News:

The US has reportedly asked the French government to postpone its initiative for a UNSC draft resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. (Ha’aretz)

Gaza protesters are reportedly beaten and arrested by Hamas security officials. (New York Times/AFP)

Israel returns 15 fishing boats seized from Palestinians in Gaza. (Reuters/AFP/Times of Israel)

UN Middle East Peace Envoy Mladenov urges Palestinian factions to unite and Israel to lift its blockade of Gaza. (AFP/Jerusalem Post)

NSA Rice says the Obama administration expects a commitment to the two-state solution from the next Israeli government and from the PA. (JTA)

Former Pres. Carter cancels his visit to Gaza. (Ma’an/JTA/AP)

Israeli police arrest a 6-year old boy from occupied East Jerusalem for allegedly stoning a bus.(Ha’aretz/PNN/Times of Israel) 

Israel's military sees a growing threat in instant messaging applications -- both to battlefield secrecy and to the privacy of women soldiers. (Reuters)

Iraq is poised to deploy Shi'ite paramilitaries backed by Iran to Sunni tribal areas west of Baghdad. (Reuters)

Syrian activist groups report another suspected chemical attack in the northwestern province of Idlib. (AP)

Jordan’s overland trade has largely been paralyzed by recent border attacks from insurgents in neighboring Syria and Iraq. (AP)

Airstrikes from the Saudi-led coalition target the southern Yemeni city of Aden as combatants battle for control of the main airport. (Reuters)

Gulf FM’s meet in Riyadh for talks on their military operation in Yemen. (AFP)

The US Senate rejects tying terrorism support to Iran sanctions relief. (Reuters)

FM Zarif says the US risks ostracism if signed nuclear deal is “scrapped.” (New York Times)

Iranian opposition leader Rajavi says Iran wants nuclear weapons to foster Islamic extremism. (AP)

France announces it will sell 24 Rafale fighter jets to Qatar in a $7 billion deal. (AP)

Commentary:

Iris Leal says Joint List leader Odeh demonstrates greater sensitivity than Jewish MKs toward the Knesset and its symbols. (Ha’aretz)

Gershon Baskin says for the survival and for the security of Israel, it is time for the State of Palestine. (Jerusalem Post)

Shlomi Eldar says Arab youth are using social media to send messages of peace to Israel. (Al-Monitor)

Joyce Karam profiles new Saudi FM Al-Jubeir. (Al Arabiya)

Elizabeth Dickinson looks at King Salman’s shake-up of the royal family and how that marks the true start of his reign. (Foreign Policy)

Theodore Karasik says Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef is the perfect leader for the necessary political and social reforms that the kingdom needs. (Al Arabiya)

Michael Young says Pres. Assad's regime is beginning to crumble despite assistance from Iran and its allies. (Daily Star)

The Daily Star says Assad’s regime appears to be entering its final phases. (Daily Star)

News:

The new UN Middle East Peace Envoy Nickolay Mladenov arrives in Gaza. (Ma’an)

An Israeli official says Israel has allowed more than 15,000 tons of building material into war-devastated Gaza today. (Times of Israel) 

Mohammed Deif, the commander of the Hamas military wing, is reportedly alive and involved in Hamas’ military decisions. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel/Ynet)

Hamas leader Haniyeh says Deif is the proof of Israel's failure to reach senior Palestinian leaders. (Jerusalem Post)

The IDF is reportedly training for the possible reconquering of the entire coastal Palestinian territory in a future confrontation with Hamas. (Times of Israel)

Israel and New Zealand resolve a diplomatic dispute that had prevented New Zealand's new ambassador from taking up his post. (Ynet)

The National looks at how last summer's war in Gaza shifted the unemployment rate to 50 per cent. (The National)

Former Palestinian official Dahlan reportedly mediated the signing of an agreement for the construction of a controversial River Nile dam project. (Newsweek)

Israeli forces detain 19 Palestinians in raids across the occupied West Bank. (Ma’an)

Israeli forces demolish a barn belonging to a Palestinian near Nablus. (Ma’an)

A group of Jewish settlers damage water pipes serving Palestinians in Hebron's Old City. (Ma’an) 

The Solidarity Festival in Jaffa will feature an exhibition of photos that highlight the victims' view of the Gaza war. (Ha’aretz)

Houthis advance into Yemen’s Aden killing 12 civilians. (Reuters)

