Feature Gazans show cautious hope ahead of first local elections in 20 years The city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza is set to hold municipal elections for the first time in nearly two decades. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Analysis On eve of Palestinian local elections, competition in short supply With many races unopposed and rivals excluded, the vote underscores a calibrated effort to contain dissent and prioritize stability. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Interview Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable' Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Al-Monitor that Israel will only be able to defang Hezbollah if it reaches an agreement with the Lebanese government.
Analysis Why Netanyahu caved to Trump on Lebanon and what it means for Israel Israelis express anger that the prime minister's maneuvering to stay out of jail has allowed the US to once again "hijack" foreign policy and national security decision-making. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Analysis Hamas sits out Iran war as Gaza, Gulf interests take priority By Abeer Ayyoub In Istanbul, reporting on Palestine
Will Israel-Hamas arrangement divorce Gaza from West Bank? According to recent statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, Israel and Hamas are close to reaching a long-term agreement, including over control of Gaza. Palestine
A first: Hamas partakes in presidential elections Hamas has announced that it is seeking a consensus candidate for the presidential elections, raising questions about the possibility of agreeing with Fatah on a name. Qatar
Opinion polls paint a gloomy turnout in upcoming Palestinian general elections All eyes are on the latest polls in the Palestinian territories as more factions agree to hold the parliamentary and presidential elections in February. Palestine
Why the West Bank went silent when Israel attacked Gaza Following the recent military escalation between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza, residents of the besieged enclave have expressed bewilderment and anger at the lack of support for them expressed by West Bank Palestinians. Palestine
Palestinians await presidential decree to hold general elections The PA’s call for general elections seems to have gained traction in Palestine, especially with Hamas' approval for them to be held. Qatar
Qatar's continued assistance to Gaza Strip in question Hamas says it hasn't been informed of any Qatari intention to discontinue financial aid to the Gaza Strip next year. Qatar
Against odds, Netanyahu revives his fortunes The Israeli prime minister takes out a terrorist foe, puts Iran’s Soleimani on notice and effectively sinks rival’s chances to form a new government — not a bad week. Palestine
IDF says it had no choice but to kill Islamic Jihad senior The Israeli military operation to kill Islamic Jihad commander Bahaa Abu al-Atta was planned months in advance, after a series of rockets were fired toward Israel, including on Ashdod while Prime Minister Benjamin was delivering a speech there. Palestine
Palestinians criticize Hamas’ decision to appoint municipal presidents Hamas is lambasted for appointing municipality presidents without holding elections in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Qatar repair ties frayed since May A Palestinian Islamic Jihad delegation recently met with Qatar’s ambassador to the Palestinian territories in a bid to improve relations between the two parties. Originals
Palestine Monetary Authority gets grip on terrorism funding A new network will help Palestinian banks crack down on illegal money transactions by collecting more data from their customers. Palestine
Abbas strategically times his call for Palestinian elections Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' announcement before the UN that he will call for elections in Palestinian territories seemed to be an attempt to prevent Hamas and Israel from objecting to the long-awaited voting. Palestine
