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
Jordan Valley annexation — Netanyahu’s desperate last card Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would annex the Jordan Valley after the elections. He hopes this announcement will sideline unpleasant issues for him, such as the police investigation or a possible Trump-Rouhani meeting. Palestine
Israel helps Hamas regain control over Gaza, rogue groups The Israel Defense Forces try to retaliate against rocket fire at Israel while preserving the Hamas rule that is now defied by rogue groups. Palestine
Struggle for water continues in Palestine’s Jordan Valley Israel seems to be trying to drive Palestinians out of the Jordan Valley by denying them access to water. Palestine
Palestinians see Greenblatt resignation as sign of failure for US Mideast vision While most Palestinians believe the resignation of Jason Greenblatt is a sign of failure, some argue the Trump policy will not change. Palestine
Jewish heritage in the West Bank, a tool of Israel’s right Education Minister Rafi Peretz announced that he plans to expand school trips to Jewish heritage sites in the West Bank, generating angry reactions from politicians from the center-left. Palestine
Will Greenblatt’s resignation hurt Netanyahu? Seniors in the Netanyahu government regret the resignation of US special envoy Jason Greenblatt, whom Jerusalem considers an ally within the Trump administration. Palestine
Despite appeal by Abbas, Egypt keeps Palestinian official's son in jail The family of Ramy Shaath — the son of Fatah official and former Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nabil Shaath — has had no luck getting him released since he was arrested in July on what the family says are trumped-up terrorism charges. Palestine
Palestinians in Jordan Valley want more to remain in their land The Palestinian government announced its intention to offer grants for graduates seeking a job in the Jordan Valley with the aim to encourage Palestinian presence in the area, which is highly coveted by Israel. Palestine
Court rules president of Al-Azhar in Gaza must step down A court has determined that Al-Azhar University-Gaza must elect a new president, a move that settles — at least temporarily — a row between Fatah leaders that led to a school-closing union strike. Palestine
Why is Hamas reshuffling its security apparatus in Gaza? Hamas sources have told Al-Monitor that operations against Israel by individuals operating independently are what led the movement to make major changes in the ranks of its security forces in Gaza. Palestine
Israel should negotiate solution to Hezbollah, not depend on deterrence Just like on the Palestinian front, Israel can change the way it handles its conflict with Lebanon by making a serious attempt to advance a solution. Palestine
Netanyahu’s deal of the century: Immunity in exchange for annexation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised the settlers “sovereignty” ahead of the elections, meaning full annexation of the territories, while their representatives say they will grant him immunity in exchange. Palestine
