Analysis Can Bennett, Lapid unite Israel’s opposition to unseat Netanyahu? Six months before Israel's next elections, opposition leaders Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have decided to run on one anti-Netanyahu ticket. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Why Abbas' win in Gaza remains 'symbolic,' not rejection of Hamas Affiliates of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas performed relatively well in the municipal elections, though the vote was marred by complications relating to the war and the exclusion of Hamas. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
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
Israel's Netanyahu says he was treated for prostate cancer: What we know The prime minister said he postponed the report’s publication to prevent it from being released at the height of the war with Iran. Israel
Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Is Hamas becoming second power in ruling Palestinians? Hamas is destroying houses in the Gaza Strip, as it considers them illegally built on government territories, while its understandings with Israel are ongoing despite Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ announcement about halting all agreements with Israel. Palestine
US may try to raise the stakes for Russia in Syria The politics of humanitarian corridors; Hayat Tahrir al-Sham tries a shakedown in Idlib; Ben Caspit to interview former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Al-Monitor podcast. Syria
Is Turkey on moderation path in its foreign policy? Conciliatory messages coming out of Ankara recently may appear as an effort to moderate Turkish foreign policy vis-a-vis the United States, Europe and Israel, but they are likely to be just maneuvering to weather the many stalemates in Turkey's foreign ties. Egypt
Intel: Senate Democrats warn Netanyahu against West Bank annexation Nineteen Senate Democrats warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition partner Benny Gantz against Israeli plans to annex settlements in the West Bank and the entire Jordan Valley in a letter Thursday. Palestine
Intel: Palestinian Authority to suspend cooperation with CIA over US support for Israeli annexation The secretary-general of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Saeb Erekat, says his government has suspended its contacts with the CIA over the Trump administration’s support for Israel’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank. Palestine
Intel: Biden condemns pro-Palestinian boycott movement Former Vice President Joe Biden condemned the pro-Palestinian boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement in a new policy page posted on his campaign website. Palestine
Israeli court limits Jerusalem Day celebrations over coronavirus The High Court court ordered that the traditional — and provocative — Jerusalem Day Flag March be replaced with a human chain and a smaller celebration by the Western Wall. Palestine
Palestinian leaders' confused messaging over next steps with Israel Some say President Mahmoud Abbas' announcement that the Palestinian Authority is ending agreements with Israel is nothing but a leap in the dark, while PA officials stress that the decision represents the beginning of a new phase. Palestine
First commercial flight between UAE and Israel lands in Tel Aviv The Etihad Airways cargo plane brought COVID-19 aid to Palestinians via Ben Gurion airport. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Biden warns against West Bank annexation as Israel lobbies Trump for green light Former Vice President Joe Biden told campaign donors today that any Israeli annexation of the West Bank would “choke off any hope for peace,” according to a transcript of the presumptive Democratic nominee’s remarks seen by Al-Monitor. Palestine
Division, mixed international support sap Palestinian resources in face of annexation As Israel's possible annexation approaches, Palestinians are struggling to unite behind a realistic plan. Palestine
Israel’s Benny Gantz, a defense minister with expiration date New Defense Minister Benny Gantz has a year and a half in front of him to prepare for the role of prime minister. Israel
