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News:

Israel’s decision to withhold Palestinian tax revenues is strangling the economy and leaving the banking system dangerously exposed. (Reuters)

PM Hamdallah urges reconciliation in his second official visit to Gaza. (Ma’an)

Hamas and Hamdallah agree to form a committee to resolve Gaza issues. (Ma’an)

The UN says the Palestinian death toll in 2014 was the highest since 1967. (AFP)

A report by Amnesty International cites evidence of war crimes by Hamas during last summer’s Gaza conflict. (New York Times/JTA/Ha’aretz)

A French firm decides not to take part in a cable car project linking West Jerusalem to occupied East Jerusalem. (AFP/Ha’aretz)

Pres. Rivlin chides PM Netanyahu for his comments about Palestinian voters in Israel. (JTA)

An Israeli lawmaker calls on Netanyahu to fire Amb. Dermer. (JTA/Times of Israel)

Saudi Arabia leads airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. (Reuters/AP/New York Times/Washington Post/Times of Israel/Foreign Policy/The National)

In a GCC statement Gulf countries say they responded to developments in Yemen. (The National)

Jordan confirms its participation in the Yemen airstrikes, which it calls “legitimate and necessary.” (AP/Jordan Times)

Egypt sends warships to secure the Gulf of Aden. (Ynet/Reuters)

FM Shoukri says Cairo is willing to send ground forces to Yemen if needed. (Al Arabiya)

Egypt and Kuwait say intervention in Yemen was necessary. (AFP)

Sec. Kerry commends the work of the coalition taking military action against the Houthis. (AFP)

The Arab League pledges full support for the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen. (Reuters)

Pres. Abbas says he supports the Saudi-led military invasion in Yemen. (Ma’an)

Iran condemns Saudi airstrikes in Yemen saying it was “a dangerous step.” (AFP/Al Arabiya)

Iraq’s FM al-Jaafari opposes the Saudi-led air strikes on Shiite rebels in Yemen. (AFP)

EU Foreign Policy Chief Mogherini says military action is not a solution to the crisis in Yemen. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia also hit forces loyal to a key figure who many Yemenis believe has orchestrated the present crisis from the shadows: former Pres. Saleh. (Reuters)

Coalition and Iraqi warplanes target ISIS militants in the presidential compound in Tikrit.(Reuters/AP/New York Times/Washington Post)

Tunisia says the Bardo museum attack was launched by a cell of 23 militants, with overlapping allegiances to a number of hardline islamist groups. (Reuters)

The US and Iran resume talks on a preliminary nuclear deal as deadline nears. (Reuters/AP/Ha’aretz)

An American official says an Iranian nuclear deal may be completed next week. (New York Times)

Netanyahu has begun to signal that Israel could resign itself to an Iranian nuclear deal that would leave its enemy with some uranium enrichment capability. (Reuters)

Commentary:

Hussein Ibish says Netanyahu has called the American bluff on a two-state solution and the US faces a crucial decision. (NOW)

Aaron David Miller says when it comes to Palestinian statehood the US and Israel are just “playing games.” (Foreign Policy)

Akiva Eldar says Europeans are warning that Israel is deepening its control in occupied East Jerusalem. (Al-Monitor)

Shlomi Eldar says Palestinian citizens of Israel will look to Netanyahu’s actions, not his words. (Al-Monitor)

Nizar Farzakh congratulates Israel on its democracy and says now they should fight for their future (Ha’aretz)

Jonathan Capehart says Netanyahu is to blame for his “sour relationship” with Pres. Obama. (Washington Post)

Ha’aretz says Israel’s new Finance Minister Kahlon will face difficult challenges. (Ha’aretz)

Sara Elizabeth Williams says Iran is coming closer to the Israeli borders. (Foreign Policy)

Avi Issacharoff says Israel’s concerns regarding the Houthi takeover of Yemen are nothing compared to Arab countries. (Times of Israel)

Faisal Abbas explains why “Operation: Decisive Storm” was needed in Yemen. (Al Arabiya)

Joyce Karam says the Yemen intervention is a statement of a GCC more confident in its defenses and political vision. (Al Arabiya)

The National says Yemen airstrikes are an important first step. (The National)

H.A. Hellyer says an Arab army is an “improbable necessity.”

