NEWS:

Sec. Kerry says time is the enemy in his push for Israeli-Palestinian peace. (New York Times/AP/AFP)

Kerry says the parties must show "some kind of progress" before the next UN General Assembly meeting in September. (Ha'aretz)

Kerry is arriving in Israel today, and insists Israeli and Palestinian leaders want peace. (Xinhua/Reuters)

American and Palestinian officials criticize Israel's announcement of 69 new settlement units in occupied East Jerusalem, on the eve of Kerry's upcoming visit. (AP/New York Times)

Israel's outgoing central bank governor Fischer says Israel needs to strengthen Palestinian leaders who want to create an independent state. (AP)

Diplomats suggest that a proposed $4 billion investment program for Palestine is contingent on the resumption of negotiations. (Times of Israel)

An unnamed Likud minister says PM Netanyahu is willing to withdraw from 90% of the West Bank, excluding settlement blocs and keeping an open-ended military presence in the Jordan Valley. (Ha'aretz)

Palestinian officials say they are "willing to meet Netanyahu halfway." (Jerusalem Post)

Netanyahu says peace with the Palestinians is a must, but it won't stop defamation of Israel. (Ha'aretz)

Netanyahu and Pres. Peres both explicitly reject the idea of a binational state for Israel and the Palestinians. (YNet)

Israel's AG and DM are at odds over government recognition for a heretofore "unauthorized" settlement outpost. (Ha'aretz)

Desalinization is seen as a potential key in solving Gaza's long-term water crisis. (Reuters)

A French media personality Is convicted of libel after claiming the footage of the death of 12-year-old Mohammed al-Dura was fabricated. (YNet/Times of Israel/AP)

Israel arrests 19 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, sparking clashes with protesters. (Ma'an)

Egypt is going ahead with prosecutions against nine persons accused of spying for Israel. (Xinhua)

Israel's Supreme Court urges the Health Ministry to ensure hospitals have non-Jewish prayer rooms. (Xinhua)

Israel faces major decisions regarding newly discovered offshore energy reserves. (Christian Science Monitor)

A Palestinian restauranteur returns to the West Bank from Paris, lured by the food of his home country. (Christian Science Monitor)

Settlers call for a boycott of McDonald's, after the restaurant chain refuses to open a branch in a settlement. (Jerusalem Post)

Some Palestinians are increasingly looking at nonviolent anti-apartheid tactics such as sports to advance their cause. (The National)

Palestinian militants warn of the potential for a third intifada. (Al Jazeera)

A new poll shows Hezbollah is losing support among Palestinians. (Al Monitor)

COMMENTARY:

Rima Kitana Nezzal says Salam Fayyad set the standard for all other Arab and Palestinian leaders in pursuing women's rights and empowerment. (Al Ayyam, translated by ATFP)

Kimberly Marten says reformed security forces must trump violent, patronage-based politics for Palestinian state-building to be accomplished. (International Herald Tribune)

The National says, with the resignation of PM Hamdallah, Palestinians are once again being let down by their own leaders. (The National)

George Hishmeh says Kerry has both the time and the opportunity to deliver Israel on peace before the next UN meeting. (Gulf News)

The Daily Star says Kerry's rhetoric won't be enough to shift Israel on peace. (The Daily Star)

Michael Jansen agrees that so far there isn't much substance behind Kerry's efforts. (Jordan Times)

Patrick Martin says the rising challenge by anti-2-state Israeli extremists to Netanyahu threatens the prospects for peace. (Globe and Mail)

David Grossman says a new road being built by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories destroys the prospects for an independent Palestinian state. (Ha'aretz)

The PLO issues a statement on "what is needed for the resumption of credible negotiations." (PNN)

Adi Schwartz says Israel must fight back against accusations in the Mohammed al-Dura affair. (Ha'aretz)

Carlo Strenger says Moshe Arens' vision of an Israeli version of a one-state solution is actually a nightmare. (Ha'aretz)

Hagai Segal says it's more important for Israel to be "Jewish" than to be "democratic." (YNet)

Israel Harel says Israel has a double standard when it comes to land claims by settlers and Bedouins. (Ha'aretz)

Douglas Bloomfield says Netanyahu's deeds must match his words, especially to preserve relations with the United States. (Jerusalem Post)

Linda Gradstein says Israel's ruling Likud party is shifting even more to the right. (The Media Line)

Hana Salah says the Palestinian Stock Exchange has room to grow. (Al Monitor)

NEWS:

The chorus of opposition in Israel to Palestinian statehood is growing quickly. (AFP)

A leading PLO official says immediate resumption of negotiations with Israel is unlikely. (Xinhua)

The return of Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf delights most Palestinians in Gaza, but Hamas is still uneasy about the "un-Islamic" program and his songs. (New York Times)

Assaf urges Palestinian unity. (AP) 

