Settler violence spike exposes Israeli government rift with military Knesset member Ram Ben-Barak of centrist Yesh Atid told Al-Monitor that the government must permit the use of administrative detention for extremist settlers to curb the violence. Israel
Wartime closures at Jerusalem holy sites raise fears of lasting shift among Palestinians Palestinians say sweeping restrictions during Ramadan and ahead of Eid reflect security concerns, but there is concern they could ultimately reshape access to worship in the Old City. Palestine
Analysis Hamas sits out Iran war as Gaza, Gulf interests take priority Hamas has so far stayed out of the escalating Iran war, despite its longstanding alliance with Tehran, reflecting a cautious strategic calculation. By Abeer Ayyoub In Istanbul, reporting on Palestine
Spain recalls Israel ambassador, calls Iran war 'flagrant illegality': What to know Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the US-Israel war in Iran a "flagrant illegality.” Israel
Analysis Why Turkey’s exclusion from Gaza force may be a strategic blessing By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Abbas at UN gives muted rejection to Trump ‘annexation’ plan The White House declares victory as the UN Security Council holds off on issuing a resolution reiterating old parameters for a two-state solution. Palestine
The power Hamas holds over Israel’s elections Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows that terror attacks by Hamas right before the March 2 elections could cost him his job. Palestine
Hamas puts the ball in Israel's court The leaders of Hamas have indicated that the time for waiting is over as pressure continues to build in Gaza, leaving Israel to have to choose between the risk of war and its unknown consequences and finally reaching a long-term arrangement with the movement. Palestine
Trump budget holds Palestinian aid hostage to progress on peace plan The Donald Trump administration is doubling down on its bid to cut Palestinian aid by tying it to congressional funding for the president’s Middle East peace plan. Palestine
Israel’s president warns: Security decisions are politically motivated The latest decisions made by Defense Minister Naftali Bennett against Palestinian trade have not been meant to stop rocket fire from the Gaza Strip or calm the situation in the West Bank, but to impress his voters. Palestine
Will settlers' anger push Netanyahu into Blue and White's arms? Yamina and settlers leaders are demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unilaterally annex West Bank territory despite the objection of the White House, but their campaign runs the risk of backfiring politically. Palestine
Now Israel's defense minister, Bennett tones down Gaza rhetoric Defense Minister Naftali Bennett has made many belligerent statements over the years about stronger military action in Gaza, but as defense minister he seems to have adopted a policy of restraint. Palestine
Gaza-Israel feud escalates, but cautiously Palestinians in Gaza have been trying to sleep through the roar of Israeli jets and bombs, as Israeli settlers wake up to the explosions of grenades in a pseudo-war that might change the rules of engagement. Palestine
What's in store for Palestinian-Jordanian ties as US rolls out peace plan? While Jordan and Palestine are supporting each other in their rejection of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, it remains to be seen what the future holds if Washington ups the pressure on Amman. Palestine
Is West Bank, Gaza unrest a prelude of things to come? Attacks on Israeli security forces in the West Bank and Jerusalem after the release of President Donald Trump's peace plan have led security officials to view a recent escalation on the Gaza border in a new light. Palestine
Egypt stays out of renewed Israel-Gaza escalations In an unusual move, Egypt has failed to intervene in Israel's latest military escalation on the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Dawn of protest: Palestinians stand against 'deal of century' at prayers Palestinians flock to holy sites in the Great Fajr Campaign, to protest the "deal of the century" and its implications for Haram al-Sharif. Palestine
