Secretary of State Clinton's visit to Israel and the West Bank prompts speculation on the future of the peace process and the American role under a new Administration (1) (2) (3) (4) (14). A senior Palestinian Authority official warns that if a right-wing government forms in Israel and abandons the two-state solution, the peace process may crumble (6), while Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu continues to avoid taking a clear public stance on the issue (9). In an op-ed for The Weekly Standard, former Deputy National Security Advisor Elliot Abrams, argues that institution building in Palestine is key for establishing a lasting peace (11). The Christian Science Monitor looks at how the Gaza war has made coexistence harder for Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel (14).

U.S. Secretary of State Clinton pledges $300 million in aid for Gaza at the international donors conference being held today in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt (1) (2), while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warns the conference that reconstruction and aid funds alone are insufficient without a political solution (4) (5). In an op-ed for the Gulf News, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon pledges to pursue a lasting peace for Palestine and Israel (9). The Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that Israel is planning to build 73,300 new housing units for settlers in the West Bank (10), a move which would significantly expand the size of the settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories (14).

The following special Saturday ATFP Middle East News: World Press Roundup focuses entirely on announced new major Israeli settlement expansion plans in the occupied West Bank. It includes ATFP's press release on the subject from Friday, Feb. 27.

An op-ed by ATFP President Ziad Asali in The Daily Star urges swift action on all sides to rebuild Gaza and preserve the potential for peace in the Middle East (1). In The Nation, ATFP Senior Fellow Hussein Ibish (psycho)analyzes the Israeli film "Waltz With Bashir"(2). After meeting in Cairo, Palestinian rivals Fatah and Hamas announce that first steps towards a unity government have been taken (3) (7) (8). The New York Times profiles US efforts to fund and train Palestinian Security Forces in the West Bank (4). Secretary of State Clinton faces criticism from some Jewish Americans as she pressures Israel to speed up the delivery of aid to Gaza (5). Israel's Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US Mideast Envoy George Mitchell (6).

US diplomacy in the Middle East continues as Israel moves to form a new government (1), (9), (11), (14). Palestinians explore possibilities for a “National Accord” government or other forms of political reunification (3), (5), (12). Israel’s new cabinet seems poised to take a sharp turn to the right (2) (8), while more Palestinians are being pushed out of their homes in Jerusalem (10). Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad continues to seek reconstruction aid for Gaza (4), (6).

President Obama calls for diplomatic outreach and encourages peace between Israel and its neighbors in his address to Congress (1). Mideast Envoy George Mitchell embarks on his second trip to the region (2). Americans for Peace Now reports that Israel issued a number of new land seizure orders during the Gaza war (3). Veteran Mideast negotiator Dennis Ross is appointed to be Secretary Clinton’s special advisor on Iran (4). The first female Islamic judges in the Palestinian territories are appointed in the West Bank (5). Just ahead of reconciliation talks in Cairo, thousands of Palestinians rally in Nablus in support of President Mahmoud Abbas (10). Secretary of State Clinton expresses frustration as Israel delays delivery of the United States’ pledged $900 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza (14).

Raghida Dergham examines challenges facing the Arab world in the evolving strategic situation in the Middle East (1). Obama administration officials say the U.S. intends to provide $900 million in aid to Gaza (2). Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to form a coalition government in Israel continue (3). Christopher Hitchens draws a vivid portrait of Israeli ultra right-wing politician Avigdor Liberman (5). In separate statements, Palestinian President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad call for Hamas to join a Palestinian unity government that meets international conditions (6) (8). Secretary of State Clinton plans to travel to Israel and the West Bank next week, in her first official visit as Secretary (7). The U.S. is reportedly planning to open a permanent office in Jerusalem for Special Mideast Envoy George Mitchell (14).

The Media Line’s Felice Friedson sits down for an interview with Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad (1). Amnesty International calls for a freeze on arms sales to both Israel and Hamas (2). Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announces that Israel will replace their lead-envoy to the Egyptian-brokered truce talks with Hamas (3), while Al Qaeda’s second-in-command urges Hamas not to ‘succumb to pressure’ for a truce (4). Egypt opens the Rafah crossing for three days, allowing hundreds of Gazans to cross out of the Gaza strip (5). Four Palestinians are killed when a smuggling tunnel on the Egyptian border collapses (6). Talks concerning the formation of a coalition government in Israel continue (8). An op-ed in Asharq Alwasat examines Hamas’ attitude on relations with the U.S. (11).

President Shimon Peres invites Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new Israeli government (1) (2), while Kadima leader Tzipi Livni expresses her reservations about some of the extremist parties that may be included (3). The three U.S. legislators who visited Gaza yesterday issue statements about the destruction and reiterate the American position on conditions for engaging Hamas (4) (8). An editorial in Haaretz warns against allowing a place for ultra-rightist Israeli politician Avigdor Lieberman in the new government (5). An editorial in the Boston Globe speculates on John Kerry's upcoming visit to Syria (7). In Newsweek, Fareed Zakaria expresses concern over the rightward and intolerant direction of Israeli politics (10). Mideast envoy George Mitchell voices his support for Egyptian mediated Palestinian unity talks (13).

Three U.S legislators, including Senator John Kerry, visit Gaza (1), where Hamas has reportedly given them a letter to deliver to President Obama (2). Prime Minister hopeful and Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu wins the important backing of a leading right-wing Israeli party (3). The Christian Science Monitor looks at the possible prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel (4). The classified Israeli government settlement data made public last month has prompted discussion of Palestinian lawsuits (6). Le Monde Diplomatique examines the political fallout of the Gaza war (7). The Media Line interviews the famously bereaved Dr. Ezzeldeen Abu al-Aish who lost several daughters in an Israeli attack on his home during the Gaza war (11).