Diplomacy

Israel, Taiwan, and global diplomacy in the Year of the Fire Horse - opinion

A month where diplomacy, conflict, and culture reveal how power now blends identity and symbolism.

Fireworks go off over the Victoria Harbour on the second day of the Lunar Year of the Horse, in Hong Kong, China February 18, 2026.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio waves, next to Chairman of the Munich Security Conference Wolfgang Ischinger, as he gets a standing ovation after his speech at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.

The Munich moment that changed everything for Marco Rubio - opinion

 UNITED NATIONS headquarters in New York City.

The UN: A bankrupt, two-faced institution - opinion

 UNITED NATIONS headquarters in New York City.

United Nations: Language shapes gender equality negotiations - opinion


China, Saudi Arabia agree to deepen coordination, communication, enhance relations

A joint statement did not elaborate on which issues the countries will strengthen coordination, but mentioned China's support for Saudi Arabia and Iran developing and enhancing their relations.

CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER Wang Yi delivers delivers his speech at the opening ceremony of the Lanting Forum in Beijing, China, October 27, 2025.

Israel's global standing slowly recovers as diplomatic tsunami begins to recede

NATIONAL AFFAIRS: Israel's international standing is shifting, moving from isolation to slow, uneven recovery as global engagement grows.

Has there been a slight shift this week in Israel’s diplomatic outlook? Here, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speak to the media during a joint press conference in Jerusalem on Sunday.

Stan’s the name: Inside Israel’s growing partnerships across Central Asia

From energy and agriculture to security and tourism, Israel’s ties with the Central Asian 'Stans' are ever-expanding.

Then-President Shimon Peres (L) and then-president of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev raise a toast at the reception at the President’s Residence in Astana during Peres’s visit to Kazakhstan in 2009.

Taiwan's deputy foreign minister made secret trip to Israel, sources say

Sources declined to give details of Deputy Foreign Minister Francois's trip, including whether he touched upon Taiwan's new multi-layered air defense system called T-Dome.

The flags of Israel and Taiwan (illustrative)

PM Netanyahu holds phone conversation with Bolivian president amid resumed relations, PMO confirms

Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with Bolivian President Paz after the renewal of diplomatic ties, emphasizing security cooperation and boosting tourism between the nations.

An illustrative handshake between Israel and Bolivia's flags.

Israel can ease tensions with Qatar, but only if Doha stops supporting Hamas - opinion

Qatar is seeking to solidify its image as a constructive mediator and launder its reputation despite its ongoing support for terrorism.

MOSSAD CHIEF David Barnea attends a conference of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv earlier this year. On Sunday, he met with US envoy Steve Witkoff and a senior Qatari official, says the writer.

Mossad chief Barnea bridges Doha divide after Israel's assassination attempt in Qatar - analysis

Israel’s spy chief has used his extensive skill set to rebuild the Mossad's working relationship with Qatar following the attempted assassination of Hamas officials in Doha.

Mossad Director David Barnea seen over a backdrop of Qatari flags and the Mossad emblem (illustrative)

Israel, Costa Rica sign FTA eliminating over 90% of tariffs, expanding bilateral trade

Israel and Costa Rica signed a Free Trade Area agreement on Monday, marking a significant milestone in economic cooperation between the two countries.

Truck and car on highway in front of stacks of shipping containers

‘Part of historic process’: Netanyahu backs revised outline of IDF haredi draft bill at Knesset

Netanyahu at Knesset: Claims that Israel's standing has been harmed are a wave of lies • On haredi draft: 'You want to see an evasion law? That is what you brought'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a 40 signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, on December 8, 2025

European Union eyeing Lebanon presence in boost for efforts to disarm Hezbollah, document shows

EU efforts could “focus on advice, training and capacity-building,” a document said, adding that it would not take over UNIFIL's tasks in the Levant.

Lebanese army members stand on a military vehicle during a Lebanese army media tour, near the border with Israel, southern Lebanon, November 28, 2025