Analysis Europe’s West Bank trade ban fires warning shot at Israel’s economy Weeks before key Israeli elections, a dozen nations announced new trade restrictions targeting settlements in the West Bank, delivering a sharp rebuke to Israel's government that could presage additional international pressure. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Netanyahu threatens to sue Haaretz for reporting UAE warned Israel of Oct. 7 attack The Emirati president reportedly warned that a planned attack could cause bloodshed, destabilize the region and threaten the Abraham Accords. Israel
Majority of Palestinians lose trust in Hamas and Fatah, new poll finds A recent poll by a Palestinian survey center found that trust in Palestinian factions has declined, amid stalled efforts to implement the Gaza peace plan and escalating settler violence in the West Bank. Palestine
12 countries including France, UK, Canada end trade with West Bank settlements The decision comes against the backdrop of an escalation in settler violence and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. Israel
Analysis LORA missile test reveals limits of Germany’s Gaza criticism of Israel By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis As Israeli settler attacks mount, Trump avoids public pressure on Netanyahu By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Analysis Why Palestinians see success of Trump talks as contingent on Israeli elections By Mohammed Najib
Was Abbas' speech at top Palestinian council meeting his last? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' April 30 PNC speech was widely condemned and faced accusations of anti-Semitism, and it may indicate he no longer feels political restrictions. Palestine
Palestinian succession war heats up after Abbas' controversial speech Senior Fatah leaders have suggested that Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah temporarily fill the role of Palestinian president as a compromise to prevent succession battles between the movement's various factions. Palestine
Gaza’s budding modeling sector struggles against tradition In spite of the negative and abusive comments she receives, Reham al-Kahlout’s family supports her as she becomes a pioneer in the Gaza modeling sector. Palestine
Culture Alert: Fairs and fears of the future The Middle East culture scene in May includes street festivals, book fairs and visions of a dystopian future. Palestine
Israel deports Palestinians from Jerusalem for not showing 'loyalty' A recent amendment to the Israeli "border and entry law," which permits the deportation of anyone not showing "loyalty" to the State of Israel, has allowed for the permanent deportation of four public figures from Jerusalem. Palestine
Netanyahu champion of 'don’t worry' approach Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted the careless approach of some of his predecessors, reassuring Israelis that "everything is gonna be alright." Palestine
Abbas speech draws fire amid accusations of anti-Semitism As this week's speech by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas drew condemnation from Israel, associates say the remarks reflect his own distress over the diplomatic deadlock he is facing. Palestine
Palestinian news group growing internationally The Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation has big plans to expand in the Middle East and around the world to spread news about the Palestinian cause. Near East
Palestinian female referee now wants to officiate on global field Yasmin Nayroukh, known for the fairness of her officiating in Palestine soccer games, has been working on her English and knowledge of international sports rules to become an internationally certified referee. Palestine
Will Abbas meet with Pompeo? The current assessment among Palestinian officials is that they should not turn down the American offer to meet with Mike Pompeo, the new secretary of state. Palestine
Israeli, Palestinian candidates share electoral list in Jerusalem first For the first time in history, Palestinians and Israelis are joining hands and running in the same electoral list in Jerusalem's municipal elections. Palestine
US advances confidence-building measures toward Palestinians The Palestinian leadership in Ramallah refuses to negotiate with US administration envoys, but might be willing to indirectly discuss an interim agreement. Palestine
