August 16th

NEWS:

Palestinian and Israeli negotiators will hold their third round of direct talks next week in Jericho. (Xinhua)

Talks thus far have been shrouded in secrecy. (The National)

Pres. Abbas explains why he prefers negotiations to new UN initiatives. (Reuters)

Abbas says all issues are being discussed with Israel. (Ma'an)

UNSG Ban says he is "deeply troubled" by Israel's new settlement announcements and urges the parties to continue to seek peace. (AP/Xinhua)

A new poll suggests 80% of Israelis believe peace is impossible. (AFP)

PLO officials say they are waiting to see the outcome of events in Egypt before moving on reconciliation with Hamas and warn of "painful decisions." (Ma'an/Times of Israel)

Israel destroys a Bedouin village for the 54th time. (Ma'an)

14 are killed in attacks by militants in Sinai. (Xinhua)

FIFA asks Israel to allow Arab players to participate in a Palestinian soccer tournament. (AP)

A survey finds 20,000 Palestinians are currently employed in Israeli settlements. (Jerusalem Post)

The Israeli military admits a lavish mall it depicted online as being in Gaza is actually in Malaysia. (Ha'aretz)


COMMENTARY:

Anshel Pfeffer says Israel will eventually have to dismantle West Bank settlements just as it did those in Gaza. (Ha'aretz)

Ha'aretz interviews Zvi Hauser, a longtime aide to PM Netanyahu, who dismisses settlement evacuation as a fantasy. (Ha'aretz)

Convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard condemns Israel's prisoner release. (Jerusalem Post)

Yoel Marcus says Israel paid a heavy price with prisoner release but got nothing in return from the Palestinians. (Ha'aretz)

The Economist outlines the importance of prisoner release for Palestinians. (The Economist)

Kenneth Stein looks at the history of, and prospects for, a two-state solution. (WINEP)

The Jerusalem Post thinks Israel has no chance of a fair hearing in international forums. (Jerusalem Post)

Uri Savir says Israel knows how to prepare for the worst, but it should now prepare for the better. (Jerusalem Post)

Avi Issacharoff says Hezbollah has miscalculated by getting into a fight with deadly jihadist enemies. (Times of Israel)

Yehuda Avner says Menachem Begin is still the icon of Israeli hardliners. (The Forward)

The Economist eulogizes its longtime Palestine correspondent Graham Usher who recently passed away. (The Economist)

Adnan Abu Amer says Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza are trying to avoid getting drawn into the Sinai conflict. (Al Monitor)

August 15th

NEWS:

Palestinian and Israeli negotiators meet again for another round of talks, and will hold more soon, but agreement seems far away. (AFP/Ha'aretz/Jerusalem Post/Xinhua)

Security and sovereignty are key issues for both Israelis and Palestinians. (USA Today)

The CSM looks at Israeli public opinion on compromises with Palestinians on various issues. (Christian Science Monitor)

Egypt closes the Gaza crossing point indefinitely. (Xinhua/Times of Israel)

Israeli-Egyptian security cooperation has quietly intensified. (AP)

Jordan's Prince Hassan insists the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a regional issue. (Times of Israel)

US House Majority Leader Cantor says only a Palestinian "mind-shift" can bring about peace. (Jerusalem Post)

Hezbollah's leader says his group was responsible for attacking Israeli soldiers last week andpromises to attack any who cross into Lebanon. (AP/AFP)

Hamas continues its efforts to restore ties with Iran. (The Media Line)

The EU and Israel begin talks about the future of a research program, given the new occupation guidelines. (AP)

Israel has an existing agreement with the United States dating from 1972 that closely mirrors the new EU occupation guidelines. (Ha'aretz)

Israeli settler leaders vow they will never leave the occupied territories no matter what the Israeli government says. (Foreign Policy)

Israel is hiring university students to defend it online and in social media. (AP)

The PA demands DNA testing on unidentified bodies returned by Israel. (Ma'an/Xinhua)

15,000 Bedouin citizens of Israel are awaiting home demolitions after a court rejects their appeal. (Ma'an)

An Arab bus driver is beaten by passengers in northern Israel. (Ha'aretz)

A Russian company is set to invest $30 million in a new building in Bethlehem. (Ma'an)

An Israeli police officer is dismissed for arresting a social activist and calling her "a retarded leftist."(Ha'aretz)

Fatah leaders confirm a new government will be formed in coming weeks but will not involve reconciliation with Hamas. (Ma'an)

Hamas insists its recent closure of media offices is "temporary." (Ma'an)


COMMENTARY:

