Middle-East Tracker

Middle-East Tracker

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Monitoring News & Updates in 🇫🇷 🇬🇧 about the Middle-East Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran,Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen. 🆘 @skyfleet.blue

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Netanyahu rival Eisenkot urges voters to unseat 'worst govt' in Israeli history

middleeasteye.netNetanyahu rival Eisenkot urges voters to unseat 'worst govt' in Israeli historyNetanyahu rival Eisenkot urges voters to unseat 'worst govt' in Israeli history Gadi Eisenkot, the main election challenger of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urged voters on Tuesday to oust the "worst government" in Israel's history. "I call on all citizens of Israel to go vote, not to buckle under the heat or the disruptions, to stick to the mission: to replace tonight the worst government since the state was established," he said. Reporting by AFP
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Man arrested after approaching centre-left party leader Yair Golan with a knife

middleeasteye.netMan arrested after approaching centre-left party leader Yair Golan with a knifeMan arrested after approaching centre-left party leader Yair Golan with a knife A man has been arrested after approaching the centre-left party leader Yair Golan with a knife in Tel Aviv. Golan, leader of the The Democrats, was taking part in a voter mobilisation drive when the man approached him in a "threatening manner." After security guards confronted him, a large knife fell from his jacket and he was tackled by the guards, before police came and arrested him. "Incitement and violence will not deter us," Golan said following the incident.
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Highest voter turnout since 1977, says election committee

middleeasteye.netHighest voter turnout since 1977, says election committeeHighest voter turnout since 1977, says election committee Israel's election committee said the turnout by noon was the highest since 1977. Over 2.3 million Israelis cast their vote by noon, 31.5 percent of eligible voters. The 1977 election was the first time Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party won a pluarlity of seats in the country.
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Netanyahu warns 'left-wing women are escorting Arab women to the polls'

middleeasteye.netNetanyahu warns 'left-wing women are escorting Arab women to the polls'Netanyahu warns 'left-wing women are escorting Arab women to the polls' Benjamin Netanyahu has warned his supporters that "left-wing women are escorting Arab women to the polls." According to Haaretz, the prime minister sent voters a recorded message, accusing leftists and Palestinian-led parties of trying to "steal the election." He added that police had "caught three senior [Ra'am] officials with envelopes of cash in the south."
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Election committee says no evidence of ballot tampering despite complaints from at least six parties

middleeasteye.netElection committee says no evidence of ballot tampering despite complaints from at least six partiesElection committee says no evidence of ballot tampering despite complaints from at least six parties Israel's Central Elections Committee (CEC) has said there is no evidence of systemic tampering with ballots in the election, despite complaints from at least six opposition parties. The Times of Israel said that Yashar, B’Yachad, People of Israel, Yisrael Beytenu, Ra’am, and the Reservists-Economic party had all reported alleged irregularities, including "missing or defaced ballot slips and other suspected attempts to interfere with voting." Yashar said they had raised a complaint after suspicions that reports of irregularities were not "isolated mishaps." “The large number of incidents raises serious suspicions that these are not isolated mishaps, but rather a systematic and deliberate attempt to sabotage the democratic process, prevent citizens from exercising their right to vote and influence the election results,” they said in a statement.
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Activists with Palestinian-led party arrested in Negev

middleeasteye.netActivists with Palestinian-led party arrested in NegevActivists with Palestinian-led party arrested in Negev Activists with the Palestinian-led Ra'am party have been arrested in the Negev, with its leader accusing authorities of suppressing their election campaign. Mansour Abbas said he filed a complaint with the Central Elections Committee over the arrests, adding that ballot slips had been removed or defaced in several Arab localities. "Your vote is your power – do not give it up," the party said in a statement.
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Explained: Who are the main leaders and where do they stand on the key issues?

middleeasteye.netExplained: Who are the main leaders and where do they stand on the key issues?Explained: Who are the main leaders and where do they stand on the key issues? The election, the first since 2022, has been dominated by discussion of the Hamas-led attacks of 2023, the genocide in Gaza , compulsory military conscription for ultra-Orthodox communities, and West Bank security, including the growth of settlements. Here’s where each of the main parties stand on the key issues: Read more: Who are the main leaders and where do they stand on the key issues?
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Palestinians are voting in Israel to ensure their very survival

