West Asia News Live: Israel’s heat wave, Turkey’s earthquake defines a turbulent day in Middle East

A widespread power blackout has affected central and southern Iraq, disrupting daily life and business for millions, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. While the immediate cause remains unconfirmed, the outage occurred on a grid known to be fragile due to decades of underinvestment, conflict, and mismanagement. Power shortages are a recurring issue in the country, especially during peak summer demand, and have previously been a source of public discontent. The incident occurs within the context of Iraq’s reliance on energy imports and persistent security threats, such as sabotage, to its critical infrastructure.

A significant clash over authority has erupted within Israel’s defence establishment after IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi announced new senior appointments, which Defence Minister Katz has publicly refused to approve, Israel National News reports. Chief of Staff Halevi asserted that he holds the “sole authority in appointing commanders at the rank of colonel and above,” highlighting a fundamental disagreement over the military’s professional autonomy versus political oversight. This high-level dispute occurs amid broader political tensions in Israel and raises concerns about governance stability and the potential politicisation of the military, which could affect public and investor confidence in the country’s key institutions.

King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh has performed what is being reported as the first ‘smart’ cochlear implant surgery in the Middle East and Africa, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The procedure involves an advanced generation of cochlear implant technology, distinguished by its sophisticated digital processing and connectivity features. This medical development is a notable technological achievement for Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector and aligns with the strategic objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework, which aims to advance sectors like healthcare and technology.

A dispute has emerged over the level of public backing for a proposed national strike aimed at shutting down the Israeli economy, after two bereaved mothers contested a media report claiming unified support, Israel National News says in a report. The statement by Laly Dery and Ofra Lax directly challenges a broadcast from Channel 12 News. The public disagreement introduces uncertainty about the potential scale of the industrial action and its capacity to exert economic pressure, a factor for market stability amid ongoing political tensions.

Central and southern regions of Iraq are experiencing a major power blackout, an event that underscores the country’s severe infrastructure vulnerabilities and carries significant economic and political risk, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The outage is expected to cripple economic activity, deter much-needed foreign investment, and could reignite public protests in regions already prone to unrest over poor service delivery. Analysts note that such events stem from a combination of systemic issues, including dilapidated infrastructure, governmental corruption, and Iraq’s critical dependence on energy imports from Iran, a reliance complicated by international sanctions. The blackout places immense pressure on the Iraqi government and highlights the persistent instability that hampers the nation’s economic recovery and diversification efforts.

Several nations have initiated humanitarian aid air-drops into Gaza, citing a lack of confidence in Israel’s procedures for allowing sufficient aid via land crossings, according to a report in Haaretz. This logistical shift to air-drops, a method considered significantly more expensive and less efficient than ground transport, signals a breakdown in diplomatic cooperation and introduces market uncertainty. The move highlights the economic strain of such operations, which deliver only a fraction of the required aid at a much higher cost, while also increasing diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel over perceptions of aid obstruction. For investors and regional markets, the development points to heightened geopolitical risk and potential instability.

During the opening of the new Knesset Museum, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly expressed conflicting views regarding the balance of power in government, as per a report in The Times of Israel. President Herzog emphasized the need for respect between the different branches of government. In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel functioned as a parliamentary democracy when its governmental branches ‘knew their place,’ a comment related to the government’s controversial judicial overhaul plan which seeks to curb the judiciary’s authority.

A former Mossad official, who was also a member of Israel’s hostage negotiation team, reportedly provided services to Qatar, according to a report in Haaretz. The allegation raises serious concerns about a conflict of interest at the heart of the sensitive Israel-Hamas hostage talks, potentially undermining the integrity of the negotiations. This development could damage the credibility of both the Israeli security establishment and Qatar’s role as a neutral mediator. Such a revelation introduces significant political risk, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts by international partners to secure a resolution and increasing instability in the region by eroding trust between the negotiating parties.

