President Obama and PM Netanyahu discuss regional security and Middle East peace in a phone call. (Reuters)

 

Sec. Kerry will visit the Middle East again in two weeks and reiterates there is a short windowfor renewed peace efforts. (AP)

 

Former Pres. Clinton will also visit Israel in June. (Xinhua)

 

China is also attempting to begin to become a player in Middle East peace. (New York Times/AP)

 

The State Department urges respect for freedom of worship after charges Israel restricted Palestinian Christian travel to Jerusalem this Easter. (JTA)

 

A senior figure in the Israeli Shas party urges Netanyahu to adopt the Arab League peace initiative. (Ha'aretz)

 

Israeli media reports the government has approved 296 new settlement housing units near Ramallah. (Ma'an)

 

Israel releases the grand mufti of Jerusalem after questioning. (New York Times)

 

Young Palestinians clash with Israeli occupation forces at the Al Aqsa mosque compound. (Ma'an)

 

Pres. Peres assures Jordan that Israel will honor agreements regarding holy sites. (Jerusalem Post)

 

The UN decries rising poverty in occupied East Jerusalem. (Al Jazeera)

 

Fatah officials say Palestinians don't take orders from the Syrian regime. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Physicist Stephen Hawking confirms his refusal to attend an Israeli government conference is in protest against its policies towards the Palestinians. (New York Times/AP)

 

Hawking's critics say if he wants to boycott Israel he should stop using Israeli technology in his communications equipment. (The Guardian)

 

An Israeli human rights group says half the Palestinians killed in Israel's last Gaza operationwere civilians. (Ha'aretz)

 

Israel launches its first automated drone. (Xinhua)

 

Doha-based Islamist cleric Qaradawi visits Gaza, which Fatah condemns. (AFP/Jerusalem Post)

 

A parliamentary delegation from Bahrain is also visiting Gaza. (Ma'an)

 

Jordanian prisoners are hunger-striking against the peace treaty with Israel. (The Media Line)

 

Hamas says it's trying to root out Israeli spy networks in Gaza. (Reuters)

 

China and Israel set up a task force to increase trade. (South China Morning Post)

 

PA police mistakenly shoot a woman near Hebron. (Ma'an)

 

Palestinians report there are growing indications of oil in the occupied West Bank, which Israel may be quietly exploiting. (UPI)

 

Egypt summons the Israeli ambassador over alleged mistreatment of Egyptian staff at the embassy in Tel Aviv. (Xinhua)

 

The Israeli state may be considering closer ties with J Street. (YNet)

 

 

 

Lara Friedman says it's completely wrong to think Netanyahu has frozen settlement construction or expansion. (Daily Beast/Open Zion) 

 

The CSM profiles Palestinian activist turned scholar Mohammed Dajani. (Christian Science Monitor)

 

Ha'aretz says proposed new legislation in Israel would undemocratically stifle criticism of Israeli military actions. (Ha'aretz)

 

Chemi Shalev says Hawking is now the "unlikely poster child" of the boycott movement. (Ha'aretz)

 

Carlo Strenger accuses Hawking of hypocrisy. (Ha'aretz)

 

Ben White says Hawking should be commended for his boycott. (Al Jazeera)

 

Gershon Baskin says there is nothing "united" about Jerusalem under Israeli rule. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Gil Troy calls Israeli "price tag" vigilantes "morally bankrupt, politically foolish criminals." (Jerusalem Post)

 

Xinhua asks why Syria isn't responding to Israel's airstrike. (Xinhua)

 

Aaron David Miller says Kerry is right to try to get Arab states involved in the peace process, but is unlikely to succeed, and only the Israelis and the Palestinians can really make it happen. (Foreign Policy)

 

Brent Sasley says an Israeli law mandating a referendum on any peace agreement is a bad idea. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

 

George Hishmeh says Israel's airstrike in Syria was designed to undermine the prospects of new peace talks. (Gulf News)

 

Abdullah Iskandar says Israel had no right to attack Syria. (Al Hayat)

 