middleeasteye.netPalestinians are voting in Israel to ensure their very survivalPalestinians are voting in Israel to ensure their very survival Ibrahim Said has boycotted Israeli elections since voting in 1980. Parties came and went, telling him they would defend his interests if elected, even promising to help return his lands in al-Birwa, the town his family were displaced from during the 1948 Nakba. But nothing ever changed for the better for Palestinian citizens of Israel. Israeli democracy had nothing to offer him and his community, the 70-year-old felt. This year, the situation is completely different. “Without a doubt, we must vote this time. We are living in fear,” Said tells Middle East Eye in his garage in the Galilee. Read more: Palestinians are voting in Israel to ensure their very survival
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British politicians detained by Israel why trying to access West Bank

middleeasteye.netBritish politicians detained by Israel why trying to access West BankBritish politicians detained by Israel why trying to access West Bank Three British parliamentarians have been detained by Israel while trying to access the occupied West Bank. Labour MP Clive Lewis, Scottish National Party MP Lara Bird, and Scottish Greens MSP Kate Nevens were all denied access to the territory. They were travelling as part of a delegation organised by the Progressive International. Israel closed off the occupied territory ahead of the elections.
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Netanyahu says election 'life or death' scenario for right-wing voters

middleeasteye.netNetanyahu says election 'life or death' scenario for right-wing votersNetanyahu says election 'life or death' scenario for right-wing voters Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the parliamentary elections are a "life or death" matter for right-wingers in Israel. "Dear right-wing voters, this is a matter of life and death for us! We must go out and make sure to vote for Likud," he wrote on X, referencing a speech by Palestinian party leader Ahmed Tibi. "If you don't vote, tomorrow we'll wake up to a government of Lieberman, Eisenkot, and the Arab parties that support terrorism," he added, referring to rival right-wingers Avigdor Lieberman and Gadi Eisenkot. אתם חייבים להקשיב לאחמד טיבי. מצביעי הימין היקרים, זה בנפשנו! חייבים לצאת ולהוציא להצביע ליכוד. אם לא תצביעו מחל נתעורר לממשלה של ליברמן, איזנקוט והמפלגות הערביות שתומכות בטרור. https://t.co/lYKgGFbIea — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 27, 2026
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Early turnout in Israel vote highest since 1981: elections committee

middleeasteye.netEarly turnout in Israel vote highest since 1981: elections committeeEarly turnout in Israel vote highest since 1981: elections committee Voter turnout in the first three hours of Israel's pivotal general election stood at 16.68 percent, the Central Elections Committee said on Tuesday, the highest at this stage of the vote since 1981. "By 10 am, more than 1,200,000 Israelis had voted. The nationwide voter turnout stands at 16.68 percent," Dean Livne, acting director general of the committee, said in a televised statement. Reporting by AFP
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Polls open as Netanyahu fights to retain power

middleeasteye.netPolls open as Netanyahu fights to retain powerPolls open as Netanyahu fights to retain power Israelis began voting on Tuesday in the first parliamentary elections since the 7 October 2023 attacks, with incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing a tough challenge from opposition rival Gadi Eisenkot. Polling stations opened at 7am local time (5am GMT) and are due to close at 10pm (8pm GMT). A total of 36 electoral lists are contesting 120 seats in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in a bid to form the country’s 38th government. Netanyahu’s coalition of right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties became the first Israeli government since 1988 to complete a full four-year term, after taking office in December 2022. But polls suggest his bloc could fall short of the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority, with projections putting it at around 50. Read more: Polls open as Netanyahu fights to retain power
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Macklemore kicks off 'Free Palestine' tour, calls for 'shared humanity'

middleeasteye.netMacklemore kicks off 'Free Palestine' tour, calls for 'shared humanity'Macklemore kicks off 'Free Palestine' tour, calls for 'shared humanity' American rapper Macklemore kicked off his "Free Palestine" concert tour in Dublin on Monday, after announcing that all tour proceeds would support organisations helping Palestinians. He called for unity and "shared humanity" weeks after he was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour over his pro-Palestine remarks. American rapper Macklemore kicked off his “Free Palestine” concert tour in Dublin on Monday, calling for unity weeks after he was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour over his pro-Palestine remarks. https://t.co/ByekS8xP1p — Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) October 27, 2026
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Morning update

