Maariv

Reports that Benjamin Netanyahu's office vetoed a Turkish foothold near the border are infuriating the establishment in Ankara. A former senior naval officer accuses Israel of systematically dismantling the Assad army and calls for the deployment of game-changing weapons.

Jared Kushner met secretly with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, amid the possibility that Democrats will take control of the House. The two explored future cooperation, despite the sharp exchange of blows between Jeffries and Trump.

Western intelligence officials claim that Russia is using local criminals to carry out arson and sabotage at arms factories in Europe, in an attempt to disrupt supplies to Ukraine and test how far they can go without dragging NATO into a direct confrontation.

Donald Trump has gained about 10 kilograms since his last campaign and currently weighs about 108 kg, less than a kilogram away from the definition of obesity. Doctors warn of the risks, while the White House emphasizes that the 80-year-old president is in "excellent health."

The President of Ukraine rejected the call to hold elections during the war and warned of internal division. The remarks come after former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov called for returning the country to a democratic path.

Iran's Oil Minister announced the discovery of a large gas reservoir in Fars province, estimated to contain over 212.4 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Authorities described the find as a strategic asset for the country.

Following Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, Iran may also join the new defense alliance. A senior official in Tehran claims the invitation has already been received—and if approved, the nature of the alliance could change completely.

After years of lenient policy, Denmark is changing course: 14 regions in Ukraine will be considered relatively safe, thousands of benefit recipients will be required to work, and men subject to conscription are also in the crosshairs.

Alongside the cultural myth, history proves that the month of August often brings a sequence of difficult events in Russia. Against the backdrop of the ongoing war and the downplaying of crises, there is growing concern over a 'Black August'.

Former Iranian Minister of Economy Ehsan Khandouzi issued a severe warning to the regime, claiming that instability is reaching a boiling point. According to him, the internal situation in Iran will lead to a civil rebellion within the coming month, in parallel with a return to active war.

Statues, amulets, and rare antiquities were returned to Egypt following an FBI investigation that determined they had been smuggled into the US. The main suspect is already dead, but the investigation continues. In the background, there is a broad international struggle to return looted antiquities worth a billion dollars.

According to reports, the commander of the Pakistani armed forces is expected to return to Tehran in the coming days with the goal of restarting mediation between the US and Iran. Within Iran, there are those calling for an end to the conflict as well as belligerent messages.

After Ukraine increased attacks against economic targets in Russia, Putin threatened to strike its "most sensitive sectors." At the same time, Macron promised Zelensky to accelerate shipments of missiles and defense systems to Kyiv.

Hasan Piker claimed that Jewish institutions and American Jews identified with Israel are creating a dangerous situation for the community themselves - and argued that "eventually" they will be harmed: "I don't know how people don't understand how dangerous this situation is."

The American blockade is reducing oil exports from Iran and weakening its direct influence on the market, but fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to drive up oil and diesel prices.

Retired Colonel Douglas Macgregor claims he recommended to Donald Trump to remove nuclear weapons from Turkey, describes Ankara's status in NATO as fragile, and makes an unusual claim: Pakistan promised Turkey nuclear weapons if needed.

Three countries that are candidates for membership in the European Union did not adopt the latest round of sanctions against Tehran. In Iran, they are celebrating the crack in the front, but in Brussels, they see this as a sign of deeper political gaps.

Spanish police arrested five suspects, presumably affiliated with criminal organizations, who were working to illegally smuggle Moroccan migrants from Ceuta to the Cadiz area, while exploiting the severe migration crisis that has struck Spain.

The special election to replace the resigned Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell did not yield a particularly surprising result. Aisha Wahab, the first Muslim in the California Senate, defeated moderate Democrat Melissa Hernandez.

Ukraine is asking Elon Musk to allow the use of Starlink on drones that will attack missile launchers deep inside Russia. The request comes against the backdrop of a shortage of Patriot interceptors and the intensification of Russian missile attacks.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is criticizing the decisions of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, specifically the imposition of a special tax on luxury homes used as secondary residences. According to a report in The New York Times, the numerous reactions within the business sector have caused her concern.

