West Asia News Highlights, 31 July 2025: Slovenia becomes first EU country to ban all weapons trade with Israel

Slovenia has become the first European Union member state to announce a complete ban on all weapons trade with Israel, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza as the reason for its decision, according to a report in Israel National News. The move establishes a total embargo, making Slovenia the first EU country to take such a comprehensive step, as other member states have previously only suspended specific arms export licenses or shipments.

Israel is recalling most of its diplomatic staff from the United Arab Emirates following a sharpened travel warning from its National Security Council due to security tensions, as per a report in Israel National News. The decision was prompted by the council's heightened advisory for the UAE, which reflects increased security concerns in the region for Israeli personnel.

The 2025 edition of the Madinah Book Fair has officially begun in Saudi Arabia, drawing participation from over 300 publishing houses, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The event, held in the city of Madinah, serves as a significant cultural gathering for the region, bringing together authors, publishers, and readers.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its economic growth forecast for Saudi Arabia to 3.6% for 2025, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The revised outlook is linked to the perceived progress of the kingdom's Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, which aims to reduce reliance on oil. This increased confidence is attributed to the growth of the non-oil sector, which is being driven by significant investments from the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF) into various mega-projects and new industries.

Saudi Arabia's Economic and Development Affairs Council, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has reviewed the progress made in implementing the Vision 2030 strategic framework, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The council's meeting serves as a critical internal assessment of the comprehensive national plan, which is designed to diversify the Kingdom's economy, reduce its reliance on oil revenues, and pursue wide-ranging social and cultural reforms.

The foreign ministers for Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian Authority signed several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two sides, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The agreements, which are non-binding statements of intent, are intended to lay the groundwork for future collaboration on various issues.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun has made a public call for Hezbollah to disarm, a significant move given his long-standing political alliance with the group, Haaretz says in a report. This call for Hezbollah to give up its arms comes as Lebanon continues to face a severe economic crisis, persistent political deadlock, and international pressure to implement reforms. The disarmament of non-state actors is frequently presented by international donors as a precondition for significant financial aid to the country.

Hamas has stated its support for international efforts toward Palestinian statehood but has simultaneously rejected demands for its disarmament, according to a report in Israel National News. The group's position comes as world powers discuss post-war governance for Gaza, with proposals centered on a reformed Palestinian Authority taking control and the exclusion of Hamas from any future government. Hamas maintains its stance on armed resistance, complicating diplomatic efforts that often link the establishment of a Palestinian state with the group's demilitarization.

A report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) finds that Iran has increased the convictions and executions of its minority populations, including Iranian Jews, as per a report in the Times of Israel. The findings are presented in the context of events following the direct military exchanges between Iran and Israel in April 2024. According to the USCIRF report, Iran is also seeking to target Jewish individuals and institutions in Europe.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad has released a video showing Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski, as per a report in Haaretz. The militant group also claimed that it has lost contact with the specific cell responsible for holding him. According to the organization, the video was recorded two days prior to the alleged loss of communication with his captors.

In a significant departure from its typical public posture, the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) has openly called on Israel to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, Haaretz says in a report. The organization, a prominent pro-Israel body in Australia, stated it was "deeply troubled" by the humanitarian situation. This rare public appeal from a traditionally supportive group highlights the growing international and community pressure on Israel regarding aid access during the ongoing conflict.

Israeli military forces, specifically the Givati Brigade, are operating in the northeastern Gazan town of Beit Hanoun for what is reportedly the fifth time during the ongoing conflict, The Times of Israel said in a report. Officers involved in the operation stated their goal is to destroy the remaining Hamas battalion in the area, claiming it could be accomplished within a week. During the incursion, troops reportedly located a tunnel and killed a Hamas company commander.

The Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad has published video footage of Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski, according to a report in Israel National News. The group also claimed that the video was recorded before it lost contact with the captors who were holding him. The release of the footage provides a new sign of life for the hostage.

A non-governmental organization, the Hind Rajab Foundation, is collecting and using social media footage posted by Israeli soldiers to build evidence for war crimes investigations, Al Jazeera says in a report. This effort leverages open-source intelligence (OSINT) by analyzing soldiers' own video content to document alleged violations and seek accountability for actions taken during military operations in the region.

