Desperate Syrians flee Daraa only to find closed borders

As the Syrian regime's offensive escalates in Daraa, refugees are sleeping out in the open as both Jordan and Israel refuse to open their borders.

Israel

Israeli centrist leader changes course on ultra-Orthodox draft law

Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid took a political gamble and appears to have won by supporting the coalition's proposed law on conscripting ultra-Orthodox males.

Israel

Palestinians opt for illegal SIM cards smuggled from Israel

West Bank authorities are combating the use of black-market Israeli telecom services, which Palestinians prefer over the pricier internet packages offered by local operators.

Palestine

Turkey’s passion for Jerusalem does little for Palestinians

Despite the frequent and lofty promises by Turkish officials, major steps that would seriously contribute to the Palestinian economy hinge on Turkey’s attention to sensitive points in its relations with Israel.

Palestine

Iran’s retaliation plans worry Israel

Israel fears that Iran may target senior security officials on visits abroad, and thus is expected to approve security details for former premiers.

Israel

Palestinian leaders underwhelmed by Israeli port plan

Israel is floating a plan to set up a seaport in Cyprus to ease Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip, but neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority has any praise for the proposal.

Palestine

Jerusalem tram seeks to fast track Arabic learning for Israeli Jews

For Arabic Language Week, Jerusalem Light Rail is distributing Arabic phrase books, conducting Arabic classes and displaying posters to introduce Hebrew speakers to the language with the goal of helping the city's residents communicate better.

Israel

Architects from Middle East, beyond tear down barriers in Venice

Turkey’s national pavilion and other entries from the region are among the highlights at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale, whose theme "Freespace" has prompted curators to investigate national boundaries, the human toll of migration and the concept of freedom.

Saudi Arabia

Palestinian villagers wage legal battle during demolition freeze

Palestinians from the Area C village of Bani Naim are fighting Israeli settlement expansion plans that include confiscating their land through protests and legal appeals.

Palestine

How Israel's left could challenge Netanyahu

If they're going to beat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the next elections, the three Zionist leftist parties must unite.

Israel

Israeli Arabs, ultra-Orthodox wheel and deal in the Knesset

The ultra-Orthodox parties helped Arab Knesset members block the muezzin bill, while the Arab Joint List absented itself from the vote on the proposed conscription law.

Israel

Is Israel going easy on Hamas?

Israel plays it safe in Gaza while giving priority to its northern border; Hamas looking for a friend in Moscow; Israel’s nuclear ambiguity.

Palestine