The Forward says it is baffled by Israel's spate of new settlement announcements. (The Forward)

Elias Harfoush says Pres. Abbas agreed to go back to negotiations to put the Palestinian issue back on the international map. (Al Hayat)

Roy Isacowitz says the occupation makes a mockery of Israel's claims of being both "Jewish" and "democratic." (Ha'aretz)

Shmuel Rosner says Israel shouldn't cooperate with the new EU occupation guidelines. (New York Times)

Hussein Ibish looks at the dynamic of anti-American rhetoric in contemporary Arab political discourse. (Ibishblog)

Abdulateef Al-Mulhim says it's time to give Israeli-Palestinian peace a chance to succeed. (Arab News)

David Harris further explains why he thinks everyone ought to give peace a chance. (Huffington Post)

National Geographic Explorer interviews Aziz Abu Sarah about the peace process. (National Geographic Explorer)

Alan Elsner says the outcome of the peace process mostly depends on the mindset of PM Netanyahu. (Reuters)

Gershon Baskin says a compromise on Jerusalem is the key to peace with the Palestinians. (Jerusalem Post)

J.J. Goldberg says peace talks are proceeding with even less goodwill than one might have anticipated. (The Forward)

Yossi Melman outlines Israel's concerns about unrest in Egypt. (Jerusalem Post)

Mazal Mualem says Israeli ultra-Orthodox parties are abandoning the settler movement. (Al Monitor)

August 14th

NEWS:

Sec. Kerry says he had a "frank" discussion with PM Netanyahu about Israel's settlement activity, and reportedly said they violate israel's commitments. (AP/Ha'aretz)

Kerry says he and the Palestinians were warned about new settlement activity. (Times of Israel/Jerusalem Post)

Israel's housing minister promises more settlements to come. (Jerusalem Post/AFP)

The EU says the US is quietly supporting its new occupation guidelines. (Ha'aretz)

New Israeli-Palestinian direct negotiations are due to resume today in Jerusalem. (AP)

Hours before new talks are due to begin, Israel launches air strikes against Gaza. (New York Times)

Kerry says talks should continue despite the tensions, and mixed moves by Israel. (Washington Post/Xinhua)

Hamas denounces the negotiations and levels various charges at Fatah. (Times of Israel)

UNSG Ban will travel to the Middle East to support the negotiations later this week. (Xinhua)

26 Palestinian prisoners are released by Israel, with different responses in both communities. (New York Times/AP/Christian Science Monitor)

Pres. Abbas vows to secure the release of all Palestinian prisoners. (Ha'aretz)

Abbas asks PM Hamdallah to form a new government. (AP/Ma'an)

Israel places new restrictions on Palestinians retrieving their property in Jerusalem. (Ha'aretz)

The PA says it expects to receive a report on the late Pres. Arafat's remains in September. (Xinhua)

The UN calls on Hamas to cease executing prisoners, but Hamas says executions will continue. (AP/Al Monitor)

Hamas is keeping close surveillance on Facebook activity in Gaza. (Al Monitor)

Palestinians say Israeli forces attacked and detained three Palestinian fishermen. (PNN)

A Palestinian man is accused of slaying his own daughter in an "honor killing." (Ha'aretz)

Lebanese security forces say Israeli forces seized a Syrian shepherd in Lebanon.(Xinhua)

Palestinian social indicators are said by some to be remarkably high under the circumstances. (Albawaba)

An Israeli cosmetics company based in the occupied territories tries to avoid EU sanctions by simply changing addresses. (Bloomberg)


COMMENTARY:

ATFP intern Rachel Bessette looks at the problem of sexual harassment, especially in Egypt. (Now Media)

Brent Sasley says, if talks fail after all of Israel's new settlement announcements, Kerry could and should blame Netanyahu. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Jim Hecht lays out some steps the US could take to facilitate real progress in Israeli-Palestinian talks. (Baltimore Sun)

The National says Israel's new settlement announcements reveal its true intentions. (The National)

Yossi Mekelberg says Netanyahu must find the courage to stop settlement activity. (Al Arabiya)

Ha'aretz says using trolls and other social media "dirty tricks" won't fix Israel's public image. (Ha'aretz)

Zvi Bar'el says, despite rhetoric to the contrary, Israel and the settler movement are responding to the EU with a boycott of its own. (Ha'aretz)

David Horovitz says by releasing violent prisoners while resuming settlements, Netanyahu is having the worst of both worlds. (Times of Israel)

Gil Troy is upset that international law prohibits Israeli settlement in the occupied territory. (Jerusalem Post)

