Interview

Oman minister describes role as 'facilitator' of diplomacy in turbulent region

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Oman’s minister responsible for foreign affairs, describes his country's role as facilitator, not mediator, to resolve the region's conflicts, including Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Yemen, and the embargo of Qatar.

Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman

Intel: Why Israel’s president chose Netanyahu to form new government

A week after Israel’s legislative elections, President Reuven Rivlin has chosen Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make a first attempt at forming a government, but a path to a majority coalition remains difficult.

Israel

Has Netanyahu’s succession war already started?

Senior Likud members are terrified of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and won’t launch a succession war, but there are incidents that indicate some of them are testing the waters.

Palestine

Israel, Hamas work quietly together on development projects for Gaza

Though they pretend not to be communicating, top Israeli and Hamas officials are working together via Egypt and other channels to advance development plans for the Gaza Strip.

Palestine

Would Israel limit use of plastic disposable tableware?

Israel's Finance Ministry is considering taxation of disposable dishes and tableware to curb the enormous use of plastic in the country.

Israel

Israeli annexation plans endanger ties with Jordan, Egypt

Israel’s political right should pay attention to statements made Jordan's King Abdullah, who made it clear that he objects to all annexation plans advanced by the Netanyahu government.

Palestine

Arab lawmaker says joining coalition would legitimize Israeli occupation

The leading elected Palestinian leader in Israel tells Al-Monitor that while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vicious racism led Arab voters to the polls, the Arab coalition still cannot join a ruling coalition.

Palestine

Arab Knesset members expose Netanyahu’s double game

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outwardly incites against the Arab population while privately asking Arab Knesset members for help when he needs it.

Israel

Could Israel’s president prevent third elections in a year?

With Avigdor Liberman insisting on a unity government, Blue and White rejecting a government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Netanyahu’s upcoming pre-indictment hearing, the establishment of a government seems almost impossible.

Israel

Time has come for Israeli-Arab party to join government

Israeli Arab voters came out in drove to the polling stations, as such, the Joint List must be accepted by Blue and White as a natural partner in governing.

Israel

How strong is Netanyahu’s alliance with the ultra-Orthodox?

The alliance between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox parties is one of pure interests; both sides must stick to it or risk failure.

Israel

Arab party torn over integration in Israeli society

Leaders of the Arab Joint List qualified their recommendation of Blue and White leader Benny Gantz to compose the next government as historic — that is, until the Balad faction withdrew from the recommendation.

Israel