PM Erdogan once again says he will pay a "surprise visit" to Gaza sometime soon. (Xinhua)

Israel's coalition parties are unable to agree on a draft bill defining Israel as a "Jewish state." (Jerusalem Post)

The Israeli military announces it will confiscate more Palestinian land near Nablus. (Ma'an)

25 Israeli authors petition the High Court against plans to evict 1000 Palestinians from their homes south of Hebron. (Times of Israel/Daily Beast–Open Zion)

Israeli settlers attack vehicles and torch fields near Nablus and assault Israeli human rights activists near Qalqiliya. (Ma'an)

Israeli leaders warn against attacks from Syria on the occupied Golan Heights. (AP)

Israel will reopen Gaza crossings today. (Xinhua)

Bedouins in Israel are infuriated by a proposed mass relocation law. (Xinhua)

Israel is now the world's sixth biggest arms exporter. (Xinhua)

Hamas leader Hanniyeh reiterates that his organization will never recognize Israel. (Ma'an)

The Arab Bank asks the US Supreme Court to cancel a lawsuit holding it responsible for actions by Hamas and Hezbollah. (Jerusalem Post)

The latest figures from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics shows a slight increase in imports and exports in April. (PNN)

Israel's far right wing deputy DM Danon is elected president of the ruling Likud party convention. (Ha'aretz)

Arab citizens feel left out of the sentiments contained in Israel's national anthem. (The Media Line)

McDonald's reportedly refuses to open a branch in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank. (Jerusalem Post)

An amusement park in Gaza caters especially to the children of those killed, wounded or arrested by Israel. (Al Monitor)

COMMENTARY:

Asharq Al-Awsat interviews King Abdullah of Jordan, who warns of another Palestinian uprising of peace talks fail. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Aaron David Miller says Kerry has an outside chance at advancing Middle East peace, but only if PM Netanyahu and Pres. Abbas cooperate. (Foreign Affairs)

Ha'aretz says Netanyahu has to prove that he's really interested in holding negotiations, and not just talking about them. (Ha'aretz)

Zvi Bar'el says Netanyahu wants to ensure peace negotiations never even begin. (Ha'aretz)

Shaul Rosenfeld says Israel has to face the possibility that the conflict with the Palestinians may be irresolvable. (YNet)

Nahum Barnea says negotiations with the Palestinians are vital for Israel. (YNet)

The Jerusalem Post says Kerry should listen to Israel's concerns about resuming peace negotiations with the Palestinians. (Jerusalem Post)

Dov Waxman says there is little chance most Jewish-Americans will heed Sec. Kerry's call to be helpful on peace. (Ha'aretz)

Zalman Shoval says Kerry will find that it is the Palestinian, and not the Israeli, leadership that lacks the will for peace. (Jerusalem Post)

Uri Resnick insists that Israel actually has a fairly good record of international philanthropy. (Los Angeles Times)

David Horovitz interviews Canadian FM Baird about relations with Israel. (Times of Israel)

Shlomi Eldar says "price tag" attacks on Palestinians are the result of official leniency towards Jewish extremists. (Al Monitor)

Meir Javedanfar says Netanyahu needs a new Iran policy following the reformist victory in that country's recent elections. (Al Monitor)

Brent Sasley says, no matter how obstreperous he might be, everyone has no choice but to work with Netanyahu. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Maysoon Zayid looks at Assaf's rise from underdog to idol. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Deema Alsaafin says politicizing Assaf's victory is highly problematic. (SMPalestine)

NEWS:

A visit by PM Netanyahu to a Jewish settlement on the eve of Sec. Kerry's visit highlights various challenges facing the peace process. (New York Times/Washington Post)

Israeli officials say they will make "goodwill" concessions to Palestinians after Kerry's visit. (Xinhua/Times of Israel)

Kerry is reportedly hoping to host a meeting this week between Netanyahu and Pres. Abbas. (YNet)

Abbas says he intends to resume negotiations with Israel in the near future, though some PA officials deny this. (Ma'an/Times of Israel)

Israeli media reports suggest Netanyahu is considering a settlement freeze and prisoner release in preparation for renewed negotiations. (PNN)

PA officials ask Israel to release 120 Palestinian prisoners as a "goodwill gesture." (Jerusalem Post)

Netanyahu urges Palestinians to negotiate until the conflict is resolved, but says talks must be meaningful. (Ha'aretz/Times of Israel)

Israeli cabinet minister and political leader Bennett says peace would lead to violence. (Times of Israel)

Mohammad Assaf, winner of this year's Arab Idol TV singing contest, receives a hero's welcome back in Gaza, including from the once-unenthusiastic Hamas. (AP/Ma'an/The Economist)

Assaf calls Abbas to thank him for his support. (PNN)

Israel reopens a checkpoint near Nablus after shots were fired at a settler bus. (Ma'an)

Israel keeps Gaza crossings closed for a second day. (Ma'an)