The Jerusalem Post denounces the prisoner release as immoral and the EU as anti-Semitic. (Jerusalem Post)

John Whitbeck says Israel needs negative incentives for the peace process to succeed. (Asharq Al Awsat)

The Guardian says Netanyahu must decide whether he wants peace or endless occupation. (The Guardian)

Jonathan Cook says there are many obstacles, not just settlements, in the way of a successful peace negotiation. (The National)

Peter Beinart says even after a two-state agreement, Israel will still have to deal with its own Palestinian citizens. (Daily Beast)

Michael Singh says US "re-engagement" in the Middle East is essential to secure Israeli-Palestinian peace. (Foreign Policy)

Sari Bashi says Israel giving Palestinians more freedom of movement is a win-win scenario. (The Forward)

Omer Taspinar asks if Hamas' new vulnerability could be the key to renewed Turkish regional relevance. (Al Monitor)

Jeffrey Goldberg says Kerry has gotten Netanyahu's attention by warning about the consequences of failed peace talks. (Bloomberg)

Huang Yinjiazi says the new Israeli-Palestinian negotiations are good for everyone. (Xinhua)

Greg Myre asks if the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is more difficult to solve now, 20 years after Oslo. (NPR)

August 13th

NEWS:

Israel announces 900 more settlement units in and around occupied East Jerusalem. (Al Jazeera)

Israel's new settlement announcements seem to been based on domestic political calculations, butcreate a dark mood for renewed negotiations. (New York Times/Reuters)

The US says it is "concerned" about the new "illegitimate" settlement building plans, and the EU says they may make peace "impossible." (Xinhua/AFP)

Despite the dispute over settlements, Sec. Kerry says he is still optimistic about peace talks andurges Palestinians not to overreact. (AP/AFP)

Kerry says he was "not surprised" by Israel's settlement expansion announcements. (Times of Israel)

Kerry reportedly warns PM Netanyahu of a "delegitimization campaign on steroids" if talks fail. (Jerusalem Post)

Pres. Abbas says Palestinians are still committed to peace with Israel through negotiations. (Xinhua/Asharq Al-Awsat)

Hamas says Abbas is "not authorized" to negotiate with Israel and that talks are futile. (Xinhua/AFP)

A new poll suggests Palestinian youths are evenly divided about the new talks and not particularly optimistic. (Xinhua/Times of Israel)

Israeli missile defense systems intercept rockets fired from the Sinai Peninsula. (New York Times/AP/Reuters)

A scheduled Israeli release of Palestinian prisoners is still on track after a court ruling, though no date is yet set. (Reuters/Ha'aretz/Ma'an)

Israeli pain is mixed with Palestinian joy regarding upcoming prisoner releases. (AP/Xinhua)

Palestinians report another Palestinian refugee is killed in Syria, bringing the estimated total to 1,472. (Ma'an/PNN)

Palestinians say Israeli settlers burn land and attack Palestinians near Nablus. (PNN)

A new book outlines the ideology of the extremist settler movement. (Ha'aretz)

Israel and Egypt are demonstrating ever-stronger security coordination. (The Media Line)

Egypt's new government has greatly increased border restrictions with Gaza. (Reuters)

Hamas continues to try to rebuild ties with Iran following the downfall of former Egyptian Pres. Morsi. (Al Monitor)

Israel completes clearing landmines near its Red Sea port of Eilat. (Xinhua)

NPR looks at the complications for Palestinians getting running water in the occupied West Bank. (NPR)


COMMENTARY:

The New York Times says Netanyahu must have the courage not to expand settlements if peace is to have a chance. (New York Times)

Lara Friedman provides a clear timeline on the new negotiations and new settlement announcements. (APN)

The Daily Star says peace and settlements simply do not mix. (The Daily Star)

Ha'aretz says the settlement expansions are a "targeted assassination" of the peace talks. (Ha'aretz)

Mazal Mualem says the new settlement housing units are no real threat to peace. (Al Monitor)

The Economist says the settler movement would probably be a bigger spoiler outside of government. (The Economist)

Nassif Hitti says a forceful American role is essential for peace talks to succeed. (Al Monitor)

Aaron David Miller
 says Israelis and Palestinians need American middlemen for peace. (Foreign Policy)

Roger Cohen says the one-state dream would actually prove a nightmare in practice. (New York Times)

Niva Lanir says peace based on the 1967 borders is the only way forward. (Ha'aretz)

The LA Times says the controversy over whether non-Jewish Israelis should vote in a referendum on peace is another strain on its democracy. (Los Angeles Times)

