NEWS:
Pres. Obama challenges young Israelis and Palestinians [1] to take the lead on peace. (New York Times)
Obama warns Israel [2]that its future as a Jewish and democratic state is at risk because of the occupation [3]. (New York Times/LA Times)
Obama and Pres. Abbas both say the settlement issue [4] is an obstacle to peace, but Obama says it shouldn't block the resumption of negotiations. (Xinhua)
The White House issues transcripts of remarks given by Obama and Abbas [5] after their meeting, and Obama's speech [6] to the people of Israel and the region. (White House)
Obama seems to be repositioning himself as a peace broker [7], but Palestinians seem skeptical [8]. (LA Times/CSM)
Obama's visit poses tough choices for Palestinians [9], who appear to be having a mixed reaction [10] to his trip. (AP/The Media Line)
Pres. Peres reportedly tells Obama that PM Netanyahu's coalition will make it difficult for him [11] to take steps towards peace. (Ha'aretz)
Obama meets with a chilly reception in Bethlehem [12]. (Ha'aretz)
Israel is increasingly becoming a walled-off fortress [13]. (NBC)
Hamas complains to Egypt after Israel suspends some aspects of the cease-fire agreement [14]following the firing of two rockets into southern Israel. (Reuters)
Hamas places new restrictions on travel [15] for Palestinians out of Gaza. (Al Monitor)
COMMENTARY:
Hussein Ibish [16] says Obama was trying to use public diplomacy as a corrective to dysfunctional state-level diplomacy on peace. (Foreign Policy)
The New York Times [17] says Obama's speech was a rhetorical success, but now needs to be followed up with serious diplomatic measures, and Daniel Levy [18] agrees. (New York Times/Foreign Policy)
Edward Djerejian [19] says the US needs to lay out a clear diplomatic framework for the resumption of negotiations, including terms of reference. (Jerusalem Post)
Michael Cohen [20] says Obama's rhetoric about peace is at odds with a continued diplomatic impasse. (The Guardian)
Lara Friedman [21] says Obama's speech was a huge step in the right direction. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)
Ha'aretz [22] says Israelis need to listen carefully to Obama. (Ha'aretz)
Jeffrey Goldberg [23]says Obama's speech would have been booed by some if he had given it at an AIPAC meeting. (The Atlantic)
Yossi Verter [24]says Obama's speech sent a clear message to Israel -- you have a great country but you must end the occupation -- and was a rebuke to Netanyahu. (Ha'aretz)
Alon Pinkas [25] says Obama sees Israel as a strong country that has to make some tough choices instead of always looking for sympathy. (YNet)
Amiel Ungar [26] says Obama's charm won't be enough to convince most Israelis he's right. (Ha'aretz)
Gal Beckerman [27] says Obama's speech was rhetorically historic, and that has to be considered a kind of progress. (The Forward)
Ian Black [28] says Obama's speech displayed emotional and political intelligence. (The Guardian)
Dalia Hatuqa [29] says many Palestinians see Obama's visit as a reminder of broken promises. (CSM)
The Economist [30]says Obama needs to strongly push back against the idea that a two-state solution is no longer possible. (The Economist)
The Jerusalem Post [31] claims most Israelis want peace, but most Palestinians just don't. (Jerusalem Post)
Karl Vick [32] examines the sources of ongoing Palestinian frustration with Obama. (Time)
Ahmad Majdoubeh [33] says Obama has to begin to worry about his legacy in the Middle East. (Jordan Times)
Asmaa al-Ghoul [34] says Mother's Day in Gaza is a time for sorrow, not joy. (Al Monitor)