Egypt is intensifying its crackdown on Gaza smuggling tunnels. (Reuters)

The Knesset approves the first reading of a bill for a massive resettlement of Bedouins. (Xinhua)

12 Palestinians are reported to have been killed in Syria last week. (PNN)

A senior Hamas figure says overthrowing Assad has priority over "jihad in Palestine." (Jerusalem Post)

Fatah, Hamas and other Palestinian groups are refusing to get involved in sectarian fighting in southern Lebanon. (Times of Israel/Al Monitor)

Hamas says it has held more talks with Islamic Jihad in order to continue to try to reduce tensions. (Xinhua)

Palestinians say settlers assault local shepherds in the occupied West Bank. (PNN)

The Archbishop of Canterbury will visit Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories soon. (The Guardian)

COMMENTARY:

Michael Wilner says Kerry's return to the region shows he's doubling down on peace efforts. (Jerusalem Post)

The AP says other US officials are trying to "rein in" Kerry's ambitious foreign policy initiatives, including on Israeli-Palestinian peace. (AP)

Daniel Gavron says there just isn't enough popular support for peace in the Israeli public for Kerry to work with. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Noga Tarnopolsky interviews chief Israeli negotiator Livni. (Global Post)

Orni Petruschka says Israel should stop bothering to negotiate and start taking constructive unilateral actions. (Ha'aretz)

Avi Issacharoff agrees that Islamic Jihad's new rocket attacks on Israel are part of its feud with Hamas. (Times of Israel)

Zafrir Rinat and Jonathan Lis explain Israel's new Bedouin resettlement law. (Ha'aretz)

Amos Harel says Israel's military learned important lessons during the last Gaza war. (Ha'aretz)

Moshe Arens says there is a huge spectrum of racism against Arabs in Israel, not restricted to "price tag" attacks. (Ha'aretz)

Arad Nir asks if the Turkish regime is trying to use Israel as a scapegoat for ongoing social unrest. (Al Monitor)

Akiva Eldar says Abbas and the whole world are letting Netanyahu make a mockery of the peace process by not challenging him. (Al Monitor)

Bernard Avishai says Israeli-Palestinian business cooperation actually could help advance peace. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

NEWS:

Pres. Abbas accepts PM Hamdallah's resignation after only two weeks in office. (New York Times/AP/AFP)

Hamdallah will remain as caretaker PM until at least August 10, and he says he has no dispute with Abbas. (Ma'an)

Abbas' top aides are seen as front runners for the PM position, if he does not take the job himself. (Ha'aretz)

Mohammed Assaf, the young Palestinian singer from Gaza who won this year's Arab Idol contest, is named a UN goodwill ambassador. (AP)

Assaf's victory provides a rare moment of national unity and pride for Palestinians. (Reuters/Xinhua/AFP)

Hamas appears less enthusiastic about Assaf's victory, disapproving either of singing or his Fatah-inspired nationalistic songs. (The National)

An exchange of rocket fire and air strikes between Israel and militants in Gaza strains the existing cease-fire. (New York Times/AP/Reuters)

Islamic Jihad tells Hamas an inquiry into the death of one of its members, that has strained relations between the groups, "must be fair." (Ma'an/Jerusalem Post)

Former FM Lieberman says Israel should fully reoccupy the Gaza Strip in response to the latest exchange of attacks. (Xinhua)

The Netherlands reportedly briefly brokered secret Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in 2012 (Irish Times)

Israel appears likely to avoid what had been potential strong criticism from the EU. (Jerusalem Post)

Two days before Sec. Kerry arrives in Israel, PM Netanyahu dedicates a school named after his father in a West Bank settlement. (Ha'aretz)

Hamas executes two more Palestinian men convicted of being informants for Israel. (New York Times)

Hamas and Islamic Jihad are providing paramilitary training to teenagers at summer camps. (Xinhua/Al Monitor)

An Egyptian court accuses Hamas and Hezbollah of conspiring with the Muslim Brotherhood in a 2011 jailbreak that freed many prisoners, including Pres. Morsi. (Times of Israel)

The Israeli government officially condemns another "price tag" attack by suspected Jewish extremists against a Palestinian village. (Xinhua)

Israel blocks a children's festival in occupied East Jerusalem, citing links to the PA. (Ha'aretz)

The Druze community in Israel has asked the government for permission to shelter Syrian relatives. (Xinhua)

Palestinian citizens of Israel are being kept out of a segregated "Jewish city" in the lower Galilee. (The Forward)

An Israeli billionaire is investing millions in a new industrial park in a primarily Palestinian-city in Israel, Nazareth. (The Forward)

COMMENTARY:

Khairallah Khairallah says Hamdallah's resignation won't make much difference to the PA, because the whole system is in total crisis. (Al Arabiya)

Felice Friedson and Diana Atallah say Hamdallah's resignation demonstrates the PA's flawed system. (The Media Line)

