Middle Orient

After Far-Right Marchers Chant ‘Death to Arabs,’ New Israeli Government Bombs Gaza

Just hours after far-right marchers chanted “Death to Arabs!” during a demonstration in the streets of Jerusalem, Israeli war planes bombarded the occupied Gaza Strip early Wednesday morning in the first series of airstrikes launched by the new government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a former IDF officer who once …

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Arab Alliance Addresses African Aquatic Argument, Asks for Arbitrator’s Action

The Arab League’s forum of foreign ministers convened in Qatar on Tuesday to discuss a string of pressing issues concerning the Arab world, chief among them the crisis over the Nile River between Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia; tensions in Jerusalem and Gaza between Israel and Palestinians; events in Lebanon, Syria …

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Biden Taps Nides as Ambassador to Israel

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced his nominee for the position of ambassador to Israel, tapping Morgan Stanley Vice Chairman Thomas Nides for the role. Nides, “a distinguished public servant and business leader” per the White House’s statement, served as deputy secretary of state for management and resources during …

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Tensions Flare in Jerusalem, Gaza

Israel on Wednesday conducted limited airstrikes against Hamas military targets in Gaza, retaliating for incendiary balloons launched earlier by the Palestinians toward Israeli towns and fields. At least 20 fires broke out on the Israeli side of the border as a result of the explosive balloons. No casualties were reported …

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Weapons exchange on Jordan border thwarted by Israeli security forces

An IDF soldier was moderately wounded during the operation; the cause of his injury is under investigation. A large weapons exchange on the Jordanian border was thwarted by the IDF and Israel Police on Monday night. On Monday evening, IDF troops, Israel Police and Border Police apprehended suspects for attempting …

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Palestinian Authority perturbed about Egypt-Hamas rapprochement

The Egyptians are said to be outraged by Abbas’s alleged attempt to obstruct Cairo’s effort to contribute to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Authority is unhappy with the recent rapprochement between Egypt and Hamas, Palestinian sources said Monday. The PA is also worried about Egypt’s continued support …

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Gantz meets with US diplomat, discusses Gaza and regional stability

The shakeup in Israel’s relations with the US came following the establishment of a new coalition government on Sunday. Defense Minister Benny Gantz met with senior US diplomat Michael Ratney on Monday to discuss topics of mutual interest to both Israel and the United States, including Gaza, regional stability and …

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Likely new Iranian president Raisi embraces possible nuke deal

A mark of his campaign has been Iranian self-resilience and the “resistance economy” having the ability to overcome American sanctions. Iran presidential front-runner and Judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi has embraced the possibility of returning to the 2015 nuclear deal as long as Iran’s interests are met, Iranian media reported earlier …

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UAE, Bahrain welcome new Israeli government, signaling Abraham Accords stability

Historic normalization deals between Israel and 4 Arab nations were hallmark of Netanyahu and Trump administrations; FM Lapid indicates eagerness to expand on ties The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain on Monday welcomed the new Israeli government, indicating that the historic normalization deals forged by former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu …

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