Israel
-
Israeli Defense minister implies a strike on Iran nuclear program is near
The current standoff with Iran is similar to the 'fateful' period before the 1967 Arab-Israel war, when Israel launched a preemptive strike, said Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
-
Religious trash talk goes mainstream in Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Religious fundamentalists are gaining greater influence on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, complicating peace efforts.
-
Interview: Former US spy chief sees shift toward Asia
In an interview, Admiral Dennis C. Blair - the former director of national intelligence - says the US needs to back moderate Islamic societies, and urges Israel to keep pace with a changing Middle East.
-
As Israeli-Palestinian talks sink, fringe ideas gain traction
As time passes and a two-state solution looks less feasible, Israelis and Palestinians are more seriously considering ideas like a binational state.
-
Buoyed by 'Islamic Spring,' Hamas considers new direction
Hamas' political chief Khaled Meshal is stepping down as the militant Palestinian group faces a regional moment of change.
-
In Jerusalem, national parks seen by Palestinians as a land grab
Seven existing and planned parks in sensitive East Jerusalem, chosen in part for their archaeological significance, would expand areas of Jewish control where Palestinians envision a future capital.
-
Could Israel live with a nuclear Iran? A gaming exercise suggests yes.
Israeli intelligence experts role-played Iran in a simulation exploring the 'day after' scenario if Iran were to launch a nuclear explosive test. The results suggest war would not break out immediately.
-
Terrorism & Security
Israel, US postpone missile-defense drill to avoid provoking Iran
The missile-defense drill had been trumpeted as showing US commitment to Israel's security. Some Israeli officials criticize President Obama for excessive caution in an election year.
-
Was Israel behind Iran nuclear scientist's assassination?
While yesterday's assassination of an Iran nuclear scientist may risk an escalation of hostilities, analysts say the calculation would make sense for Israel.
-
Israel's identity crisis: Why it could be as detrimental as Palestinian conflict
Israel’s ultra-Orthodox, who eschew army service and favor religious study over work, were once ignored as a tiny minority. But now they're posing a challenge to the Zionist state.
-
Terrorism & Security
Israeli general hints at another Gaza campaign
Israel and Gaza traded fire this week as Israel began discussing the possibility of another incursion to reestablish 'deterrence.'
-
A spitting incident sets off Israeli frustration with Jewish zealotry
The harassment of a schoolgirl by Beit Shemesh's ultra-Orthodox community has ignited mainstream Israelis' simmering frustrations with the religious community's growing influence.
-
Israeli lawmakers move to annex West Bank, one museum at a time
Israel's parliament appears likely to pass a law funding Israeli museums in the West Bank – the latest settler effort to promote a creeping annexation of the disputed territory.
-
Terrorism & Security
Israeli defense minister Ehud Barak calls for crackdown on 'Jewish terror'
Mr. Barak addressed an uptick in Jewish vigilantism. Today, Jewish extremists attacked a Jerusalem mosque, albeit one no longer used for prayers.
-
Why Israelis may not be thrilled by sweet nothings from Gingrich, GOP
As the GOP candidates, led by Newt Gingrich, work to outdo each other on supporting Israel, Israelis recognize the difference between campaigning and statecraft.
-
Terrorism & Security
Israel-Gaza violence: Testing the Arab world's appetite for fresh conflict?
Israel-Gaza violence has flared up again, with Israel killing two militants suspected of plotting attacks along the Israel-Egypt border.
-
Air strikes against Iran nuclear program? Israel reconsiders.
Israel's former spy chief has warned against a preemptive strike on Iran's nuclear program, as has the US, citing its potential to boost Iran's regime at home and endanger US troops in the Middle East.
-
Backchannels
Hillary Clinton compares parts of Israel to Jim Crow south
Over the weekend, Hillary Clinton targeted rising religious extremism in Israel, something that could one day open a rift between the US and the Jewish state.
-
Egyptian elections stir disquiet in Israel
The Arab Spring could open the door for Islamists – as seen in Egypt elections – and threaten Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned.
-
Israel blames Abbas for choosing Hamas over peace. Is he?
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas vowed today to accelerate reconciliation with Hamas, a sworn enemy of Israel, with elections to be held in May.
-
'Liar': Will Sarkozy's Netanyahu jab mar cooperation on Iran?
Israelis have criticized presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and Barack Obama for candid comments they made about Netanyahu, highlighting tensions between Israel and the West.
-
Backchannels
Ahead of Iran nuclear report, plenty of apocalyptic talk
Words like 'crippling' and 'collapse' and 'lethal' are being used by US proponents of tougher sanctions ahead of an IAEA report on Iran's nuclear program. Is that smart diplomacy?
-
Backchannels
An imminent Israeli strike on Iran nuclear program? Not likely.
Israel's fear of a nuclear Iran is deeply felt, and an IAEA report this week could add to it. But it's still hard to see a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities any time soon.
-
Egypt saves face in swap of alleged Israeli spy Ilan Grapel
A swap today of alleged Israeli spy Ilan Grapel for 25 Egyptian prisoners helps patch up relations between Israel and Egypt.
-
Palestinian statehood bid adds urgency for Israeli-Palestinian peace
Quartet envoy Tony Blair held talks today to prod Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table amid concern about a looming UN vote on Palestinian statehood.
Become part of the Monitor community
36K on Facebook | 12K on Twitter | 2,250 on YouTube