middleeasteye.netMorning updateMorning update Good morning Middle East Eye readers, Here are the latest developments:  The US Embassy in Riyadh urged nonemergency government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia, citing safety risks. The post on X added that US  government employees working in the kingdom require special authorisation from Chief of Mission to use any airport in the country, following attacks on airports.  Most polling stations in Israel have opened as of 7am local time (5am GMT), in the first general election held since 7 October, 2023. Around 7.3 million people are eligible to vote, with most polling  stations expected to be closed at 10pm ( 8pm GMT). US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran was responsible for starting the conflict and called a ceasefire between the two a "waste of time". "We didn’t start the war with Iran. Iran started the war with us," he said during a rally in Corinth, Mississippi. The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said it intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched by Houthi forces towards Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region and another four drones launched towards the kingdom's southern region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied on Monday reports circulating in Israeli media regarding firing the Israeli military chief, Eyal Zamir. "Another piece of fake news on panic channels 12 and 13 on the eve of the elections: I have no intention of firing the Chief of Staff, and we will continue working together for Israel's security," Netanyahu said in a post on X.
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US issues security alert for Americans in Saudi Arabia

middleeasteye.netUS issues security alert for Americans in Saudi ArabiaUS issues security alert for Americans in Saudi Arabia The US Embassy in Riyadh indicated that nonemergency government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia, citing safety risks. "Effective October 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks," it said in a post on X.  The post added that US  government employees working in the kingdom require special authorisation from Chief of Mission to use any airport in the country, following attacks on airports.  "U.S. citizens should be aware of potential attacks on airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions.  Please take extreme caution if you choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia." Security Alert: U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia (October 27, 2026) Effective October 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks. Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization from Chief of Mission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia following recent missile and UAV attacks on airports in the Kingdom. - King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh announced a partial reopening as of October 23 for domestic flights and some international flights operated by national carriers. A limited number of flights normally based at RUH are operating out of Qassim-based Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ). - Operations at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED) are operational with some delays and cancellations. - Operations at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam (DMM) are operational with some delays and cancellations. U.S. citizens should be aware of potential attacks on airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions. Please take extreme caution if you choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia. We recommend checking your flight departure status directly with the airline and with the airport. Read more: https://t.co/pzUJFbwnh1 — U.S. Embassy Riyadh (@USAinKSA) October 27, 2026
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UN chief warns of a growing threat of ethnic cleansing in West Bank

middleeasteye.netUN chief warns of a growing threat of ethnic cleansing in West BankUN chief warns of a growing threat of ethnic cleansing in West Bank United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said on Monday that he is "deeply alarmed" over Israeli settler expansion and ongoing violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. He warned about the risk of ethnic cleansing, saying "We are seeing an increasingly coercive environment with the spectre of ethnic cleansing looming ever larger." United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said on Monday that he is “deeply alarmed” over Israeli settler expansion and ongoing violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, warning about the risk of ethnic cleansing. https://t.co/DR1NsxHKh1 — Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) October 27, 2026
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Trump claims Iran ‘started' war with US

middleeasteye.netTrump claims Iran 'started' war with USTrump claims Iran ‘started' war with US US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran was responsible for starting the conflict and called a ceasefire between the two a "waste of time". "We didn’t start the war with Iran. Iran started the war with us," he said during a rally in Corinth, Mississippi. When talking about the ceasefire between Washingtom and Tehran, Trump said: "We did a little ce'asefire, which I never liked very much,” he said. “We wanna be nice, but it was just a waste of time as far as I’m concerned." The American president also claimed that Iran has missile capabilities that allow it to target Europe and the US. "They’d hit San Diego, they’d hit Los Angeles, they’d hit our cities too," he added.
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Le « pacte de La Mecque », une ambition avant tout diplomatique

