace in Baabda
Defying US pressure, Lebanon welcomes Hezbollah into new government
Tasked with rebuilding the war-torn nation, tackling economic crises and restoring stability, 24-member cabinet must secure parliamentary approval to address Lebanon’s pressing challenges
Lior Ben Ari | 11:36 | 02.09.25
U.S. Deputy Special envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun
US warns cannot recognize Lebanese government if Hezbollah joins
During first visit by Trump administration official to Lebanon, deputy envoy warns US would not recognize Lebanese government that includes Hezbollah; key Hezbollah ally Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri insists group must be part of coalition
Reuters | 14:57 | 02.07.25
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
Iran mulls policy shift as Trump sanctions stifle economy
With local currency plummeting on black market and growing public distrust, Iranians hoard $70 billion worth of gold and foreign reserves as inflation soars as Trump's 'maximum pressure' policy back in force
Doron Peskin/Calcalist | 21:49 | 02.06.25
נושאת הכטב"מים שנרכשה על ידי משמרות המהפכה באיראן
Iran launches 1st drone carrier for IRGC navy
Shahid Beheshti, a former container vessel, is equipped with a 180-metre (590-ft) runway and is able to operate without refuelling for up to one year, Iran's news agency Tasnim says
Lior Ben Ari, News Agencies | 11:39 | 02.06.25
רג'פ טאיפ ארדואן, אחמד א-שרע אל ג'ולאני
Syria's Sharaa to discuss defense pact with Turkey's Erdogan, sources say
Talks focus on air defense cooperation, training a new Syrian army and countering Kurdish fighters, with Turkey eyeing bases in the Badiyah region to secure Syria's airspace
Reuters | 13:20 | 02.04.25
עבדאללה מלך ירדן ומוחמד בן זאיד
Jordan faces regional pressures as King Abdullah prepares for White House visit
Controversial proposal to resettle Gazans outside their territory has drawn strong regional opposition, all while Jordan is dealing with domestic unrest and a strained economy 
Giorgia Valente, The Media Line | 17:57 | 02.03.25
חסן נסראללה
Date set for Hassan Nasrallah's funeral, 5 months after assassination
Hezbollah announces Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral will take place in three weeks, alongside his assassinated successor Hashem Safeddine; Amid internal criticism and weakening influence in Lebanon, the group faces scrutiny as it tries to maintain political power under mounting external and internal pressure
Lior Ben Ari | 21:59 | 02.02.25
נשיא סוריה אבו מוחמד אל-ג'ולאני עם מוחמד בן סלמאן ב סעודיה
Saudi Arabia has 'genuine desire to support Syria' transitional president says after meeting Crown Prince
Ahmad al-Sharaa met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss rebuilding war-torn Syria; The visit signals a shift away from Iranian influence as Syria seeks Gulf investment and international support to restore diplomatic and economic ties 
Lior Ben Ari, News Agencies | 19:41 | 02.02.25
תמונה קרועה של נשיא סוריה לשעבר בשאר אל-אסד בכלא מזה
The fall of Assad: A predetermined outcome
Syrian rebels toppled Bashar Assad’s regime in just 11 days, seizing Damascus after years of internal dissent; expert Dr. Mordechai Kedar says Assad’s fall was inevitable due to his regime’s lack of legitimacy
Jennifer Teale | 17:23 | 02.01.25
עקורים פלסטינים חוזרים לצפון רצועת עזה
Arab foreign ministers reject Trump's proposal to remove Palestinians from Gaza
In a statement representatives of Egypt, Jordan, Saud Arabia, UAE say the Trump plan would threaten regional stability, risk expanding the conflict and undermine prospects for peace
Lior Ben Ari, News Agencies | 15:34 | 02.01.25
אחמד א-שרע אל ג'ולאני
Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa appointed Syrian president, armed factions disband
After 54 years of Assad family rule, Syria enters a new era with Ahmad al-Sharaa as transitional president; rebel factions unite to form a national army, pledging to rebuild the country and reshape its foreign policy and economy
Rizik Alabi/The Media Line | 22:14 | 01.29.25
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks amid expectations of an Iranian strike
Netanyahu 'hero' among young Iranians: Author in hot water following remarks