Henry Siegman says withdrawing from the occupied territories would enhance Israel's security for more than attacking Iran. (Ha'aretz)

Moshe Arens says a smaller Israel would be too vulnerable. (Ha'aretz)

Elliott Abrams questions whether Israel can rely on American security guarantees. (The Weekly Standard)

The Jerusalem Post interviews former Israeli negotiator Yossi Beilin, who says he is "truly delighted" at the new talks. (Jerusalem Post)

Raphael Ahren
 says it's hard to imagine what the next step forward on peace will be. (Times of Israel)

Jonathan Marcus says Western diplomats believe Israeli-Palestinian peace is essential. (BBC)

Gershom Gorenberg
 says Israel's settlement policies are threatening its economic future. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Oded Shalom says Upper Nazareth's mayor is running on an openly racist platform. (YNet)

Larry Derfner says Jewish-American should stop ignoring Israel's "everyday racism." (The Forward)

Marc Grey says education can help counteract racism in Israel. (The Forward)

Maysoon Zayid looks at Israel's separate and unequal West Bank "bypass roads." (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Rachel Shabi says Arabs and Israelis can unite over food, if nothing else. (The Guardian)

Abdalla Khader says Palestinians need elections, not reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah. (Foreign Policy)

August 12th

NEWS:

New Israeli settlement expansions raise tensions in the run-up to the second round of direct negotiations with the Palestinians. (New York Times/AP/Los Angeles times)

Palestinians may be considering skipping the next round of talks because of the new settlements. (Xinhua/AFP)

Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf strongly endorses the goal of Palestinian independence in the occupied territories. (The Guardian)

Israel lists 26 Palestinian prisoners scheduled to be released this week. (AP/Reuters)

Palestinian families await the return of prisoners not seen for decades. (Ha'aretz)

Palestinian man is killed, and another wounded, by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza. (Xinhua)

Hamas forces launch a crackdown on Fatah in Gaza. (Ma'an)

Amnesty International urges Hamas to stop executing prisoners. (PNN)

Hamas officials say Egypt has reopened the Gaza crossing after four days of closure. (Xinhua)

Palestinian officials say the West Bank economy is starting to improve. (PNN)

Palestinians continue to struggle to build their first planned city in the occupied territories, Rawabi. (New York Times)

The new EU occupation guidelines may cost Israel hundreds of millions of dollars in lost research funding. (AP)

Syrian singer Asala Nasri, a strong supporter of the Syrian opposition, gives a rare performance by a Syrian citizen in the occupied West Bank. (AP)

PM Netanyahu undergoes successful hernia surgery. (AP)

An Israeli drone strike kills five militants in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. (AP)

Israel's airport near Sinai is reopened after a temporary security closure. (Xinhua)

Upper Nazareth's mayor seems determined to try to keep his town exclusively Jewish. (Ha'aretz)

Right-wing Israeli politician Tzachi Hanegbi will attend this year's annual J Street conference. (JTA)

Lebanese officials deny there has been any decision to prevent Palestinian refugees fleeing Syria to enter Lebanon. (Naharnet)


COMMENTARY:

Avi Issacharoff says even if Israel's new settlement units are built in "consensus" blocs, this is no way to build trust. (Times of Israel)

Ilan Baruch says pressure from the US and Europeans, along with the Arab Peace Initiative, could produce successful talks. (YNet)

Gershon Baskin says economic growth and prosperity are essential, but not enough to produce peace. (Jerusalem Post)

Barak Ravid says, if Netanyahu wants Americans, Palestinians and, above all, Israelis, to take him seriously on peace, he has to change his familiar tactics. (Ha'aretz)

Adel Safty says Israel is making a mockery of the peace process. (Gulf News)

David Harris says everyone needs to give the peace process a chance. (Huffington Post)

Natan Odenheimer says Palestinian identity is constantly evolving. (Times of Israel)

Francesca Borri thinks that for many Palestinians national unity is more important than peace talks with Israel. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Efraim Halevy says Israel may be missing a big opportunity with the change of leadership in Iran. (YNet)

Oudeh Basharat says vicious racism against Arabs in Israel is nothing new, but it's getting much worse. (Ha'aretz)

Amir Fuchs says Israel is not just for Jews, despite what Upper Nazareth's mayor seems to think. (Ha'aretz)

Noah Beck says Palestinians shouldn't be allowed to monopolize the refugee issue. (YNet)

The Jerusalem Post says Israel and Egypt should renegotiate parts of their peace treaty to deal with the security crisis in Sinai. (Jerusalem Post)

