Palestinians react to opening of first US military base in Israel

The Sept. 18 announcement of the establishment of the first permanent US-Israeli military base in the Negev desert, in southern Israel, is evidence of the strategic military cooperation between the Americans and Israelis.

Palestine

Fatah pressures Abbas to change strategy

After US President Donald Trump's speech at the United Nations, many Palestinian leaders are advancing the idea of a binational state to pressure Israel and the United States into negotiating a two-state solution.

Palestine

Israel's highest court in spotlight as right celebrates 50 years of settlement

Instead of clarifying that they are against the government’s occupation policy, Israeli centrist and leftist politicians apologized for avoiding the ceremony celebrating the settlement enterprise.

Palestine

Arab states coordinate efforts to block Israel's UN Security Council bid

Arab League member states have formed a committee aimed at preventing Israel from obtaining a seat on the UN Security Council in next year's elections, yet some argue the move comes too late in light of Israel's extensive outreach to gain support.

Near East

Iraqi citizens' sentiment may be softening toward Israel

Grass-roots support for improved communications seems to be growing in both Iraq and Israel, though officially they have no diplomatic relations.

Iraq

Ultra-Orthodox play long game with Sabbath soccer debate

Israel's Ultra-Orthodox may not really be bothered by soccer being played on the Sabbath, but the complaint offers useful leverage for other political demands.

Israel

Israel unsure about 'day after' Abbas, and even 'day before'

The latest Israeli intelligence assessment raises concerns about explosions of violence not only in Gaza, but also in the West Bank in light of the diplomatic stalemate and uncertainty surrounding President Mahmoud Abbas' remaining time in office.

Palestine

Settlement attack reignites counterterror debate in Israel

The attack at the Har Adar settlement by a 37-year-old Palestinian destabilizes assessments by Israeli security agencies over the profile of potential Palestinian assailants.

Palestine

Palestinian neighbors deplore attack in West Bank settlement

Israelis and Palestinians fear that the terror attack in the Har Adar settlement will ruin years of good neighborliness.

Palestine

Is Trump about to reveal his Mideast peace plan?

The meeting in New York between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US President Donald Trump revived Palestinian optimism on the US Mideast peace plan.

Palestine

Israel cheers on Kurds while ignoring Palestinians

Senior Israeli politicians and the Israeli media have been showering the Kurds with warmth and support in their independence effort while ignoring the Palestinian aspirations for self-determination.

Palestine

Netanyahu’s outdated Iran agenda

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu campaigns for the breakup of the Iran deal, ignoring the fact that a US withdrawal from the pact won’t be in Israel’s interest.

Israel