Obama-Netanyahu summit: Yes to six-month limit for Iran dialogue, no to Palestinian state now
May 23, 2009, 3:01 PM (GMT+02:00)
Oabama-Netanyahu give and take
For the sake of warding off a surprise Israel attack on Iran, US president Barack Obama accepted a six-month deadline for testing Tehran by diplomacy - without pressing Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu to endorse a Palestinian state. Both gave ground in their first ice-breaking encounter.
Why did the White House need three days to explain that Obama would not launch a new Middle East initiative on June 4?
DEBKAfile's Exclusive Analysis below lifts a partial veil from the White House summit of Monday, May 18.
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Lebanon's election at center of US-Russian tug of war
DEBKAfile Special report
May 22, 2009, 2:56 PM (GMT+02:00)
US VP Biden and Lebanese president Suleiman in Beirut
Shortly after visiting US Vice President Joseph Biden stated in Beirut Friday, May 22, that his government would assess future aid to Lebanon according to the outcome of its June 7 general election, Moscow announced that foreign minister Sergei Lavrov would visit Damascus and Beirut on May 23-25.
DEBKAfile's Middle East sources report that Lavrov's trip is mean to convey that, unlike Washington, Moscow is well-connected on both sides of Lebanon's political spectrum.
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Israeli air force hits Hamas-Gaza hard amid Lebanon border tensions
DEBKAfile Special Report
May 20, 2009, 10:35 PM (GMT+02:00)
Israeli Air Force F-15 fighter-bombers
In response to twin Qassam missile attack on Sderot from Gaza Tuesday, May 19, the Israeli Air Force went into action early Wednesday against a range of Hamas positions in Rafah, Khan Younes, Zeitun and Tufah suburbs of Gaza city and, Deir Balakh. DEBKAfile's military sources report that several Sinai-Gaza smuggling tunnels, missile foundries and three Hamas command posts in Gaza City were struck in Israel's most extensive Gaza raid since its major offensive ended in January. The Palestinians reported casualties.
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