An Iranian political commentator and author finds himself in legal trouble following impromptu remarks he made in Qatar, in which he said younger Iranians are more distrustful of Palestinians and increasingly view the Israeli premier as a 'hero', prompting Tehran’s prosecutor to file a criminal complaint
Lior Ben Ari | 11:10 | 01.29.25
נעמת עאון הגברת הראשונה של לבנון
Native of Hezbollah stronghold: Meet Lebanon's first lady
Naamat Aoun steals show at husband's presidential inauguration and stirs interest in Lebanon thanks to her roots and fashion sense
Lior Ben Ari | 13:23 | 01.28.25
Syria intercepts weapons being smuggled for Hezbollah across Lebanon border
Syria intercepts weapons shipment destined for Hezbollah
New Damascus rulers fins a variety of weapons and missiles near the Lebanese border, signaling a resurgence in the group’s smuggling operations despite prior setbacks 
Rizik Alabi/The Media Line | 07:22 | 01.28.25
תושבי לבנון בכפר כילא
Some 22 dead, dozens wounded as Lebanon alleges Israeli violation of its sovereignty
With 22 civilian casualties, southern Lebanon saw heightened tensions as residents returned to border villages despite warnings; Lebanese army struggles to enforce order, while Israeli forces maintained positions, citing operational needs and cease-fire agreement directives
Lior Ben Ari, Elisha Ben Kimon | 19:32 | 01.26.25
ליאל אל-אחתיאר
Lebanese journalist detained 1 year after IDF spokesperson interview
Local authorities bring Layal Alekhtiar in for questioning before releasing on bail;  military court judge says she remains under investigation 
Lior Ben Ari | 09:59 | 01.23.25
מוחמד חמאדי
Hezbollah commander shot dead outside his home
Mohammed Hammadi, commander of Hezbollah's western al-Baqaa region, was shot by gunmen and died in hospital; It is currently unclear what the motive was and who was responsible for the shooting
Lior Ben Ari | 22:51 | 01.21.25
אות חיים מסשה טרופנוב שפרסם הג׳יהאד האסלאמי
Putin secures Hamas promise to release Sasha Troufanov, alive and healthy, Russian ambassador says
Russian-Israeli hostage 'to be freed soon' while Moscow increases efforts to secure other captives' after Putin demands intensified efforts to release Maxim Harkin, also a Russian national who is not named in the first phase of the cease-fire deal
Itamar Eichner | 14:07 | 01.21.25
Houthis take over a ship sailing in the Bab al-Mandab Strait
Houthis signal they'll limit attacks in the Red Sea corridor to Israeli ships
As the cease-fire in Gaza enters its second day, Houthis say they will now limit their attacks to 'Israeli-affiliated' vessels; The move, however, is unlikely to get international ships to feel safe entering the Red Sea via the Bab al-Mandab Strait
Associated Press | 13:48 | 01.20.25
AFP_540433-01-08652711.jpg
Qatar and Egypt navigate complex ties as Gaza’s future hangs in balance
Improved Egypt, Qatar ties raise concerns in Israel regarding Hamas' future, how strained alliances proceed and who will govern enclave; Saudi Arabia hints at quietly reshaping its role in the region
Smadar Perry | 09:52 | 01.20.25
עלי ראזיני ומוחמד מוקייסה
Two Supreme Court judges shot dead in Tehran, Iranian judiciary says
Judiciary spokesperson tells state television that both judges had long been involved in 'national security cases, including espionage and terrorism'
Reuters | 12:57 | 01.18.25
השליט החדש של סוריה אבו מוחמד אל ג'ולאני עם ראש ממשלת קטאר
Israel used Iranian presence to move into Golan buffer zone, Syria's new ruler says
Ahmed al-Sharaa claimed that Israel used the presence of Iranian militias in Syria as an excuse to advance in the Golan Heights buffer zone, and now 'the pretext is not valid' and Israel should have 'no presence at all'
Lior Ben Ari | 17:05 | 01.16.25
Ma'arrat Misrin, in Syria's Idlib Governorate, January 6, 2025
After Assad’s fall, ‘forgotten’ Idlib is bustling once again
Those displaced from the northwestern region of Syria are cautiously beginning to return, and the region’s markets are experiencing new life
Rizik Alabi/The Media Line | 09:40 | 01.16.25
נואף סלאם נשיא בית הדין הבינלאומי לצדק נבחר לראש ממשלת לבנון
Head of the International Court of Justice is named Lebanon’s new prime minister
Salam is chosen by 84 deputies in the Lebanese legislature over just 9 for Hezbollah's candidate Mikati and has the support of Saudi Arabia and Western countries
Associated Press | 07:46 | 01.14.25
Moment of arrest of ISIS member in the Sayyida Zeinab area of Damascus
