Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and opposition leader Yair Lapid announce a joint electoral list. The move aims to create the largest opposition bloc ahead of the upcoming national election.

Israel's Herzog refuses Netanyahu pardon bid, seeks mediated plea deal, NYT says.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has decided not to approve Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a pardon in his corruption case, opting to pursue mediation for a possible plea deal, the New York Times reported, citing two senior Israeli officials. Herzog views the situation as too politically sensitive for a simple decision and prefers a negotiated outcome to ease internal divisions.

Supporters of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas win a majority of races in municipal elections, election officials report. The results follow voting held across the territory on Sunday.

Supporters of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas secured a majority of seats in municipal elections, according to election officials on Sunday.

Atef Najib, cousin of ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, appears in a Damascus court for a transitional justice trial.

Atef Najib, a cousin of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has appeared in a Damascus court to face trial as part of a transitional justice process.

Malian President Assimi Goita is currently in a safe house at a special forces base, according to reports.

Malian President Assimi Goita has been moved to a safe house located at a special forces base, according to reports.