Analysis Trump’s Gaza plan under fire as Israel restricts flood aid More than a year after President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire to end the war in Gaza, Israel continues to restrict the delivery of shelter materials and rubble-clearing machinery. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Explainer What does Nvidia CEO’s resignation mean for the Middle East’s AI buildout? Jensen Huang’s sudden resignation amid an explosive espionage scandal has thrown the future of the world’s most valuable chipmaker into uncertainty, potentially creating fallout that could buffet the Middle East's technology sector at a crucial moment. Saudi Arabia
Eisenkot meets Netanyahu in bid to avoid Iran strikes Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a security briefing amid opposition concerns that the government could launch a military operation against Iran. Israel
France, US push rival UNIFIL plans ahead of Lebanon mandate expiry With the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon due to expire in six weeks, France and the United States are advancing sharply different proposals for the country's future after UNIFIL's departure. Israel
Analysis Trump officials look past Netanyahu, push Eisenkot to form government quickly By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey, Qatar seek foothold in Gaza talks Turkey and Qatar, having alienated regional powers with their support of Hamas, are finding it hard to gain influence in Gaza cease-fire negotiations. Qatar
Why Islamic State has no sympathy for Hamas The Islamic State does not regard fighting Israel as legitimate and calls instead for first "purifying" the Islamic world, including challenging Hamas. Palestine
To destroy Hamas, Israel should support opposition in Gaza Some in Gaza would like to initiate a popular revolt, as happened in neighboring Egypt, but they can't make it happen without outside support. Palestine
Iranians, irked by Netanyahu comment, tweet photos of their jeans Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offended many young Iranians by falsely saying in an interview that the citizens of the Islamic Republic were not free to wear jeans or listen to western music. Israel
Indyk staffs up to intensify Israeli Palestinian peace push US Middle East peace envoy Martin Indyk has said that the commonly shared goal of the peace talks is a 'final status agreement, not an interim agreement.' Palestine
What made Abbas change position on Gaza war? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas surprised many, including his Palestinian critics, when he publicly expressed support for armed resistance against Israel in Gaza. Palestine
Obsession with Iran blinded Netanyahu to Hamas threat When the Gaza operation ends, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have to justify his national defense priorities, as he relentlessly pushed the budget for funds against the Iranian nuclear threat while ignoring the tunnels Hamas was digging under Israel that threatened the residents of the south. Palestine
Netanyahu convinces Israelis of existential threat The Israeli public is lapping up the official line that Israel is fighting a "war of no choice" and ignoring the larger diplomatic context in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sabotaged the Palestinian unity government and suspended negotiations. Palestine
Islamic State urges Turkish businessmen to return to Iraq In an interview with Al-Monitor, Turkey's economy minister says that in addition to IS prompting Turkish businessmen to return to Iraq, trade with Israel remains unaffected despite the current crisis, and 2015 will see an increase in exports and decrease in deficit. Iraq
Israel’s public agenda shifts back to security Israeli citizens are experiencing their first real security threat since the social protests of 2011, threatening to turn the national priorities from socioeconomics and social justice back to security. Israel
Israel Intel Minister: Not pessimistic about Iran deal Israeli Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz has said while he believes Iran wants a nuclear deal to save its economy, the US should not let up on economic pressure or close an interim deal with the Islamic Republic as it would lead to the sanctions regime crumbling. Israel