 "'Bibi acted like a madman’: Trump team grows wary of 'child' Netanyahu’s aggression in Syria, says report")
 "A fragile truce, a fractured land: Death toll in Syria’s Sweida violence rises to 940 despite ceasefire")
Tensions across West Asia are surging amid escalating conflicts, shifting alliances and landmark developments. Saudi Arabia voices strong backing for Syria and condemnation of Israeli strikes, while Iran denounces US sanctions at the SCO summit, reaffirming ties with China and Russia. Meanwhile, President Trump signals no urgency in reopening talks with Tehran. In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis deepens as Israeli airstrikes claim over 90 lives and child malnutrition soars. On the domestic front, Israel’s Supreme Court paves the way for gender reform in religious education, Oman makes a bold football move and the UAE-Turkey alliance gains momentum. Stay with us for rolling updates
West Asia News Live: President Trump says he is in no rush to talk with Iran; child malnutrition in Gaza doubles
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• July 17, 2025, 05:37:45 IST
West Asia News Live: Stay tuned for real-time updates on regional politics, energy, diplomacy, security, economy, civil unrest and religion. Follow key moves by Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel amid conflicts, talks and internal shifts
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Tensions across West Asia are surging amid escalating conflicts, shifting alliances and landmark developments. Saudi Arabia voices strong backing for Syria and condemnation of Israeli strikes, while Iran denounces US sanctions at the SCO summit, reaffirming ties with China and Russia. Meanwhile, President Trump signals no urgency in reopening talks with Tehran. In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis deepens as Israeli airstrikes claim over 90 lives and child malnutrition soars. On the domestic front, Israel's Supreme Court paves the way for gender reform in religious education, Oman makes a bold football move and the UAE-Turkey alliance gains momentum. Stay with us for rolling updates:
West Asia pulse today
West Asia News Live: Stay tuned for real-time updates on regional politics, energy, diplomacy, security, economy, civil unrest and religion. Follow key moves by Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel amid conflicts, talks and internal shifts
July 17, 2025, 05:37:45 (IST)
Likud leads in poll but potential Bennett-Eisenkot alliance could become largest party
A new Channel 12 News poll indicates that Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party would win 27 Knesset seats if an election were held today, making it the largest single party, as per a report in Israel National News. The poll also shows a party led by Naftali Bennett would secure 23 seats. However, the political landscape would significantly shift if former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot were to join forces with Bennett; their joint slate would then emerge as the largest political party in Israel, altering the dynamics of coalition-building.
July 17, 2025, 04:45:33 (IST)
Israeli army reports sharp increase in soldier suicides on Gaza front
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reported a sharp rise in suicides among soldiers deployed on the Gaza front, France 24 says in a report. This development emerges as the government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, faces significant political pressure regarding a contentious law that would exempt ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service. The report from Jerusalem highlights the increasing strain and mental health challenges facing soldiers involved in the ongoing conflict.
July 17, 2025, 04:02:29 (IST)
Israel to assume municipal powers in Hebron to build structure at Tomb of the Patriarchs
The Israeli government plans to take over municipal powers from the Hebron City Hall to construct a shade structure at the Tomb of the Patriarchs, a site revered by both Jews and Muslims, according to a report in Haaretz. The move follows a warning from the head of Israel’s Coordination Administration in Hebron to the city’s governor. The action pertains to the H2 area of Hebron, which is under Israeli security control and contains the holy site, effectively overriding the Palestinian municipality’s authority in this matter.
July 17, 2025, 02:45:35 (IST)
US senator Marco Rubio says agreement reached to end clashes in Syria
Agreements containing specific steps have been reached to end the clashes in Syria, US Senator Marco Rubio announced on Tuesday, as per a report in Israel National News. Rubio described the situation as “troubling and horrifying” and stated the measures were intended to bring the conflict to an end on Tuesday night.
July 17, 2025, 02:00:37 (IST)
Disability rehabilitation centre in Jenin faces demolition threat from Israeli military
The Al-Jaleel NGO, which provides services and aid to disabled Palestinians in the West Bank city of Jenin, is facing a demolition threat for its rehabilitation centre under Israeli military plans, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This development occurs within the context of increased Israeli military operations in Jenin and a broader policy of issuing demolition orders against Palestinian structures in the West Bank.
