Is Israel most important strategic US ally in the region?

US President Barack Obama might follow in the footsteps of Presidents George H. W. and George W. Bush by forcing diplomatic concessions on Israel.

Palestine

Rawabi still controversial among Palestinians

Rawabi, the new Palestinian city under construction in the West Bank, has faced criticism from Palestinians, ranging from the involvement of Israeli companies to its design, which largely mimics an Israeli settlement.

Palestine

Arab-Israelis see Haifa as capital of Palestinian culture

“Palestinians in Israel are a national minority that deserves cultural autonomy,” says Iyad Bargouti, acting director of the Arabic Culture Association, which promotes the establishment of a new Palestinian cultural center in the city of Haifa.

Israel

Hamas debates direct talks with Israel

Hamas Deputy Chairman Mousa Abu Marzouk’s bombshell last week that the movement might embark on direct negotiations with Israel has sparked a furious debate within Hamas.

Palestine

Europe needs to coordinate its anti-jihadist measures

Israeli security experts warn that the Schengen Area — which allows Europeans to move freely around the continent — makes it easy for jihadists returning home from Syria or Iraq to move around and plan attacks.

Israel

Netanyahu, Lapid both winners in defense budget quarrel

The Israeli prime minister and finance minister's public quarrel over the defense budget is more a political show than a real coalition crisis, as both politicians are benefiting from the rivalry.

Israel

Israel must prepare for third Lebanon war

Israel must prepare for an eventual third Lebanon war, where it will be confronted with much stronger and more organized forces, perhaps equivalent in equipment to other Arab armies, capable of penetrating Israeli territory.

Israel

Did Israel's judicial system cover up sex scandal?

The sexual harassment investigation into Judge Yitzak Cohen is the result of a transparency revolution in Israel empowered by social media.

Israel

Jewish extremists try to change status quo at Al-Aqsa

The visit by extreme-right Israeli politician Moshe Feiglin to Al-Aqsa Mosque is yet another example of empowered Jewish extremists seeking to change current agreements over Islam’s third-holiest shrine.

Palestine

Deputy: Qatar's expulsion of Brotherhood won't impact Hamas

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Hamas deputy leader Mousa Abu Marzouk said the provisions of the cease-fire deal with Israel were the most Hamas could achieve from the war, but he also indicated that it expects to obtain more of its demands in upcoming negotiations.

Palestine

With Temple Mount as flashpoint, violence rises in Jerusalem

In the midst of increasing violence and harassment against Arabs in Jerusalem and tensions over the Temple Mount, the Jerusalem Municipality announced encouraging news about two building plans in East Jerusalem Arab neighborhoods.

Palestine

A new era for Israeli beer

Israel’s recent beer festival proved that despite the high alcohol tax nd steep price, Israel’s boutique beer market is developing, offering dozens of selections from microbreweries all over the country.

Israel