Israel

The terrible violence in southern Syria this month shows what needs to be done by all actors, and shows what fate awaits if they do not.

For Benjamin Netanyahu, it would be a 'humanitarian zone'. For most countries, it would be a war crime. For Egypt, it could be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Arming proxies and launching pre-emptive strikes was Iran's 'forward strategy' model since the devastating Iran-Iraq War of 1980-88. Then, from October 2023, Israel copied it. A recipe for disaster?

Tel Aviv does not want a military power led by former Islamists on its doorstep, so is throwing a protective missile system around Syria's minorities, whether they want it or not. Will it backfire?

The gloves are off in cyberspace, with Israeli and Iranian actors increasingly targeting their adversaries' vulnerabilities since the 12-Day War last month. It is forcing a rethink of digital defence.

This is a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity to agree a détente between two hostile neighbours, but getting there is tricky. Several issues must (but can) be overcome.

Ankara watched and learned from events in June 2025, as missiles flew between Tel Aviv and Tehran. The Middle East is changing, as is warfare and intelligence. For Türkiye, it is time to to act.

Al Majalla publishes the US president's plan for a phased hostage/prisoner release over 60 days during a temporary end to the bombing that gives both sides time to negotiate a permanent agreement.

Israel's commandeering of aid distribution in Gaza forces starving Palestinians to run the gauntlet at centres with biometric monitoring systems, armed security, and life-or-death hazards

American Rabbi Abraham Cooper has just met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, weeks after meeting Syria's foreign minister in New York. Al Majalla went to ask his thoughts.