Before talks with Palestinians, Israel must fulfill agreements

Years of occupation and settlement expansion render the possibility of reaching an agreement with the Palestinians very slim, but Israel can reach out to them by implementing past agreements.

Palestine

Changes expected in Palestinian Knesset representation

There appears to be a good chance that the Joint List will not be the only party vying to represent the interests of Palestinian citizens of Israel in April elections for the next Knesset.

Palestine

Israel uses Qatari grant to pressure Hamas

In the wake of the military escalation between Israel and the Gaza Strip, Israel has frozen the third transfer of the Qatari grant to Gaza, thus breaching understandings reached with Hamas.

Qatar

Female, Druze Likud candidates fail to impress

A Muslim woman and a few Druze candidates are competing in the Likud primaries for a minority slot in the party’s next Knesset list.

Israel

Egyptians decry Pompeo's 'ode to Israel' from Cairo

In his recent speech in Cairo, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo failed to explain US policy on the Middle East, but he did voice support for Israel.

Saudi Arabia

Iran plays Hamas card ahead of Israeli elections

Hamas insists on Qatari money; Iran offers training for Palestinian factions; Russia wrestles with its limits in Syria; UAE leads GCC rapprochement with Damascus.

Legacy: Gulf

Hamas prisoners vote inside Israeli jails

Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan announced a series of harsh restrictions on Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. This could be a dangerous maneuver for Israel.

Palestine

Will Israel allow Palestinian elections in East Jerusalem?

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called for legislative elections within six months, but the ability of East Jerusalemites being able to participate is uncertain, as usual.

Palestine

Israel erects underground, underwater barriers to thwart Hamas attacks

Israel’s sea and land barriers were built to stave off Hamas attacks and prevent tunnels from being dug.

Palestine

Veteran Likud member must raise integrity banner against Netanyahu’s rule

Knesset member Benny Begin has long been the emblem of political honesty and integrity; now he must raise his voice against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's continued rule while suspected of corruption.

Israel

Israeli right likely to maintain support for Netanyahu if indicted

The Likud and the right-wing bloc is positioned to win the Israeli elections, and most of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition partners will agree to join him again even if he is indicted.

Israel

New Right more reality show than party

After splitting from HaBayit HaYehudi for personal political reasons, Ministers Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked are struggling to define a distinct agenda for their new political platform.

Israel