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
Netanyahu needs Hamas to rule Gaza, not Abbas In order to preserve himself politically, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs an arrangement with Hamas. Palestine
How Egypt tries putting off Gaza outburst Egypt presented to Israel its latest compromise proposal for limiting Hamas demonstrations on the Gaza-Israel border, in exchange for Israel opening the crossing points for fuel and raw materials. Palestine
Why is Qatar helping Hamas in Gaza? The Palestinian Authority believes the Qatari aid to the Gaza Strip serves the interests of the US and Israel, which plan to announce the "deal of the century" that aims at separating the Gaza Strip from the West Bank. Qatar
What's next for Israel: early elections or war in Gaza? With early elections expected and rumblings on Israel's border with Gaza, the opposition appears unable to come together to present a credible alternative to the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Palestinians eager to welcome UN Security Council mission Palestinians hope that a UN Security Council visiting mission will make the trip to Gaza and the West Bank to experience their reality firsthand, but the United States might veto any such plans. Palestine
Does Bibi use Iran as dodge for occupation policies? Akiva Eldar calls out Israeli prime minister for “Iran-phobia”; Netanyahu weighs elections; Gazans reject the PA; Israel, Qatar seek to prevent war in Gaza; Israeli barriers keep Palestinians from olive trees. Qatar
Liberman halts Qatar's $60 million fuel flow to Gaza Strip Qatar's efforts to supply the fuel-starved Gaza Strip with diesel oil have been stymied, at least temporarily. Qatar
Gazans seem to consider Hamas lesser of two evils Despite attempts by Israel to turn Gazans against Hamas, they appear unwilling to opt for another party or authority to control the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Donors consider new mechanism for assisting Gaza Donor countries to Gaza are looking for ways to transfer aid to Gaza Strip residents without the money falling into the pockets of Hamas. Palestine
Fierce battle amid leaders of the Israeli right Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman are battling each other, as neither of them dares to confront the unbeatable Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Palestine
Congressional fight against human shields stops at UN Despite bipartisan agreement on sanctioning Hamas and Hezbollah for their use of human shields, not all lawmakers are willing to take the battle to the UN. Palestine
Desperate Gazans protest against Hamas Desperate Gaza residents are so poor, hungry and desperate that they no longer fear demonstrating against powerful Hamas. Palestine