Hugh Naylor says Israel and Egypt have little choice but to cooperate on Sinai. (The National)

Ben Caspit says the Israeli military is preparing for another conflict with Hezbollah. (Al Monitor)

August 9th

NEWS:
 
Pres. Abbas cancels a scheduled PLO meeting in Ramallah on Tuesday for a surprise visit to Saudi Arabia. (Jerusalem Post) 
 
The UK says achieving peace in the Middle East remains its a top priority, and expresses concern about Israeli settlements. (PNN)

France strongly denounces Israel's new settlement plans in the occupied West Bank, saying it damages the prospects for peace. (PNN)

Israel will soon resume construction on new Jewish neighborhood in East Jerusalem. (Ha'aretz)

A new poll shows a majority of Palestinians support resumption of peace talks, and the return of former PM Fayyad. (Jerusalem Post)

The population of the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank is growing rapidly, says the Israeli interior ministry. (AFP)

Israel's settlers believe they will always be part of Israel, and talk about coexistence with Palestinians. (The Media Line)

Israeli forces detain six Palestinians from the occupied West Bank. (Ma'an) 

An explosion injures four Israeli soldiers, and Lebanese media reports they where inside Lebanon' s territory. (Ma'an/Xinhau)

The Israeli army establishes a new brigade for emergencies. (Xinhau)

Hamas accuses Fatah of fabricating claims of smuggling weapons to Muslim Brotherhoods groups in Sinai, but the PA denies those accusations. (Ma'an/Al-Monitor)

Israeli scientists reject economy minister Bennett's call to cut ties with EU, warning of irreversible damage to Israeli research. (Ha'aretz) 

German cartoon depicts PM Netanyahu as toxic to the peace process. (YNet)

Gaza marks Eid al-Fitr holiday amid economic hardship. (Xinhau)

 
COMMENTARY:
 
Thomas Friedman says Abbas and Netanyahu have to help each other overcome extremists. (New York Times)
 
Martin Raffel cites the joint advocacy by ATFP and JCPA for peace, and urges Israelis and Palestinians to understan each other side’s interests. (The Jewish Week) 
 
Eric Yoffie says US Jews should back Netanyahu's fight against Israeli hawks. (Ha'aretz)
 
Shlomi Eldar says the Netanyahu government has no interest in the peace process. (Al-Monitor)
 
Ha'aretz calls Bennett a nuisance who should be kicked out of government.(Ha'aretz)
 
Micah Stein asks what's wrong in throwing rocks at the Israeli soldiers. (The Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
Abraham Katsman gives three possibilities for Netanyahu's release of 104 Palestinian prisoners. (The Daily Beast/Open Zion) 
 
Zvi Bar'el highlights the issue of racism in Israel, mostly against Arabs and Mizrahi Jews. (Ha'aretz) 

Haim Baram urges Jews to save Israel's democracy by voting for Arab candidates in response to new, anti-democratic Knesset bill. (Ha'aretz)

Alon Ben David says Netanyahu has one only one option if he wants to deal with Iran's nuclear threat: make peace with the Palestinians. (Ha'aretz) 

Ron Kampeas warns of the rising influence of Israeli settlers leaders on the US Congress, particularly Republicans, who denounce peace talks with the Palestinians. (Times of Israel)

Mahmoud Jaraba and Lihi Ben Shitrit say former Pres. Morsi's downfall was a blow to Hamas. (The Daily Star) 

NEWS:
 
Sec. Kerry warns of "negative consequences" for Israel if peace talks fail, during a meeting with leaders of the American Jewish community, telling them that Muslim Brotherhoods will not return to power in Egypt. (Ha'aretz/Jerusalem Post) 
 
The US denounces Israeli plans to construct 800 new homes in Jewish settlements in the occupiedWest Bank land as negotiations are set to continue on August 14. (Reuters/LA Times/AP/NYTimes) 
 
In a letter to Sec. Kerry, Chief Negotiator Erekat warns that the new Israeli settlement could derail the peace talks. (Ha'aretz/AP)
 
Kerry is testing a new path toward the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, insisting on discussing all the most difficult core issues now. (Bloomberg)
 
Pres. Abbas says Palestinian values will not be conceded during negotiations with Israel. (Ma’an News) 
 
Israel defies EU ban on funding any entity in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, stressing it will not sign any agreement with the EU inapplicable on these territories. (Xinhau/AP)
 
Hamas plans to crackdown on political activists amid fears that Gaza could experience mass protests like those that toppled the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. (The Telegraph)
 
Amnesty International urges Hamas to stop executions planned for after the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday. (Ma’an News) 
 