Nassif Hitti says the Arab League can help Israelis and Palestinians negotiate. (Al Monitor)

 

Douglas Bloomfield says the Arab League has to get involved in a meaningful way. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Ron Kampeas says Qatar is trying to make its name as a Middle East peacemaker. (JTA)

 

Badar Salem looks at the myriad challenges faced by gay Palestinians. (Al Bawaba)

 

Pres. Abbas is visiting China and seeking diplomatic support there. (New York Times/Ma'an)

 

PM Netanyahu is also visiting China, focusing on economic issues, but is joined by the head of Israel's military intelligence. (AP/Ha'aretz)

 

China's hosting of the two leaders indicates a desire for a larger Middle East role. (AP)

 

Syria blames Israel for an air raid against targets near Damascus. (New York Times)

 

The attack prompts anger and threats in Syria, which says "all options are open." (AP/Washington Post)

 

Syria accuses Israel of using depleted uranium shells during the attack, and of aiding Al Qaeda. (Jerusalem Post/Asharq Al-Awsat)

 

Israeli reaction focuses on growing tensions with Syria. (AP)

 

Israel cancels civil air flights in its northern regions due to growing tensions along the frontiers with Syria and Lebanon. (Xinhua)

 

Many see a message in the action to Iran. (New York Times)

 

The airstrike highlights conundrums faced by the Arab League. (AP)

 

Tensions grow in the West Bank as 1000 Israeli right-wingers and troops visit a holy site. (Ma'an)

 

Israel allows the children of prisoners from Gaza to visit them. (Xinhua)

 

Hamas says two of its senior officials were denied entry into Egypt. (Ma'an)

 

The EU contributes €20 million to the PA to help pay April public sector employee salaries. (PNN)

 

The PLO denies Al Qaeda is operating in the Ain Al-Hilweh refugee camp in south Lebanon. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

 

 

 

 

Israel's chief negotiator Livni meets Sec. Kerry in Washington. (Ha'aretz)

 

Palestinian officials say they expect the United States to pressure Pres. Abbas to resume talks with Israel. (Xinhua)

 

Fatah officials say it's too early to speak concretely about land swaps with Israel. (Ma'an)

 

Hamas rejects the recent Arab League statement endorsing land swaps between Israel and the Palestinians. (Xinhua)

 

China offers to broker a meeting between Abbas and PM Netanyahu. (JTA)

 

Sec. Hagel reportedly suggests to Israeli officials that a military option against Iran might be considered after that country's presidential election. (Ha'aretz)

 

The US has reportedly upgraded a bunker buster bomb within eye to action in Iran. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Five Palestinian refugees are injured in an explosion in Lebanon. (Xinhua)

 

Dozens of Palestinian journalists protest Israeli restrictions in the occupied West Bank. (PNN)

 

The relatives of prisoners criticize a PA decision to stop paying Israeli court imposed fines. (Ma'an)

 

Settlers protest the raising of a new outpost in the occupied West Bank. (Jerusalem Post)

 

The father of a Palestinian man accused of stabbing an Israeli settler says he's proud of his son. (Jerusalem Post)

 

The PA is working to include the word Palestine in Internet lists and domains. (Xinhua)

 

A prominent Egyptian activist defends her anti-Israel tweets. (New York Times)

 

Netanyahu is visiting China with an emphasis on economic ties. (AP)

 

A disabled baby from Gaza is living in an Israeli hospital. (AP)

 

An alleged beating by PA police may have cost a man his ability to speak. (Al Monitor)

 

A new Church of Scotland report on Israel's biblical claims angers many. (Ha'aretz)

 

The National profiles a Palestinian singer from Gaza from the Arab Idol TV show. (The National)

 

Al Quds University in occupied East Jerusalem is looking for official recognition from Israel's educational authorities. (Al Monitor)

 

A paralyzed photographer's story highlights the challenges facing disabled Palestinians. (Al Monitor)

 

 

 

The New York Times says the recent Arab League statement on land swaps is a welcome move. (New York Times)

 