July 17, 2025, 01:19:39 (IST)
IDF officer for Gaza aid to step down after right-wing pressure
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officer in charge of coordinating humanitarian aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip will leave his post amid sustained pressure and public attacks from right-wing Israeli groups, according to a report in Haaretz. The officer, who headed the Civil Department in the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), has been a target for activists who oppose aid to Gaza and have physically blocked convoys. While the officer is stepping down from this specific role, it is reportedly undecided if he will retire from the IDF entirely.
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July 17, 2025, 01:03:47 (IST)
Former UK minister accused of transparency breach over Bahrain advisory role
Conservative peer and former UK Middle East minister Tariq Ahmad is facing accusations of a transparency rule breach regarding his paid advisory position with the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence (KHC) in Bahrain, according to a report in The Guardian. The KHC is an influential centre with ties to the Bahraini government. Lord Ahmad, who denies any wrongdoing, had previously been cleared to take up the role by a government watchdog.
July 17, 2025, 00:57:02 (IST)
Israeli flag reportedly flown in Syria's Sweida province amid IDF strikes
An Israeli flag was reportedly displayed on a rooftop in Sweida, a Druze-majority region in southern Syria, while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were conducting strikes against Syrian regime targets, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. Footage of the flag-raising incident was also circulated across various Israeli media outlets, including the public broadcaster KAN News.
July 17, 2025, 00:54:23 (IST)
Iraqi Kurdistan oilfields attacked by drones for third time this week
Oilfields in the Iraqi Kurdistan region have been targeted by drone attacks, marking the third such incident in the past week, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The series of attacks raises concerns over the security of crucial energy infrastructure within the autonomous northern region of Iraq. The attacks represent a continued pattern of targeting the region’s oil and gas facilities.
July 16, 2025, 23:47:45 (IST)
IDF confirms arrest of five of nine teenagers reported missing near Gaza aid centers
Nine Palestinian teenagers were reported missing near humanitarian aid centers in the Gaza Strip, according to a report in Haaretz. Following the reports, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement confirming that its forces had arrested five of the teenagers. The status and whereabouts of the remaining four individuals reported missing were not specified in the IDF’s confirmation.
July 16, 2025, 23:35:10 (IST)
Bahrain to invest $17bn in US through deals with Boeing, Oracle and Cisco
Bahrain will invest $17 billion in the United States through new agreements with major American companies such as Boeing, Oracle, and Cisco, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The Trump administration has stated that these investments are expected to create approximately 30,000 jobs within the US. The deals represent a significant foreign direct investment from the West Asian nation into the American aerospace and technology sectors.
July 16, 2025, 23:06:18 (IST)
IDF Chief of Staff claims 75% control of Gaza, warns of intensified operations
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has claimed that Israeli forces have operational control over 75% of the Gaza Strip and warned that operations will intensify if hostage deal efforts fail, according to a report in Israel National News. Speaking during a field tour in northern Gaza, Zamir stated the situation is approaching a “crossroads” contingent on the outcome of negotiations and reiterated the military’s vow to dismantle Hamas.
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July 16, 2025, 22:53:32 (IST)
Saudi Arabia stockpiles surplus oil production amid global uncertainty
Saudi Arabia is stockpiling its surplus oil production, a strategic decision to hold its spare capacity in reserve amid global economic and geopolitical instability, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The policy involves converting the kingdom’s ability to produce more oil than its current OPEC+ quota into physical inventory, rather than immediately selling it or leaving the capacity idle. This action is taking place alongside recent production cuts implemented by the OPEC+ alliance, which aims to stabilize global oil prices in a volatile market shaped by energy security concerns and international tensions.
July 16, 2025, 22:51:23 (IST)
Hundreds of firefighters battle wildfire in northwestern Turkiye for second day
Hundreds of firefighters are battling large wildfires in northwestern Turkiye for a second consecutive day, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The response teams are utilizing a combination of ground and aerial resources, including fire trucks, helicopters, and planes, to combat the growing blaze.
