Middle East News Live: Israeli teens face military draft with determination to fight and less optimism for peace

Israeli teenagers whose high school years have been defined by the war that began with the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack are now facing the mandatory military draft with a strong resolve to fight and diminished optimism about peace, The Washington Post says in a report. This generation's outlook has been shaped by the ongoing conflict and broader regional instability. According to the report, discussions within their high schools about the humanitarian toll of the war in Gaza are rare.

A scheduled impeachment vote for Israeli Member of Knesset (MK) Ayman Odeh is unlikely to secure the required majority after the haredi party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) announced its intention to abstain, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. The withdrawal of UTJ's support makes it improbable that the motion will achieve the supermajority needed to remove a sitting MK.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has strongly denied an allegation made by media personality Tucker Carlson suggesting that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was an agent for Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency, The Jerusalem Post says in a report. Bennett labeled the claim "categorically false" in a public statement. In response to the denial, Carlson extended an invitation to Bennett for an interview to discuss the matter further. The allegation, which taps into conspiracy theories, was swiftly countered by the former Israeli leader.

Israeli security forces killed a Hamas member in his Gaza home, where he was reportedly holding hostage Emily Damari, as per a report in The Jerusalem Post. The individual was identified as belonging to the Al-Furqan Battalions' military intelligence and had infiltrated Israel during the attacks on October 7, 2023.

The government of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is offering a subsidy of Dh66,000 per trip to encourage airlines to restart direct flight services between Indore and Dubai, according to a report in Khaleej Times. This proposal comes nearly a year after Air India Express discontinued the route, which had originally launched in March 2023. The incentive aims to re-establish the crucial air link connecting the central Indian state with the key Middle Eastern hub.

Archaeologists in Jordan have discovered the ancient settlement of Tharais, identified as a Christian community from the Byzantine period, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. The site's unearthing confirms the location of the historically referenced settlement within the territory of modern-day Jordan, a region that was part of the Eastern Roman Empire.

An Iraqi village that was submerged for decades has reappeared due to declining water levels in the Mosul Dam lake, according to a report in AP. The re-emergence of the settlement, located in the reservoir of Iraq's largest dam, is a direct result of a significant drop in water levels. The event, reported on July 14, 2025, highlights the severe water scarcity impacting the country.

Israel's High Court of Justice has issued a ruling requiring the Chief Rabbinate to allow women to sit for its official rabbinic ordination exams, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. The decision concerns state-recognized certifications that are required for official rabbinic positions, which have historically been reserved exclusively for men. The ruling directs the state-funded religious authority to change its examination procedures to permit female candidates.

Knesset members from the Degel Hatorah party, part of the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) faction, have announced they will withdraw from Israel's government and ruling coalition over the ongoing legislative debate on military conscription for yeshiva students, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. The move introduces significant instability for the government, while the separate Sephardic Haredi party, Shas, has not yet stated if it will also exit the coalition.

The head of the Iran Red Crescent Society has accused Israel of deliberately attacking rescue workers, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. Iran's official news agency, INRA, quoted the official, Kolivand, as stating that the alleged attacks on the workers were "fully intentional and not random."

Three UAE citizens, all members of the same family, were killed in a tragic car accident in Oman, Khaleej Times said in a report. The family was traveling to Salalah for a summer vacation when the fatal crash occurred, just 12 hours after they had departed from the UAE. A baby from the family survived the incident and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

A protest took place in Athens, Greece, where demonstrators rallied against the unloading of a shipment they allege contains steel destined for the Israeli military, Al Jazeera says in a report. The protesters gathered to prevent the cargo from being processed, framing the shipment as containing "tools of killing" amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This action is part of a wider pattern of global demonstrations targeting supply chains perceived to be supporting Israel's military operations.

During a solidarity visit to Taybeh, the last entirely Christian Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank, top church leaders have accused Israeli authorities of enabling recent settler violence, AP says in a report. Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III and Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa specifically denounced an incident from the previous week where settlers allegedly set fires near the community's church. The leaders asserted that Israeli authorities "facilitate and enable" the presence of settlers, whose attacks they said have intensified in recent weeks.

Saudi Arabia's Diriyah development has awarded a $600 million contract to Salini Saudi Arabia for the construction of a major retail hub, according to a report in Arabian Business. The contract involves building 73 Najdi-style buildings across a 365,000 square meter area as part of the flagship Diriyah Square development. This latest award brings the total value of contracts for the giga-project to a milestone of $26 billion.

Following a successful pilot program for real estate tokenization, Dubai's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) is now planning to launch new pilots for tokenized gold and Decentralized Finance (DeFi), according to a report in Arabian Business. The move signals Dubai's expanding ambition in the digital asset sector. The CEO of VARA also confirmed that more than 400 virtual asset-related entities are now registered and operating within the emirate's regulatory framework.

