On secret UAE visit, Netanyahu asked MBZ to deny pre-Oct. 7 warnings During his trip to Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked President Mohamed bin Zayed to deny reports that he had been warned ahead of the Oct. 7 attack that Hamas was preparing a major assault. Israel
Analysis After France's settlement ban, Israel sees no warming of ties with Macron government Israeli diplomats say France’s decision to ban imports from West Bank settlements has brought bilateral relations to an unprecedented low point. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
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
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
Hamas-Hezbollah Ties Deteriorate Over Syria The second segment of a three-part series on Hamas reveals a sharp deterioration in its ties with a former close ally, Hezbollah. Palestine
Abbas Turns to Europe The appointment of European-oriented Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah could be aimed at getting Europe more involved in talks with Israel. Palestine
The Mideast in Venice Nine Middle Eastern countries are represented at the Venice Biennale, including a piece aptly called "Resistance" from a Turkish artist. United Arab Emirates
Gaza Youth Flee Harsh Life To Israel Sneaking into Israel is becoming a more attractive option for Gaza’s unemployed youth as living conditions in the besieged enclave continue to deteriorate. Palestine
Hamdallah’s Complicated Job As Palestinian Prime Minister An Najah University President Rami Hamdallah may find that he is a placeholder in an ultimately thankless job. Palestine
Palestinians Not Counting On Kerry's $4 Billion The Palestinian leadership insists on negotiations based on the 1967 borders. Palestine
Israeli Settlers Escalate Violence Against Palestinians Settler violence against Palestinians, including reprisal attacks, has risen in the aftermath of the stabbing death of an Israeli settler. Palestine
Palestinian Christians Surprised To Receive Travel Permits When Palestinian Christians suddenly received unsolicited three-month travel permits, they and the Catholic leaders were surprised and worried. Palestine
Kerry Plan Focuses on Jordan Valley US Secretary of State John Kerry’s proposed economic plan for the West Bank appears to be focused on turning over large parts of the Jordan Valley to direct Palestinian rule. Palestine
'Islamization' Reveals Gap Between Hamas Government, Movement In the first of a three-part series, Asmaa al-Ghoul examines the relationship between Hamas the movement and Hamas the government amid concerns over "Islamization" in Gaza. Palestine
Israeli Apathy Defeats The Arab Peace Initiative The Israeli right wing has succeeded in rendering the public apathetic and lethargic about any proposal to end the conflict, including the Arab Peace Initiative. Palestine
Kerry Plan Ignores Palestinian Economic Independence The economic plan brought forward by US Secretary of State John Kerry still keeps the Palestinian economy dependent on Israel. Palestine