Middle East
Regional states contend with growing droughts and conflicts, and for political reasons won’t necessarily to turn to Israel for help.
“In dealing with Bibi, it’s always useful to carry a healthy amount of skepticism in your discussions with him,” said former U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
The Arab League, Palestinian Authority, Turkey, Jordan and Saudi Arabia blast Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge to annex the Jordan Valley, calling it “illegal,” a “serious escalation.”
Iranian coast guard captures tugboat allegedly carrying nearly 284,000 liters of diesel fuel and detains its 12 Filipino crew members.
“[He] has done an amazing job representing the United States, working tirelessly to bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians,” said Republican Jewish Coalition executive director Matt Brooks.
“I am grateful to have been part of a team that drafted a vision for peace; [it] has the potential to vastly improve the lives of millions of Israelis, Palestinians and others in the region,” he said.
“We have decided that we will not be releasing the peace vision (or parts of it) prior to the Israeli election,” tweeted U.S. Mideast special envoy Jason Greenblatt.
Pentagon denies involvement, says America is “against any potential actions by external actors inciting violence in Iraq” • Netanyahu: “We are operating in many areas against a state that wants to annihilate us.”
Bahraini Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa tweeted that “Iran is the one who has declared war on us.”
The two countries stressed improving cooperation in all fields, including providing Iraq with medical and industrial radioactive isotopes.
There have been several recent attacks on Iran-backed bases and weapons storage facilities. It is currently unknown who was behind the other attacks, but many suspect Israel may have carried out the strikes.
Washington reportedly gave Israel the “green light” for airstrikes as part of its plan to put maximum pressure on Iran.