July 16, 2025, 22:45:31 (IST)
Israeli president warns against threats from Syria
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has stated that Israel will not remain idle in the face of threats from Syria, reaffirming the country’s security commitments amid ongoing regional tensions, Israel National News said in a report. The statement underscores Israel’s long-standing policy of acting against perceived threats, particularly those understood to be from Iranian-backed militias operating within Syrian territory. Alongside the warning, President Herzog also issued a call for calm and lawful conduct.
July 16, 2025, 21:49:21 (IST)
Tel Aviv University reports student to Shin Bet over pro-Palestine graffiti
Tel Aviv University has referred a student to the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, for an investigation concerning pro-Palestine graffiti found on campus, as per a report in Haaretz. The involvement of the security agency, which handles internal security and counter-terrorism, indicates the incident is being treated as a potential security matter beyond simple vandalism.
July 16, 2025, 21:45:39 (IST)
US senator Marco Rubio and UAE condemn Israeli strikes in Syria
US Senator Marco Rubio has condemned Israeli strikes in Syria, a notable stance from a typically strong supporter of Israel, as per a report in Haaretz. The United Arab Emirates has also voiced its opposition, stating it rejects any violation of Syria’s sovereignty. Both condemnations are rooted in the concern that such military actions could undermine broader diplomatic and peace-building initiatives in the region, complicating relations between Israel and its Arab partners.
July 16, 2025, 19:48:13 (IST)
German court rejects state responsibility for US drone strike in Yemen
Germany’s Constitutional Court has ruled that Berlin did not breach international law and is not legally responsible for a 2012 US drone strike in Yemen, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The case was initiated by two Yemeni nationals whose relatives were killed in the strike, which was guided with the help of the US Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The court’s decision rejects the argument that Germany was complicit or had a duty to prevent the strike due to its role in hosting the critical satellite relay infrastructure used for the US drone program.
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July 16, 2025, 19:45:03 (IST)
Iraq reopens Mosul airport 11 years after ISIL-related destruction
Mosul International Airport in Iraq has officially reopened, 11 years after it was rendered non-operational following the ISIL takeover of the city in 2014, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The rebuilt facility, which marks a significant milestone in the reconstruction of Iraq’s second-largest city, now includes a main terminal and a VIP lounge. The airport’s closure was a direct result of the conflict and destruction when the militant group seized Mosul.
July 16, 2025, 19:31:13 (IST)
Diriyah Company awards $600 million contract to Salini Saudi Arabia for retail units
Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Company has awarded a contract valued at $600 million to Salini Saudi Arabia, a subsidiary of the Webuild group, for the construction of 400 retail units, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This development is a core component of the Diriyah giga-project, which itself is a central piece of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. The plan aims to transform the historic area into a global cultural and tourism destination, contributing to the kingdom’s economic diversification away from oil.
July 16, 2025, 19:15:54 (IST)
Israir receives license for direct flights to New York
Israeli airline Israir has been authorised to operate direct flights to New York, making it the third Israeli carrier to service the US route, according to a report in Israel National News. The announcement was made by Transportation Minister Miri Regev. This development makes Israir the third Israeli airline, alongside El Al and Arkia, to operate direct flights to the United States. The approval is expected to increase competition on the key transatlantic route, potentially impacting airfares and travel options. This decision aligns with Israel’s long-standing ‘Open Skies’ policy, which is designed to liberalise the country’s aviation market and enhance international connectivity.
July 16, 2025, 18:58:40 (IST)
Eilat port to close after bank accounts seized over tax debts
Israel’s Eilat Port is set to shut down after the Eilat municipality seized its bank accounts to cover significant unpaid property tax debts, Israel National News says in a report. The port, which is Israel’s sole gateway to the Red Sea, has been commercially idle since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. Persistent attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels on commercial vessels have rendered the Red Sea shipping route too dangerous for most traffic, cutting off the port’s primary source of revenue. This extended period of inactivity led to the financial shortfalls that resulted in the unpaid taxes, culminating in the municipal action and the subsequent operational closure.
July 16, 2025, 18:55:44 (IST)
Republican figure Mike Huckabee attends Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial
Republican figure and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee attended the ongoing corruption trial of former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, calling the visit an “act of friendship,” Haaretz said in a report. Huckabee, a prominent private citizen and political commentator, attended in a personal capacity and is not an official representative of the U.S. government. The trial concerns charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust against Netanyahu in multiple cases.