Forced marriages of teenage Palestinian girls in Gaza remain frequent, despite laws prohibiting the marriage of those under 17. (Al-Monitor)
 
Israel releases a 60-year-old Palestinian prisoner after detaining him for 34 months without charge or trial. (Ma’an News) 
 
Israeli police officer caught on film shooting at Palestinian in East Jerusalem gas station. (Ha'aretz)
 
6000-homes project "Rawabi" in Ramallah faces cost overruns, construction delays, lackluster government support and disputes with Israel over roads and water that still threaten to delay its opening in 2020. (LA Times) 
 
Mohammed Assaf's move from Gaza creates controversy. (The Media Line)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
Miriam Awadallah says she is "Palestinian and Proud." (Huff Post) 
 
Roger Cohen outlines Israel's split personality, citing Netanyahu's engagement in peace talks combined with an urge to build more settlements. (The New York Times)
 
Alan Elsner asks if Netanyahu is serious about peace talks, arguing that new settlement plans will weaken the Palestinian negotiating partner, and limit his ability to make concessions. (The Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
Dov Weisglass asserts that Israel’s obsession of settlements in Palestinian territories makes a mockery of the Israeli governments peace rhetoric. (Ynet News) 
 
Lolita Brayman suggests relocating 100,000 settlers living outside the settlement blocks into Israel proper to boost prospects of peace talks. (Ha'aretz)
 
Alan Philps argues that European countries should be prepared to play a larger role in Palestine if peace talks fail. (The National) 
 
Matt Duss highlights the four steps that Kerry is taking to create movement on a range of fronts. (The Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
Gulf News says Palestinians are cautious about peace talks because of Israel’s continued expansionist mindset in the West Bank. (Gulf News) 
 
Avi Meyerstein says a public peace process involving NGOs would yield more successful results for peace as opposed to the past top-down negotiations. (The Times of Israel) 
 
Ari Shavit highlights the new Knesset bills targeting Arabs and Haredim Jews, calling for their integration into an egalitarian, pluralistic, Israeli society. (Ha'aretz) 
 
Yoel Marcus explains why the Palestinian anthem was the only anthem to be played during the FC Barcelona "Peace Tour" to Israel and the West Bank. (Ha'aretz)
 
Bakr Oweida reflects on Palestine’s situation since the signing of the Oslo Accords. (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
 
Noam Gilboord addresses Roger Waters' labeling of Israel as being an apartheid state. (Ha'aretz)
 
Adnan Abu Amer says Hamas is keen to improve its ties with Hezbollah. (Al-Monitor)

August 8th

NEWS:

Israel gives preliminary approval for 800 new settler homes in the occupied West Bank, awaiting a green light from the government to commence the construction. (Reuters)
 
Chief Palestinian Negotiator Erekat calls on the international community to punish Israel over new settlement plans in southern Jerusalem. (PNN)
 
Netanyahu does not believe in the diplomatic process, Instead, he is focused on the negotiations themselves, according to the Israeli MK and leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party Deri. (Al-Monitor) 
 
The Israeli government sets a timetable to release the 104 Palestinian detainees, starting next week. (International Middle East Media Center)
 
Israeli soldiers clash with Palestinians in the West Bank city of Jenin after the arrest of an Islamic Jihad leader, and arrest a Palestinian journalist in Nablus. (Times of Israel/Ma'an)
 
The four Israeli soldiers who were injured Tuesday entered 400 meters inside a heavily mined area in Lebanon, according to Lebanon's army and one UN peacekeeping officer. (Ma'an) 
 
The Palestinian cabinet emphasizes the neutrality of the Palestinian factions in the Syrian conflict, and welcomes the departure of the militants from the refugee camps there. (PNN)
 
Egypt says Sinai patrols killed 60 militants since Morsi's ouster, and destroyed 102 Gaza tunnels. (Jerusalem Post/Ynet)
 
Rep. Hoyer threatens to cut US funding of PA schools after Erekat admits unfair portrayal of Jews in curriculum, during a week-long visit to Israel and the West Bank. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Rep. Cantor will lead 26 GOP lawmakers on a tour of Israel funded by AIPAC’s educational affiliate. (JTA)
 
PM Netanyahu says new Iranian Pres. Rohani’s call for serious negotiations over his country’s nuclear program is a ploy to continue enriching uranium. (JTA)
 
Gazans turn to satirical writings to express discontent with religious and political movements. (Al-Monitor) 
 
Millions of Muslims begin celebrating the end of the fasting month of Ramadan on Thursday. (Statesman)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
Nicola Nasser thinks the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks are doomed to fail unless the issue of settlements is addressed. (PNN)
 
