Middle East Experience

Israel has plenty of professional diplomats specialized in the Arab world, yet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is relying on Mossad chief Yossi Cohen to advance ties with Gulf states.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Mossad chief likely to continue advancing Israel, UAE contacts

New directives laid out as death toll climbs pass 650.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Coronavirus cabinet: 30 people can gather in open spaces

Hendel arrived at Bar-Ilan as a guest of the university's Center for Smart Cities, which views advanced technologies and 5G specifically as an important national project.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Yoaz Hendel visits Bar-Ilan U., presented with latest 5G technology

“I’ve heard this repeatedly from my friends in the Gulf: COVID-19 is a real opportunity for joint cooperation,” Rabbi Marc Schneier said.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Was COVID-19 a catalyst for Israel-UAE peace?

The UAE defended its peace deal with Israel as a move designed to….
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: UAE defends Israel deal as 'shake-up' despite annexation still on the table

The United States can no longer accept “more empty promises and more dysfunctional governance” from Lebanese officials, a senior US diplomat said Friday.“The path forward, of course, can only be determined by the Lebanese. America and the international community are providing humanitarian support to the Lebanese people, but for the longer run, we cannot accept more empty promises and more dysfunctional governance,” US Under Secretary for Political Affairs David Hale said after meeting Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Hale, who landed in Beirut Thursday, made his first stop to speak with protesters, activists, and NGOs cleaning the streets of destroyed Beirut neighborhoods.Multiple explosions rocked the Lebanese capital on Aug. 4. Investigations are still underway, and Hale said that the FBI would join to find answers to what led to the blasts.At least 170 people were killed and over 6,000 injured. Dozens are missing, according to Lebanese officials.Hale said that the explosion and humanitarian support needed for the Lebanese people was discussed with Rai. The current state of affairs in Lebanon and the region “and the need for all of us to redouble our efforts to improve stability and security” were also discussed, he said.Read more:Exclusive: Lebanon leans toward French offer to rebuild Beirut’s port after explosionBeirut destruction ‘worst I have ever seen,’ says US officialEarlier in the day, Hale met with Lebanon’s president, caretaker prime minister and parliament speaker. He also met with former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.Hale will meet with civil society members, activists and young Lebanese on Saturday, after which he will issue a “more comprehensive statement.”“But it’s clear already from my meetings … that I can see a great deal of work is needed to achieve the goals and objectives that the Lebanese people have long advocated for.“A concerted effort to root out corruption, financial and economic reforms, and a transformation of Lebanon’s institutions of things like establishing control over the ports and borders, revamping the electricity network, and reexamining the social safety network,” are all needed, Hale said.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: US can no longer accept empty promises, dysfunctional governance in Lebanon: Hale

Israeli officials told the local press they are in talks with Oman to reach a similar normalization in ties.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Oman says it supports UAE-Israel normalization of ties

UNICEF is urgently appealing for $46.7 million to respond to the needs of children and families severely affected by the Beirut explosion on Aug. 4, which struck the country at a time when it was already experiencing a spiraling economic crisis and a deadly pandemic..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: UNICEF appeals for .7M after Beirut blast

Turkey has criticised the US-brokered deal between Israel and the….
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Turkey, Iran condemn UAE-Israel deal as 'betrayal' of Palestinians

11-year-old 'Abdul' from Gaza has taken the internet by storm with his cover of a song by Palestinian rapper Waheeb Hasan..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: 11-year-old Gaza school boy goes viral for rapping skills