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
US says Israeli settlements not necessarily illegal A US shift on settlements comes after European court decision on labeling settlement products. Palestine
Djerejian: In addressing uprisings in Middle East, first 'do no harm' Former US diplomat Edward Djerejian also sees opportunity for US diplomacy in Gulf crisis. Saudi Arabia
Hamas sets some demands for elections, concedes others Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas are moving closer to agreeing on election stipulations, but some conditions must still be addressed. Palestine
Against odds, Netanyahu revives his fortunes The Israeli prime minister takes out a terrorist foe, puts Iran’s Soleimani on notice and effectively sinks rival’s chances to form a new government — not a bad week. Palestine
Netanyahu’s 'divide and rule' policy against Palestinians Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues with the same approach of ignoring the Palestinian Authority and destabilizing it through contacts with Hamas. Palestine
Gaza attacks widen gap between Israel's Arab parties, Gantz in coalition talks The Israeli assassination of an Islamic Jihad leader and the killing of 32 Palestinians, including women and children, has ended any possibility of engagement by the Arab Joint List with Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz. Palestine
Hamas arrests gunmen trying to cross into Sinai Hamas' security efforts are paying off, stopping suspected terrorists from crossing into Egypt on twice in one week. Palestine
Islamic Jihad holds firm on Gaza cease-fire conditions Islamic Jihad has vowed to avenge Israel’s assassination of its commander and the attempted killing of another leader in Syria. Palestine
Killing of Islamic Jihad senior: Gantz falls into Netanyahu's trap Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must have considered beforehand what would exactly happen as a result of the elimination of Islamic Jihad senior Bahaa Abu el-Atta, including the elimination of the option of a minority government under Benny Gantz. Palestine
Hamas sits out Islamic Jihad escalation in favor of deal with Israel The latest escalation in Gaza showed where Israel and Hamas' interests converge, as neither wants to see Islamic Jihad gain too much power. Palestine
How Palestinians view Trump refusal to resume PA security aid The Palestinians are certain that Trump’s refusal to resume financial support for Palestinian security is personal and has been going on for a while. Palestine
Islamic Jihad leader's elimination serves both Netanyahu, Hamas Hamas' silence amid the violence with Israel indicates that the rulers of Gaza are shedding no tears over the fate of assassinated Islamic Jihad leader Bahaa Abu el-Atta, and the escalation is benefitting Israel's embattled prime minister as well. Palestine