Mira Sucharov says the latest Israeli poll raises some troubling questions about the state of Israeli democracy. (The Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
Dahlia Scheindlin disagrees with those who read the latest poll as a dramatic shift in the Israeli public's attitude toward a peace deal with the Palestinians. (+972 Mag)
 
Shawan Jabarin says the Israeli occupation has no future. (PNN) 
 
Sherwin Pomerant questions the timing of release of 104 Palestinian prisoners. (Jerusalem Post)
 
David Harel expresses skepticism of Netanyahu's intentions on starting peace talks, however, cheers for him to press on. (Ynet)
 
Hagai Segal says Israelis expect more pro-settlement policies to translate their votes. (Ynet)
 
Ekiva Eldar says Netanyahu must mobilize the media, the education system and other influencers to prepare Jewish public for peace. (Al-Monitor)
 
Brent Sasley recommends participating in academic Israel programs, and notes the accusations that it promote pro-Israel propaganda. (The Daily Beast/Open Zion)

August 6th

News
 
Terror threat: The US urges its citizens in Yemen to depart immediately, and maintains closure of 19 embassies in the Mideast, but reopens its diplomatic mission in Israel after a daylong closure. (New York Times/JTA)
 
PA leaders are expected to meet in Ramallah Tuesday to discuss the 2nd round of talks with Israel, scheduled for August 14 in Jerusalem. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Netanyahu is ready for agreement with Palestinians, according to an Israeli MK. (Al Monitor) 
 
Palestinian Minister warns possible deaths among hunger-striking prisoners in Israel could derail US efforts to restart peace negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel. (Ma'an)
 
Ashrawi says there will never be a contiguous Palestinian state as long as settlements remain intact. (PNN)
 
Poll: 79% of Israeli Jews don't believe new peace talks will succeed. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Bennett urges Israeli government to cut ties with EU over settlement guidelines, while a retired Israeli diplomat warns of deteriorating ties with EU.
(Ha'aretz/Al Monitor)
 
Hamas operatives in Sinai reportedly plotted to assassinate DM Alsisi and VP El-Baradei in Egypt. Terrorists killed one Egyptian officer, and injured two in Sinai on Monday. (Ynet/Ma’an) 
 
Scores of Syrian casualties have been discreetly spirited across Golan border for lifesaving treatment in Israel. (New York Times)
 
FM al-Maliki visits Tehran and delivers congratulations on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas to the newly sworn-in president of Iran Hassan Rohani.  (Ma’an)
 
Iran arrests man on charges of spying for Israel. (AP story in The National)
 
Palestinian actors make fun of reconciliation talks between Fatah and Hamas in a new popular satirical television program. (Ynet)
 
Netanyahu urges Arab Christians to serve in the IDF, but the Greek Orthodox council says the purpose is to divide Arab Palestinian society in Israel. (Ha'aretz)
 
Four Israeli policemen lightly wounded in Silwan neighborhood after pursuing two Palestinian stone throwers. (Jerusalem Post) 
 
Canadian Jews demand probe of Palestinian activist reportedly proposed shooting Israelis. (Times of Israel)
 
Mohammed Assaf is expected to move from Gaza to the West Bank in order to further his musical career. (Ynet) 
 
 
Commentary:
 
Yousef Munayyer wants the US to credibly and resolutely pressure Israel to comply with international law to achieve a just settlement. (The Daily Beast)
 
Mira Sucharov asks who cares about the Green Line? (The Daily Beast)
 
Muki Nejaer says it’s the occupation, not boredom or poverty, that drives Palestinian youth to throw rocks on Israeli soldiers. (PNN)
 
Sefi Rachlevsky says Netanyahu is serious about attacking Iran. (Ha'aretz)
 
Kobi Niv wants Palestinians and Israelis to use the power of imagination as a precursor for peace. (Ha'aretz)
 
Faisal J. Abbas says be positive about a two-state solution. (Gulf News)
 
James J. Zogby says Israeli-Palestinian negotiations will require public support. (Jordan Times)
 
Giora Eiland argues that “land swaps” must include Egypt and Jordan. (Ynet)
 
Simcha Jacobovici thinks FC Barcelona’s “Peace Tour” in Israel and West Bank makes peace harder to achieve, but Shlomi Eldar argues it teaches lesson of coexistence. (Times of Israel/Al Monitor)
 
Ali Gharib comments on the Israel Project’s attack against New York Times Times' Iran Correspondent. (The Daily Beast)

August 5th

NEWS:
 
