Israel, the fortress

When Israel completes the construction of its eastern fence, it could finally declare itself a well-fortified stronghold in the heart of the Middle Eastern jungle.

Israel

Israel's internal Labor Party leadership battle is sign of its return to relevance

Zionist Camp Knesset member Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin claims that the party has been repeatedly defeated since the era of Prime Minister Ehud Barak because it lost Yitzhak Rabin's legacy of security, something she would like to bring back through diplomatic security as well as social security efforts.

Israel

Is Israel discriminating against Christian schools?

Christian schools in Israel have not started the new school year, claiming that they are discriminated against and receive much smaller budgets than Jewish schools.

Israel

Is Hezbollah looking to restore its image through the West Bank?

In light of allegations about the discovery of Hezbollah-affiliated armed cells in the West Bank, some sources say that Hezbollah might be seeking to regain the popularity it lost when it got involved in the Syrian war by militarily supporting Palestinians in their fight against Israel.

Palestine

Christians demonstrate against wall in Beit Jala

The fight over land in the predominantly Christian Palestinian town of Beit Jala has been fought on the ground and in the Israeli courts for years, with Christian leaders at the head of Palestinian efforts.

Palestine

Palestinian women up in arms against Israeli soldiers

Palestinian women are trying everything in their power to protest land confiscations and other Israeli measures, and it seems they have no problem resorting to fistfights when children are at risk.

Palestine

Israelis forgo homemade wedding foods in favor of gourmet hummus, Galilean artisanal cheese

Young Israeli newlyweds have moved on from the homemade wedding food of the '60s, the pastries of the '70s, and the glittery presentation of the '80s in favor of a fusion of world and local cuisines.

Israel

Netanyahu is all talk and no action when it comes to helping refugees, asylum seekers

In reaction to the flow of Syrian refugees, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talks about “empathy for a human tragedy,” but when it comes to actions, as in the case of the Gaza Strip or the asylum seekers from Africa, he turns his back.

Israel

Israel's opposition politicians head to 'political wilderness'

The decline of the big political parties and the rise of personality driven parties are harming Israeli politics by devaluing being in the opposition, where accomplishing change for the public good requires determination.

Israel

Was Bibi's battle against Iran really a fight for his own survival?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu probably understood a while ago that objecting to the Iran deal would lead nowhere, but insisted on waging the battle against it for domestic political considerations.

Israel

Does Israel's economy minister know the election is over?

Israeli Economy Minister Aryeh Deri seems more busy creating provocations and headlines than making ministerial decisions on crucial issues such as the 2016 state budget or the natural gas outline.

Israel

Why it's time for Saudi Arabia to take the lead on Israeli-Palestinian peace process

While Israel and Saudi Arabia share common interests, these can only be expressed if the Saudis take a leading role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process toward a statehood based on their 2002 initiative, with the United States, Egypt and the Arab League engaging as well.

Palestine