Houthi rulers launch an investigation against dozens of public figures, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakul Karman. (Reuters)

The UN says more than 300,000 Yemenis have been driven out from their homes. (AP)

The erosion of the Syrian army, which has struggled to replenish its ranks, is forcing the government to rely on Syrian and foreign militias. (New York Times)

EU Foreign Policy Chief Mogherini says she would like Iran to help usher in security and stability in the Middle East. (New York Times)

King Salman of Saudi Arabia appoints a new heir and makes his young son second in line to rule. (Reuters/AP/New York Times/The National/AFP/Al Arabiya)

Reuters profiles Saudi Arabia’s new FM, former Amb. to the US al-Jubeir. (Reuters)

Reuters profiles new Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia announces the arrest of 93 suspects with ties to ISIS and foils an attack on the US embassy. (AP/New York Times)

The US Senate rejects an effort to require any nuclear agreement with Iran to be considered an international treaty. (Reuters/AP)

Commentary:

Colum Lynch says the US is prioritizing an Iran deal over the two-state solution. (Foreign Policy)

Rami Khouri says the recent UN report on the actions of Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza war is an opportunity to hold everybody accountable. (Daily Star)

Zvi Bar’el says ignoring the occupation will not make Israel a “normal country.” (Ha’aretz)

Joel Braunold says the Israeli High Court's decision to uphold the “Anti-Boycott Law” further tears apart the Jewish pro-Israel community in the Diaspora. (Ha’aretz)

Ahmad Melhem says the crisis in the Yarmouk refugee camp reveals the weakness of the PLO. (Al-Monitor)

Hassan Hassan says backed by Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, the Islamist Army of Conquest is putting the hurt on the Syrian regime. (Foreign Policy)

Tariq Alhomayed asks what “Operation Decisive Storm” achieved. (Asharq al-Awsat)

The National says King Salman’s leadership reshuffle takes into account recent developments in the region. (The National)

Michael Young unpacks the American pivot away from the Middle East. (The National)

Zaid Belbagi says the GCC states have yet to formalize their influence on international politics and economics through a strategic approach to lobbying. (Al Arabiya)

News:

A UN inquiry finds that Israel killed at least 44 Palestinians at UN facilities during the Gaza war last year. (AP/New York Times/AFP/PNN/JTA/Ha’aretz)

A Palestinian teenager shot by Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank dies of his wounds. (Reuters/AP/Ma’an/JTA/Ha’aretz)

PM Hamdallah receives a parliamentary delegation from Germany. (Ma’an)

A new proposal for a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been reportedly put forth by Qatar and Turkey. (Times of Israel)

The Shin Bet says Hamas is training Palestinian students in Malaysia. (Ha’aretz)

A PA employee is reportedly arrested for claiming Arafat was not a martyr. (Times of Israel)

Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. (Ma’an) 

The Higher Arab Monitoring Committee is organizing a march and rally in Tel Aviv to protest the housing shortage and house demolitions in Arab communities. (Ha’aretz/AFP)

The Saudi-led coalition continues to pound Yemen’s Houthis. (AP)

At least 15 people are killed in heavy fighting between Houthi fighters and tribesmen in the oil-producing Marib province in central Yemen. (Reuters)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says ISIS militants have killed at least 2,154 people off the battlefield in Syria since the end of June. (Reuters)

AP looks at the challenges Iraq is facing in dislodging ISIS in Anbar. (AP)

Sec. Kerry says the P5+1 are closer than ever to a deal with Iran. (Reuters/AP)

Speaker Boehner says Republicans would lack the votes to overcome an Obama veto on Iran. (Ha’aretz)

Commentary:

Adnan Abu Amer says Hamas is working to restore ties with Egypt. (Al-Monitor)

Ben Dror-Yemini looks at the young Palestinian citizens of Israel who have chosen to be part of the country. (Ynet)

Hassan Hassan says recent developments in the region have caused serious damage to ISIS's popularity. (The National)

Abdul Rahman Al Rashed says UN Envoy de Mistura is not capable of imposing a solution on the majority of Syrians. (Al Arabiya) 

The National says Al-Nusra recent gains may change Syria’s reality. (The National)

The Daily Star says Syria needs a Syrian fix. (Daily Star)

Eyad Abu Shakra says Washington may have to pay the price for its miscalculations in the region. (Asharq al-Awsat)

Kai Bird says Iran has yet to pay a penny in compensation for the Marine barracks and Beirut embassy bombings in 1983. (New York Times)

