Mideast News
לוחמים בארגון המורדים הג'יהאדיסטי הייאת תחריר א שאם חלב סוריה
In Aleppo countryside, the opposition turns the tables on the Syrian regime
For the first time in years, Syrian opposition groups have launched a significant military operation against regime forces, indicating a potential strategy shift for the diminished opposition
Rizik Alabi/The Media Line | 22:33 | 11.28.24
לוחמים בארגון המורדים הג'יהאדיסטי הייאת תחריר א שאם חלב סוריה
130 dead in surprise attack against the Syrian army, Russian planes bombed near Turkish border
The rebel organizations in northern Syria launched a "deterring aggression" operation in Aleppo and Idlib provinces and captured settlements; Fierce fighting is going on between the parties, and the number of people killed in the fighting is the highest in the region in recent years; Russian planes bombed rebel strongholds
Lior Ben Ari, AFP | 12:33 | 11.28.24
הריסות בלבנון
Shiites voice growing criticism of Hezbollah as cease-fire stalls: 'You could have prevented death and destruction'
Critics of the terror group say an agreement could have been reached months ago under the same conditions after 1 million people were displaced and thousands killed; Shiite cleric calls on community to reject sectarianism and unite as Lebanese 
Lior Ben Ari | 15:56 | 11.25.24
עלי חמינאי
Iran's Khamenei calls for death sentence for Israeli leaders
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says arrest warrants are not enough and death sentences must be issued for Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant
Reuters | 12:40 | 11.25.24
מטוס של חברת מידל איסט איירליינס מעל ביירות המופצצת, 16 בנובמבר
Lebanon's national carrier becomes a source of pride amid war
Middle East Airlines continues to operate flights despite Israeli strikes near Beirut's international airport keeping vital connection open to the world 
Lior Ben Ari | 12:12 | 11.24.24
מוחמד חיידר חוסל
Fate of Hezbollah's operations chief remains unknown after IDF strike
While Israel believes Muhammad Haydar would not have had time to escape the bombing, his death remains officially unconfirmed; known as Abu Ali, he was a close confidant and advisor to slain Hassan Nasrallah
Smadar Perry | 11:09 | 11.24.24
צבי קוגן נעדר באיחוד האמרויות
Missing Chabad emissary found dead in UAE
Rabbi Zvi Kogan's body identified after local authorities detect signs of a struggle in his abandoned vehicle; believed to be the victim of Iran-backed terror squad; NSC posts warning to Israelis in or traveling to UAE
Itamar Eichner, Yossi Yehoshua | 09:54 | 11.24.24
Iranians visit Mao Zedong painting by Andy Warhol at the Eye to Eye exhibition
Iran’s much long hidden collection of Western art re-emerges despite high tensions with US
Eye to Eye exhibit draws women, their hair uncovered, to the underground galleries of the museum in Tehran’s Laleh Park with a collection likely worth billions of dollars 
Associated Press | 15:36 | 11.23.24
דיון ב מועצת הנגידים של סבא"א נגד איראן מטה וינה רפאל גרוסי גרעין
IAEA Board passes Iran resolution as West pushes Tehran toward talks
UN atomic watchdog orders Tehran to improve cooperation with agency and provide it with 'comprehensive' report; Iran warns action against it could have the opposite effect
Reuters | 09:37 | 11.22.24
דיווח סורי על תקיפה ישראלית שכוונה לעיר תדמור באזור הכפרי המזרחי של חומס
Sending a message to Assad: New details behind the unusual attack in Syria blamed on Israel
At least 82 Hezbollah terrorists and militia leaders were killed while the Syrian president was hosting them, and the timing at the height of cease-fire negotiations is no coincidence; 'Israeli attacks in Syria have increased significantly, both in frequency and scope'
Yoav Zitun, Lior Ben Ari | 21:43 | 11.21.24
נשיא אוקראינה וולודימיר זלנסקי ו נשיא טורקיה רג'פ טאיפ ארדואן במסיבת עיתונאים
Erdogan boasts Turkey blocked Herzog's plane from airspace: 'We take a stand'
President Isaac Herzog reportedly canceled trip to UN climate conference in Baku after Ankara barred official Wing of Zion plane from airspace
Itamar Eichner | 00:43 | 11.20.24
Ali Khamenei
Would Khamenei’s death bring reform or revolution to Iran?