The Jewish National Fund (JNF) has earmarked $220 million for the long-term rehabilitation of Israeli communities impacted by the recent conflict, a move signifying a shift from emergency relief to strategic reconstruction, as per a report in the Times of Israel. This substantial capital injection is a key non-governmental contribution to the economic revitalisation of southern Israel. The allocation includes a targeted $22 million for Kibbutz Nir Oz, highlighting a focus on areas most severely affected by the events of October 7, 2023. From an economic standpoint, this funding is crucial for rebuilding infrastructure, restoring local businesses, and providing the stability needed to attract residents and further investment back to the region, which is vital for the area’s long-term economic viability.

Two leaders from the Progressive Judaism movement were booed off stage during a hostage rally in the United Kingdom after expressing support for a future Palestinian state, the Times of Israel said in a report. In their statement, the rabbis rejected ‘violence, terror, and the suffering of civilians’ as a method to build a state and expressed sympathy for innocent people killed in the ongoing conflict.

Employees at Al Jazeera held a moment of silence to honour five of its staff members killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza, Al Jazeera said in a report. The tribute comes amidst the ongoing conflict in the region, which has seen a high number of casualties among media professionals. The deaths of the journalists have drawn attention from international bodies and press freedom advocates, who have consistently called for the protection of media workers in conflict zones.

The reported plan of Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to retire from politics introduces a new layer of uncertainty for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, as per a report in The Times of Israel. Dermer is a central figure in strategic policy, particularly concerning Iran, and a leader in the sensitive hostage negotiations, making his potential departure significant. For investors and markets, the exit of such a key confidant could be interpreted as a sign of instability within the ruling coalition, potentially affecting market sentiment and risk assessment for Israeli assets, especially if it presages early elections. The report notes that while Dermer has reportedly discussed the move, no official date has been set.

A prominent former Speaker of the Israeli Knesset has issued a public call for Jewish communities globally to initiate proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice concerning its military conduct in Gaza, as per a report in Haaretz. This development signals a significant fracture within Israel’s political establishment and adds a new layer of internal dissent to the external legal pressures the country already faces, notably from South Africa’s ongoing ICJ case. For investors and markets, such high-profile internal opposition heightens political risk, potentially impacting investor confidence in the Israeli economy, the stability of the shekel, and the valuation of companies listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, particularly within the technology and defence sectors sensitive to international sentiment and potential sanctions.

Alumni of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies have raised approximately $60,000 to assist former Gazan classmates, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The fundraising initiative has successfully helped two Gazan alumni of the Israeli institute leave the enclave to attend universities overseas. The funds are also being used to support a third alumnus who remains in the Strip, as well as the families of all three individuals.

The UJA-Federation of New York has pledged a $1 million donation to support humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, which will be channelled through the Israeli non-profit relief group IsraAID, according to a report in The Times of Israel. Citing a “Jewish imperative to act,” the major American philanthropic organisation’s contribution is directed to IsraAID, an NGO that specialises in disaster relief and is now also operating in both Israel and Gaza amid the ongoing crisis.

An A320 passenger aircraft successfully landed at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel after declaring an emergency, Israel National News said in a report. The pilot reported a technical issue, citing concerns over a potential wheel failure. The aircraft conducted several landing attempts before touching down safely, with no injuries reported.

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, which manages the nation’s oil and gas profits, has divested from 11 Israeli companies, a move its managers attributed to the ‘serious humanitarian crisis’ in West Asia, according to a report in AP. The decision, made last week, reduces the fund’s exposure to the country, though it continues to hold investments in 50 other Israeli firms as of the end of this year’s first half. This action represents a significant move by one of the world’s largest investment funds to align its portfolio with stated humanitarian concerns, signalling potential non-financial risks for companies operating in the region.

A deadly Houthi attack on the MV Tutor, a cargo ship carrying coal from Russia to India, has highlighted the severe human and economic consequences of the ongoing maritime crisis in the Red Sea, The Washington Post says in a report. The incident, which resulted in the death of a Filipino crew member, demonstrates the indiscriminate nature of the Houthi campaign, which they claim is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. This attack, part of a broader series of assaults, is forcing global shipping companies to weigh the substantial costs of rerouting vessels around Africa against the grave dangers posed to crews transiting the vital waterway. The vulnerability of seafarers, particularly from the Philippines which supplies a large portion of the world’s maritime labour, and the persistent threat to supply chains underscore the significant economic implications and the challenges facing international naval coalitions attempting to secure freedom of navigation.

