Analysis Europe’s West Bank trade ban fires warning shot at Israel’s economy Weeks before key Israeli elections, a dozen nations announced new trade restrictions targeting settlements in the West Bank, delivering a sharp rebuke to Israel's government that could presage additional international pressure. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Once Netanyahu’s top challenger, Bennett loses ground to Eisenkot: What to know Facing the popular Gadi Eisenkot, the Together party of former premiers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid is sinking in Israeli opinion polls. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Israel says it destroyed Hezbollah tunnels in Ali al-Taher ridge: What to know The ridge has become a flashpoint in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon due to its extensive tunnel network Israel says is utilized by the Iran-backed group. Israel
Netanyahu threatens to sue Haaretz for reporting UAE warned Israel of Oct. 7 attack The Emirati president reportedly warned that a planned attack could cause bloodshed, destabilize the region and threaten the Abraham Accords. Israel
Analysis Israel braces for Iran attack as Trump’s economic squeeze on Tehran intensifies By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Netanyahu caves, hands Elkin Jerusalem portfolio After assigning the Strategic Affairs portfolio to Gilad Erdan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu compensated Immigration and Absorption Minister Zeev Elkin by handing him the delicate Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs. Israel
Center trains Ethiopian-Israelis for high-tech careers A technology training center for Ethiopian-Israelis trains dozens of students every year for high-tech professions, but many graduates feel disappointed in a state that still sees them as manual laborers. Israel
Netanyahu zigzags on two-state solution Throughout his political career, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has battled the 1993 Oslo Accord, backed it, objected to the two-state solution and then supported it again. Palestine
No promises in Netanyahu's offer to negotiate settlement annexation The Israeli prime minister’s overtures to discuss settlements to be annexed to Israel under a peace agreement is an effort to legitimize the settlements in the guise of a concession without making any commitments to the Palestinians. Palestine
Israel's realpolitik embraces regional extremes Israeli President Reuven Rivlin warmly eulogized the late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, perpetuating Israel's approach to its neighbors that is based on common interest and alliances, not moral standards. Saudi Arabia
Israelis use technology to battle government corruption On the backdrop of the recent exposure of several serious alleged corruption affairs, former minister Michael Eitan argues that social networks and technology are changing public norms and pressuring elected officials to respect the rule of law. Israel
US clarifies position on nuclear-free Middle East The Obama administration keeps pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a future agreement with Iran as a fait accompli, while demonstrating its commitment to Israel's security on the nuclear-free Mideast front. Israel
Secular Jews rediscover Jewish heritage Tel Aviv council member Mickey Gitzin explains how secular Jews have created their own narratives and celebrations in regard to the Feast of Weeks celebration on May 23-24. Israel
Jibril Rajoub confident FIFA will vote on expelling Israel FIFA’s general assembly will convene on May 29 and may vote on removing Israel from the world soccer association, in a step Palestinians see as a major progress in the nonviolent efforts to call out Israel for its ongoing violations against Palestinian sports. Palestine
France works to restart talks toward Israeli-Palestinian peace France is urging Israelis and Palestinians to resume negotiations in anticipation of an international peace proposal being presented. Palestine
First international blunder of Bibi's new government Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's zigzagging over the plan to separate Jews and Palestinian workers traveling to the territories demonstrates the strong hold of the settlers over his fragile coalition. Palestine
Did Ya'alon cave in to settler pressure? Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon revoked his decision to separate Palestinian and Israeli bus passengers traveling to the territories following an international outcry about apartheid, as well as harsh criticism in Israel. Palestine