ISIS plot to bomb Shiite shrine in Damascus thwarted
Operation led to four arrests and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, grenades, communication devices and cash
Rizik Alabi/The Media Line | 10:41 | 01.12.25
דגל איראן
Iran holding war games as it faces Israel tensions, Trump's return
Drills are part of two-months-long exercises in which the elite Revolutionary Guards defended key nuclear installations in the country
Reuters | 22:43 | 01.11.25
בסיס תת קרקעי נחשף באיראן לאחסון טילים ואמצעי לחימה שונים
Iran reveals underground missile base allegedly used in attacks on Israel | watch
Undisclosed site, located in the mountains, reportedly houses missiles linked to last year's attacks on Israel; IRGC officials reveal new developments to Iran's missile program
Einav Halabi, AFP | 16:06 | 01.11.25
he Sayeda Zeinab shrine
Syrian intelligence says thwarted Islamic State attack on Shi'ite shrine
Foiled attack stokes fears ISIS hoping to stage comeback in Syria; new rulers say will protect religious minorities 'in all their diversity'
Reuters | 14:49 | 01.11.25
תרגיל של משמרות המהפכה
Iran holds unusual military drills as it awaits return of Trump
The two-month-long military drill includes testing air defenses near a key nuclear facility and exercises in waterways vital to the global oil trade; Iran appears concerned about Trump's policy of 'maximum pressure'
AP | 17:24 | 01.09.25
ג'וזף עאון
Lebanon's parliament chooses army commander Aoun as president, ending 2-year deadlock
After 12 failed attempts, presidential vacuum filled in first since October 2022; Aoun pledges to rebuild areas 'destroyed by Israel'; FM Sa'ar expresses hope for 'good neighborly relations' between Israel and Lebanon
Noa Lutsky, news agencies | 15:13 | 01.09.25
איראן חשמל טהרן ערפיח
Iran mulls relocating capital from Tehran to southern coast
Amid population density and environmental challenges, Iran is considering moving its capital to the Makran region near the Gulf of Oman; Supporters cite strategic and economic benefits, while critics warn of high costs and logistical issues
Ynet | 13:05 | 01.08.25
נתניהו, טראמפ, חמינאי, נתנז איראן תקיפה באזור ביטחוני בסוריה
Israel prepares for Trump's return and for a joint attack on Iran's nuclear facilities
IDF and US military generals meet in Israeli ahead of Trump's inauguration to discuss frozen US weapons shipment and potentially plan an attack on Iran, which is dramatically close to nuclear capability 
Itamar Eichner | 01:02 | 01.08.25
מוחמד בן זאיד, בנימין נתניהו
This is the Emirati version of 'Gaza, the day after'
In the shadow of the talks for a  cease-fire deal with Hamas, officials in Abu Dhabi are discussing the question of managing Gaza after the war, and are ready to send forces for temporary joint management with the US, but are also demanding the promotion of a Palestinian state and hoping that peace with Israel will be a lever of pressure on Netanyahu. 
Reuters | 16:50 | 01.07.25
נמל התעופה בדמשק
Syria's international airport to reopen in bid to show stability
De facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa announces international flights to the country will resume soon as more countries decide to open routes to Syria
Ynet | 21:37 | 01.04.25
ג'וזף עאון דגל חיזבאללה סמיר ג'עג'ע
Lebanon to choose its president two years after Aoun resignation
After Hezbollah suffers defeats in the war against Israel and is weakened politically, the path to electing a president appears clear ending years of political stalemate 
Lior Ben Ari | 22:10 | 12.31.24
Smoke in Sanaa after US led coalition strikes Houthi targets
Yemen will continue to defend itself, say Houthis after US strikes
U.S. led coalition strikes Yemeni capital Sanaa in six waves of attack according to media reports; Senior member of rebel group says targets were civilian or empty instillations 
Reuters | 16:36 | 12.31.24
מנהיגh מליציות פרו איראניות בעיראק
Pro-Iran militias in Iraq halt attacks on Israel due to US pressure, Assad's fall
Iraqi militias halt attacks on Israel following pressure from the Iraqi government, U.S., and Iran; Israeli threats and Syria’s instability also contributed to the pause, but the issue may be reignited should a full-scale war erupt between Israel and the Islamic Republic
Lior Ben Ari | 20:26 | 12.30.24