Michael Young says the growing rift between the US and France on the solution to the Syria crisis should end. (The National)

John Bolton says that because Iran can’t be trusted on a nuclear deal, force is the only option. (New York Times)

News:

Pres. Obama says PM Netanyahu's efforts to clarify pre-election statements are not advancing the prospects of a two-state solution. (AP/Washington Post/JTA/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)

Netanyahu will be asked by Pres. Rivlin to to form a new coalition government. (Reuters)

Pres. Abbas meets with a delegation from the Joint List in Ramallah. (Ma’an/JTA/Jerusalem Post)

An Israeli pollster says Netanyahu’s “Arab droves” warning may have been decisive in his victory. (Times of Israel)

Algeria will contribute $52.8 million to the PA's March budget. (Ma’an)

Germany’s parliament is set to vote on recognizing Palestine. (Times of Israel)

PM Hamdallah arrives in Gaza. (PNN)

Israel is reportedly freezing the construction of 1,500 housing units in the occupied East Jerusalem neighborhood of Har Homa. (JTA/Times of Israel)

The EU condemns Israel's failure to meet its obligations to Palestinians in Area C. (Ma’an)

Israeli occupation forces detain six Palestinians across the West Bank. (Ma’an)

Jeb Bush says he disagrees with critical comments made by former Sec. Baker on Israel. (JTA)

Amb. Dermer is courting congressional Democrats after discord between the countries’ leaders, but is still working against a nuclear deal with Iran. (New York Times)

Moderate Syrian rebels seize the historic town of Busra Sham from government forces. (Reuters/AP)

Houthis seize a key Yemeni air base and appear poised to capture the southern port of Aden. (Reuters)

Yemen’s FM calls for Arab military intervention against advancing Shiite rebels. (AP)

American officials say Saudi Arabia is moving military equipment near its Yemen border. (The National)

The New York Times looks at the unfolding unrest in Yemen. (New York Times)

FM Zarif says Iran will insist that all sanctions against it are lifted as a condition for a nuclear deal. (Reuters)

In the P5+1 talks, Iran is reportedly seeking to avoid specifics. (New York Times)

Commentary:

Rami Khouri says the US must embrace the Arab Peace Initiative. (Daily Star)

Ghassan Khatib says Israel’s right-wing governments have created a status quo that is comfortable for Israel but brutal for the Palestinians. (Al Arabiya)

Osama Al Sharif says Netanyahu’s victory in the elections was probably a much-needed wake-up call for those who still believed in a two-state solution. (Jordan Times)

Avi Issacharoff says Qatar is trying to broker to a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. (Times of Israel)

Ha’aretz says Netanyahu’s apology to Palestinian citizens of Israel is not enough. (Ha’aretz)

Nahum Barnea says Netanyahu’s apology to Palestinian citizens of Israel was directed at the Obama administration, European governments and Jewish Americans. (Ynet)

Steven Klein explains why Israelis re-elected Netanyahu. (Ha’aretz)

Ben Caspit looks at Netanyahu’s post-election amends. (Al-Monitor)

Raphael Ahren says without US cover at the UN, Israel could face a “diplomatic avalanche.” (Times of Israel)

The Washington Post says the US is needed on Iraq’s front lines. (Washington Post)

Abdul Rahman Al Rashed profiles Iranian Gen. Soleimani. (Al Arabiya)

The National says the Gulf should keep all options open regarding Yemen. (The National)

Mshari al-Zaydi says Yemen’s crisis poses a problem for the whole world. (Asharq al-Awsat)

David Crist asks if Iran and the US can use the nuclear deal to mend ties and build a new order in the Middle East. ​(Foreign Policy)

News:

White House Chief of Staff McDonough says the US cannot ignore PM Netanyahu’s comments regarding the two-state solution. (AP/New York Times/JTA/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel/Ynet)

Netanyahu apologizes to Palestinian citizens of Israel for remarks he made during last week's election. (AP/AFP/The National)

Arab-Israeli political leaders reject Netanyahu’s apology. (AP/The National)

FM Lieberman calls for the boycott of the Joint List. (Jerusalem Post)

Palestinian Chief Negotiator Erekat says the PA turned to the UN because “Netanyahu is not a two-stater.” (Times of Israel)

Former Sec. Baker criticizes Netanyahu’s “diplomatic missteps.” (Ha’aretz)

An Israeli official says the White House was part of bid to oust Netanyahu. (Times of Israel)

A Palestinian scientist from occupied East Jerusalem has been named deputy chief scientist of Israel’s Ministry of Science. (JTA)

The Israeli military is preparing for a possible violent uprising in the occupied West Bank. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel) 

Gazans protest power outages in front of the distribution company. (Ma’an)

Hamas launches a new website. (Ha’aretz)

Palestinian students are being forced to walk through sewage channels to reach a school near Ramallah. (Ma’an)

ISIS has recruited at least 400 children in Syria in the past three months. (Reuters)

A Western diplomat says Iraq's request to the US-led coalition for air strikes in the campaign to retake Tikrit from ISIS is "imminent." (Reuters)

Iraq’s military is opting for consolidation over advance in the battle against ISIS. (New York Times)

Canada will reportedly expand its mission against ISIS extremists by sending fighter bombers to attack targets in Syria. (Reuters)