Jonathan Schanzer says Hamdallah's resignation shows the need for real PA reform. (FDD)

Amos Harel says Islamic Jihad's rocket attacks against Israel are part of its new feud with Hamas. (Ha'aretz)

The Washington Post interviews Israeli cabinet minister and right-wing leader Naftali Bennett. (Washington Post)

Mazal Mualem says young Israeli right-wing opponents of a two-state solution are starting to win the argument in Israel. (Al Monitor)

Reuven Pedatzur says Netanyahu needs to listen to his generals in the West Bank who are warning of potential violence. (Ha'aretz)

Yoaz Hendel says the new Israeli government doesn't appear to agree on anything, especially regarding the Palestinians. (YNet)

Gideon Levy says Israel's legitimacy is undermined by the occupation and persistent racism. (Ha'aretz)

Jawdat Ibrahim says "price tag" attacks on Palestinians are the result of a racist atmosphere pervasive in Israel. (YNet)

Daniel Ben Simon says the Palestinians of Nazareth are determined to integrate into and thrive in Israel. (Al Monitor)

Shlomi Eldar interviews former Israeli military commander Shaul Arieli on his pro-peace activism. (Al Monitor)

Maysoon Zayid looks at the grim future facing Palestinian graduates this year. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi looks at Hamas' relationship with Syria and rumors it is participating in the war there. (Jihadology)

NEWS:

PM Hamdallah submits his resignation after only two weeks in office. (New York Times/AP)

The resignation appears to be connected to a power struggle with Hamdallah's two Deputy PMs. (The National/Jerusalem Post)

Pres. Abbas' top aides failed to convince Hamdallah to withdraw his resignation after a three-hour meeting. (Ma'an)

Abbas will meet with Hamdallah today to further discuss the question. (Ma'an)

Former Fatah strongman in Gaza, Dahlan, says Hamdallah's resignation is no surprise to him. (Ma'an)

Abbas faces a set of stark choices on key national issues. (AP)

Fatah warns Hamas against interfering in regional affairs, and says such actions only damage the Palestinian national interest. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Israeli security forces kill a Jewish tourist at a holy site in occupied East Jerusalem, apparently because they thought he was a Palestinian preparing an attack. (New York Times/AP)

The PA says Israel has started using registered mail to inform Palestinians in the occupied territories that their land is being confiscated. (Ma'an)

Following Austria, the Philippines now says it may withdraw its peacekeepers from the Golan Heights. (New York Times)

The Palestinian government rejects a fatwa encouraging people not to watch the last round of Arab Idol, in which the Palestinian singer Muhammad Assaf is considered a major contender. (Ma'an)

Arab Idol TV singing contest favourite Mohammed Assaf carries the hopes of Palestinians into today's final round. (The Guardian/the Atlantic)

Palestinian refugees, displaced again, fleeing the Syrian war for Lebanon face major problems. (Washington Post)

An Israeli Education Ministry official is accused of banning Arabic teachers from corresponding in Arabic. (Ha'aretz)

The US cuts military aid to Israel by five percent. (Times of Israel)

On World Refugee Day, both Israelis and Palestinians demand recognition for their refugees. (Times of Israel)

Hamas leader Salah Bardawil insists there is no "rift" with Hezbollah over Syria. (Times of Israel)

Women activists in Gaza, discouraged from public engagement, take their agenda online. (Al Monitor)

Credit card fraud is rampant in Gaza. (Al Monitor)

NGOs are using soccer to try to break down barriers and discrimination between Palestinians and Israelis. (CNN)

COMMENTARY:

Hani Habeeb says the spokesperson for the new Palestinian government is misleading the public on the excellent performance of the Fayyad government, particularly on economic issues. (Al Ayam, translated by ATFP)

Roger Cohen says Jewish Americans can have a positive impact on peace, just as Irish-Americans did. (New York Times)

Raja Shehadeh says Palestinians are starting to understand the importance of architecture. (New York Times)

The Washington Post interviews PM Netanyahu and rising Israeli political star Yair Lapid. (Washington Post)

Zafrir Rinat says a new settlement is being built on the ruins of the Palestinian village of Al-Dawayima, which bears a tragic heritage. (Ha'aretz)

Niva Lanir says there is a pro-apartheid caucus of about 40 MKs in the present Knesset. (Ha'aretz)

David Landau says people are underestimating Pres. Peres, his repentance for helping to establish settlements and strong embrace of a two-state solution. (Ha'aretz)

Former FM Lieberman says Israel can't rely on international peacekeeping troops anywhere. (Jerusalem Post)

Yermi Brenner and Josh Nathan-Kazis say Jewish-American organizations are not heeding Sec. Kerry's plea for support on peace. (The Forward)

The Forward praises the American Jewish Committee for speaking up in favor of peace and a two-state solution. (The Forward)

