West Asia News Live: Syria captures headlines as regional shifts come open after Israel airstrikes

The Palestinian Authority is facing a severe financial crisis after Israel withheld the transfer of tax revenues, Haaretz said in a report. These funds, which include customs duties and VAT collected by Israel on behalf of the PA under the 1994 Paris Protocol, constitute over two-thirds of the Palestinian budget. The refusal to transfer the revenue severely impairs the PA’s ability to pay salaries to tens of thousands of civil servants and security personnel, threatening the provision of essential public services and raising concerns about widespread economic hardship and instability in the West Bank.

Saudi Arabia has announced it is doubling its investment in mineral exploration, a strategic move under its Vision 2030 framework aimed at reducing the kingdom’s economic dependence on oil, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This increased funding, likely channelled through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), targets untapped reserves of critical minerals such as gold, copper, phosphate, and rare earth elements. The initiative seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a key supplier in the global market for materials essential to the energy transition and high-technology industries, thereby creating new jobs and providing a buffer against oil price volatility.

Turkish authorities have conducted a major counter-terrorism sweep, resulting in the arrest of 153 individuals suspected of being members or associates of the ISIS terror group, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The arrests are part of Türkiye’s ongoing and widespread operations targeting groups it designates as terrorist organizations. The scale of the operation suggests a significant, coordinated intelligence effort to disrupt ISIS cells and their logistical networks within the country.

Saudi Arabia’s state-backed Riyadh Season has announced a sponsorship for a partnership between the Spanish football league, La Liga, and the prominent Saudi podcast and documentary network, Thmanyah, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This deal is a significant component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the nation’s economy away from oil by developing its tourism and entertainment industries. The partnership is designed to expand La Liga’s brand into the West Asian market while simultaneously promoting the international reach of Saudi Arabia’s growing digital media sector. While the move enhances the kingdom’s soft power, it has also drawn criticism from human rights advocates who describe it as an instance of ‘sports washing’—using high-profile sports to improve the country’s international reputation.

Oil prices have registered a slight increase, influenced by a combination of supply-side risks and demand-side optimism, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The upward pressure on prices stems primarily from heightened geopolitical risks in West Asia, which threaten key oil transit routes and regional stability. These risks include continued attacks by Houthi militants on shipping in the Red Sea and persistent tensions between Iran and Israel. Counterbalancing these supply concerns, however, is a more positive outlook for the global economy, as worries over international trade tariffs have eased, potentially bolstering future oil demand.

Medical officials in Gaza are issuing urgent warnings about an imminent wave of deaths due to escalating signs of famine, according to a report in Haaretz. Hundreds of Gazans are reportedly experiencing severe malnutrition and associated symptoms like memory loss. The officials have stressed that the population’s need for food has become more critical than the need for medicine, highlighting the severity of the humanitarian crisis in the region.

A far-right US network aired a segment on settler violence in the West Bank, The Times of Israel says in a report. The segment highlighted an incident, based on Arab sources, where settlers allegedly killed 117 heads of livestock and stole 400 more from a Bedouin community. Separately, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) dispersed Palestinians who were protesting an illegal outpost in the region.

The US State Department has publicly stated it did not support recent Israeli airstrikes carried out in Syria, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The declaration was made amid heightened regional tensions and follows a long-standing Israeli campaign of strikes in Syria aimed at preventing Iranian military entrenchment and weapons transfers to its allies.

Russian courts have sentenced 135 individuals to prison terms for their participation in an anti-Israel protest in October 2023, where a mob stormed the Makhachkala airport in the Muslim-majority republic of Dagestan, as per a report in Israel National News. The event, which targeted a flight arriving from Israel, occurred in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict that began that month. The harsh sentences are seen as reflecting the Kremlin’s broader crackdown on unsanctioned public dissent to maintain internal stability, particularly in historically restive regions. Three alleged organizers of the airport storming reportedly remain at large.

