Netanyahu's 'diplomatic solution' another dead end

Denying the occupation to be the cause of the triple kidnapping-murder, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blames the dismantling of the Sykes-Picot Middle East and suggests more self-imposed isolation.

Palestine

Hamas, Islamic Jihad warn Israel about retaliation in Gaza

Leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad are expressing confidence in the event of an all-out Israeli attack, while also exercising restraint to prevent a military escalation.

Palestine

Can Israel deter Hamas?

Past experience should teach Israel that the most efficient deterrent against Hamas terror is to threaten its hegemony in the Gaza strip — and point out that this time around, no Arab country will come to its rescue.

Palestine

Druze Knesset member slams Arab leaders as 'weak'

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Druze Knesset member Hamad Amar expresses his concern: ''I'm worried that radicalization among the Sunnis in the Middle East will penetrate the Israeli Arab community.''

Palestine

Press freedom victim of Israeli military campaign

Israel’s military raids on the West Bank following the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers have included violations against Palestinian journalists and media outlets.

Palestine

Netanyahu shows restraint in response to murders

The moderate reaction of Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, espousing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cautious move, might signal Israel’s reluctance to embark on a large-scale military operation in Gaza, following the discovery of the bodies of the three kidnapped youths.

Palestine

Hamas leaders in Gaza scramble to avoid Israeli attack

Hamas leaders are reaching out to regional allies to try restrain Israel from taking military action in response to the kidnappings.

Palestine

Accused kidnappers are rogue Hamas branch

The Hebron-based Qawasmeh family may not be under the direct control of Hamas, but its actions have placed Hamas in Israel's sights with regard to the kidnapping of three Israeli students.

Palestine

Would Israel cut a deal with Hamas for kidnapped students?

Contrary to the Gilad Shalit kidnapping, when 1,027 Palestinian prisoners were released, the right-wing community of the current kidnapped might not be ready to cut such a deal or give up land to bring the children home.

Palestine

Hamas gains in backlash to Abbas speech

President Mahmoud Abbas’ speech in which he emphasized security coordination with Israel has seen a fierce backlash from the Palestinian street, givng Hamas a likely poll boost.

Palestine

Palestinian budget burdened by hefty pensions for ministers

The latest unity government is the 17th Palestinian government in two decades, and an enormous number of former ministers are enjoying excessive benefits the government cannot afford.

Palestine

Israel deputy minister: Abbas heads a terrorist government

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Deputy Minister Ofir Akunis blames Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the unsolved abductions of the three Israeli students.

Palestine