Israel approves first West Bank settlement construction since normalization deals Israel’s West Bank Civil Administration gave its final approval for more than 1,300 housing units in the West Bank and more are expected to follow. By Al-Monitor Staff
How Egypt is growing forests in middle of the desert Amid the success of the Serapium Forest, a massive plantation in Egypt, the country is now looking to plant more desert lands with trees as part of plans to fight climate change. By Rasha Mahmoud
Israeli, Lebanese delegations meet for maritime border talks Israel and Lebanon sent technical delegations for the talks today on establishing their maritime border. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Palestinians holding off policy change until Nov. 3 It seems the Palestinian government is holding off on a decision accepting the Israeli deducted taxes and customs amid European pressure. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Jordanians cautious about prospects of new government Jordan’s King Abdullah II swore in the new government of Bisher al-Khasawneh amid a series of economic and health challenges facing the kingdom. By Osama Al Sharif
Israeli nature lovers clean beaches, rivers Israeli activists are rolling up their sleeves to clean nature, launching initiatives at nature reserves, parks, beaches and rivers. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Ultra-Orthodox-Netanyahu alliance threatened by COVID-19 The alliance of the ultra-Orthodox with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to turn against them, as the public at large blames them for spreading the coronavirus. By Afif Abu Much In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech
Coptic art adorns Cairo’s historic mosques Coptic and Islamic art have long shared space in Egypt, where the decoration and architecture of mosques are vibrant examples of their mutual influence. By Hani Sameer
Bedouin students fear losing their school in Area C Israel prepares to demolish a newly constructed school in a Bedouin community near Ramallah in a move that is set to deprive 50 children of their right to education. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Saudi FM to meet with Pompeo for inaugural strategic dialogue Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud will discuss the bilateral relationship Wednesday. By Al-Monitor Staff
Lebanon receives FBI's report on Beirut port explosion The US agency conducted an investigation into what led to the devastating August blast. By Al-Monitor Staff
Qatar extends mandatory travel quarantine through Dec. 31 Travelers from "low-risk countries" must quarantine for at least seven days upon arrival. By Al-Monitor Staff
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman How the GCC states balance the US and China, and why the Gulf may prefer Trump over Biden
Baghdad, Erbil reach security, administrative agreement on Sinjar district The deal will address major security and structural obstacles, but local communities criticize the accord for failing to bring their people to the table. By Joe Snell
Intel: US condemns Turkey's decision to redeploy ship to Greek waters The State Department called Ankara's plan to redeploy the Oruc Reis drilling ship a "calculated provocation." By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran in shock after 11-year-old boy commits suicide over poverty The suicide of an 11-year old boy from a destitute family has sent shock waves across Iranian society, further highlighting the questions of growing poverty and state neglect. By Al-Monitor Staff