Trump's Gaza diplomacy takes back seat to Iran, Ukraine in first 100 days Gaza is on the back burner as nuclear negotiations with Iran and talks to end the Ukraine war command the attention of President Trump and his Middle East envoy. Palestine
Analysis 'Out of loop': Israel increasingly fears being blindsided by a Trump-Iran deal The Israeli prime minister had wanted to keep the military option on the table, but for now must grit his teeth and let US-Iranian negotiations run their course. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Macron’s Palestine gamble: Can recognition plan jump-start peace talks? French President Emmanuel Macron said he may recognize a Palestinian state in June when he will cohost a peace summit with Saudi Arabia, but has not committed to such a move. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Israel doubts Syria breakthrough as Sharaa signals openness to Abraham Accords Syria's new leader seems open to joining the Abraham Accords under 'certain conditions,' but Israelis remain skeptical about his true intentions and an emerging alliance with Turkey. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Why Syria’s Sharaa is hinting at Israel ties By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Intel: Netanyahu, Gantz strike West Bank annexation deal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, struck a deal today to annex parts of the West Bank as part of their bid to form a unity government. Palestine
Intel: Joe Biden uses coronavirus crisis to push for Iran sanctions relief Former Vice President Joe Biden, the overwhelming favorite to become the Democratic presidential nominee, came out in favor of humanitarian sanctions relief for Iran to help the embattled country cope with the coronavirus pandemic. United States
After Trump tweet, Iran warns US about action in Iraq Iranian generals have warned the United States that they will respond if the United States takes action against Iran in Iraq. Iraq
Saudis risk losing last Republican defenders with oil price war The oil price war places the Saudis at risk of losing their previously stalwart defenders on Capitol Hill, the last line of defense against legislation targeting the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Are Netanyahu, Bennett preparing Jordan Valley annexation? Blue and White leader Benny Gantz must beware of right-wing ministers such as Defense Minister Naftali Bennett trying to establish facts on the ground before the unity government is established. Palestine
How will the COVID-19 crisis impact US-Iran tensions? If Iran can hold out long enough against COVID-19, Tehran and Washington might be able to come to terms. United States
Intel: Republicans dial up pressure on Saudis to end oil price war with Russia Republicans are throwing their weight behind the Donald Trump administration’s push to get Saudi Arabia to end its oil price war with Russia, which has increasingly squeezed American energy companies as the coronavirus runs rampant throughout the United States. Saudi Arabia
Israel, US pretend East Jerusalem Palestinians don’t exist The latest report by the US State Department refers to Palestinians of East Jerusalem as “non-Israeli residents,’’ as if changing their description could change the reality. Palestine
Anti-war movement looks to take Trump to court to stop war with Iran Anti-war groups are lobbying Congress to take President Donald Trump to court on Iran war powers. Saudi Arabia
AIPAC gets Democrats to help Trump chip away at nuclear deal AIPAC is marshaling significant bipartisan backing for a bid to extend the Iran nuclear deal’s first sunset provision as hawks push for snapback sanctions at the United Nations. United States
Opposition to Bernie Sanders draws out bipartisan unity at AIPAC AIPAC has struggled to maintain its bipartisan stature on Capitol Hill recently, but rallying Democrats and Republicans against Bernie Sanders has given it a new opportunity. Palestine
Intel: US leans on Turkey despite tensions The top US military commander in Europe told Congress today that Turkey remains a key ally despite the Donald Trump administration’s decision to boot the NATO partner from the F-35 program after it took delivery of the Russian S-400 air defense system last summer. Syria