Mossad Director David Barnea reportedly met with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Washington to request American assistance for a plan to relocate hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans, according to Israel National News, which cited a report from Axios. The purpose of the meeting was allegedly to gain US support in persuading Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Libya to accept the displaced individuals from the Gaza Strip.

The Syrian government has officially denied reports that it is preparing a military redeployment to the southern province of Sweida, a region experiencing sustained anti-government protests since August 2023, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The denial addresses recent accusations of a military buildup around the predominantly Druze province, which has maintained a degree of autonomy throughout the Syrian civil war. This move is seen as an attempt to manage international perception and avoid a costly military confrontation that could further destabilise the border region with Jordan, a key concern for regional trade and security. The protests in Sweida were initially sparked by economic grievances, including rising fuel prices, and have since evolved to include demands for political change.

Two children were killed within an hour of each other in separate road accidents in southern Israel on Friday, according to a report in Israel National News. The incidents have raised the number of child fatalities in traffic accidents across the country to 30 so far this year. Following the deaths, safety advocates have reiterated warnings about a rise in accident rates that typically occurs during the summer months.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince have extended formal congratulations to the President of the United Arab Emirates on the occasion of Union Pledge Day, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The public message is a diplomatic exchange between the two Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.

The head of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has offered condolences to Iraq after a deadly fire in the city of Kut, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. While the diplomatic gesture signals solidarity among member states, the tragedy itself highlights persistent infrastructural deficits and governance gaps within Iraq. For investors and businesses, such events are a critical indicator of the operational and regulatory risks in the country, drawing attention to challenges in public safety enforcement and the integrity of essential infrastructure, which are key factors in any investment assessment.

Oil prices edged higher after the European Union announced a new package of sanctions targeting Russia, creating further uncertainty in global energy markets, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The sanctions, part of the EU’s ongoing effort to reduce its dependency on Russian energy, have intensified competition for non-Russian crude oil, directly benefiting major West Asian producers. Nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are experiencing increased demand and higher revenues but also face diplomatic pressure from Western allies to raise output to stabilise prices. Analysts note that these producers are prioritising their national economic strategies, balancing relationships with both Western and Asian markets amidst the geopolitical tensions.

Saudi Global Ports is expanding its operations to support the kingdom’s goal of becoming a global logistics hub, a key part of its Vision 2030 plan, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The initiative, backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), focuses on enhancing logistics integration by seamlessly connecting sea, air, road, and rail transport to improve supply chain efficiency. This strategic development is a central component of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy, which aims to reduce reliance on oil, attract foreign direct investment, and strengthen its position in global trade corridors amidst growing competition with other regional powers in West Asia.

Israel’s Supreme Court has intervened in an escalating political conflict by issuing an injunction that prevents the government from firing Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, Haaretz said in a report. The ruling, which freezes any dismissal proceedings pending a complete judicial review, came after it was reported that a ministerial committee was holding a hearing on the matter. This development represents a significant moment in the ongoing tensions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and the judiciary over a proposed judicial overhaul, which has previously sparked widespread protests. The court’s decision temporarily secures the Attorney General’s position, reinforcing judicial oversight over executive actions.

A resolution to restart oil exports from Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region is not imminent, as negotiations between the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Erbil remain deadlocked, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The halt, which has kept approximately 450,000 barrels of oil per day off the global market, stems from a March 2023 International Chamber of Commerce ruling that favoured Baghdad’s authority over all national oil exports. The continued impasse is exacerbating a severe financial crisis within the Kurdistan region, impacting its ability to pay public sector salaries, and is causing significant financial losses for international oil companies operating there, while also contributing to tighter global oil supply conditions.

Israeli settlers have been accused of killing 117 sheep during an attack in the occupied West Bank, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The incident represents a significant economic loss for the Palestinian owners, as the killing of livestock is a tactic that can severely impact the livelihoods of pastoral communities. This event is reported amid ongoing tensions and a documented increase in settler violence against Palestinians and their property in the region.