News:

Israel invites bids to construct 77 new homes in two settlements in occupied East Jerusalem, drawing a swift Palestinian condemnation. (Reuters/AFP/PNN/Jerusalem Post/The National)

The US says it will be hard to back Israel at the UN if it steps back from the two-state solution. (Ha’aretz)

Israeli police officers kill two Palestinian men in the occupied territories. (New York Times/Ma’an)

Palestinian Chief Negotiator Erekat expresses skepticism about peace prospects with the next Israeli government. (Ynet)

Hamas leader Ahmad Yousef says there are "chats" taking place between the group and Israelunder European mediation. (Ma’an/Jerusalem Post)

A report indicates the amount of construction material that enters Gaza for its reconstruction amounts to only 10 percent. (Ma’an)

The National looks at the water crisis in Gaza. (The National)

Israel agrees to armed PA patrols in towns close to Jerusalem. (Times of Israel)

150 Jewish high school students will board the light rail in Jerusalem and converse in Arabic in a show of solidarity. (Times of Israel)

Israel says it launched an airstrike on its border with Syria after spotting militants carrying a bomb in the Golan Heights. (AP/New York Times/Washington Post/JTA/Ha’aretz/Jerusalem Post)

DM Ya’alon says Iran continues to arm Hezbollah. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel/Jerusalem Post)

The Saudi-led coalition targets Houthis and rebel army units in central Yemen and the capital Sanaa. (Reuters/New York Times/The National)

Yemen is struggling to import food as the Saudi-led coalition navies hold up more ships. (Reuters)

A coalition of Islamist rebels capture an army base in Syria’s Idlib province. (Reuters/AP/New York Times/The National)

Pres. Assad’s hold on power looks shakier than ever as rebels advance in Syria. (Washington Post)

Hundreds of Syrian rebels are approaching the start of US training to fight against ISIS. (Reuters) 

Sec. Kerry and FM Zarif will meet at the opening of a UN conference on the global anti-nuclear weapons treaty. (Reuters/AP)

Former Pres. George W. Bush argues against the lifting of Iran sanctions. (New York Times/Jerusalem Post)

Commentary:

Hussein Ibish says attempts by the US congress to stop the BDS movement will further damage the peace process.  (The National)

Elliott Abrams and Uri Sadot look at the major implications for settlement expansion with a new Netanyahu government. (Foreign Affairs)

Uri Savir looks at how Netanyahu uses settlements to block a Palestinian state. (Al-Monitor)

Asmaa al-Ghoul says tensions are continuing to worsen within the Palestinian unity government over the issue of the Gaza employees. (Al-Monitor)

Rami Khouri says the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is stalemated, and the existing policy responses by both sides have been exhausted. (Daily Star)

Talia Sasson says Israel’s High Court is denying justice to Palestinian property owners. (Ha’aretz)

Alex Fishman looks at Israel’s “secret cooperation” with Hamas. (Ynet)

Felice Friedson looks at how Palestinian restrictions are eased with new Israeli permissions. (The Media Line)

Amos Harel says Israel's north is “heating up” and Hezbollah leader Nasrallah will have the “final word.” (Ha’aretz)

Avi Issacharoff says Hezbollah doesn’t want a large-scale conflict with Israel, but does want to deter the IDF from “crossing red lines.” (Times of Israel)

Theodore Karasik looks at the challenges facing “Operation Restoring Hope” in Yemen. (The National)

Mohammed Fahad al-Harthi asks if the US-GCC summit will strengthen ties. (Al Arabiya)

David Rothkopf says the Middle East is “pivoting” to Asia. (Foreign Policy)

Jackson Diehl says the US needs to support Middle East democracy. (Washington Post)

Elliott Abrams says comparing Pres. Sisi to Chilean dictator Pinochet is wrong. (Washington Post)

John Kerry and Ernest Moniz explain how to make sure Iran is a nuclear non-proliferator. (Foreign Policy)

Mohammad Ali Shabani says the West must expand upon progress on nuclear issues with Iran to push for a wider dialogue on regional peace. (New York Times)

Soner Cagaptay, James Jeffrey and Medhi Khalaj say Iran has had expansionist and imperial ambitions for centuries and a nuclear deal will not change that. (New York Times)

News:

The PLO decries the continued implementation of the Absentee Property Law by Israel, condemning it as a flagrant violation of international law. (Ma’an/PNN)

