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
Sinking ties with US linked to Netanyahu's political fortunes A drop in US-Israel ties has provoked a domestic political crisis for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces challenges from Avigdor Liberman and Naftali Bennett. Palestine
Will Sisi move beyond 'cold peace' with Israel? The pending gas deal between Israel and Egypt might be an economic necessity for President-elect Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
Poll suggests Israelis could be sold on Arab League Initiative A poll conducted ahead of a major Israeli political conference examined the extent of the Israeli public’s exposure to the Arab Peace Initiative, and findings indicate that most Israelis are ignorant of the details of the plan. Saudi Arabia
Obama administration gets it wrong on Hamas The recent call by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque might inflame an already volatile situation around the unity government, which the United States should refuse to recognize. Palestine
Allegations of racism surface in Israel’s ultra-Orthodox schools Despite rulings by the Supreme Court and ministerial guidelines, the Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox establishment keeps rejecting Sephardic female students, wishing to maintain their separate education system, neighborhoods and marriages. Israel
Exclusive: Abu Zaida talks on his removal from Fatah In an interview with Al-Monitor, Sufian Abu Zaida, expelled from Fatah, defines Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as a "dictator," while criticizing Israel's objection to the unity government, saying it offers Israel both security cooperation and recognition. Palestine
Arab Peace Initiative still Israel's best option Israeli leaders who refuse to take up the Arab Peace Initiative are missing a historic chance for peace. Israel
Knesset member describes Israel's gender wars In an interview, Knesset member Yifat Kariv assures Al-Monitor that she will not give up on advancing women, particularly the ultra-Orthodox, in the Israeli political arena. Israel
Liberman outlines vision for 'regional arrangement' with Arab states Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman offers a plan for open contacts with "moderate" Arab states to deal with the threat from Iran and in pursuit of an agreement with the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia
Palestinians find respite from siege at Gaza’s ancient port Once an ancient trading hub, Gaza’s port now serves as a popular recreational location for local Palestinians wishing to forget the woes of living under siege. Palestine
Temple Mount faithful lay claim to lost ark Shavuot is an occasion to consider the many theories regarding the lost Ark of the Covenant that have inspired believers, politicians and Hollywood, and fed the hopes of those yearning for the Third Temple. Israel
Hamas leaders say reconciliation no substitute for 'resistance' Hamas is relieved to be free of the burden of government, and is eager to repair the damage with the Palestinian street. Palestine