Obsession with Iran blinded Netanyahu to Hamas threat When the Gaza operation ends, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have to justify his national defense priorities, as he relentlessly pushed the budget for funds against the Iranian nuclear threat while ignoring the tunnels Hamas was digging under Israel that threatened the residents of the south. Palestine
Netanyahu convinces Israelis of existential threat The Israeli public is lapping up the official line that Israel is fighting a "war of no choice" and ignoring the larger diplomatic context in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sabotaged the Palestinian unity government and suspended negotiations. Palestine
Former Israeli ambassador calls for 'crushing' Hamas Remarks by former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren on allowing Israel to "crush" Hamas symbolize the brutality of the current conflict. Palestine
If Erdogan wins presidency, what next? If Recep Tayyip Erdogan is successful in Turkey's upcoming presidential elections, it could mark the rise of a one-man state. Turkey
Nasrallah promises 'all means of support' for Gaza 'resistance' Iran and Hezbollah may see opportunity in the Gaza crisis; tunnels represent a "second Gaza" for Israel Defense Forces; Al-Monitor reports from Gaza on the civilian costs of the war; Saudi Arabia’s Turki Al Faisal calls Israel’s attack on Gaza a "barbaric assault"; the battle for Aleppo begins soon. Palestine
Israel, Hamas agree to 12-hour cease-fire Israel and Hamas have agreed to a 12-hour cease-fire beginning on Saturday morning as international diplomatic efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict continue. Palestine
White House meets Jewish leaders to press for delay in new Iran sanctions Administration officials met with Jewish leaders and assured them the US would not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon, but warned that additional sanctions at time could derail diplomacy. Iran
From cold war to cold peace? Ex Mossad chief sees possible opening Former Mossad Chief Efraim Halevy has said that if Iran and the US are able to reach a nuclear deal and the two nations reduce tensions on other fronts hostilities between the Islamic Republic and Israel could possibly be eased. Israel
Iran FM Zarif outlines ideas to exit nuclear dispute Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif has said that throughout the last two month of nuclear talks he has proposed mechanisms be put in place to address the P5+1's concern of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, while noting that Iran must be allowed to reach its objective of retaining a peaceful nuclear energy program. Iran
Negotiators seek progress at Iran nuclear talks Diplomats from the P5+1 and Iran aim to make headway during the next round of nuclear talks; however, Zarif has said that if a deal is not reached during the next meeting 'it’s not a disaster'. Iran
US sees 2-phase Iran nuclear deal The US and five other powers will aim to reach an interim agreement that would halt the expansion of Iran's nuclear program in exchange for limited sanction relief before attempting to negotiate a comprehensive deal. Iran
A skeptical Congress to weigh Iran nuclear talks' extension The Obama administration is trying to sell Congress on a four-month extension of nuclear talks with Iran, but it looks like Republicans aren't buying. Congress
House votes to tie Obama's hands in Iraq Lawmakers voted 370-40 to demand a say before more US troops are sent to Iraq. Iraq
Erdogan's police purge claims former allies The government hunt for police chiefs accused of affiliation with the Gulen Movement's "parallel state" has widened and may turn into a nationwide witch hunt. Turkey
Islamic State destroys sacred shrine in Mosul The shrine of Prophet Jonah was held as sacred by Jews, Christians and Muslims. Iraq
Israeli shells fall on UN school during evacuation The wounded from the bombed UNRWA school in the Gaza Strip describe a scene of chaos and horror as hundreds gathered to board buses. Palestine