A new leader, perhaps Khamenei’s son, could bring the illusion of reform or else spark a popular uprising; regime change, though possible, is thought to be unlikely
Maayan Hoffman/The Media Line | 21:27 | 11.19.24
סעודיה מוחמד בן סלמאן ג'ניפר לופז
Saudi festival featuring J.Lo criticized amid Gaza war, destruction
As Gaza war rages, Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Season, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, comes under fire; performance by Jennifer Lopez in revealing outfit sparks accusations of undermining country's cultural values and sanctity
Lior Ben Ari | 21:48 | 11.18.24
מוחמד בן סלמאן יורש העצר הסעודי
Saudi prince's 'genocide' accusation against Israel 'intended to placate public and Iran’
'Over-the-top anti-Israel statement' result of Saudi recognition normalization and possible defense treaty with Washington won't be achieved soon due to ongoing war in Gaza and presidential transition in US, security expert says
Giorgia Valente/The Media Line | 17:37 | 11.18.24
Firefighters try to contain the blaze in downtown Beirut
Beirut attack sparks chaos as Israeli missiles hit key targets
Israeli missile attack in Beirut targets vehicle and building, reportedly killing Jamaa Islamiya's Secretary-General and Hezbollah commander;  Casualties rise to two dead and 13 injured, prompting school closures 
ynet correspondents | 23:02 | 11.17.24
תקיפת מבנה באזור ראס א-נבע בביירות
Hezbollah propaganda chief reportedly killed in rare strike in heart of Beirut
After a wave of attacks in Dahieh, the headquarters of the Ba'ath leadership in Lebanon was bombed  and according to reports, Mohammad Afif was killed; Watch the building collapse
Lior Ben Ari, Eitan Glickman, Yoav Zitun | 14:29 | 11.17.24
ארה"ב אילון מאסק קמפיין של דונלד טראמפ מיליון דולר ל קריסטין פישל
Iran on report Musk spoke with officials: 'a fabricated story by American media'
Country's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denies foreign report claiming it was 'fabricated' by US media due to ulterior and unclear motives
Ynet, News Agencies | 21:49 | 11.16.24
מחליפו של חמינאי, המנהיג העליון של איראן יהיה בנו, מוג'תבא חמינאי
Iran secretly elected its next leader, report says
Sources close to Tehran's regime claim Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei elected his second son for the role and may abdicate even before his death
Itamar Eichner | 21:15 | 11.16.24
הצנטריפוגות בנתנז
IAEA chief visits two nuclear sites during Iran trip
Grossi visits the Natanz nuclear plant and the Fordow enrichment site, which is dug into a mountain around 100 km (60 miles) south of the capital Tehran
Reuters | 15:39 | 11.15.24
נשיא טורקיה רג'פ טראיפ ארדואן
Erdogan claims Turkey has 'severed ties with Israel'
In the wake of criticism in local media of Turkey's 'secret financial ties', Turkish president – who has spoken out harshly against Netanyahu since the beginning of the war – tells reporters that his country has severed relations with Israel; Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv is still operating and Jerusalem says not informed about cut in ties
Itamar Eichner, Reuters | 15:02 | 11.13.24
מוחמד בן סלמאן יורש העצר ה סעודי סעודיה פסגה ערבית איסלאמית ב ריאד
Saudi-Iranian geopolitical romance blossoms as Israel is cast aside
Saudi Arabia and Iran, under the watchful mediation of China, are engaged in rebuilding relations marked by joint military exercises and economic cooperation, which strategically positions Saudi Arabia as a humanitarian conduit for Iran amid American sanctions; Normalization with Israel is not on the menu, at least for now
Smadar Perry | 12:33 | 11.13.24
עלי חמינאי
Iran builds 'defensive tunnel' in capital after Israeli strikes
Tunnel located near Tehran center will link a station on the metro line  to the Imam Khomeini hospital, allowing underground access
Reuters, Ynet | 12:06 | 11.12.24
Iranian and Saudi Arabian flags
Saudi armed forces chief of staff in Iran for talks with officials
Iran state media says the leaders of the two militaries discussed development of defense diplomacy and the expansion of bilateral cooperation'
ynet, Reuters | 23:43 | 11.10.24
אל-ח'זנה בפטרה
Jordan's tourism industry struggling as Gaza war deters visitors
Jordan’s tourism sector, crucial to its economy, facing severe losses as Middle East tensions deter Western travelers; Petra’s hotel occupancy drops as low as 10%, with operators reporting 90-95% drop in future bookings and international airlines canceling flights
Reuters | 16:46 | 11.09.24
אנתוני בלינקן עובד במשרדו במטוס
Blinken holds calls in final Middle East diplomacy push
US officials say it is unclear how much leverage they have over Israel and other actors in the region now focused on the incoming administration of former President Donald Trump
Reuters | 22:43 | 11.08.24
הקמפיינים שהחות'ים מפיצים לגיוס כספים מהציבור בתימן
