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Welcome to today’s live coverage from West Asia, where diplomacy, security and regional politics are evolving rapidly. In a bold diplomatic gesture, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize amid efforts to halt hostilities with Iran. Meanwhile, tensions remain high with inflammatory rhetoric from Iranian clerics, while Gaza continues to face humanitarian collapse and disease outbreaks. From high-level international meetings and royal visits to flashpoints in the West Bank and Syria, follow this feed for the latest updates shaping the region:
West Asia News Live: Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize
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• July 9, 2025, 05:46:14 IST
West Asia News Live: Step into our real-time coverage of the most pressing events shaping West Asia today. From key geopolitical changes and energy market trends to high-stakes diplomacy, regional security and grassroots movements, we’ve got you covered. Follow the shifting strategies of all the nations of the region as they traverse through conflict zones, global diplomacy, economic transformations and complex religious and political landscapes. Stay informed as the story unfolds:
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(File) US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, April 7, 2025. Reuters
Welcome to today’s live coverage from West Asia, where diplomacy, security and regional politics are evolving rapidly. In a bold diplomatic gesture, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize amid efforts to halt hostilities with Iran. Meanwhile, tensions remain high with inflammatory rhetoric from Iranian clerics, while Gaza continues to face humanitarian collapse and disease outbreaks. From high-level international meetings and royal visits to flashpoints in the West Bank and Syria, follow this feed for the latest updates shaping the region:
West Asia in flux: Diplomacy, tensions and turning points
West Asia News Live: Step into our real-time coverage of the most pressing events shaping West Asia today. From key geopolitical changes and energy market trends to high-stakes diplomacy, regional security and grassroots movements, we’ve got you covered. Follow the shifting strategies of all the nations of the region as they traverse through conflict zones, global diplomacy, economic transformations and complex religious and political landscapes. Stay informed as the story unfolds:
July 9, 2025, 05:46:14 (IST)
Iranian diplomat and Saudi crown prince hold 'fruitful' talks in Jeddah
Iranian senior diplomat Abbas Araghchi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks described as “fruitful” in Jeddah, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the two regional powers, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The visit by the top diplomat from Tehran is the first of its kind since the May 2021 conflict involving Israel and Palestinian factions supported by Iran. The discussions in Saudi Arabia are viewed as a key step toward de-escalating long-standing regional tensions and proxy conflicts between the two nations.
July 9, 2025, 05:45:09 (IST)
S. Daniel Abraham, Slim-Fast inventor and Mideast peace advocate, dies at 100
S. Daniel Abraham, the inventor of the popular Slim-Fast weight-loss product, has died at age 100, The Times of Israel said in a report. After making his fortune from the brand’s success in the 1980s, Abraham dedicated himself to philanthropy, notably establishing a nonprofit organization focused on fostering Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding through dialogue and cooperation.
July 9, 2025, 05:15:03 (IST)
Saudi government discusses efforts to bolster global economic growth
The government of Saudi Arabia has engaged in discussions focused on its efforts to support and bolster global economic growth, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. These conversations are understood to be part of the kingdom’s broader strategy to enhance its international economic standing and influence. The efforts align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the national economy away from oil dependency by leveraging its significant financial resources, including its Public Investment Fund (PIF), to contribute to global economic stability.
July 9, 2025, 05:15:03 (IST)
Saudi crown prince and Iranian foreign minister discuss regional developments
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Iran’s Foreign Minister held talks focusing on regional developments, continuing the diplomatic rapprochement between the two West Asian powers, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This meeting follows the China-brokered normalization agreement in March 2023, which re-established diplomatic ties after a seven-year hiatus. The high-level engagement signifies ongoing efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and builds upon the recent reopening of embassies and exchange of ambassadors between Riyadh and Tehran.
July 9, 2025, 04:00:09 (IST)
Third 'Al-Dar Festival' opens in Al-Baha to celebrate local artisans
The third edition of the ‘Al-Dar Festival’ is now taking place in the Al Mousa Heritage Village, located in the Al-Baha region of southwestern Saudi Arabia, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The event is dedicated to celebrating and promoting the work of local artisans, showcasing traditional crafts from the mountainous region. This festival is part of a wider initiative to preserve the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and boost tourism in line with national development goals such as Saudi Vision 2030.
