After the swap: Russia’s role in Syria and Israel’s policy

Russia has been an ally of the Syrian regime and of the Assad family for decades. By SETH J. FRANTZMAN FEBRUARY 21, 2021 13:36 Russia played a key role in releasing an Israeli woman held in Syria. The full details of the exchange are not known, but the central role of Moscow is clear. This […]

Iran to shut UN nuke watchdog’s cameras as agency head visits

Foreign minister claims turning off IAEA surveillance not an ultimatum regarding nuclear deal, but ‘an internal domestic issue between the parliament and the government’ APToday, 1:30 pm TEHRAN, Iran  — The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog met Sunday with Iranian officials in a bid to preserve his inspectors’ ability to monitor Tehran’s atomic […]

PA says Hamas has committed to peaceful resistance, two states — report

In letter ahead of scheduled Palestinian elections, senior PA official said to inform US that Hamas also agreed to obey international law and accept a peaceful transfer of power By TOI staff Today, 1:23 pm The Palestinian Authority has reportedly sent a letter to Washington stating that all Palestinian factions — including Hamas — have […]

US won’t unilaterally lift Trump era sanctions against Iran

US won’t unilaterally lift Trump era sanctions against Iran We’re prepared to reengage in negotiations with the P5+1 on Iran’s nuclear program,” Biden tells the Munich Security Conference. By OMRI NAHMIAS, TOVAH LAZAROFF, REUTERS FEBRUARY 20, 2021 22:08 The United States has no plans to meet Tehran’s demand that it lift Trump-era sanctions against Iran […]

Zarif accuses West of hypocrisy over report Israel expands Dimona nuclear center

Iranian foreign minister tweets link to Guardian report that construction work at top-secret Israeli facility visible in satellite imagery, asks why world leaders are silent By TOI staff Today, 6:35 pm Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday accused Western leaders and the International Atomic Energy Agency of hypocrisy in targeting Iran’s nuclear program, […]

Iran to host UN nuclear watchdog chief ahead of sanctions deadline

Tehran has threatened to suspend some nuclear inspections if US fails to lift punitive measures By AFP and TOI staff Today, 12:53 pm TEHRAN, Iran — UN nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi was to open talks Saturday in Iran on the eve of Tehran’s deadline for US sanctions to be lifted, as President Joe Biden […]

Iran says it is confident about lifting of U.S. sanctions despite wrangling

ReutersPublished: Iran believes U.S. sanctions will soon be lifted despite continuing “diplomatic wrangling” over reviving the nuclear deal, a government spokesman said on Saturday, signalling Tehran’s desire to end the impasse while not offering a new position.Iran and the United States have been at odds over who should take the first step to revive the […]

Equatorial Guinea announces embassy move to Jerusalem

African nation’s President Mbasogo says whole continent welcomes Israel with open arms; Netanyahu: ‘Israel is returning to Africa and Africa is returning to Israel in a big way’ Lazar Berman19 February 2021, 4:27 pm Equatorial Guinea will move its embassy to Jerusalem, its president announced Friday in a conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. President […]

U.S. says it won’t bow to pressure from Iran on more sanctions relief before potential talks

  Published: 02.20.21 , 09:35 The United States plans to take no additional actions in response to pressure from Iran before talks with Tehran and major powers about returning to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, the White House said on Friday.Tehran and Washington have been at odds over who should make the first step to […]

Tour ‘King David’s onetime home,’ the 10th century BCE biblical city of Ziklag

A sprawling hilltop encampment between Hebron and Ashkelon dating back to ancient times looks down upon forests, fertile farmland, and fields of blooming wildflowers By Aviva and Shmuel Bar-Am Today, 7:32 am While surveying the Elah Valley in 2007, archaeologist Saar Ganor looked around and saw something strange protruding from the ground. On further examination, […]

Israel reportedly expands Dimona nuclear complex

Construction work at top-secret facility visible in satellite imagery, The Guardian reports TOI staffToday, 4:25 am Israel’s top-secret nuclear research facility near the southern city of Dimona is undergoing a major expansion, according to a Thursday report. The UK’s Guardian newspaper reported the development, saying the construction work is visible in satellite imagery published by […]

Iran reacts coolly to U.S. talk offer, demands lifting of sanctions

Reuters | Published: 02.19.21 , 19:09 Iran will “immediately reverse” actions in its nuclear program once U.S. sanctions are lifted, its foreign minister said on Friday, reacting coolly to Washington’s initial offer to revive talks with Tehran aimed at restoring the 2015 nuclear deal.President Joe Biden’s administration said on Thursday it was ready to talk […]