Netanyahu unpopular, but still alone at top

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provoked a coalition crisis this week, signaling that though normally he shies away from elections, with his sinking popularity, his best bet might be running to the voting booth now.

Israel

Israeli mayor responds to racism charge

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Ashkelon Mayor Itamar Shimoni argues that the decision to halt work by Arab Israeli construction workers in his city was intended only to allay tensions, saying, "I believe that Arab Israelis are part of us."

Israel

Iran talks: Obama’s legacy, Netanyahu’s failure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's focus this week on a coalition crisis and not on the nuclear talks in Vienna indicates the loss of his influence as much as the lack of US interest in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, now that Iran talks with the United States.

Israel

Russia's Middle East policy after the G-20 summit

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, ever skeptical of US intentions, elaborates on Russia's policies in the Middle East — and risks alienating the West.

Palestine

How rumors hurt the Palestinian cause

Publishing rumors about the death of a Palestinian bus driver is damaging the credibility of the Palestinian press, delegitimizing the legitimate claims of the Palestinian people and fanning the flames of hatred.

Palestine

EU, US discuss options for renewing Mideast talks

The European Union and the United States are elaborating three options to revive the peace process: renewing talks on the basis of latest understandings, an international conference or a unilateral American statement on a framework agreement.

Palestine

Obama says no plans to remove Assad

Obama says no for now to regime change in Syria; Dark backs ‘freeze’ in divided Aleppo; Syrian opposition holds its own in south; Israel, Palestinians fear religious war; Is Egypt winning battle against IS-linked group?

Palestine

Tel Aviv bus station becomes creative hotspot

A group of talented young designers have decided to take on the neglected eyesore that is Tel Aviv’s Central Bus Station, and by experimenting with urban agriculture and innovation they are showing that even this concrete monster can flourish.

Israel

Will terror attacks revive issue of splitting Jerusalem?

The Israeli right has long accused the left of intending to divide Jerusalem in a future agreement with the Palestinians, but with continuing unrest in the city the ruling right wing must also face the possibility of a separation.

Palestine

Transparency project targets Knesset members

In an interview with Al-Monitor, journalist Tomer Avital talks about his social-journalistic Internet enterprise titled “One hundred days of transparency,” with the goal of subjecting elected officials to new standards of transparency.

Israel

Israeli security defends Abbas

Israeli security apparatus agrees with the political echelon that Mahmoud Abbas incites the Palestinian street over Temple Mount, but argues that Abbas maintains security cooperation with Israel and condemns terror attacks.

Palestine

Could Israel’s policies pave way for an intifada?

Israel’s systematic marginalization of Palestinian residents in Jerusalem and its separation of them from the Palestinian Authority are recreating the ingredients for an uprising.

Palestine