Egypt

Beyond the Headlines: Stronger than we think

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

|BySIVAN RAHAV MEIR
A protester waves the pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag outside UN headquarters during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Iran in New York on January 15, 2026.
View of a new security drone in Efrat, in the West Bank

Weapons smuggling via drones poses a threatening new reality for Israel - analysis

The drone smuggling threat is growing, as the last attempts occured on the Egyptian and now apparently also the Jordanian border.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A vehicle carries Egyptian soldiers near the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, in Rafah, Egypt, August 6, 2025

Rafah crossing to open next week amid search for Ran Gvili's remains, Gaza officials say

"I am pleased to announce the Rafah crossing will open next week in both directions. For Palestinians in Gaza, Rafah is more than a gate. It is a lifeline and symbol of opportunity," Shaath said.

|ByREUTERS
The remains of the Shemiran-e-Nou Mosque, which was set on fire during the protests on January 8th and 9th on January 21, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

Islamic regime's crackdown on Iran protests 'unsustainable,' ex-CIA chief says

Citing recent degradations of Iran’s proxies, such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Assad regime, Petraeus labeled the past year as “very very damaging” to Iran.

|ByLEO FEIERBERG BETTER

Why Israel says joining Trump’s Board of Peace was not optional - analysis

Israeli officials say staying out of Trump’s Board of Peace was never an option, citing influence over decisions, frustration with the UN, and concerns over Gaza and Hamas.

JANUARY 21, 2026ByAMICHAI STEIN
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a 40 signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on January 19, 2026.

As Israel pushes back, Gaza becomes testing ground for emerging post-war governance - analysis

The emergence of a Palestinian technocratic governing committee alongside Trump’s US-backed Board of Peace has triggered sharp Israeli backlash, exposing cabinet rifts and deep unease.

JANUARY 20, 2026ByGABRIEL COLODRO/THE MEDIA LINE
Palestinians stand near the rubble in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, January 17, 2026

‘A technocratic shift in Gaza’: National committee formed, security concerns remain

Competing views on Hamas, the role of regional mediators, and the absence of Palestinian political representation at the executive level are shaping the next phase.

JANUARY 19, 2026ByGIORGIA VALENTE/THE MEDIA LINE
Destroyed buildings as seen from an Israeli military outpost within the borders of the ‘yellow line’ in the eastern part of Gaza City in the Gaza Strip. The photo was taken as part of an IDF ‘embed’ and reviewed by the IDF before publication.

Egypt joins Jordan, UAE as third Arab country to visit American CMCC base in Kiryat Gat - KAN

The CMCC was established in October 2025 to shift responsibility for managing the ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and planning for the future of the Gaza Strip.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
US, Israeli, and international experts work in groups at the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, which opened in mid-October to oversee and support early implementation of President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for stabilizing and rehabilitating Gaza.

Hamas economy expert: Lindsey Graham's warning exposes gap between Arab rhetoric and reality

Ofer emphasized that Graham’s remarks represent a sharp shift in the usual approach to dealing with Arab states.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByPELED ARBELI
US Senator Lindsey Graham speaks after meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon August 26, 2025.

Donald Trump sets $1 billion price tag for permanent seats on Gaza Board of Peace - report

Leaders from more than 60 countries have been invited to serve on the Gaza Board of Peace.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
Palestinians walk along a street flooded by rainwater in the city of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on January 13, 2026.

The high price of not listening: What Pharaoh teaches us about power and humility

Pharaoh ignored every warning until his nation collapsed. His mistake isn’t ancient, it’s painfully familiar today.

JANUARY 17, 2026ByMOSHE TARAGIN
Statue of a mans head wearing headphones.

Parashat Va’era: Why being good is the secret strength we forget

Why does Moses step aside for Aaron during the first plagues? The answer reveals a profound Torah teaching about humility and gratitude.

JANUARY 16, 2026ByRABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
Parsha.

Egypt boosts military presence in Somalia after Israel recognizes Somaliland - report

Somalia has strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, marking the first time any nation has officially recognized the breakaway region.

JANUARY 16, 2026ByGUY ELSTER
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry speaks during a press conference after a meeting with his Greek counterpart in Athens on May 20, 2024.

Gaza Phase II begins: Trump unveils 'Board of Peace,' demands Hamas disarm

“As I have said before, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. The people of Gaza have suffered long enough. The time is NOW,” Trump wrote.

JANUARY 16, 2026ByFRAIDY MOSER
Israeli army soldier holding a mounted machine gun in front of destroyed buildings in the vicinity of the Jordanian Field Hospital in Gaza City.