orientxxi.infoLe « pacte de La Mecque », une ambition avant tout diplomatiqueLa visite des ministres des affaires étrangères de la Turquie, de l'Arabie saoudite et du Pakistan à Téhéran le 26 octobre illustre la stratégie que dessine le «   pacte de La Mecque   ». Ankara, Riyad et Islamabad cherchent à éviter une escalade militaire dans le Golfe et à dessiner une autre voie entre Israël et l'Iran. Pour cela, ils misent avant tout sur la diplomatie. Le «   pacte de La Mecque   », signé le 7 août 2026 entre l'Arabie saoudite, la Turquie et le Pakistan, a pour objectif affiché de renforcer la sécurité collective des trois pays par la mise en place d'un accord de défense mutuelle. Bien que l'on déclare qu'une attaque contre l'un des signataires sera considérée comme une agression visant les trois nations, les protocoles opérationnels et les règles d'intervention restent à clarifier. De nombreux analystes soulignent le caractère confessionnel de cet accord, étant donné que les trois pays impliqués sont sunnites. Ils concluent hâtivement que la volonté de se protéger contre l'Iran chiite en constitue le fondement, ce qui est une erreur de perspective. La véritable raison de leur rapprochement réside plutôt dans leur méfiance commune à l'égard de la politique d'Israël. Pour diverses raisons, chacun des pays considère qu'Israël est devenu le principal facteur de déstabilisation régionale . Les déclarations répétées du premier ministre israélien Benyamin Nétanyahou vantant le fait d'être «   en guerre sur sept fronts   » et présentant Israël comme une «   nouvelle Sparte   » suscitent effectivement des inquiétudes dans la région. Ainsi, c'est bien dans l'agressivité israélienne et dans son arrogance qu'il faut chercher les motivations derrière la signature de ce pacte tripartite. Les trois États en question sont tous des alliés déclarés des États-Unis. Pourtant, malgré des tensions passagères, Washington continue de soutenir Israël de manière quasi inconditionnelle. En ce sens, le «   pacte de La Mecque   » semble en contradiction avec les intérêts états-uniens. Cependant, au-delà de ces considérations conjoncturelles, il révèle des tendances géopolitiques régionales et internationales en cours. Désoccidentalisation en cours Les pays du Sud refusent désormais de se plier aux demandes ou aux souhaits de leurs partenaires occidentaux, en particulier des États-Unis. Bien que les pays du Nord conservent une certaine puissance, ils n'en détiennent plus le monopole, ce qui constitue un facteur majeur dans les relations internationales. Néanmoins, il convient de ne pas se méprendre sur la portée de ce processus. D'une part, les États du Sud sont variés et n'entendent pas créer une alternative au système dominant, mais plutôt négocier la meilleure place possible à l'intérieur de celui-ci. D'autre part, cette autonomisation ne signifie pas nécessairement une rupture. Ainsi, la Turquie peut prendre des initiatives contraires aux intérêts de ses partenaires et alliés — comme l'achat des S-400 à la Russie, qui, bien que déployés sur le sol turc en juillet 2019, n'ont jamais été activés. Cela dit, la Turquie demeure un pilier de l'Organisation du traité de l'Atlantique Nord (OTAN) et a reçu les dirigeants de l'organisation, notamment le président états-unien Donald Trump, lors de son dernier sommet en juillet 2026. Par ailleurs, la Turquie bénéficie du statut de partenaire de dialogue au sein de l'Organisation de coopération de Shanghai et entretient des relations étroites avec les BRICS+ 1 , bien qu'elle n'en soit pas membre pour l'instant. Une assurance contre la dépendance Ces politiques offrent aux pays concernés la garantie de ne pas dépendre entièrement de puissances censées être tutrices. Depuis plusieurs années, l'Arabie saoudite, également alliée fidèle des États-Unis, prend la mesure des limites des garanties de sécurité que Washington prétend lui fournir. Depuis la guerre israélo-états-unienne engagée contre l'Iran le 28 février 2026, le royaume saoudien, à l'instar de la plupart des autres monarchies de la péninsule arabique, estime que sa proximité avec les États-Unis n'est plus une protection , mais pourrait, au contraire, l'exposer. Cette évolution géopolitique est d'une ampleur telle que ses conséquences ne sont pas encore entièrement mesurées. Cette prise de distance ne concerne pas seulement le domaine militaire : on se rappelle le refus de Mohammed Ben Salman