Jews, Arabs use religion as tool to escalate conflict

The murders at the Bnei Torah Kehillat Yaakov synagogue in Jerusalem are yet another sign of both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict adding religious elements to the territorial dispute.

Palestine

Following synagogue attack, Netanyahu, Abbas must meet

With the latest wave of suicide attacks in Jerusalem, Israel faces a security situation that cannot be solved by building fences like the separation wall.

Palestine

Jerusalem terror attack shatters brief remission

This morning's terror attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem indicates that the latest measures of lifting age restrictions for Muslim prayers at the Temple Mount failed at preventing further escalation.

Palestine

Kerry finds a way to Temple Mount compromise

In Amman, US Secretary of State John Kerry achieved a compromise on Muslim Temple Mount prayers, showing that a firm US stance must be taken to resolve the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Palestine

Hamas instigates further West Bank unrest

Hamas is seeking to take advantage of the latest acts of violence against Israelis in the occupied territories, but is hindered by tight security measures by Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Palestine

Druze, Muslims clash over ties with Israel

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Abu Snan Local Council head Nuhad Mishlav refers to the clashes last week between Druze and Muslim youth, saying, "The entire Arab leadership in Israel is mobilized to resolve the crisis and return to coexistence."

Israel

Arab MKs aim to restore dialogue with Israelis

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Arab Knesset members Haneen Zoabi, Basel Ghattas and Jamal Zahalka claim that the Israeli media categorize and demonize them in a way that prevents them from entering into a dialogue with the public.

Palestine

Lapid finally steps up to the plate

Finance Minister Yair Lapid has apparently cut a deal with Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, enabling him to promote his flagship bill proposal over a zero-VAT for housing.

Israel

Israeli security officials view Abbas as key to stability

Despite the latest terror attacks in the Etzion settlement and at the center of Tel Aviv, Israeli security sources say that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is committed to security cooperation with Israel and will work to defuse tension.

Palestine

Israel investigates B'Tselem claims on shooting Palestinians

In an interview with Al-Monitor, B'Tselem Director Hagai El-Ad defends the organization's unequivocal, yet unpopular stance against Israeli policies: ''The moral image of the state is important for many Israelis and not just for B’Tselem activists.''

Palestine

Netanyahu captains Israel into the doldrums

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boasted about the uniqueness of Israeli democracy in the region, but no Western democratic state would withhold basic rights from millions of people living under its rule, as Israel does.

Israel

For Israelis, Bibi no longer means security

Unlike the late Prime Minister Sharon, who initiated the Gaza disengagement precisely when his status as Mr. Security was at stake, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won't seek a diplomatic initiative even after the same security failure.

Palestine