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
Israeli annexation plans endanger ties with Jordan, Egypt Israel’s political right should pay attention to statements made Jordan's King Abdullah, who made it clear that he objects to all annexation plans advanced by the Netanyahu government. Palestine
Arab lawmaker says joining coalition would legitimize Israeli occupation The leading elected Palestinian leader in Israel tells Al-Monitor that while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vicious racism led Arab voters to the polls, the Arab coalition still cannot join a ruling coalition. Palestine
Will new initiative spark interest in ending the Hamas-Fatah schism? Eight Palestinian factions in Gaza have put forward an initiative to end the Palestinian divide ongoing since 2007. Palestine
Do the Hamas-Israeli understandings have a future? The results of the Israeli elections have raised concerns within Hamas about the future of the understandings reached between the movement and Israel that have provided Gaza a lifeline and that are helping it remain in control. Qatar
Egyptian FM: Ethiopian dam development shouldn’t 'come at expense of lives of Egyptians' In an exclusive, in-depth interview with Al-Monitor, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry says he sees no change in Qatari policies; great potential in regional integration; and says Egypt will play its "traditional role" to support "courageous decisions" to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Qatar
Are Netanyahu and Gantz really so different? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz appear to hold similar views on certain issues, but are miles apart in tone and expression. Palestine
Palestinian school to produce anti-corruption experts The Palestinian Anti-Corruption Academy plans to launch next year to train Palestinians with skills to curb corruption. Palestine
Israel gets new chance to reach arrangement with Palestinians If Blue and White leader Benny Gantz composes the new government and invites Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman to be part of it, then these two men must focus on reaching an arrangement with Hamas. Palestine
Abbas dissolves tribal affairs committee in Gaza Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has ordered the Higher Committee for Tribal Affairs in Gaza disbanded over ties to exiled Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan, but the group is committed to continuing its work. Palestine
Imprisoned Hamas members end 2-week hunger strike The senior leadership of Hamas prisoners said the prisoners have ended their hunger strike after receiving assurances from the Israel Prison Service to stop using cellphone jamming devices, but Israeli media portray the strike as having little effect. Palestine
Was Netanyahu’s controversial visit to Hebron worth election efforts? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a rare visit to the West Bank city of Hebron, drawing anger among Palestinians who warn against Israel’s efforts to extend sovereignty over Hebron’s Old City. Palestine
Will Israel cut electricity supply to West Bank? The West Bank has started to witness partial electricity cuts as the Israel Electricity Corporation claims debt owed by the Jerusalem District Electricity Company. Palestine
