Author: mackenzie

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made back-to-back visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt over two days this week, seeking to expand Turkish influence in the Middle East and North Africa. Erdoğan met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo on Wednesday, where the two countries signed cooperation agreements and voiced shared positions on several regional issues, including Gaza, Somaliland, and tensions between the United States and Iran. Following the meeting, el-Sisi presented several memoranda of understanding and agreements that had been signed across a broad range of issues, including defense, tourism, investment, trade, health, and agriculture. Continue reading this…

The United States approved a package of potential sales to Israel valued at roughly $6.67 billion, including 30 Apache helicopters and thousands of light tactical vehicles. Officials emphasized the goal of strengthening Israel’s ability to protect population centers and critical infrastructure while maintaining the broader regional balance. A separate notification covered Patriot missiles destined for a Gulf partner, highlighting ongoing work to integrate defensive networks. The approvals point to priorities of mobility, survivability, and precision, with training and sustainment forming key components. Congressional review, contracting steps, and delivery schedules will follow, meaning implementation will unfold over months and years. The…

There is a strong likelihood that the Houthis will resume their attacks on Israel and on US ships if the US strikes Iran, Israeli public broadcaster KAN News reported on Wednesday. According to KAN, Israeli security forces are operating under the assumption that Yemen’s Houthi terrorists will be prepared to strike back against Israel if the US attacks Iran first. KAN also reported that a source within a Yemenite faction combating the Houthis had passed information to Washington about the potential for a resurgence in attacks on US ships in the Red and Arabian Seas. Continue reading this article on jpost.com

The IDF struck several Hezbollah tunnels used as weapons storage facilities across Lebanon, the military announced on Thursday. According to an IDF statement regarding the operation, “following the strikes, secondary explosions were identified, indicating the presence of weapons in the area.” Hezbollah terrorist activity, “constituting a violation of the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon,” had been observed at the sites prior to the strikes. Continue reading this article on jpost.com

A senior Iranian official vowed that the regime would launch massive attacks against Israel if the U.S. decides to strike Iran, after U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday renewed his threats, as well as his calls for the regime to return to the negotiating table. Writing on 𝕏 both in Persian and in Hebrew, Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and one of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s closest aides, said, “A limited [US] strike is an illusion. Any military action by America, of any kind and at any level, will be considered the start of…

Hamas’ surprise attack on Oct. 7 and the murderous massacre carried out by its terrorists left the IDF and security services stunned. Reports of atrocities and the takeover of civilian communities and military bases shook the country, compounded by an unprecedented wave of kidnappings into the Gaza Strip. Within a short time, under a cloud of mourning, shock and uncertainty, the IDF established a Hostages and Missing Persons Command under the leadership of Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, a retired senior officer recalled to service. This week, the body of the last fallen hostage, Sergeant First Class Ran Gvili, was…

Intense diplomatic talks are underway ahead of the expected opening of the Rafah crossing in the coming days, as a U.S.-backed plan to transfer governance of Gaza to a technocratic council under the Board of Peace enters a decisive phase, officials involved in the process said. Despite assessments in Israel that the crossing could reopen as early as Sunday, no final date has been agreed upon, according to officials familiar with the discussions. The opening of the crossing is expected to mark the first entry of the technocratic governing body into Gaza, a move intended to replace Hamas’ control of…

by Dr. Susan Michael 2025 was a monumental year for Israel, but it is impossible to reflect on the year’s developments without going back to the fateful date of October 7, 2023. After 27 months of war and challenges, as well as astounding miracles, the Jewish State has changed in many ways. What follows are 10 significant developments affecting Israel today. Israel was victorious on seven battlefronts of war. Many of us struggle to understand the complexities of the Middle East and therefore did not grasp the seriousness of the situation Israel was facing two years ago. Thanks to the…

The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the identity of a man accused of infiltrating IDF command facilities in the immediate aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack may be published, marking a significant shift in a case that has raised acute concerns over wartime security breaches at the heart of the military command structure. The ruling relates to criminal proceedings underway at the Beersheba District Court against Assaf Shmuelovitz, who is charged with a series of serious security offenses, including aggravated espionage, unlawfully obtaining and transmitting classified information, fraud under aggravated circumstances, and unauthorized entry into military facilities. Continue reading this article on www.jpost.com

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed Honduran president-elect Nasry “Tito” Asfura in Jerusalem on Sunday, January 18, expressing confidence that under Asfura’s leadership, Honduras will once again be a close friend and ally of Israel. Asfura—of Palestinian Christian descent—also met President Isaac Herzog and is slated to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the countries look to strengthen ties after a period of cooler relations. Jerusalem officials highlighted potential cooperation in agriculture, technology, and economic development, suggesting a broader reset that aligns values and interests. The visit continues Israel’s outreach across Latin America and comes as several countries in the region…