Middle East

IDF Chief Zamir freezes extended service commitments for special forces units

Zamir held a discussion on the matter on Saturday night regarding expanding the implementation of extended service commitments for IDF combat soldiers in special forces units within the ground forces

 IDF soldiers operating throughout the Gaza Strip, July 9, 2025.
 An illustrative image of the silhouettes of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set to a backdrop of their respective countries' flags.

Iranian official claims Israel used 'the occult and supernatural spirits' during 12-day war

 Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets with President of Azerbaijan’s Republic Ilham Aliyev, July 12, 2025.

Syrian president visits Azerbaijan to strengthen energy, diplomatic ties - analysis

 A man installs a banner with a picture of late Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami, following the Israeli strikes on Iran, in Tehran, June 14, 2025.

After 12 days of war, Iran finds itself more isolated than ever


Iran's enriched uranium remains at nuclear sites, Israeli official says

The official suggested that the Iranians might still be able to gain access to Isfahan, but it would be hard to remove any of the material there.

 Satellite image shows a close up view of destroyed buildings at Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center, after it was hit by US airstrikes, in Isfahan, Iran, June 22, 2025.

In 'direct message' to Khamenei, Katz warns Iran of Israel's 'destructive power'

The defense minister said that there is no place in Iran for Islamic Regime officials who harm Israel to hide.

A mock skull representing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is held up by a person during a protest against the Iranian government, outside the Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, US, June 23, 2025.

Syria faces major challenges in efforts to integrate US-backed SDF into military - analysis

The US under Trump aims for a stable, unified Syria, with Barrack tasked to achieve this, including bringing the SDF into Damascus.

 A person holds flags as people celebrate after the Kurdish-led and US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which controls much of Syria's oil-rich northeast, has signed a deal agreeing to integrate into Syria's new state institutions, the Syrian presidency said on Monday, in Damascus, Syria Mar

Four saved from Red Sea ship sunk by Houthis, crew still held captive

The Houthis are believed to be holding six of the Eternity C's complement of 22 crew and three guards, maritime security sources said.

 Eternity C cargo ship; illustrative

Why Erdogan, not Netanyahu, is the real threat to Middle East peace - opinion

While Israel has worked to put an end to Iran’s campaign to dominate the Middle East, Turkey has consistently undermined peace.

 TURKISH PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization last week in Khankendi, Azerbaijan.

Mideast security lobby calls to 'take advantage of window' for regional security

"Opportunities like this come once in a century in the Middle East, but the window won't always be open," Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said.

 Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa looks on, in Aleppo, Syria, May 27, 2025

Amid the chaos: A Palestinian reflection on Trump's strategic opportunity for the Mideast - opinion

This moment, for all its pain, suffering, and uncertainty, offers a narrow but strategic opportunity. But only if it is seized with clarity and courage. 

 U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, April 7, 2025.

IDF announces soldier killed in Gaza, Netanyahu: Good chance we will reach a ceasefire

'Conditions created' to advance hostage deal, IDF Chief of Staff Zamir says • Netanyahu, Hegseth meet at Pentagon • IDF encircles Beit Hanun, conducts targeted ops in Lebanon

 IDF soldiers operating throughout the Gaza Strip, July 9, 2025.

The first Zionist diplomat: How Theodor Herzl changed Jewish and world history - opinion

To those who view diplomacy as naive, we urge a look at Theodor Herzl, the first Zionist diplomat, a man whose primary tools were determination and words.

 PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu speaks in front of a portrait of Theodor Herzl at Independence Hall in Tel Aviv in 2010. Herzl’s use of diplomatic means secured recognition for Zionism’s goals, say the writers.

Israel's ‘kalaniyot’ still bloom: A symbol of enduring resilience - opinion

A teen’s journey from LA to Nir Oz – loss, hope, and Jewish roots

 First red anemone in the western Negev.

China’s power play with the US is tested by the Israel-Iran crisis - opinion

If the Israel-Iran conflict drags on, despite US President Donald Trump’s attempts at an extended truce, and the Chinese leadership comes to the Iranians’ aid, it will end up fueling global disorder.

 CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER Wang Yi is flanked by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov (left) and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi at a meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue in Beijing in March.