Middle East
UN estimates damage from Turkey earthquake will exceed $100 billion
March 8, 2023 — Figure far in excess of World Bank’s $34 billion estimate; 7.8 magnitude quake in Turkish-Syrian border area last month claimed more than 50,000 lives
Syria says Aleppo airport damaged in Israeli strike
March 7, 2023 — Citing a military source, the state news agency SANA reports material Aleppo airport put out of service but does not mention casualties; airport used to receive aid for victims of recent deadly earthquake
Israeli FM and UAE ambassador to sign customs agreement
March 2, 2023 — Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and United Arab Emirates Ambassador Mohamed Al Khaja are set to sign a customs agreement on Sunday, March 5, 2023, which will lower tariffs on approximately 96% of products.
Revised toll shows over 50,000 killed in Turkey, Syria earthquake
March 1, 2023 — AFP reports figures from government and rebel-held Syrian areas show 5,951 people were killed, while Turkey recorded 44,374 deaths after February 6 disaster
Hezbollah-backed terrorists form ‘dozens of cells’ on Syrian border
February 28, 2023 — Operatives are continuously gathering pre-attack intelligence on Israel, the Alma Center says.
First Israeli commercial flights enter Omani airspace, shortening trips to Far East
February 27, 2023 — El Al planes cross Gulf sultanate’s territory en route to Thailand, days after country opened up for overflights from all countries, shaving some 2.5 hours off flight time
UAE, Israel unveil joint naval vessel as military ties grow
February 23, 2023 — Unmanned watercraft equipped with advanced sensors and imaging systems fit for surveillance, reconnaissance and detecting mines and aimed at fending off Iran-backed drone and missile attacks on busy Gulf shipping lanes
Following Saudis, Oman finally opens airspace to all countries, including Israel
February 23, 2023 — Gulf sultanate, traditionally a mediator between Iran and the West, makes move that will cut hours off travel to Far East, but does not indicate impending treaty with Jerusalem
UAE, Israel unveil joint naval vessel as military ties grow
February 22, 2023 — Unmanned watercraft equipped with advanced sensors and imaging systems fit for surveillance, reconnaissance and detecting mines and aimed at fending off Iran-backed drone and missile attacks on busy Gulf shipping lanes
Magnitude 4.4 earthquake hits off Lebanon, felt in Israel
February 22, 2023 — European Mediterranean Seismological Center reports the tremor originated offshore 18 kilometers below the sea; shock felt in northern and central Israel
Lebanon is getting closer to gas drilling
February 21, 2023 — Last week a research vessel leased by the French company Total sailed in Block 9 and took samples from the seabed.
First Arab-Africa-Israel security conference to be held in Jerusalem
February 21, 2023 — “The first ever Arab-Africa-Israel policy summit in Jerusalem is particularly important when Iran and its Hezbollah terror proxy are subverting states across the region,” said Dan Diker, president of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.