The FMs of Syria and Iraq meet in Damascus to discuss ways to tackle militant groups and enhance cooperation. (Reuters)

Tunisia’s Bardo museum reopens after recent attacks. (Reuters)

Tunisia closes its airspace for flights from western Libya for security reasons. (Reuters)

Pres. Sisi issues a decree to modify laws governing the development of the Suez Canal. AP)

Israel reportedly spied on the P5+1 talks with Iran and shared information with American lawmakers. (Wall Street Journal/Washington Post/AFP/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel/Ynet)

Israeli officials deny the P5+1 spying report. (JTA/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)

Iran’s hardliners are showing restraint regarding nuclear talks with the US. (New York Times)

Commentary:

The New York Times says the two-state solution remains the best alternative to violent confrontation. (New York Times)

Akiva Eldar looks at Netanyahu’s “reality has changed,” explanation for his zigzag on the issue of a Palestinian state. (Al-Monitor)

Shlomi Eldar says Netanyahu's electoral win gives Palestinians a chance at the UN. (Al-Monitor)

Hassan Barari says in the recent election Netanyahu’s “true colors were revealed.” (Jordan Times)

Dov Zakheim looks at Pres. Obama’s “misreading” of the Middle East. (Foreign Policy)

Adam Baron says the devastating bombings are just the latest sign that Yemen is coming apart at the seams. (Foreign Policy)

H.A. Hellyer says a stable Egypt requires holistic economic development and the protection of fundamental rights. (Al Arabiya)

News:

PM Netanyahu secures majority support in the new parliament and will form the next government. (AP/JTA/Times of Israel)

Pres. Rivlin calls for healing after a divisive election. (AP/JTA)

Leader of the Joint List Odeh vows to fight for Arabs rights. (Jerusalem Post)

A Republican pollster who worked with Netanyahu’s reelection campaign says the Likud’s internal polls knew it was ahead two days before the election. (Times of Israel)

Sen. McCain accuses Pres. Obama of throwing a "temper tantrum" over comments by Netanyahu. (Reuters/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)

Netanyahu’s aides cite Iran as a source of US-Israel tension. (New York Times)

Former Amb. Oren says recent critical comments by Obama were “strategically damaging” to Israel’s standing in the world. (Times of Israel)

Amb. Dermer defends Netanyahu’s two-state remarks. (Times of Israel)

US Amb. to Israel Shapiro says the US has no choice but to reexamine its policy towards Israel after comments made by Netanyahu. (Ynet)

The US does not take the podium at the UN’s Human Rights Council, during a discussion of violations of human rights in the Palestinian territories. (Times of Israel)

Hamas leader Haniyeh says his movement will continue to seek national unity and political partnership. (Ma’an)

Israel issues five demolition orders in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan. (Ma’an)

Israeli forces shut down the road between Jaba and Nablus. (Ma’an) 

A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress would seed $50 million a year to promote civil society engagement between Israelis and Palestinians. (JTA)

A play by Raeda Taha focuses on the clash between Palestinians’ public struggle and private suffering. (New York Times)

The National profiles the new generation of Palestinian refugees who are being sent to the best schools in the world. (The National)

ISIS fighters attack a military airport in Syria's Homs province. (Reuters)

CIA Director Brennan says Iranian Gen. Soleimani is contributing to instability in Iraq. (AP)

Human Rights Watch says insurgent groups in Syria have carried out scores of indiscriminate attacks in violation of the laws of war. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia invites PM al-Abadi to visit the kingdom. (Reuters)

Tunisian PM Essid fires six police commanders after the Bardo museum attack. (Reuters)

Houthis seize key parts of Yemen’s third-largest city, Taiz.(New York Times/The National)

Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Steinitz says it is probable that the P5+1 would agree to a "bad deal" on Iran's nuclear program. (Reuters/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel) 

Commentary:

Ahmad Melhem looks at the “deepening rift” between Fatah and Hamas. (Al-Monitor)

Ahmad Tibi says Netanyahu must apologize for his anti-Arab comments. (Ynet)

Rami Khouri says the international community must “exploit” the new openings for establishing a Palestinian state. (Daily Star)

Ha’aretz says If Israel does not adopt a two-state solution, one will be forced on it. (Ha’aretz)

The Daily Star says Palestinians must develop a united voice, and one strategy to seek their legitimate rights and, ultimately, statehood.  (Daily Star)

Raghida Dergham says ISIS is now a priority that comes at the expense of the Palestinian cause. (Al Arabiya)

Gideon Levy says Netanyahu will be remembered for speaking Israel's truth. (Ha’aretz)

Nick Kochan says suffering from myriad business conflicts of interest, Tony Blair was never able to properly focus on his role as Middle East special envoy. (The National)

Yossi Verter says Obama could force Netanyahu to bring Herzog into his coalition. (Ha’aretz)