A Fatah official blesses the victory of the Hamas-affiliated student list in Birzeit University elections. (Ma’an/AP)

Wikileaks shows Sony executives were reportedly concerned by IDF's use of its cameras in Gaza bombings. (JTA)

The Armenian community of Jerusalem marks the 100th anniversary since the genocide in their ancestral homeland in Eastern Anatolia. (Ma’an/Times of Israel)

The White House is seeking to publicly mend fences with PM Netanyahu, but issues remain. (New York Times)

Pres. Obama says Netanyahu is not invited to the White House until after the Iran talks. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel/Jerusalem Post)

Russia says supplying Iran with S-300 missile defense systems is not a matter of the nearest future. (Jerusalem Post)

Warplanes from the Saudi-led coalition strike Houthi targets in and around the Yemeni cities of Aden and Ibb. (Reuters/AP/Washington Post) 

Saudi’s Amb. to the US al-Jubeir says Yemen's war will turn against the rebels even as his government scales back its air offensive. (AP)

Def. Sec. Carter says the US is concerned a group of Iranian cargo ships may be carrying advanced weapons to Yemen. (Reuters/AP)

Police personnel and residents return to the Iraqi city of Ramadi as panic subsides. (Washington Post)

Houthis demand a complete end to Saudi-led attacks.(The National)

The group controlling Libya's coastal capital Tripoli says it would "confront" any unilateral EU movesto attack sites used by people-traffickers. (Reuters)

Chinese Pres. Xi says he backs a “fair and balanced” nuclear agreement with Iran. (Reuters)

Under Sec. Sherman and Iran's Deputy FM Araqchi will resume talks about curbing Iran's nuclear program today. (Reuters)

Commentary:

Hazem Balousha says the social divide is widening between the West Bank and Gaza. (Al-Monitor)

Akiva Eldar asks if Israeli national symbols sideline Palestinian citizens of Israel. (Al-Monitor)

David Horovitz says the current US administration has proved a vital ally to Israel but ties could and should have been closer. (Times of Israel)

Joyce Karam says the unraveling of the Yemeni state giving rise to Al Qaeda and proxy wars in Sanaa is a horror scenario for the Obama administration. (Al Arabiya)

Abdul Rahman Al Rashed looks at how Saudi Arabia is defending itself from the Houthi threat. (Al Arabiya)

The National says the battle for Yemen is far from over. (The National)

The Daily Star says Houthis and their backers must now take the opportunity for peace, and take part in genuine dialogue involving all sides. (Daily Star)

Tariq Alhomayed says the Saudi-led “Operation Decisive Storm” strikes a decisive blow against Iran and its regional followers. (Asharq al-Awsat)

Michael Young says border wars will determine Pres. Assad’s fate.(Daily Star)

H.A. Hellyer says Libya demands a new solution for its problems. (The National)

Aaron David Miller gives five reasons a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program is coming soon. (Foreign Policy)

News:

Members of the Join List decline an invitation by the Arab League for a meeting at the headquarters in Cairo. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)

UN Humanitarian Coordinator Rawley says the UN is not facilitating any truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas. (Ha’aretz)

Hamas says ministers of the unity government do not have the authority to sign employees agreement. (Ma’an/AP)

Hamas imposes a new import tax on commodities entering Gaza, angering local merchants. (Times of Israel)

Bethlehem's local municipality is seeking protection for 12 known artworks by British graffiti artist Banksy across the city. (Ma’an)

Extremist Jewish settlers uproot 450 olive trees in Salfit. (PNN)

Mohammed Abu Khdeir, the Palestinian teenager who was kidnapped and burned alive by Jews in a revenge killing, is recognized as a terror victim. (JTA/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)

Pres. Rivlin and PM Netanyahu decline requests for meetings with former Pres. Carter. (New York Times/Ha’aretz/JTA) 

Iran’s Deputy FM says he is optimistic that a ceasefire in Yemen would be announced later today. (Reuters)

The World Health Organization says health services in Yemen are on the brink of collapse. (Reuters)

A Houthi leader says the movement of more US warships into waters off Yemen escalates Washington's role and aims at tightening a "siege" on the country. (Reuters/AP/New York Times)

The New York Times looks at what civilians in Sanaa are documenting on Twitter. (New York Times)

ISIS is exploiting Libya's lawlessness but tribal and political loyalties mean it is unlikely to grow as rapidly there as in Iraq or Syria. (Reuters)