Akiva Eldar says the election of a moderate in Iran and the Arab Peace Initiative mean Israel could exchange nuclear demilitarization for comprehensive peace. (Al Monitor)

Greg Garrison profiles Palestinian-American author Abe Fawal. (All Alabama)

NEWS:

The UN accuses Israel of torturing Palestinian children and using them as human shields. (Reuters)

PM Netanyahu says the EU should join the US in pushing for new Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. (AP)

The PA says it will redefine its relations with Israel if American-led peace efforts fail. (Xinhua)

Pres. Abbas' spokesman says he faces mounting internal pressure to join more multilateral agencies. (Xinhua)

The PA signs an agreement with the UNDP to improve infrastructure in "Area C" and occupied East Jerusalem. (PNN)

A group of young Palestinians is launching their own initiative to promote statehood and national development. (The Media Line)

Former Mossad chief Dagan says restartingtalks with Palestinians is a necessity and Israel has a unique opportunity to form new alliances. (Ha'aretz)

Finance Minister Lapid issues a rare criticism of his ally, Economy and Trade Minister Bennet over the two-state solution. (Jerusalem Post)

Abbas meets with EU foreign policy chief Ashton. (Xinhua)

Experts say Israel must define its policy for dealing with anti-Palestinian "price tag" violence by Jewish extremists. (AFP)

Leaders of major Jewish-American organizations are increasingly critical of anti-peace statements by Israeli officials. (Ha'aretz)

Statistics show 31% of Palestinians in the occupied territories live below the poverty line. (Ma'an)

Palestinians step up their campaign for Mohammed Assaf in the final stages of this year's Arab Idol TV singing contest. (Reuters)

Hamas issues another death sentence against a Palestinian for collaborating with Israel. (Xinhua)

Hamas is trying to persuade Western countries to remove it from lists of terrorist organizations. (Xinhua)

Hamas finds its political and financialties with Iran under heavy strain because of the war in Syria. (Reuters)

Iran cuts funding for Hamas cultural programs in Gaza. (Al Monitor)

Hamas says PM Erdogan is still planning to visit Gaza at some point. (Ma'an)

Islamic Jihad claims Hamas and Fatah are not doing much for national reconciliation. (Xinhua)

The Israeli Foreign Ministry fails to convince Google to remove the category "Palestine" from its products. (Ha'aretz)

Some Israelis are arguing that its nuclear arsenal is a threat to its own security. (Jerusalem Post)

Israeli settlers stone Palestinian cars near Nablus. (WAFA)

Palestinian tobacco farmers face numerous problems, including a crackdown on the "black economy." (Reuters)

Hamas police are cracking down on women enjoying themselves at Gaza beaches, with numerous restrictions. (Al Monitor)

COMMENTARY:

Rajab Abu Seryya says Salam Fayyad is a huge Palestinian national asset who is loved by the people and will continue to play major role. (Al Ayam, translated by ATFP)

ATFP says it is alarmed by "price tag" violence against Palestinians and welcomes Israeli and Jewish American condemnation of the attacks. (ATFP)

Mitch Ginsberg says, when it comes to some "price tag" attacks, Israeli security forces "are being outwitted by a bunch of 12-year-olds." (Times of Israel)

Nir Hasson says Israel's decision not to classify "price tag" attacks as "terrorism" withholds state support and compensation from its Palestinian victims. (Ha'aretz)

ATFP expresses pride in Mohammed Assaf, the singing phenomenon from the Arab Idol TV show, and urges its friends and supporters to vote for him in the final round. (ATFP)

Ha'aretz says Israelis who believe in democracy must fight government policies of discrimination and exclusion against Palestinians. (Ha'aretz)

Carlo Strenger says Netanyahu doesn't have what it takes to make the bold moves needed for peace. (Ha'aretz)

Gershon Baskin says Israel can't have it both ways: either it can be Jewish and democratic or it can keep the occupied territories. (Jerusalem Post)

Alex Fishman says any Israelis celebrating Sec. Kerry's "failure" on Middle East peace are reacting too soon. (YNet)

George Hishmeh says the US is going to have to get tough with Israel if it expects any cooperation on peace. (Gulf News)

Danielle Spiegel Feld says if Israel doesn't help move the peace process forward, it will make it easier for Palestinians to go back to the UN. (Jerusalem Post)

Ninette Kelley says the massive influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon is destabilizing the region. (New York Times)

David Pollock and Michael Eisenstadt explain what they think the US gains from its alliance with Israel. (JTA)

Haytham Mouzahem says Hezbollah would like to repair relations with Hamas despite the war in Syria. (Al Monitor)

NEWS:

The outgoing ambassador to Israel of South Africa calls its treatment of Palestinians, "a replication of apartheid." (AP/Times of Israel)

Under significant political and financial pressure, Hamas leaders are in Ankara for talks with PM Erdoğan. (Today's Zaman/Xinhua)

