President Trump says he hopes the seven-month war with Iran is nearing an end. But Dr Eric Mandel argues that neither rising oil prices nor the approaching US midterm elections is the greatest concern. He warns that America’s dwindling stockpile of missile interceptors could leave it dangerously exposed in Asia. We also discuss Trump’s vision for the region—and why the United States should think carefully before allowing an unstable Saudi regime to acquire nuclear capabilities.
A senior US Democrat is holding up a proposed 2.8-billion-dollar bomb sale to Israel. Congressman Gregory Meeks says Washington has not provided sufficient assurances about how the 40,000 munitions would be used in Gaza and Lebanon.
The leaders of France, Lebanon and Jordan are meeting in Paris to discuss support for the Lebanese army and a possible multinational force to replace UNIFIL. The Lebanese military is struggling to disarm Hezbollah—a key condition for an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia is racing to repair a vital oil pipeline as the Houthis claim to have shot down one of the kingdom’s F-15 fighter jets over Yemen. Riyadh has not confirmed the loss. Saudi Arabia is also reportedly running short of missile interceptors and asking other countries to help replenish its stocks.
Israeli security forces have discovered a Nazi-era MG-34 machine gun on a rooftop in Hebron overlooking an IDF facility. Other operations across Judea and Samaria uncovered additional weapons and ammunition, with several suspects arrested.
Likud is challenging a campaign that offers discounted flights and other assistance to Israelis returning from abroad to vote. The party describes the benefits as an illegal electoral bribe, while the organisation behind the initiative says it is apolitical.
And Israel and Morocco are upgrading their diplomatic missions to full embassies. The two countries have also agreed to expand trade and restore direct flights by the end of the year.
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Israel in 10: Misgav Daily Brief is a daily ten-minute briefing covering the most important stories from Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by Laura Cellier, each episode features the day’s key headlines and fast-paced interviews with newsmakers, policy shapers, and experts. Produced by the Misgav Institute for National Security, Israel’s leading national security policy center, Israel in 10 delivers the news and insights you need to start your day in just ten minutes.