Topic: Gershon Baskin

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Gilad Shalit prisoner swap: Why Netanyahu agreed to 1,000 Palestinians for one Israeli

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was opposed in principle to the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap. But his willingness to make an unsavory deal in the end highlights his pragmatism.
Feeling winds of Arab Spring, Israel douses sparks of Palestinian uprising

The trial of Palestinian protest leader Bassem Tamimi underscores Israel's eagerness to prevent small-scale demonstrations from turning into a broader movement.
Why Israel is wary of getting into another Gaza war

Despite pledges by Israel and Hamas to restore calm amid the worst violence since the 2009 Gaza war, Israeli aircraft fired on the Gaza Strip as militants launched rockets within 16 miles of to Tel Aviv.
Possible source of Palestine papers leak

Israeli TV has reported that the Palestine papers were leaked by a former staffer of the Negotiations Support Unit, a foreign-funded NGO that advises Palestinian negotiators.
US admits defeat on Israeli settlement freeze. Can it still broker peace?

In the wake of Argentina and Brazil's formal recognition of a Palestinian state, some are calling on the US to step in with a peace plan of its own.
Why Netanyahu is engaging Obama in a spat over E. Jerusalem 'settlements'

For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who yesterday rebutted Obama's criticism of new building in E. Jerusalem, the debate may be a way of girding himself before agreeing to a new settlement freeze.
Israelis launch their own tea party ahead of US elections

Allies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, rooting for a Democratic defeat, held an inaugural tea party rally Sunday night.
Deadline extended in bid to keep Israel-Palestinian talks alive

Palestinian leaders say continued settlement expansion in the West Bank could halt peace talks by the end of the week. Is an acceptable compromise in the works?
As Israel settlement freeze ends, one-year peace plan begins

Israel's 10-month settlement freeze ends today, and the clock starts ticking on a Sept. 2011 deadline for a comprehensive peace agreement.
Round 2 of Israeli-Palestinian talks begins in Egypt

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faces an urgent test of mediation savvy in Israeli-Palestinian talks, which could break down over the settlement freeze set to expire Sept. 26.
Palestinians warn Israel peace talks could be quickly derailed

Palestinian leaders have been warning that renewed peace talks with Israel, scheduled for next week, could be derailed after an Israeli settlement freeze expires. But behind the threats is a more nuanced and compromising position.
Settlement freeze dispute threatens direct Israeli-Palestinian peace talks

Israeli-Palestinian peace talks are likely to remain elusive after Israeli officials said they could reject the settlement freeze Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas listed as a necessary precondition for any negotiations.
As UN probe begins, Netanyahu insists force necessary in Gaza flotilla raid

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday told the Turkel Commission that force was necessary in Israel's Gaza flotilla raid that killed eight Turks and one Turkish-American.
From intifada hub to model Palestinian city: How Jenin turned around

Once the heart of the intifada, Jenin is today lauded as a model of cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian security forces. Israeli Jews may soon be allowed to shop here again, bringing $3 million per weekend.
In diverting Libya aid ship, Israel implements lessons from Gaza flotilla raid

Israel worked with Egyptian officials to divert the Libya aid ship bound for Gaza, using not only military deterrence but also intensive diplomacy.
US-Israel ties: Why Obama wants more from Netanyahu

President Obama hosts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House today for the first time since March, when he humiliated Mr. Netanyahu amid a US-Israel flap over settlements.
With Mideast peace talks stalled, activists fear a new intifada

With low expectations surrounding US Mideast envoy George Mitchell's visit with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Friday, some warn a new intifada could break out if progress isn't made soon.
Fresh US push for Mideast peace: 'More like jazz than chess'

In the past week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas have visited Egypt. Egyptian officials are scheduled to visit Washington this week.
Israel rejects UK war crimes warrant for Livni

Israel on Tuesday warned of a chill in ties after a British court issued an arrest warrant for former foreign minister Tzipi Livni for her role in alleged war crimes during Israel's Gaza war that began almost a year ago.
UN vote to endorse Goldstone report increases pressure on Israel

Israel's refusal to investigate allegations of war crimes in Gaza is increasingly putting it at odds with the international community – including allies such as the US.
Netanyahu: Israel is serious about peace

The hawkish prime minister, who presented his new government Tuesday, shows a distinct change in style and tactics – though not substance – since his 1996-99 term.
Will Carter's Hamas foray bear fruit?

The former president said Monday that the Islamist militants are prepared to accept the right of Israel to 'live as a neighbor next door in peace.'
Jimmy Carter plans to meet a fuel-short Hamas

The former president arrived in Israel Sunday as Palestinians in Gaza continued to cope with an Israeli-imposed fuel blockade.
An Israeli-Arab odd couple seek peace in Hebron

In the volatile West Bank city of Hebron, Israelis and a Palestinian leader met in search of a unique solution to the conflict.