Sec. Kerry will visit the region again next week for more peace efforts. (Xinhua)

Pres. Abbas says Palestinians very much want Kerry's efforts to succeed. (Jerusalem Post)

The Israeli military says the PA is taking steps in the West Bank to try to promote an atmosphere for successful talks. (Reuters/Jerusalem Post)

The Israeli military warns of unrest in the occupied West Bank should negotiations fail. (Ha'aretz)

Israel arrests three Palestinian men in connection with the killing of a Jewish settlerIn 2011. (Jerusalem Post)

Quartet envoy Blair warns that the window of opportunity for peace may be closing soon. (Xinhua)

PM Netanyahu vows to deal harshly with ‘un-Jewish’ Abu Ghosh Jewish vigilante "price tag" attackers. (Times of Israel)

The Israeli government is sending distinctly mixed signals on interest in peace with the Palestinians. (Washington Post)

Repudiating comments from his cabinet colleagues, Netanyahu insists his government seeks a "demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes the Jewish state."(Reuters)

Dignitaries and celebrities gather to celebrate Pres. Peres' 90th birthday. (New York Times/AP)

The Knesset launches a legislative caucus to teach MKs about the US system of government. (The Media Line)

Several rockets are launched in the direction of southern Israel from Gaza. (Xinhua)

Israel's housing minister repeats his assertions, contradicted by several NGOs, that a settlement housing freeze has been in place since the beginning of the year. (AFP)

Three Arab singers are denied entry into the West Bank by Israel. (Ma'an)

Two Palestinian writers in Gaza are denied visas to visit the UK for a literary fest. (The Guardian)

A new report shows Palestinian citizens of Israel face extensive barriers to higher education. (Ha'aretz)

An independent, secular Palestinian TV station has been struggling to stay on-air in the occupied West Bank. (Bloomberg)

COMMENTARY:

Rachel Shabi says the Israeli government's obsession with settlement expansion is by far the biggest threat to peace. (The Guardian)

The PLO issues a fact sheet entitled "The Israeli Government’s Unbreakable Commitment to the Israeli Settlement Enterprise." (PLO  

Negotiations Affairs Department)

Anne Penketh says Iran's nuclear program remains the main foreign policy priority for Israel. (The National)

Avi Shilon says a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians is still possible. (Ha'aretz)

Aaron David Miller interviews Peres. (Foreign Policy)

Ha'aretz says Netanyahu needs to stop blaming the Palestinians and start working to break the impasse. (Ha'aretz)

Elyakim Haetzni says Netanyahu depends on a dormant, dysfunctional peace process that is designed to fail in order to stay in power. (YNet)

Chemi Shalev says numerous American leaders, including Pres. Obama, former President Clinton and Kerry, among others, all have the same message Israel: you don't understand how important peace is for you. (Ha'aretz)

Nathan Guttman says right-wing pro-Israel Jewish groups are asking if they're being targeted by the IRS. (The Forward)

Mairav Zonszein looks at unusual statements by the American Jewish Committee critical of Israeli government leaders' comments. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Alec Ross says introducing 3G mobile phone networking in the occupied West Bank could genuinely help the peace process. (Foreign Policy)

Adnan Abu Amer says there's no real sign of improvement in ties between Hamas and Hezbollah. (Al Monitor)

NEWS:

Six more Palestinians are killed at a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria. (Ma'an)

The UN appeals for aid for Palestinian refugees in Syria. (AFP)

Israeli business leaders tell PM Netanyahu stalled peace efforts and continued occupation will"ruin Israel's economy." (Ha'aretz)

Former Pres. Clinton says Israel must make peace in order to survive. (AP)

In trying to revive peace talks, Sec. Kerry is stymied by a profoundly divided Israeli government. (New York Times)

Palestinians demand "clarification" of Israeli Economy and Trade Minister Bennett's statement ruling out the possibility of a Palestinian state. (Xinhua)

Palestinian officials say recent statements contradicting a two-state solution by numerous Israeli officials show Israel has no interest in peace. (PNN)

Netanyahu insists Israel is still committed to a two-state solution. (Jerusalem Post)

Israeli journalists meet with Palestinian leaders in Ramallah. (Al Monitor)

Palestinian citizens of Israel say a proposed new law greatly extending preferential treatment for military veterans is blatant discrimination. (The Media Line)

A Palestinian NGO claims Israel has a plan to expand Jerusalem by confiscating 5.5 acres of adjacent Palestinian land. (Ma'an)

Israeli police search for suspected Jewish extremist vandals who attacked an Arab town in Jerusalem, vandalizing at least 28 cars. (AP/Xinhua)

Israelis debate whether to call such "price tag" attacks "terrorism." (Christian Science Monitor)

Israeli settlers threaten to occupy a Palestinian village in the northern occupied West Bank. (Ma'an)

