The Ponzi scheme that's trapping Israel’s ultra-Orthodox

The ultra-Orthodox, often hesitant to approach the police out of fear of their name being tarnished, are being fleeced by their own community members.

Israel

Is Hamas working with Wilayat Sinai?

While Hamas officials deny ties to IS in Sinai, Gaza residents claim that Sinai terrorists were admitted for treatment in Gaza, and Israel argues that Hamas provides weapons to these terror groups.

Palestine

Netanyahu backslides on religious reforms

By caving in to ultra-Orthodox demands to cancel religious reforms, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disregards most of the Israeli public, focusing solely on his political survival.

Israel

Bennett, Lapid rush to back IDF officer in West Bank shooting

Instead of waiting for the IDF to investigate the conduct of its soldiers, Israeli politicians tend to back them unconditionally, turning each incident into a political issue.

Palestine

Turkish military wary of Erdogan plan for Syrian buffer zone

The United States remains opposed to a no-fly zone in northern Syria; Masrour Barzani calls for "amicable divorce" for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq; Jacky Hugi writes that Israel should back the Syrian government "at any price."

Iraq

Questions emerge over Hamas' ability to secure Gaza

The disappearance of Mahmoud Salfiti, a Salafist prisoner who had been granted a 24-hour leave to visit his family, raises questions about Hamas’ ability to control and secure the Gaza Strip.

Palestine

Netanyahu coalition's days may be numbered

The natural gas fiasco, in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to withdraw his proposed outline from a Knesset vote, is yet another sign of the fragility of his coalition.

Israel

Israel, PA officials disagree over source of West Bank violence

Despite the recent spate of attacks, Palestinian security officials argue that neither Fatah nor Hamas are interested in escalating the situation with Israel and emphasize that Israeli policies create continuous frustration among West Bank residents.

Palestine

Will Israel invade West Bank?

Israeli-Palestinian relations are back to square one as Israel recently threatened to invade and occupy the West Bank.

Palestine

Hamas denies connection to West Bank attacks

Despite a lack of evidence of political affiliation of the attackers, the acts of violence against Israeli soldiers and settlers in the West Bank are raising concerns about possible involvement by Hamas.

Palestine

Netanyahu puts American Jews in tight spot

US Jews feel that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's defiant policy on the Iran agreement and talks with the Palestinians forces them to choose between the US agenda and interests and their support of Israel.

Palestine

Israelis give ballroom dancing a spin

The southern city of Ashdod, home to many immigrants from Russia, is becoming a ballroom dancing center as more Israelis join dancing schools for fun and even participate in international events.

Israel