d'accéder à la demande de l'ancien président états-unien Joe Biden, en juillet 2022, lorsque ce dernier cherchait à obtenir une augmentation de la production pétrolière saoudienne pour faire face aux premiers effets néfastes de la guerre en Ukraine sur les prix du pétrole. La situation s'est même aggravée pour Washington lorsqu'un accord a été signé en octobre 2022 entre l'Arabie saoudite et la Russie dans le cadre de l'OPEP+ 2 , visant à réduire leur production pétrolière. Le Pakistan, quant à lui, entretient depuis longtemps une relation ambivalente avec les États-Unis. Ses relations oscillent entre des périodes de coopération et de tensions. Les conflits répétés avec l'Inde constituent bien sûr une source de préoccupations, mais c'est probablement la relation entre Islamabad et Pékin qui pose le plus de problèmes. Néanmoins, les relations avec Washington semblent actuellement plus apaisées. Il ne s'agit pas d'anticiper une rupture imminente entre ces trois pays et les États-Unis, mais plutôt d'observer les manifestations concrètes de la politique de multi-alignement — à la façon indienne — ou de non-alignement actif — à la manière latino-américaine — qui se dessinent et qui garantissent aux pays concernés de ne pas dépendre entièrement de puissances prétendument tutélaires. Une complémentarité tangible Il est instructif d'examiner les synergies militaires potentielles entre les trois signataires du «   pacte de La Mecque   ». Chacun d'eux possède des atouts qui peuvent renforcer ceux des autres. Malgré certaines difficultés conjoncturelles, l'Arabie saoudite bénéficie d'une puissance économique et financière capable de financer des acquisitions, des exercices et des programmes industriels militaires. La Turquie se distingue par son expertise dans la construction de drones et de navires, ainsi que dans le développement de munitions guidées. Elle dispose aussi d'une expérience dans le déploiement opérationnel de troupes. Enfin, le Pakistan possède une industrie de défense en développement, en particulier dans le domaine balistiques, ainsi qu'une capacité à déployer des troupes et la maîtrise de l'armement nucléaire . De plus, il est raisonnable de dire que l'ère des alliances assorties de strictes conditions en matière de droits et de devoirs est désormais révolue. L'OTAN apparaît même comme une relique anachronique de l'Histoire. La guerre entre les houthistes et l'Arabie saoudite met en lumière les limites du «   pacte de La Mecque   ». Certes, on peut reconnaître que les termes de ce pacte viennent à peine d'être établis et que leur mise en œuvre opérationnelle nécessite un temps d'adaptation. Cela dit, il reste à déterminer si l'engagement du Pakistan et de la Turquie à défendre les intérêts saoudiens se traduira par une intervention militaire directe ou par une participation à des opérations de combat. La réunion du 5 octobre 2026 à La Mecque rend cette perspective peu probable, chacun étant conscient de la volatilité de la situation régionale et des risques d'un enlisement. À ce stade, le Pakistan et la Turquie privilégieent l'activation des voies diplomatiques et envisagent le déploiement de troupes comme étant uniquement défensif. Une autre question soulevée concerne la possibilité de l'adhésion d'autres États au «   pacte de La Mecque   ». Le Qatar et l'Égypte sont souvent mentionnés, mais cela semble peu probable à court terme. Doha préfère poursuivre une politique nationale indépendante qui lui a jusqu'à présent été bénéfique pour sa reconnaissance internationale. De son côté, l'Égypte dépend trop de l'aide financière et militaire des États-Unis pour envisager une certaine autonomie. Ainsi, bien que ce «   pacte de La Mecque   » revête une importance politique et géopolitique incontestée, son rôle aujourd'hui est avant tout diplomatique. 1 NDLR. Les BRICS+ regroupent le Brésil, la Russie, l'Inde, la Chine, l'Afrique du Sud, l'Iran, l'Égypte, les Émirats arabes unis, l'Indonésie et l'Éthiopie. Ils représentent près de la moitié de la population de la planète et 35   % du produit intérieur brut mondial. 2 NDLR. L'«   OPEP+   » désigne un groupe de 22 pays producteurs de pétrole. Il est composé des 12 pays membres de l'OPEP (Organisation des pays exportateurs de pétrole) et de 10 autres producteurs, dont la Russie.
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Iran says meeting with Mecca pact states will mark beginning of 'real transformation'

