Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election Ahead of the eighth round of talks in Rome, the Israeli military reported clearing Hezbollah's underground stronghold at Ali al-Taher after besieging the ridge for months. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis As Israeli settler attacks mount, Trump avoids public pressure on Netanyahu President Donald Trump has stayed silent amid a spate of settler attacks on Palestinians and their property in the West Bank. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Israel to release 5 Lebanese prisoners ahead of next talks: What to know Israel said the detainees are "civilians who are not members of a terrorist organization" and "were not involved in terrorism," concluding, "There is no reason to continue holding them in Israel." Israel
Analysis Israel favors status quo as tensions in Iran's leadership fuel escalation risk Israel would prefer to preserve the current balance of pressure — with US naval blockades and economic measures continuing without a return to active fighting — per a senior Israeli security source. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Why Turkey welcomes Israel-Syria talks despite mounting red lines By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israeli Arabs torn on country’s Independence Day Head of the Arab Joint List party Ayman Odeh explains that for Israeli Arabs, Independence Day is cause for mourning. Palestine
Israel, Palestinians return to conflicting narratives While Israel celebrates its 70th birthday, the Palestinians mark 70 years of despair. Palestine
Officials say long-isolated Hebron areas could see revival The Palestinian Civil Affairs Committee recently worked out a deal with Israel to open some shops in a Hebron area that's been closed off for almost two decades, but some Palestinians view the move as a mere publicity stunt that will do little to help revive the area, which used to be a bustling commercial center. Palestine
Detained Palestinians boycott Israeli courts Many of the 500 Palestinians being held without charge in Israel are rejecting their "day in court," which they claim is only used as a platform for Israeli propaganda. Palestine
Ultra-Orthodox join Israelis in national mourning on memorial days Over the past three years, the ultra-Orthodox community has changed its attitude toward Memorial Day for Israel's fallen soldiers, with its leaders calling to honor the day and participate in the national mourning events. Israel
Netanyahu's delusions on Saudi Arabia The Arab League has provided Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a path to peace if he so chooses, but he instead is deluding himself in thinking he can have better relations with Arab countries like Saudi Arabia while enforcing harsh policies against the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia
Palestinians appeal for help as bloodshed continues in Gaza Strip The International Criminal Court said it is monitoring the violence between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian protesters, as it's being called on to take Israel to task. Palestine
At 70, Israel sits atop a volcano Israel’s army holds a definitive advantage over the rest of the region, but the 70-year-old country is confronted by multiple enemies and points of conflict. Palestine
Will Netanyahu's quest to limit high court's authority stifle democracy? A battle championed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a law prohibiting the Supreme Court from overturning legislation might succeed, despite warnings that it would effectively destroy democracy in Israel. Israel
IDF prepares response to Gaza Nakba Day protests The Israeli army estimates that Hamas plans to continue with the protests along the Gaza border long after their original deadline of Nakba Day, on May 15. Palestine
Battle erupts over Israeli High Court’s independence Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has no qualms about threatening Israel’s democracy by advancing a bill bypassing High Court rulings. Israel
Russia seeks to extend role in Mideast peace beyond Syria Moscow faces many challenges in its efforts to help resolve Palestinian issues, especially as Israel rejects any mediator other than the United States and Egypt continues to be the sole sponsor of intra-Palestinian reconciliation. Palestine