EU ministers agree to sanction violent West Bank settlers: What to know European foreign ministers have agreed to sanction extremist West Bank settlers, but are still discussing the list of names. Israel
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. Ehud Olmert Former Israeli prime minister
Ethnic demons revived at eulogy for late Israeli defense minister Ugly comments about late Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer reflect some Labor Party members' long-held attitude toward leaders of Mizrahi origin. Palestine
Palestinians say no to cultural monopoly A Palestinian Foreign Ministry memo favoring the selection of one particular dance troupe for international performances has become a scandal. Palestine
Has Israeli defense minister changed IDF's West Bank strategy? The Israel Defense Forces have been carrying out regular operations in the Dheisheh refugee camp and the villages of Hebron governorate, all inside West Bank's Area A and ostensibly under full Palestinian control. Palestine
Will Palestinian government give in to calls to postpone elections? After violent clashes disrupted the West Bank city of Nablus, both residents and political factions have been calling for the local elections slated for Oct. 8 to be postponed until security is restored. Palestine
Will Israel hold referendum over two-state solution? With the Israeli occupation of the West Bank nearing its 50th year, Israel's peace camp is pushing the idea of a referendum over its future. Palestine
Will tribalism dominate upcoming Palestinian elections? As electoral lists form in the runup to the local Palestinian elections, various political factions worry that tribal and family loyalties will trump political affiliations. Palestine
The morning after: What happens to Gaza if Hamas is toppled? Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman is accused of hampering the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza in an effort to overthrow Hamas' rule. What if he succeeds? Palestine
Social media becomes electoral war zone for Hamas, Fatah While the official campaign period for Palestinian local council elections doesn't begin until Sept. 24, Hamas supporters have already launched several social media initiatives aimed at drumming up support. Palestine
How Palestinian youth joined Ban Ki-moon's UN expert group Al-Monitor spoke with Hussein Murtaja from Gaza City who was selected by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on International Youth Day to be part of the expert advisory team for a study about youth, security and peace. Palestine
'Delegitimization war' heats up between Israel, Palestine Both Israel and the Palestinians are preoccupied by delegitimization campaigns and negative propaganda instead of focusing on dialogue. Palestine
The original dishdash: Online restaurant access comes to Gaza A Palestinian professor's new online business allows residents of Gaza City to browse menus and order meals for delivery from various restaurants, the first service of its kind in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
New Palestinian initiative outlines Fatah-Hamas reconciliation The High Follow-Up Committee for Arab citizens of Israel has proposed a new initiative to achieve reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, which includes the formation of a unity government and the holding of parliamentary and presidential elections. Palestine