Israeli officials say the next round of peace talks is scheduled for mid-August. (Xinhua)
 
Palestinians say Israel's prisoner release will be conducted in four stages. (Ma'an/YNet/Times of Israel)
 
The prisoner release is not prompting less pessimism among Palestinians. (NBC)
 
The US extends embassy closures for a second day across much of the Middle East and Africa, but not in Israel and the occupied territories. (Reuters/YNet)
 
Israel announces wide-ranging new subsidies for settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories as "national priority areas." (AP/Xinhua/AFP)
 
The record number of subsidized settlements includes four formerly regarded as "illegal" and "unauthorized" outposts. (YNet)
 
Palestinians say Israel's announcement prioritizing development of settlement areas will harm peace talks. (New York Times/Ma'an)
 
Egypt reportedly cancels PM Erdogan's long anticipated visit to Gaza. (Ma'an/Times of Israel)
 
Hamas's complaints about Egyptian restrictions are falling on deaf ears in Cairo. (AP)
 
US military Chief of Staff Martin Dempsey visits Israel. (Xinhua)
 
For many young Palestinian boys living under occupation, throwing stones at Israeli soldiers is a rite of passage. (New York Times)
 
FC Barcelona begins its "peace tour" of Israel and the occupied territories in Bethlehem and ends it in Tel Aviv. (Los Angeles Times/AP)
 
Palestinian Soccer Association head Rajoub welcomes Barcelona's trip and condemns Israel's policies that impede Palestinian sports. (Times of Israel)
 
An Israeli occupation soldier is filmed kicking a Palestinian child. (YNet)
 
Arab MKs strongly protest new Israeli electoral laws. (Al Monitor)
 
Palestinians fleeing Syria for Lebanon find little support, even from other Palestinians. (Christian Science Monitor)
 
Two Muslim shrines are damaged in attacks by extremists in Sinai. (Reuters)
 
Archaeologists find the remains of an ancient Jewish village in the Galilee. (AP)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
The Washington Post interviews Egyptian Gen. Abdel Fatah al-Sissi. (Washington Post)
 
Quartet envoy Tony Blair says there is hope for peace in the Middle East's turmoil. (The Observer)
 
NPR interviews Marwan Muasher on prospects for a two-state solution. (NPR)
 
Crispian Balmer says the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is no longer the central focus of Middle East strategic relations. (Reuters)
 
Trudy Rubin says Sec. Kerry is pushing peace talks now because he understands how dangerous the status quo truly is. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
 
Jonathan Freedman says no one should be cynical about peace. (The Guardian)
 
Harriet Sherwood samples a mix of Israeli and Palestinian opinion on the new negotiations. (The Observer)
 
Jay Michaelson says Israelis just don't feel any pressing need to make peace. (The Forward)
 
Ha'aretz says Israel needs to stop heavily incentivizing settlement activity with generous subsidies. (Ha'aretz)
 
Amira Hass suggests four guarantees American negotiators should offer Israelis and Palestinians in the next round of talks. (Ha'aretz)
 
Jesse Rosenfeld says drawnout negotiations will only increase Palestinian misery. (The National)
 
Leonard Fein says peace talks can only succeed when all issues are negotiated and resolved. (The Forward)
 
The Deseret News says even long-shot negotiations are preferable to none. (Deseret News)
 
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel says any willingness to talk is a step forward. (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
 
George Friedman says imagination, not past paradigms, could open the door for peace. (EurActiv.com)
 
Brent Sasley says peace negotiations poll well and seem popular among Israelis. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
Avraham Burg suggests a vertical metaphor for Israeli-Palestinian coexistence. (Ha'aretz)
 
Danielle Spiegel Feld dismisses comparisons between PM Netanyahu and the late PM Rabin. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
Oudeh Basharat says the expulsion of Arabs in Israel begins in the Knesset. (Ha'aretz)
 
Herb Keinon says the controversies over the Barcelona visit show how hard peace will be to achieve. (Jerusalem Post)
 
The National says Barcelona's tour is a helpful reminder of what people have in common. (The National)
 
Nathan Jeffay says Jewish Israeli attitudes towards Arabs are starting to soften, but the feeling is not reciprocated. (The Forward)
 
Nathan Guttman asks if US generals have a "pro-Arab" bias. (The Forward)
 
Geoffrey Aronson says Israel and Hamas are being forced to cooperate because of intensified Egyptian restrictions. (Al Monitor)
 
Omar Karmi says newly released British documents point to an even larger Israeli role in the Sabra and Shatila massacre than previously thought. (The National)

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