US-Palestinian economic ties resume after 5 years Palestinians have reluctantly agreed to give the economic track a chance after it became obvious that there was no movement expected on the political track. Palestine
Israel to allow Gazan Christians into Bethlehem for Christmas Israeli announced that about 500 permits will be available to Gaza's 1,000 Christians to enter Israel and the West Bank for Christmas celebrations. Palestine
Erdogan shakes up foreign policy in response to economic crisis Turkey's Central Bank rate cut hasn’t stopped the lira’s free fall, as Turkey announces an initiative for rapprochement with Armenia. By Week in Review
Elon Musk talks space travel with Turkey’s Erdogan The tech mogul reportedly said it was an "honor" to talk to the Turkish president about cooperation on space technology. Turkey
Many hurdles remain for Turkey-Armenia reconciliation As normalization with Armenia remains crucial for Turkey’s broader regional aspirations, there are still major political and psychological stumbling blocks before the process. Turkey
Eight dead after flooding in Iraqi Kurdistan A heavy rainstorm hit the regional capital of Erbil. News Brief
Vienna talks to pause after 'good progress,' Iran negotiator says Iran's top negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani said "good progress" was made during talks this week. News Brief
Ukraine to decide soon on opening embassy in Jerusalem Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevhen Korniychuk says the decision to open an office of the embassy to Jerusalem is probably a matter of months. Israel
Egypt monitors Sudan's struggles to form transitional government Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has yet to achieve consensus on a new road map for a transfer of power for the transitional phase since the military actions in October Egypt
Ultra-Orthodox anti-vaxxers threaten leading Israeli rabbi When the Grand Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky called on his followers to vaccinate children, vaccine opponents within the ultra-Orthodox community turned against him. Israel
Bennett sketches path for Israeli-Saudi normalization Having scored diplomatic achievements with Egypt, the Emirates and even Turkey, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett views Saudi Arabia as a jewel in the crown of normalization with the Arab world. Israel
Settler violence sparks disputes within Bennett’s government Public Security Minister Omer Bar Lev instigated an argument within the coalition over settler violence, and whether it is an expanding phenomenon or just marginal incidents. Israel
Egypt builds industrial city in Tanzania Egypt and Tanzania close ties are strengthened further by the inauguration of an Egyptian industrial city adjacent to the Tanzanian capital. Egypt
Israeli citizen killed in West Bank outpost shooting The attack occurred near the Palestinian city of Nablus at a settlement that is not approved by the Israeli government. Two students were also injured in the so-far unclaimed attack. News Brief
Intel: Final defense bill gives Congress more oversight of US Syria policy Lawmakers are grabbing the reins on the Biden administration’s dormant approach to Syria’s conflict. Syria
Middle East sees most hostage-taking of journalists in 2021, report says Reporters Without Borders said of the 65 journalists held by nonstate actors worldwide, nearly all were abducted in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. News Brief