Israel has granted permission for a Palestinian individual to return to Ramallah in the West Bank after being stranded in the Gaza Strip since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023, according to a report in Haaretz. The individual's inability to travel was a result of the severe restrictions on movement between the two Palestinian territories imposed by Israel, which were heavily intensified following the conflict's outbreak. This case represents a rare instance of an individual being permitted to cross from Gaza to the West Bank under the current restrictions.

The family of Muhammad Zaher Ibrahim, a 16-year-old dual American-Palestinian citizen, is trying to secure his release from an Israeli prison where he has been held in pre-trial detention for more than five months, according to a report in The Guardian. Ibrahim was arrested at age 15 in February at his family’s home in the occupied West Bank and is accused of throwing rocks, a charge his family denies. Relatives report that he has since lost significant weight and developed a severe skin infection while being held in the Megiddo prison in Israel.

A coalition of over a dozen Western countries, led by the United States and the United Kingdom, issued a joint statement accusing Iranian intelligence services of targeting citizens on foreign soil, Fox News says in a report. The statement explicitly condemns alleged attempts by Iran to "kill, kidnap, and harass" individuals, including dissidents and journalists, as part of a campaign of transnational repression. This coordinated diplomatic action signals a unified front against what the signatory nations describe as state-sponsored plots originating from Tehran.

A downturn in the Saudi stock market is raising investor doubts about the viability of the kingdom's economic diversification strategy, according to a report in the Financial Times. Analysts suggest the slide reflects growing concerns over volatile oil prices and the significant level of state borrowing required to fund ambitious projects under the Vision 2030 plan. The recent underperformance of initial public offerings (IPOs), which have not replicated the success seen in 2023 and 2024, is being viewed as a key indicator of this waning market confidence.

The Israeli military has conducted a strike against what it claims is Hezbollah's largest precision missile site located in Lebanon, Israel National News said in a report. Israel's Defense Minister confirmed the strike on the facility, which the government designated as a major terror facility. The minister also stated that Israel would maintain pressure to prevent what was termed a resurgence of Hezbollah's capabilities.

Iran is deporting large numbers of Afghan nationals, sending them back to an Afghanistan that is grappling with a severe humanitarian and economic crisis, Foreign Policy says in a report. The deportations are driven by Iran's own significant economic pressures, which are compounded by international sanctions, as well as stated national security concerns. For the Afghan returnees, they face a dire situation with a lack of jobs, housing, and basic services in a country still under Taliban rule since the group's 2021 takeover. This influx of people is placing further strain on Afghanistan's already collapsing infrastructure and social support systems, exacerbating regional instability.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from the Givati Brigade have destroyed a tunnel located approximately five kilometers from the Ashkelon-Sderot railway line, Israel National News said in a report. The operation, part of a military campaign designated 'Operation Gideon’s Chariots', resulted in the elimination of a militant cell, according to the report. The tunnel was reportedly equipped with both weapons and living quarters.

An individual protesting the war in Gaza was assaulted during a rally held in support of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) draft refuseniks, as per a report in Haaretz. The incident occurred amid heightened internal polarization within Israel over the ongoing conflict. The rally was organized to support a movement of individuals who are refusing military service based on moral objections to the war.

The United States government has imposed sanctions on several Palestinian Authority officials, citing actions that allegedly undermine peace in the region, according to a report in Haaretz. The punitive measures target specific individuals within the PA, the governing body in parts of the West Bank. While the specific actions prompting the sanctions were not detailed, the U.S. typically uses the justification of 'undermining peace' to refer to a range of issues, including alleged incitement to violence or corruption.

Israeli reservist Roi Wasserstein has died by suicide following a continuous 300-day period of combat duty, according to a report in Haaretz. Wasserstein's death occurs amid the protracted Israel-Hamas war, which began in October 2023 and has led to an extensive and prolonged mobilization of the country's reserve forces. The incident highlights the significant mental health challenges facing soldiers and reservists engaged in the long-running conflict.

The U.S.-sanctioned Chinese technology company Huawei is actively recruiting Israeli cybersecurity experts, often referred to as 'hackers' for their advanced skills, according to a report in Haaretz. This recruitment effort is occurring despite extensive US sanctions designed to limit Huawei's access to global technology and talent. The move is part of the Chinese tech giant's strategy to secure top-tier professionals to advance its technological capabilities amidst its ongoing rivalry with the United States.