The Jordan Times says Israel needs to respond to the overture. (Jordan Times)

 

Akiva Eldar says Netanyahu's ideology will prevent him from responding positively to the Arab League statement. (Al Monitor)

 

Brent Sasley says, despite conventional wisdom, this is an opportune time for new peace talks. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

 

Shlomi Eldar looks at Qatar's bewildering multiple policies, including on Israeli-Palestinian peace. (Al Monitor)

 

Yaakov Lappin says Iran and Egypt are locked in a power struggle over influence in Gaza. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Anshel Pfeffer says the BDS campaign is doing harm to Israel by strengthening the settler movement. (Ha'aretz)

 

The Economist says Jewish settlements are driving away Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. (The Economist)

 

Hillel Halkin says Israel was right not to return the occupied Golan Heights to Syria, given the chaos in that country now. (The Forward)

 

Mohammed Suliman says most Palestinian factions in Gaza want to maintain the cease-fire with Israel in spite of a recent assassination. (Al Monitor)

 

Alan Dershowitz says it's disgraceful that some Jews would boo efforts to make peace with Palestinians. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Adam Simpson says narratives, not money, determine the influence of the pro-Israel lobby in the United States. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

 

PM Fayyad says he remains generally optimistic but that the Palestinian leadership has to stay relevant and engaged. (Al Monitor)

 

Many Palestinian youths are yearning for new political alternatives. (Reuters)

 

PM Netanyahu endorses the idea that any peace agreement should be backed up by a popular referendum. (AP)

 

Netanyahu and his key allies are reportedly worried that Sec. Kerry is inching towards the Arab League stance on the two-state solution. (Ha'aretz)

 

Israel's response to the apparent Arab League endorsement of land swaps is cool, andPalestinian reaction is also mixed. (Washington Post/VOA)

 

Former PM Olmert calls the Arab League statement "historic" and a great opportunity for Israel. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Hamas leader Mishaal rejects the notion of a land swap with Israel. (Ma'an)

 

For all the diplomatic activity, renewed peace talks are nowhere in sight. (Ha'aretz)

 

Critics of the occupation say apparent relative calm is always an illusion. (New York Times)

 

An Israeli citizen is arrested by Lebanese authorities after allegedly crossing the border illegally. (Xinhua)

 

A Palestinian fisherman from Gaza describes his ordeals at the hands of the Israeli military. (PNN)

 

Settlers begin constructing a new outpost near Nablus. (Ma'an)

 

Israeli settlers attack another Palestinian village in the occupied territories. (Jerusalem Post)

 

PA security forces arrest five Hamas activists in the West Bank. (Ma'an)

 

Palestinians are dealing with water shortages in the occupied West Bank with as much equanimity as they can muster. (CSM)

 

The Israeli Knesset is reportedly adopting a new law that prevents citizens of "enemy states"from suing Israel. (Xinhua)

 

Netanyahu is visiting China in a bid to strengthen ties. (Xinhua)

 

A new Pew poll of Muslim opinion shows a substantial minority of Palestinians think suicide bombing is sometimes justifiable, among other mixed and complex results. (Pew Research Center/Daily Telegraph/CNN/)

 

Google's search engine now recognizes Palestine rather than "the Palestinian territories." (PNN)

 

Cooperation may be growing between Bedouin tribesmen and Muslim extremists in Sinai. (The Media Line)

 

 

 

Ari Shavit says better security and the diplomatic impasse don't make Israel's crisis with the occupied Palestinian population go away. (Ha'aretz)

 

Raphael Ahren looks at the range of Israeli reactions to the Arab League statement on land swaps. (Times of Israel)

 

Shimon Shiffer says there is a solid majority in the Netanyahu coalition against a two-state solution. (YNet)

 

Herb Keinon says the best basis for Israeli-Arab reconciliation is shared concerns about Syria and Iran. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Israel Harel says a referendum on a peace agreement is essential for its legitimacy. (Ha'aretz)

 

Husam Itani says the dysfunctionality of Palestinian politics is what's giving hunger striking prisoners and others so much importance. (Al Hayat)

