Top UN court rejects bid to force Germany to stop arming Israel – POLITICO

Western intelligence officials and diplomats told POLITICO they believed Nicaragua had filed the case against Germany at the U.N.’s top court at the behest of Moscow, speculating that Russia intended to undermine the ICJ’s authority by making it a venue for specious legal arguments. Germany has rejected Nicaragua’s claims, with Tania von Uslar-Gleichen, director of … Read more

Israel will invade Rafah — regardless of hostage deal – POLITICO

The families urged Netanyahu to “withstand the international pressure” to halt the war in Gaza, the statement published by the Prime Minister’s Office said. U.S. President Joe Biden has said an invasion of Rafah would be a “red line,” though Netanyahu vowed to defy that. Israel has carried out regular airstrikes on the city since … Read more

Moscow pressured Nicaragua to file genocide case against Germany, intel sources say  – POLITICO

Nicaragua has long been a champion of the Palestinian cause, but its move against Germany, with which it has traditionally enjoyed amicable ties, shocked many observers in Berlin and beyond. Just a week before Nicaragua brought the case against Germany on March 1, the German foreign ministry described the relationship between the two countries as … Read more

Europe needs to ‘wake up’ and face the Iran threat, says Israel’s president – POLITICO

As Israel faces criticism from its allies over the scale of its assault on Gaza, which has left much of the enclave in ruins amid preparations for an Israeli assault on Rafah, Herzog was clear that Tehran is the real enemy. In response to Iranian drone and missile attacks on Israel last weekend, the Israeli government … Read more

Israeli strikes on Rafah kill 13, as Gaza death toll surpasses 34,000 – POLITICO

The lastest strikes came within hours after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to provide Israel with $26.3 billion in assistance. The measure, which includes $9 billion in humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip, now goes back to the Senate, which about 10 weeks ago cleared legislation with nearly identical aid to Israel. … Read more

EU and US impose sanctions on extremist settlers over violence in West Bank – POLITICO

“Such acts by these organizations undermine the peace, security, and stability of the West Bank. We will continue to use our tools to hold those responsible accountable, ” he added. Following its announcement of sanctions, the Council of the EU said: “The listed individuals and entities are responsible for serious human rights abuses against Palestinians, … Read more

EU leaders meet as Israel weighs response to Iran attack — live updates – POLITICO

EU leaders are in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday for a Special European Council. What’s so special about it? Well, the leaders will (after a trip to see the king of the Belgians) spend Wednesday evening talking about developments in Ukraine and EU-Turkey relations. In the wake of Iran’s drone and missile attacks against Israel, … Read more

Iran has just strengthened Netanyahu’s hand – POLITICO

On the Lebanese front, the Israel Defense Forces struck deep in northeastern Lebanon on Sunday, hitting what it called a “significant weapons manufacturing site” belonging to Hezbollah. The Lebanese group fired an estimated 40 rockets at northern Israel during the Iranian attack, according to the IDF. There is growing pressure on Netanyahu from ultra-nationalists and far-right … Read more

After Iranian barrage, Palestinians brace for Israeli reaction – POLITICO

“There are some Palestinians who will say ‘Finally, someone has attacked Israel’ and hope that others will follow,” he added. “But some will be very concerned that the conflict between Israel and Iran overshadows the attack on the Gaza Strip and will provide renewed support for Israel.” Iran’s attack, a response to an Israeli strike … Read more

Iran’s attack on Israel is ‘wake-up call’ to fortify America’s allies – POLITICO

Exhorting international leaders to take “every effort” to “prevent a further escalation” of the fighting in the Middle East, the Ukrainian leader argued that “Iran’s actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia’s actions threaten a larger conflict.”  And then he brought his point home: “Words do not stop drones and do … Read more