July 9, 2025, 04:00:09 (IST)
German court rules government must honor visa obligations to Afghan refugees
A German administrative court has issued a legally binding ruling stating that the government must fulfill its visa obligations to Afghan refugees, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The decision specifically pertains to commitments made to Afghan local staff who worked for German governmental or non-governmental organizations and are now seeking relocation following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. The ruling reinforces the legal pathways for eligible Afghans and their families to receive protection in Germany.
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July 9, 2025, 02:45:03 (IST)
Shas spiritual leader links Gaza troop deaths to neglect of Torah study
A spiritual leader from Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Shas party has stated that the deaths of IDF soldiers in Gaza are linked to the neglect of Torah study, The Times of Israel says in a report. The comments come amid a contentious national debate over military service exemptions for the Haredi community. In a related development, the chairman of the United Torah Judaism party reportedly waited 12 hours to issue a condolence statement for the fallen soldiers and did not acknowledge that they were members of an ultra-Orthodox battalion.
July 9, 2025, 02:16:13 (IST)
Netanyahu reiterates Gaza war aims and praises coordination with Trump
While on Capitol Hill, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the recent loss of five soldiers and affirmed his commitment to “finish the job in Gaza,” Israel National News said in a report. He outlined Israel’s war aims as releasing all hostages and completely eliminating and destroying Hamas’s military and governance capabilities. During his visit, Netanyahu also highlighted the strong bilateral relationship, stating that his coordination with US President Donald Trump has been “unmatched.”
July 9, 2025, 02:15:06 (IST)
Satmar Rebbe calls for resistance to Haredi military conscription in Israel
The leader of the Satmar Hasidic dynasty, the Satmar Rebbe, has addressed the issue of increased enforcement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) against draft deserters, including Haredi yeshiva students, as per a report in Israel National News. In his statement, the Rebbe called on the Haredi community to remain steadfast in their opposition to military conscription, declaring that “thousands of prison cells will not be enough” to hold those who refuse to serve. The statement comes amid a long-standing political and legal conflict in Israel over Haredi exemptions from mandatory military service, an issue that has intensified due to the Supreme Court’s push for a new, equitable conscription law and the IDF’s increased manpower needs.
July 9, 2025, 02:15:06 (IST)
Netanyahu to meet with President Trump for a third time amid negotiation progress
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to hold a third meeting with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday night amid reported progress in ongoing negotiations, Israel National News said in a report. The meeting follows previous discussions between the two leaders on an unspecified deal. Ahead of the potential meeting, Netanyahu stated his hope that they can “cross the line towards a deal.”
July 9, 2025, 01:00:09 (IST)
US and Israel sign MOU to advance AI and energy cooperation
The US and Israel have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation in artificial intelligence and energy during a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel National News said in a report. The agreement, signed at the Blair House in Washington D.C., establishes a working group to focus on standards, best practices, and secure digital infrastructure for integrating AI into energy systems. The MOU also aims to advance regional initiatives, specifically mentioning the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Abraham Accords framework.
July 9, 2025, 00:15:05 (IST)
Saudi students compete in 57th International Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai
Students from Saudi Arabia are participating in the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai, an event highlighting academic cooperation between the two Gulf nations, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The participation is noted as being in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national plan focused on youth development and building a knowledge-based economy. This event also reflects a broader trend of West Asian nations hosting international academic and cultural competitions to bolster regional ties and global standing.
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July 9, 2025, 00:15:05 (IST)
ExxonMobil and Qatar Energy announce new natural gas discovery off Cyprus
A consortium comprising ExxonMobil and its partner Qatar Energy International has announced a second natural gas discovery in the seabed south of Cyprus, according to a report in The Washington Times. The Cypriot government confirmed the find on Monday, stating that the discovery reinforces the region’s potential to become a significant energy exporter. This is the second such find for the ExxonMobil-Qatar Energy partnership in the area.
July 9, 2025, 00:00:07 (IST)
Tent camp in Gaza City reportedly hit by shelling, causing casualties
A tent camp for displaced civilians in Gaza City was reportedly struck by shelling, leading to casualties that included children, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The incident is part of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, a conflict that has created numerous vulnerable encampments for displaced people. Initial information is based on accounts from the location, and attribution for the strike has not been independently verified.