אבו מוחמד אל-ג'ולאני ששמו האמיתי אחמד א-שרע השליט בפועל של סוריה ומנהיג המורדים הג'יהאדיסטים מ הייאת תחריר א-שאם במפגש עם בכיר מקטאר ב דמשק 23 בדצמבר
Syria's de facto leader says holding elections could take up to four years
New Syria leader says in the first interview dealing with elections in Syria that drafting of new constitution could take up to three years 
Reuters | 14:40 | 12.29.24
אגפים תת קרקעיים התגלו בכלא סידנאיא בדמשק
Journalists are mishandling critical evidence in Syria needed for prosecuting war crimes
Absence of capable personnel to safeguard institutions after the Assad regime’s collapse has led to the mishandling of documents and potential criminal evidence that journalists, in a race for exclusives, have found in prisons and security branches
Rizik Alabi / The Media Line | 13:41 | 12.26.24
ארגון החות'יות המכונות "זיינביאת" שמטרן לגייס נשים תימניות לארגון הטרור החות'י
Jewelry for survival: The dark role of the Houthis' female brigade
In a region plagued with a severe humanitarian crisis, the Houthis have devised a method to enforce terror and 'raise funds.' Houthi women, known as 'Zainabiyat,' compel other women, teenage girls and young children to attend "Support Gaza" events and surrender their remaining jewelry 'for the cause.' A human rights organization report concluded: The women's brigades have carried out sexual assaults, beatings and rapes in detention centers
Lior Ben Ari | 22:04 | 12.25.24
עצרת של תומכי החות'ים חות'ים ב צנעא תימן לרגל יום השנה להולדתו של הנביא מוחמד
Houthis claim its security services exposed 'network of Mossad spies'
Houthis say the "spies" were recruited by a wanted figure who passed information to Israel and the US; Claim network was tasked with passing information on the locations of forces and weapons, tracking senior officials, and gathering information on the whereabouts of the rebel leader 
Lior Ben Ari | 21:05 | 12.25.24
סוריה מורדים נפילת נפילה שלטון אסד
'Death or imprisonment': Syrian media workers fear new regime
While Syrian opposition channels that broadcast outside of the country celebrated Assad's fall, pro-regime channels and workers say they fear changes that could negatively impact them
Lior Ben Ari | 13:26 | 12.25.24
הפגנה ב דמשק סוריה נגד הצתת עץ חג המולד
It doesn't feel like Christmas in Syria as tree in town square set on fire
Thousands of Syrian Christians protest the burning of a Christmas tree by jihadist rebels in a Christian-majority town; The incident raises fears about minority rights under Ahmad al-Sharaa's leadership, as HTS tries to present a moderate image to the international community
Lior Ben Ari, News Agencies | 17:19 | 12.24.24
דמשק סורים חוגגים לאחר הדחת נשיא בשאר אל אסאד
Arab League members urge political transition and stability in post-Assad Syria
Arab nations urge stability in Syria, backing a political process while avoiding foreign interference; concerns grow over armed factions and leadership uncertainties amid calls for unity and peace
Hudhaifa Ebrahim/The Media Line | 13:47 | 12.24.24
חג המולד סוריה דמשק פינת יא אללה
A Sunni Christmas? Syria's Christians uneasy about Islamists under new regime
Ahmad al-Sharaa’s leadership promises unity and respect for Christians, but fears persist over minority treatment and emigration; Lebanon’s economic crisis dims celebrations, with southern villages lacking power as residents rebuild from devastation
Lior Ben Ari | 09:12 | 12.24.24
דמשק סורים חוגגים לאחר הדחת נשיא בשאר אל אסאד
After losing Syria, Iran is considering turning Beirut into a 'smuggling hub'
An anonymous source 'familiar with discussions in Tehran' warns in the London Times that the Islamic Republic is exploring the possibility of smuggling weapons to Hezbollah through the Lebanese capital's airport, a move that could lead to the collapse of the cease-fire
Ynet, News Agencies | 15:06 | 12.23.24
מנהיגh מליציות פרו איראניות בעיראק
Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq agree to stop attacking Israel, a senior official explains why
Iraq's pro-Iranian militia Al-Nujaba Movement has reached an agreement with the Iraqi prime minister to halt military operations against Israel, according to a report in Lebanon; 'The resistance will stop operations in support of Gaza and will not interfere in political changes in Syria' a senior militia official explained.
Lior Ben Ari | 12:50 | 12.23.24
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