 

The Gulf News says Israel's apparent disinterest in the recent Arab League statement on land swaps shows peace cannot be a one-way street. (Gulf News)

 

Dalia Hatuqa says some Palestinians feel the Arab League statement was presumptuous and unauthorized by them. (Al Monitor)

 

Asmaa al-Ghoul says Gaza's agricultural and green spaces are under constant threat. (Al Monitor)

 

Brandon Davis looks at the campaign to delegitimize pro-Palestinian queer voices. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

 

Daniel Kurtzer says the US must begin to articulate a clear framework for new negotiations. (Deutsche Welle)

 

AFP looks at Sec. Kerry's cautious but determined push to revive Middle East peace talks. (AFP)

 

Kerry calls the recent Arab League statement about negotiations with Israel "a big step." (New York Times)

 

As Kerry is making some progress, some limited violence is flaring on the ground. (Christian Science Monitor)

 

Palestinian negotiators say they share the Arab League position accepting the principle of land swaps, but add that this isn't anything new. (Xinhua/Ma'an)

 

A cabinet minister close to PM Netanyahu says Israel will not negotiate based on the 1967 borders, but Palestinian negotiators say this is the only basis for talks. (AFP/Ha'aretz)

 

Netanyahu says territory is not the basis of the Middle East conflict, but also that Israel needs a Palestinian state in order to avoid becoming a binational polity. (AFP/Ha'aretz)

 

Labour Party officials say they would join a coalition that was pursuing peace. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Pres. Peres says the Pope has a role to play in Middle East peace and invites him to visit Israel. (AP)

 

Rights groups say Israeli occupation forces killed four Palestinians and arrested 259 in April. (PNN)

 

Israeli settlers and Palestinians clash in the occupied territories after the stabbing death of a settler. (AP/Jerusalem Post)

 

Israeli security forces brace for more possible settler violence. (YNet)

 

Israeli forces shoot at Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Gaza, injuring one. (PNN)

 

Israel's recent airstrike in Gaza is a warning to Hamas to rein in more extremist groups in territories under their control. (Christian Science Monitor)

 

Hamas' military wing is moving to secure the border areas with Israel. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

 

A Fatah official's car is shot at in Gaza. (Ma'an)

 

UNIFIL urges Israel to withdraw from a Lebanese town. (Xinhua)

 

Israeli reservists are called up for a drill on a possible confrontation with Hezbollah. (Xinhua)

 

Young Palestinians use graffiti to express themselves. (Xinhua)

 

Palestinian refugees from Syria are still seeking refuge in Gaza. (The Guardian)

 

 

 

Amos Harel says the three main security threats Israel faces at present are violent settlers, rockets from Gaza and the fate of Syria's chemical weapons. (Ha'aretz)

 

Hassan Kaabiya says it's shocking that Israel's military rabbis would rule non-Jewish troops in the IDF are not equal to Jewish ones. (YNet)

 

Ha'aretz says another law extending detentions without charge or process for suspected terrorists is a stain on Israel's legal system. (Ha'aretz)

 

The Jerusalem Post says it supports a law requiring a referendum on any peace agreement. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Jonathan Freedland says Israeli ultra-Orthodox parties may hold the key to a solution. (Gulf News)

 

Zvi Bar'el calls Israel the "superpower of international panic." (Ha'aretz)

 

Gil Troy denounces the outspokenness of former Israeli security officials in the film "The Gatekeepers." (Jerusalem Post)

 

Yaakov Lappin says Israel's recent military actions send a message to foes to its north and south. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Ben Caspit interviews Daniel Abraham, founder of the Center for Middle East Peace.