July 8, 2025, 23:45:05 (IST)
IDF spokesperson reports over 1,300 Hamas members killed in Gaza operation
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are engaged in a systematic and thorough dismantling of Hamas in Gaza, with over 1,300 Hamas members killed since the start of the current military campaign, Israel National News says in a report. IDF Spokesperson Effie Defrin provided the update on “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” emphasizing the methodical nature of the military’s actions aimed at eliminating the group’s capabilities.
July 8, 2025, 23:31:12 (IST)
Israeli forces begin demolition of 100 Palestinian homes in West Bank
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have begun the process of demolishing 100 Palestinian homes in the West Bank, according to a report in Haaretz. The demolitions are reportedly occurring in Area C, which is under full Israeli civil and security control, with the stated reason being a lack of Israeli-issued building permits. While the large-scale operation is proceeding, a legal petition to an Israeli court has resulted in a temporary injunction, preventing the immediate destruction of four of the targeted residences.
July 8, 2025, 23:31:12 (IST)
Israeli man sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife
An Israeli court has sentenced Shay Salami to life in prison for the murder of his wife and for child abuse, as per a report in Haaretz. Salami was convicted of stabbing his wife, Yafit Purian, to death in her bed. The attack occurred after Purian had informed Salami of her intention to separate from him.
July 8, 2025, 23:30:05 (IST)
Israeli border police kill Palestinian during confrontation in Shuafat camp
An undercover unit of the Israeli Border Police killed a Palestinian in the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem, Israel National News said in a report. According to the source, the individual was throwing rocks at security forces during the confrontation. Israeli authorities stated the operation was part of their commitment to maintaining security and deterring violence in the area.
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July 8, 2025, 23:15:10 (IST)
Three killed in suspected Houthi attack on Red Sea vessel, escalating trade disruption
Three people have been killed in a suspected attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, further escalating risks in a key global trade artery, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The incident is the latest in an ongoing campaign by Yemen’s Houthi group that has forced major shipping companies to reroute vessels away from the region. These diversions around Africa have significantly increased transit times and freight costs, contributing to global supply chain instability and inflationary pressures. While the Houthis have not claimed responsibility for this specific attack, they have been targeting vessels since late 2023 in what the group calls an act of solidarity with Palestinians.
July 8, 2025, 22:16:10 (IST)
UK's shadow foreign secretary threatens action against Israel if Gaza ceasefire fails
UK Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy has warned that the United Kingdom could take “further action” against Israel if the current US-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal is not successful, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Lammy, representing the opposition Labour Party, stated that the existing aid distribution mechanism in Gaza is “not doing a good job,” highlighting concerns over the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The statement from the opposition party adds to international pressure on Israel to agree to a truce and improve humanitarian access to the enclave.
July 8, 2025, 22:16:10 (IST)
ICC seeks arrest warrants for Taliban leaders over gender persecution
The International Criminal Court is pursuing arrest warrants for Taliban leaders, accusing them of the crime against humanity of gender persecution, Al Jazeera says in a report. ICC judges stated that since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, officials have systematically and severely deprived women and girls in Afghanistan of fundamental rights, including access to education, work, and freedom of movement. The court’s jurisdiction stems from Afghanistan’s prior ratification of the Rome Statute in 2003, allowing for prosecution of crimes committed on its territory, though enforcement of any warrants relies on the cooperation of member states.
July 8, 2025, 22:15:04 (IST)
United Airlines to resume US-Israel flights
United Airlines is set to resume direct flights between the U.S. and Israel, marking a significant step for international travel to the region, according to a report in Haaretz. The airline had previously suspended the route due to security concerns following the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. The decision to restart services indicates the airline’s reassessment of the security situation and its confidence in the safety protocols at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.
July 8, 2025, 22:00:06 (IST)
Prominent Haredi school to launch separate program for Sephardi girls
A prominent Haredi school in Israel is set to operate a separate program for Sephardi girls, a development that follows years of reported discrimination against students of Middle Eastern origin within ultra-Orthodox educational institutions, according to a report in The Times of Israel. This move comes after previous unsuccessful attempts by authorities to address the exclusion of Sephardi students from certain Haredi schools. The new ‘separate program’ implies that Sephardi girls will have a distinct educational track within the institution, rather than being fully integrated with other students.
