In rare display of Moscow's military operations in war-torn country, regime troops show off new weapons skills, perform mine clearing exercises and carry out mock assaults

PM says Tehran's entrenchment in Syria poses 'intolerable threat,' credits his 'direct relationship' with Putin for best-ever relations between Moscow and Jerusalem

State Department says it will respond 'quickly and appropriately' to alleged strike by Assad regime, denounces Russia for support of Damascus

Government forces backed by Russian air power push forward in areas in northwest Syria still controlled by jihadists

Two Druze men, jailed in Israel for espionage and the lynching of a Syrian fighter, to be freed in deal, Arabic daily says

Hamis Ahmad and Zidan Tweil handed over to Red Cross at Quneitra crossing in recognition of recent repatriation of body of Zachary Baumel, killed in 1982 Lebanon War

Family whose soldier son's remains are held in Gaza says prisoners freed in 'goodwill gesture' should have been part of a larger exchange involving Hamas

AG reportedly approved prisoner releases without cabinet debate, paving way to presidential pardon; move comes weeks after body of IDF's Baumel was returned from Syria via Russia

Senior official maintains decision to free two prisoners was not made in advance; body of IDF soldier Zachary Baumel, missing since 1982, returned to Israel earlier this month

Official says prisoners will be freed after the body of IDF soldier Zachary Baumel, missing since 1982, was returned to Israel earlier this month