Topic: Israeli Defense Forces

Opinion: In defense of Israel's 'disproportionate' response in Gaza

It's war. Victory requires a superior military advantage.

Deepening Israeli assault on Hamas divides Arab world

Israeli forces struck two United Nations schools in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, killing at least 34 people, as international call for an immediate cease-fire grew.

Israel agrees to brief bombing break in Gaza

The daily three-hour pause comes amid indications that cease-fire talks may be near.

A Palestinian family huddles together in Gaza City

As the assault on Hamas intensifies, 20 relatives try to find some calm in a three-bedroom apartment.

How Israel, Hamas define victory in Gaza

Israel has hit at hundreds of targets across Gaza but has not seriously damaged Hamas's fighting force, which continued to fire rockets on southern Israel on Sunday.

The Monitor's View: Israel's Gaza surge

The invasion has yet to reveal if Israel plans to end Hamas or just its rocket capability.

Gazan civilians increasingly at risk in assault on Hamas

Israel may consider a 48-hour cease-fire with Hamas, but threatened a ground invasion if militant rockets didn't stop during a temporary truce.

Opinion: Israel, Hamas, and moral idiocy

Much of the world's response is a false moral equivalence that simply encourages the terrorists.

Israeli strikes in Gaza risk political win for Hamas

The Islamist militants in Gaza may emerge as a symbol of defiance, much as Hezbollah did in its 2006 war with Israel.

Domestic politics fuels Gaza conflict

Israelis and Palestinians both face heated political contests that are adding to the volatility between Israel and Hamas after a six-month cease-fire broke down last week.

Israelis, Gazans brace for cease-fire's end

A six-month truce with Hamas ends Friday. Violence between Israel and Gaza militants has flared in recent days.

Does Hebron clash signal new round of settler revolts?

Last week's violence in the West Bank reveals just how far ultranationalist Jewish settlers have gone beyond the control of the Israeli government and army.

Israel bans press in the Gaza Strip

For nearly three weeks Israel has blocked access to the Gaza Strip. Foreign journalists are challenging the Gaza ban in court, calling it a 'blow' to freedom of the press.

Closing Guantánamo prison may force new rules for trying terrorists

Obama will have to find a new balance between civil liberties and national security.

Chances for peace emerge in Mideast clashes

On Thursday in Egypt, Israeli President Shimon Peres backed the 'spirit' of a Saudi proposal that offers Arab recognition of Israel.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about GM's request for a government loan, the state of Israel's democracy, and why US raids in Pakistan are necessary.

Opinion: Israel's slipping democracy

This beacon of freedom is becoming more like its authoritarian neighbors.

To succeed Olmert, Israel's Mofaz opts for macho politics

But the ruling Kadima Party, which votes on a new leader Wednesday, may not buy into the former army chief's security policy.

Can an ex-convict be Jerusalem's mayor?

Aryeh Deri, jailed for bribery in 2000, tries for a comeback in the Jerusalem mayoral contest as Israel reels from several high-profile political scandals.

Opinion: Is the U.S. Army ready for conventional war?

Focusing only on counterinsurgency and nation-building is unwise. It must prepare to fight other armies.

A summer camp for political dissenters in Israel

At Alternative Camp, draft dodgers and declared conscientious objectors hope to develop a new generation of young Israelis who refuse to fight.

World

In one town, Gazans yearn for previous Israeli presence

Mawassi residents say life was better before 2005, when they were part of an Israeli settlement enclave. Few can find work now.

Hamas detention of Fatah officials escalates feud

Hamas arrested senior Fatah officials in Gaza on Friday, capping off one of the worst weeks of conflict between the two Palestinian factions.

The contenders to be Israel's next prime minister

Tzipi Livni, Shaul Mofaz, and Bejamin Netanyahu are the top three politicians most likely to succeed Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, observers say.