ISIS leader al-Baghdadi has been seriously wounded in an air strike in western Iraq. (The Guardian/Ha’aretz/Jerusalem Post)

Iraqi security forces recapture areas lost earlier to ISIS in and around the battleground city of Ramadi. (AP)

An Egyptian court sentences former Pres. Morsi to 20 years in jail. (Reuters/Washington Post/The National)

Washington Post reporter, Jason Rezaian, who is detained in Iran for nearly nine months facescharges of espionage and three other crimes. (AP/New York Times/Times of Israel/The National)

Commentary:

Ahmad Melhem says the Jordan Valley has been taken over by Jewish settlers who have barred Palestinians from using the land. (Al-Monitor)

Oudeh Basharat says opposition leader Herzog must form an alliance with Kahlon. (Ha’aretz)

Efraim Halevy says Israel's most important strategic interest still lies with the US. (Ynet)

Pervez Hoodbhoy says Saudi Arabia has reason to fear that Pakistan might no longer simply follow its diktats. (New York Times)

Faisal Al Yafai says Ali Abdullah Saleh is wrong to claim no-one has asked him to leave his country – millions of Yemenis did so in 2011. (The National)

Laura Kasinof asks why the world missed Yemen’s downward spiral. (Foreign Policy)

Jamal Khashoggi says Saudi Arabia rejects the tyranny of the Houthis because the latter is a front for Iranian expansion. (Al Arabiya)

The New York Times says Cairo gets $1.3 billion a year in US military aid despite its “abysmal human rights record.” (New York Times)

Diana Moukalled says the international community must reevaluate its outlook toward the tragedy in Syria, for which Assad’s regime must bear the largest weight of responsibility. (Al Arabiya)

Raed Omari says Hezbollah is on the verge of collapse. (Al Arabiya)

Salman Aldossary says Hezbollah leader Nasrallah’s extremist views damage the security of Lebanon. (Asharq al-Awsat)

Ilan Goldenberg and Ely Ratner say China is walking a fine line between Saudi Arabia and Iran. (Foreign Policy)

Tony Karon says by attaining breakout capability to build nuclear weapons, Iran has won itself “a seat at the grown-up table.” (The National)

Eyad Abu Shakra says Arab Shiites are Iran’s first victims. (Asharq al-Awsat)

News:

Israel and the PA reach an agreement to resolve a months long dispute over the transfer of Palestinian tax revenues. (New York Times/JTA/Ha’aretz)

Ten months after taking office, Palestinian Cabinet ministers make a rare visit to Gaza. (AP/AFP)

Pres. Abbas says Joint List leader Odeh will meet with the Arab League in Cairo and Doha. (JTA)

An Israeli man stabs a Palestinian worker on a construction site near Tel Aviv.(Ma’an/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel/Ynet)

Israeli forces open fire at Palestinian fishermen and farmers in Gaza. (Ma’an)

A Palestinian court dismisses a high-profile corruption case against exiled Gaza strongman Dahlan. (AFP)

Saudi Arabian authorities reportedly arrest a Hamas leader Maher Salah. (Times of Israel)

Israel’s Court of Justice is to hear petitions by Palestinians seeking the return of land they own near the Jordanian border. (Ha’aretz)

PM Netanyahu will have two more weeks to form a new government. (Reuters/AP/New York Times/AFP/Ha’aretz)

An air strike on a missile base in Sanaa, kills at least seven. (Reuters/New York Times/Washington Post) 

Oxfam condemns a Saudi Arabian air strike in Yemen that it said hit one of its stores containing humanitarian supplies. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia has put security forces on alert for a possible militant attack on a shopping mall or energy installation. (Reuters)

An Iraqi Shiite militia group says it conducted DNA tests to prove the death of Ezzat al-Douri. (Reuters)

A roadside bomb hits an armored vehicle in northern Sinai, killing three soldiers. (AP)

CIA Director Brennan holds talks with Pres. Sisi during an unannounced visit to Cairo. (AFP)

The first shipment of French weapons and military equipment arrive in Lebanon under a Saudi-funded deal. (Reuters/The National)

Jordan launches a competition among elite anti-terrorism squads from 18 countries. (AP)

UAE’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed will meet with Pres. Obama at the White House today. (The National)

Commentary:

Uri Savir says Palestinians are adapting their strategy to the Iranian deal, proposing to use the same P5+1 model for negotiations on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (Al-Monitor)

