Analysis Israel’s prolonged Gaza war offers China strategic opportunity in Mideast Israel’s continuous military operations in Gaza have likely offered China unexpected help in its rivalry against the US. By Andrea Ghiselli In Shanghai, reporting on China in the Middle East
Analysis With Sinwar undecided, Israel wary of imminent Lebanon war with Hezbollah “We are within touching distance of an Israeli attack in Lebanon, which is intended to allow us to return the residents of the north to their homes,” a senior Israeli military source told Al-Monitor this week, even as Iran hesitates on next steps. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Mossad director, US officials back in Egypt for talks on Philadelphi Corridor The Israeli delegation for the deal to release the hostages arrived in Cairo for talks with the Americans and Egyptians ahead of a potential summit this Sunday. Israel
Analysis What Maersk's $250M logistics park means for Saudi Arabia Danish logistics company remains invested in the Red Sea despite continued threats to shipping from Yemen's Houthi militants. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Palestinian security forces become more involved in resistance in West Bank The involvement of Palestinian security service members in attacks against Israeli forces in the West Bank is on the increase, amid the growing concerns of the Israeli army. Palestine
French Palestinian jailed in Israel on hunger strike Arrested last March by Israeli authorities, French Palestinian Salah Hamouri protests his prolonged administrative detention. By Al-Monitor Staff
Palestinian attack on Israeli soldiers ramps up tension in Jerusalem With the deadly attack Oct. 8, Israeli security agencies warn about tensions in the West Bank seeping into East Jerusalem and the Temple Mount compound. Israel
Turkey taps career diplomat as new ambassador to Israel Turkey has named a veteran career diplomat as the new Turkish ambassador to Israel — a move that also reflects Ankara’s sensitivities to the Palestinian cause. Turkey
Egypt persuades Israel to extract Gaza’s natural gas Al-Monitor obtained information from Palestinian and Egyptian officials about the success of Egyptian mediation in pushing Israel to allow the start of extracting natural gas off the coast of the Gaza Strip. Egypt
Israel escalates raids on Palestinian armed groups in West Bank The security situation in the West Bank continues to worsen as Israel escalates its raids and assassinations inside cities and armed factions retaliate. Palestine
In EU dialogue, Lapid recommits Israel to two-state solution Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid addressed the long-defunct council for the Israel-EU Association Agreement today in a major step toward resuming dialogue with the European Union. Israel
Israel-US tensions grow over West Bank escalation With elections just a month out and despite American warnings, Prime Minister Yair Lapid is sticking with his hawkish line on West Bank security escalation. Israel
Israeli army could use armed drones for targeted killings in West Bank If the IDF does not manage soon to thwart the current wave of violence in the West Bank, it could opt for targeted killings of terrorists using armed drones. Israel
Israel threatens Gaza amid West Bank escalation Israel threatened to target Hamas and its leaders in the Gaza Strip over the movement’s role in inciting young Palestinians to attack Israel in the West Bank and forming and funding military cells. Palestine
Israel’s Lapid ducks calls from PA head Abbas Reports say that unlike President Isaac Herzog and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Prime Minister Yair Lapid avoided requests for a phone call from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ahead of the Jewish New Year. Israel
Palestinian Authority steps up arrests in Nablus under Israeli, US pressure Clashes broke out between the Palestinian security forces and citizens in Nablus, in the wake of the arrest of a wanted person by Israel, in a move further deepening the popular anger against the Palestinian Authority. Palestine