After more than a month without a public appearance, Melania Trump returned to the side of President Donald Trump in the White House Rose Garden. The return came during a week when American media were focused on Natalie Harp, the President's personal aide, and her close relationship with him.

The US Navy is considering naming the new aircraft carrier after the incumbent president — for the first time in history. In such a case, Donald Trump's name would replace the memory of a black sailor who became a hero during the World War II disaster.

Since the end of 2024, Kim Jong Un has been sending masses of soldiers to fight in Ukraine. Now, the number of soldiers from North Korea who will fight on Ukrainian soil is only increasing.

2028 US Elections: A new poll shows Marco Rubio defeating Kamala Harris and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez with 48%, while J.D. Vance loses to Harris and shows weaker results in some scenarios. In the background, Donald Trump reportedly tends to support Vance as his political successor.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited a military base in Tyre and declared that the south must be under the exclusive authority of the state. Background: the dispute over Hezbollah's weapons, Israeli strikes, and the demand for an Israeli withdrawal.

The Trump administration has expanded sanctions against the International Criminal Court and blacklisted President Tomoko Akane, who helped issue warrants against Netanyahu and Putin. In Japan, they warn of damage to international law and relations with the US.

Surprisingly, the US President gave an interview to Michael Cohen, who previously served as his lawyer but had a bitter falling out with him: "You and I have been through a pretty tough road together."

The number of 18-year-olds in the US is shrinking due to a decline in birth rates, and enrollment in higher education institutions is expected to shrink by 13% by 2041. Contrary to expectations, the decrease in the number of young people will not necessarily make admission chances to desirable institutions easier.

In closed discussions, the Shin Bet warns that due to regulations making it difficult to compete in the elections at the end of November, Hamas is trying to create partnerships with Palestinian factions to undermine Fatah's rule.

According to a report in the Jerusalem Post, the Trump administration intends to deny entry visas to New York to Abu Mazen and his senior officials again this year, despite mediation attempts by Erdogan; the PA Chairman is expected to address the UN General Assembly from Ramallah.

About 20 young people from bereaved families and terror victims set out on an adventurous journey in the Black Canyon, which connected veterans of the "OneFamily" organization with new members who joined since October 7 - through fear, trust, teamwork, and a shared experience: "It gave us a moment to breathe."

About 100 pastors and community leaders in Bolivia participated in a conference in support of Israel, the highlight of which was a prayer for the country's peace and prosperity delivered by an Aymara tribe leader in the ancient indigenous language, in the presence of Ambassador Gali Dagan.

From public appearances to presence at sensitive security meetings: Jennifer Hegseth is taking an increasingly large place in the US Secretary of Defense's circle, while political and security officials criticize the blurring of lines between family and national security.

The commander of the Turkish Navy revealed that 37 ships are being built for the fleet and 24 for export, alongside the development of an aircraft carrier, a submarine, and an air defense destroyer. Ankara presents this move as part of the struggle for influence in the maritime domain.

15 months after 18-year-old Do Ngoc Phuong Thuy was struck to death, state television confirmed that a former senior party official was driving the vehicle. The protest surrounding the "Tree of Justice" has become an unusual test for the regime against Gen Z.

Unlike in recent years, Qatar has begun to publicly highlight its meetings with senior officials of the Hamas terrorist organization. This comes against the backdrop of concern in Israel following Kushner's meeting with Khalil al-Hayya.

An ABC investigation has exposed an international investment fraud network that allegedly operated from Israel and scammed more than 4,000 Australians out of hundreds of millions of dollars. Among the victims: a man who lost $125,000 after being unable to withdraw his money.

Media outlets in Turkey and circles identified with Qatar present the ties with Israel as a burden on Greece. A Maariv investigation reveals: the protest on the street is real, but in Athens, they are actually deepening security cooperation.

Jared Kushner's regional visit concluded without a breakthrough regarding the future of the Gaza Strip. According to Arab reports, the US prefers to invest in security at this stage, leaving reconstruction and the disarmament of Hamas as unresolved issues.