July 8, 2025, 22:00:06 (IST)
Environmental groups appeal against Haifa beach breakwater project
Two Israeli environmental groups, Zalul and Adam Teva V’Din, have filed an appeal to stop a planned breakwater project on a beach in Haifa, the Times of Israel says in a report. The organizations claim the project is based on an “outdated” approach to coastal management and criticize what they describe as an absence of a comprehensive national policy for dealing with erosion along the Mediterranean coast. According to the groups, the proposed breakwater would obstruct ocean views, create new dangers for bathers, and lead to pollution.
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July 8, 2025, 21:30:05 (IST)
Israeli air strike targets Hamas operative in northern Lebanon
The Israeli Air Force has conducted an air strike in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, targeting an individual identified as a Hamas operative, Israel National News says in a report. The strike is noted as unusual because it occurred far from the Israeli border in Tripoli, a predominantly Sunni area that has rarely been targeted by the Israel Defense Forces in the past. This action expands the geographical scope of Israeli operations within Lebanon.
July 8, 2025, 21:30:05 (IST)
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to meet House Speaker Johnson on Capitol Hill
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, a day after meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House, according to a report in The Hill. The meeting occurs as Johnson, a strong supporter of Israel, has previously opposed a bipartisan war powers resolution that would potentially limit U.S. engagement in foreign conflicts.
July 8, 2025, 20:31:15 (IST)
Israeli hostage survivor recounts sexual abuse in captivity
Israeli hostage survivor Ilana Gritzewsky publicly recounted experiencing sexual violence during her captivity by Hamas at an event launching a new report on the group’s atrocities, Israel National News said in a report. Gritzewsky described her ordeal and made an urgent appeal to Israeli leaders to take immediate action to ensure the safe return of all hostages still being held. The testimony was presented as part of the launch of a report detailing actions committed by Hamas.
July 8, 2025, 20:30:08 (IST)
Senior Israeli rabbi rules against eating cholent on Thursday nights
Senior Israeli Rabbi Yitzchok Zilberstein has issued a religious ruling against the practice of eating the traditional stew cholent on Thursday nights, Israel National News says in a report. According to the ruling, consuming the dish midweek diminishes its special sanctity related to Shabbat. The Rabbi also warned that the practice lacks a blessing and may present health risks.
July 8, 2025, 20:15:05 (IST)
Haifa municipality petitions court over plan to exempt missile-damaged refinery from building permit
Israel’s Interior Ministry is seeking to exempt a Haifa oil refinery, damaged by missile attacks, from the standard building permit process for repairs, according to a report in The Times of Israel. In response, the Haifa Municipality has filed a petition with the High Court of Justice to prevent the exemption. The municipality contends that the ministry’s move lacks transparency and circumvents the authority of elected local officials and the concerns of residents. This dispute highlights a conflict between the central government’s push for rapid restoration of critical infrastructure and the local government’s insistence on maintaining regulatory oversight.
July 8, 2025, 19:45:05 (IST)
Haredi official threatens to quit coalition if IDF draft bill is not advanced by end of Netanyahu's US trip
A Haredi official has threatened to withdraw from Israel’s coalition government if legislation on military conscription is not advanced by the end of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming trip to Washington D.C., according to a report in Haaretz. The ultimatum pressures Netanyahu’s government, which depends on Haredi parties to maintain its majority in the Knesset. This development highlights the long-standing and contentious issue of military service exemptions for Haredi men, which has become more acute due to the increased manpower demands on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the current conflict. The threat links a domestic political crisis to a significant foreign policy engagement, potentially complicating the prime minister’s diplomatic agenda.
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July 8, 2025, 19:01:15 (IST)
Israeli forces kill Hamas commander in Khan Yunis
Hamas Nukhba platoon commander Taha Abu Ayadeh has been killed during an Israeli operation in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, Israel National News said in a report. Israeli authorities stated that Ayadeh led the infiltration of the gas station at Kibbutz Magen during the October 7, 2023 attacks. The Nukhba is considered Hamas’s elite commando unit, which played a central role in the cross-border attacks.