A directive from Israel’s Ministry of Education has suspended all youth camping and hiking activities until Saturday night due to an extreme heatwave, Israel National News said in a report. Following the directive, major youth movements Bnei Akiva and Ezra announced the cancellation of their summer camps and are sending the children home.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously intended to form a government with the Ra’am party, led by Mansour Abbas, Israel National News said in a report. According to the source, Smotrich made the revelation for the first time during an appearance on ‘The Patriots’ program. The claim concerns past coalition-building considerations by Netanyahu prior to the formation of the current government.

Two women have been killed and nine other people were injured in two separate traffic accidents in the West Bank on Monday, according to a report in Israel National News. One fatal incident occurred in the Hebron Hills (Har Hevron), while the second took place near Ma’ale Efraim in the Jordan Valley.

Three-quarters of United Nations members now officially support the establishment of a Palestinian state, marking a significant level of international consensus on the issue, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This widespread support, equivalent to approximately 145 of the 193 member states, is primarily demonstrated through votes in the UN General Assembly and official diplomatic positions. The growing backing for statehood increases international diplomatic pressure on Israel and its allies to address the long-standing conflict through a two-state solution framework.

A US congressman has met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to discuss the repatriation of the remains of an American killed in the country, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The discussion focuses on the humanitarian objective of returning the body to the United States. This engagement occurs despite the official US policy of non-normalisation with the Assad government and ongoing sanctions against his regime.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh to discuss bilateral ties and key regional issues, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The talks are expected to cover Jordan’s need for economic support amid its financial challenges, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s role as a key regional donor and its Vision 2030 diversification plan. The meeting also occurs during a period of wider diplomatic rapprochement in West Asia, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional security likely to be significant topics on the agenda, given Jordan’s custodial role over holy sites in Jerusalem.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to host a special screening of the Emmy Award-winning film ‘We Will Dance Again’ on August 12, 2025, as per a report in Israel National News. The event will be attended by survivors of the Nova music festival massacre, which was part of the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. Individuals who survived captivity by Hamas are also expected to be in attendance for the screening, which documents the experiences of those at the festival.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly refuted accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, a charge currently under examination by the International Court of Justice, The Times of Israel reports. In the same address, Mr Netanyahu also claimed that Israel had never halted the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory. This statement is contradicted by factual reports that his own office had announced a policy in March which restricted aid, a measure that was reversed 11 weeks later following significant international pressure over the worsening humanitarian crisis.

An armed, unmanned Israeli military vehicle has been stolen and transported deep into southern Lebanon, as per a report in Haaretz. The Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) was taken from the border region and moved into territory effectively controlled by Hezbollah. This event marks a significant security incident amid the ongoing cross-border skirmishes that have been taking place in the region since late 2023.

The ultra-Orthodox Shas party has officially denied that its leader, Aryeh Deri, called for evasion of mandatory military service, labelling the accusation as “false libel,” Israel National News says in a report. According to the party, Deri’s remarks were misinterpreted and solely intended to encourage full-time religious students in their Torah studies. The denial comes as Israel’s governing coalition, where Shas is a key partner, navigates a highly charged national debate over a new Haredi draft law, an issue with significant implications for political stability and military manpower amid heightened security needs.

A disagreement within the Israeli government has become public after the Finance Ministry rejected providing full compensation for citizens stranded overseas by the conflict with Iran, a decision the Transportation Ministry has strongly condemned, as per a report in Israel National News. The dispute stems from travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures, that followed the direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran which began in April 2024. The Finance Ministry’s decision places the financial burden of extended stays abroad on individual citizens.

Amid a protracted political rift over the government’s proposed judicial overhaul, Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin has entered into discussions with Supreme Court officials to address the appointment of new judges, according to a report in Israel National News. The talks are focused on filling vacancies in the Magistrate and District Courts, which have been stalled due to the political stalemate. These discussions are taking place despite the significant disagreements between the government and the judiciary over broader reforms that seek to alter the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee and the powers of the Supreme Court.