Hamas calls on Hezbollah to withdraw all its troops from Syria, even as the groups try to decrease tensions. (Xinhua/Al Monitor)

Many Israelis doubt the ability of the new Iranian president to change his country's policies. (Xinhua)

Seeking a larger role in the region, China is hosting a Middle East peace conference. (AP)

Islamist students vow to fight a PA crackdown on their activities in in the occupied West Bank. (Times of Israel)

Unemployment is promoting drug addiction in Gaza. (Al Monitor)

COMMENTARY:

Raphael Ahren asks why Israel is so afraid of the Arab Peace Initiative. (Times of Israel)

Ha'aretz says a new law being considered by the Knesset would greatly increase discrimination against Arabs and others in Israel, and intensify apartheid-like qualities of the state. (Ha'aretz)

David Newman says the proposed new law is definitely discriminatory, and some form of national service for all might be the answer. (Jerusalem Post)

Amos Harel says the election of Iran's new reformist president delays Israel's military options by at least a year. (Ha'aretz)

AP interviews Pres. Peres, who has just turned 90. (AP)

The Washington Post also interviews Pres. Peres. (The Washington Post)

Reuters also interviews Pres. Peres, who backs plans to arm Syrian rebels. (Reuters)

Pierre Klochendler looks at life in the Golan Heights in the shadow of the Syrian war. (Xinhua)

Uzi Baram says lack of honesty and credibility has become a virtual norm among Israeli politicians. (Ha'aretz)

Franco Rizzi says new PM Hamdallah has a history of working for intercultural dialogue. (Jerusalem Post)

Jim Torczyner says Pres. Abbas made a wise choice in appointing Hamdallah. (Jerusalem Post)

Akiva Eldar thinks the Israeli public is veering towards the left. (Al Monitor)

Elie Ferzli says Hamas fears renewed violence in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon due to tensions with Hezbollah. (Al Monitor)

Reuters looks at whether or not Israel has enacted any kind of "de facto settlement freeze" this year. (Reuters)

NEWS:

Yet another senior Israeli leader, Naftali Bennett, rules out the possibility of there ever being a Palestinian state. (Ha'aretz/AP)

EU foreign policy chief Ashton is visiting Israel, and is expected to say Israel's obsession with settlements is undermining peace efforts. (Jerusalem Post)

Israel and the PA agree on reviving economic cooperation, after finance ministers consult. (Xinhua/Ma'an)

The PA is putting on hold plans to try to register the ancient farming terraces of Battir, in the occupied West Bank, as a UNESCO world heritage site. (Ma'an)

Hamas is reportedly deploying a 600 member force to suppress rocket attacks against Israel. (Times of Israel)

Hamas says it hopes to maintain financial support from, and stable relations with, Iran under its new leadership. (Ma'an)

Hamas and Hezbollah play down their rift over Syria following talks in Lebanon. (The Daily Star)

Two Palestinian children face an unclear fate in Israeli detention. (Xinhua)

The UN says Palestinian refugee camps in Syria have become"theaters of war." (Ma'an)

Palestinians flee war-torn Syria only to encounter severe poverty in Gaza. (Xinhua)

Gaza's fuel shortage intensifies as Egypt tightens border restrictions. (Xinhua)

PM Hamdallah says the new PA cabinet will make Jerusalem a priority. (Ma'an)

A Palestinian delegation heads to Beijing to take part in a Chinese-sponsored peace conference. (Xinhua)

Eight Palestinian prisoners begin a hunger strike against solitary confinement. (Xinhua)

Israel passes new laws regarding extremist "price tag" Jewish vigilantes. (Xinhua)

A 75-year-old Palestinian woman says she was assaulted by Jewish settlers in occupied East Jerusalem. (Ma'an)

Troops from Fiji will replace Austrian peacekeepers who left the Golan Heights. (YNet)

Gaza's Gypsies face racism on a daily basis. (Al Monitor)

A Palestinian soccer player who has found refuge in Scotland believes the game can be a key to peace. (The Herald)

Organ transplants bring Israelis and Palestinians closer. (Al Monitor)

COMMENTARY:

Daniel Barenboim says Israel has forgotten its moral courage and Jewish traditions by its occupation policies. (Ha'aretz)

Former IDF soldier Gil Hilel says, for occupation forces, there are no Palestinian civilians, only potential terrorists. (The Independent)

The Forward says Jewish-American leaders are ignoring Sec. Kerry's call for them to prod Israel on peace. (The Forward)

The Boston Globe says Kerry's economic investment plan is welcome, but no substitute for peace. (Boston Globe)

J.J. Goldberg says PM Netanyahu is deeply torn on the question of peace with the Palestinians. (The Forward)

Emily Hauser says Israeli leaders are ignoring the Arab Peace Initiative because most of them aren't interested in a two-state solution. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Ben Caspit says Netanyahu sounds like the Prophet Jeremiah, warning of constant doom. (Al Monitor)