Dubai is undertaking a significant greening initiative by planting more than 300,000 trees across the city, as per a report in Gulf News. The project, managed by Dubai Municipality, has a budget of Dh190 million, which is equivalent to approximately $51.7 million USD. This effort is part of the city's strategy to enhance its urban environment and increase green spaces.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met with the top graduates of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) at Union House in Dubai on Monday, according to a report in Gulf Today. He congratulated the graduates on their achievements and commended their academic dedication. Sheikh Mohammed stated that the university is a platform for graduating future leaders in medicine and scientific research, which aligns with the UAE's vision to be a global hub for knowledge and advanced healthcare.

Saudi Arabia's real estate market experienced significant growth in the second quarter of 2025, driven by a strengthening non-oil economy that boosted multiple sectors, according to a report in Arabian Business. In Riyadh, Grade A office spaces are reportedly nearing full occupancy. The residential market saw a surge in property deals, while the hospitality sector recorded a substantial 48 percent increase in international visitors to the kingdom.

The Lebanese Army has issued a formal denial of recent reports alleging militant infiltration into the Bekaa Valley and a withdrawal of its troops from the region, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The army's statement refutes claims that have circulated regarding a deteriorating security situation in the strategic eastern Lebanese region, which borders Syria. The denial aims to counter rumors of instability and reaffirm the military's control over the area.

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) raised a total of $3.4 billion during the first half of 2025, according to a report in Arabian Business. Saudi Arabia dominated the region's capital markets, accounting for 85% of the total proceeds raised from new listings. In contrast, IPO proceeds in the UAE experienced a sharp 88% plunge during the same period. Oman's market showed positive activity with a strong stock market debut from Asyad Shipping.

His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, has approved a Dhs335 million housing support allocation for 431 families with critical needs, Gulf Today said in a report. Khalid Bin Butti Al Muhairi, Chairman of Sharjah's Department of Housing, stated the aid targets families in various difficult situations, including 133 in rented homes, 201 in overcrowded conditions with relatives, 61 living in housing for heirs, and 36 in old or structurally unsound properties. The beneficiaries will be granted ready-made government housing as part of the initiative.

The United Arab Emirates has announced an infrastructure project to expand the Emirates Road (E611), a key arterial highway, at an estimated cost of AED 750 million ($205 million), according to a report in Arabian Business. Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2025 and is expected to be completed over a two-year period.

An investigation by Israeli outlets 972 Magazine and Local Call has found that the Israeli military is using weaponized commercial drones to kill civilians in Gaza, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The joint probe alleges that the drones are being used as a method to 'teach Palestinians 'through blood' not to return to their homes. This report from the independent Israeli journalism outlets highlights the adaptation of readily available technology for lethal military purposes against the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.

Authorities in Dubai have confiscated more than 3.5 million illegal items, with an estimated value of Dh133 million, following a significant raid, Gulf News said in a report. The operation, described as a 'tax raid,' targeted the trade of illicit goods and the evasion of customs duties, excise taxes, and Value Added Tax (VAT). This seizure is part of the UAE's ongoing efforts to enforce regulations, combat financial crime, and secure its markets against counterfeit and smuggled products.

Residents in Gaza are burning plastic to create makeshift fuel due to extreme shortages caused by the long-standing Israeli-led blockade, Al Jazeera says in a report. This desperate measure, a response to the severe restriction of essential goods, releases toxic fumes that pose serious health risks to the population and cause significant environmental damage. The situation highlights a deepening humanitarian crisis where the lack of conventional fuel impacts all aspects of life, forcing people to adopt dangerous alternatives for basic needs.

A man in Saudi Arabia received a fine for wearing a 'night thobe' in public, an act deemed a violation of the country's public decency laws, Gulf News said in a report. The garment is a version of the traditional thobe designed for sleeping or lounging at home and is considered inappropriate for public appearance. The enforcement action highlights the continued application of regulations governing public attire, which are maintained alongside the Kingdom's broader social reforms under its Vision 2030 plan.

The Kuwaiti government has initiated a review of the legal status of foreign wives of its citizens, examining existing policies on residency, access to social benefits, and the path to potential naturalization, according to a report in Gulf News. This move is reportedly part of broader national strategies aimed at managing the country's demographic composition and rationalizing public spending. Under Kuwait's patrilineal nationality law, marriage to a Kuwaiti man does not grant automatic citizenship to a foreign spouse; naturalization is a discretionary process that can be applied for only after a significant residency period, typically 15 years.

