Palestinians await presidential decree to hold general elections

The PA’s call for general elections seems to have gained traction in Palestine, especially with Hamas' approval for them to be held.

Qatar

Saudi and Israeli tourism campaigns offer stark contrast in transparency

Public relations firms working to promote travel to foreign countries are all over the map when it comes to lobbying and PR disclosures.

Saudi Arabia

Knesset’s 21-day grace period: Opportunity for change

Instead of heading for a third election in less than a year, Knesset members could support a noncontroversial member among themselves for the position of prime minister.

Israel

Is Jordan Valley's annexation already on the way?

As Israel gears up for what could be the third round of elections in less than a year, a bill presented earlier in the month to annex the Jordan Valley has taken on a new urgency in light of the US announcement that it no longer views the settlements as illegal.

Palestine

Democrats plan legislative response to Trump’s new Israeli settlement policy

House Democratic leaders vow to vote on a resolution backing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after the Donald Trump administration’s new settlement policy.

Palestine

Avigdor Liberman drives Israeli politics crazy

Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman had promised that he would not accept any other solution than a "liberal unity government," and so far, he has kept every last letter of that promise, even if driving all politicians crazy.

Israel

Liberman, Lapid miscalculate about Likud rebellion

Both Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman and Blue and White co-leader Yair Lapid mistakenly assumed that some Likud members would break ranks and join a Gantz-led unity coalition.

Israel

US says Israeli settlements not necessarily illegal

A US shift on settlements comes after European court decision on labeling settlement products.

Palestine

Djerejian: In addressing uprisings in Middle East, first 'do no harm'

Former US diplomat Edward Djerejian also sees opportunity for US diplomacy in Gulf crisis.

Saudi Arabia

Netanyahu’s yes-men get ministerial portfolios

Obviously, the criteria for being appointed new minister in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s caretaker government is not competencies but loyalty to the chief.

Israel

Israeli politicians prefer chaos over Jewish-Arab partnership

Most Israeli Arabs aspire to integrate into the general society, but the country’s political leadership is engaged in a hate campaign against them.

Israel

Netanyahu draws careful line between Arab Israelis, Arab parties

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has obviously changed tactics: Instead of attacking directly Israeli-Arab citizens, he is targeting the Knesset members of the Joint List.

Israel