Middle East
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Gadi Eisenkot Gets Six Weeks to Form Israel’s Next Government
Israeli President Isaac Herzog will formally task opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a government, giving the former military chief up to six weeks to
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Gaza Strikes Kill Eight, Including Four-Year-Old Boy
Deadly strikes in Gaza have killed eight people, including a four-year-old boy, according to local hospitals, adding to the toll despite a ceasefire that began
Iran Sees Positive Shift in Vance Letter as Trump Delays Decision on Strikes
For people watching the risk of renewed war, Tehran is signalling both an opening and a warning: it has received a letter from U.S. Vice
Tanker Struck by Limpet Mines Near Oman in Strait of Hormuz, Sources Say
A small boat attached two limpet mines to a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, setting its engine room on fire and briefly disabling the
Damascus Drivers Switch to Electric Cars as Petrol Costs Bite
Fuel price hikes and poor-quality petrol are pushing some Damascus drivers toward electric cars, mostly Chinese-made. Taxi drivers, showroom staff and a ride-hailing manager describe lower running costs and rising demand, though most Syrians still cannot afford the switch.
Israel Election Results: Qatar Denies Netanyahu Vote Claims
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Arab Israeli parties used foreign backing to steal Tuesday's election, which cost his coalition its majority. Opposition leaders, police and election officials reject the claim, and Qatar denies any role.
Israel’s Election Rhetoric: What Candidates Said and Won
Israel's parliamentary election produced no clear winner, with neither bloc reaching the 61 seats needed. Netanyahu, Eisenkot and Bennett traded sharp words over Arab parties before, during and after the vote. Here is what each said and how they fared as counting neared 90 percent.
Netanyahu’s Bloc Leading Israel Vote, Short of Majority
Partial results show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc ahead of former military chief Gadi Eisenkot's in Israel's general election, but short of a majority. With 85% of ballots counted, Arab-led parties could emerge as kingmakers while President Isaac Herzog prepares consultations.
Israel Election Turnout Hits Record as Coalition Race Tightens
Israeli turnout reached 77.7% by the close of voting, the highest level since 1999, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced rival Gadi Eisenkot. Early exit polls gave Eisenkot’s opposition bloc a narrow lead, but no side appeared to have won a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Final results and coalition talks will determine who can form the next government.
Israel’s Elections Wide Open as Netanyahu Fights to Stay
Israelis are voting in a tightly contested election that could decide whether Benjamin Netanyahu remains prime minister. Polls differ on which bloc has the advantage, and neither is expected to secure a clear majority in the Knesset. That leaves the prospect of lengthy coalition talks, a minority government or another election as voters weigh security and leadership after years of conflict.
Oil hits five-month high as Gulf attacks threaten supply
Brent crude climbed to $114.72 a barrel on Friday, its highest level since May, as Tehran threatened strikes on Gulf energy and technology sites if the United States and Israel attacked Iran. Attacks near the Strait of Hormuz and renewed-strike concerns have added to supply fears, while analysts also point to Ukraine’s strikes on Russian refineries.
EU Announces Additional €22.5 Million for Yemen Aid
The European Commission is releasing €22.5 million in new humanitarian aid for Yemen, on top of €87.5 million already allocated for 2026. The funding is intended to help partners respond to rising needs as renewed conflict has displaced nearly 230,000 people in recent weeks and disrupted access to essential services.
Middle East Oil Exports Top Prewar Levels Despite Attacks
Oil flows from the Persian Gulf have exceeded their prewar average as pipelines and ship-to-ship transfers keep crude moving around the Strait of Hormuz. But traffic through the strait remains below its previous level, while Iranian forces said they hit seven vessels attempting to cross. The gap between recovering exports and persistent security threats is keeping oil prices elevated.
Hegseth meets Netanyahu Israel visit ahead of elections
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel on Monday, according to CBS News and Axios. The meeting came just over a week before Netanyahu’s party faces elections and as President Donald Trump considers whether to resume military operations against Iran. The Pentagon declined to comment, while Hegseth confirmed he was in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
Iran says it received U.S. feedback on seven-day Strait of Hormuz trust plan
Iran said on Wednesday it had received U.S. feedback on a seven-day trust-building proposal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for Washington
Flydubai scare casts new light on Israel-UAE travel link
The United Arab Emirates drew many Israelis because it felt close, open and safe. A security incident on a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv
Passengers say flydubai co-pilot stabbed captain as jet plunged toward Saudi Arabia
Passengers aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 say the aircraft suddenly dropped from cruising altitude after a co-pilot stabbed the captain, throwing the cabin in...
Israeli officials say flydubai pilots fight in cockpit triggered emergency landing in Saudi Arabia
A flydubai passenger jet bound for Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after a violent cockpit confrontation that Israeli officials
Houthi strikes hit Saudi energy routes, rattling global oil markets
Flames tore through Saudi Aramco’s refinery in Jazan on the Red Sea after a Houthi missile and drone strike, putting fresh pressure on one of
Houthis seize island near Red Sea chokepoint as Saudi pipeline shuts after attack
Yemeni government sources said Houthi fighters have reached Perim island, a strategic outpost at the mouth of the Red Sea’s Bab al-Mandab shipping lane, in
BRICS Gathers in New Delhi as War in Iran Exposes the Bloc’s Fault Lines
India is hosting the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi from Saturday, and the meeting arrives with a sharp question hanging over the room: can