July 8, 2025, 19:00:08 (IST)
Killing of hundreds of Gaza medical workers deepens health system crisis
The reported killing of hundreds of medical personnel in Gaza by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is severely exacerbating the ongoing crisis within the territory’s healthcare system, according to a report in Haaretz. The loss of these essential workers is crippling the ability to provide medical care to the population amid the continuing conflict. The report underscores that while medical supplies can be imported, the loss of trained doctors and other healthcare staff represents an irreplaceable blow to Gaza’s health infrastructure.
July 8, 2025, 18:15:05 (IST)
Germany summons Chinese envoy after warship targets surveillance plane in Red Sea
The German foreign ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador to Berlin following an incident where a Chinese warship allegedly used a laser to target a German surveillance plane, The Guardian says in a report. The German aircraft was participating in an EU mission (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Berlin’s foreign ministry described the action as “completely unacceptable,” stating that it endangered German military personnel and disrupted the security operation.
July 8, 2025, 18:00:06 (IST)
Released hostage Keith Siegel testifies to Knesset committee on Gaza captivity
Released hostage Keith Siegel provided testimony to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Tuesday, detailing the experiences and conditions of those held captive in Gaza, Israel National News says in a report. Siegel recounted the ordeals faced by hostages before the influential parliamentary committee, which is responsible for overseeing Israel’s national security and foreign policy. His testimony brings a direct, personal account to lawmakers amid ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
July 8, 2025, 17:02:18 (IST)
Israeli national security advisor reportedly met with Syrian leader in UAE
A meeting was reportedly held in Abu Dhabi between Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria, as per a report in Israel National News. The article, which cites Syrian media, notes the meeting took place in the United Arab Emirates. This reported diplomatic engagement follows the collapse of the Assad regime in late 2024, after which Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) faction, became the country’s new leader.
July 8, 2025, 17:01:12 (IST)
Israeli strike kills Hezbollah Radwan Force commander in Lebanon
An Israeli strike in Lebanon has killed two Hezbollah members, including Ali Abd al-Hassan Haidar, a commander in the group’s elite Radwan Force, Israel National News said in a report. According to the Israeli military, Haidar was responsible for planning and executing attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers. This targeted killing occurs amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah that have been taking place since October 2023.
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July 8, 2025, 17:01:12 (IST)
Armenian PM alleges coup plot by church leader amid escalating dispute
A bitter dispute between Armenia’s government and its influential national church has escalated after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan publicly alleged that the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos Karekin II, backed a coup plot, as per a report in Al Jazeera. In response, the Church has decried what it calls an ‘anti-clerical campaign’ by the state. The heightened tensions are set against a backdrop of long-standing friction, particularly the Church’s strong criticism of Pashinyan’s administration following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, which has led to the Church often supporting opposition movements.
July 8, 2025, 17:00:06 (IST)
Saudi Arabia's GEOSA launches new geospatial licensing and permitting system
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA) has launched a new system to manage geospatial licensing and permitting, a move aligned with the country’s Vision 2030 goals, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The initiative is part of a broader national effort towards digital transformation and is designed to streamline processes for businesses and investors, particularly in sectors like construction, technology, and urban development. By centralizing the regulation of critical location-based data, the system aims to improve the ease of doing business, support large-scale development projects, and enhance data-driven governance. GEOSA is the official government body in the Kingdom responsible for overseeing all surveying and geospatial information activities.
July 8, 2025, 16:00:05 (IST)
Saudi Arabia executed nearly 600 people for drug offenses in past decade, report says
Saudi Arabia has executed nearly 600 people for drug-related offenses over the past decade, with three-quarters of those being foreign nationals, according to a report in The Guardian. A report from Amnesty International found that citizens from countries including Pakistan, Syria, Yemen, Nigeria, and Egypt were among those executed for what were described as non-violent drug offenses. The findings from the human rights organization draw attention to the high number of executions for such crimes in the kingdom.
July 8, 2025, 15:45:05 (IST)
Wartime innovation boosts Israeli defense tech growth, drawing global interest
Israel’s defense technology sector is experiencing significant growth driven by wartime innovation, as reservists use their direct combat experience to create new technologies that address the immediate needs of soldiers, according to a report in The Times of Israel. This development coincides with a growing global market for defense products. The increased demand is partly attributed to a policy shift during Donald Trump’s first presidential term that pressured NATO allies to increase their defense financing, leading many nations to seek new military technologies.
End of Liveblog