Benjamin Netanyahu

Perhaps What Is Meant Is the Collapse of Deadlines…

Tom Barrack has made more than one misstep – mistakes that some might even consider political sins. The issue is not simply what he told journalists at Baabda Palace, but the deeper political and strategic implications of his words. At a time when the government is moving toward the point of no return on Barrack’s proposal, and after failing ...

Tom Barrack Calls on Netanyahu to Show ‘Tolerance and Understanding’ Toward Lebanon

In an interview held after his departure from Lebanon, US special envoy Tom Barrack urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show “tolerance and understanding” toward Lebanon, stressing that such an approach would benefit both countries. “I come from your region, I have Lebanese blood,” said Barrack, whose family hails from ...

Israel says in Talks 'Right Now' on South Syria Demilitarisation

  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel was engaged in talks aimed at the demilitarisation of southern Syria, implicitly acknowledging for the first time contacts with the new Syrian regime. Following deadly sectarian violence in Syria last month, Netanyahu met with a Druze leader in Israel, reassuring him that his ...

America’s Beirut Gamble: Barrack, Ortagus and Graham Push Lebanon Toward Peace

When Tom Barrack, Morgan Ortagus and Senator Lindsey Graham touched down in Beirut, it was clear that the United States was no longer willing to watch Lebanon’s crisis unfold from the sidelines. Their visit was not ceremonial. It was an intervention, part carrot, part stick, designed to push Lebanon into one of the most consequential decisions ...

Israel Ups Pressure on Gaza City as Trump Eyes Post-War Plan

The Israeli military pressed operations around Gaza City on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump prepared to host a White House meeting on post-war plans for the shattered Palestinian territory. Israel is under mounting pressure both at home and abroad to end its almost two-year campaign in Gaza, where the military is preparing to conquer the ...

US-Brokered Israel-Syria Security Deal Possible in September?

The Trump administration is working to secure a preliminary security agreement between Tel Aviv and Damascus ahead of the UN General Assembly in September, according to Israel National News. A source close to the talks said there is “a real possibility of reaching security arrangements” by then. Ongoing Talks and Key Players Syria’s ...

Barrack: Lebanon Is on the Right Track

“Lebanon is on the right track,” US envoys Tom Barrack and Morgan Ortagus affirmed Tuesday during their visit to Baabda, where they were received by President Joseph Aoun. Ortagus and Barrack delivered Israel’s response to Lebanon’s proposals on the US roadmap and held discussions with President Aoun on the next steps for ...

Israeli Protesters call for Hostage Deal Ahead of Cabinet Meeting

Protesters calling for an end to the war in Gaza and the return of hostages being held there took to the streets in Israel early Tuesday morning ahead of a security cabinet meeting scheduled for the evening. AFP journalists saw protesters blocking roads in Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags and holding up pictures of the hostages. Israeli media ...

Reciprocal Response: Israel Signals Troop Reduction if Lebanon Disarms Hezbollah

Israel announced on Monday that it would take reciprocal steps, including a phased reduction of its military presence, should the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) implement the disarmament of Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised what he called the “historic decision” by the Lebanese government, led by President Joseph Aoun ...

Row Breaks Out as US Diplomat Criticises France on Antisemitism

France's foreign ministry said Sunday it would summon the US ambassador after he criticized the government for what he said was its insufficient action against antisemitism in a letter to President Emmanuel Macron. The letter from Charles Kushner, dated August 25 but leaked to the media on Sunday, echoed Israel's criticism of France days earlier, ...

Barrack and Ortagus Expected in Lebanon with Senator Lindsey Graham

US special envoys Tom Barrack and Morgan Ortagus are set to arrive to Beirut on Monday, accompanied by Senior Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, according to Israeli media – i24 and the Jerusalem Post. The visit carries significant weight: “Graham serves as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, giving the trip both political and economic ...

Netanyahu Rival Offers Political Truce to Help Secure Gaza Hostage Deal

Israeli former defense minister Benny Gantz on Saturday called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to forge a unity government along with members of the opposition in a bid to help release the hostages held in Gaza. Netanyahu's coalition government depends on support from far-right members who oppose ending the war and making any deal with ...