A new infrastructure project is set to introduce as many as 70 kilometers of new traffic lanes to address growing urbanization and improve daily commutes, according to a report in Gulf News. This development is part of a broader state-led strategy in the Middle East aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and supporting national economic diversification goals by enhancing the region's infrastructure.

An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a potential indictment over a leak of sensitive information related to Gaza, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The legal action is connected to what is being referred to as the 'Gaza Leak,' which pertains to the disclosure of information concerning the ongoing conflict and situation in the Gaza Strip. The specific details of the leaked material and the identity of the aide were not specified in the report.

Lebanon's central bank has contracted a US risk management advisory firm to enhance its efforts against illegal financial activity, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The agreement is aimed at tackling issues such as money laundering, corruption, and sanctions evasion within the country's beleaguered financial system. This development is a significant step for the central bank's new leadership, which is working to restore international credibility and meet reform conditions required for international aid, including a potential IMF bailout package, amid Lebanon's severe economic crisis.

The sustainable bond market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) reached $9.47 billion in the first half of 2025, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates driving the activity, according to a report in Arabian Business. Despite strong issuance from the two Gulf nations, the overall market volume was lower, a trend attributed to higher global interest rates making borrowing more expensive. A pause in bond deals from both Egypt and Qatar also contributed to the reduced total volume for the region.

Abu Dhabi Police have issued a public warning to parents about the growing cyber dangers facing children online, urging increased vigilance and monitoring of their digital activities, according to a report in Gulf News. The authorities highlighted threats such as online grooming, exploitation, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. Parents are advised to utilize parental control tools, educate their children about online safety, and foster open communication to help protect them from potential online predators and scams.

An explosion at a residential building in the Iranian city of Qom injured seven people and damaged four residential units, according to a report in Gulf Today. The director of Qom's fire department stated that initial assessments point to a gas leak as the cause of the incident. An unnamed Iranian source, quoted by the semi-official Fars news agency, explicitly denied the blast was the result of an Israeli attack and advised the public against believing rumors. The report notes that several explosions have occurred in Iran recently amid ongoing tensions with Israel.

Saudi Arabia's state-run Saudi Power Procurement Company has finalized Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) worth $8.3 billion to secure 15 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy, according to a report in Arabian Business. The agreements were signed with a consortium including ACWA Power, the Public Investment Fund's (PIF) subsidiary Badeel, and Saudi Aramco’s subsidiary, Aramco Power. This major procurement is a cornerstone of the kingdom's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify its economy and energy sources away from fossil fuels.

Indian expatriates in the United Arab Emirates are capitalizing on the depreciation of the Indian rupee by increasing their remittances home, as per a report in Gulf News. The drop in the rupee's value means that earnings in UAE dirhams convert to a higher amount in rupees, creating a favorable opportunity for sending money to India. This has led to a surge in expats cashing in on the advantageous exchange rate.

A recent surge in financial remittances from Pakistani expatriate workers in the UAE has provided a significant boost to Pakistan's dwindling foreign exchange reserves, as per a report in Gulf News. This influx of funds from individuals working abroad offers crucial short-term relief to the nation's economy, which has been contending with a severe balance of payments crisis. The increased reserves help strengthen the Pakistani rupee and enhance the country's capacity to finance essential imports and service its foreign debt obligations.

Passengers on a flight from Jaipur to Dubai experienced a nine-hour delay over the weekend, according to a report in Khaleej Times. The disruption on what is described as one of the region's busiest air corridors was attributed to a combination of recurring technical issues and increased holiday travel chaos. The incident highlights ongoing operational challenges affecting the aviation sector connecting India and the UAE.

Dubai has jumped five places to become the seventh most expensive city globally for high-net-worth individuals, as per a report in Arabian Business. The ranking comes from the new Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report for 2025, which notes the emirate's growing status as a major center for wealth.

The United States and Europe are significantly reducing global aid, a move that is creating a severe impact on Syria, according to a report in The Washington Post. The aid cuts come in the wake of the fall of the Syrian dictatorship, which occurred last year and ended a prolonged civil war. Despite the end of the conflict, millions of Syrians continue to live in a devastated nation without adequate relief, and the reduction in international assistance is exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Coastal and inland regions across the United Arab Emirates are bracing for extremely high temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs of 49°C, according to a report in Gulf News. The weather conditions highlight the significant heat affecting the country, which poses health risks and places strain on public infrastructure, particularly during the summer months.

