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
Why Is Obama Giving Up On Bush's Road Map? Akiva Eldar writes that the Road Map, Annapolis Declaration, and Arab Peace Initiative should be a start for the latest round of US Middle East diplomacy. Palestine
Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Wants to Accelerate Settlements In an interview with Mazal Mualem, Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon promises to help the settlements in the West Bank and to institute compulsory national service for Israeli-Arabs. Palestine
Hamas Shuts Down Gaza English-Language Club The Hamas-led government in Gaza has shut down an English-language club amid several recent steps to limit cultural activity within the Strip, writes Khaled Kraizim. Palestine
Is Hamas PlanningTo Kidnap More Israelis? Hamas seems to be seriously planning to kidnap another Israeli soldier or settler after the success of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange, writes Adnan Abu Amer. Palestine
Hamas Targets Youth Through Social Media After the Arab revolutions’ success in employing social media in effecting change, Hamas leaders have hastened to join Facebook and Twitter to influence youth, writes Hazem Balousha. Palestine
Despite Challenges, Gaza's American School Perseveres The American School in Gaza, once the target of anti-Western attacks, has persevered in the face of various challenges, writes Asmaa al-Ghoul. Palestine
Hezbollah Denies Ownership Of Downed Drone Ali Hashem asks, If Hezbollah was not responsible for the drone downed over Israel, who was? Palestine
Israeli Finance Minister Lapid Leaves Out Peace Akiva Eldar listened to the speech of Finance Minister Yair Lapid at the annual conference of the INSS, and remarked that the word “peace” was missing. Palestine
Palestinian Al-Quds University Fights for Israeli Recognition The Israeli government says that the geographic division of Al-Quds University is at the heart of Israel's refusal to recognize it as an Israeli institution, writes Tali Heruti-Sover. Palestine
Likud Official Calls for Referendum On Agreement With Palestinians Likud Knesset member Ofir Akunis reaffirms to Mazal Mualem his party's willingness to promote a referendum bill on a future agreement with the Palestinians. Palestine
Palestinian Rappers Spark Debate With New Album Janne Louise Andersen talks to the band about the controversy over a song about honor crimes, their new sound and a decade of "hip hop Arabi.” Palestine
Hamas Ties to Qatar Have Cost Hamas seeks to maintain its independence but has faced challenges since pivoting from Syria and Iran to Qatar, writes Adnan Abu Amer. Qatar