middleeasteye.netIran says meeting with Mecca pact states will mark beginning of 'real transformation'Iran says meeting with Mecca pact states will mark beginning of 'real transformation' Senior officials from the Mecca Defence Alliance met Iranian leaders in Tehran on Monday, with Iran’s top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, saying the talks showed US threats had little impact on regional diplomacy and would mark the start of a “real transformation”. Members of the alliance, which includes Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, gathered in Tehran to negotiate as regional powers strive to end the Israeli-US war against Iran and establish a security framework independent of Washington. The talks come as the conflict continues to threaten the region and the global economy, amid mounting fears of renewed Israeli-US attacks. Senior officials from the Mecca Defence Alliance met Iranian leaders in Tehran on Monday, with Iran’s top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, saying the talks showed US threats had little impact on regional diplomacy and would mark the start of a “real transformation”. https://t.co/PDCTcShWyu — Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) October 27, 2026
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Air defences destroy four Houthi drones targeting Saudi Arabia's southern region, Saudi-coalition says

middleeasteye.netAir defences destroy four Houthi drones targeting Saudi Arabia's southern region, Saudi-coalition saysAir defences destroy four Houthi drones targeting Saudi Arabia's southern region, Saudi-coalition says The Saudi-led coalition said that air defences intercepted and destroyed four drones launched by the Houthis towards southern Saudi Arabia.
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'Shithouse countries': Trump has pledged not to use such language again, adviser says

middleeasteye.net'Shithouse countries': Trump has pledged not to use such language again, adviser says'Shithouse countries': Trump has pledged not to use such language again, adviser says After US President Donald Trump called a number of Arab nations "shithouse countries" on Saturday, his newly minted adviser on Arab-American affairs said the US president has since promised he wouldn't do it again.  "Libya, Yemen, Haiti, Somalia. Remember what I called them? Shithouse countries," Trump told a crowd of supporters at a rally in Perry, Georgia, where he is drumming up support for Republican candidates ahead of the 3 November midterm elections. He added that the countries are "terror-infested". "Why do we always have to take people from shithouse countries? Why can't we take people from like, well, Norway, Sweden? Why not Denmark?" Amer Ghalib, his Yemeni-born adviser, wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday that he "contacted the president via text message" to express his "dismay and rejection of those remarks". He said he later met with the president ahead of his rally in Port Huron, Michigan, on Sunday, and "reiterated my request". "He expressed understanding of the situation and pledged to address the issue and ensure it does not recur," Ghalib added.  Read more:  'Shithouse countries': Trump has pledged not to use such language again, adviser says
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Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted Houthi missiles launched towards Eastern Region

middleeasteye.netSaudi-led coalition says it intercepted Houthi missiles launched towards Eastern RegionSaudi-led coalition says it intercepted Houthi missiles launched towards Eastern Region The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said it intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched by Houthi forces towards Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region early on Tuesday. Earlier, the Saudi Civil Defense issued warning alerts for a potential hostile threat in the Eastern Region and in Kharj governorate, before later indicating that the danger had passed in both areas.
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Watch: Israeli forces detain and assault Palestinian in occupied West Bank town of Sinjil

middleeasteye.netWatch: Israeli forces detain and assault Palestinian in occupied West Bank town of SinjilWatch: Israeli forces detain and assault Palestinian in occupied West Bank town of Sinjil Footage shows Israeli forces detaining and assaulting a young Palestinian in the town of Sinjil, north of Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. Footage shows Israeli occupation forces detaining and assaulting a young Palestinian man in the town of Sinjil, north of Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. https://t.co/S1tSQrPkdO — Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) October 26, 2026
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Leak ties Trump-pardoned narco ex-president to US destabilisation plot against Mexico

yacnews.comLeak ties Trump-pardoned narco ex-president to US destabilisation plot against MexicoJust 60 days after Trump pardoned him, convicted Honduran narco ex-president Juan Orlando Hernández was recorded discussing a covert US-based operation targeting Mexico, Colombia and Honduras, with support from Republicans linked to Trump's team and funding from Honduran officials.
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Israeli settlers burn Palestinian's car near Nablus, local sources say

middleeasteye.netIsraeli settlers burn Palestinian's car near Nablus, local sources sayIsraeli settlers burn Palestinian's car near Nablus, local sources say Israeli settlers burned a Palestinian man's car near the town of Awarta south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, local sources said. The attack came as Israeli forces raided other towns in the Occupied Territories, including the town of Arraba, southwest of Jenin.
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Mexico prosecutes former Chihuahua attorney general for treason after illegal CIA operations exposed following fatal drug raid

yacnews.comMexico prosecutes former Chihuahua attorney general for treason after illegal CIA operations exposed following fatal drug raidMexican prosecutors have charged Chihuahua’s former attorney general with treason after two CIA employees died during an unauthorised drug raid. Evidence points to months of covert US intelligence operations conducted without Mexico’s federal approval.
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‘We left with heavy hearts’: Israel’s assault displaces thousands in Hebron