Adnan Abu Amer looks at the tension between ISIS and Hamas in Gaza. (Al-Monitor)

Jay Michaelson says Jewish American should have a new goal- recognize the State of Palestine. (The Forward)

Lara Friedman says by effectively equating Israel proper with the occupied territories, Israel's High Court has made life harder for pro-Israel, pro-peace activists. (Ha’aretz)

Ha’aretz says opposition leader Herzog must keep his word and stay out of Netanyahu's coalition. (Ha’aretz)

Elhanan Miller profiles Lucy Aharish. (Times of Israel)

Hussein Ibish says the Yemen solution cannot be pursued in a manner that ends up strengthening al-Qaeda. (The National)

Salman Aldossary looks at PM al-Abadi’s recent visit to Washington. (Asharq al-Awsat)

Robert Pape says a political deal between Baghdad and the Sunni tribes is key to future military success against ISIS. (New York Times)

Abdul Rahman Al Rashed says ISIS is not as Baathist as it’s been made out to be, instead its a developed version of al-Qaeda. (Al Arabiya)

Sharif Nashashibi says ISIS’ seizure of Yarmouk benefits Pres. Assad. (Al Arabiya)

Fred Hiatt looks at the defense of inaction in Syria. (Washington Post)

David Kenner interviews an eyewitness to a chemical attack by Assad’s forces. (Foreign Policy)

Randa Slim asks if Iran is overstretched in Syria. (Foreign Policy)

Mohammad Zarif says Iran is ready to talk about ISIS, Syria and Yemen and not just about its nuclear program. (New York Times)

Rami Khouri looks at the perils of the “hopeless Arab youth.” (Daily Star)

News:

The PLO says the evacuation of civilians from Yarmouk is “virtually complete.” (Ha’aretz)

The PLO marks Palestinian Prisoner's Day by demanding that Israel end its "captivity" of the Palestinian people under occupation. (Ma’an

A Hamas leader al-Haya calls for the abduction of Israelis. (Ma’an/AFP)

20 Palestinian journalists are currently being held in Israeli jails. (Ma’an)

Israel will deploy a revolutionary new tunnel detection system along the Gaza border. (Times of Israel)

The Israeli army closes off a village in the occupied West Bank after stone-throwing incidents. (Ha’aretz)

Gaza temporarily stops exporting tomatoes to Israel. (Ma’an)

The Washington Post looks at the future of the Joint List. (Washington Post)

Pres. Assad says Turkish military and logistical support was the main factor that helped insurgents seize Idlib from government control last month. (Reuters)

The UN calls on Western nations to shelter Syrian refugees. (New York Times)

The UNSC sees video evidence of a chemical attack in Syria. (New York Times/Times of Israel)

ISIS militants clash with Iraqi security forces inside the Baiji refinery. (Reuters) 

Gen. Dempsey says the US is focusing airstrikes to protect Baiji. (AP)

Yemen’s newly appointed VP Bahah says he hopes to avert a Saudi-led invasion to restore unity to the country. (Reuters)

UNSG Ban calls for an immediate halt to the fighting in Yemen. (Reuters/AP/The National)

The war in Yemen is allowing an al-Qaeda group to expand. (New York Times)

The UN launches an appeal for $275 million to aid the people in Yemen. (Reuters)

Australian FM Bishop will head to Tehran on Saturday. (Times of Israel)

Commentary:

Hussein Ibish says everyone who cares about peace should boycott settlements. (NOW)

Ron Kampeas asks if the Obama administration is “making nice” with Israel.(JTA)

Israel Harel calls on opposition leader Herzog to join a unity government. (Ha’aretz)

Bob Corker says bipartisan legislation will aid transparency on the Iran deal.  (Washington Post)

David Rothkopf says the current deal is a massive payment to temporarily put Iran’s nuclear program on hold. (Foreign Policy)

Abdul Rahman Al Rashed looks at the problems with the current Iran deal. (Al Arabiya)

Amir Taheri asks if the Obama administration has made an agreement with Iran more difficult. (Asharq al Awsat)

H.A. Hellyer says the region must look beyond the Iran framework deal before it's too late. (The National)

The National says Yemen’s problems, like those in Iraq, extend far beyond the country’s porous borders. (The National)

Manal Omar and Sarhang Hamasaeed say the plan for Iraq's future needs to go deeper than defeating ISIS. (Foreign Policy)