 

Mohammed Suliman looks at the growing problem of child labor in Gaza. (Al Monitor)

 

FM Al-Malki confirms that Palestinians promised during Pres. Obama's visit not to pursue international initiatives for the meanwhile. (Politico)

 

A leading Labor Party MK warns Washington not to pursue peace talks because PM Netanyahu isn't interested in progress. (AP)

 

Sec. Kerry is attempting to revive the Arab Peace Initiative. (AFP)

 

The Arab League appears to endorse the principle of land swaps between Israel and the Palestinians, and Israel welcomes the move. (Reuters/YNet)

 

The Israeli military says it has killed a militant with an airstrike in Gaza, in the first targeted assassination since November. (AP/New York Times/Ha'aretz)

 

A Palestinian militant group has claimed responsibility for the stabbing of an Israeli settler, which has provoked a violent response from settlers. (Xinhua)

 

Over 20 Palestinians are injured in Israeli settler attacks. (Ma'an)

 

Palestinians are looking for ways to free prisoners from Israeli detention. (Xinhua/PRI)

 

Israel evicts hundreds of Bedouins in the Jordan Valley to make way for military exercises. (YNet)

 

Israel has received a fifth Dolphin class submarine from Germany. (Xinhua)

 

The CSM profiles a first responder in southern Israel. (Christian Science Monitor)

 

Israel has issued approximately 500 permits for Christians from Gaza to celebrate Easter in the West Bank. (Ma'an)

 

New PA regulations regarding payment of public sector employees in Gaza are welcomed by many women. (Ma'an)

 

Egypt is withdrawing from another round of NPT talks in implicit protest of Israel's nuclear arsenal. (Reuters)

 

A film by Palestinian producers in Gaza is nominated for an award at the Cannes Film Festival. (Al Monitor)

 

Hamas leaders are increasingly trying to influence youth through social media. (Al Monitor)

 

 

 

Asher Susser asks if Jordan's monarchy is in danger of collapse. (Crown Center)

 

George Bisharat says proposed legislation on a visa waiver program with Israel would discriminate against Arab and Muslim Americans. (Los Angeles Times)

 

Maysoon Zayid also strongly criticizes the bill as discriminatory. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

 

Benjamin Pogrund relates what he saw when reporters were allowed into Israel's only prison in the occupied territories. (Ha'aretz)

 

Abraham Katsman says it's wrong to blame the United States or Israel for PM Fayyad's resignation. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

 

Oudeh Basharat says the position of Israel's finance minister towards Arab workers is immoral. (Ha'aretz)

 

Barry Rubin says Israel is in surprisingly robust condition in a region falling apart. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Akiva Eldar says if Obama is giving up on Pres. Bush's roadmap for peace, that's a mistake. (Al Monitor)

 

Declassified UK mandate documents show British officials predicted both the war and Arab defeat in 1948. (The Guardian)

 

The US denies it has any intention to hold a Middle East peace conference later this summer. (Ha'aretz)

 

Palestinian officials say Pres. Abbas has urged PM Erdogan to push for Palestinian national unity. (Xinhua)

 

The Israeli military says it shot down a drone coming into its airspace from Lebanon, and Hezbollah denies any connection. (New York Times/Xinhua)

 

Israeli analysts call the drone incident a "publicity stunt" by Hezbollah. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Israel's military says it will no longer use white phosphorus. (AP)

 

The Obama administration says the Syrian government has used chemical weapons in that country's civil conflict. (AP)

 

Any American response is likely to be conducted through NATO or in coordination with other allies. (AP)

 

Israel's deputy FM says action on Syria will send a message to Iran. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Egyptians celebrate the 31st Sinai Liberation Day. (Xinhua)

 

Experts say Israel and Turkey are likely to continue to work to put aside their differences due to mutual interests. (Xinhua)

 

Hamas condemns the PA for postponing proposed resolutions at UNESCO. (Ma'an)

 

This year's Palestinian olive harvest may be threatened by April rains. (Ma'an)

 

Palestinian activists are using music to raise awareness about their societies deaf community. (PNN)

 

One of the suspects in an alleged thwarted terrorist attack in Canada is of Palestinian origin. (AP)

 

Palestinian citizens of Israel campaign against violence against women. (Ha'aretz)

 

The Association for Asian American Studies votes to boycott Israeli academic institutions, although not individuals. (JTA)

 