Houthis turn to social media to raise funds for war
Iran's proxy tells the already impoverished population in Yemen that they can be partners in the path to victory; 'Fire your own missile,' a post reads 
Lior Ben Ari | 10:05 | 11.05.24
גבר מוחה נגד ישראל בדאחייה שבביירות, דרום לבנון
Rubble, smoke and bewildered people: A drive through 'broken' Lebanon
'The end of Iran's era': The Atlantic highlights Lebanon's dire situation, depicting a nation fractured by economic crisis and conflict, where Hezbollah's influence wanes, communities are displaced, and people argue among themselves about what kind of a nation Lebanon will be after the war
Ynet | 22:49 | 11.03.24
נשים איראניות במפגש עם המנהיג העליון עלי חמינאי
American Iranian journalist jailed for months in Iran
Detention of Reza Valizadeh,  former staffer of an outlet under Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that’s overseen by the U.S. Agency for Global Media to increase tensions with the U.S. ahead of threatened strike on Israel
News Agencies | 10:29 | 11.03.24
קמלה האריס ודונלד טראמפ
Fearing a Trump win, Iran waits for US election results before striking Israel
Iran delays retaliatory strike on Israel for US election results, fearing further regional chaos might bolster Trump’s campaign; Meanwhile, tensions rise as both sides prepare for potential post-election confrontations
Lior Ben Ari | 12:23 | 11.02.24
Members of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq
Iraq tries to avoid regional fight as militias fire at Israel
Country is working to avoid being drawn into the growing regional conflict as Iran-backed terror groups launch attacks on Israel from Iraqi soil
Reuters | 09:37 | 11.01.24
Fethullah Gülen
Exiled cleric’s death likely to improve Turkish-US relations, analysts say
Turkish justice minister said there were 256 extradition requests for people in the US that Ankara believes are members of Gülen’s network and there are still diplomatic disagreements over the handling of those suspected of being his followers
The Media Line, Kristina Jovanovski | 19:20 | 10.31.24
מוחמד בן סלמן מב"ס יורש העצר של סעודיה
Saudi-US bilateral accords 'not that connected' to Israel normalisation, Riyadh says
Country's foreign minister says 'moving ahead' with normalization efforts with Israel after negotiating with officials in Washington 
Reuters | 18:08 | 10.31.24
Sheikh Naim Qassem
From school teacher to international terrorist - Meet Hezbollah's new chief
He served as the Iranian proxy's number 2 for 34 years, and now Naim Qassem  gets his 15 minutes of fame as head of the terror group, officially replacing Nasrallah; He is a Hezbollah co-founder and is also a former high school teacher 
Lior Ben Ari | 22:33 | 10.29.24
צילומי לוויין שמראים נזק ל מרכז החלל שאהרוד שמשמש לשיגורים של משמרות המהפכה בצפון איראן במחוז סמנאן לכאורה בגלל תקיפה של ישראל מבצע ימי תשובה
New satellite images from Iran: Attack damaged Iran Revolutionary Guard missile base
New footage following Israel's retaliatory strike on Iranian territory reveals damage to the Shahroud base, where the IRGC launches satellites into space; Iran is 'still assessing the damage'
AP | 17:25 | 10.29.24
עלי חמינאי
Iran plans to triple military budget, government spokesperson says
Budget increase submitted by the government to parliament for approval includes an estimated 200% addition, government spokesperson tells local media 
Reuters | 12:33 | 10.29.24
איראן השעתה את כל הטיסות בשטחה
Iran says two soldiers, one of which was an officer, were killed in Israeli strike
As the Islamic Republic contemplates whether to respond or swallow their pride, an announcement says two Iranian troops were killed during the Israeli strike; Al-Mayadeen, associated with Hezbollah, says this was 'a win for Iran'
Lior Ben Ari | 14:49 | 10.26.24
איראן נרגס מוחמדי פעילה למען זכויות אדם כלואה מועמדת אולי ל פרס נובל ל שלום
Iran’s imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate sentenced to another 6 months in prison
Free Narges Coalition says Narges Mohammadi was sentenced on Oct. 19 to an additional 6 months in prison on the charge of 'disobeying and resisting orders'
Associated Press | 17:56 | 10.25.24
Coptic Christians in Egypt
Caught between sympathy and fear: Egypt’s Christians confront the Gaza war
Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Christians are torn between support for Palestinian civilians and fear of Hamas, complicating their response to the ongoing war
Mina Nader and Jacob Wirtschafter/The Media Line | 21:03 | 10.23.24
עמוס הוכשטיין
U.S. proposal for northern cease-fire revealed, criticized for violating Lebanese sovereignty
Following discussions between U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, and Lebanon's PM and parliament speaker, Hezbollah news service Al-Akhbar reveals the specifics of a fresh proposal aimed at resolving northern tensions; Plan involves extending international forces' jurisdiction north of Litani River, but Prime Minister Najib Mikati rejects Western oversight
