Israel's ultra-Orthodox skip Passover cleaning, go on vacation

The exhausting pre-Passover cleaning needed to rid observant houses of leavened bread has inspired many ultra-Orthodox families to celebrate Passover in hotels instead of at home and even led to specialized overseas vacation packages.

Israel

How one Gaza crossing went from death trap to gate of hope

A decade ago, crossing from Gaza at the Erez checkpoint was a nightmare, but now under Defense Ministry management the once-dangerous crossing offers a model of order and security for West Bank facilities.

Palestine

Obama, Congress hurtle toward showdown over Israel missile defense

Lawmakers are feeling a lot more generous than the Obama administration when it comes to Israel's safety.

Israel

Israel's fix for dangerous Gaza route will only worsen matters

Instead of widening the dangerous old road leading to the vital Kerem Shalom Crossing, Israeli Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz has decided to limit the operating hours of trucks bringing provisions into Gaza.

Palestine

Why Golan settlers paid no mind to Bibi’s latest comments

With the war in Syria ongoing, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent statements about Israel keeping the Golan Heights forever attracted little interest.

Israel

Did Israel’s reaction to BDS drive movement's growth?

Former Ambassador Gideon Meir argues that Israel has engaged itself in a high-profile battle against the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, turning it from an insignificant organization into a powerful force.

Palestine

Yemen’s Jews and the road to Israel

Yemeni Jews who immigrate to Israel are taking with them a large part of what was left of Yemen's religious diversity.

Yemen

Has the countdown to next Hamas-Israel war begun?

Both Israel and Hamas claim not to want another battle, but both are loudly preparing for one.

Palestine

Palestinian Authority accuses Israel of incitement

Palestinian officials claim that Israel is refusing to participate in the Committee on Incitement because of its interest in maintaining its own campaign of incitement.

Palestine

Will this Palestinian be the next Nobel Peace Prize laureate?

Palestinian institutions launched an international campaign in support of the nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize of Marwan Barghouti, sentenced to life imprisonment in Israel.

Palestine

Erdogan, Davutoglu shed tears for Gaza, but do little else

Turkey as well as the oil-rich Gulf states have still not fulfilled their pledges to help with the reconstruction and development of Gaza.

Legacy: Gulf

Did Netanyahu miss out on a 'Golan-Iran' deal?

Israeli sources claim that after the Iran deal was negotiated, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu missed out on a historic opportunity to strike a deal on the Golan.

Israel