The Levant Files

LIVE | 29 OCTOBER 2026 Diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are continuing as Washington warns allies to prepare for possible renewed strikes on Iran. Saudi Arabia reports another Houthi missile interception, while attacks and civilian suffering continue in Yemen. By the Editorial Team of TLF Thursday, 29 October 2026 Coverage reopened: 08:50 Cyprus / 06:50 UK International, Arabic- and Persian-language reporting LIVE BLOG CLOSURE | 29 OCTOBER 2026 The Levant Files is concluding Thursday's live coverage with a potentially consequential development in Washington: the commander of US Central Command has reportedly briefed President Donald Trump on military options against Iran. The report comes as British maritime authorities confirm another projectile incident involving a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, while Saudi Arabia reports further ballistic-missile interceptions. Des...

Israel’s completed vote count has produced a clear parliamentary deadlock: Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc holds 53 seats, Gadi Eisenkot’s bloc 48, and the two Arab lists 19. Neither camp commands 61 seats. The contest now shifts from counting ballots to finding partners willing to cross their political red lines. By the Editorial Team of TLF 29 October 2026 · Based exclusively on Hebrew-language Israeli reporting, including the completed-count update reported at 19:32 Cyprus/Israel time (17:32 UK). THE LEVANT FILES 120 Seats. No Governing Majority. Israel’s Completed-Count Parliamentary Picture COMPLETED COUNT · OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION PENDING Netanyahu’s Bloc 53 Eight seats short of 61. Eisenkot’s Bloc 48 Thirteen seats short of 61. Arab Lists Combined 19 Joint List: 11 · Ra’am: 8. Separate parties with distinct political positions. 61 Seats: The Majority Benchma...