July 16, 2025, 18:51:06 (IST)
Yemen's government calls for end to UN mission in Hodeidah
Yemen’s internationally recognized government has formally requested an end to the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA), according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The mission was established to monitor the 2018 Stockholm Agreement, which brokered a ceasefire and force redeployment in the strategic port city. The call by the Presidential Leadership Council signals deep dissatisfaction with the UN-monitored process and the perceived failure of the agreement, raising fears of a potential escalation in conflict around Hodeidah, which serves as a critical entry point for humanitarian aid into Yemen.
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July 16, 2025, 18:49:45 (IST)
Israeli foreign minister calls for international action over violence in Syria
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has issued a warning regarding escalating violence against minority groups in Syria and has called for international intervention to prevent further atrocities, according to a report in Israel National News. Sa’ar urged the global community to act, highlighting his concern that the situation could lead to broader regional instability.
July 16, 2025, 18:48:51 (IST)
Riyadh e-sports tournament signals Saudi Arabia's economic diversification strategy
Riyadh is hosting a 16-team women’s tournament for the game ‘Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’, signaling the kingdom’s strategic push into the e-sports industry, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The event is a component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework, which aims to diversify the national economy away from oil by developing new sectors like entertainment and technology. This initiative is intended to create new industries, attract international investment, and position the country as a regional hub for the growing e-sports market.
July 16, 2025, 18:48:03 (IST)
Syria's aviation sector recovery stalled by sanctions and regional instability
Efforts to revive Syria’s aviation sector are being severely impeded by a combination of factors, preventing a meaningful comeback, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The primary obstacles are international sanctions, particularly the US Caesar Act implemented in 2020, which block the acquisition of aircraft, spare parts, and maintenance services. Despite Syria’s readmission to the Arab League in May 2023, significant economic benefits have not materialized, as potential investors remain cautious due to the sanctions and the unresolved political conflict. The situation is further compounded by ongoing internal instability, a lack of foreign currency, and the negative effects of regional economic crises, such as the financial collapse in neighboring Lebanon.
July 16, 2025, 18:47:02 (IST)
Saudi Arabia leads West Asia in venture capital investments
Saudi Arabia has emerged as the leader in venture capital (VC) investments across West Asia, marking a significant milestone in its economic diversification efforts, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This surge in funding for high-growth startups and technology-focused companies is a direct outcome of the nation’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to reduce reliance on oil revenues. The development positions the kingdom as a primary hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, intensifying economic competition with other regional centres.
July 16, 2025, 18:46:49 (IST)
Ethiopia arrests dozens of suspected ISIS militants
Ethiopian authorities have reportedly arrested dozens of suspected ISIS militants, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The arrests are seen as a significant disruption to the West Asia-based extremist group’s efforts to establish or expand its operational networks in the Horn of Africa. This development highlights ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Ethiopia, which is simultaneously dealing with several internal conflicts, and underscores the persistent security threat posed by such groups in the wider region.
July 16, 2025, 18:40:12 (IST)
Yemen's exiled government claims seizure of 750 tons of weapons supplied by Iran to Houthis
Yemen’s exiled government, the internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council, has claimed the seizure of 750 tons of weapons allegedly supplied by Iran to Houthi rebels, the Times of Israel said in a report. Video footage of the seizure reportedly shows a significant cache including anti-ship missiles, Iranian-made Type 358 anti-aircraft missiles, drone components, and warheads. The interdiction highlights the ongoing conflict and accusations of Iranian arms trafficking in violation of a UN embargo, which Iran has consistently denied.
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July 16, 2025, 18:23:24 (IST)
Iran's supreme leader warns of harsher response to any future attack
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued a warning that any attack on the nation will be met with a response that is “harsher than before,” Haaretz says in a report. As the ultimate authority on all state matters, Khamenei’s statements are considered official Iranian policy. The declaration comes amid heightened regional tensions involving US military actions against Iranian-backed militias in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria, as well as the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Iran’s definition of an “attack” is often broad, potentially including severe economic sanctions and cyberattacks in addition to direct military action.
