Mofaz: 'Strategic situation worse' on Iran

In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz argues that US over-involvement in Israeli-Palestinian talks only alienated both sides, and the only feasible solution is a two-stage agreement with the Palestinians, even while talking with Hamas.

Palestine

Tzipi Livni in Ehud Barak’s footsteps

Five years ago, Tzipi Livni criticized Ehud Barak for being part of a diplomatically stagnating right-wing government but she, too, will soon have to choose: negotiations with a Palestinian unity government, or diplomatic stagnation that will lead to a binational state.

Palestine

Israel-Egypt anti-terrorism cooperation at zenith

Israel adapts to a new alliance structure based on common security interests, and in anticipation of a nuclear Middle East.

Saudi Arabia

New unity government to review Hamas laws in Gaza

After the formation of the Palestinian unity government, all legislation issued after Hamas' takeover of the Gaza Strip will be reconsidered, as Fatah officials consider them illegal.

Palestine

Most Palestinian Christians back Maronite patriarch's visit

Many Palestinian Christians support the visit to the Holy Land by Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai, although the PFLP, the Boycott movement and others have criticized it

Palestine

Israel pushes West Bank toward economic disaster

Turning the West Bank into the economic twin of the Gaza Strip will provoke new threats to Israel's security, which is why the US administration leans toward cooperating with the new Palestinian unity government.

Palestine

Gaza Salafists expect pressure from unity government

Gaza’s Salafists do not expect any change from a unity Palestinian government, noting that Hamas will remain in control of security in the Gaza Strip and will keep up the pressure on their movements.

Palestine

Hamas, Fatah near deadline on new government

Negotiations to form a Palestinian unity government are continuing, but hurdles remain as the deadline approaches fast.

Palestine

Likud leaders claim Netanyahu blocks settlements

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu freezes construction in settlement blocs, hoping to keep the diplomatic process underway — not for the sake of reaching an agreement — and reduce international pressure.

Palestine

Attack on Israeli journalists might indicate shift to violence

The attack of two Israeli journalists in the West Bank town of Beitunia might indicate that despite the apparent lack of Palestinian interest in a surge of violence, a third intifada could erupt.

Palestine

Israel threatens NGO's tax status for political stand

In an interview with Al-Monitor, the chairman of Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, Raphael Walden, says that his NGO, which cares for Palestinians and African refugees, might lose its tax benefit status over its criticism against government policy.

Palestine

Not all PA civil servants in Gaza want jobs back

Around 3,000 public servants in Gaza are scheduled to return to their government posts as part of the April reconciliation deal between Fatah and Hamas, providing more opportunities for the unemployed — but some of them prefer their second jobs.

Palestine