A court has sentenced Swedish citizen Osama Krayem to life in prison after finding him guilty of war crimes and terrorism, Israel National News says in a report. The conviction is linked to his involvement in the 2015 execution of captured Jordanian pilot Maaz al-Kasasbeh by the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria. Krayem, who traveled from Sweden to join the terrorist group, was found to have participated in the widely publicized killing, which was documented in an ISIS propaganda video.

A Palestinian man has died in the West Bank from smoke inhalation, Haaretz said in a report. The man was reportedly trying to extinguish a fire that was allegedly started by Israeli settlers.

Germany's top diplomat has called for talks on the recognition of a Palestinian state during a visit to Israel and the West Bank, according to a report in Haaretz. The call follows recent recognitions of a Palestinian state by several other Western countries, intensifying international diplomatic focus on the issue. The move is significant given Germany's historically strong alliance with Israel and its traditional position that statehood should be the outcome of a negotiated two-state solution.

Javad Zarif, the former Iranian foreign minister, has put forward a proposal for a new UN-endorsed forum dedicated to civil nuclear cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa, according to a report in The Guardian. The plan, co-authored with former Iranian ambassador to the UK Mohsen Baharvand, suggests sharing enriched uranium and the benefits of civil nuclear power as a way to end the threat of nuclear weapons in the region and solve the ongoing impasse over Iran’s nuclear program. The article notes that Zarif was until recently a close adviser to the current Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, adding weight to the proposal.

Israeli settlers gathered at the Gaza border on Wednesday demanding the re-establishment of settlements inside the territory, Al Jazeera said in a report. The demonstration comes amid the ongoing war and a debate over the future governance of Gaza. This call represents a potential reversal of Israel's 2005 disengagement, a past event where it unilaterally dismantled all settlements and withdrew its military from the area.

Twenty-three people were injured, with three in serious condition, after an amusement park ride broke apart in Taif, Saudi Arabia, according to a report in Israel National News. The incident, which occurred at Green Mountain Park, involved a large swinging pendulum ride that snapped in half at the peak of its arc. Video footage of the accident was circulated on social media, showing the moment the ride failed.

US President Donald Trump declared that the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza would cease upon the unconditional surrender of Hamas and the release of all hostages they are holding, Israel National News says in a report. In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump linked the resolution of the crisis directly to these two conditions being met by the militant group.

Israeli authorities have refused to return the body of a Palestinian killed by an Israeli settler in the occupied West Bank, according to a report in Haaretz. This action is consistent with a controversial, long-standing Israeli policy of withholding the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces or civilians. The incident occurs amid a period of escalating violence and a documented increase in attacks by settlers against Palestinians in the territory.

The wife of the nominee for the next chief of Israel's Shin Bet security agency has generated controversy with statements describing the ongoing war in Gaza as a "holy commandment" and calling the destruction of homes there a "Mitzvah," or a religious good deed, Haaretz said in a report. These comments, reported on July 30, have ignited a debate in Israel concerning the influence of religious-nationalist rhetoric on key state security institutions. The incident has also raised questions about the suitability of the nominee for the sensitive internal security role amid the current conflict.

The government of Israel has unveiled a $1.5 billion project to build an elevated, 48-kilometer upper level for the Route 6 highway in an effort to solve traffic jams, The Times of Israel said in a report. Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced the plan, which is expected to take five years to complete, stating it would bring the country's infrastructure to the standard of other advanced nations. However, the report notes that the proposal does not have universal approval among transportation experts.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to travel to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with the stated goals of strengthening bilateral relations and advancing diplomatic efforts for the release of hostages, according to a report in Israel National News. The visit will also focus on honoring the memory of the Holocaust. Herzog will be accompanied by a top Israeli economic delegation to promote enhanced trade and investment with the three European nations.

Israeli reservist Roi Wasserstein took his own life after serving for over 300 days in the military, Israel National News said in a report. He was serving in the 401st Brigade at the time of his death on Wednesday.