German Amb. Michaelis says German and EU labeling of settlement products is simple fact and honesty to consumers. (Jerusalem Post)

Nathan Guttman says Samantha Power's commitment to Israel's security is well-established. (The Forward)

The BBC looks at the past six years of Hamas-Fatah division. (BBC)

Aluf Benn looks at a new book about David Ben-Gurion. (Ha'aretz)

Oudeh Basharat says it's time Jewish Israelis realize that it's in their interests for conditions for Arab citizens to improve. (Ha'aretz)

Mazal Mualem says Israel's Foreign Ministry feels completely shut out of policymaking. (Al Monitor)

NEWS:

Israel is seeking massive low-interest US bridge loans of billions of dollars for a Pentagon-proposed package of V-22 Ospreys, F-15 radars and precision-strike weaponry. (Defense News)

American lawmakers are proposing to triple US aid for Israeli missile defense programs. (Jerusalem Post)

The State Department calls Israel's new settlement projects "unhelpful," but says it remains hopeful about the prospects for new negotiations. (Times of Israel/KUNA)

Israel's right-wing housing minister claims there has been a de facto "settlement freeze" in occupied East Jerusalem since the beginning of the year, and says settler complaints should be targeted at the PM's office. (Xinhua/Jerusalem Post)

FM Al-Malki denounces comments from Deputy DM Danon that "there will never be a Palestinian state." (Ma'an)

A senior Palestinian official says PM Netanyahu "is not an extremist," but that he must freeze settlement activity before negotiations resume. (Times of Israel)

UK Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, says "a Palestinian state without Gaza is inconceivable." (PNN)

Report suggests Sweden may cut aid to Palestinians, given the lack of progress on negotiations with Israel. (PNN)

Israeli police say Jewish extremists have torched two Palestinian cars in an Arab neighborhood of Jerusalem, and vandalized a Christian cemetery in Jaffa. (AP/Xinhua)

Thousands of Bedouins protest Israeli plans for their eviction from the southern Negev desert. (Xinhua)

The Israeli military denies allegations soldiers forced a Muslim Palestinian to drink wine at gunpoint. (Ma'an)

The Israeli military says it has discovered two tunnels under its West Bank separation barrier (Ma'an)

Palestinian lawyers say they will stage a one-day strike to protest an alleged assault on one of their members by anti-drug police in Bethlehem. (Ma'an)

Former Palestinian women prisoners in Israeli jails recount their experiences. (Al Monitor)

Some Israeli parents object to their children visiting an amusement park accused of "apartheid" policies against Palestinians. (Ha'aretz)

The West Bank’s only ballet school offers a refuge for Palestinian kids. (PRI)

Palestinian refugee elders in Lebanon keep traditions alive by various means including hosting traditional weddings. (VOA)

COMMENTARY:

Abdulmajeed Swelem says former PM Fayyad was, and will continue to be, a "warrior" for Palestine. (Al Ayam, translated by ATFP)

David Makovsky says Europe should get tough with the Palestinians, and the US get tough with Israel, for the sake of peace. (New York Times)

The Jerusalem Post says there is a troubling incoherence in the Israeli governments conflicting comments about policy towards a two-state solution. (Jerusalem Post)

Akiva Eldar also says the Israeli government needs to decide once and for all if it's for a two-state solution or not. (Al Monitor)

Uri Dromi also says Israel needs clarity regarding its position on Palestinian statehood. (Miami Herald)

Lorenzo Kamel points out that the alternative to a two-state solution is more conflict, not a one-state solution of any kind. (Al Monitor)

Matthew Kalman lists seven ways he thinks Netanyahu is destroying Israeli diplomacy. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Daniel Levy says it's ridiculous to call European labeling of Israeli settlement products "anti-Semitic." (Ha'aretz)

Mira Sucharov says Jewish youths need to learn that ending the reoccupation and allowing a Palestinian state is a win-win scenario. (Ha'aretz)

Ha'aretz says Israel must close the huge gaps in standard of living between Jewish and Arab citizens. (Ha'aretz)

Salman Masalha says Islamic movements are dangerous for Palestinian citizens of Israel, just like Jewish extremism is for Jewish Israelis, and Israel should simply ban all religious parties. (Ha'aretz)

Oded Even-Or says both Israeli and Palestinian groups train youngsters for violence. (YNet)

David Weinberg says Jewish refugees from Arab states need justice too. (Jerusalem Post)

Jeanette Horowitz says even though Boulder decided not to become a sister city with Nablus, real progress was made in the process. (JTA)

Mohammed Suliman describes the difficulties of crossing from Gaza to Egypt. (Al Monitor)

Ha'aretz interviews Mohammed Dajani, who is convinced his moderate movement will ultimately become a dominant Palestinian political force, but not in his lifetime. (Ha'aretz)