Middle East Experience

The top US diplomat Monday reiterated Washington’s commitment to ensuring Saudi Arabia is able to defend itself amid an uptick in cross-border attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen.“Secretary Blinken reiterated our commitment to supporting the defense of Saudi Arabia and strongly condemned recent attacks against Saudi territory from Iranian-aligned groups in the region,” State Department Spokesman Ned Price said after a call between Antony Blinken and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Saudi Arabia on Monday revealed a new proposal for a ceasefire to the yearslong war in Yemen. The new proposal would include a nationwide ceasefire to be implemented under the United Nations' supervision, Prince Faisal said earlier.A senior Houthi official played down the proposal almost immediately, according to Reuters.The Yemeni group continues to target Saudi Arabia and civilians in the Kingdom with bomb-laden drones and ballistic missiles on an almost daily basis.During the call between Prince Faisal and Blinken, the pair discussed cooperation to support the efforts of UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and US President Joe Biden’s special envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, to end the war in Yemen. “Additionally, they discussed the importance of stabilizing the Yemeni economy,” Price said.Blinken also commended Saudi Arabia’s “ongoing social and economic reforms” while underscoring the importance of continued progress on human rights.Read more: Arab Coalition strikes hit Houthi missiles' workshops in Yemen's Sanaa
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Blinken tells Saudi FM that US committed to supporting defense of Saudi Arabia

Civilians were killed in both government and rebel territory on Sunday.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Several dead in northwest Syria fighting

Saudi Arabia’s recent announcement of a peace initiative to end the ongoing conflict in Yemen is in line with previous proposals and demonstrates Riyadh’s interest in the stability and security of Yemen, according to the Kingdom’s Deputy Defense Minister.“The Kingdom seeks to establish peace in Yemen. The recent announcement is in line with previous proposals, from the Gulf initiative to all consultation efforts to end the crisis and reach a comprehensive political settlement,” Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman tweeted following the announcement.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“The initiative demonstrates the Kingdom’s interest in the stability of Yemen and its commitment to unifying all Yemeni factions in upholding their national priorities,” he added.Saudi Arabia proposed a new peace initiative on Monday to end the ongoing conflict in Yemen between the internationally-recognized government and the Iran-backed Houthis.Prince Khalid said the new initiative aims to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and give the Houthis the opportunity to “uphold the interests of Yemen and its honorable people first over Iranian expansionist goals.”“We hope that they will quickly accept it and start peace consultations between all Yemeni parties to reach a comprehensive and sustainable political settlement. We will continue to defend our people, land, and borders, and we will continue our support for the Yemeni gov. and its armed forces against Houthi aggression. We also affirm our commitment to implement the initiative if the Houthis accept it, under UN supervision and monitoring,” he said in a series of tweets.The new initiative includes a nationwide ceasefire that will be implemented under the supervision of the United Nations, Prince Faisal said during a press conference in Riyadh.If the two parties agree to the deal, Sanaa airport will reopen, which will allow fuel and food imports through the Hodeidah port, according to the minister.Read more:Saudi Arabia proposes new peace plan to end Yemen war: FMBlinken tells Saudi FM that US committed to supporting defense of Saudi ArabiaArab Coalition destroys hostile Houthi defense system in MaribArab Coalition strikes hit Houthi missiles' workshops in Yemen's Sanaa
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi peace initiative for Yemen in line with previous plans: Vice Defense Minister

“The vaccine still worked against the South African [variant], but in a less efficient way,” said Prof. Ran Taube from Ben-Gurion University.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: South African variant more resistant to vaccine, BGU finds

An oral vaccine could potentially allow for people to self vaccinate at home.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israeli company claims oral COVID-19 vaccine on its way

Israel Police has so far received one rape complaint against the two, and is currently investigating the suspicion that more female minors were harmed by the pair.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Ashkelon rapist tied to another alleged rape from years earlier

The Central Bank Monday gave commercial banks and licensed exchange dealers an April 16 deadline to prepare for the electronic exchange platform..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: BDL sets deadline for banks, licensed traders to prepare for electronic platform

The Syrian regime and Omani have further strengthened relations..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Syrian foreign minister visits Oman as countries bolster ties with visa agreement

“The text is very reminiscent of the book of Deuteronomy, and anyone who is familiar with it would feel it. But there are also some differences,” Dershowitz said.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Lost biblical scroll may have been 2,700 years old, Israeli scholar says

Israeli authorities confiscated the VIP border pass of Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki upon his return to the West Bank from a meeting at the International Criminal Court, a Palestinian official said on Sunday..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Israel confiscates VIP border pass for Palestinian FM