Ultra-Orthodox political parties have secured a victory in the United Kingdom's internal elections for delegates to the World Zionist Congress, Haaretz said in a report. This specific election is held among eligible Jewish citizens in the U.K. to select representatives for the global body. The World Zionist Congress, often referred to as the 'parliament of the Jewish people,' is the supreme legislative body of the World Zionist Organization and plays a key role in allocating significant funds for educational programs and projects in Israel, directly impacting the direction of global Zionism.

Saudi Arabia is intensifying its efforts to establish itself as a major global aviation and logistics hub, a key component of its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The strategy is being implemented through substantial investments in infrastructure, including the new King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, and the establishment of a new national carrier, Riyadh Air. To support this expansion, the Kingdom has placed significant aircraft orders with major manufacturers, including both Boeing and Airbus, signaling a direct move to compete with established regional hubs in the UAE and Qatar for international air traffic, tourism, and cargo.

Saudi Arabia's government has announced that the rules and procedures for foreign pilgrims undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage will remain unchanged, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This confirmation means that existing visa requirements and regulations will continue to be in effect, providing predictability for millions of Muslims planning the 'minor pilgrimage'. The decision to maintain stable policies is consistent with Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to increase visitor numbers and develop the religious tourism sector as part of its economic diversification efforts.

A woman in Israel, Sherihan Mishleb, is believed to have been murdered by a relative, The Times of Israel said in a report. Months before her death, Mishleb had filmed a video in which she stated she was in increasing danger and pleaded for help. Following the suspected murder, police have taken a number of her relatives into custody.

Green monkeys have been captured at a cement factory in the Israeli city of Ramle as part of what is described as an ongoing law enforcement crackdown, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. Israel's Nature and Parks Authority stated its belief that the monkeys were originally kept illegally as pets by private individuals who later released them when they became too difficult to manage.

A female Lieutenant-Colonel has officially assumed command of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) squadron in the Israeli Air Force (IAF), marking the first time a woman has held the role, as per a report in The Jerusalem Post. The appointment is part of a broader trend within the Israeli military to integrate women into a wider variety of combat and command positions. This development also highlights Israel's continued strategic reliance on advanced drone technology for its military operations in West Asia.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have issued 54,000 draft notices to all ultra-Orthodox men eligible for military conscription, a move that comes after a High Court of Justice ruling invalidated the legal framework for their exemption, Haaretz says in a report. This action follows a previous effort since July of last year, in which the army issued 24,000 notices but only a few hundred Haredi men reported for duty, highlighting the significant challenge of enforcing the new mandate.

The foreign minister representing Syria's new transitional government is set to conduct the first official visit to Moscow since the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This high-level diplomatic meeting follows the ouster of Assad in December 2024, which ended his family's long-standing rule. The visit is notable as Russia was the primary military and political supporter of the former Assad government, and this engagement indicates a pragmatic shift as Moscow begins to interact with the new Syrian authorities.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has denied responsibility after a hospital in Gaza reported that 48 people were killed near a humanitarian aid crossing, according to a report in Haaretz. The incident occurred on what was described as the 664th day of the ongoing conflict. The report highlights the conflicting accounts of the event, with Palestinian sources claiming significant casualties at a sensitive aid distribution point, while the Israeli military has disavowed its involvement.

The Israel Antiquities Authority has inaugurated a new exhibit, "Rising From the Ashes," which focuses on the aftermath of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, according to a report in Haaretz. The exhibit showcases the unique role archaeologists played in the forensic efforts to find and identify missing persons and human remains amid the destruction following the attack. This work utilized their specialized skills in sifting through complex debris, a contribution now being commemorated by the state institution.

A White House official has stated that US President Donald Trump will not support the recognition of a Palestinian state, Israel National News says in a report. The administration's position is based on the belief that such a move would serve as a reward for Hamas, which the US designates as a terrorist organization.

Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, has rebuked The New York Times, calling its correction concerning a story about a Gazan boy "too little, too late," as per a report in Israel National News. Leiter asserted that the newspaper's story had falsely implied Israel was responsible for starving the child. The ambassador also stated his belief that there is a "well-funded propaganda campaign" being conducted against Israel.

An Israeli military court has extended the detention of four Palestinians who were arrested after a fatal shooting by an Israeli settler in the West Bank, as per a report in Haaretz. The case is being processed through the IDF's military court system, which has jurisdiction over Palestinians in the territory. The arrests were made in the aftermath of the shooting incident.

