Blue and White dumps ultra-Orthodox; tries to make up with secularists

Two weeks ahead of elections on Sept. 17, Blue and White has changed its strategy to regain and broaden support among secularists after realizing it has been 'hemorrhaging votes,' mainly to Avigdor Liberman.

Israel

Why is Hamas reshuffling its security apparatus in Gaza?

Hamas sources have told Al-Monitor that operations against Israel by individuals operating independently are what led the movement to make major changes in the ranks of its security forces in Gaza.

Palestine

Netanyahu back to free market principles?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might favor returning to a free market economy, as advocated by his new political partner Moshe Feiglin, but his ultra-Orthodox allies are bound to object that.

Israel

Israel should negotiate solution to Hezbollah, not depend on deterrence

Just like on the Palestinian front, Israel can change the way it handles its conflict with Lebanon by making a serious attempt to advance a solution.

Palestine

Netanyahu’s deal of the century: Immunity in exchange for annexation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised the settlers “sovereignty” ahead of the elections, meaning full annexation of the territories, while their representatives say they will grant him immunity in exchange.

Palestine

Netanyahu at the mercy of the politician he loathes most

Over the last few years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has watched the politician he loathes most — Rightward party leader Ayelet Shaked — become increasingly popular.

Israel

Hezbollah, Israel losing red lines

Destroying the precision missile project of Hezbollah and Iran has now become the second-most important priority of Israel after eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat.

Israel

IDF spokesman's deceit about effects of Hezbollah attack costs Israel credibility

The IDF spokesman told a bald lie, then mumbled, then denied, and within a short time had to admit to the failure of his maneuver to outwit Hezbollah.

Israel

How much are Palestinians paying for 'peace' with Israel?

After receiving another big batch of financial aid from Qatar, some Palestinians are wondering what the on-again, off-again truce with Israel is really costing them.

Qatar

Israeli Arab party says ready to join a center-left coalition

It seems that the statement by Joint List leader Ayman Odeh about joining a Blue and White-led coalition was, first of all, meant to encourage Israeli Arabs to vote.

Israel

Interview

Former PM Olmert: 'Netanyahu is finished'

In an exclusive Al-Monitor interview, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will fail to form a government after the Sept. 17 elections and will be cast aside by Likud before a third round of elections.

Gaza explosions leave Hamas exposed

The two terrorist explosions that rocked the Gaza Strip despite Hamas’ tight security measures triggered questions about the movement’s capacity to stand up to the Islamic State.

Palestine