US to launch Gaza governance plan amid Hamas disarmament doubts US envoy Steve Witkoff warned that Hamas' failure to comply with the plan's next phase would "bring serious consequences." Israel
From Iraq to Yemen, how Iran proxies are responding to protests Iraqi militias and the Houthis are growing more vocal in their defense of Iran amid the protests sweeping the country, while Hezbollah and Palestinian groups are remaining relatively quiet. Iran
Interview Gaza calm could revive East Med Forum, Israel-Jordan projects: Cohen In an interview with Al-Monitor, Israeli Energy Minister Cohen estimated that the mega gas deal between Israel and Egypt would reinforce the peace treaty and pave the way for stronger security cooperation in combating Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated groups and Hamas. Eli Cohen Israeli Energy Minister
At Mar-a-Lago, Netanyahu seeks Iran strike approval while Trump presses Gaza plan US President Donald Trump is expected to push Israel to enter the second phase of his Gaza peace plan, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will focus on securing Trump’s approval for a potential strike on Iran’s ballistic missile program. Israel
Analysis Gaza realities test Trump’s 2025 Middle East ambitions By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Analysis In 2025, Netanyahu saved his coalition but stalled on Gaza, Iran, Lebanon By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Trump has upper hand over Netanyahu, but is it enough for Gaza? By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Newsletter: Palestine Abbas bets on ministry merger as financial crisis deepens By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Palestine aims to triple number of Russian tourists Palestinians aim to lure more Russian tourists by providing new tourism infrastructure, ecotourism and historic Orthodox churches. Palestine
Palestinians expect little from Bahrain summit Many analysts are skeptical about the economic plan for the West Bank and Gaza that the US administration has prepared for this week's workshop in Bahrain. Bahrain
Hamas silent on Saudi Arabia arrests of Saudi nationals supporting the movement Lebanon’s Al-Akhbar reported that the Saudi authorities have been arresting Saudi nationals and Palestinian expats who support Hamas, over the movement’s declared position in support of Iran. Legacy: Gulf
How Netanyahu exploits US-Iran tensions For Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the low-level US-Iran tensions are a great opportunity to bolster his security image and to divert public attention from his legal imbroglio. Palestine
Greek Orthodox Church loses appeal on leases to settler group Israel's Supreme Court validated a controversial deal by the Greek Orthodox Church to lease real estate in Jerusalem's Old City to the pro-settlement group Ateret Cohanim. Palestine
Was Morsi’s brief presidency an opportunity lost for Israel? The late Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi hated Israel, but his relationship with Hamas held the promise of negotiating a long-term truce between the organization and Israel and potentially altering the landscape in Gaza. Palestine
Is Qatari money to Gaza falling into Hamas operatives' hands? Despite Israeli claims that it strictly controls the distribution of Qatari financial assistance transferred to Gaza, some of the funds appear to be ending up in the hands of Hamas operatives through "commissions," deceit and "protection money." Qatar
How Palestinians reacted to Morsi’s death The Palestinian Authority has reportedly banned Palestinians from opening sites to mourn former Egyptian President and Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammed Morsi out of fear of affecting the PA’s relations with the current Egyptian regime. Palestine
Netanyahu adds radical-right politician to Security Cabinet On the backdrop of tensions in Gaza, the decision of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to include Knesset member Bezalel Smotrich in the Security Cabinet could turn into a disaster. Palestine
Arabs deeply divided on Egypt attending US peace meeting Some observers think Egypt's decision to take part in the Bahrain economic workshop could deal a blow to the Palestinian cause. Bahrain
Abbas wins: Israeli officials won’t attend Bahrain conference Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas managed to veto the participation of an official Israeli delegation at the upcoming Bahrain conference. Bahrain
Israel, Palestinian Authority dispute electric bill payments Despite Israeli accusations, the Palestinian Authority says it remains committed to paying for the electricity it receives. Palestine
