The latest news, analysis and opinion on the developing conflict in the Middle East.
Beirut hit overnight with intense wave of air strikes against Hizbollah including targets near airport
Uncontrolled escalatory cycles are the building blocks of wider war
Leaders had sought détente with west but concluded that IDF assault on Hizbollah left them looking weak
Tehran’s attack came hours after Israel began ground offensive in Lebanon against Hizbollah
Tehran claims success but early Israeli assessment suggests attack caused few hits and no casualties
From exploding pagers to Iranian ballistic missile barrages, the events pushing a region to all-out conflict
Shooting in south Tel Aviv comes just before Iran’s rockets fly through sky
With American policy in the Middle East in tatters, Donald Trump could be the principal beneficiary of escalation in the region
IDF issues evacuation notices for almost 30 towns and villages in country’s south
The country’s leaders have often rued putting boots on the ground in fights against Palestinian and Shia militants
Waves of people forced to flee their homes overwhelm country battered by five-year economic crisis
Israeli military announces ‘targeted’ raids following assassination of militant group’s leader
Planned incursion said to be limited with the aim of clearing Hizbollah infrastructure
Netanyahu’s military gains are no substitute for a strategy to end cycle of conflict
Move comes amid suggestions of possible ground offensive and first air strike on capital since 2006
Regional tensions will remain high with neither Netanyahu’s coalition nor the Palestinians ready for a settlement
US vice-president criticised from all sides over failure to achieve ceasefire in Israel’s war against Hamas and Hizbollah
Also in this newsletter: how pro-Russia sentiment is spreading in Italy — and elsewhere in Europe
Israel’s assassination of Hassan Nasrallah shakes militant group and raises fears of civil strife in a fragile nation
Targeting of Yemeni rebels accompanies fresh attacks on Hizbollah militia in Lebanon
Islamic republic hesitates after Israel’s assassination of Hizbollah leader deals heavy blow to its regional strategy
Lebanese militant leader’s decision to fight for dictator stoked sectarian divisions and damaged group
But escalating the conflict further is more likely to lead to regional chaos
Depth and quality of intelligence helped IDF turn the tide against Lebanese militant group
Militant leader targeted after a year of intensifying conflict
Assassination comes as Israel prepares to mark anniversary of Hamas’s October 7 attack which killed 1,200 people