Lior Ben Ari | 12:17 | 10.22.24
לבנון עימותים בין עקורים לחיילים ב ביירות
There are 1.2 million displaced people in Lebanon and the fear of sectarian conflict is growing
Lebanon is unable to cope with the masses of displaced people who left their homes because of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, and many of them are staying in tents; In a poor country unprepared for such a crisis,  a full-blown sectarian conflict could rip the country apart
Lior Ben Ari | 08:57 | 10.22.24
Tayyip Erdogan, Fethullah Gulen
Turkish cleric accused of staging coup against Erdogan dies in US
Once close Erdogan ally, Fethullah Gulen built a powerful Islamic movement before being branded a traitor and forced into exile; at least 77,000 people arrested and institutions linked to Gulen shut down following 2016 failed coup attempt
Reuters | 11:13 | 10.21.24
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan shakes hands with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi in Istanbul on Saturday
Turkey says Israel pushing Iran to take 'legitimate steps'
Speaking in Istanbul during visit of Iranian counterpart, Turkish foreign minister says Israel opening new fronts and drawing Tehran into war
News agencies | 16:16 | 10.19.24
דגל דגלי איראן ו לבנון אילוס אילוסטרציה
'Outrageous': Lebanon and Iran see rare disagreement over UN resolution
Lebanese government is outraged after Iranian official says in interview Tehran was willing to negotiate the implementation of UN Resolution 1701
Lior Ben Ari | 15:38 | 10.18.24
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (R) meets with Iran's Abbas Araghchi
Iranian foreign minister visits Cairo day after Egypt's intelligence chief replaced
Araqchi reportedly arrives to Egypt to facilitate Iranian president's upcoming visit, raising concerns in Jerusalem; tensions heightened following departure of Egypt’s long-serving mediator, Abbas Kamel, amid crisis in Israel-Egypt relations
Itamar Eichner, news agencies | 14:05 | 10.17.24
Preparing to attack Iran: Guarantees to US, Russian pressure and the possible targets
It's been two weeks since Iran attacked Israel and there has been no response yet;  US received guarantees that Iran's oil and nuclear facilities will not be the targets, at least this time; Russia is also pressing for a limited retaliation; Gallant: 'Our response will be precise, painful and surprising'
Itamar Eichner, Lior Ben Ari, Yoav Zitun | 11:32 | 10.16.24
Maher al-Assad
Murder, drugs and arms smuggling: Meet Maher al-Assad, Iran's man in Damascus
Syrian president's brother and commander of the elite Fourth Division plays a key role in advancing Tehran’s influence within the regime; even his sister-in-law accuses him of being equally complicit in crimes against the Syrian people
Lior Ben Ari | 01:00 | 10.16.24
אחד העיתונאים שהיו בטקס פרסם סלפי עם קאאני
Back from the dead? IRGC chief Qaani appears live on TV in Iran
After weeks of speculation regarding his fate, Iran’s Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani reappears at a funeral for a fellow terrorist; Rumors of his interrogation and heart attack swirl amid heightened regional tensions following Israeli strikes on key Hezbollah figures in Beirut 
Lior Ben Ari, Reuters | 11:48 | 10.15.24
A picture of the meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin with Ayatollah Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran
EU sanctions Iran for supplying drones and missiles to Russia
Sanctions are imposed on Iran's defense officials and airlines, freezing assets after earlier warning of swift response to Iranian military support for Russia's war on Ukraine      
Associated Press | 22:28 | 10.14.24
התארגנות לסיוע הומניטרי באיחוד האמירויות
Arab states shift humanitarian aid from Gaza to Lebanon
UAE's 'With You, Lebanon' campaign and Qatar's medical supplies highlight regional support, while aid deliveries face challenges amid reports of Israeli attacks on convoys 
Lior Ben Ari | 21:39 | 10.14.24
Esmail Qaani
Iran's Quds force chief suspected of ties to Israel, collapses in interrogation
Esmail Qaani reported to be under investigation in Tehran, suffers a heart attack during questioning; was rumored to have been killed in an IDF strike targeting Nasrallah's replacement as Hezbollah chief 
Lior Ben Ari | 00:11 | 10.11.24
ייצור נפט במפרץ הפרסי
Gulf states urge US to stop Israel from bombing Iran's oil sites
Countries fear Tehran's possible retaliation against them should the conflict escalate after Iran warns them against allowing Israeli aircraft or missiles in their airspace 
Reuters | 18:24 | 10.10.24
יהושע שוקי טרטקובסקי אזרח ישראלי נעצר בלבנון
Israeli arrested after entering Lebanon with journalists deported to U.S.