A police commander in Israel is set to be promoted by the police commissioner, a decision that comes despite a court finding the commander was responsible for the unlawful arrest of a journalist, Haaretz says in a report. The promotion is viewed by critics as politically motivated, given the commander’s connection to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The move has drawn criticism from legal experts and human rights advocates, who argue it undermines judicial authority, the rule of law, and sends a chilling message regarding press freedom.

A joint operation by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA), also known as Shin Bet, resulted in the killing of a key Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) operative in the West Bank, according to a report in Israel National News. The individual was reportedly responsible for managing the transfer of funds to support militant organizations’ activities within the territory, which Israel refers to as Judea and Samaria. This action is part of ongoing Israeli security efforts aimed at dismantling the financial and operational infrastructure of armed groups in the region.

US Army Special Operations has issued a terror threat alert to retired service members living in Florida who previously served in Iraq or Syria, according to a report in The New York Times. The warning did not provide specific details about the nature of the threat or identify the terrorist organisation believed to be involved.

A diplomatic dispute has escalated as a US envoy sent a letter to Israel’s interior minister, accusing the nation of preventing Christian groups from entering the country, The Times of Israel said in a report. The letter reportedly contains a threat to publicly declare Israel as unwelcoming to Christians and warns of potential reciprocal measures against Israeli citizens seeking visas to the United States.

Israeli volunteers are helping to replant a vineyard at the Catholic Latrun Monastery after it was destroyed by wildfires, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The monastery’s agricultural lands, which are its primary source of income, sustained severe damage during blazes in the spring. The restoration work is being carried out through a grassroots interfaith effort to help the monks restore their livelihood.

The head of the Barkai Haredi Hesder Yeshiva has publicly criticized Member of Knesset Moshe Gafni over recent remarks made against the religious Zionist public, according to a report in Israel National News. The yeshiva head stated that Gafni “should be ashamed” and must “seek forgiveness from this sacred community.” The public rebuke highlights ongoing internal tensions within Israel’s religious-right political bloc, particularly concerning the differing views on mandatory military service between the Haredi community, represented by Gafni, and the Religious Zionist community.

The Israeli non-governmental organisation (NGO) Regavim has filed a legal petition with the Jerusalem District Court seeking the demolition of what it describes as a massive, illegal Palestinian building near the Beitar Illit settlement in the Gush Etzion bloc of the West Bank, Israel National News says in a report. This action occurs within Area C, which constitutes over 60% of the West Bank and remains under full Israeli civil and security control as per the Oslo Accords. From a market perspective, such legal challenges underscore the significant investment risk and economic uncertainty surrounding land and property development in contested territories. The petition highlights the operational barriers facing the Palestinian construction sector in Area C, where obtaining Israeli building permits is exceedingly difficult, thereby constraining economic development and infrastructure projects. For investors, these events signal a volatile environment where legal and political disputes can abruptly halt capital projects, creating financial liabilities and deterring long-term investment in the Palestinian economy.

Israel has reportedly decided to allow the deployment of Syrian government forces in the southern province of Sweida, a significant policy shift, according to a report in Haaretz. The decision follows the collapse of a fragile cease-fire and the resumption of clashes on Thursday between local Druze militias and Bedouin tribes. The deployment marks a notable development for the Druze-majority province, which has historically maintained a degree of autonomy from the central government in Damascus and has been a center for anti-government protests.

A surgeon working in Gaza, Dr Victoria Rose, has been forced to stop performing surgeries on children because of widespread severe malnutrition and critical shortages of medical equipment, Al Jazeera said in a report. The conditions are described as a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict and siege, which have devastated the healthcare infrastructure and severely restricted the entry of humanitarian aid, food, and medical supplies into the region.

