After Jordan, Emirates also furious with Netanyahu Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not only managed to get into a diplomatic row with Jordan, he also succeeded in angering the Emiratis. Israel
Iran operating new advanced centrifuges, nuclear watchdog finds According to an International Atomic Energy Agency report, Iran is now using IR-4 centrifuges to enrich uranium in violation of the nuclear accord. Iran
Lawsuit filed to close pro-Kurdish party after lawmaker stripped of parliamentary seat Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu, a pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party deputy known to focus on human rights abuses, was stripped of his parliament seat and a lawsuit was filed to close the party March 17. Turkey
Netanyahu courts Arab voters as 'Abu Yair' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted a new strategy for the Arab public: cynically rebranding himself as "Abu Yair." Israel
As tensions rise with Israel, PA halts medical transfers The Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah decided to halt the transfer of patients from the West Bank to Israeli hospitals — an expense the PA covers — after Israel slashed the PA's budget amid rising tensions. Palestine
Netanyahu acting responsibly against calls for Gaza war Despite calls for a military operation from critics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acted responsibly in refusing to engage in another Gaza war. Qatar
Toxic campaigns spread online ahead of Israel’s elections According to President of the Israel Internet Association Karine Nahon, civil society must take responsibility, clean up the toxic discourse on the internet and social media, and restore power to the voters. Israel
More money troubles in the Netanyahu family The financial relationship between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his multi-millionaire American cousin Nathan Milikowsky could lead to yet another criminal investigation into the Israeli leader. Israel
Did Trump’s decision on Golan undercut Putin mediation on Syria? Russian President Vladimir Putin thought he had a deal in Helsinki; Turkey rethinks Syria ties over Kurds. Israel
Key senator looks to block Apache sale to Egypt over injured American Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., is calling for the State Department to hold a billion-dollar US helicopter sale to Egypt until Cairo pays for the medical bills of an American wounded in a 2015 attack. Egypt
What caused Erdogan’s change of heart on Hagia Sophia? Turkey’s president has pledged to change the status of Istanbul’s landmark Hagia Sophia to a mosque, going back on his previous objections to such a move and raising questions whether the pledge is merely a populist gesture ahead of elections or something more. Turkey
Iran hails Luxembourg court’s rejection of US asset seizure Iran has welcomed a decision by a Luxembourg court rejecting an attempt by families of 9/11 victims to gain access to frozen Iranian assets for alleged Iranian involvement in the 2001 al-Qaeda attacks. United States
Russian foreign minister heads to Turkey to seal visa deal The Turkish and Russian foreign ministers will meet in Antalya Friday to discuss a range of topics as a controversial missile deal between Ankara and Moscow threatens to further deteriorate Turkey-US ties. Turkey
Iran’s seeming restraint on Golan Heights puts Arab rivals in tough spot Iran’s adoption of a low-profile position on Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights appears to be a calculated move to maximize Iran's regional interests. Israel
Hamas violence may chill anti-Abbas alliance with PLO leftists Hamas’ crackdown on Gaza Strip protesters demanding a better life has troubled the party's relations with left-wing PLO factions — relations that have grown since the anti-occupation March of Return took off a year ago. Palestine
Golan residents unhappy, yet unsurprised by US decision Golan Heights residents were dismayed but not altogether shocked by the US president's sudden decision to recognize Israel's annexation of their homeland. Israel