Joshua Tartakovsky, who had previously visited Beirut on multiple occasions, was detained by Lebanese authorities after discovering an Israeli passport in his belongings; After the United States intervened, he was deported
Itamar Eichner | 12:57 | 10.10.24
Biden has a plan, Qatar and Egypt aren't convinced
The US plan to weaken Hezbollah and shift Lebanese politics; Qatar and Egypt: 'It will backfire'
The Biden administration believes Hezbollah is in disarray, providing an opportunity to alter Lebanese politics by encouraging Arab nations to support electing a new Lebanese president, a position vacant since 2022; However, Qatar and Egypt warn this move is unrealistic and dangerous, with a potential to ignite sectarian conflict and civil war
ynet correspondents | 11:17 | 10.10.24
עונש לגנבים שנכנסו לדירות של מפונים בביירות
Thieves in Beirut's Dahieh tied to street poles or hanged
'Exploiting the war and stealing from houses,' read social media posts showing how thieves punished
Lior Ben Ari | 01:23 | 10.10.24
נשיא טורקיה רג'פ טראיפ ארדואן
Erdogan: Israel is a Zionist terrorist state
 Turkish president tells lawmakers from his ruling AK party that Hamas terrorists are 'freedom fighters who fight for the honor of the Muslim world' and warns Israel will turn against Turkey next 
Ynet | 19:26 | 10.09.24
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
Gulf states must not allow use of airspace against Iran, Iranian official says
Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi warns Gulf states against allowing  use of their airspace for attacks, while those states have reassured him of their supposed neutrality, as Gulf oil producers raise output in case regional escalation
Reuters | 19:09 | 10.09.24
יהושע שוקי טרטקובסקי אזרח ישראלי נעצר בלבנון
Israeli man posing as an investigative journalist arrested in Beirut
Joshua Tartakovsky entered Lebanon using a British passport and presented himself as an investigative journalist, but after exhibiting erratic behavior he was detained by local police who found an Israeli passport among his belongings
Itamar Eichner, Lior Ben Ari | 17:05 | 10.09.24
ד"ר הומיין שמח
Jewish Iranian lawmaker complains officials in Tehran compare Jews to 'Zionists'
Dr. Homayoun Sameh attacked Israel as usual, but this time he also criticized regime officials in Tehran; 'Some officials of our country mistakenly use the word 'Jew' instead of 'Zionist' in their statements, which casts a shadow over the Jewish community in Iran'
Itamar Eichner | 21:02 | 10.08.24
עלי ח'אמנאי, טיל איראני, ולדימיר פוטין
How Putin benefits from Iran and Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel
Russia’s alliance with Tehran grows stronger than ever as it distances itself from Israel, accusing it of killing 'Lebanese civilians' and siding with Hezbollah against Israel's ground offensive; in return, Moscow poised to receive drones and ballistic missiles
Yair Navot | 07:52 | 10.08.24
אנתוני בלינקן מזכיר המדינה של ארה"ב פגישה עם פייסל בן פרחאן שר החוץ של סעודיה
Saudi FM: 'No diplomatic relations with Israel without two-state solution'
Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud says that while normalization with Israel was imminent before October 7, their position has now shifted, saying that without a two-state solution and a divided Jerusalem, the Saudi government will not agree to formalize diplomatic relations with Israel
Itamar Eichner | 10:13 | 10.05.24
Mideast News
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