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new regulation that restricts the validity of foreign driving licenses for use by residents to a one-year period, as per a report in Gulf News. After this initial year, expatriates and other long-term residents will be required to convert their foreign license to a Saudi one, a process that typically involves verification and may include driving tests and administrative fees. The policy is aimed at standardizing driving regulations, ensuring all long-term drivers comply with local traffic laws, and creating a more accurate government database of motorists. This change does not affect short-term visitors or tourists, who can continue to drive on international or national licenses under separate, shorter-term provisions. The move is seen as part of the kingdom's broader Vision 2030 reforms to enhance regulatory control.

A vote on the impeachment of Hadash-Ta’al chairman Ayman Odeh is scheduled to take place in the Israeli Knesset on Monday, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. The Haredi party United Torah Judaism (UTJ) has stated it will decide on its position in a party meeting, with its vote considered potentially decisive. Yair Lapid, head of the Yesh Atid party, commented that Odeh "clearly crossed a line."

Idit Ohel, the mother of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel, has publicly pleaded with the Israeli cabinet to secure her son's return from Hamas captivity, as per a report in The Jerusalem Post. Her appeal is based on a new medical report which states that Alon faces the complete loss of his vision if he does not receive immediate and critical medical treatment. This development intensifies the pressure from hostage families on the Israeli government to reach a deal for the release of those held in Gaza.

Israel's High Court of Justice has approved a compromise agreement between the government and Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara for the appointment of a new director for the Shin Bet security agency, as per a report in The Jerusalem Post. Under the terms of the court-sanctioned deal, the incoming director is explicitly barred from any involvement in the “Qatargate” investigation. This restriction will remain in effect until the Attorney-General resolves the matter, which was put in place to address potential conflicts of interest.

Israel's largest opposition party, Yesh Atid, led by Yair Lapid, has initiated the formal process to dissolve the Knesset and trigger new elections, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. The centrist party must secure the support of at least 61 out of 120 Members of Knesset (MKs) for the motion to pass. If successful, the proposal will be filed with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, which would lead to the dissolution of the current government and a new election cycle.

The Israeli government is escalating efforts to dismiss Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, summoning her to a hearing with a ministerial committee on Monday, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. This development follows a decision by the High Court of Justice to reject a petition connected to the matter. Key ministers have reportedly called the situation "absurd," accusing the Attorney-General of acting as an opposition figure due to her legal challenges against the government's judicial overhaul agenda.

Reservists from the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) 810th 'Alpine' Brigade conducted a raid on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, uncovering former command posts used during the Assad regime's earlier control of the area, as per a report in The Jerusalem Post. During the operation, which was aimed at preventing potential weapons smuggling, the unit found more than three tons of leftover ammunition. The raid took place in the strategic Mount Hermon region, which straddles the border between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon.

Deadly clashes have erupted between Bedouin and Druze communities in a predominantly Druze city in Syria, leaving several people dead, according to a report in Al Jazeera. In response to the fighting, Syrian authorities have dispatched security forces to the area in an effort to de-escalate the violence and restore order. The intervention follows the outbreak of fighting between the two local groups in the southern Syrian region.

The UAE's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has outlined new requirements for the recognition of university degrees issued abroad, according to a report in Gulf Today. The ministry mandates that qualifications must be original, authentic, and from an institution accredited in its home country during the study period. Verification must now be conducted through one of the ministry's accredited partners, Quadra Bay or DataFlow, as embassy attestation alone is no longer considered sufficient proof. Applicants are required to submit original graduation certificates and official transcripts, with a research summary also needed for research-based postgraduate degrees.

The United Arab Emirates has issued a public safety advisory for motorists traveling to Oman, warning of hazardous driving conditions due to fog, Gulf News says in a report. The announcement highlights the routine nature of such warnings, reflecting the ongoing bilateral cooperation and ease of cross-border movement between the two neighboring countries. The advisory is a standard procedure aimed at ensuring the safety of travelers who frequently drive between the UAE and Oman.

The Abu Dhabi Primary Labour Court has ordered a company to pay an employee Dhs99,567 for approximately three months of unpaid wages, according to a report in Gulf Today. The case was referred to the court by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) after it could not resolve the dispute. The court ruled in the employee's favor, noting that while the company was represented at the hearing, it failed to provide any defense or evidence of payment, and the burden of proof to show wages were paid rests with the employer. The employee's total monthly salary under the fixed-term contract was Dhs29,000.

The "Handala," a boat operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Sicily, Italy, on Sunday carrying pro-Palestinian activists and humanitarian supplies with the goal of reaching Gaza, according to a report in Gulf Today. The vessel, loaded with medical supplies and food, aims to break Israel's blockade, which was tightened in March amid the ongoing war. This mission follows a similar attempt six weeks prior, when a vessel named the "Madleen" was intercepted by Israeli authorities. The war began after Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, and according to Gaza's health ministry, whose figures the UN considers reliable, Israeli military reprisals have killed at least 58,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians.