Ahead of Mideast tour, Rubio says 'now’s the time' for Arab alternatives to Trump's Gaza plan

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip remains on shaky ground and the US plan for the territory's reconstruction alarms Arab leaders.

United States

After raid, Israel puts Jerusalem bookshop owners under house arrest: What to know

Israeli police raided the Educational Bookshop on Sunday and arrested its owners on charges of “disturbing public order,” a move met with outcry by diplomats.

Israel

Israel says Gaza war to resume if hostages aren't released Saturday

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was backing the ultimatum of President Donald Trump for the release of hostages by Saturday afternoon, but he did not specify if he expects all remaining hostages to be released that day.

Israel

Israeli raid in Jenin kills at least 25, displaces 40,000: What we know

The Israeli army has escalated its operation in the northern West Bank in the past three weeks, causing massive destruction of infrastructure, forcing more than 40,000 Palestinians to flee their homes and killing dozens.

Palestine

Analysis

Can Hamas defy Trump's ultimatum as Gaza ceasefire teeters?

Israel is considering introducing a transitional phase to salvage the deal and ensure the continued release of hostages. However, for this to proceed, Hamas must adhere to the agreed-upon terms by Saturday.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Palestinian Authority ends ‘martyr’ payments in possible gesture to Trump

The Palestinian Authority has paid millions of dollars to families of assailants who have attacked Israelis in recent years, drawing scrutiny from the United States and from victims of the attacks.

Palestine

As Trump doubles down on Gaza plan, 69% of Israelis support idea despite concern

Three surveys show that Israelis support President Donald Trump's proposal to transfer Gazans to other countries and for the United States to take over the Strip, but are skeptical that such a plan could be implemented.

Israel

Interview

Amid Israel's rightward shift, left struggles for relevance

In a special interview with Al-Monitor, Yair Golan, leader of center-left party the Democrats, insists that the Palestinian Authority must play a pivotal role in the future administration of Gaza.

Yair Golan

Chair of the Democrats Party

Hamas names 3 Israeli hostages to be released as ceasefire deal faces complications

After a brief delay, Hamas communicated to Israel the names of the three hostages set to be released on Saturday.

Israel

Rubio heads to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Israel on first Mideast visit

On his second trip abroad as Trump's secretary of state, Marco Rubio is expected to be in full damage-control mode after the president suggested the United States would "take ownership" of Gaza following his recommendation to evacuate its population.

Israel

Analysis

Will Trump's Gaza plan scuttle fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire?

Strong negative responses to Trump's plan to transfer Palestinians from Gaza may provide Hamas an excuse not to release more hostages, Israeli officials fear.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Why Israel's far right is embracing Trump’s Gaza displacement plan

Israel's far right is elated by President Donald Trump's calls to drive Gazans away from the Strip and resettle them in other Arab states.

Israel