A US House Judiciary Committee report accuses the former Biden administration of misusing taxpayer funds to support anti-Netanyahu organizations and allegedly terror-linked NGOs in Israel, as per a report in Israel National News. The congressional report, released on July 18, 2025, alleges that funds were improperly directed to groups opposing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and to some non-governmental organizations with purported links to terror groups.

Saudi Arabia has issued a formal condemnation of Israel following the bombing of the Latin Patriarchate Church in Gaza, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The incident is part of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and has contributed to a broader wave of international criticism against Israel’s military actions. This development is noted as a significant complication for the previously discussed, but now stalled, diplomatic normalization talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The damage to the prominent Christian site has also raised concerns among global Christian communities and human rights organizations about the protection of religious sites and civilians in the conflict zone.

The United Nations has received credible reports of summary executions taking place amid recent fighting in Syria, according to a report in BBC. The UN human rights chief stated that those responsible for any violations and abuses must be held accountable. The reports have prompted calls from the international body for investigation and justice for the alleged atrocities.

A new order from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) makes it a criminal offense to cover one’s face in the West Bank, a region Israel refers to as Judea and Samaria, according to a report in Israel National News. The directive, which carries a penalty of prison time, is aimed at addressing what the IDF terms as nationalist crimes and attacks carried out by masked individuals. This measure is implemented under the military administration that governs large parts of the territory.

Germany is considering a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia focused on several key areas, including supporting Riyadh’s bid to host Expo 2030, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The discussions also cover broader cooperation on climate-related goals and the joint development of green hydrogen projects. This potential collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification framework and Germany’s strategic need to secure new energy partners and advance its own energy transition policies.

Two UK-based charities, the Kasner Charitable Trust and UK Toremet, have transferred approximately £5.7 million to the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva high school in the Susya settlement in the occupied West Bank, The Guardian said in a report. The transactions were endorsed by the UK’s Charity Commission, a decision that has drawn criticism because the UK government’s official foreign policy considers such settlements illegal under international law.

Egypt has formally welcomed a significant diplomatic gesture from Iran—the renaming of a Tehran street named after the assassin of former President Anwar Sadat—a move that analysts see as pivotal for regional economic stability, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This development removes a decades-long barrier to normalising relations and aligns with a broader trend of de-escalation in West Asia, notably following the 2023 Saudi-Iran rapprochement. For Egypt, which is grappling with economic pressures, improved ties could open avenues for trade, investment, and tourism. For Iran, it represents a step towards breaking economic isolation amid international sanctions. The move is viewed by market observers as a positive signal for regional risk reduction, potentially improving the investment climate for Gulf states and complicating the US-led strategy of isolating Iran.

Israel’s Knesset has passed a new law that permits citizens to expand their mandatory reinforced rooms and add bathrooms to them, The Times of Israel says in a report. The legislation comes in response to security needs highlighted by the October 7 attacks and the subsequent multifront conflict. In addition to the new law, Israel’s Home Front Command is set to introduce updated standards for these shelters, which will include doors that can be locked from the inside and stronger windows to enhance protection for residents.

A sharp rise in suicides among Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers has been reported, with newly revealed data for 2024 showing the number has doubled from previous years, Israel National News says in a report. This increase is occurring amid the unprecedented psychological strain on soldiers from the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict and extended reserve duty. The development has led to calls from IDF veterans for urgent reforms and has placed significant political pressure on the Israeli government and military leadership to improve mental health support and transparency. The IDF has been criticised for its relative silence on the sensitive data, a stance that is raising concerns about accountability and the adequacy of current soldier welfare protocols.

Security forces for Yemen’s internationally recognized government have reportedly foiled an assassination plot targeting the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The government has attributed the alleged plot to the Houthi movement. Grundberg is the lead United Nations mediator tasked with facilitating a political settlement to the ongoing conflict in the country. The report of the thwarted attack comes amid fragile and ongoing efforts to establish a lasting peace deal.