Middle East

Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Shas party backs Netanyahu for next government

The ultra-Orthodox Shas party said Tuesday it would recommend Benjamin Netanyahu to President Isaac Herzog for the task of forming Israel’s next government, citing the Likud leader’s pledge to secure exemptions from military service for Torah students ahead of decisive consultations at the presidential residence.

Israeli opposition picks Eisenkot to replace Netanyahu government

Opposition leaders agreed Tuesday to recommend Gadi Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog as their candidate for prime minister, vowing to form a national emergency government to replace Benjamin Netanyahu's administration.

Islamic world must act against Israeli atrocities: Turkish VP

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz urged the Islamic world to adopt concrete measures against Israeli atrocities in Palestine during the closing session of the 42nd COMCEC ministerial meeting in Istanbul, highlighting new solidarity projects and economic cooperation frameworks.

Iranian state TV airs guidelines on surviving a nuclear strike

US strikes Hormuz island as Trump says Iran deal 'could happen'

The United States launched limited strikes on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, US media reported, hours after President Donald Trump said Tehran was eager for a settlement following eight months of stalemated hostilities that have disrupted global energy markets.

US launches limited strikes on Qeshm Island in Hormuz Strait

US officials confirmed limited strikes on Qeshm Island as indirect negotiations continue between Washington and Tehran amid American midterm elections.

Former Israeli army spokesperson accuses military of Gaza deception

Former Israeli army spokesperson Ayelet Kroizer said on Monday that the military systematically manipulated facts about its operations in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to secure public support and international legitimacy, announcing her appointment as spokesperson for the veteran whistleblower group Breaking the Silence.

Eisenkot refuses Netanyahu cabinet role even if Trump intervenes

Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot has ruled out serving in a government headed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring he would reject even a direct request from US President Donald Trump to join the cabinet and citing internal Israeli affairs as beyond foreign interference, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported Monday.

Netanyahu open to broad coalition but insists on leading it

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday he is willing to discuss forming a broad coalition but insists on remaining premier, as opposition parties coalesce around former military chief Gadi Eisenkot to lead the next government amid post-election deadlock.

Russia warns of planned new military action against Iran

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Monday that Moscow harbors deep concern over reports of planned new military action against Iran, describing the situation as complex and intertwined with other regional crises while urging intensified diplomatic efforts to normalize the standoff.

UK defense chief blasts Iran's 'bare-faced cheek' over terrorist labels

UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting on Monday accused Tehran of 'bare-faced cheek' for labeling Britain's armed forces terrorist organizations, saying the charge did not dignify a response while urging diplomatic de-escalation with the Islamic Republic.

ICC chief says US sanctions seek to 'obstruct course of justice'

ICC President Tomoko Akane on Monday denounced US sanctions against the institution as an attempt to obstruct justice, warning that such measures strike at the heart of sovereign equality and judicial independence as she presented the court's annual report to the UN General Assembly.

China urges political solution in talks with Iran, Saudi Arabia

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called for a political solution to the Middle East conflict during separate meetings with senior Iranian and Saudi officials in Beijing, stressing that dialogue and mutual trust remain the only viable path to end the ongoing war.

Iran conducts 'shuttle diplomacy' via Qatari, Pakistani mediators

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that Tehran has presented specific conditions for a diplomatic resolution through Qatari and Pakistani mediators, warning that any renewed military action would draw a response far harsher than before while leaving the next step to Washington.

EU condemns Houthi escalation, urges Iran to end military support

The European Union condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and escalation in Yemen, calling for an end to hostilities and urging Iran to halt military support for the rebel group.

Syrian foreign minister meets Lebanese delegation on refugee returns

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani received Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri in Damascus on Monday for talks focused on refugee returns, as both sides seek to establish joint committees to facilitate the process and address administrative challenges.

Arab parties in Israeli Knesset coordinate bid to replace Netanyahu

Arab lawmakers in Israel's parliament held their first coordination meeting since last week's elections, seeking to consolidate their 19 seats to block Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from forming a new government as President Isaac Herzog prepares to begin consultations on forming the next administration.

King Abdullah: Israeli expansion 'greatest threat' to region

King Abdullah II said on Monday that Israel's expansionist ambitions pose the greatest threat to the region's future, stressing that regional security cannot be achieved without Palestinians securing their rights to their land and an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Yemeni army hits Houthis with 951 operations in 24 hours

Yemeni military spokesman Majed al-Nuzaili said on Monday that government forces conducted 951 operations against Houthi positions in 24 hours as part of Operation Dawn of Yemen, reporting the "neutralization" of 332 rebel fighters and the destruction of dozens of vehicles across multiple provinces.

Israeli forces injure Palestinians, demolish memorial in West Bank

Israeli forces injured two Palestinians near Bethlehem and demolished a memorial south of Nablus during raids across the occupied West Bank on Monday, as Palestinian officials released data showing a sharp increase in attacks throughout October.