Israeli officials, diplomats free to speak Netanyahu's mind

When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli military officers can express themselves ''in the relevant forums,'' it seems he was really saying that senior officials should not express any opinion that contradicts his own.

Israel

Why some Palestinians are siding with the IDF

Palestinian officials do not think the rift between the IDF and Israel's political leadership will improve the Palestinians' situation or advance diplomacy toward peace.

Palestine

Will opening of Israeli crossing help Gaza’s economy?

Israel recently announced plans to reopen the Erez/Beit Hanoun crossing into Gaza, but many say it is not enough to relieve Gaza’s devastated economy.

Palestine

Jordan, Turkey compete to woo Jerusalem

As Turkey and Jordan vie for influence in Jerusalem, the ever-growing presence in the city of the Turkish flag, Turkish restaurants and photos of Turkey’s president reflect Turkey might be winning.

Palestine

The real reason Israel’s economy is slipping toward recession

While recent figures indicate that the Israeli economy is heading toward a recession, are politicians suppressing the connection between the economy and the diplomatic stalemate?

Israel

Is Israel's opposition leader siding with Bibi against French initiative?

It seems that Zionist Camp leader Isaac Herzog is more interested in entering the coalition and becoming foreign minister than he is at promoting the French initiative to advance the two-state solution.

Palestine

Israeli, Palestinian teens open back channel via Facebook

What started as verbal hostilities between Israeli and Gazan teenagers turned into meaningful online dialogue when mutual accusations gave way to curiosity about each other's lives.

Palestine

Magnetic card system restricts Palestinian visits to Jerusalem

Israel is issuing magnetic travel permits to Palestinians that only permit a certain number of visits to Jerusalem and Israel each year.

Palestine

Can Lebanon make progress on oil, gas exploration efforts?

A litany of more pressing crises has led to a delay in efforts to advance work on Lebanon's nascent oil and gas sector.

Egypt

Bibi's feud with defense minister reaches new heights

Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, who openly opposes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies, is now encouraging senior IDF officers to express opinions that conflict with those of the Israeli political leadership.

Israel

Why opposition leader is pushing coalition negotiations with Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hasn’t yet made a concrete proposal for Labor to join his coalition, but controversy over the possibility is already shaking up the party.

Israel

How Palestinians plan to mark 50 years of occupation

For June 2017, Palestinian leadership is planning a major Palestinian and international political and public campaign on 50 years of the occupation.

Palestine