How changing West Bank name could advance peace

The struggle between the Greeks and the Macedonians of the former Yugoslavia over what the latter should call their state can serve to remind Israelis and Palestinians that nomenclature — i.e., the West Bank versus Judea and Samaria — does not determine borders or stop historical necessity.

Palestine

Assad says he's open to establishing Iranian bases in Syria

In a wide-ranging interview with Iranian Al-Alam TV, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad discussed Iran's presence in Syria.

Israel

Too much at stake for full-on conflict in southern Syria

Prioritizing de-escalation in southern Syria appears to be the regional consensus, but the rebels’ opposition to any deals could lengthen the process.

Israel

How IDF chief shapes Israeli military

The decision by IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot not to promote Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter has sparked fury within the national religious stream.

Israel

Trump's Israel-Palestine deal targets Saudi alliance, not peace

President Donald Trump knows that in order to get the Saudis into a regional alliance with Israel against Iran, he must first present a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.

Saudi Arabia

Does latest Gulf aid to Jordan come with strings?

Analysts wonder whether a Gulf aid package to help Jordan deal with its current economic crisis is in fact an attempt to pressure the kingdom into accepting the Israeli-Palestinian peace plan being developed by the United States.

Legacy: Gulf

Israeli opposition's internal battles play into Netanyahu’s hands

Labor head Avi Gabbay's slander campaign against Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid has weakened the whole center-left camp and left the prime minister without a viable rival.

Israel

Why Israel’s 11-year closure didn’t topple Hamas

It took Israel a decade to realize that its closure policy won’t topple the Hamas regime.

Palestine

Israeli minister offers creative approach to easing Gaza siege

Undeterred by objections in the governing coalition, Transportation and Intelligence Affairs Minister Yisrael Katz continues to push his plan to construct an island off Gaza to provide it access to the outside world.

Palestine

US recognition of Jerusalem backfires on Israel

Argentina's cancellation of a soccer match over the match’s relocation to Jerusalem is a clear sign that most of the world considers large parts of Jerusalem to be occupied land.

Palestine

Palestinian teen to serve full sentence for slap

Elor Azaria, the IDF soldier who shot a disarmed Palestinian assailant in Hebron, was granted early release while Palestinian teen Ahed Tamimi, whose crime was slapping a soldier, was refused.

Palestine

Israel's battle of the ex-generals

Israeli opposition parties need former prominent security officials who could offer the public an image of expertise in security matters.

Israel