July 16, 2025, 18:17:53 (IST)
Israeli forces thwart border crossing attempt from Syria
Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) troops thwarted a border crossing attempt by dozens of individuals from Syria near the Druze village of Hader on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights, as per a report in Israel National News. The source described the individuals as ‘suspects’. In a separate incident, the report noted that several Israeli civilians also crossed into Syrian territory near the village of Majdal Shams on the Israeli-controlled side.
July 16, 2025, 17:58:04 (IST)
IDF blocks protesters attempting to enter Syria following Druze clashes
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have blocked protesters who were attempting to cross into Syria, according to a report in Haaretz. This action follows recent clashes that occurred within the Syrian Druze community. The protesters’ attempt to enter Syria was a direct response to the earlier violence, prompting the IDF to intervene and prevent the group from crossing the border.
July 16, 2025, 17:56:37 (IST)
Bazan Group reports up to $200 million in damages from missile strike on Haifa facility
The Bazan Group has reported estimated damages between $150 million and $200 million after a missile, attributed to Iran, struck its facility in Haifa, Israel National News said in a report. The company also confirmed that the attack resulted in the deaths of three employees. The strike on the major oil refining and petrochemicals complex represents a significant financial and operational blow to a piece of Israel’s critical national infrastructure.
July 16, 2025, 17:45:44 (IST)
Russia offers uranium depletion services to Iran
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Russia is ready to provide uranium depletion services to Iran, a process that would reduce the enrichment level of Iran’s uranium stockpiles, according to a report in MEMRI. The offer comes as international efforts to revive the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal have stalled and as Iran continues to enrich uranium to high levels. This development is part of a deepening strategic relationship between Moscow and Tehran, both of which are under significant Western sanctions. The proposal echoes past arrangements under the original JCPOA, where Russia played a role in managing Iran’s excess enriched uranium.
July 16, 2025, 17:45:12 (IST)
Hezbollah official rejects disarmament, says group is prepared for military encounter with Israel
Hezbollah’s Political Council Deputy Chief has rejected any talk of disarmament and affirmed the group’s readiness for a military confrontation with Israel, according to a report in MEMRI. In an interview with a Russian state media outlet, the official stated that Hezbollah is exercising ‘strategic patience’ to prioritize Lebanon’s interests and to ‘expose U.S. complicity’ in the region. He also positioned Russia as part of the ‘Axis of Resistance,’ a coalition aimed at challenging US ‘hegemony and unipolarity’.
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July 16, 2025, 17:41:27 (IST)
At least 20 killed in crush at US-backed aid site in Gaza
At least 20 people have been killed in a crush at a humanitarian aid distribution site in Gaza, according to a report in BBC. The incident occurred at a location operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an entity backed by the United States and Israel, which for the first time confirmed deaths at one of its sites. The event highlights the extreme desperation for food amid a severe humanitarian crisis. While previous deaths during aid distributions have been linked to Israeli military fire, this incident was attributed to a crush, placing scrutiny on the operational safety of newer, politically-backed aid channels like the GHF.
July 16, 2025, 17:34:36 (IST)
Truck driver indicted after injuring child during police chase in East Jerusalem
A serious indictment has been filed against a man in his 20s from the Zu’rob neighborhood after he allegedly led police on a high-speed chase in a large truck through the streets of Umm Tuba in East Jerusalem, Israel National News said in a report. During the chase, the driver reportedly struck another vehicle, causing an injury to a child who was inside.
July 16, 2025, 16:32:34 (IST)
Lawyer linked to Netanyahu advisor reportedly warned ICC prosecutor over war crimes probe
A British-Israeli lawyer reportedly connected to an advisor for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan and allegedly warned him to abandon the court’s war crimes investigation concerning the situation in Palestine, Middle East Eye says in a report. The lawyer, who met with Khan in May, has denied making any threats, stating he only made suggestions regarding the case. This reported interaction occurred before Khan’s public announcement in May 2024 that he was seeking arrest warrants for senior Israeli and Hamas leaders.
July 16, 2025, 16:15:04 (IST)
Report finds Houthi-affiliated dealers selling weapons on X and Meta platforms
Arms dealers linked to the Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen are using social media platforms X and Meta to traffic weapons, including some manufactured in the US, The Guardian said in a report. The report reveals that these traders have operated weapon stores on the platforms for years, in apparent violation of the companies’ policies. The Houthis, who have controlled parts of Yemen since 2014, are designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and other nations.
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