Dana Milbank asks if Israel will be able to remain a democracy. (Washington Post)

Ron Kampeas looks at the criticism Netanyahu is facing from Jewish liberals. (JTA)

Hussein Ibish says ISIS’ spread shows the power of its toxic brand. (The National)

Hisham Melhem says Obama will bequeath to his successor a shattered and infinitely more tormented Middle East than the one he had inherited. (Al Arabiya)

Faisal Al Yafai says European society is providing fertile soil for jihadi recruiters. (The National)

Eyad Abu Shakra says the Bardo attack reminds us that states like Tunisia are hostage to their geographic locations, cultural and social environments. (Asharq al-Awsat)

Michael Hayden, Olli Heinonen and Ray Takeyh say a year isn’t long enough to reverse Iranian nuclear violations. (Washington Post)

The Jordan Times hopes for a positive outcome in the P5+1 talks with Iran. (Jordan Times)

News:

PM Netanyahu reopens the door to a Palestinian state, but the White House is unimpressed. (New York Times/Washington Post/AFP/JTA/The National)

Pres. Obama tells Netanyahu that the US is reassessing its approach to Israeli-Palestinian peace.(AP/PNN/JTA/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)

White House officials are deeply enraged by Netanyahu’s comments and suggest US-Israeli relations have fundamentally changed. (Ha’aretz) 

British Deputy PM Clegg says if Netanyahu does not backtrack from 2 state remarks, Britain would have no choice but to recognize a Palestinian state. (Ha’aretz)

An Israeli official says defense ties with the US will remain "intensive" despite a deepening rift between Obama and Netanyahu. (AFP)

AIPAC urges Obama to strengthen ties with Netanyahu. (Times of Israel)

The Joint List is demanding seats on major parliamentary committees and influence in decision-making in Arab schools and budgets. (New York Times/Ha’aretz)

The IDF opens six criminal investigations into soldiers’ actions during last summer’s war in Gaza, including the bombing of a UN school. (JTA/Times of Israel/Ynet)

Egyptian navy detains nine Palestinian fishermen. (Ma’an)

Speaker Boehner will visit Israel at the end of this month. (Reuters/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)

As she prepares to make her campaign for president official, Hillary Clinton could face polarization among Jewish Democrats if she is critical of Netanyahu. (New York Times)

UNRWA says life for Palestinian refugees in Syria is becoming increasingly “unsustainable.” (Ma’an)

Gen. Petraeus says ISIS is not the biggest problem in Iraq. (Washington Post)

ISIS publishes a video purporting to show the beheading of three Kurdish peshmerga fighters in northern Iraq. (Reuters)

Ayatollah al-Sistani calls for greater professionalism and planning by government forces and allied militias in fighting ISIS. (Reuters)

In a message to Iran's people, Obama says this year represents the "best opportunity in decades" topursue a different relationship. (Reuters/AP/New York Times/Times of Israel)

The EU’s foreign ministers are due to meet Iranian nuclear negotiators in Lausanne on Saturday. (Reuters)

An IAEA report says Iran has continued to meet its commitments under an interim nuclear agreement with the P5+1. (Reuters/Jerusalem Post)

A Russian official says Iran talks are close to deal, but not there yet. (AP)

AP takes a look at the main issues in the Iranian nuclear talks. (AP)

Commentary:

Hussein Ibish says that if they can stay politically united, Israel’s Palestinian citizens could become government kingmakers. (Politico)

Shlomi Eldar says Palestinian citizens of Israel are disappointed by the election results.

Fareed Zakaria says Israel’s great vulnerability is its Arab population. (Washington Post)

David Ignatius says the White House is considering an “open breach” in the US-Israel relationship. (Washington Post)

Avi Issacharoff says Palestinians are waiting to see which Netanyahu got reelected. (Times of Israel)

Gershom Gorenberg says Netanyahu sees the Green Line as the border between where Arabs can't vote and where they shouldn't. (Ha’aretz)

Ha’aretz says Zionist Union’s “occupation ostrich policy” was a major factor in its defeat. (Ha’aretz)

Charles Krauthammer says Netanyahu’s win will not lead to more strife. (Washington Post)

Lisa Goldman says the US has to stop enabling Netanyahu’s “bad behavior.” (Foreign Policy)

The New York Times says even before the museum attack left at least 20 people dead, Tunisia’s Arab Spring success story was fading. (New York Times)

Raed Omari says Tunisia’s terror attack “was inevitable.” (Al Arabiya)

The National says confronting the terror threat in North Africa requires European economic investment. (The National)

The Daily Star says Arab and European governments must demonstrate resolve and vigilance as they guard against potential terror attacks. (Daily Star)

Tawfik Al-Saif says Arabs should take the lead on Syria. (Asharq al-Awsat)

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