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)