middleeasteye.net‘We left with heavy hearts’: Israel’s assault displaces thousands in Hebron‘We left with heavy hearts’: Israel’s assault displaces thousands in Hebron Less than two weeks before her wedding, Mayar Amrish sat with her family in the spacious courtyard of their home, making plans for the big day. The 23-year-old  Palestinian  was preparing for her future, but within hours, her family home would be reduced to rubble. Outside the house in Farsh al-Hawa, in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron,  Israeli  forces were launching a sweeping demolition and forced displacement campaign. The assault, condemned as  collective punishment  against Palestinians, followed a shooting on Friday in which two Palestinians killed two Israeli soldiers. Israel imposed a total lockdown on the city and launched a wide-ranging military assault involving home raids, arrests, demolitions and the forced displacement of thousands of people. Read more: ‘We left with heavy hearts’: Israel’s assault displaces thousands in Hebron
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Netanyahu denies reports he will fire chief of staff

middleeasteye.netNetanyahu denies reports he will fire chief of staffNetanyahu denies reports he will fire chief of staff Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied on Monday reports circulating in Israeli media regarding firing the Israeli military chief, Eyal Zamir. "Another piece of fake news on panic channels 12 and 13 on the eve of the elections: I have no intention of firing the Chief of Staff, and we will continue working together for Israel's security," Netanyahu said in a post on X. "I do intend to permanently remove the Iranian nuclear threat. I will do so together with my friend President Trump," he added.
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ICE seeks $2.8 billion contract extension as concentration camp faces homicide investigation and abuse allegations

yacnews.comICE seeks $2.8 billion contract extension as concentration camp faces homicide investigation and abuse allegationsThree detainees have died at ICE’s Camp East Montana, one in a death ruled a homicide. Federal auditors found evidence missing or destroyed, while inspectors documented 52 violations. Despite these findings, ICE is pursuing a $2.8 billion no-bid contract extension through 2028.
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Israeli media: At Netanyahu's request, Israeli officials discussed preparations for striking Iran

middleeasteye.netIsraeli media: At Netanyahu's request, Israeli officials discussed preparations for striking IranIsraeli media: At Netanyahu's request, Israeli officials discussed preparations for striking Iran Israeli officials discussed carrying out actions in preparation for a strike on Iran at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request, Israeli media reported on Monday. Israeli military chief of staff Eyal Zamir led the opposition to proceeding with those actions, arguing that they could easily lead to miscalculations with Iran and prompt it to launch a preemptive strike.
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Iran's supreme leader: A strong Iran rests upon scientific power

middleeasteye.netIran's supreme leader: A strong Iran rests upon scientific powerIran's supreme leader: A strong Iran rests upon scientific power In a statement shared by Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency on Monday, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei emphasised the importance of scientific progress to Iran's strength. "The key to making Iran even stronger is the boundary-breaking work and problem-solving of the country's elites in scientific matters," Khamenei said in the statement addressed to Iranian elites and scientific and sporting medalists competing internationally. "The malice and crimes committed by the enemies of Islamic Iran against its scientists and elites demonstrate the effective role of elites in strengthening the country," Khamenei added, calling on officials to "provide necessary infrastructure" for a deep and rapid scientific leap. The statement was read at a ceremony honouring Iranian scientific and sports medalists, Tasnim reported.
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Exclusive: UK leans towards backing UAE's Lana Nusseibeh for UN secretary-general

middleeasteye.netExclusive: UK leans towards backing UAE's Lana Nusseibeh for UN secretary-generalExclusive: UK leans towards backing UAE's Lana Nusseibeh for UN secretary-general The  United Kingdom  is leaning towards backing  Emirati  diplomat Lana Nusseibeh as secretary-general of the United Nations, Middle East Eye can reveal. Nusseibeh's candidacy has drawn controversy over the United Arab Emirates' role in  Sudan ’s  civil war , where it is accused of supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, whose mass killings UN investigators say bear the “ hallmarks of genocide ”. The UAE denies the allegations.  Her candidacy has also drawn criticism over the UAE's close ties with  Israel .  Numerous sources close to the British government told Middle East Eye the UK - a permanent member of the UN - is leaning towards supporting Nusseibeh's candidacy for the role, although a final decision has not yet been made. MEE has approached the British Foreign Office for comment but has not received a reply by the time of publication. Read More: Exclusive: UK leans towards backing UAE's Lana Nusseibeh for UN secretary-general
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Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey to cooperate on regional security

middleeasteye.netIran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey to cooperate on regional securityIran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey to cooperate on regional security Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey agreed to continue dialogue to strengthen cooperation after their quadrilateral meeting on Monday in Tehran, according to a joint statement. The meeting, which focused on "peace and security in the region," was hosted by Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei and attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as well as Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, Pakistani army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Turkey's intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.