Analysis As Pakistan military chief holds Iran talks, Israel's Netanyahu fears being left out US President Donald Trump's comment that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would do "whatever I want” is troubling the premier's inner circle ahead of the elections in October. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Ireland joins EU push to ban trade with Israeli settlements amid flotilla backlash European frustration with Israel intensified this week after a far-right Israeli minister posted a video of the mistreatment of international activists detained in the country. Israel
Israel targets Turkey charity amid Gaza flotilla tensions The request, published in Israeli media, marks a further escalation in tensions with Turkey amid disputes over Gaza aid operations. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Pakistan's army chief visits Iran as Islamabad dials up mediation push Pakistan intensifies Iran mediation efforts, Syria’s Sharaa secures a G7 invite and Azerbaijan stirs tensions in Turkey. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Interview Ahmad Tibi says Arab parties in Israel can block Netanyahu without joining next government Ahmad Tibi Israeli Arab lawmaker
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Pakistan interior minister in Tehran amid mediation push By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Jerusalem's political orphans Israeli officials are making unilateral decisions about the fate and future of Palestinians living in East Jerusalem. Palestine
Israel seeks to revive long abandoned railway to Gulf Israel is currently discussing a project to reopen the old Hejaz railway to connect it with Saudi Arabia, though many Egyptians are concerned about its impact on trade through the Suez Canal. Egypt
Rouhani on defense after attack on hard-line 'fraudulent institutions' Reformists sidelined in Iran's street protests; reactions in Iraq and Turkey; Iran rebuilds ties with Hamas via Hezbollah. Palestine
Israeli centrist leader at war with UNRWA Contrary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid wholeheartedly embraced the threats by the Trump administration to cut UNRWA financing, which has the potential to create a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Will Fatah launch 'intifada of independence'? Palestinians warn that absent a diplomatic route toward Palestinian statehood, Fatah might launch in 2018 an intifada of independence. Palestine
How Ahed Tamimi became an icon to Palestinians With her indictment in Israeli court last month, 16-year-old Palestinian Ahed Tamimi has reached hero status among Palestinians for her confrontations with Israeli soldiers. Palestine
Has Israel’s defense minister changed approach on Hamas? Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman estimates that provoking Hamas and generating a military confrontation with the group does not serve Israel’s security interest. Palestine
Culture Alert: Art mingles with diplomacy, feminism and sport The Middle East's cultural scene at the start of 2018 is almost as lively as its political landscape, as art flirts with feminism, diplomacy and sport. Egypt
Israel caught between Trump and Gaza suffering Israel recognizes UNRWA’s role in preventing starvation in Gaza, so it cannot openly endorse the Trump administration's apparent desire to cut aid to the organization. Palestine
Trump's Jerusalem decision opens Israeli expansionism floodgates The Israeli ruling Likud Party has voted on a decision to annex the settlements in the West Bank to Israel, raising the anger of Palestinians who threatened to take the matter to international courts. Palestine
Netanyahu's coalition goes to war — with itself Recent proposed legislation has fractured the governing coalition, forcing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to roll up his sleeves to keep it from falling apart. Israel
Netanyahu, Abbas take off diplomatic masks While Likud ministers freely discuss annexation of parts of the West Bank, the Palestinians are preparing to request UN recognition of Palestine as a state under foreign occupation. Palestine