In the last week, three more countries have stated their intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state, as per a report in The New York Times. This development follows the official recognition by European nations Spain, Ireland, and Norway in May 2024. The total number of United Nations member states that recognize Palestine now exceeds 140. This diplomatic recognition is a formal acknowledgment of Palestinian statehood, generally based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital, though final borders remain subject to future negotiations.

The US Senate has voted against a resolution introduced by Senator Sanders that sought to halt arms sales to Israel, as per a report in Israel National News. The measure failed to pass despite a reported 12 senators reversing their previous stances on similar issues. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) applauded the vote's outcome, highlighting it as important for Israel's security. This legislative action took place against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and related international pressure.

Israel and the United States have strongly criticized a plan by Canada to formally recognize a Palestinian state in September, as per a report in Haaretz. The move by the government of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney comes as he condemned the Israeli government for what he termed a "catastrophe" unfolding in Gaza. The US and Israeli position is one of opposition to unilateral recognition, maintaining that statehood should be the outcome of direct negotiations between the parties.

Leading ultra-Orthodox rabbis in Israel have reinforced their opposition to any military enlistment for Haredi men, vowing not to be deterred by "sanctions and decrees, punishments and arrests," according to a report in The Times of Israel. This renewed declaration, which includes a statement from a major rabbi declaring an "absolute prohibition against joining the army" for the Haredi community, comes as the IDF proceeds with issuing more draft orders. The development escalates the ongoing conflict between the religious leadership and state authorities, which follows recent High Court rulings that invalidated the legal framework for draft exemptions and ordered the government to begin conscripting Haredi men.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received two written messages from the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, concerning the bilateral relations between the two countries, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The messages, which focused on ways to support and enhance cooperation in various fields, were delivered by Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, during a reception in Riyadh. Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih was also in attendance at the reception.

Saudi Arabia has sent another convoy carrying relief and humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The aid is intended to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. Typically, such aid from international sources is delivered to Gaza through Egypt's Rafah crossing, a process that requires coordination with and approval from both Egyptian and Israeli authorities for entry and distribution.

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, announced that Germany could start airdropping humanitarian aid into Gaza as early as Wednesday, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The statement comes amid a severe humanitarian crisis in the region, where aid delivery through traditional land routes has proven insufficient. The potential German airdrops would follow similar initiatives already undertaken by other nations, including the United States, Jordan, and the UAE, which have been using this method as an alternative to overcome logistical and political hurdles in delivering aid.

An OPEC+ monitoring panel has emphasized the critical need for full compliance with agreed-upon oil production limits from all member countries, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The statement reinforces the alliance's strategy to manage global supply and support market stability. This call for discipline comes as the group navigates challenges including persistent overproduction by some members and fluctuating global oil demand influenced by economic outlooks and geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Democratic lawmakers are calling for the U.S. government to investigate the death of Sayfollah Kamel Musallet, a U.S. citizen from Tampa, who died while visiting family in the West Bank, The Washington Post said in a report. The demand for an investigation follows a statement from Palestinian authorities who allege that Israeli settlers are responsible for Musallet's death. This call for action puts pressure on the Trump administration to address the incident, which occurs amid ongoing concerns about violence in the region.

Kuwait has officially sanctioned Al-Qard al-Hassan, a financial institution identified as the financial arm of Hezbollah, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This action brings Kuwait in line with existing US and international sanctions targeting the organization's financial networks. Al-Qard al-Hassan operates largely outside of Lebanon's formal banking sector, providing financial services to Hezbollah's supporters. The sanction is consistent with a wider policy among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, many of which have designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and are actively working to counter its influence and financial operations in the region.

More than 30 Palestinians in the West Bank have launched a hunger strike as a form of protest against the ongoing war in Gaza, AP said in a report. The action is intended to denounce the conflict and its humanitarian consequences.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Western nations are using the country's nuclear program as a pretext for confrontation, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. Khamenei, who has ultimate authority over Iran's state policy, asserted that the West's fundamental issue is not with the nuclear program but with the existence of the Islamic Republic. The statement frames international concerns and pressure over Iran's nuclear activities as a politically motivated excuse for hostility, reinforcing Tehran's long-held position.