For various reasons, the occupation is drawing more Palestinians into social media than any other group in the Middle East. (Al Monitor)

 

 

 

The Irish Times says the lack of adequate international support for PM Fayyad was "foolish and shortsighted." (Irish Times)

 

Ghassan Khatib says Fayyad's resignation leaves both Palestinians and Abbas "knee-deep in trouble." (JMCC)

 

Amos Harel says only Hezbollah knows the real story behind the downed drone. (Ha'aretz)

 

The National says an extended UNESCO role in Jerusalem is good for the Palestinians. (The National)

 

Mira Sucharov looks at the differences in perceptions between Israelis and Palestinians about stonethrowing protesters. (Ha'aretz)

 

Tareq Baconi says, with the peace process neither dead nor alive, Palestinians should reorganize their major national institutions. (The Daily Star)

 

Michael Young says Hezbollah's actions in defense of the Assad regime could lead to the party's eventual destruction or a Lebanese sectarian civil war. (The Daily Star)

 

An anonymous writer says Hezbollah's base is becoming alienated by its pro-Assad interventions. (Al Monitor)

 

The US may convene a four-way Middle East peace conference in June. (Ha'aretz)

 

Sec. Kerry is also reportedly urging major investments in the occupied West Bank. (Times of Israel)

 

Palestinian Christian villagers hope the new pope will help them in their struggle against Israel's separation barrier. (AP)

 

EU diplomats reportedly say the US hasn't objected to European plans to label all settlement product imports. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Members of Congress introduce legislation threatening a cutoff of US aid if Hamas members become senior PA officials. (JTA)

 

Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister says the country began "as a secular project" but has changed. (JTA)

 

The Syrian regime says it wouldn't use chemical weapons, "even against Israel." (Reuters/AP)

 

Sec. Hagel says Israel did not alert him during his visit to evidence of Syrian government chemical weapons use. (AP)

 

Palestinians are hoping a visit by UNESCO officials will bolster their claims in occupied East Jerusalem. (The National)

 

Eight more Palestinians are injured in a Lebanese refugee camp. (Xinhua)

 

Undercover Israeli occupation forces raid the center of Hebron. (Ma'an)

 

A Palestinian watchdog group says it is looking into corruption by senior officials. (AP)

 

PA police thwart antique smugglers in Bethlehem. (Ma'an)

 

Israel's Attorney General upholds the practice of security personnel checking foreigners' emailrecords at entry points. (AP)

 

Israeli jailers are cleared in the investigation into the death of Ben Zygier, also known as "Prisoner X." (AP)

 

Israel's Knesset debates how to deal with the Armenian genocide. (AP)

 

Former FM Lieberman's trial continues. (Xinhua)

 

Israeli authorities are working on ways to make pilgrimages ecologically sustainable. (CSM)

 

Ramallah hosts the first Palestinian Fashion Week. (The Media Line)

 

Israeli occupation forces demolish a popular Palestinian restaurant in "Area C" of the West Bank. (Al Monitor)

 

 

 

 

Emily Hauser says Salam Fayyad never found a willing Israeli peace partner. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

 

Gershon Baskin says Israelis interested in peace should buy Palestinian products. (Jerusalem Post)

 

David Makovsky and Gabrielle Tudin asked if Iran's nuclear program is outmaneuvering the US and Israel. (Ha'aretz)

 

George Hishmeh says time is running out for a two-state solution, largely because the US won't pressure Israel. (Gulf News)

 

Lu'ayy Al-Rimawi says Jordan's King Abdullah is a true partner in peace for Israel. (Jerusalem Post)

 

Ziyad Abou Habla says Israel's Palestinian citizens need to find new ways to be heard. (Ha'aretz)

 

Gideon Levy says Israel wouldn't have any rational response to Palestinian demands for equal citizenship. (Ha'aretz)

 

Jerome Chanes looks at a new book about threats to democracy by Jewish Israeli religious zealots. (The Forward)

 

Aaron David Miller looks at the work of YaLa Young Leaders. (Foreign Policy)