Netanyahu losing his diplomatic ‘magic touch’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, master of international diplomacy, seems to be losing his magic touch: Ties with Jordan and Russia are shaky, the alliance with Saudi Arabia draws criticism and the Trump team might present its peace plan at any moment.

Palestine

Middle East pins Oscar hopes on young directors

From Lebanon to Egypt to Tunisia, regional countries' Academy Awards nominees for best foreign language film are mostly the works of young directors and center on the lives of young adults and children.

Egypt

Israeli right tries to bully Rabin family into silence

The right is trying to distance the Rabin family from the commemoration of assassinated Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin as it plays down the incitement to violence that lead to his death.

Israel

Israel to build 31 settlement units in heart of Hebron

The approval by Israel of the construction of 31 settlement units in the heart of Hebron's Old City has pushed Palestine to resort to the International Criminal Court.

Palestine

Commentary: Why the US is merging its Jerusalem consulate into embassy

The United States announced that its office dealing with Palestinian affairs in Israel will merge with the US Embassy in Jerusalem, raising concerns among Palestinians.

Palestine

Israel pays price for refusing peace talks

On the backdrop of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to launch negotiations with the Palestinians, it is no wonder that Jordan decided not to renew Israel’s lease on lands near the border.

Palestine

Israeli civil society, left-wing camp back in the game

The Israeli left-wing camp and human rights organizations seem to have woken up and are ready to fight the Netanyahu government and its occupation policies.

Palestine

UN speech angers Israeli human rights activists

Criticism of the controversial speech by B’Tselem director Hagai El-Ad at the UN Security Council cut across the political divide to include some of his colleagues at other Israeli human rights organizations.

Palestine

Hebrew University defies Israel on banishment of boycott activists

The decision by the Hebrew University to join US student Lara Alqasem in her petition against Israeli authorities reflects a growing trend in which various public organizations launch battles of principle against government policy.

Palestine

Saad Hariri: loose witness in MBS prosecution

The Lebanese prime minister now has one on the crown prince; Mohammed bin Salman goes after his inner circle; Netanyahu needs Putin for possible deal on the Golan.

Saudi Arabia

How Palestinian workers in Israel stand to benefit from new payment regulations

Come January, many Palestinians working in Israel will see big changes in how and how often they are paid.

Palestine

Israeli think tank's diplomatic plan signals left while turning right

The diplomatic framework presented by Israel's top security studies institute plays into the hands of those working to keep the status quo rather than enter real negotiations with the Palestinians.

Palestine