The United Nations has formally condemned ongoing efforts that undermine stability in Syria, a move that highlights the persistent challenges facing the war-torn country, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The condemnation comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape where some Arab nations are pursuing normalisation with the Assad government, while Western powers maintain sanctions. The UN’s deliberately broad statement is subject to varied interpretations by key regional actors, including Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, each viewing it through the lens of their own strategic interests. This persistent instability remains a primary obstacle to significant foreign investment and large-scale reconstruction efforts, directly impacting the country’s dire humanitarian situation and delaying any potential economic recovery.

General Michael Erik Kurilla is stepping down from his role as commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) as part of a standard military leadership transition, Israel National News says in a report. During a final visit to Israel to mark the end of his tenure, Kurilla met with senior Israeli officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who praised the outgoing commander’s contributions to Israel’s security. The leadership transition at CENTCOM, which oversees US military operations in West Asia, is being closely watched due to its potential implications for regional stability and the security of critical maritime trade routes like the Red Sea, which have been disrupted by ongoing conflicts.

The head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has travelled to Iraq and Lebanon for high-level meetings, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This visit occurs amidst significant regional tensions linked to the ongoing Gaza conflict. The trip is reportedly focused on coordinating strategy with key allies within Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ network in both countries, underscoring Tehran’s engagement in regional security matters.

A new grassroots movement, comprised of approximately 500 people, has set up a protest camp in southern Israel to advocate for an end to the conflict in Gaza and secure the freedom of hostages, The Times of Israel says in a report. The initiative is deliberately echoing the ‘Four Mothers’ movement, a successful campaign from the late 1990s that is widely credited with influencing Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. This development introduces significant domestic pressure on the Israeli government, creating potential political uncertainty that could impact its war strategy and negotiating position. For financial markets, the movement represents a notable political risk factor, as sustained public pressure could lead to policy shifts or challenges to the current government’s stability, thereby affecting investor sentiment and the broader economic outlook.

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck western Turkiye, resulting in the death of one person, Al Jazeera said in a report. Turkiye’s interior minister stated that an 81-year-old individual died after being rescued from rubble by emergency response teams following the tremor.

The telecommunications sector in Saudi Arabia reported strong second-quarter revenues nearing $7.2 billion, a figure that underscores the progress of the nation’s economic diversification plan, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This performance is a significant indicator of the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritises digital transformation and the development of non-oil sectors. The robust revenue growth positions the Kingdom competitively within West Asia, where nations like the UAE and Qatar are also investing heavily in becoming regional technology hubs. For foreign investors, such strong results in a key non-oil industry signal a resilient and growing market, reinforcing the government’s objective to attract international capital.

Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), the kingdom’s majority state-owned utility, announced a 22% year-on-year growth in net profit for the second quarter of 2025, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The financial performance is being presented as an indicator of progress for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic programme, which aims to improve the efficiency of state-owned enterprises and diversify from oil revenues. The profit increase is attributed to rising electricity demand from major infrastructure developments and mega-projects. The results are also being framed as a signal of stability and growth in the Saudi non-oil sector for foreign investors. The company’s financial health is considered important for funding its planned shift towards renewable energy and grid modernisation as part of the region’s energy transition.

Elon Musk’s StarLink satellite internet service has launched in Israel, but its coverage excludes the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank (referred to by the source as Judea and Samaria), as well as the Jordan Valley, according to a report in Israel National News. This policy decision, not a technical limitation, affects connectivity for millions of Palestinians and over half a million Israeli settlers residing in those areas. The move highlights the significant operational and political challenges global technology firms face in contested regions, balancing host-country regulations, such as Israel’s control over telecommunications licensing, with international calls for digital access. The exclusion has direct implications for humanitarian aid organisations operating in Gaza, which rely on stable communications, and exacerbates the existing digital divide for Palestinian residents.

Israel’s Defense Ministry has awarded a $260 million contract to Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence electronics company, for the supply of advanced aerial munitions, Israel National News says in a report. The agreement is part of a broader effort by the ministry to expand domestic production capacity for various munitions in response to heightened operational demand.